(17AE) Coronation Autumnal Equinox

[Ingrid]

Ingrid giggled, reached out and patted Quick lightly on the shoulder. Quick Travisc06489

She turned to Alex Woland . "Thanks. I didn't have much chance to change. Work has kept me busy but I wasn't going to miss this for anything. Mystery? Yeah. This place sure is a mystery." She was looking past the Summer Sovereign to where the sprites capered again.

With an effort she tore her eyes away, waved vaguely at Mhairi Saber Sloth .

"I gotta mingle," she said with some reluctance. "Ah. But we have to plan some expeditions, yeah?" The look she gave the Crimson was significant. She might be Groundskeeper but she would need assistance securing the tunnels and the immediate Hedge beyond.

"Circe! You settled in yet? Yeah, I approve. And if that sprite does that again - just pinch his nose!" Origins Circe

"Hi Sasha! And... What are you waring? I mean, like, where can I get something like it? Its gorgeous!" Sasha Selena

"Hi Thomas. How goes the study?" Ingrid positively purrs as she passes behind the little mole man unlimited sink Thomas Land .

"Sera." Ingrid said quietly as she passed by her fellow Courtier. She was more subdued with her single Courtier but paused on her way for longer. "Let me look at you. Really suits. We should catch up sometime. Not necessarily here, of course. Anyway, I gotta browse. So... Oh those sprites!" Seraphina Orianna

Eventually the Emerald Courtier winds up by the food, where she can at last scrutinise the Autumn Queen while she picks out something to eat and drink.

[Donovan Ackerman]

The time of fear. The witching time. Harvest time.

The seasons had never run entirely smoothly during his Durance. He’d had to plant, tend, and harvest every day. Yet the seasons had existed. Even in Fairy. And in Fall there was always ‘the harvest’. The time to gather and store what you could for the Winter. Before things took a turn for the worst.

Though despite have such a strong association with the Season, Autumn had never called to him. In many ways it was just… more of the same. Only more so.

Maybe that was the reason he wore what he did every day. Maybe it was because he had no other clothes than his grass stained jeans, sweat stained shirt, and dirt stained jacket. Whatever the case, he entered the Hallow stinking of barnyard and looking like he was tracking in a cow pie on his feet and a hay bale in his hair.

He gave the group of Changelings a wave and “Howdy.” The Wizened didn’t immediately go to start congratulating the Autumn Queen who didn’t seem to own a single pair of sensible shoes. Not when there was a whole food table to be raided.

Though he stopped short when he saw them. Garden pixies. Field sprites. One of the scourges of his time on the Gentleman’s farm. Vermin who stole your crops and drank dry the milk cows and stole the bait from traps. And who could easily turn violent if they saw a threat to their ‘fun’. Instinctively he started reaching for a weapon. Something to defend himself and the food. How had no one noticed the swarm invading the Hallow? Where was their Queen? If he could manage to kill her the sprites would probably scatter without too much trouble.

The sprites seemed to notice Donovan’s hostile thoughts. They let out a sinister giggles and squeaked to each other with malevolent playfulness. The Woodwalker watched them closely trying to make out the social hierarchy. Which one would sound the attack? Who did they look to for leadership?

To his horror they all went silent and looked behind! He spun to see they were looking at… Mhairi?

“Fuck,” he sighed realizing what was going on. While impressive that they had been 'tamed', he could hardly believe the Autumn court had decided to go with dangerous pests as their defense.

He turned back to the table and scattered the sprites as they scolded him. He brushed them aside like they were annoying bees. One tried to pull at his hair but he swatted it away. So long as the Autumn Queen had given him permission to be here (and he didn't crush any with his fists like he wanted to), he wasn’t worried about them stinging.

[Thomas Land]

Thomas gives Mhairi a bashful look, "What, hm, this?" Clawed fingers brush at his suit. "I, well, I've had it for a while. Keep it in reserve for, um, special occasions." And, of course, the Autumn Queen's coronation is just such an occasion. "You could, perhaps, say that, like James, I have come in costume tonight..." he says, replying to both his Monarch and Quick at the same time, a weak smile smeared across his Mole's features.

