(Open)Unicorns and Pumpkins

[Rhodes]

Rhodes is quiet, but thoughtful, listening to the Springs.

"I don't doubt you are careful in the Hedge," the Dread Lord added quietly. Gardens and forests were still difficult to enjoy. If only he could remember why.


"If you need space, I'm sure the Autumn Hollow could be made available to you." He smiles, and slips his hand back into Sera's.

[Cei]

The Courtless wasn't... Quite sure whether the Kegger was a joke or an actual policy, and it showed. Whether borne of some past experience with springs, or uncertainty into the depth of it's nature, Cei didn't know what to make of it. "I've not thrown a party in a while- and I'm unsure I could scrounge up some resources. Does it count if I find us a party to crash, and make it infinitely better by doing so?" It was the best Cei could do at coming up with something to go along.

As per the Hedge and Relaxing. "Relaxing might have been a poor choice- perhaps... Exciting? Proving?" Strolling through the road to Hell, wandering around as if you deserved to be there? "Fruits? There's bound to be some rare ones out there." He knew just a tad about them- including the miraculous qualities of some. "Perhaps sometime."

Nods and smiles as the two seemed at least willing to take a chance on him in Spring. Though he was unsure if he'd ever be able to commit to that, it was welcome to see. "I will do what I can to prove myself- if not for the court, for the Freehold." A hint of charm in his voice, a stature that was... As heroic as one could be sitting in a chair.

And then how he ended up in Sacramento. "Something told me there were changelings here- I hadn't found another Freehold in a while, and wanted to see if they were right." And they had been.

"If anything happens, Ten could take you to safety. Should my blades not be enough." As far as he knew, none of them had even seen the weapons he wielded. "And I've enough experience in the Thorns to know how to deal with trouble."... With a blade. Repeatedly. "If you need help carving a space, that's definitely something I can do... And, you mentioned A tavern?" Another place this Freehold collaborated in? As small as they were, they'd certainly made the city their own.

[Sonnie Wu]

"Perfect! He'll be so proud!" Giggling, Sonnie accepted the refill of coffee from their hostess.

She nodded to Sera with a smirk, "Well, both, obviously. A true status symbol. Parties, clubs, it's all good!" The Beast looked to Cei and chuckled, "Party crashing is very hip and daring. Also, cheaper."

"And it's cool to hear you're open to the possibility of the Emerald Court. Also, yes, we got our own tavern with endless free beer. Well, I'm not sure about that last part, but wouldn't that be great?" she cleared her throat and sipped some more coffee.

Where did the Tavern get it's supplies from?

Beer gnomes?

"If you don't respect the Hedge, the Hedge... well, it won't disrespect you back, but it will eat you." she said, rather matter-of-factly. Sonnie had her experiences in the Hedge to inform her opinions, that was for certain.

"Something?" She raised an eyebrow at the Incubus, "I mean, there's freeholds in most cities, aren't there?"

[Seraphina]

A grateful smile and look were given to Rhodes, “Thank you! That’s such a generous offer, but I wouldn’t want to put Autumn out.” She says as she squeezes his hand.

Laughing as Cei expressed being unsure about the party, “No worries. I’m sure you have more experience than I have. But if resources are a problem, I’m sure something could be worked out.” If it was for Spring, she had problem putting the money down. Not for Spring? That would be a bit more difficult. “I’ll confess, it’s been years,” more then they’d ever know, “since I’ve been to that type of party. So I’m of little help in this field.” She grabs a cookie and takes a bite. Still with the gloves. Though she hoped to get over that soon.

“I can see it being exciting. I’m often in there myself seeking Goblin Markets for trading.” Hedgespinning was expensive.

“I think it’s best to focus on the Freehold, and then take the time to explore the different Seasons. There’s no rush.” But that was her opinion.

A look of confusion, “In a while? Have you spent a lot of time on the road?” or was he fresher from the Hedge then he let on?

“That’s comforting to know. I’ve let my own training slip lately, though I hope to get back at it soon.” She had to get over that loss and improve. A nod, “Yes. Each Season has their own, place at Funderland. Spring has a Wishing Well, which leads to our Hollow. A Tavern, carved out of the thorns.” A hint of pride in her voice. It was Springs place, they all worked on it, and she was proud of that.

Smirking to Sonnie, “I’ll make it happen then.” And she was serious. Seemed Fugly was getting a special bed and collar.

