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Post by Tanner on Mar 26, 2022 11:22:18 GMT -8
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. The other Beast straightened, taller than people realized as the ears flared to match the antlers. The punch of Gavin's new Mantle drew his attention away from Aster Blau, covering his gasp with a loud sniff. The amber ring around one of his pupils was almost invisible with the void, trying to swallow up every ounce of light the party still had to offer. "Oh! The- she didn't go this year..." he blinked a few times, half answering a question Gavin hadn't asked, where the Twilit Page had misheard. As Tanner properly rounded on the Razorhand, his own Seasonal allegiance had matched in strength, hiding the flicker of predatory eyes among sharp and unforgiving brambles, and the bright grey aura that rose around them illuminating invisible thorns that scored across the Runnerswift as he moved—like the hidden spiderweb of a cracked mirror. "Hey, Gavin," he greeted, tone softer than in the past. "Your motleymates' have been busting their asses. Trying to match you?" It was a friendly compliment, given Henley and Yuan working the party and trying to instill a sense of community.
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Post by Henley on Mar 26, 2022 12:55:02 GMT -8
Ding, ding, ding.
Tuxedo-clad and towering, the host stood at the front of the main room. In one hand was a glass of white wine. The other gently tapped it with a silver spoon.
"Welcome, everyone. As we salute the waning nights of Winter and celebrate the dawn of Spring, I wish to offer my profound thanks to the people responsible for our ongoing victories: all of you."
There was a bit of a pause, then he looked around the room.
"From the mightiest Monarch to the freshest arrival, we have suffered much in recent months. We have stood our ground against Loyalists. We are still here.
We have battled back Huntsmen. We are still here.
We have lost friends and seen our spirit pushed to the brink... and we are still here."
He flashed a smile to the room.
"As we celebrate Ostara and the passing of the Crown to the Season of Desire, we offer you the cornucopia that your heroics have earned. Tonight, your hunger will be sated. Your thirst will be quenched. You will want for nothing. This is the comfort we deserve for all the fighting we have faced. A chance to refuel. A chance to regrow."
Then, he stopped.
"There is one thing I would ask of you. Tell your stories. What have you done, and more importantly, what and who have you fought for?
At the end of the night, I will ask Queen Philicia to tell me which story of Valor and Desire she has been most inspired by from among the youngest of the Freehold's Courts.
Heroes deserve reward, so that person... I will change their life. Here's to all of you, and to the rise of Spring. Cheers!"
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Post by Krakenbox on Mar 26, 2022 19:58:29 GMT -8
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Post by Krakenbox on Mar 28, 2022 20:09:39 GMT -8
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Post by Gavin Graves on Mar 30, 2022 21:22:26 GMT -8
Gavin raised an eyebrow quizzically at the non sequitur, but soon shrugged it off. The Runnerswift had been through a lot and was bound to need some time to recover.
"You're right about that. I doubt it is about keeping up with me though. They are each ambitious and quite adept in their own way. It's probably part of why we work well together." The Razorhand was glad his friends were getting their due notice in the flurry of events leading up to this party.
"Seems your own accomplishments have stacked up around you as well," gesturing toward the new intensity of Tanner's Mantle. "I know you've been through a lot to get here," he started gently, offering a smile with a knowing gaze. "Probably know more than you'd prefer, I think, but before you worry too hard, just know I'd like to help."
"You ever hear of a grimoire called Lemegeton?" He hoped to catch the Beast's curiosity before he might instinctually close up from a feeling of vulnerability.
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Post by Tanner on Mar 31, 2022 22:56:21 GMT -8
Tanner flashed an appreciative smile at Gavin's feedback of his oathsworn—it was a small joy in their community to hear a motley functioning as intended. He ticked back a hair as the Razorhand gestured, though didn't apologize for the instinct when he knew it would just draw extra attention; Gavin hopefully wouldn't take it personally when he was talking to a middling Fear courtier that was the embodiment of a prey animal.