"And we were, James, we were...Perhaps you could tell the rest of the, um, tale this evening?" Why, yes. There it is, that Winter mantle. So, Quick has made his choice.

Before the Mole-Man can continue, however, more Lost begin to arrive.

Alex is given a simple nod, he deserves no more as far as Thomas is concerned. Circe too is regarded cooly by those Beady eyes. "Hm-hmmmm? And what would that be?" He responds to her request for a conversation, his tone professional at best.

At Ingrid's question, he inclines his head: "The, um, work continues. If you have time soon, I would love to meet and discuss it...among, well, other things." Then he stops to stare at Donovan's little confrontation with the Sprites. He's about to say something when the Woodwalker seems to figure things out.

With a small, secret smile, he turns his attentions back to Circe. "Apologies," he doesn't seem to mean it. "Where were we?"

[Seraphina]

And then Sasha appeared, and Sera didn’t feel so overdressed anymore.

With a nod of her head, “Thank you. But I’m afraid I pale in comparison to your simply stunning dress! Those colors!” she gushes, wanting to touch the fabric, but refraining. Cause that would be weird and probably rude. “You have to share where you shop sometime. Or at least let me tag along sometime.” The Winter certainly knew what colors and style worked best on her.

Thomas was the next to arrive, and the Nix laughs, musical in its sound, as he brought a pizza for the sprites. That was one thing she would have never guessed they liked, but then again, she didn’t know a whole lot about the tiny creatures.

Smiling warmly, “Evening Thomas, you are looking quite draper.” She compliments. The Treasured wasn’t sure how often the little mole man got complimented on his clothes, so she wanted to give him one. Maybe make him smile. “I am doing quite well, can’t complain! And I hope you’re doing good as well?” she says. “I have to say, I wasn’t aware that they liked pizza, is it good for them?” she asked, obviously curious.

Her Queen was the next to arrive, looking quite casual. And she realized she had totally forgot to saying anything about Quick’s new Mantle! Whoops!

Dipping her head into a deep nod, “Queen Ingrid.” And it seems she is solely focused on Quick at the moment. Someone finding who they were and what Season they belonged with was always a good thing. Well, better if they pick your Season, but still nice.

And then Alex. While he still made her blood boil at his mere presence, she still smiled. This was a night about Mhairi and Autumn, not about him and his bullshit.

“Good evening Alex, looking sharp as always. And thank you, very sweet of you to say!” her voice was genuine, she wouldn’t be rude here. Not tonight. And anyways, she loved compliments, her ego soaking the praise up.

But the turn of events, the Summer King presenting the Autumn Queen with a present? Now that was unexpected, and she would have never seen that coming. Was Alex turning a new leaf and looking to repair the relationship? That would be great. Or was there something else going on? The Nix wasn’t sure, but decides to give him the benefit of the doubt for the night.

Circe made her way in, and was also wearing a suit. Was it a Summer thing? Not that it didn’t look good on the Elf, but some feminine touches would have been nice.

“Evening Circe, love the suit on you!” smile.

The smile was returned to Mhairi, “Well thank you Queen Mhairi. And not being able to show off those amazing boots would have been a travesty! Though perhaps one shorter in the front, and longer in the back would have shown them off with a fun twist on a dress.” She offered with a one shoulder shrug, “But what you went with really lets the boots take center stage.” Nod. Her eyes move towards where the Wisp indicated the food and non-alcoholic drinks were, making note.

Smiling to Quick, “Thank you.” A nod of her head, “Oh, I am always ready for round two! Won’t go as easy on you this time.” She says with a grin and a wink, knowing full well he had more skills than she did. "I must say, the change is very becoming on you! Congrats!"

Attention is moved over to Ingrid. At the mention of getting a look at her, the Nix holds her arms up and does a quick spin. “Yes! We defiantly have to catch up soon! It has been way too long since we’ve talked, let me know when you’re schedule frees up.” She knew the Darkling was busy with her job.

