(1905) Summer's Dawn

[Rhodes]

A flurry of falling leaves and a spine-chilling breeze heralds the Autumn King's approach. As he looks at the Ogre and the Elemental, it strikes him how tall they are. Oh well. He was committed now. Call it a challenge, to live up to formality in a linen shirt and shorts.

"Gentlemen. Is there some kind of problem?" His overly large emerald eyes flick from Orion to Fawkes, looking them both in the eyes. "I thought I might offer services as a facilitator." The Fairest turns back to the monolithic ogre. "I am Lord Rhodes, King of the Leaden Mirror of Sacramento." He offers Orion a hand. The pleasant pollen scent slowly ebbs into the air.

[Fawkes]

Fawkes nods, "I get it." No flipping cars today. He had met Lost who had milled around in the city without the other Freeholders telling anyone. "Is the gathering your first stop, or did you meet someone local already?" He exhales a stream of nicotine as his attention clicks from the beer can to the backpack. He gestures an unzipping motion, "Are you carrying all your belongings? Or have you netted a safe haven?"

The mannequin side-eyes back to the loud innuendos Circe and Sonnie were swapping as Seraphina runs inside with food. He pauses again to think, reflecting on how one would feel asking to just spread out their belongings to a stranger. "If that makes you uncomfortable. Though. We can continue this conversation elsewhere."

The Elemental rapid blinks as the twisting leaves roll across his feet and Rhodes' smooth interruption of his assessment.

Seriously?

"Hi King Rhodes," Fawkes says placidly, taking a long drag until the paper blisters around his finger tips. "Facilitate in what sense? If you're looking to supervise, be my guest. King Richard is on hi-"

His head snaps to the Darkling-like presence that seemingly floats into the yard like one of The Gentleman, trying to present food to the Springs.

The Elemental moves like a machine with tunnel-vision.

Fawkes goes to drag back a new addition.

[Richard Price]

It had been a quick trip out of town, left morning before back by the next. The whole thing had been quick, maybe a couple dozen people had shown up. Some friends he had known a long time, others that it seemed his old pal had made in his absence. No one overly important. Whole thing was closed casket, the circumstances didn’t leave any other option, and Joseph had been against the other option. He had lived by the fire, and refused to die by it - some sort of fear of reincarnation that had slipped into an ailing mind.

Trips like that were why he really didn’t have any desire to head to a pool party. He had his own if he wanted to lounge, and a beer and some solemn silence seemed best right now - even if he had probably cracked a few too many the night before, but what good were buddies if you couldn’t drink with them?

He found the place that Fawkes had given him, saw enough familiar vehicles and the swirling cacophony of emotions emanating from the backyard sort of gave the place away. The burgundy Cadillac shifted into park, and the Ogre pulled himself out of the vehicle. Nothing fancy today, he hadn’t even intended to come and he felt naked without a gift - but duty called.

A black Nike t-shirt was tucked into the dark blue denim, and rather than some wonderful sneakers they were simply a pair of polished dress shoes. No chain today, a watch - alligator skin strap with a gold face emblazoned with Bulgari, and simple gold studs in his ears. His glasses were tossed casually on the dash and his long legs quickly carried him towards the back yard, where he came upon the festivities, quickly eyeing everyone up.

His eyes fell to one Spear who seemed to be clowning - and he hoped this was because the guy Fawkes had mentioned had been vetted.

Still he wore a smile, appearances meant the world didn’t they?

”Hello, hello, hello everyone - Anyone see Fawkes kicking around?”

[Richard Price]

PFFT missed the main thread - ignore above!

[Rhodes]

"Charmed," Rhodes replies to Orion, though the charming smile isn't quite reflected in the vivid green eyes. "Oh, the good corporal knows all about preventing harm, I'm sure." The tone is casual, nonchalant even.

Oops. Did I say that aloud? How careless.

An eyebrow arches at Fawkes and a half-smirk tugs at the Flowering's lips. "Why, any way we need of course. I have many talents. It would benefit me to see our more regimented Summers in their element, would it no-" The Flowering stares, amused, as Fawkes beelines for another new face.
"Fascinating fellow, but still only one man," Rhodes quips to Orion, watching Fawkes shepherd the next new face.

"As I was saying, to see you in your element, Corporal. And who might this be?" The Dread Lord looks towards Moon as Fawkes returns. He catches the stare, and spreads his arms wide with a sinister grin. "It's a pool party, dear boy. Dress for the event." Garb is transitory but confidence is irreplaceable. "Moon, I thought I overheard you say? My name is Rhodes, The Dread Lord of Autumn." He spots Richard arriving, and waves him over. "Here comes the Red King himself... Richard!" He hollers to the Ogre King.


Another Skyscraper. What are they feeding these Summer boys?

[Fawkes]

As Fawkes shadows the newer-new addition, his vision tilts a bit. The Elemental grunts as he trips on a loose stone, matching pace with the Autumn Courtier as he catches himself.

Replacing the dying cigarette with a new one, he grinds his thumb into his temple momentarily as he quietly exhales.

"Okay."

He straightens as he focuses back on Orion, Continue, please. And you," he nods at Mr. Moon, "Thanks for the cooperation.This'll just take a minute." His tone is a little more gravelly than before.

He swats the notion that this is potentially a creeping ambush. Just a Wyrd coincidence. Still, he tracks for any indication between Orion and Moon that they know each other.