The Twilight Page shrugged helplessly, smile faltering a bit as he tried to put forward a good attitude about his success with occult acquisitions, "Just glad my teeth didn't rot out or something wild from running through that memory," he chuckled dryly, referring to his utterances of a Fae Title. "Last thing I want right now is to consult a Goblin dentist..."
He ran a hand along one of his ears while smoothing a lock of hair. "Thanks, um-"
"Oh, yeah, didn't you guys use that as a base reference for ritual construction?"
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Post by Gavin Graves on Apr 1, 2022 0:29:06 GMT -8
"I've had a run in with a Goblin Optometrist. It clamped me down with Iron before it started in on me. I'm not sure whether a dentist would be better or worse." He blinked hard to make sure his eyes were still properly in their places when the memory came to the surface.
The Razorhand saw the flinch and paused for a beat. In the moment he made a conscious effort to restrain his gesturing. He was all too aware of the feelings he generated among many of the Freeholders. It had become a reflexive worry for him for quite some time, but lately he'd found himself among others more tolerant of it and he had dropped his guard somewhat. Autumn's surging blessing was not going to ease that consensus any time soon. Slowly shuffling a half-step further away, he continued.
"Well close, but not quite. Lemegeton is also known as the Lesser Key of Solomon. We used Clavicula Solomonis: the Greater Key of Solomon. It was my research into that source that came across the other reference. Lemegeton is a collection of five 'books' within an occult grimoire. Though many copies come with only the first four books. Within the fifth book, called Ars Notoria or equally often Ars Nova, is supposed to be processes and practices necessary to grant a Kabbalah sorcerer, and I'm quoting now: an Eidetic Memory." Gavin turned to face the Beast directly. It was an effort to thread the knowledge of Tanner's secret to Gavin's allusion.
"The tradition I drew upon to create the first ritual was strong enough to support that custom work targeting the Title's symbols of power and the names they drew their authority from. I suspect the same would hold true with the tradition's other more explicitly included practices. A derived work, supported by its principle source should be fruitful ground to work from, yeah?"
"I'm thinking I should like to have an improved memory. Do you think the Echoes would be interested in the results of such a project?" He offered a hopeful smile.
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Post by Wayland on Apr 1, 2022 8:38:53 GMT -8
Of course.
Of course Wayland’s fears are validated.
Not only are the ‘sentries’ she thought might be watching insufficient, there are no such sentries.
Sure, in theory, there are other measures in place to protect this kind of event. But the protection at the last event had failed. Why not this one?
So Wayland sits at her table and takes on that role. Imbolc taught her that the Court’s rituals are not safe. Litha taught her how important it is that they are fulfilled regardless. At least this time she doesn’t need to get smashed to do her part, the great sequoia seeds in her pocket are sufficient to fulfill Ostara’s needs, leaving her head clear.
And she’s very afraid that she might have need of a clear head tonight.
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Post by Tanner on Apr 5, 2022 0:26:47 GMT -8
Tanner offered Gavin a cautious grin as the Beast recalled back-alley goblin surgery. He could safely say he hadn't crossed that threshold yet.
There was a slight wince as his occult recall was corrected, colouring a bit as he nodded along with what the other was saying. Another beat brought his own rapid blinking, attention bright and on the edge of panicking that this was a cruel joke set up by Saturday again to teach him about hubris.
"Oh, yeah, wow," he mumbled, crossing his arms as he looked at the ground.
"...Shit."
Tanner inhaled sharply as he met the other's eyes again, "What do you need?"
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Post by Gavin Graves on Apr 5, 2022 10:19:26 GMT -8
It was obvious Tanner was still out of sorts and coping with his recent trials, but Gavin wasn't able to pin down any specific sore spots. The Razorhand guessed that he was feeling the pressure and increased exposure of his Mantle. The Courser had just demonstrated he knew his fellow's secret. That secret was dangerous enough it could probably be used to leverage or damage Chunhua's position in the Court. Though the practical outcome of her gambit had paid off well for the Freehold, it was abuse. Tanner was being made to slowly lose his mind for her projects.
