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Post by Mitchell Carr on Nov 23, 2021 18:54:52 GMT -8
Mitch stilled as Yuan placed a hand on him, expression glazing as the others the other Lost tried to figure out their boundaries and desires for the evening. The Dancer was more a living statue than before, caught up in his own emotions as he focused on managing himself. He didn't exactly seem overwhelmed, but having a hard time processing what he was feeling—gratitude? Rage? Despair? Elation? Panic.
He was silent for a long beat, running a thumb under the eye before a tear escaped.
The Fairest understood that he was a coward in conflict, and that he never managed to relearn a core social skill that his Keeper had removed because of it. He had allowed a lot of things to spiral, because his lack of regard for eroding his resiliency was reflected right back into the expectations he had set with his community. Within the year he had been stalked, seduced by people who didn't wear their real faces, broken vows under threat of bodily harm, shot, murdered without his control, relived aspects of his Durance, and his mind bent against his will to further service the desperate. What had Oren called him? A beautiful sycophant?
The shattering had not made a difference, bringing him to the reality that he wasn't actually present here; his relative existence correlated with fulfilling service. Apologies weren't given, only guilty looks like the punishment that he was a reminder of their pain was more than enough. A stranger had claimed he had been abused, but it was in a situation where he was surrounded by escalating combatants and begging to feed the fire. His Mantle had only been earned as a vehicle for other's Desires and healing, really, and he laughed out loud at the thought. Discordant harmonics escaped the bubbling cough. Mitchell's face twitched with a distinct tick as he collected himself from the flashing lights and roaring cacophony.
He wasn't even here in the moment, providing a platform for political networking for an admirable goal of restoring the Freehold. Nate Henley's sharp words unsettled his established reality, and his mind didn't allow for much more than the cruel assumption that after a few drinks the Emerald was going to move along with his life, looking back on this blip as a noteworthy moment of standing up for someone who had utterly failed.
"I don't- um- with the Contracts? I don't see anyone digging into research tonight," he offered with a breath, inadvertently giving more context to what Henley was saying. It was a party—some text messages and background-noise filled phone calls would be the extent of their organizing, unless Yuan and Gavin were looking to carouse with the setting.
"You've done enough, Yuan. You asked me to take care of myself, and that's what I'm going to do. I didn't walk over here looking to twist the conversation into guilt tripping people into navigating the Hedge for me. If the whole idea is overwhelming, you can literally do whatever you want here." His attention was sharper as he properly acknowledged Henley and Gavin, "If you both want to help me, I don't really know how to tell you how much that means, so, thank you?"
Smoothing razor-sharp feathers splitting from his eye to his temple, they were pressed back into the marble to match the scratching, pounding headache. "Fun plan, though I do need to be
crystal clear that I'm probably really dangerous if I get knocked out of focus and run on autopilot. Not, like, at a default. I don't go berserk, but-" he glanced at Gavin's deadly hands.
"-I can protect, at least. But then I need a way to knock me back so someone doesn't lose a nose." The conversation was surreal to him, sounding distant as he stood away from the reality of what he was describing. It was getting too raw to be nattering on about his insanity to strangers, and he didn't dare take a lingering look at Yuan to see how the Beast who felt abandoned by him was taking it in.
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Hua Yuan
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Presence 2 - Nostalgic; SL 1 - Flawless
Posts: 304
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Post by Hua Yuan on Nov 23, 2021 20:02:57 GMT -8
Yuan actually took off his mask to stare at Henley. "WHAT THE ACTUAL SHIT?" he whisper-screamed. "ARE YOU OUT OF YOU MIND?" He quickly looked around, afraid he had drawn attention to them. He couldn't understand why they were having that conversation, how talk about fixing Spring's Contracts had turned to a foray into the Hedge.
His surprise continued when Mitch seemed to agree to it. On the one hand, the success of this venture would get the Dancer out of his downward spiral. On the other, they were on the verge of an invasion, complete with Herald and ominous declarations.
