[Social Scene] April / May 2023

The best parts about meetings of this sort, away from celebrations and coronations were the relaxed nature that came with it, the lack of a need to impress or do much of anything than to just be around others. Something that she truly needed nowadays, after her little hiatus this past winter so was it not good to not be seen and even more so since her ascendance to carry an official title within the court.

Walking up to Bruce, Inima in a leash with her, a scratched guitar strapped over her back along with her always carried tablet. Gently cocking her head with a soft gentle smile feeling certain that he would recognize her and allow her entrance along with the knowledge that she was not one for speaking. And if not so should her overwhelming mantle be more than enough to prove who she were beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Walking inside and taking off Inima´s little jacket noting her job and heading over to room Y.1.6, scanning the area for people here and walking over to the ruling Sovereign, bending forward to give him a soft gentle hug and look of a good friend. Smiling toward the others and taking a seat a bit away from anyone else, Inima instantly jumping to lie beside her, touching up against her leg.
Taking out her scratched acoustic guitar, clinking on it a little to adjust the sound before starting to play a soft light melody for the gathered ones, making sure to not play loudly enough to make it hard for them to convene, talk or disturb them as she gets lost in allowing her fingers to fly over the guitar with fluid ease.

Looking up from her guitar with a warm smile to the newcomer and going back to finish her current melody, not reacting to the sudden new mantle appearing before her for a single moment. Then again her own mantle tended to either drown out most mantles around her or at least dull the effects they had on her without worry, it had been a grand change from when she was new and the summer including most other ones she encountered were strong enough to make her feel suffocated or enchanted on an eternal loop.
Still it was quite new to not fall victim to it, making it a strange sensation as a whole with the meteoric rise of her mantle since last summer.

Finishing the current melody, placing the scratched guitar to the side and getting up, counting the people that was here and the pastries on the plate with a growling stomach, always that damn hunger. Grabbing two of them once she was sure that no one would be left out at least one and getting back to her seat with a cock of her head and thankful smile to the red victor.
Pulling off a small piece of one of them to feed her little corgi as she makes soft little silent faces and plays, feeding her and grabbing the guitar with a look to the summer as if waiting to hear what she would like to hear.

Floating over to the two spring courtiers, Remy picks up a piece for them each, silently offering her regards to the monarchs, as she passes them by. It might not their time of rulership yet, but still they held the honour of their respective season and thus deserved her utmost respect. 

"How is life treating you, when not trying to bite you in the ass, Julien? Serves you right, for stepping into the hedge in the first place. It's not secure there." her voice however, despite the scolding, sounds gentle in the privacy of their conversation. "Stay careful, we cannot afford finding another fool fitting for the job, this soon." 

Thrusting a piece of pastry into Aaliyah's face she mumbles while straightening and briefly scanning the area for impeding threats. "Eat, you look like you need it." she urges. "We haven't met before, have we? I'm Remy from Summer." she falls silent, patiently waiting for the girl to take the treat. "I wouldn't mind hearing Road Trippin' if that is agreeable to you."

Withdrawing a bit, Remy stands in a relaxed posture, hands on her back, like a recruit being told to assume a more comfortable position. Out of the corner of her eyes she observes the dog, discretely keeping an eye on the food it eats.  

In case both courtiers decide to take the food Remy offers them they feel refreshed, oddly enough that would be a seasonal boon of spring, not summer though.

After making sure there were not any eyes on the alley, Cinder stepped in with her hood covering much of her head. She was used to attract eyes of mortals and she was not the only attractive person to cross that alley today. In the relative privacy of the alley, she pulled off the hood and gave a nod to Bruce. She lit her pipe. "All good?" she asked the ogre. Well, Bruce was not much for a discussion, not while on duty at least. She puffed her silvery smoke and stepped in. 

Moving to the meeting she got greeted by mostly what she was expecting to find: a large gathering of changelings at ease, secure in the numbers and their powers. She should be at ease. Then why did she feel obliged to make sure her weapon was at her side and why did she look at the archways twice? Well, she knew why and she knew that everyone there felt the sa... 
Julian and the spring-sters. Well, almost everyone. 

The Red Victor is there too. Cinder has been hanging in the back for the couple of meetings she has attended, but everyone knew Remy.
She made her way giving the proper - she hopes - respect to those that deserve it by deed or position. This was an informal meeting, anyway. Approaching, she catches a few words spoken by Remy. 
"Greetings, your ... grace?" she says hoping that's the right way to address Julian. "Greetings, Champion Remy and Greetings to you... " she tried to remember the name of the beautiful elemental... "Aaliyah. Apologies if I got the name wrong. Beautiful song. I am Cinder, Sentry of the Sun Arc. I patrol the Hedge." she said not-looking at Remy when she says that, quite intently. 
"How are the nights treating you?"

