[Samhain] The Crossroads

Riley observed the Sentries who wandered the gathering, with a flat distant gaze. The moth seemed to zone out, as the pale reflection of the sentries moved across their obsidian eyes.

The ethereal beings elicited a merging of contrary emotions within Riley’s gut. There was a faint nagging of something that felt familiar but couldn't recall it, the memory just beyond reach. The Bright one couldnt help but also feel a perhaps comforting connection to them, relatable in the glow and androgynous form. Yet over both of those feelings a sensation alien and discomfort and unease was smeared over them. It was not a collection of feelings that the Darkling liked.

_{There was the dizzying echo of voices and music, distorted by a chorus of clicking.}

The moth blinked their inky black eyes as they came back to the present of the gathered feast.

“Uh- yeah.“ The comment was delayed as their mind processed what the Pale Dragon said.

“No names, right. I am not the only one who that little detail is discomforting...right?”

They said glancing at the other two for a moment, hoping that one of them shared a similar sentiment.

The dragon gave a noncommittal shrug as each of her compatriots speak. She tried to hide her own feelings of their surroundings, but her mask cracked. Concern and discomfort colored her features, the heavy hang of Autumn visibly affecting her, some of it seemed directed at the Sentries, but it seemed Ivory did not find much of the greater atmosphere to her liking. Beyond her initial glance, Ivory chose not to look upon the androgynous guests of the Leaden Mirror or their caretakers, refocusing her energy on her immediate surroundings.

"There is a power in names," she offers as Riley mused of the need for the Sentries to remain nameless, "I'm sure they operate under different rules than normal people. Just as we do, though perhaps not for the same reasons... I don't pretend to know."

A glint of sympathy hit the Pale Dragon's features as the pair before her echoed discomfort.

"Their time here is brief," she offers, her voice briefly lilting in an attempt to offer some comfort, "And they seem to be sticking around the Mirror. All is well."

She believed that. She had to. The Sentries may be unknown quantities to the Pale Dragon... but she doubted those who ministered over them more directly were likewise in the dark.

Her piece given, she granted the pair an uneasy smile. Lifting her glass the Fairest drained a healthy drink from her cosmopolitan. Then, directed as they were by Firebringer's question, the soft glow of Ivory's golden eyes landed squarely on Riley. The freehand of the dragon moved, inching closer to the Darkling before Ivory paused, uncertainty creeping across her face. The hand was then retracted. Perhaps a physical touch was not appropriate. After all, Ivory new very little of the stylish Bright One. 

"Find comfort in company, Riley," she says, granting some light wisdom, "I know that I am."

Wisdom and a compliment? Ivory may be unsteady, but the dragon was still there and, despite the uncertainty, composed. To a point.

Firebringer nods, "Might be interesting to find out. But then again, some things are better left unknown."

She watches the exchange between Ivory and Riley with curiosity, wondering what it all means, but she doesn't dwell too long on it. She wonders what the real relationship is that exists between the two.

"Oh, yeah, don't worry. I'm pretty good with a punch. Though, I get the feeling you two are not damsels beyond beauty," She says with a chuckle, "I'll bet you two can hold you own. Of course, if you can't, I certainly have got your back," 

She laughs even more, "Hey, if I'm gonna die, it might as well be in a blast of glory. I'm good with it." She finishes up her drink, a persistent blush settling upon the tiny Ifrit's cheeks. The light buzz of the alcohol and the further warmth gives her a bit of joy. 

"You know what is a mystery I'd like to solve at some point? How my mien doesn't just make all alcohol explode around me." 

The Moth raised an eyebrow, their antenna perking in the curiosity of the mention of Data. They weren't sure where Ivory was going but once the offer of shots came to the table, Riley clapped their hands together with a satisfying ring.
"Now that's an experiment I am all for!"

Alcohol and playing with fire? What could go wrong! A small excited buzz ran up their spine at the sudden rush of excitement. Riley waved over for the bartender before looking to Firebringer and Ivory.

"What we think? Vodka? or maybe a bourbon or whisky? Those might have a little more fuel to them"  

"Unless your scared-" Riley nearly goaded the elemental to try and seal the deal. However the temptation to throw a different kind of fuel on to the fire was abated by a better sense of judgment. 

"What's your poison of choice?" A safer approach.

Ivory raised an eyebrow at Firebringer's suggestion of a brawl.

"Oh, I don't know. I doubt you'd find my company in that arena... pleasant," she offered. The idea of fighting for fun seemed foreign to the Dragon... and it was not a side she was known to show often.

For a moment it seemed Ivory would wax into a more dour cast, but, once again, Ivory was saved from her own mind by the machinations of Riley, as they stoked the fire Ivory had sparked. In response to the moth's promotion of the 'experiment', Ivory smiled, a warmth arising on her cheeks as she finally began to feel the alcohol in her system. Years of regular drinking had gifted her with a higher tolerance than her slight form suggested, but she was already a couple cocktails in. Taking in the moment, she relaxed in her chair, a hand raising to slip stark white hairs behind an ear as she allowed herself to slip into this new state.

Golden eyes remained on the moth for a long moment, before finally flitting over to the Ifrit. As Firebringer affirmed her interest, the Pale Dragon beamed, her smile spreading to a bright grin, her fanglike canines glinting subtly in the light of the lounge... though the influence of Autumn may well have cut it in a more sinister light than the tipsy Fairest had intended. Nonetheless, she was oblivious.

"I like my poisons varied," she mused. The statement seemed half to herself, as the dragon remained aware that the question was offered to the Summer in their company.

However, Firebringer's confident response - and her flirtation towards Riley - easily garnered the attention of Ivory, who watched the Darkling in turn with some eagerness. How would they respond to the Elemental's challenge?

Then came the Elemental's question: "What do y'all want?"

"So much," she replied, her tone waxing playful, "but for now? Booze. Any booze is good."

Firebringer watches Riley as they watch the Ogres diving into the pool. She didn't know them yet, so she wasn't the most interested. Then she thought about how creepy the waters were and she began to worry for the poor things. 

She gazes over at Ivory with a laugh, "So much, huh? Interesting." Again, a wee flirt. Maybe she was beginning to get more comfortable. 

The elemental takes the shot of whiskey, grinning as she watches the Moth with hers, "Oh, shit. Well, we can't have that, can we?" Seven years of bad sex? No thank you. "Bottoms up!" She taps glasses with them, doing her best to keep eye contact with both her and Ivory at the same time.

She downs her drink in one go, gritting her teeth and shaking her head as the burn of it tickles her throat. "Oh shit. That burn is harsh in the best way," She laughs, a small cough escaping her throat. Underneath her skin seems to burn brighter in response.

Her cheeks burn a hint red, but as it turns out, her tolerance is much better than thought.

"You okay over there, Riley?" She asks, noticing the waver in their stance. Not that Danica was far off. "Is our lovely moth a bit tipsy?"

"I can take that back for you!"

A passing pale beast in a pastel suit raised a hand in an attempt to get Firebringer's attention. 

"I'm on my way to the bar anyways."

They smiled disarmingly- their boldness might've suggested this was a return trip, but they were standing straight and had no empty glass in-hand.