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Post by Henley on Mar 17, 2022 21:00:54 GMT -8
The soul-chilling frost of Winter's wartime reign was coming to an end. While the Freehold was still actively being invaded, a major victory had been scored: the Spring and Winter Monarchs had jointly announced shortly after Imbolc that the Wards had been successfully restored. The reasons why were not publicly clear, but there was a distinct sense of energy pouring through the Freehold. The most paranoid of Autumn Courtiers were inclined to question it, but most members of the Freehold were happy to hear the signs of things turning up. Their lives had been more dangerous since Autumn than any could remember in a long time. Henley had not been shy about the fact that Outback had faced down the Nymph's Huntsman and lived to tell the tale. As the story spread, Gavin Graves was presented as a wartime hero in the legends being spun as the Spring Courtier adeptly wove threads between the Court of Fear's capabilities in wartime intelligence gathering and operations, and the sheer balls and fortitude of Desire in the face of the enemy. Henley was twice the survivor of Huntsman battles, and he credited his survival to proper fucking planning. Motleys. Bargains. Leaning into the reality of the situation. Without doing so, he would have been fucked. The moral of the story: Freehold members needed to take the steps needed to protect themselves now, including leaning into the rituals that powered their defences, and the Lost needed to rally behind their leadership in taking down the Lantern title at Sunset Canyon. If they needed help, Spring was here for them. The Freehold's official party tonight was at The 2810, a private resort that the Nymph stock broker had rented for a couple of days in the name of the Queen. Colored lights flashed along with the beat of a DJ pumping out upbeat party music. Lost swam in the various pools and lounged on comfortable recliners. Drugs weren't in the open, but they were readily available. The finest bartender in town, a Spring Satyr known as Magnus, was spinning Brewer-made specials at a bar he had set up in the kitchen. Tonight was about renewing their battered morale and readying their spirits to seize the initiative that had thus far been held by the Enemy. Tonight was the party marking the turning point in the war against the Fae Invasion.
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Post by Gavin Graves on Mar 17, 2022 23:29:41 GMT -8
He had arrived much earlier in the party than was his usual. The asocial Beast had suddenly felt a kind of call to action with Henley propping the Razorhand up as a heroic figure. Gavin didn't really know what to do with extra attention though. It felt like there were so many eyes watching him, a torrent of fuel was pouring into his already sizeable well of nervous energy.
He had faced far worse though. True terrors of the world were fought, outwitted, and stymied in recent memory.
Learning to take what the world offered him and morph it to his purpose was one of his talents. The bird's mismatched eyes cast around the brightly lit locale; he focused on each of the hard cast shadows on the ground near the watchful Freeholders. Reflecting the nervous energy they were causing him he infused it forcefully into their shadows, draping them with his will. Predatory eyes began opening in the periphery and press in on anyone who happened to catch a glimpse.
The Season had rewarded his efforts with a greater blessing and rise in station. What was that going to mean going forward?
Freed from his nerves, the Beast strolled up to his compatriot Tanner to check in on how the dust had settled for him, "Heya mate, the Emeralds recruit you yet to place the eggs?" he offered the Hare with a mischievous smile.
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Post by Bosko on Mar 19, 2022 18:27:59 GMT -8
Bosko was accustomed to celebrations- but not ones like... This. It was much louder. More populated. More open. The food and drink and... Substances... Differed from his usual forte, though it was appealing. He would gladly order a Mule if the bartender would oblige, in whatever form and fashion the satyr Magnus preferred. Talk shop perhaps, ask if the satyr used hedge produce in some of their creations.
This was the perfect chance to encounter those kin he had yet to. The chance to make himself known, and his talents. And a chance to make friends.
His attire consisted of a very large long-sleeve polo shirt tucked into his one pair of khakis, which showed signs of wear. Aside from that, his looks remained much the same. In his pocket he had business cards for his food truck, which he would likely provide to anyone curious enough. Casting a large net, trying to build back proper supply chains again.
And in-between the social connections and business interests, he had much to learn about the history of this Freehold; mingling with the other changelings would acclimate him to such events. And so he did.
