As usual, King Charlie has made no effort to soften the Court by bringing food or drink. There is water, and that is it. The tables and chairs, always just enough for whoever needs to sit at one, are clean, and the hearth fire, this evening, is a rather bright silvery white with streaks of palest blue and lavender throughout the flames. It seems to be burning very large flowers instead of wood, and one of the hobs who lives here trundles through with an armload of more flowers, black with starry speckles and a vaguely slimy look, to dump into the flames. Oddly, the burning gives off cold instead of heat.
The Council's traditional seats are ready, with Pook and Heather, Spring and Dawn, respectively, putting their heads together about something, voices kept too low to be easily overheard.
Esther remembers the infamous heart pastries from the last meeting she attended. So she just brought her own boxes of doughnuts this time, along with a bottle of cider. She sits near the back and starts munching, though she does offer treats to those seated around her.
Ashe, also known as the Witch King of Angmar is seated in the Autumn Councilor seat and is still as a statue. The Shadowsoul is under layers of tattered robes and none of her skin can be seen. So if people haven't seen her since the end of Autumn reign, it's a drastic change. She does turn her head slowly to look at Pook at one point and just stares for a few moments. Then she goes back to starting at the flames burning.
Isolde is in attendance this evening. The Spring having been trying to kick some of the Greenies into getting their butts into gear, but, that seems to be an ongoing struggle. Still she's there with a smile on her lips and the power of her mantle wrapped around her and the area she sits in.
Amber seems to remember the lack of general refreshments as well, and has come likewise prepared. As she finds a seat someplace out of the way, she ends up slipping a flask out of the inside pocket of her coat. She doesn't drink from it immediately, instead absently tapping the smooth metal exterior against one knee as she watches the others arrive.
Poppy arrives along with Kelsey, the former of the two Autumns apparently having stopped for food - either anticipating the lack of refreshments, or simply being lucky - and has a paper sack that smells suspiciously like burgers and fries crammed into the top of her messenger bag. She's wearing her usual knee-high, black, stiletto heels, and her winter coat is open in the front, revealing a royal blue, cowlneck sweater worn over metallic green, scaled leggings. Apparently the siren has no issue with Going There. In her hand is a paper takeout cup, and she's sipping from the straw before murmuring something quietly to Kelsey. Ashe gets a thoughtful look before she nods to her, then, spying Amber, smiles cheerfully to the Spring and starts in that direction.
Kelsey's wool coat is not open. Not at all. Especially when the candleflame-haired Fairest steps into the room being cooled by tonight's hearthfire. A shiver, a tugging of the coat more closely around them, and Kelsey shamelessly uses Poppy as a sort of heat-shadow, accompanying her Amberward and keeping her between them and the silver-white flames.
King Charlie stops by the water pitcher to acquire a Dixie cup of water, for the principle of it, and slowly returns to his seat to set it on the table in front of him. With a glance at his watch before he can sit, he considers the number of people in the room, then announces, "May as well get started. This will be my last Court for the Winter season. Spring, or Dawn-" he tips his head in the direction of Pook and Heather, "-will have the responsibility to continue the good work we have done."
After a second glance, this time more purposeful, he notes, "Waylady November sends her regards, and commends Kelsey to us all as the latest recruit of the Waykeepers. Zhenya has volunteered to replace Rorschach as the leader of the Watchers." There's a hint of disapproval in his tone; those skilled at empathy may note the subtle body language which indicates his unhappiness with her absence here.
Ashe raises a hand in greeting to the Autumns that arrive and then the rest of the crowd. She's never surprised by the amount of Autumns here. Then the dark one goes back to her quiet vigil at the Council table and she looks to the bat that's hanging from her hand now, "Uvall, back in the hair for the time being." she whispers to the her hedge beast. Then when Charlie starts talking her shrouded head looks his way and she nods at the news of the assignments to the Waykeepers and the new head of the Watchers.