"I don't think it's a good idea. Not without preparation. I'm not saying we don't go, I'm saying we don't go tonight. None of us are dressed to go into the Hedge, or have the necessary equipment. We're at a party, for crying out loud! I'm wearing a three piece and Gavin's in a feather cloak."
Maybe they had drunk more than Yuan had seen. Maybe it was some Autumn test.
"Let's prepare better."
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Post by Henley on Nov 23, 2021 20:34:46 GMT -8
Blink.
Henley slowly glanced from Gavin to Mitchell before returning his gaze to the Playmate. A frown crossed his face, and his tone was tight, anger checked behind ice.
"Don't worry, Yuan. Your attendance is not being demanded. We have different preparatory needs, I understand. Here. Observe."
He took his drink and placed it on a nearby table. He gestured to it with an open hand.
"This drink is the Hedge. Peaceful. Calm. A bit sharp, as Belvedere is wont to be."
He used a spoon to remove a couple of ice cubes and dropped them into the glass gently. Ripples flowed, the liquid parting and pushing against the outside, but the glass calmed.
"The ice is Gavin and I. Low in our connection, low in our Mantle, and experienced in the area, we slip in, and cause minimal disturbance."
He took the spoon and inserted it into the drink.
"Mitchell Carr, high of Mantle and connected strongly to the Wyrd, has a certain signature in the Hedge. His condition makes his signature louder. Here would be him. Loud as hell."
The spoon whipped around suddenly, spraying little bits of the drink on the table. Most of it stayed in the glass, but it was definitely a big show.
"And here is Samhain. A whirlwind of ritual magic, a night of great power and consequence which flows over into the Hedge. Nobody expects a Changeling to be out there during Samhain, because our enemy expects us to be here."
He reached a hand out and proceeded to wildly shake the glass. Orange juice, liquor and ice splashed all over the nearby floor, his own suit, his face, and the immediate vicinity. There was a little bit left at the bottom when he was finished, which he downed.
"The way that I am going to hide Mitchell fucking Carr in his current condition is by spinning Fate to our advantage, and then using Samhain and a bunch of other magical distractions that I'm quite effective at... to make it where the chaos of the Hedge blinds anyone who might otherwise be able to easily follow him at a time when nobody would think to look. Nobody looks at ice and a spoon when a rich asshole is shaking the whole bloody drink."
Henley produced a white handkerchief and offered it to anyone who required it.
"Does this metaphor explain why waiting until tomorrow is the same as never bothering to go at all?"
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Post by Gavin Graves on Nov 23, 2021 21:05:34 GMT -8
Gavin listened to Yuan's concerns and really saw where he was coming from with his plea. The emotional verve alone almost made him want to agree. He imagined himself spending the time instead managing the tedious politics of fixing Spring magic in place of the wild off the cuff excursion in his element.
The call to getting something real done was pure temptation. What was the call of getting something real done soon? it was too much for the Beast.
"I'll make our end take half as long as it would normally and put additional pep in your step, and anyone that tried following us will move half as fast. Enh, most of them will anyway. And the route we'll take, I can control to a substantial degree and the hazards will be vastly more predictable than a regular excursion." Gavin's tone did not rise to match Henley's impatience. It was more about confidence. "I picked up a trick since my last excursion," it was also more reassuring.
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Post by Henley on Nov 23, 2021 21:10:02 GMT -8
The addition by Graves earned a broad smile. That was a fine thing to find out. "So not only are we very quiet compared to the noise around us, we're lightning fast. And don't worry, Mr. Carr. I can put you to sleep with Spring's peace if you should lose yourself. Is that sufficient?"