Smiling at the verdant sovereign as he approached her and scuffed a bit to the side to give him proper room to sit down, completely missing his sneaky little feeding of the dog he had given her last Christmas and looking down at the guitar, gently taking a few chords trying to find the right opening still awaiting for the red victor to give her request as a thanks for the pastries and soundlessly laughing at his words more so evident in her facial expression than the sound.

Looking up to follow the movements of the treat bringer and letting out a light growling sound of annoyance at the disrespect she was showing her sovereign and friend, biting down on the pastry from her hand and pulling back to grab it still within her mouth as her fingers begin to play uptown girl from Billy Joel having been more prepared for such a song than one she hadn´t heard of before. Eyes closing, getting lost in her skillful playing, music and dancing were truly the two places where she could feel the most at home and relaxed.

Missing the appearance of the fire elemental at first, completely lost in her playing to the point of even ignoring her words but lowering the volume of her playing a bit to make it easier for her to talk and be heard.
Not giving her an answer or even look until the song came to an end, softly letting the sound of her song die out. Moving the guitar lightly to the side to grab her tablet, clicking on it in a swift manner and as she looks up to her with a welcoming kind look upon her letting a soft female voice speak from it as her own lips remains closed.

 "Greetings Cinder, I hope all is well with you? Thank you for your hard work in keeping us all safe,. Would you like to request a song as well?" 

Lightly scratching Inima behind her ear as she clicks on the tablet a bit, removing it from her shoulder and placing it down upon the table before them and softly starting to play Road Trippin after the sheet music on the tablet.

Cinder turned to Aaliyah first " I am good to just enjoy what the others request, miss. " but the champion's words took her attention and she looks between her and Julian. 
"I am sure the Verdant Sovereign is aware of the dangers, but I will be willing - and quite happy to - accompany you to the Hedge, if you so wish, your grace. Especially with someone able to evoke positive emotions, the trip would be much safer. " She tries to not sound too eager or too fan-girl. But perhaps she was not clear enough? Too subtle? Better to put it out there. 
Turning her full attention to Julian, Cinder said "In fact I would like to show you what I do there. The Sun Arc is safe. For the reasons the Crimson Champion mentioned, and well ... the other things that happened, the Hedge is not getting enough visitors from us. I find there is something... visceral... in a way to the Hedge. Something to keep you on your toes, challenge your wits and determination and such."

Nomming on the pastry whilst playing, glad that she did not need her mouth for playing the songs only her eyes and hands making it perfect to snack to as Inima yawns and burrows herself closer to her. That little sensation of energy or rather loss of the built up fatigue from the day spurring her on to play her songs at a calmer and more eased pace.
Playing the final note and launching her neck out to swallow the final bite and lean back against the couch just holding the guitar and feeling at ease as she listens to the whisper, cocking her head and looking a bit lost. Eyes darting between Julian and the red victor obviously a bit curious about what she might be referring to, then again they were spring and did strange things that was...public knowledge true for their court overall right?

A slight annoyance showing in her look mostly hidden by the curiosity, she was the red victor yes but he was a sovereign and if she could handle being in the hedge with her low fighting abilities and just Squirrel as company surely he would be fine as well. Then again judging by all events as of late so was it always best to be safe.

Turning her gaze toward the fire elemental, shaking her head to let the look of curiosity fade, looking up and down at herself and back to the woman with a silent invite that she would not mind following along either and she was not bad with positive emotions either. Nowhere his level of course but still she had tricks up her sleeves few others had and the absolute talent to use them.

Lifting her hands and rapidly starting to sign to her that she would be quite interested in joining for a trip, heck she even had a trip planned for the near future not that she was sure if it was one for the fire elemental though and it would probably be something more in need for the red victor but some deeper sights around this area would not be bad either.
Stopping her signing and waiting to see if the woman understood ASL at all as she grabs polishes a bit on the scratched up guitar.

Julian pulled a face like he had just bitten into the most sour lemon when he was expecting something sweet "Oh god... what's with all the your highness, grace majesty stuff." He paused for a second "Julian is fine, I am not one to stand on ceremony unless it's absolutely required"

"As for the hedge, did you do it properly if something didn't try to eat you? I dare say it's an occupational hazard"

"As for staying out of the hedge. I wish you luck trying to contain me" He winked

"That's the price of wearing the fancy crown, Julian. Wait a decade and no one will remember your name at all." at the thought Remy would inwardly shudder. Giving up her name ever again? Not without a fight. Her unease shows in a slight shift of posture and upon noticing that the pastry was gone she removes her hand from Aaliyah's periphery.