Kelsey returns a nod to Aaron, then starts to bat lashes innocently at Poppy and Amber -- whereupon the King speaks, and Kelsey cuts out the silliness promptly in favor of pausing, bowing to the King and his seat when their name is mentioned, and then taking a seat at the table with Poppy and Amber. No food, no flask. Apparently they are the self-appointed boring one in that group today.
Isolde gives a nod to the faces that she knows and there's a smile to the Spring Councilor as she takes her seat and fixes her gaze on Charlie O when he starts talking. She's also taking notes on the positions that are being changed and the announcement of a new Watcher Elect has her making a note for her to contact the new name.
SUDDENLY...! There is a slight hubbub at the entrance. The sound of someone loudly arguing. Then the doors open, and a large white crow flies into the room. Marching behind him is the skinny, angry, ornery form of C.B. Alexander, who is dressed not in his more normal attire of plaid flannel, jeans and work boots, but in a very conservative navy blue suit, white shirt, blue and white striped tie, and white handkerchief in his breast pocket. He's even wearing dress shoes. None of these accoutrements look particularly new or well-fitting, but they are formal, at any rate.
Then, the Author stalks right up to the Council, probably as closest to the throne as he can get. He might even interrupt the King as he says, in a voice that's Loud and Clear: "I DEMAND you Pledge me into the Freehold! I demand to be Pledged into Fate's Harvest!"
Sheesh, C.B. It's not all about YOU...
A breeze that smells of roses and steel, which apparently arrived at some point, takes a seat next to Isolde as CB comes in, and coalesces into a birkenstocks-wearing tin soldier in a summer-weight white linen suit. He's armed with nothing but a red rose in his lapel and the most unreadable nonexpression in the history of the world.
Czcibor leans closer to Isolde and says mildly, "The more things change..."
Esther stares as the man marches in and demands to be pledged. Her jaw almost drops in surprise, but that would mean a doughnut falling out of her mouth and that's not going to happen. She looks around, still wide-eyed, wondering just what is going to happen next. She chews, swallows, then says in a clear voice, "Who is this man?"
Poppy grins to Amber from where she's seated with the Spring and Kelsey at a table, the murmurs something to the pair before taking another sip of her soda. And then there's the commotion at the doorway, and the siren nearly spittakes her mouthful of coke, staring. Swallowing hastily, she manages, "What the actual fucking fuck?" While it isn't louder than a conversational tone, it's certainly louder than the quiet murmur she'd previously been using.
Kelsey's reaction is not quite as impressive as Poppy's. They had been winking past her at Amber. Then there's a CB, and Kelsey is abruptly sitting back in their seat, eyebrows going up. Whether there's actually any relief for not being the senior Waykeeper in the room right now is ... okay, that one might not be visible but it's a pretty good bet.
Isolde almost audibly facepalms when she hears C.B. then there's a look to Czcibor and a smile to the soldier, "There's a face I am happy to see." she grins to him. Then she looks back over at C.B. and makes a 'cut it out!' motion. Because DUH!
The crow, Yrrh, for anyone familiar with November's companion, is over-sized, with black eyes and iridescent scales on his pale feet. Leucistic rather than albino. He flap-flap-glides toward the table to take a brief perch at the Winter's end of it, backwinging to a landing with only a bit of a skid on the slippery surface. The bird looks none too pleased, but his voice, while rough, is no more so than others have heard from him before when he informs the King, "Compliments of the rainbow rocket pop. Candy Burninator Alexander."
Ashe stands when C.B. just barges in and demands to be sworn into the Freehold. Then November's companion appears as well and the woman does not split herself into a swarm of bats to wrap around the man and escort him to the King. The night was proving to be interesting, but the Witch King of Angmar settles herself back down and watches what the King has to say about things.