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Post by Croupier on Mar 19, 2022 19:35:48 GMT -8
Dan stared at himself in the bathroom mirror, scrutinizing every detail of his appearance. His normal black suit was replaced with a crisp navy blue jacket and pants with a jet black tie. In his breast pocket was a creased handkerchief the same white colour as his shirt. Adjusting his cuffs, Dan smiled. Even in spring colors, he looked damn good.
With his inspection done, Dan checked his phone for the time and any messages. He had another hour before the game was supposed to start - plenty of time if he got ready now. He sent a quick text to both Yuan and Lotus, letting them know he was on his way now. Job done, Dan left the room, took one last swig of the drink he had brought up to the room, and marched out the door into the beating heart of the party.
The whole resort pulsed with life, and Dan drank it in like water. Imbolc had been a reckless, wild time to be sure, but the Spring Court had done its best to answer in kind - this sort of celebration was what the Court was all about, after all. It wasn't just an affirmation of life, but a declaration that we were going to keep on living. That no matter what crazy shit was coming out to get us, the Lost weren't ready to go down without a fight. Dan could only imagine how the Summer Court was going to feed off the energy of what was going to happen here, and he welcomed it. He may not have played a big part in things going on, but Croupier had the opportunity to taste it. And he found himself hungry for more.
Let them try to come. Let's raise the stakes.
Weaving his way through the crowd, Dan greeted the Lost he knew, shook hands with the ones he wanted to know more, and politely waved or nodded to everyone else. Today, he was everyone's friend. For the next fifty five minutes, at least. After that, who knew where the night would take them?
Stepping into the room set aside for Dan, Yuan and Lotus was a modest affair, but it was bright and secluded and would serve their purpose well. The long poker table set in the middle of the space looked like it had custom felt - a deep blue and green affair with a logo of flowers and a waterfall labeled "Ostara 2022". A grin stretched across Croupier's face, and he reminded himself to try and send Henley a gift later for his part in all this.
Thirteen chairs wrapped around the table, with the center seat reserved for the dealer. The sealed bank was empty, awaiting its deposit of plastic chips. Near the entrance of the room was a counter and locked cabinet where the chips and till were sealed away. It was a common enough set-up for a Poker parlour - players would register and buy-in at the counter, collect their chips and head to the table to take part in the game.
Taking one more look at his phone for the time, Dan got to work giving the room one final cleaning, taking out the chips he would need, and then selected two decks of alternating colors - a blue and a green deck. Dan washed each of the decks on the table, running the thin cardboard through his hands like water. With the decks washed and riffled, he took his seat and waited for signs of either of his partners.
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Post by Aster Blau on Mar 20, 2022 7:50:44 GMT -8
The heroism of Gavin had reached Aster's ears just as readily as it had with others and, yet, the serpent did not feel the call to celebrate his success.
Gavin had earned his praise, but his fellow Beast couldn't help but feel a little slighted at the lack of mention regarding her own contributions. Then again, the truth remained that Aster had failed in her hopes of helping him bring Tanner in, dashed as they were by the blasts of a junkie's boomstick and the need to depart and lick her wounds. The reality also remained that it was Gavin's motleymate that had told the tale and, frankly, Henley was under no obligation to speak of the aid Gavin had received from an irritable Summer courtier. What Henley's tale did do was remind Aster of the necessity of motleys and community, causing the Viper to consider who among the Freehold she might approach for such an endeavor. However, none came to mind for the moment. Aster was distrustful by nature.
As for Ostara itself, the Viper was present, but, as always, remained comfortably in her own little sphere for the moment. She rested poolside, lounging in one of the recliners. Aster was dressed for a pool party in fact, sporting a two-piece black swimsuit and a white covering. However, if the bandages around her abdomen and right shoulder meant anything, she was unlikely to take a dip. The Viper was still healing from her outing with Gavin to locate Tanner.
As she rested, Aster didn't move much. To her left sat a Manhattan on a sidetable created from Magnus' skilled hands, which she had retrieved upon her arrival and had been nursing for some time as she people watched and mused over the future in silence. Compared to the events of the past, Aster was notably more relaxed beyond the occasional wince as she adjusted. The news of the restored wards seemed to have an effect and, for once, the Viper's eyes did not scan throughout the party in search of trouble.
