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Post by Sedna on Dec 21, 2021 19:16:15 GMT -8
The rules of Winter Coronation were simple: a mark was levied on the dwellings of the Lost; ash would rain from the storm of the desert; everyone stayed inside. The Freehold Oath was sworn over the hearth. For only the eyes and ears of the Onyx Court, or those who studied the Winter Rites as a focus of their occult education:
Some were called to perform a cleansing Rite that risked their lives in the storm to hunt down the collapsing relics of the Sentries; they usually underwent a mental health screening and were required to possess some martial prowess to ensure their safety against the black holes that erased one's glamour...Defensive Contracts and invisibility apparently meant nothing in their wake. Whispers from the more unstable weary members indicated that they lost someone every year to the Hunt, but never remembered who or how by some obscure Winter curse; it was impossible to know something like that anyway. Those Winters who were not drafted were expected to show dedication by protecting the hearth and reconnecting with what was important.
One of the hosts this year was a more prominent member of the Winter Court—Sedna, who offered one of her apparent properties as the venue to throw a feast in honour of some of the newer members of the Freehold. Really, it was up-and-comers who had recently shown that they were looking to involve themselves in the pulse of Vegas' business and she was looking to reward their gumption. Lucas Chevalier had shown interest in assisting, adding his own touches to the evening, and she had reached out to Blaze and Nott as well after hearing about the Ashen Hunt (but with no expectations or pressure). Unlike some gatherings, this one did not appear to be designed around Christmas. The living space had been set up for a larger gathering with intimate lighting, with an expansive view of the desert beyond. Sedna had opened with a traditional table banquet and took the time to introduce and highlight accomplishments with a toast and Thank You: Victor - Having recently extended his resources to the Onyx Court, alleviating the burden on the Sun Banishers and allowing for more professional training to take place. He also claimed a Mark of the Ashen Hunt on his own while maintaining the secrets of the paranormal, empowering the Wards. Gavin Graves - Opened the Trod to re-establish trade with the Goblin Market, investigated a series of supernatural murders that prevented Spring criminals from terrorizing humanity, assisted in developing a cure to a deadly Goblin disease, and defended the Freehold from Fae trafficking. Eis - She recently assisted in lending her occult expertise when faced with mortals being murdered as well as developed a cure to prevent those infected from suffering the same fate. She also has shown interest in developing knowledge around Freehold history for education, and volunteered her time to make sure a child was safe of Fae attentions. Aster Blau - Volunteers her time to protect other Freeholders, and during the Ashen Hunt helped remove an active threat to vulnerable populations when fighting Fae trafficking. Firebringer - Routinely helps defend other Freeholders, including getting a group of investigators home safe from being lost forever in the desert. She sacrificed a part of herself so we could prepare for the incoming invasion, and know the threat that lurked in the Goblin Market. Among humanity, she works as a voice to lend to those who need to be heard. Oren - Assists in rooting out Loyalist activity and those who would do harm to the Freehold, working several cases involving supernatural threats to humanity. He lent his protection to a group of Spring philanthropists looking to assist in housing for those losing their neighbourhood to the stadium development that we use as a Hollow Colosseum. Wayland - Offering protection both for missions in the Freehold's interests, as well as assuring those without a means to arm and defend themselves have the proper equipment to prepare them. She has assisted quietly in various ways; providing vigilance during the Market incursion to re-establish trade, protecting Winter during the Revenant Crisis, breaching a trafficker stronghold, and making sure a child was safe from the influence of the Keepers. Blaze - Assisting our Freehold in rooting our Hunter activity, as well as lending her expertise in both the mind and martial prowess to maintain and protect her community. Nott - Her investigative instincts helped crack down on a growing Hunter cell that threatened our Freehold. She continues to lend her talents to the Sun Banishers and preventing the loss of others. Lucas Chevalier - Lending his gifts to protect humanity during the Revenant Crisis, assisting in uncovering a supernatural murder and apprehending the criminals responsible, promoting mental health within the Freehold and collaborating on a charity with the Emeralds to aid those effected by grief, and breaching a growing Hunter threat. Nate Henley - One of our local Emerald philanthropists that has opened up opportunities for Lost to establish themselves with proper income for unskilled labour, rather than scraping by with unstable gigs and predatory wages. He also helped the Knight Commander of the Chevaliers breach a Loyalist operation by lending his piloting talents and Spring Contracts. Hua Yuan - Assisted in networking his Court to secure legitimate income and integrate with the mortal