King Charlie's expression never has a chance to leave its vague disapproval! The stompy arrival of the unpledged Alexander prompts the lift of a single frosty brow, the icy teardrop of his entitlement catching the light of the blue-white hearthfire's flames as the skin shifts on his cheek. Looking to Yrrh when the bird clarifies the fact that, yes, CB did at least talk to a Waykeeper, the Winter asks the man, "Your name, please?"
Gee. Does he not trust that the crow gave him the proper one?
"My name is not CANDY BURNINATOR." C.B. scowls fiercely at the bird, a few white sparks of lightning crackling around his fingertips. Then he clears his throat and widens his stance, folding his arms and staring down the king. "C.B. Alexander. Court of the Solstice. I demand you let me Pledge! It's my right, if I'm to believe anything I've heard about this place." He takes a moment to glance around at the rest of the court, though the look he gives everyone else is more skeptical and doubtful than it is incendiary, per se.
In the meantime, Poppy has pulled the top off her to-go cup, extended it to Amber for an addition of whatever it is the Spring has in her flask, then reclaimed it, replacing the top again and sipping before finally getting to the burger she brought. Her attention is fairly well focused on the current events, however, even if her expression is bemused.
Esther looks around and notices that some people seem to know who the interloper is, so her confusion fades someone. She seems to be trusting that the People In Charge can handle this guy.
King Charlie remains serious and calm in the face of annoying crows and loud Alexanders, answering C.B. with a mild, "Requesting new pledges was next on the list, Mr. Alexander. Have you read the bylaws of the Freehold? If so, we can begin."
After topping Poppy up, Amber murmurs something to the others she's sharing a table with, eyes still watching the goings-on more than anything. C.B.'s antagonistic doubt in the face of everything so far may or may not be behind the great swig she takes from the flask herself before sinking back in her seat again.
The siren's expression continues to be somewhat bemused, but now she has alcohol and something that seems to be fairly undercooked, if the color staining the bun seems to be any indicator. Poppy murmurs something absently to the others at her table, turning the paper sack towards them, then takes another bite of her burger.
"Yeah, I've read 'em," scoffs the pushy Author. "And my FIRST question is, exactly who came up with these bylaws, and why aren't they open to debate and change. You can bet I'll be bringing things like this up -all the time- after you pledge me. So go ahead and do it." C.B. kind of smiles a little, though he's still squinting so much it's a wonder he can see anything at all.
"Always one for the dramatic entrances." Isolde muses as she watches what is transpiring up at the front. There's a warm smile on her lips, she didn't have a bad view of Mister Alexander. Just as long as he didn't try to burn the Hearth down. Or shock anyone.
Reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose at the same time as he slides down in his seat, Czcibor laughs-- a tinny sound under his breath-- without his face changing. He whispers something to the greenest of the Greenies, then drops his hands and shoves them in his blazer pockets.
Ashe sits back and watches what's going on. She has nothing to add for the moment as she's not reswearing or anything. She's already done that at the start of Winter. She does however turn her head when Candy Burninator starts asking who came up with the bylaws and why aren't they open to debate. Welp. Here they go.
Esther narrows her gaze at Candy Burninator Alexander. She raises her hand, waiting for the Crown to acknowledge her, like an A student in elementary school.
King Charlie addresses CB's concerns with a calm, but brisk, "The Founders of the Freehold and subsequent members of the Council, for the most part, though some have been addenda in response to then-current events." Catching Esther's hand being raised, he gestures toward her, inviting, "Esther?"
"You don't have any Solstice members on the Council," C.B. points out. "The Solstice Court demands representation." As they often do in other Freeholds, whether or not they are actually granted anything. But when the King invite A-student Esther to speak, he turns and glances over his shoulder with one eyebrow raised. Someone's no good at being patient. Someone might also be kind of uncomfortable, if the sweat on his brow is any indication.
Esther flushes a little, since she was actually acknowledge by the KING. She clears her throat, looks the outsider in the eye, and asks, "What are you running from? This all seems too abrupt to be a concern over by-laws or representation. What is the threat?"
