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Post by Krakenbox on Dec 17, 2020 23:41:20 GMT -8
 Without the raw concentration of Mantle and Glamour... the manor house was still impressive. A now familiar Baroque fashioned gate sealed off a pink sandstone driveway, giving way to marble pillars surrounding a shallow rock pool. Interspersed between the columns were lit fountains that sent ripples of light across the gardens of evening primrose, desert marigolds, and orchids that lined the generously wide entry. Within the bed of the desert, the hydro bill must have been through the roof.  The mansion itself was an off white and blue echoing influences of Versailles and a gaudy 1920’s theatre, looking a little faded in the morning sun without the bright lights of the twilight revelry. After the sanction of the Knight of Scales, Kai Rose had gathered a small contingent for her investigation, Spring royalty in apparently no hurry to dig themselves. That in itself was odd, hence the pair of sociable Emeralds she had tagged as politically neutral. Learning from Solomon, being new to the Freehold and low of rank afforded a generous amount of social flexibility and deniability. Plucky socialites wanting to help out their beloved Prince, never mind the Mind Sculpture and the metallic juggernaut. They had yet to reach the gate and buzzer, giving them time to quickly hash out their approach. |
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588 
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Post by Ivory on Dec 18, 2020 23:43:51 GMT -8
Of course Ivory agreed to help Kai. She liked the Spear well enough and the nature of the investigation could serve as a means to bolster her standing. It was a win-win. She hadn't expected Agrippa, but their presence was a welcome surprise and the metal-laden Ogre, unknown to Ivory, was afforded a nod. Pleasant smiles were given to all and Ivory appeared well dressed enough for the occasion, sporting a rich, burgundy suit with a black shirt. The Pale Dragon was unsure what the Polychromatic had in mind, but, considering the meeting place, Ivory made a point to look well put together.
"I assume you are heading this investigation," the Pale Dragon offered Kai, "How do you want to do this?"
Roles were important for this sort of thing, after all.
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Post by Agrippa on Dec 19, 2020 17:19:13 GMT -8
Agrippa tugged down on a pale pink blazer and smoothed out the white shirt beneath, thanking the heavens that it was the finer pieces of their wardrobe that had survived the move. Clad in nothing darker than baby-blue brogues, the lost nearly resembled a lit beacon. A silver clicker pen and the wire curls of a spiral-backed notepad poked out of the breast pocket. Aside from that, they at least appeared to be empty handed.
The beast had been trying hard to not look so pleased at being included in an occasion that existed only due to a crime. It was a relief when Ivory smiled- it gave them permission to do the same. They turned the grin, warm and excited, towards the others in an attempt to mask its self-congratulatory nature. First Ivory, then Linden, and finally Kai as Ivory addressed her as team lead. Suspecting themselves of being the least knowledgeable of the situation at-hand, Agrippa honed their attention on the expected response.
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Post by Kai Rose on Dec 19, 2020 22:47:48 GMT -8
Kai gave the others a wave, flashing a smile to Ivory and Linden and offering Agrippa a handshake. "Hey. Thanks for coming. I'm Kai." She gestured up to the mansion casually. "I'll give you the gist, before we get to it, just to make sure everyone is on the same page. A couple of months back at the Mabon Feast, a human who had been punted out of the timeline after firing a shot appeared in the Sunset Prince's salon. Cold iron. Real nasty. In one timeline, he was hit in the chest by that shot and died. I went back and warned him, which worked out. He was okay. The attacker was stopped."
She gestured to the group in a little circle. "We're here to converse with the victim, investigate the scene, and see what information was found from the attacker. We'll go from there. I figured a Spring and Summer crew working together to look into this would open more doors and let us all figure out who it is that was trying to murder Spring's beloved Golden Hind faster. Make sense?"