While Gavin knew he could use this leverage to make some form of ground shaking political maneuver, he was both unsure how to do it, and more importantly uninterested. Maybe there would be a day where he would care about jockeying for position, but that was not now. Today he just wanted to be a decent person and try to help someone who had been suffering.
"Well, I think we're going to need a good copy of that grimoire for starters. I could talk to Henley about going through the avenue we used previously, but it's not often those types of books move around through any particular broker. Might have to get creative. Perhaps Aello knows someone. I'll borrow the Greater Key as a supporting text. Should probably even have it copied so there's less exposure to that cult spawned at your uni."
"Then maybe a nice fate spin or a Spring noble blessing and a lot of research and working the design of the ritual. It takes a bit of time. Perhaps you might be able to assist."
"Here's the trick though. Best case, without someone who is a touch more advanced in the art than I, is we get to about ninety-five percent of the way there. We need someone to check the work and make the final tweaks. I brought it to Icarus last time." He knew Chunhua could do it, but didn't want to give her the satisfaction.
"Your Motley--I'm certain--has someone capable based on what I've seen and heard." Gavin knew Golden Boy was formally no longer part of the Motley, but there was still enough connection to there to get this small favour for Tanner. "Maybe you are able to manage the final layer of the working yourself?" It would be a great thing for the young man to play a strong and necessary hand in saving himself.
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Post by Tanner on Apr 5, 2022 15:11:01 GMT -8
"Oh, yeah," Tanner nodded, subdued but clearly paying rapt attention. "Aello can follow fate to make events happen. Some celestial convergence nonsense," he chuckled. "You just need to know what you want and for it to not be impossible, or the butterfly effect gets too convoluted."
Changelings had a strange power over controlling narratives, and it made things out of a mortal's reach easy to dream about. As Beast, Tanner preferred not to muse on the ripple effects that that sort of abuse might be causing in the makeup of the universe. Their people were unique from the True Fae in their flexibility around the rules.
"Like, I guess..." he frowned, unsure whether it was smart to offer the obvious choice of the Winter King. He knew it would mean a lot for Golden to be able to help, but with the chaos in their lives he was just as worried that the Fairest wouldn't be able to figure it out and internalize failing his friend in a dramatic fashion. "Golden's gotten quirkier over time, but he usually knows what he's talking about. Sir Icarus, um, I don't think I've ever really talked to him for more than like a minute? But you've worked with him before on ritual design so if you think that's best..."
He shivered, fiddling with the rim of his solo cup to channel the nervous energy somewhere. "And, yeah, maybe. Hopefully."
"Um, thanks? Thanks a lot. I think I'd be more...expressive...if I wasn't, like, greyed out right now with everything?" There was a lot of emotion to the point where he felt like he was watching everything through a pane of glass. "I don't- um, I don't know how I'd make up for all this shit," he laughed helplessly, wiping his eye with the edge of his palm.
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Post by Jack Ratchet on Apr 6, 2022 12:09:08 GMT -8
A new face wandered in, stopping just inside the door to close it behind him and quickly scan the room, a sudden spike of adrenaline pumping through his body as he prepared for danger. A deep sigh to push away the anxiety. He'd spent far too long wasting time. Both feet, Jack.
Wearing a dark navy shirt and black jeans, it was perhaps the best combination of clothes the Ogre owned. A half-decent pair of black Doc Martins for comfort made up the outfit. Checking to make sure his wallet was in his pocket, Jack couldn't help but feel the tension in his shoulders. Not one for these type of gatherings, word on the street was that some major incidents have gone on and now was the time to offer any help he could. That required introductions. Several Summers seemed in attendance, which was good, great. Which was great. Spotting Wayland sitting by herself, Jack makes sure he is in her eyeline as he heads over, stopping a good couple of metres away. A good reactionary distance and not invading personal space. "Hey, evening. Name's Jack, wondering if ya wouldn't mind helping me. I'm looking to get settled in with the locals, who would it be best to speak with?" Eye contact, open body language, a slight smile. Focused.