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Post by Mitchell Carr on Nov 23, 2021 23:16:18 GMT -8
Mitchell sidestepped the chaotic spray from Henley's display with unnatural precision, spinning the Playmate alongside. Decidedly removing himself from the bubbling disagreement to protect his instinctual retreat, he focused on calling for a round of drinks, "Least I can do," he mentioned to the Ogre. It could also provide a sealing gesture for a Pledge if this was actually happening; it would be unusual if they didn't seal some magic even in safer times.
"I can call in some favours: a Wizened or Fairest snaps their fingers and we can get whatever supplies we want." He fully turned to the Autumn, seeing how excited he was getting over being proactive and flipping switches. "Gavin, you're sworn to Dame Scorpio? She could probably score you guys some beads, if you sell it like I'll be more helpful to the Freehold defenses. I can ask Buck if he can lend a Hedgespun firearm if any of you need one, or lend a treasure. I Promise I'll step to helping you navigate restoring the healing Contracts." He really was doing his best to be reassuring and follow Yuan's reasonable request.
The Spring Courtier seemed to be detangling from his misgivings, with the worst of his dignity sacrificed to the ambition of the Season and Henley doubling down. Gavin clearly indicating where his motives were coming from allowed for the Fairest to move away from paranoid thoughts that he was manipulating his allies into risking themselves, to repair a fate of his own making. The Fairest's presence shifted to something innate with Acardia's Crown as he became self assured. Clasping Yuan's hands, Mitch beamed at him as he leaned in close. "You've already helped me work through some of this, and I'm still so thankful," he said with intensity, squeezing the Beast's palms a bit with cool marble and warm Mantle, "I don't want you to think I'm talking around you, or not hearing your concern. Your persuasion would hold a lot of power in the Hedge if you want to come, but I care the most about you being able to stay true to yourself."
As the group offered a more thorough plan, did Yuan actually want to go? Or was he feeling coerced with social pressure?
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Hua Yuan
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Presence 2 - Nostalgic; SL 1 - Flawless
Posts: 304
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Post by Hua Yuan on Nov 24, 2021 20:40:37 GMT -8
Mitch's motion kept Yuan from being able to focus on a singular task. One moment he was doing mental risk assessment and the next he had to be careful to not step on anyone's toes. On paper, from what the Beast was hearing, the plan was sound. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling in the pit of his stomach that this wasn't what they were supposed to do.
"I really don't think-"
He never got the chance to finish his sentence. Kaleidoscopic lights danced in his vision as the Dancer's Mantle hit him in full force, waking up feelings that Yuan had spent a good amount of time covering up. His pupils dilated like a cat with a catnip bag as he beheld the full glory of the Spring Noble. His knees buckled under the weight of sheer terror and beauty as his mind fell back into long forgotten patterns. He grabbed onto Mitch to steady himself, even as he knew he wasn't worthy of the contact.
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck...
"I mean- yes, of course. I'm happy to help. You said something about hedgespun firearms?"
He detangled himself from the angelic figure and tried to find the train of thought he had been riding seconds before. Most of it was gone, seared away by the flash of colours that he could still see every time he closed his eyes. "But I want everyone to Promise that we turn around the second anyone spots anything Keeper related."
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Post by Henley on Nov 25, 2021 11:26:25 GMT -8
"The whole point here is to deceive, evade and outrun anything we might run into. Turning tail is not automatically the best strategy, so no, I won't be agreeing to do that before we assess what we might run into." The Ogre paused, holding up a still-wet finger. "However. I am open to a mutual support motley for the operation -- ideally one that compels the Wyrd to keep us together in the Hedge. We're probably going to need to go off the beaten path, and the zone is going to be an absolute shitshow on purpose. So. Keeping together is key."
Henley nodded to Mitchell's plan, accepting the drink that would be part of the ritual of their temporary motley forming up. Getting the beads, getting the supplies and guns, all that made sense. "I could use a small gun that someone else can holster on them. I can grab it if needed, but I need to not be carrying weapons to minimize my Glamour output. I want to keep my signature small. Mitch, you familiar with the catches for Spring's blessings of rain and sleep? I need those things. I'll be over here spinning fate in our favor..."