"There are no Solstice Representatives..." Ashe states as she stands, both hands on the table, "Because it's not a Court." the black shrouded figure states. "So demanding to be placed into a Council position for a Court that doesn't exist is a very odd request, Mister Alexander." the Magister of Nightmares states. "People have tried to make it into a Court over the years here, but it hasn't yet attained that status." the Custodian Elect offers.
Aaron watches from the corner, sipping on water and watching the drama unfold. This got interesting fast, Aaron thinks to himself. He keeps quiet as he's got know stakes in this.
King Charlie gestures for C.B. to answer, remaining silent.
C.B.'s squint grows deeper, but he doesn't shy away from Esther's gaze. "I'm not running from /anything/. There /is/ no threat," he spits. "This is just how I /do/ things." Well, nobody can argue with that...probably. Ashe is given the same skeptical look. "It's my right as a representatve of the Solstice Court to demand a place on the Council. If it 'hasn't yet attained that status,' there's no reason I can't try." Then he turns and stares back at Charlie O, though he doesn't address the King directly.
King Charlie accepts the Burninator's declaration of how he 'does things' -- and clarifies, "It is your right, and it is our right to deny that seat, for the time being, though I respect your dedication. Shall we begin?"
Assuming he gets an affirmative, he states, "Repeat after me." He waits for repetition after each statement.
"I pledge my time, my talents and my fealty to Fate's Harvest.
"I swear that I no longer serve the Fae, nor will I while this promise stands; that while I am under its protection I will obey the principles and bylaws of the Fate's Harvest Freehold as ratified by Monarch and Council, in return for the support and safety they provide.
"May I perish in exile, should I be forsworn."
Isolde just gives a shake of her head at what Czcibor whispers and crosses one knee over the other. The world seemed to be ending around them with C.B. Alexander joining the Freehold. Or so it would appear that the rebel was trying to conform? She wasn't sure.
C.B. scowls. "You can deny it all you want, but I'll keep asking until you're sick of me." Then King Charlie asks him to start repeating, and he does so. Though after the 'fealty' line he makes a face, and the words 'Monarch and Council' make him grimace, too. Why is he doing this again? When he gets to the final line, however: for whatever reason, he repeats this one with particular emphasis. Even though it's a bylaw he's been vocally opposed to for a very long time.
Czcibor's face remains as impassive as it literally always is in the hedge, but the abrupt start of a distinctive light klud-klud-klud sound is definitely the steadfast tin soldier golf-clapping.
Amber watches and waits, actually holding back on the tableside chatter that's been going on as the silence seems to stretch forever -- though in truth, it's likely little time at all before the crown's offer of the oath and C.B.'s acceptance. Something in the Solstice's response pushes her just to the edge of saying something aloud, but she visibly bites back whatever it is, muffling herself with another long drag from her flask.
"Mister Alexander. It's an Entitlement that you're a part of. Not a Court. There's no Solstice Court here in this Freehold for you to represent unless you've gathered enough other members for them to have attained the status and since my notes haven't been updated that we have the Solstice as a Court here in Fate's Harvest, I'm guessing that you don't. So when that changes, the Council would gladly welcome a representative that your Court chose to sit upon the Council. Given you're the first one Sworn, that would be in your favor." Ashe states as her hooded head looks in C.B.'s direction. Then she turns to look at Charlie O and bows to him, "My King if I have overstepped by bounds I beg your forgiveness." she states as she straightens. With that said, the Autumn Councilor rips herself apart into a swarm of bats and takes a straight line out of the broken hearth. Because she's had enough of meetings for the week.
Esther has a look of disbelief on her face after hearing C.B.'s response to the questions. That look changes to suspicious resignation when he swears the oath. She just sits back in her chair, waves enthusiastically at Ashe as she bat-swarms away, then finishes her doughnuts.