Then came the new guy. Well, he was still new to her because she’d only talked to him once. So technically new. And he looked like he just stepped off a barnyard, and smelled like it too! But, she still smiles,

“Hi!” she greeted with a small wave.

[Circe]

Circe faced Mhairi answering: "Cool, might have to buy stuff from ya. But the lesser part? Uh because I got these," she taps the tips to both her ears, "While you are wearing something that looks like it belongs in Rivendale. I feel so less elfy right now," Circe laughed at her made up word. She also snagged a water and some pumpkin treats before returning back towards Thomas. She was gleefully chatty along the way.


Circe smiled at Quick's question, "Welcome Quick, Eh, no big deal its supposed to be a formal event and my, uh," she waved down at her outfit, "formal wardrobe only comes up with some more, lets say posh clients. Bodyguard is good, means I managed intimidating attire for doing business. Thanks," she took the question as a compliment. She'd rather clothes that made her a little dangerous to her clients then imply she'd give legal advise. "I've honestly been wondering what ya look like. It's good to know now. Nice color match on you outfit too."


Circe wasn't sure what Ingrid was talking about for the sprite's actions. "The dive bombing? Eh, she didn't even come close Ingrid," the elf had still failed to notice how Autumn's guard dogs had accessorized her hair. Circe just nodded her head in agreement, "But I'll sure give it a go. Just glad they ain't tryin' to steal all the food or nothin' like that," the flower bobbed but went unnoticed by the elf. The sprites pointed and cackled, earning a glare from Circe that got a few reactions. Some hid, but most laughed harder.


And then the last of Summer arrived. Circe couldn't stop the frown as his attire remained unchanged. They'd have to do something about that. Unity was a form of strength and uniforms were excellent for implying it. Plus the poor boy really needed other clothes to wear. She made a mental note to take offer to take him shopping. If he wanted to owe her, the gun runner would settle for some Thorn borne produce later. She did notice him glaring at the sprites a plenty, though she couldn't fathom why he'd show so much hatred. "Thank you Sera, hope you are having a great evening too," she cheerfully returned Sera's welcome.


Circe was happy the Autumn actually responded and began to offer him a pumpkin cookie "Well Thomas I," then he jumped off to Ingrid. Leaving Circe to stare in surprise before she briefly scowled, plate still held semi out towards Thomas. The bobbing flower detracted greatly from the scowl. Circe had a flat expression on her face when he turned back. Whilst the Fairest seemed indifferent to their leaders' tiff the Beast clearly had other opinions.


She let out a put upon sigh but held the plate in place. Then she smiled sweetly and her voice dripped honey: "Oh you haven't gotten anywhere with me yet cutie. Done playing hard to get?" she didn't wait for an answer before continuing. But her smile and sweetness disappeared for annoyance instead:"Good. I wanted to talk about the tunnels. And not because of the mole thing. That'd be like asking me about bows 'cause of my ears.You," Circe points at Thomas with the water bottle at the word, "are a researcher. That makes you the best bet to figure out where we search for information. I know maps are unlikely but I don't want people going down blind. Any hint of hazards, natural or fae, before someone goes down can save a life."


Circe finally withdrew the plate and took a bite out of a cookie,"A good idea, worth having a talk, right?"

[Mhairi Ankaa]

Greetings even and received, Mhairi smiles up at the gathered lost, wondering if the last one would arrive, or if Lev had already moved on.

To Browns words she nods, smiles -- it's tight, but professional -- and moves onto the food table, snagging a pumpkin pastry, and a caramel appletini. Mhairi had her favorites, and by adding caramel flavored vodka it made her favorite drink a little festive, and tasty!

Donovan comes, and Mhairi offers him a wave, her brow furrowing at the looks he was giving the Sprights. She could understand them, she wasn't to trilled to have them about when Morgan first brought them to guard the Hollow, but they had grown on her, and made her member the raccoon.

