2014 Spring Orgy - Garden of Stolen Delights

[Changeling ST]

A fresh breeze laden with the Verdant Queen's signature scent billows the diaphanous hangings as Violet Leblanc enters the Garden of Stolen Delights. Her stunning hedgespun dress looks as if freshly picked blossoms have been sewn together with shimmering raindrops and intimate whispers. She extends an elegant hand to the large man at the door as she smiles coquettishly.

"Mon dieu, everything looks... simply delightful. I don't believe we've had the pleasure. I'm Violet. You're new to the freehold are you not? I hope you are finding my city to your liking."

Almost as an afterthought, the Spring Queen spares a quick glance for her fellow fairest, mid eyelash flutter.

"Hello, Aaren. Love your dress."

[Lesingnon]

She was missing, or worse. He tried not to worry about how the worse part too much. It gnawed at him, immensely. She hadn't chosen to leave, he knew, despite how often he'd seen people come and go during his time in Sacramento. No, too many of her things had been left in the abandoned hollow. For whatever reason she'd been unable to return to it.

The fear as to why that was the case overrode any nervousness he'd once had about how his return would be received, after so long away.

So the first thing he'd done was to go to the place that had long been the center of the Freehold to see if he could figure out what had happened to her. Seeing the ruins of what once had been the Four Seasons did little to put his mind at ease.

But he had managed to notice one of the old Freehold message boards he knew about. Normally he wouldn't have given much thought to this event, given the circumstances. But he recognized the address of what had once been Treetop Fashions instantly.

So here he was, having managed to to find enough of his clothes packed away in in a corner of the tree house too at least dress appropriately. Not that he was particularly fond of suits, but...he wanted layers here. Though he had neglected to wear a tie, leaving the dark red shirt underneath open at the collar. It was much more comfortable that way. The feather-shaped cufflinks at his wrists were a reminder of her. As was the golden band around his left ring finger.

The mantle that swept into the restaurant in Rick's wake was as powerful as Violet's own. His eyes swept across the interior of the building itself as he walked in, noting the sharp conquest between what the place as like now and how it had once been. And though he may have been forewarned it was still jarring to see this as a place of Spring, as opposed to Autumn.

Taking in he decor, however, only took him a moment or two. Then he turned towards the three springs clustered at the entrance, and found himself taken aback for an additional moment or two. The man was enormous, the golden Changeling beautiful, but the Flowering Fairest even moreso. Alice had been gorgeous, but this woman seemed to effortlessly eclipse even her.

Thankfully he managed to avoid staring.

And to keep his composure. "Hello," and here, he supposed, was where he found out how his name was remembered around here, if at all. One hand is held out, a silent offer of a handshake, "I'm Rick Pereg."

[Changeling ST]

Violet's dainty fingers graze Bubba's muscular arm after he releases them and she leans in just a bit before turning to the new arrival.

"Do not hesitate to let me know if there is anything you need."

The Emerald Queen feels Rick enter the garden before she sees him. Turning to welcome the unfamiliar elemental, she displays a dazzling smile as she extends her hand.

"So glad to make your acquaintance Monsieur Pereg. Welcome to the Garden of Delights. I am Violet. May I call you Rick?"

It's undeniable that Violet's voice has a charming lilt when she says Rick. It might even remind him a bit of Ingrid Bergman from Casablanca.

[Sirith]

Huntress was glad she came to Sacramento just in time to greet Spring. She didn't have much of contact with other Courtiers lately and Spring wouldn't be flattered if she was greeted by someone lonely. The Season of Antler Crown was moody, wild season, greedy for attention and passion. it demanded a party.

The Fairest didn't think much when she saw the sign for the party. Not much more than 'What a nice coincidence.'


When she arrives at the place, she takes a breath. It is nice, surely. The Rose Garden was made into a Paradise... Everything is just dancing at the fine line just before drowning the senses so they weren't made blind, but still a bit overwhelming. Yes, Huntress can see it is a place for Spring, indeed. Even flowers of her Court bloom proudly, as she can see and feel from their Mantles... With two Mantles strong as the Seasons themselves, even if one of them is cold, strong wind of Autumn. So those two are important Courtiers, maybe even Sovereigns... Wait, isn't the woman that one jazz singer? I remember someone telling me about her...

Her own clothing and looks are definitely lacking in comparison to beautiful and glamorous Lost. Wild hair, red tank top with subtle, only a shade darker tribal design, black jeans and running shoes, a lot of leather and bead bracelets and fang necklace. simple leather rucksack on her back. Still, she's bearing her head high. It's intolerable for someone of Spring to shy away.

"Hello, I hope I'm not late for anything. I'm Ahawi Kite, but some call me Huntress. Is it not open and do we have to stand at the door?"

[Lesingnon]

Well, at least he hadn't become a cautionary tale.

Spring Queen, though. That was, well, surprising probably wasn't quite the right word. Violet's beauty was breathtaking, her mantle as strong as his own, all other things equal he might well have assumed that she wore the Antler Crown. The layout of this place just reminded him of Fresh Tastes, though. He'd kind of assumed that Mrs. Rosemary was still around, bearing the crown. Another reminder of how much things had changed, he supposed.

It does make him wonder, for a second, if he perhaps should have been a bit more formal. But she'd neglected her title when introducing herself, mentioning only her name. And asked if she could simply refer to him by his first name. Apparently she was a sovereign that didn't stand on ceremony. That thought did bring a small smile to his face. He always preferred it that way, and had been much the same himself.

"Not at all. I'd prefer it, actually." The way she says his name, the smile, it's almost enough to tempt him to do something cliched like kiss the back of her offered hand. Almost, the ring on his finger does do wonders to keep his mind from dwelling overmuch on such thoughts. So he simply went for the polite handshake.

"I hadn't realized I was already in the presence of royalty." There's a hint of appology in there for not greeting her as one normally would a monarch, maybe. It was intended...but he was an Elemental, and not all that talented at conveying such subtleties via tone. "It is certainly nice to meet you all, though. And..." he considers the Aaren's offer for a few moments, "I don't think I'm hungry quite yet. But thank you for the offer."

Was it too soon to ask the Changelings he barely knew if they knew what had happened to this place's previous owner? Probably, unfortunately.

And, huh, of the five people here now he really was the only non-Spring.