Poppy tilts her head to one side as Charlie states the oath with the Author repeating, absently sipping from her drink, but not so absently that she's in danger of unwanted sound effects. She arches an eyebrow at C.B.'s recited response, then glances briefly towards Amber before smothering a smile as Ashe departs, en-battened. As one does, apparently.
Pledge given and he hasn't died yet, C.B. finally takes a step back from King and Council. Whom he is now Pledged to! What is this world coming to?!? "I get it, Ashe. You were an A student and Student Council President in high school too, right? Or are you just making up for it now?" But she's disappearing in a batty fashion anyway. He doesn't sit down anywhere or go stand against the wall, but remains standing and not far from the monarch, like he's keeping a close eye on his newly sworn-to "ruler."
King Charlie doesn't react overmuch to Ashe's dissolution into a swarm of bats, but Meredith of Summer, seated nearby, jerks in surprise, and a few of the other Councilors flinch or exclaim brief, cut-off words which may or may not be things their mamas would wash their mouths out with soap for saying.
"Thank you, Mr. Alexander. If you could take a seat, please, we will continue."
Pook waves a frilly lace handkerchief, perfumed, to urge C.B. off toward the seating area for non-Councilors.
Czcibor can't help but make an exaggerated full-body gesture that frequently goes along with eye-rolling at Pook; apparently he's used to Ashe noping out like that, and it's Pook's continued existence on the Council that surprises and annoys him.
Dielle walks in and goes straight to the table with her Second and Lieutenant and sits down at it. She leans in and says, softly, but loud enough to be overheard, "What did I miss?"
Vorpal has been here the whole time! If his expression slips surprised to hear CB swear fealty, the caul of shadows over the top of his face swallows it, leaving his visible reaction a sort of surprised approval. He relaxes in his seat as Ashe departs and the situation is, for the most part, settled, leaning in to listen to the Captain as she drops into her seat at the de facto Harvestman table.
C.B. glares outright at Pook as he waves him off, but he does step back a few paces, at least. Sitting? Nope. He's going to stand there, more where the rest of the Freeholders are standing. He's going to stand there in his navy blue suit and white shirt and blue and white striped tie and glower at the King and Council he's just Pledged to, but not before reaching into his jacket and pulling out a battered flask.
Esther takes a deep swig of her cider, waiting to see if C.B. is going to...she sighs and shakes her head as the man decides to stay standing. "Knew it," she mutters.
Amber snorts openly, and looks across the room toward Esther. She flashes her fellow ogress a toothy smile, and practically purrs, "Good to know who thinks themselves better than the general populance, isn't it? Handy when it comes time to winnow down the Christmas card list."
Dielle stares at Czcibor for a moment, then back over to C.B. She does so as if C.B. has grown a second head, then relaxes and rolls her eyes. Whatever she says, it's quiet, at least. She overhears Amber and laughs. "Whoever you are, you're on MY Christmas card list," she calls out.
Once C.B. has moved elsewhere, King Charlie returns to the scheduled agenda. "First, from all reports, we are still looking to gather a group to contact the unknown Freehold in the north. If anyone has more to comment in that regard, please speak up."
He gives a moment for anyone to say so, then continues, "Second, the mission to explore alternate Markets has, as well, been a success, and we commend all who have participated. Third, as far as I am concerned, beyond awareness and caution regarding the True Fae's knowledge of us, the Freehold has no further business with the Eye of the Eternal Sands for the time being. If they should contact us, we will deal with them peacefully if at all possible. They have not killed or permanently harmed any members of Fate's Harvest and are not an immediate threat."
C.B. is /surely/ not the only person still standing in this room full of Changelings of all stripes. Nonetheless, he has no problem giving both Amber and Dielle glares in turn as they laugh at his expense. And anyway, he has a flask to drink from as he tries to take in the news that Charlie is delivering.
Amber goes so far as to blow C.B. a kiss, then winks over at Dielle. As the king is speaking up again, she keeps the chatty commentary on the down-low again, at least giving a surface nod toward looking up toward the king and council to hear the current status reports.