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Post by Gavin Graves on Nov 27, 2021 2:06:44 GMT -8
Gavin wasn't one to turn around at the first sign of trouble. He'd proven that a few times.
"Yeah, no." Yuan's request for a pledge was considered by the raven-clad bird. "Going to need a more reasonable threshold than that. I'm not turning us around at the first sign of trouble. Nothing would ever get done in the Hedge like that."
"We'd still be without market access if we tucked tail at the first sign of Faerie activity. I'm for Henley's idea. Know that within a similar pledge, I helped guide much greener folks through the untamed marches to the Market, around a Fae, and back with only Riley getting a little bruised because they couldn't hold a tune." In his urgent state it slipped his mind that the Spring protection from physical assault would no longer restrain a Huntsman like it had in that excursion. "Afterparty did get separated from us for a hot minute too, but we pulled it back together and got through. Just little hiccups."
"I'm going to check in with my Liege and see about the beads. Four sets if possible. Then since the idea of getting Spring or Autumn political cover before talking to Samedi is off the table, I'm going to pass on what I learned. I'll text Henley when I'm going to approach the King and you all can decide whether or not to be there. Yeah?" The Razorhand leaning away from the group and vaguely started in the direction of Scorpio, lingered just long enough to catch any quickly voiced objection. He was going to have to talk to Bastion as well per the usual procedure, but it wasn't often Gavin was held back by the Knight of Borders on a venture into the Hedge.
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Post by Mitchell Carr on Nov 28, 2021 23:29:37 GMT -8
The sudden 180 from the Playmate protesting to...some kind of fainting spell and full compliance? It made the Spring Fairest's teeth itch; decidedly uncomfortable as he caught the guy on reflex then immediately letting him go as he pulled away. His frown wasn't hidden as he looked Yuan up and down—the Beast wasn't drunk as far as he could tell.
"You sure you're all right?" Mitch leaned in a bit so he could casually drop his voice while Henley and Gavin were talking, rather than draw more attention to the concern and make Yuan's response performative for the group. He wasn't sure how many ways he should say 'you don't have to do this' until he was suffocating another Emerald's desires.
He waited for the Playmate to answer before picking up what Henley was planning,
"Oh- um, yeah, actually. Not the raining one, but I carry some sand all the time for an emergency in case things need to be deescalated." He shrugged, "I can also help with the fate spinning, if you need me to lend some extra resolve; it's what my Seeming's good for."
He still kept a sharp eye on the infamous people-pleaser's body language as his prompt for a Promise was shut down. Mitch agreed it was too cautious to work, and suspected it was one last attempt to have an out without directly saying he didn't want people to get hurt. However, as Gavin mentioned his experience, the Dancer looked legitimately surprised as his expression lit up with genuine excitement. "Oh shit! That's amazing, Gavin!" he laughed, "I owe you a dinner, or something. I wish we weren't meeting around the fact that I'm a walking dumpster fire. Your suggestions are good, by the way, I was just saying that Queen Phil and King Samedi have a rough history. Like I Promised, I'll help with the Spring politics. You King holds court on Wednesdays, right?"
He gestured for Gavin to wait a minute as the guy literally had one foot in the conversation, "Did you want to do this Pledge first, or did you want to do it later?"
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Post by Henley on Nov 30, 2021 14:00:34 GMT -8
"Yes, that would be ideal, thank you," Henley agreed when Mitch offered to help with the contract. Looking to the others, he said, "That sounds good, Gavin. I'm good to Pledge up now. Let's do it."
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Hua Yuan
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Presence 2 - Nostalgic; SL 1 - Flawless
Posts: 304
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Post by Hua Yuan on Nov 30, 2021 22:44:03 GMT -8
"No, yeah, I'm good," the Beast answered to the Duke's Herald. The thought left as quickly as it came, but the immaculate smile showed no signs of faltering. "Fine, let's do this. It's what you want, right?" He looked to Mitch, waiting for his approval - going against his wishes wasn't something Yuan could bring himself to do. A carefully curated veneer of mock protest, a show of being the responsible one. Whatever had overcome his body earlier was gone, replaced with the stoic beauty of his immobility.