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Linden
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Presence (3) Steady
Posts: 325
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Post by Linden on Dec 20, 2020 21:54:24 GMT -8
Despite the Nevada heat, Linden's customary leather jacket was thrown over their shoulder. It wouldn't stop a time travelling bullet, or even anything half as exciting, but it made them feel better. Ivory's nod was returned in kind, though with a touch less gravitas. They had seen the dragon in passing before, but never close enough to feel the way she held the space around her. Agrippa's smile held the Ogre's attention a moment longer than they intended, startled by their beauty. Something about the way light touched them made Linden think sweet, like a meringue. A warm, slightly sheepish, smile went the Beast's way, and then mellowed as it settled on Kai.
"Sounds good to me." Free hand thrust into the worn pocket of their jeans, Linden's entire demeanor was casual. "For the moment I'm good to go wherever you point me; and, like you said, we'll figure things out from there."
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Dec 21, 2020 12:47:22 GMT -8
Ivory examines her nails as she listens to Kai speak of the attack. She knew some of it, of course, having been present in the adjacent space at the time, but her eyebrows raised as the diner details were spoken. Nonetheless, this was an opportunity Ivory would be foolish to turn away. In discovering Buck's would-be killer, Ivory's status would increase and her connection with the Summer would also deepen. The fact she would rise with Kai was a welcome feeling.
It is only when Kai lays out her plan direct that Ivory's gaze flits back up to the Polychromatic's face and a small smile spread upon her lips. Today was a chance to actually speak to Chasseur and, even though she intended to stick to business, the opportunity existed to finally quench Stheno's challenge. Besides... surely if she was successful the satyr would wish further correspondence.
"Perfectly clear to me," Ivory said, "I am ready whenever you are."
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Post by Agrippa on Dec 21, 2020 16:13:55 GMT -8
Agrippa took Kai's hand gladly, matching her grip and timing with uncanny precision.
"Agrippa! And it's my pleasure, I'm glad I can help."
The introduction was in part for Linden's benefit as well- a fact made plain as they shot a cheerful glance towards the summer bruiser. They nodded along with Kai's explanation, taking a moment to digest the events laid before them before responding
"Makes as much sense as you could hope anything involving time travel would."
They suppressed a chuckle and looked up, seeming to search the clouds for questions
"Are we treating this as attempted murder or just plain old murder? Our culprit did technically manage their scheme in full before you reversed the clocks. Congratulations on that, by the way."
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Post by Kai Rose on Dec 22, 2020 14:06:19 GMT -8
Kai pumped the Beast's hand and gave a quiet chuckle at the point about attempted murder or plain old murder. "Honestly, if I got up in my head about the alternate timelines, I'd go nuts. Let's just call it an attempt, since our boy is still alive and the shooter was stopped, yeah?" Some things were just easier when you didn't overthink them. "All right, y'all. Let's see who wants to kill the Sunset Prince."
She pressed the buzzer. "Good morning. Visitors for Mr. Chasseur." She gave the camera a little wave.