To Thomas Mhairi grins, nodding her approval to him dressing up for the Equinox. Tonight was a very special occasion indeed. "And don't you both look swell." Mhairi smiles meaning her words, it might be different, the suit, the sight of him without the Mask, but Mhairi was happy to see different facets of her Freeholders.

Between Sera and Thomas on the Sprights, "Oh, they just love pizza. Thanks for bringing some by the way -- I didn't think they'd have gone through what I'd brought them already." Anyone who knew anything about Sprights knew that if they didn't have something of their own to gnaw on they'd take a dive into what was spread out for the Lost.

"They really did!" Mhairi gushes with Sera, "I...I could have altered the dress, but I honestly hadn't thought of it, I was just so pumped to wear these that I guess you could say my choices about this outfit was something like tunnel vision."

"Ahh," Mhairi breathes, "Well, if you want I could work with you and find something, or even make something that'll bring you right into Lord of the Ring." Mhairi offers with a smile.

[Thomas Land]

Sera, Sasha, and Mhairi receive a shy smile from the Mole-Man. It's hard to tell whether he's appreciative or embarrassed. The latter more than the former, surely. He's simply not used to such attention being paid to him. Especially from beautiful women.

But speaking of beautiful women, he's got one calling him cutie in a faux-saccharine tone of voice and aggressively poking a water bottle at his chest. A clawed hand calmly reaches up and pushes the bottle aside. "Please don't do that. It's, hm, quite rude." Perhaps some of the Lost were stripped of their manners over There? Thomas suspects as much with Circe.

"Though, I admit, you have a point. Yes, certainly." As much as he's loathe to say it. "Hm-hmmmm. I could search the archives at the University. Perhaps, hm, see if there are any records in the Sacramento Room at the Central Library. And of course, uh, there's always, well, the internet." He stops, his thoughts fully engrossed in the prospective project now. "And, you know, those materials we took from that poor woman's house a while back? They may include something useful as to Fae issues, yes quite..." He doesn't have many other sources for extra-mundane history or threats in the area. "You remember? The things you so wanted to burn..." He can't resist adding, shooting her a judgmental look.

"How does that sound for a plan?"

Origins I'm up for a side-thread if you'd like to continue this exchange!

[Quick]

"Of course." he says to Thomas. It might be nice to unburden the entire story. And, of course, learn why the Autumn Courtier is so damned interested in killing things.

Suits him huh? If it were anyone other than Sera, he'd say they were full of shit. Ok, so he basically does think everyone's full of shit. To a degree. It's not like his Fae Mien is that of a Fairest. A blink. A smile. "Well, thanks."

The Winter Queen's giggle at Circe's reaction only serves to embarrass him further. He really should find that drink. Maybe a double.
"Sure." he says to Circe, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean formal, posh, whatever. Least it suits you." He can hardly imagine who she'd need to intimidate here. Though she does have a little bit of a reputation for operating on the other side of the law. "Now you know. Don't get used to it... just wanted to introduce myself. For real this time." God... if any of them knew the half of it.

"She's full of surprises, this one." he interjects, as Alex hones in on Sera. He gives her a look, wondering again if the plastic man is seeking some female attention. Though he should really cut the guy a break. Eventually.

Quick grins, shaking his head at the Summer Sovereign. "Never. And I'm outclassed in this 'uptight-fu'. Might need a few pointers." From the master himself.

Quick almost misses Donovan's entrance, until he catches the farmboy do a double-take over the little Fae nuisances. He covers his mouth, trying to hide a laugh.

But why the hell doesn't Quick have a drink!? He rushes to the table and finds to first spiked drink he can get his hands on. Chugs about half a glass, then fills it up again. Realizing his surroundings, he notices Ingrid - and follows her gaze to the Autumn Monarch. "What are you thinking?" he asks. Hadn't Sasha told him it was Winter's job do do that kind of thing? Keeping tabs on the other Seasons or whatever? He gives his own Queen a furtive glance before returning his attention to Ingrid. Probably not very subtle. But whatever.