Later. He would deal with the fallout later, like he always did. It was easier that way; the mental math checked out.
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Post by Mitchell Carr on Dec 1, 2021 21:34:24 GMT -8
The Dancer didn't offer Yuan an affirmative, colouring slightly as he gave an encouraging smile; silently wrestling his own bewilderment of the evening. Okay, well, that was going to be a private conversation. The beat from the other three indicated that they were waiting on the noble to craft the words of power. That was normal, but he still hadn't acclimated to his rank and laughed off his own awkwardness. "Okay, good."The drinks were passed as he thought to himself, silently mouthing clauses as he ran through the variables that were lent from his own thorough experience. The Fairest raised the glass, grimacing as he smoothed needle-glass feathers blistering from the diamond crack that had formed across the sclera of his eye and brow. "I promise..."He chuckled again, remembering the mask and taking a second to remove it. More marble cracked and flecked as the Throne tried to emerge, his voice layering with a mournful, ringing chorus that charged the Pledge with a resonating weight and heightened emotions. "I dedicate this Oath to the friends of the Verdant Crown and the Harvest of the Leaden Mirror—
I swear to search for this Emerald adherent's Icon, lost among the Thorns, so that this Autumn Rite will benefit from our findings and facing our fears.
We do not seek to risk our lives, and will ensure one another's prosperity is maintained.
I will protect you with skills both mundane and fantastic, and will never seek to betray or deceive you, lest Fortuna never find me." Frost crackled around blooming bluebells as the Seasons were invoked. Repeating the words took on an ethereal quality that harmonized. The liquid in the shot radiated light, before the glass cracked to draw a small sliver of blood; along with an instinctual impulse to shatter it on the floor of the forming garden. The elated feeling of connectedness left the group feeling giddy and confident. |
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Post by Gavin Graves on Dec 1, 2021 22:02:54 GMT -8
Gavin glides to a halt and returns from his half step away as he realizes Mitch had paid attention to the particulars of what Gavin had said and was heaping recognition on him. The Beast grinned proudly.
It seemed the others had also sorted out the apprehension of Yuan and were prepared to move forward. Finally. Gavin was feeling the need to be actively doing something right now after having done what felt like staring directly into the fabric of the universe and coming back with ineffable knowledge.
Swearing the Oath and sealing it with the necessary energies, the Beast followed suit. He paused to appreciate the stellar phrasing of the off the cuff formulation of a fairly nuanced commitment with a deep nodding smile. It was a work of art of its own.
Remembering that the Bishop also wanted to bring the group together for a round before they went off on their adventure, he remained for that gesture before setting off to gather his part of the necessary resources.
"I'll need an antique timepiece to work that big trick. It with be destroyed, so not something you hold to be personally important, yeah?" The remark landed on Henley as he seemed to be the most on top of the other considerations.
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Post by Henley on Dec 1, 2021 23:21:44 GMT -8
Henley felt the Wyrd thrumming through him as he swore the Pledge, a Motley's oath binding them together in common purpose. That they wouldn't lose one another was a huge boon, especially when they had the Trailblazer as their guide. He grinned at the group, the Blessing a new bond that allowed trust to grow. "Beautiful, Mr. Carr. Beautiful. Tonight, we mend you, scion of Spring." He offered each of them a handshake in turn.
Looking to Gavin, he said, "Not to worry. I'll call a couple of pawn shops while you're reporting in. We can pay in cash, we should be able to get you a couple of genuine articles."
Antiques were among the first things to get pawned when people were having trouble. A pocket watch shouldn't be all that hard to find when you were Nate fucking Henley.
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