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Post by Krakenbox on Dec 22, 2020 23:20:18 GMT -8
The doors were open. As Spring and Summer was welcome across the threshold, the flowers glittered with morning dew, becoming vivid in ethereal light as a distant ring hummed swept through the courtyard. Boots and heels clicked up the steps themselves, wide enough to accommodate an entire procession. The doors are adorned with large, frosted glass enameled with iron patterns of arrows and twisting groves fit for a temple. A black swallow clasping the massive knocker fashioned after a wreath allowed for a single, thunderous clang. The golden doors split open an inch, allowing a welcoming gust of fresh air to breeze past, and freeze the moisture into dry powder. The willow limbed gentleman known as Lancelot hitched the entrance to remain only as wide as his person.  The Wizened of Artemis' Bane gave a courteous nod to the foursome, slightly familiar in one way or another. The silver pommel of his sword flashed as his gloved hand relaxed its grip, fully opening the door to let them through. "Good afternoon," he responded, grey eyes ghosting over their person, "Mr. Chasseur would be in the Hedge Maze, though I am sure he would not be late on purpose."Without the dreamlike haze of Mabon, the interior was solid and bright without the overwhelming blooms creeping from the edge of reality. The details of the space stuck to memory, revealing the iron crescent moon fitted over the arch as a hidden guillotine. The grand stairwell lit by a colossal chandelier of polished bone-white antlers. Lancelot's head cocked slightly to listen over his shoulder. "Your offer for assistance is met with thanks. The attack on Mr. Chasseur an odd state of affairs; I am sure everyone is grateful for your timely intervention." His boots ghosted over the dark sapphire carpet with silver embroidery, while the courtiers' steps felt all the more highlighted. "The sudden betrayal of Mr. Martinez is quite a tragedy. To have known his metal state had deteriorated in such a fashion that he would betray his employer would have been a blessing. Alas, hindsight." The recollection was melancholic enough, despite the Wizened's restrained nature. The vaulted hallway glittered in hues of gold and bronze, turns stacking until they arrived in a study filled with decadent furniture, flowing curtains, and walls of liquor. Fantastic carved skulls were mounted from various hunts. Unlocking the door in a smooth motion, the patio overlooking the garden was revealed. The high desert sun hidden behind trellis that appeared to have grown from the wood, rather than carved. Monarchs flitted from the lanterns, collecting the mist that kept the deck at a reasonable temperature. Lancelot squinted at the Hedge Maze, the ever-present frown deepening as he checked his watch. Mundane staff manifested with drinks and elegantly plated fruit while everyone got situated. |
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Post by Kai Rose on Dec 24, 2020 16:05:10 GMT -8
Hedge Maze? That earned two raised eyebrows from Kai, who thought that actually sounded really cool. Was that where he hunted? He had asked her if she did... God, Buck was cool! The thoughts raced through her mind rapidly, a reflection of her memory of how exciting the man was. Or was it his Mantle?
"Hello, Lancelot. It's not a problem. We can wait."
As she followed Lancelot in, she glanced around the interior. It looked so different this time, far less a dreamscape and far more practical. Her eyes clocked the trap with a professional 'hmm' of appreciation. Apparently, this place had plenty of function hidden away in its form. She glanced back at the rest of the team. The suggestion of a betrayal made her raise her eyebrows.
"A betrayal? Do you think Martinez agreed to get sent forward in time? That would explain the timing of the shot." She accepted a fruit-filled glass of white sangria and sipped at it. "My friends here are Ivory, Agrippa and Linden. I suppose the place to start would be with what you folks know so far, but if you would prefer to wait for Buck, we're happy to enjoy your hospitality."
That last piece had a lilt of a question at the end. Memory banks stirred to life as she put two and two together on Freehold politics to recall information about the relationship between Buck and Lancelot.
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Post by Agrippa on Dec 27, 2020 15:16:06 GMT -8
While Agrippa had anticipated the mansion's interior to be as impressive as its exterior, they couldn't help but be taken aback anew as they followed through the entrance. Their steps slowed a little, becoming quiet and careful as they eyed the walls agape. They were listening, but distantly. Places like this made Agrippa feel like a sinner walking on holy ground- even direct invitation could not assuage the uneasy feeling usually reserved for trespass. The beast's hands busied themselves needlessly adjusting the lapels of their jacket.
It was only when Kai mentioned their name that they were properly brought back down to earth. They shot Lancelot a winning smile and gave them a polite nod, making a concerted effort to mask the work their brain was doing behind the scenes to process the dialogue from earlier. They didn't say anything, not yet. They didn't want to interrupt Kai, and she wasn't omitting any questions they could think of anyways. Instead they fished the notepad and pen out from their breast pocket, flipping absently through several pages of scribbled notes before landing on a blank page.
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Linden
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Presence (3) Steady
Posts: 325
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Post by Linden on Dec 27, 2020 16:58:03 GMT -8
While things moved around them, the Ogre did their best to be inobtrusive. It wasn't had to parse that they were the backup muscle, and it wasn't time yet to play their part. Taking up the rear, they inwardly marveled at the luxury of the mansion but paid just enough attention to catch Kai's meaningful look on the heels of Lancelot's words. Which, unfortunately, they hadn't been paying attention to. Clearly time to start.