It seemed unnecessary, considering the restoration. Thus, for tonight at least, Aster allowed her vigilance to soften.
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Post by Aisling on Mar 24, 2022 15:44:34 GMT -8
Aisling has been to her share of gatherings now. Ish. She's never stayed very long past what is required. Always had something else to do... no, really the social anxiety has just overwhelmed her and she's run at the quickest chance to do so. But this time! This time she is going to stay and this time she is going to try and socialize. This she promised herself. The 2810 is incredible. It's bright and beautiful and everything one could want for a relaxing time. Aisling can't help but stare into the waters of the pools, contemplating taking a swim herself. It could be nice. Maybe. But then she'd be wet and have to deal with all of that. No, perhaps not. Awkwardly, the gray-skinned Darkling stands looking around, an arm across her body, holding the other arm. Yes, this is awkward. How to proceed? The Whisperwisp stands, listening to conversations happening around her and she can't help but feel smaller. Is there anyone around she knows? There's a good first question. Yes. Seek out the people she's familiar with. Strike up conversation. ...I can do this. She slowly walks along the poolside, her little floral, light blue sundress floating with her. She tucks a long lock of her lily-white hair behind her ear. Is Eis around? No, not yet. She could bother them later with her silly stories. It's then she sees Gavin from afar, hero that he is, but she doesn't know that she can just go up and say hi. That would be weird of her. Right? I don't know social convention. This can't be that hard? Maybe it's because it is her own people versus regular mundane humans she'll never see again that makes things difficult. It is then she spots another Autumn. Boko? Was that it? She couldn't remember. Slowly, she inches her way up to him. "Um... hello." she says in her airy, alto tone. Yes, this is fine. This will all be fine. Don't panic. Bosko
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Post by Bosko on Mar 24, 2022 16:37:06 GMT -8
When the Autumn Aisling spotted and approached the Elemental, he was observing the rest of the party- occasionally sipping at his drink. Upon her attempt to initiate conversation he turned to look- the sound of metal creaking faintly as he did, before returning her greeting in kind. "Yes, hello... My apologies, but I still do not recognize everyone here- many more faces in this Freehold. Who should I refer to you as?" His tone was even and deep, and underneath the faint hum of something, like an engine echoing from far in a tunnel. He had a faint smile, one that clung to his face as if affixed alongside his other worn features, sharing space with wrinkles and light bags. It was not a warm smile- not one that spoke immediately of happiness. But it was a friendly one. Aisling
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Post by Blaze on Mar 25, 2022 7:02:32 GMT -8
The most charitable thing you could say about Blaze is that she was also here. The fancy resort was not her scene in more ways than one and despite the overall good news coming inshe still has the Imbolc shots fresh in her memory. The Torrent never managed to learn much about what really happened there, and that bothered her. Still, she would not disrespect the Season by not showing up or overtly bringing down the mood and so the Elemental does show up, in a swimsuit no less, and with her drink she looks like something out of a magazine cover. Just without the Photoshopped beauty. And expertly-applied make-up. And the ability to walk and even stand like a glamorous Baroque statue.
Alright, then maybe not actually that much like a cover model. Still, it was nice to get away from things for a while. Without any specific plans or people to meet, Blaze wanders for a while around the grounds, exchanging polite greetings and maybe a few words with those she knows at least a bit. Eventually, she gravitates towards one of the pools - and among those who rest there, she finds a somewhat familiar face. Aster.
She comes over, and notices the bandages. She doesn't feel pity for the Beast - who from what she knows is no stranger to violence - but it does make her curious and is as good a thing to relate over as any.
"Battle wounds?" the Torrent asks, trying to position herself in such a way as to not block the sun, looking at Aster's face rather than the hurt. Part of familiarity with injury means that you don't gawp like you're watching a circus.