“A true status symbol huh? Well, then I’m sorry we weren’t able to get kicked out the club. I’ll work a little harder on that next time.” She says with a wink to the Beast.

Chuckling, “Endless? I’m not sure about that, but it does always seem stocked.” Or maybe they just didn’t drink enough to drain whatever supplies they had?

[Rhodes]

The Dread Lord listened to the handsome ling tell his story. It made interesting listening. "Where did you hear that there were lings here?" He asks lightly.

Rhodes couldn't help it - he rolled his eyes at granting a dog a position in Court. But is was very Sera.

His hand gently squeezes hers. "I don't know. I could put in a good word with the Dread Lord. I hear he has a soft spot for you," he gives Sera a wink.

[Sonnie Wu]

Slurping her coffee, Sonnie smiled, "I like Goblin Markets! There's so much to see and do! They got all kinds of crazy stuff for sale! They're like the weirdest shopping malls you've ever seen!"

She pointed to the Nix on the topic of being ejected from nightclubs, "Maybe we should come up with a game plan for getting kicked out, next time?"

"It must be the Booze Goblins. They come into the Tavern when nobody is there and restock the drinks," she nodded firmly. Clearly, this was the only reasonable explanation. Booze Goblins sounded better than Beer Gnomes, too.

We're out of time. We'd best wrap this up.

[Cei]

A shared laugh with the beast and the Spring Monarch, and a raised eyebrow at the idea of an endless Tavern. It wouldn't be the weirdest thing- though it wasn't quite his scene. "I'll admit I don't have as much experience in that regard. Still, it sounds interesting." Granted few things were for a Ling.

"Yes, the Hedge can be... Dangerous. But I like to think of it as a Proving Ground at times- survive the horrors within, and be rewarded. Be brave and enduring enough to test the thorns, and be recognized." A nod at using the Hedge for travel. It proved efficient, sometimes. "The Hedge offers quicker means, but it's sometimes a mixed bag. Ten helps." Sixty percent of the time, hedge travel worked all the time. "And a hobgoblin told me about this place- an imp I believe. I was probably still in Oregon at the time, though it was in the thorns so." A slight shrug there. "I suppose it shouldn't be surprising?" Easier to hide in a city, and more opportunities to Harvest.

"Regardless, I'm glad to have met others. If nothing else, I would enjoy the chance to rest before getting back on the road. But who knows- things happen. Thank you, for the food. And the company." Nods to Seraphina and Sonnie respectively. "And should you need assistance with anything thorn-related, I would be happy to assist." At this, towards both Monarchs present.

Now where would he explore next?

[Seraphina]

The eye roll gets a smirk, though a proud looking smirk.

“That’s very sweet of you! I might take you up on that.” The wink was returned as she finishes her coffee.

Nodding to Sonnie, “I know right?!” she agrees, “Maybe you can go with me the next time I go. Always more fun with someone else.” Though she still wasn’t sure what her next project would be. The dress had failed, so maybe something else.

“A game plan might be a good idea. Though I was sure you were going to get us kicked out.” She says with a laugh, obviously remembering the Beasts antics.

“I tend to only venture in for Markets personally. Anything beyond that, I much prefer a group with me.” Not that she couldn’t defend herself, but safety in numbers.

“It was nice to get to sit down and talk with you.” A bit Hedge happy, but, whatever worked for him. “Sacramento is a nice place to rest and put down some roots I think.” Just her thoughts on it. “And thank you for the offer.” She hoped they’d never need it, but, you never know.

“I should probably start cleaning up. Did anyone want some coffee or cookies to go?” she asks, “Not that I’m rushing anyone, feel free to stay as long as you want of course.”

Sounds good

[Sonnie Wu]

"I'll help clean up!" Sonnie hopped to her feet, prepared to aid her Queen with menial tasks, "And we totally should go to the Markets together! I've been thinking about making some more Hedgespun, so I should look around for the right materials."

"Did I?" she paused as she brought used cups and mugs to the counter, "Oh, right, some of that is kind of blurry. I was soooo drunk!" The Beast laughed.

Sonnie looked over at Cei, "An imp? Like a little devil thingy?" She pondered that for a moment, then smiled, "Neat! Anyway, welcome to Sacramento, Cei!"

Thanks for the scene everyone!

[Rhodes]

Rhodes leans back, his question answered. Curious hobs should mention them. Perhaps more subtlety was needed.

He gives Sera a kiss and a smile as she rises. "I'm good darling. Let me know if you need a hand or anything."

Good to wrap. Thanks for the scene