At the mention of their name, Linden raised a large hand to greet Lancelot and signal which one they were, but remained quiet. The wineglass in their other hand was held low, fingertips gripping around the lip; more a prop they had felt compelled to accept than a drink they intended to imbibe.
Linden leaned against part of the trellis but then thought better of it, unsure if it would support their weight, and followed their host's gaze out across the hedge maze.
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Dec 27, 2020 18:10:30 GMT -8
Ivory followed Kai and the others within.
Unlike Agrippa and Linden, Ivory was not as taken aback, proceeding with the comfort and confidence of one familiar with luxury. In hindsight, her familiarity also deprived her of the signs of the structure's hidden purposes. The Pale Dragon stayed silent as they were led through the interior, an eyebrow cocking as Lancelot spoke of a traitor who had met an end. She was unfamiliar with this detail.
"A pleasure," Ivory offered as the group was introduced. Entering the patio, she would accept a glass of chardonnay, nodding her thanks to the staff. Then she followed Lancelot's gaze.
"Is Mr. Chasseur currently... unavailable?" she asked.
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Post by Buck Chasseur on Dec 27, 2020 18:36:16 GMT -8
Lancelot's attention remained trained on the Gate, relaxing a bit as Spring erupted into the lawn, moss and thyme carpeting the rocks as butterflies of light rested and vanished with the burst of air.
The antlered figure leapt from the exit, rolling in a tumbling somersault and spraying the stones as he vaulted back into a crouched position, the bloody streak of crimson bright against the sun-bleached surface of the path.
"That is-" the Chatelaine blinked in confusion, ditching decorum as he dropped from the raised patio and charging through the garden to meet the other.
The volley that came from the shotgun rolled like thunder across the silent field, the man walking backwards at a steady pace as the Gate split and shimmered. Whatever beast was trying to emerge stopped as the reptilian paw pressed against the laws of Reality, toes erupting into dying brambles before retreating in a ripple that shook across the hedges.
Buck sat on the path, chuckling as he waved off the other. There was a distinct headwound, with one of his golden antlers snapped and dangling above the base. "Sorry I'm late!" he called over his shoulder, giving a thumbs up to the visitors.
Despite the Emerald's smoke and whiskey voice affirmed a stable situation, Lancelot did a poor job of schooling a long-suffering expression as he followed the other. Buck didn't bother with the stairs, vaulting over the rail with a gust of wind. One eye closed from the stream of injury, he snapped off the bleeding antler. "This could actually be handy, in a pinch," he chuckled, feigning a stabbing motion before ditching it over his shoulder.
It took a full minute for the manifestation of mien to dissolve to Reality.
His receding dirty blonde hair reminded one of dust on the trail, spit curls fighting against the coiffed style. Up close, Buck's face was almost ageless. The laugh lines and crows feet manifesting around the pearly grin was the only hint of his lifetime of achievements as he offered the Lost each a proper handshake.
The Mantle was fully established as the Beast's presence took over the patio. Adrenaline kicked in without warning, feeling like one could take on the world in that split second. It didn't matter that the Runnerswift was a prey animal: he was clearly the leader, but it felt correct , like a victory was on the horizon as long as you locked step. The crazy hunter was adventure incarnate, and more than willing to spread the wealth.
"Damndest thing," he muttered, though he might as well have shouted. Watermelon disappeared as the Wyrd was tugged on, and he hissed when wiping the cut with glittering sap started mending the ugly split. "It's not going anywhere I supposed, but I figured it wasn't worth dying over, either." His smile was bright and genuine.
"You worked some security for Mabon — haven't had the chance to actually thank you myself," Buck said to Kai, before nodding at Ivory, "Right, and a conversation is owed."
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Post by Krakenbox on Dec 27, 2020 19:01:14 GMT -8
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