One more soul fed. She would not admit it at an official gathering such as this, but it was small things like this that filled her with a real sense of accomplishment. Humming along the song for a few beats, Remy allows herself to bask in the warmth and enjoyment. She wasn't even off tune. Quite on the contrary. But soon enough the moment passes and the lava elemental returns to a more reserved and slightly stiff demeanor.

"Let me know in advance if you wish to venture into the hedge and I will accompany you. Things are brewing ever since and I'd feel better if no one went there all by themselves." It partly was what she was there for after all. Hedgerunning by far was not her specialty but she'd be damned if that would stop her. Just in case.

When Aaliyah starts to sign Remy shifts again, watching the spring courtier with interest and files the information away without commenting on it. Maybe the girl could teach her. Being able to silently communicate could come in handy in a lot of  situations.

Cinder didn't know the signs Aaliyah was making and it showed in her confused face as she shook her head. When Julian said he was not big on ceremonies, the elemental found herself smile at Julian's relaxed tone, before she caught herself and shifted to a more respectful tone. Julian may not stand on ceremony but they were not alone and some others might. 

The next comment of the Red Victor gets a look of surprise from her. A decade with a crown and forgetting one's name? That sounds too much like... them. She shook her head. She didn't want to think of that. The song was a welcome distraction. She did not always agree with the Spring's lalaland approach but she did admit they made life more worth living. Another look at the arcs and portals and shadows. 
Stop that! she thought to herself. You are perfectly safe here! She moved her hand off her sword-hilt, slightly embarrassed. She was not a little girl to jump at shadows. Taking a breath she turned back to the sovereign to ask what she meant to ask.

"King Julian, I have an unofficially official question to ask. It is about the Freehold Oath, on which I have a few questions. The Oath prohibits us from killing a mortal and makes no exception for self-defense, is that correct? But perhaps you, as the sovereign can give permission. In my line of work amidst the humans it is not inconceivable that some ... not exactly legal elements may start shooting at me or those that I am close with. Do I have your permission to use lethal force in self defense or in the defense of those allied with me?"

After Julian answered her question, Cinder mentioned that she would like to go to the hedge in search of goblin fruit and asked whomever was responsible if she could put up such a notice in the board for everyone to see in case they are interested along with contact information.

Shuddering a bit at the words of the pastry chef, one decade and forgotten…again. Looking down into her guitar a bit relieved that she did not need to speak or directly engage in the topic, it was hard enough to be forgotten once but to have that as ones ultimate fate how sad would that be?
Taking some time before looking to her sovereign with a comforting look upon her as she mouths the words “I´ll never forget it” hoping that he would be able to understand it even without sound.

Not giving a signal to react to the lost hand at all instead turning to Inima after her gaze to the king, leaning down to place a kiss upon her head then then turning to the chef with a cutesy look upon her and fluttering a bit with her eyes. Not saying anything just yet but she had just opened herself to a favor down the line.

Taking a moment to let her feel the sensation before standing up and placing her guitar on the couch as she presses some buttons on her tablet to allow it´s voice to once more speak for her the notion that Cinder had not grasped ASL not lost on her.
“The rules does not allow for murder, murdering and killing is not the same though.” 


Keeping her eyes down as she takes up a post-it bundle and a pen, scribbles on it and heads over toward the summer king, looking up and searching for his eyes with a look of acknowledgement to his status as she rips the note off and stretches out the note for him to take with the simple words:
“If you need a dancer/performer for your upcoming event please let me know.”

After a couple of minutes of enjoying the atmosphere here - including the various powerful mantle effects - Cinder found herself near the other two changelings she spoke to earlier, the Red Victor and Aaliyah. 
"So, what are your immediate goals, ladies? I was planning to get some goblin fruit and see if I can scrape some funds to get a decent weapon or two for the Freehold's arsenal. If they could be things that work in the hedge, so much the better. Personally, I have not found anything particularly threatening in the Hedge that we should focus on when summer comes but we have nearly the entire spring ahead of us to prepare. 
I was also thinking that perhaps the Freehold could try to clear out parts of the Hedge in order to establish a hollow or two as 'frontier bases' of shorts and try to expand trods towards such hedge features. It will probably take a lot of work, but I believe it is time to start expanding in the Hedge again, 15 years after Katrina. 
What do you guys think?" 

The last question while mostly addressed to Aaliyah and Remy, was meant to be heard in case the Granny, that has been around since before the disaster had something to add, or the Spring Sovereign since it was his term with the crown, or Firestorm or anyone else.