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Post by Aster Blau on Apr 9, 2022 15:56:09 GMT -8
The Viper nodded as Blaze mused she was likely welcome to tell her tale as she remained by the pool.
"If I'm speaking of the dead, the grapevine ain't enough," Aster replied, "Rather they heard it from my lips than hear it from some random who might get the details wrong. They're owed that respect."
Thus, the serpentine Beast ascended, standing on top of her lounge chair to afford herself greater elevation. Hopefully, it also served as a sign to others nearby that the Viper had something to say.
“Henley is right,” Aster said, pushing her voice above the din of the party, “We have all lost friends. Neighbors. Comrades. I think it’s important to share their stories as well.”
Then a pause reigned for some moments as Aster considered how to tell the tale and keep enough interest to keep the spirit of Chico alive. Eventually, the Beast began to think that the best way to gain the attention of other guests was to just start talking. Those who subscribed to the ideals presented by Henley would listen or they would imbibe in baser desires.
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Post by Wayland on Apr 10, 2022 14:10:27 GMT -8
He makes sure she’s not surprised. It’s… considerate of him. Still there’s an undeniable tightening in her chest as the stranger approaches. She can feel his Summer mantle calling to her own. Knows the protections invoked on this gathering. Knows the supposed strength of a Freehold pledge. But that’s just it, isn’t it? Supposed strength. It sure hasn’t kept her from the dangerous path she’s strayed onto. For all that though, for all her fear, for all she wants to snarl ‘Fuck off,’ or even a just milder ‘Now’s not a good time,’… She is not immune to a colleague, a fellow survivor, asking for her help. She takes a deep breath, then raises her glass to her lips as her eyes dart from the stranger ( ’Jack,’ she reminds herself) to flick over the rest of the party. She’s been keeping a close watch. But that’s mainly been for anything or anyone out of place. Anything that might signal danger. Less about where specific individuals have been congregating. After a moment’s contemplation, she tilts her glass. (Diet Coke. She won’t touch a drop of booze tonight. Not after last time.) “There,” she adds to the gesture, as she indicates the card table. For a moment she considers giving him names, then discards it; she doesn’t know Jack, and they can introduce themselves if they choose. “I know those folks, most of them. They’re friendly. Just say what you said to me.” She’s been avoiding eye contact, not liking the intensely focused vibe she’s getting off him. It’s distracting, not just from her self-appointed sentry responsibility; she doesn’t want to be under anyone’s scrutiny right now.
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Post by Gavin Graves on Apr 12, 2022 13:14:52 GMT -8
He was already aware of Aello's ability to acquire rarer books, but hadn't known anything of how she managed the results. Gavin nodded at the shared details. He had encountered interesting fraying at the edges of Contracts himself before. A conjured magical plan toward a desired outcome had gone through wild iterations of possible paths before fizzling spectacularly and indicating the Beast would have to kill himself and pay the Ferryman. A significantly more available grimoire should not be near impossible enough to bring that about again, he hoped.
When Tanner hung on any option offered other than the most obvious and easily poised to directly benefit from the effort, it stood out. Tanner actually believes he's pulled the wool over on Chunhua. That fact was sure to have made him feel isolated and that he had a secret he had to maintain under what he thought was the intense scrutiny of a powerful capacity for memory. Chunhua would have known before inducting Tanner into the Eternal Echoes. Tanner had already failed to maintain the façade within this conversation.
"Really depends on who you want to have an inside look at this. Clearly that isn't the Knight of Webs."
"You've been through a lot, mate. A lot more than almost anyone knows. Not here to judge anything." Unsure what Tanner was thinking he needed to make up for. From past experience with case work, plenty of folks were haunted by versions of themselves they thought they'd never be and figured they could never escape again. Gavin figured the young man needed one aspect of his life to move in the right direction and perhaps regain a feeling of control to build upon. He left the statement with a hanging pause and a gentle smile.
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