world, and defending the Freehold and mundane population against Fae traffickers. **Riley Sorsa - Investigated the source of the Revenant Crisis, assisted in locating housing for those losing their neighbourhood to the stadium development, and negotiating trade with the Goblin Market. Even in the neon glow, Sedna's gorgeous features were veiled in shadow, large dark eyes almost hiding the honeyed iris. Her PVC dress dragged in the light into an unseen void, flickering and dying like distant lightning. The facial tatooing was unfamiliar, but it took a moment to differentiate the pattern from what appeared to be natural mottled spots on her skin. Despite this, her smile was warm as she spoke of everyone's accomplishments, before allowing the party to mingle with a cascade of options: oysters, a black earl grey and lavender cake, lemon and blackberry cookies, spiced hazelnut cake, and a traditional yule log cake, and boar stew with sage cheese toast crostini. Mulled wine and hot cocoa was also readily available. The space was open, including a pool and a fire table, spare bedrooms for guests to crash, or a readied mirror to get them to their homes without stepping outside. |
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Post by Victor on Dec 22, 2021 4:22:03 GMT -8
Though far from unwelcome, the public lauding of his recent deeds had taken Victor off guard. He had offered little for himself but a smile around the gathering and a half-raised mug of the mulled wine, already steeling himself for the questions he figured the praise would bring from those that had no context for it. As the others were named, he tried to find them in the crowd. Those recognized got a congratulatory nod, if his eyes could find them. He had barely waited for Sedna to finish before burying himself in the wine. By the time the mug hit the table again, it was half empty.
When Sedna finally released the group to their own devices, Victor briefly considered moving from his spot at the banquet. The fire looked inviting, although the food laid out on the table made far more persuasive arguments for him to stay. It won out somewhere between the stew and the yule log cake- if anyone wanted to talk to him, it would need to be within snacking distance. Not that he was worried. Surely he wouldn't be the only one.
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Post by Blaze on Dec 27, 2021 11:51:56 GMT -8
Blaze was listening with attention to every word leaving Sedna's lips, although the Elemental made the effort not to make it obvious - restraining herself from craning her neck after every mentioned freeholder. When it was her turn to be praised, the first instinct to cast down her eyes and make herself invisible was suppressed in favour of looking at some undetermined point in the far space. The achievements were toasted and wine was drank, as it should be. They made it through another year. That's more than can be said for many.
The Torrent was dressed in a black calf-length dress with long sleeves, something chosen with appearing just elegant enough to fit the dress code and just humble enough to not draw too many eyes. She finished her wine and snuck off a few cookies, but it was a person, not food, that she was really after here: Gavin Graves, the Autumn courier and occultist. She tries to find him.
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Post by Henley on Dec 28, 2021 19:35:31 GMT -8
Henley and Gavin had arrived together. Of course they had; word had begun to spread that the pair had formed a Motley called the Outback. Perhaps it was a cheeky reference to Oz. Perhaps it was a cheeky reference to the Hedge. More likely, it was all of the above as the pair of Hedge aficionados went with something fun that indirectly summarized what they were about. The pair were rocking new threads that night, nice tailoring that helped bring out the best in Gavin Graves's impressive physique. For his part, Henley had slipped into the extra-tall Armani he kept in his closet on standby for regular use, slick navy with pinstripes running that made him look even taller. The Spring Courtier had pre-gamed martinis before coming and had decided that whimsical sunnies worked with it. After all, Wachowski had just dropped a new Matrix movie. Sunglasses at night were in again. If Jonathan Groff could do it, so could he. "Sedna. You're too kind, for the words and having us. Thank you so much for hosting."Mulled wine was on order? Outback was here for the party, at least until some whimsical bullshit drove them back into the Thorns. "Don't mind if I do... oy. Sorry, but you're Victor, right?"He beckoned the Fairest over to join them. "Happy holidays, my man. Nate Henley. I'm sure you already know Mr. Graves. How do you do?" |
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Post by Victor on Dec 28, 2021 21:26:06 GMT -8
Victor looked up from the bowl and ladle he was already using to carve away his portion of the stew, nodding enthusiastically as his eyes found the man who had addressed him. He recognized Henley only as a name, but if the Spring kept Gavin as company then surely he was good company to keep. He dropped the spoon back into the stew and nearly forgot to swipe his own on his way over to the duo.
"Was my name last time I checked!"
He juggled the bowl from his bare hand to the crook of his arm- his thick winter flannels made for better insulation from the ceramic than his calluses did. It also gave him a hand free to offer to Henley, alongside his jolly grin.