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Lotus Eater
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Presence (4) Capable |Rigid Mask | Winter Mantle | Status (Licensed Security) | Autumn Goodwill (1)
Posts: 74
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Post by Lotus Eater on Mar 25, 2022 12:20:51 GMT -8
Lotus Eater entered the event, her hair tied back into a sleek ponytail, and wore a well-fitted purple and black suit. She had considered swimwear given the venue, but the idea of swimming was set aside given her role for the evening. Yuan of the spring court had reached out to her about helping run some card tables. She accepted without much question and dedicated this evening to fulfilling her role in service to the Spring court. After the violence of the last event, and the nature of card games (especially among the supernaturally inclined) she took extra precautions. Arriving early to scout the location, taking in the surroundings, and asking questions to the already provided security. At the tables, Lotus made her rules clear. No weapons, no cheating, no magic. They were simple rules, but Lotus delivered them to each player in turn with focused intensity. Every player was checked before sitting at the table, patted down for possible weapons, and Lotus was kenning to keep an 'eye' out for contracts or other magical influences.
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Post by Wayland on Mar 25, 2022 14:19:19 GMT -8
It’s been a year. A year since Wayland decided she was done putting herself back together and ready to rejoin society. Or, if not done, at least having hit a pace in that endless river of work she felt confident she could maintain.
She was wrong.
A year later and here she is back where she started. At Ostara. On the sidelines. In some ways, personal ways, maybe even worse off than then. Last Ostara she’d actually been making an effort to relax, to figuratively let her hair down, to get to know people.
This year she can’t relax. This year she’s armed. This year she’s prepared. The last time she lowered her guard, the illusion of safety had been shattered. This Freehold is clearly too fucked up to competently protect it’s people. Which means its people have to take matters into their own hands.
At least it’s familiar. The fear. The anger. The warring needs to protect herself and to protect others.
The absolute certainty that sometime soon she’s going to get hurt.
The intrusive thought that maybe she deserves to get hurt.
From her perch at the edge of the crowd, a quiet and secluded table, Wayland glances over at the pools. She’d like to be out there. Wearing her nice swimwear. Moving through the water. Being with people. It feels like there’s a huge gulf between where she is and where that is. God, it was only last Beltane when she’d been playing volleyball with Ivory and Kai and Lucas.
Look how that turned out.
The memory is enough to return her attention to her survey of the crowd. Her careful monitoring of the entrances and exits. Her tracking of the sentries the Freehold has watching over the event, fearing they’ll be insufficient.
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Post by Philicia on Mar 25, 2022 17:58:15 GMT -8
Wayland noted the Sentries were no longer present, and with her concern spiking, she was able to recall her Knight explaining that they passed over winter, for a new harvest to be planted on the dawn of Ostara. The image of the wooden infant Wayland had sworn her oath upon flashed with renewed context. During Spring's coronation, Changelings were expected to bury the seed of a plant that symbolized something that represented a wish for the future. Much to everyone's surprise, the normally isolated Queen was among the people, and dressed as ostentatiously as she could get away with. If she was worried about being hunted in these volatile, it did not show as she warmly drifted from group to group with a retinue of Summoned dwarf rabbits. They had been fitted to match, with black-laced dresses, bells, and star jewelry. Their role appeared to be largely of keeping her train from falling into the pool or dirt. The hobs twinkled softly as they sniffed silently at people's feet, occasionally picking and eating the flowers that were sprouting among the Spring Mantles. Between last year's assassination attempt of her Searce and Joyeaux-emritus, a Fae invasion, and the incident at Imbolc, one would think the Verdant Queen’s unstable Court would warn against such a personal and public outing. Gold Baroque spun through the bones of Skein fungi, creating a cosmic frame of tulle and lace. The grand headpiece of compass needles and clock arms housed the place of a crown that had not yet passed from the Winter sovereign, Golden Boy; the cameos depicting a speared phoenix, the skull of a unicorn being eaten by insects, and the astrological wheel broken with black arrows, with all surrounded by a frame of twisting ivy. The staff was just as intricate, centered with daggers through the heart and the banner of Ave Aurora. She took a moment to watch streaming arrivals while taking a champagne glass from one of her bunnies, gloved fingers wiggling to the occasional familiar face.