Esther smiles right back at Amber, and waves at Dielle, pleased at the cameraderie. Then she becomes more serious, paying attention to the King's report.
Dielle offers Amber a great, big grin and briefly flips C.B. off, looking amused. "I'll volunteer to go talk to the other freehold, Your Kingliness," she calls out. She seems to be very amused at something.
"I'd offer, myself, but aside from doing so discretely in the Real World, I think my presence would be more a detriment to first-contact diplomatic missions than a boon," offers Vorpal. "Still, I'd have no issue with playing escort to make sure the journey to go see them goes smoothly, even if I'd by necessity need to make myself scarce before the actual meeting took place."
Amber considers for just a moment, then lifts her hand -- or maybe she's just waving her flask about. "I'll volunteer as well. May as well put my money where my mouth is, as they say."
"Why doesn't the whole goddamn Freehold just go? That would make a great impression on people who don't know Fate's Harvest." That was C.B. He's not shouting or yelling it, at least. Just quipping. Aren't you glad he Pledged in? While he's at it, he makes a middle finger, kisses it, and firmly presents it to Dielle, "smiling" at her in the process.
Poppy finally finishes off the burger she's been working on, carefully wiping her fingers down before she finally speaks up, "I know that I'm still interested in following up on shit, and I'm assuming Dross and Logan are as well." C.B.'s comment is met with a smirk, then she sips from her spiked drink, apparently content to let the King sort out whatever group ends up going.
King Charlie nods, glancing at Dielle, Amber, Vorpal and Poppy when they all speak up. "Keep me informed." His eyes slide sidelong toward the Spring and Dawn at the Council table with a flicker of amusement, then return to the rest of the room.
"Last on the agenda is a note from Enid Schmitt, via Major Jack." As if a human governing official talking to a Changeling governing official were completely ordinary. "Ms. Schmitt was not kidnapped by whatever the police are calling it. She was taken into the Hedge by a band of privateers calling themselves Freedom Fighters, and escaped with the aid of an unaligned Changeling who had also been taken captive for sale."
The Winter looks to Dielle, lifting his chin to indicate her as he remarks, "I'll trust the Harvestmen to step up on patrols, to search out signs of these individuals. There were five of them. Three women, two men. In Enid's words, the women were a 'garden gnome', a tiger, a Barbie doll, and the men were a bear and an otherwise ordinary man with lightning crawling over his skin."
Dielle finger-guns at Poppy and Amber, with upraised thumbs. Then she nods at Charlie O. "We'll do that." She repeats the descriptions of the people he mentions and ignores C.B. magnficently.
C.B. goes back to squinting at the monarch, but his narrowed eyes start to widen at the mention of Enid, and even moreso as the details start to pour out. He calls out (not holding up a hand and waiting to be called on, like more decorous members of the court): "Does this have anything to do with the -bomb- that went off in the Entertainment District the other day? Are these kidnappers the same Lost who perpetrated that incident?"
None of the Council seem surprised to hear about the bomb, though Meredith of Summer scowls at the reminder, and Tracy of Moon's interest seems to be piqued for the first time since C.B. waltzed in demanding special treatment.
King Charlie lifts an ambivalent hand in response to C.B.'s query. "We don't yet have enough information. If you have anything to add on the subject of the bomb, please do. Reports have been scattered."
He shakes his head at Czcibor next, frustration briefly chasing its way over glacial features, pale skin tinted in icy blues. "Enid was unable to get the woman's name. The privateers called her 'poppet' -- presumably because she looked like a rag doll. From what Enid told the Mayor, it sounded like she was a lucky grab. Enid was the primary target. The bear man let slip that they were being well paid to get rid of her, but the women shut him up before he could say more. Enid is not pledged to the Freehold as a member, but she is allied with us as she was with the Silver Tree. She is not ensorcelled, and refused to be so when given the offer." There's a certain degree of wry admiration for SOMEthing about that refusal in the slight smile which touches his lips.