"Happy holidays to you too, Mr Henley! I'd give you my name too if it didn't seem that you already had it!"
There was a question buried somewhere in there, though he barely paused long enough to let anyone dwell on it
"And yeah, we've already met."
The chimera nodded to his fellow Autumn, his tone making it clear that he at least had come away from their previous conversation with a positive impression.
"In the moment, I'm doing as fine as as a gosling feather, thank you very much! Put me in a room with good wine and good food and a good mood tends to follow."
He jostled his arm to draw attention to the stew, which he was apparently so fond of as to be inspired to nearly speak in verse.
"How about you?"
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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 Dec 29, 2021 17:49:22 GMT -8
Yuan had stepped into a mirror to get to the party. He had been running late, between choosing the perfect outfit and getting off work for yet another emergency. He was getting impatient about hear from Alexandrite. Truth be told, what had set him back the most was finding some mistletoe to pin on his lapel. It had been a last minute idea that turned out to be ridiculously difficult to pull off. Particularly with the Beast's limited resources. The smooth surface of the reflection shimmered, like water hit by a pebble. Taking on a liquid quality, it allowed momentary egress. It clung to Yuan like mercury, creating an optical illusion that he was once again silver. But the moment passed, leaving behind an unremarkable black suit. A sprig of vibrant green mistletoe, complete with white berries, was the only decoration. He carried in his hands a steaming clay pot. Winter always brought with it mixed feelings for the Emerald. Endings, solitude, emptiness. On the other hand, the promise of Spring to come; in China, the winter solstice celebrate just that. It was a time to pay your respects to those who came before, while looking forward to things to come with those close to you. Taking a moment to scan the room, Yuan took mental note of those he knew and those he didn't before finding where the mulled wine was. Pouring himself a generous serving, he stood to the side, enjoying the small anonymity that the crowd offered. As luck would have, it was short lived - the hostess apparently had a few surprises in store, one of which was to toast to the newer members of the Freehold. Setting down his pot, he clapped eagerly whenever someone he knew was named. When his own name was called, an oh formed on his mouth for a moment, as all eyes turned to him. The flustered Courser did his best to appear gracious before burying his face in his mulled wine.
Once the excitement passed, the Playmate started looking for Sedna, to thank her for both the invitation and the mention.
"Lady Sedna? I'm sorry, I'm not exactly sure how to address you. I wanted to express my gratitude for inviting me. And the toast too."
He presented her with the clay pot, colouring slightly to rose gold. There was a magnetism to her, something that made him what to gossip and get to know her better. Whether it was her Mantle or simple who she was, Yuan was determined to make a good impression on his gracious host. "It's tangyuan, a traditional Chinese desert for the winter solstice. It's made out of boiled glutinous rice flour balls and sweet broth. They symbolize a harmonious, cohesive and auspicious household."
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Post by Gavin Graves on Dec 29, 2021 19:09:55 GMT -8
Listening to the accomplishments of the other active Freeholders put some things in perspective for the Beast. There were a lot of moving parts and issues being attended to, all inside the bounds of a single year. These things were those done by courtiers that had not been tapped into the upper echelons of the Freehold. They were not small things. How big were the 'real' issues? How much of it was five-dimensional chess jockeying for who's version of what should be done manifested in reality?
It felt surreal to Gavin hearing his own contributions echoed back at him. He generally lived in the moment with a conscientious if anxious eye toward the future. The past wasn't often a conscious consideration; it was more like an inescapable shadow on the wall and best just left where it landed. The concerted highlighting had broken through that filter bringing his recent life back in the world into focus. He had done some good.
It was a good day. He even managed to avoid mangling the nice threads bought for him by his new friend Henley. It wasn't likely they would last the entire night intact, but it felt good to be seen dressed like a fully functional human being for once without the material having to be overly thick and reinforced at all the handling points.
Thanking Sedna for the generous words and the giant spread his exuberance escaped, "I've got to get some of that mulled wine. I could smell it the whole time!"
Ladling his glass with the rich warm liquid, he found others had quickly congregated up near him. He was surprised when it wasn't him taking too long with the wine trying to avoid breaking things with the knives for fingers.