Raising her index finger over her lips and winking at Julian, she would certainly not be the one to stop him from venturing alone if he so wished. He was a sovereign and had earned that title, surely he was able to take care of himself and the threats they faced were not exactly immediately harsh. Still finding a claviger to serve the emerald crown might be a wise future step.
Shying back a bit for a second at the gaze from the summer king but quickly regaining her composure whilst chastising herself over the stupidity of her acting, she was a representative now and needed to be able to act like it.
Eyes looking at his finger with an impressed sight, always glad to be able to see someone reply in ASL, giving him proper time to finish signing before slowly signing back to give him ample time to follow her fingers.
“Understandable such is the season of summer, still my offer stands if you desire it. Dancing is what I was made for after all, and I have been gradually improving thanks to Inima. How is all with you venerable sovereign of summer?”


Sighing at the question from Cinder as she takes up her tablet and starts to type on it knowing that she would need to give a longer reply something she absolutely hated to have to do.
 “As for weapons so do I think that mundane ones are easy enough to come by, if you are talking about hedgespun ones so would they serve us better though and would require a lot more work. My personal hedge and fighting skills are not to rely upon but if you need the assistance of spring so will I gladly act as a representative for my court and aid you at the best of my abilities. Goals are simpler, for now I think we need to establish, rebuild and find a solid footing, hollows might be wise but we cannot stretch ourselves to thin and personal is mainly just waiting for school next semester. Luckily I have all I need to apply and get a diploma without issue.”  
True she had some personal goals as well but nothing she wanted to discuss too deeply in a meeting like this.

Silently following the conversation for a while, Remy appears more like a guard than a participant herself. People rarely take a personal interest in the summer elemental, aside from what she can do with a sword and shield that is. She answers Cinder's question without a second thought at first, "Learning how to draw from memory--" she stops and turns her gaze from roaming the room towards Cinder and Aaliyah. Before I no longer can recall her face. She thinks and silently regards them with an odd intensity. This certainly wasn't what they wished to hear. 'Skinning a huntsman with my favorite kitchen knife.' Did not sound like an ice breaker either. Of course there where things she'd like to explore beyond that, but those weren't more than silly dreams and thoughts anyways. Hardly achievable and not suited for a person like her. 

Remy was made and remade into someone to physically protect and nothing else. 

"A hollow, a trod, hunting huntsmen, farming goblin fruit, forging mighty weapons and finding glory all at once? You are eager, Cinder, which is a good thing. What would call to you the most? It almost sounds like the ironside no longer holds any appeal to you." 

Aaliyah's admission sounds more worldly though. "A diploma in which field is what you are looking for? Dancing or is it something else?"

Cinder echoed Remy's question to Aaliyah. "A diploma? That sounds promising. What field?" 
To Remy's question she replied with a playful smile "Ahh... you make it sound more glorious and heroic that it was my intention. Namely, I was thinking to buy a shotgun or two and then see if anyone can tweak them with Cogleaf, or simply test if and how reliably they work in the hedge. As for a trod and hollows... I merely think we should try to push back the thorns a bit, give us more room. Hunters..." there she goes silent for a moment. "I meant goblins and privateers working for hunters. Hunters ... scare me." her hand went to her sword unconsciously.  
"Perhaps we could find a musket, like the one Uncle Scrooge of Ducktales has, that can shoot anything. And then find cold iron fillings or something. I just want to be better prepared for when we need to be prepared. Priorities... I would actually say push back the hedge a bit. Cold iron is not safe for us to touch and we can get guns quite easily. That said, gathering goblin fruit is simpler." Cinder said to the other two women.

The sudden questions aimed at her making her feel a bit on the spot, and dancing why was that the first thing that came to mind when people saw her? Yes she was made into a dancer, akin to the apsara´s and her skill was every bit as grand as theirs but still was that all that she were to people? A dancer and nothing else, was she really so dull that there was nothing else interesting about her than to dance?

Choosing to not answer either of the two, instead just looking toward Inima and wondering if she should have brought a Lyre for some difference in music instead of just playing at the guitar until being caught off guard with the uncle Scrooge comment, and starting to silently laugh but quickly turning dead silent to just stare at the woman.
Shaking her head at the words, cold iron was nothing to joke about and even preparing it although wise to have in dire situations meant the absolute preparedness to kill one of their own, to kill beings of their world or one of the freehold members. The mere thought feeling unpleasant enough to quickly have her sit down and pet Inima instead of engaging with the two. Wanting no part in a discussion of cold iron no matter how handy it could be so were the implications not a matter she would touch. If summer wanted to then that was their business but she was neither a summer, claviger or soldier she was a performer and sage escort not a killer.