"Well. I shed /no/ tears for Enid Schmitt," C.B. /has/ to say, "but a bunch of masked Changelings tried to kidnap someone related to a psychic, and most of them, or maybe all of them, ended up snakefood in the Hedge. So. Maybe there's some kind of connection. It's /possible./ You can't tell me there's just...just all these disparate groups of kidnappers rollicking through the Tam Valley on every given day, because that would just be fucking absurd." The Author takes another long drink from his flask.
Amber snorts quietly, and mutters in a voice /probably/ just meant for her table, but that manages to carry further than that instead, "Almost as absurd as faeries and goblins stealing children in the night to turn them into monsters. I mean, who could imagine such a thing..."
"We're not talking about disparate groups of kidnappers, CB," retorts Vorpal. "We're talking about a group of privateers specifically hired to eliminate a long-standing thorn in the sides of the Privateers and Loyalists in the area. Like Charlie said, she's been allied with two freeholds so far and outlived one of them- it's not absurd at all that someone's gotten tired of her interference and arranged to have her removed. You seem rather fed up with her yourself, and she's nominally on your side- I'd say that's not so very farfetched at all."
Dielle turns a look of delight on Amber, and then a grin at Vorpal. "She's still refusing to be ensorcelled? That woman is just a delight and a wonder, that's what!" she announces. "Smarter than a lot of people I know."
"And /I'm/ trying to figure out if the people who set off the goddamn bomb the other day are the same people who kidnapped Enid Schmitt. It ain't rocket science, Vorps." C.B. can't seem to help himself, because he adds: "And Enid Schmitt is a blemish on society's ass. Doesn't mean I think she deserves to get sold to some faerie with a penchant for collecting idiotic gossips." Then he glances at Dielle and adds drolly, "Maybe the only smart thing she's ever done."
"So investigate," Czcibor says flatly toward CB, then looks up at Charlie. "Is there anything else on the table, Majesty? I came here in a decent mood and I'd like to minimize the damage it takes by remaining further, but I don't want to miss anything important."
Dry, King Charlie confirms, "She claims that ensorcellment would hinder her. To paraphrase, 'If I can spot you faerie idiots without a pledge, so can everybody else who has half a brain cell.'"
And, pointedly flicking a look Vorpal's way, he notes, "Some of us are easier to spot than others. Regardless, we need to know more. I expect this will continue past my own tenure, but for the next ten days, please look into the incidents. Mr. Alexander, will you guide a small group to examine the site of the bodies you mentioned? If there are any remains or personal belongings left, they may prove helpful."
Glancing toward Czcibor, he shakes his head. "That was the last of it. If no one else has anything of note to bring up before the freehold, no duels, et cetera, then we may as well call it here."
"That reminds me," Vorpal is reminded at CB's comment. "I spoke with Cerise, the Ensorcelled who was on the scene, and she said that the kidnapped employee was related to a Psychic that was killed last year. So while it does sound like we have one group in the area perpetrating bombs and repeatedly targeting psychics, Enid's report doesn't seem to corroborate the idea that the privateers sent after her have anything to do with the ninja pirates that took the Whyte girl." He glances towards CB and nods. "You're right, it's not rocket science, but neither is it as simple as "connect the dots." That'd be like- I dunno. Accusing Damion of being that Blackout dude because he happens to box. Knowing what -isn't- is just as important as knowing what -is.- And for someone claiming he doesn't think someone deserves to be hauled off by privateers? You were awful quick to make it very clear you had- what did you say? ZERO sympathy for her being hauled off by privateers?"