Turning to greet those seeking his attention, "Heya, mate!" carefully offering up the glass he'd just poured to whomever had sidled up first, stepping aside if insisted that they could handle their own, and finally taking his turn when all others had theirs.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Dec 30, 2021 4:16:57 GMT -8
For his part, Lucas had used some of the resourced Sedna loaned him to rent out several famous signs found in the Neon Museum which was also known as the Neon Sign Graveyard. They were scattered all throughout the house and left unlit. However, in the hedge, they glowed brightly and showed what life had been like in Vegas Once Upon a Time. Unlike the prior seasonal gatherings the Gravewight had attended, he was not dressed to the nines. In fact, he was surprisingly on the casual side and anyone who knew him well enough would notice he didn't seem to care about the finer details. He settled on a black sports jacket, a red dress shirt with a skinny black tie, black slacks, a black belt with a silver buckle, and black dress shoes. His fingers were left naked, no longer adorned with his usual flair. His tie knot was continuously crooked and there were patches of leftover scruff on his face. However, his mantle's recent growth made it easy for him to hide his mood and offer a polite smile when his accolades were announced. After they were done, he found a quiet corner for himself to disappear into. Try as he might, he just couldn't find it in him to give a single fuck any more when it came to winning the Freehold's approval. What did it even matter? He knew the terrible truth behind the the Blooded or at least the rumored truth which seemed more and more likely to be the truth given all of the other terribleness that happened here. How many other Blooded had been given cheers, only for their accolades to be erased from existence? Once he found a nice stoop to sit on in solitude, he took out a flask from his jacket's pocket, a pair of earbuds from his pants' pocket, and then popped them into place. He switched on a song while he sipped at his drink, finding he rather liked being a ghost haunting his little stoop instead of socializing with the living. |
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Post by Wayland on Dec 30, 2021 11:02:28 GMT -8
How much of it is lies? Okay, maybe not lies. But how much is not being said here? How many crimes are being covered up? How many grave mistakes are being kept secret? How many of these people being thanked are one wrong move from landing on the worst side of fae justice? It can’t be just her, right? (It can’t be just her. Please, she can’t be the only one-) Blaze and Eis are on that list with her. Who else? How many? How much damage has paranoia and infighting and betrayal done to this Freehold? The thought puts a bad taste in Wayland’s mouth. She takes a swallow of mulled wine trying to clear it. Occasions have to be marked. Rituals have to be observed. Credit must be given where it is due. But the idea of partying while she’s become aware of such a sickly rot inside herself and inside her Freehold makes Wayland’s stomach churn. She’s walked away from things like this before. Not a Freehold, but a toxic environment. She’s recognized that she couldn’t change it, and walked away to protect herself. Could she do that here? Would that even be possible, escaping beyond the wards? Is there another Freehold that would take her in, where she could start over again, make a new life from scratch? She can do that last part. She’s done it before, she’s had practice. Sarah’s face surfaces in her memory. She always leaves a part of herself behind. Another swallow of mulled wine. It’s tempting, the thought of making a break for it. But no. She’s bound here. By vassalage and other oaths. By ward and ritual. By commitment. By Summer’s wrath simmering in her veins, promising vengeance, justice, if she stays brave and true. Why does that matter more than the people who loved her, the ones she left behind? It doesn’t. But she’s a different person now. And what worked for her in the past simply doesn’t work anymore. No looking back. This place is toxic, so her first priority is to survive it. If she can survive it, maybe she can see about changing it. And surviving means being here, at the party, without looking like a sadsack. So here she is, black three-piece suit, black-tie, black shoes, an understated style but wonderfully tailored by her own hand. She’s been quiet, her reserved demeanor nothing out of the ordinary for her, as she’s gone through these internal processes. But she should probably actually talk to someone. Gavin and Henley. No. Not after such a recent meeting where she… didn’t quite turn down their motley offer, but certainly put it on the backburner, leaving them both wondering why. Too risky. And there’s Blaze, crossing the party to meet with them. Not her either, then. She scans the party, wondering if Mary is here, or maybe Loki. If she finds the former chewing out the later again she’s not quite sure what she’ll do. |
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Post by Henley on Dec 31, 2021 16:52:05 GMT -8
Spindly fingers wrapped around the offered hand, the businessman giving the cleaner a firm shake and a smile. "Couldn't have said it better myself about the spread. Sedna's outdone herself. Bloody brilliant, Yule. You always end up full and sleepy in front of a fire, sure as taxes." Glancing to Gavin and giving the Razorhand a little wave, he said, "I'm well. Mr. Graves here and I have been enjoying the Trod of late. Plenty of business to be done, if you know what you're about, and the Christmas holidays are always a joy."
He gestured to the group, lowering his voice.
"So. Here's always my big question - what's the significance of Yule? Do you know why we need to stay inside? Not that I object, of course, but I've learned few things around here happen by accident."