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Post by Aster Blau on Mar 25, 2022 19:19:16 GMT -8
The blue gaze of the serpent found Blaze as she approached, but her face remained slack until the Winter spoke of her bandages. Then the Viper smirk, barely hidden fangs glinting in the light. "Consequence of a little errand for Dame Scorpio that I headed with Gavin," she answered, some bitterness escaping her tone, "I decided a junkie needed to die and his friends disagreed. If the fates are right and I see him again? I will see my judgement done."The words of the Beast spoke of a quiet Wrath. Sage's continued survival did more than tarnish her reputation as a killer, his escape and subsequent wounding of the Viper had robbed her of Glory. If she had been well there would have been little to dismiss her involvement in Tanner's rescue. The reality that her actions had cost her recognition left a bitter pill to swallow. Aster's eyes drifted back to the Torrent, eyes squinting as she sought a name. "You're with Winter, right?" she asked, " Don't know if we've spoken."
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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 Mar 25, 2022 21:32:17 GMT -8
Yuan was ever the social butterfly. Gracefully moving from one group to the next, he played the part of the host, something Riley had done the previous year. Jesus. It had only been a year.
He did his best to offer warm smiles and soothing words to those who were still shaken by recent events. The Courser was affable enough and his budding vassalage to the Knight of Masks allowed him to talk to both sides of the civil war.
He had planned to run some poker tables, pulling in both Lotus Eater and Spring's very own Croupier. The Beast wasn't in a hurry to join them however - the tables would run even if the hosted was a little late. After all the effort Henley had put into the event, Yuan wanted to enjoy it at least a little.
When the Queen made an appearance, rabbit retinue in tow, he couldn't help but gawk. His little gay heart was aflutter from the serve. Philicia looked radiant in the golden gown.
The main part of the function would begin soon and Yuan tapped his blazer to double check his seeds were in his inner pocket. Relieved, he moved to join Lotus and Croupier.
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Post by Aisling on Mar 26, 2022 4:43:26 GMT -8
The scent of Earth briefly floods her senses, but earth like it has been burned. It was interesting to her. Then of course, she does take a moment to notice they've also got similar color skin and that makes her a little excited inside. She doesn't often meet other gray-skinned Lost. It's always been a sensitive point for her, being without what she considers to be real color. It feels as if her emotions have been stripped, even though she wears her heart completely on her sleeve.
"Oh, you're gray like me. Oop, sorry. That probably came out weird." Don't be a weirdo.
"I'm Aisling. Uh, sometimes that can be weird to say. It's pronounced 'Ash-ling'" She says it slower the second time and then tries to return the smile. Awkwardly, she wrings her hands together and her smile looks friendly, if also anxious. "And you call yourself?"
Suddenly there is a second air of excitement. She's actually socializing instead of hiding away until after appropriate to leave. Not that she doesn't know how to socialize. She does it quite frequently and well enough, especially at her job, but she promised herself today she'd make some more acquaintances with other Lost. It's just different with other Lost somehow.
The Spring Queen enters and she eyes her closely for a moment, temporarily distracted. She's so pretty. What is she wearing and why? She can't help but wonder to herself in the brief seconds it takes to realize she's not only staring, but also not paying attention to Bosko.
"Oh, sorry."
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Post by Bosko on Mar 26, 2022 6:58:51 GMT -8
"Hm?... Yes, I suppose we are both gray." He hadn't actually noticed that yet, strange. He was usually quite perceptive about these things. Whatever the case, he held up a hand, rolling up the sleeve to present his flesh. Quiet metal sounds as the joint shifted. "Mine seems to have been forged from different materials than yours- You can refer to me as Bosko. Or, Boško if you want your throat to hum a bit." Croatian, though it barely showed in his voice. "Ashe-ling. The name is Irish? It seems we both share more than flesh- names from far lands." A light chuckle from the man, the sound seemed to dance between his metallic teeth, following the mechanisms that moved and whirled. He looked to where she did, and his mind saw a puzzle to solve- almost absentmindedly, instinctually, he went about trying to piece it together, before... Oh, they were talking. Yes. "No it is quite alright- I was looking as well. Another thing we both share perhaps?" A brief conversation and they already shared enough to make small talk. "Oh- I run a food truck, in the city. If you are ever craving food- from this realm or the Old Country- feel free to drop by. Such food is always free for friendly kin." He pulled out a card, and offered it. Perhaps an awkward way to introduce such a thing, but it made for something else they could talk about if she needed it. And if the pull of the party drew them apart, he would love to speak with her again at another time.
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