C.B. looks at Czcibor like the other Lost's head has just turned into a giant poke platter, or something equally unlikely and ridiculous. He looks equally aghast when King Charlie tries to tell him what to do. Nostrils flaring, hands on hips, he shrugs both shoulders. "Yeah, yeah, fine. Sure. Sure. Fine. Sure. Whatever. Yeah. Sure. Okay. Fine." A few sparks crackle around his fingers and his ears. Then he squints at Vorpal. "Didn't I say something like that? The kidnapping was related to -- " C.B.'s lips purse. "I said I have no sympathy for her, but I also said I didn't think she deserved to end up in Arcadia more than the next idiot. So knock it off!"
Vorpal also patently appears to miss Charlie's blatant look his way. Who's obvious? Vorpal bleeds Glamour like mad to be not obvious! SURELY nobody's picked up on any of the dozen other things that tip his hand. SURELY Charlie means someone else!
Surely.
Dielle rolls her eyes. "C.B., sooner or later, you'll understand that no one here is impressed with your "angry young man" poser bullshit. And the sooner you realize that /none/ of us is interested in anything but your honest thoughts without the jackassery that you seem to think is needed with it, the better off you'll be. But the attitude just gets you dismissed as useless. Knock it the fuck off, if you want to be listened to and respected. Or don't, and get used to being dismissed as a poser jackass. Ain't no-one got time for your bullshit." She shakes her head, visibly dismisses C.B. from her attention, and says, "So. Patrols and a mission to the other freehold. Your Majesty, anyone you want in on that besides me, Chee, Amber and Poppy? Wait, Logan was interested in that, too, right?"
King Charlie ignores the kerfuffle and tells Dielle, "Logan, Poppy and Dross have been pursuing the matter. Speak with them, please. They will be able to give you any information currently available." Looking out over the rest of the room, he nods once, states, "Court adjourned," and glances at his fellow council members in farewell before sidestepping around the table to head for the exit with an easy stride.
C.B. actually lets out a laugh. A laugh that's definitely too loud to be appropriate in a setting like this one. "There's nothing 'poser' about me being an angry young man, Dielle. I am angry, and I am a young man, or at least I /look/ like one. I could give a shit if you or anyone else finds me 'useless.' I'm here now. Get used to it. It's what /you/ wanted, remember?" Oh wait, Court's over? He hesitates not at all. Already making a beeline for the exit.
"Cool," the tin soldier tells Charlie, getting up from his chair. "Thank you."
And then the guy dissolves, as per usual, into a sentient breeze and blows this popsicle stand.
Amber visibly relaxes the moment court is called. She watches C.B. make his beeline for the exit, then murmurs at her table, "Excuse me just a moment?" Without waiting, she pushes herself up to her feet and strides smoothly across the room toward where Dielle is sitting. When she reaches the other woman, she holds out one hand, the start of a sly smile tugging up one corner of her mouth. "May I?"
Dielle snorts at C.B., and tells him, "Actually, I'd been rejoicing in your non-alliance with the Freehold, for a long time. And told anyone who'd listen. Including you." But then, Amber's there, and she offers her other hand, as if offering to shake hands. "Be my guest," she tells the woman. "I'm Dielle, by the way."
"No, you told me that if I had something to say, I could join the Freehold. Now that I've joined the Freehold, you don't want me here. WELL, THAT'S TOO BAD, SISTER!" That's C.B.'s gleeful parting yell across the hall before he steps out and back to the Hedge.
Dielle mutters to Vorpal, "Ever notice how fast that fuckface runs when he realizes he can't bully someone?" That's loud enough to be heard.
Amber briefly looks over her shoulder toward C.B.'s parting shot, then shakes her head as she turns back to Dielle. Her smile is in full force now as she doesn't shake, but instead lifts the other woman's hand as she drops into a bow, eyes never leaving Dielle's face as she brushes her lips slowly against the back of her fingers. "Amber Watson. It's most certainly a pleasure." She straightens again, and that smile turns a bit impish as she only slowly lets the other woman's fingers slip out of her own. "I have to admit, I Was tempted to sweep you into a dip for one of those last comments, but I know not everyone's as...expressive...as I can be sometimes."
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