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Post by Sedna on Dec 31, 2021 19:07:58 GMT -8
"Sedna is fine if you're concerned about formality," the Selkie laughed, canines surprisingly sharp. "We are the ones showing gratitude tonight, mister Hua."
She warmly took the pot, nodding with some familiarity, "I'm honoured you've welcomed me to your own family's tradition." She casually partook so the Playmate didn't have to potentially spin on whether she liked it or not. He was a notorious people pleaser.
"Thank you! Did you want one?"
Despite her phone buzzing, she ignored it until enough small talk flowed to give the Spring an out of he wanted to join the rest. Her attention drifting, she sighed a quiet apology.
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Post by Victor on Jan 2, 2022 18:44:28 GMT -8
The moment his hand was free to do so, Victor dug into the stew with vigor. Between mouthfuls he hummed in appreciative agreement as Henley espoused the comforts of Yuletide and the merits of their current host. It was all small talk of course- so much fluff and little substance, but that was the price of building positive connections in these sorts of spaces. The chimera didn't mind it here, where he had no checklist, and no others obviously higher on the list of useful connections than the man he was currently speaking to.
As the Spring went on and it became clear the likely intention was to have a conversation that extended past an introduction and a question or two, Victor glanced over the seats lining the banquet table, hoping to see one free for the taking. The investigation was cut short, however, as Henley hit him with the pop quiz question of the night.
"Mm-"
He stuck another spoonful of stew in his mouth, mostly as an excuse to give him a moment to form a response- truth was that he had only experienced a single Yule before this one, but he had heard things. He knew. And he knew enough to suspect that Henley himself knew a thing or two, with the way he lowered his voice to breech the subject. Victor followed suit, leaning in and going very quiet.
"That's more than one question, and there's more than one answer. Its said that folks who should be resting in peace decide instead to roam in violence tonight. Winter braves the storm to correct the issue, and we, the rest of us rabble, stay nice and warm inside. So long as we merry make, whatever's going on outside stays out. Makes the wards strong too, by keeping us tight knit and safe."
He leaned back again, dropping the conspiratorial tone
"Not that I know anything about it! From what I heard, they don't appreciate it much if you go about asking too many questions."
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Post by Aster Blau on Jan 4, 2022 14:19:31 GMT -8
The Viper was present, of course. She was dressed well enough, sporting a black cocktail dress and matching heels. Her makeup, though normally understated, bore a certain elegance, as did her minimal accessories, and her slick backed hair was pulled into a bun. All of this was, naturally, not Aster's idea at all, but she had let it slip to Luisa that she had been invited to a party and she was not about to let the Beast go out with the same jeans, leather jacket, and shirts that she preferred. Nonetheless, Aster was able to keep one part of her planned ensemble before Luisa's takeover. In a black clutch, Aster carried a small flask. It's contents? Whiskey. Aster figured that drinks would be provided at the gathering, but Samhain had born with it a sense of caution due to her experience at Callahan's bar.
Fuck. That. Thus, as the others began to enjoy their mulled wine and other beverages, Aster slipped out her flask and began to take a drink. Then her name was called and past successes honored, prompting a deeper drink than initially planned. Lowering the flask, the Viper's face slightly grimaced as the spirit burned at her senses, before giving an awkward nod and thumbs up as a few stared. Once the gathered were released to mingle, the Viper found her way to the fire, the hot flames a welcome distraction from the cold season. She was polite to those who approached, but did not yet seem particularly motivated to seek anyone out, content with her gaze upon the flames. |
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Post by Blaze on Jan 4, 2022 14:54:56 GMT -8
Seeing an opening, Blaze approaches the Autumn Beast. So far the somewhat detached atmosphere of Winter seems to have rubbed off on some of the more prominent attendants with closed social circles not yet fully formed, so the Torrent doesn't want to waste her chance, even if what she wants to ask about are hardly the topic of party small talk - at least in any kind of healthy environment.
"Mr. Graves, can I have a moment of your time?" She asks politely "There are things I'd like to know more about, and I was advised that you're something of an expert."
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Post by Gavin Graves on Jan 4, 2022 15:21:04 GMT -8
"I mean it depends on the subject, but right, I know a thing or two," scooping up a tasty morsel for to snack on. "Lead on, let's find a spot to sit and chat."
It floated his ego a bit to be sought out as an expert. He hadn't had the opportunity to make acquaintance with this Torrent prior, so this conversation could hold a dual purpose: new possible mystery and new possible friend. "Blaze, community protector, yeah?"
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