(1912) Winter Solstice

[Anatole]

Anatole ate slowly, eyes narrowing as he listened.

"I dunno about that. It all depends if the Crown manifests. Sometimes it don't. Sometimes, another Court has to run the show - you know: lead; run the passion play. That sort of thing. Or at least, thats how I've heard it."

He addressed Sonnie Wu at first. He ended his little contribution with a cautious glance toward Rhodes . Only the Dread Lord of Autumn knew if the Ashen Court would have to enact the rites of Winter this year.

[Circe]

"But of course I will be Sera!" She smiles at the lighter turn of the conversation but it doesn't last. Where are the Winters? "Well that's great Rhodes," was her reply to the man as even he didn't know the answer. She scoffs at Seraphina's question of luring Bugul out with coffee. Who doesn't like coffee?


So no Byzantine antics between Sasha and Ingrid? Good. Some tension eased up for the Summer. She'd hated that back in the Bay and had no desire for it to crop up here.


"True, with all of Summer being prepared ta aid ya in arming yerself if ya need it," she agrees with Seraphina's words to Anatole before quickly smirking as she verbally appends at disclaimer speed, "Some arms subject ta a payment fer expenses, no credit cards accepted, not FDA approved," before pasting a fake smile on her face for extra fun.


A poor trap if it was. Checking the books could prove things one way or another. Still she was periodically scanning the room for anyone hiding. "It'd be a shit trap indeed. No drugs, mechanical crap, nothing stopped Bugul from leavin', we are suspicous, I'm here. Very bad trap."


She mock gasps and clutches her chest, "Oh my how ya wound me ya cute little monkey," she managed to force her ears to droop as she fake pouted. As for the butter knives, "Well that's logic I can't argue with. But I really like yer fingers," waggle blue ears and white eyebrows, "So be careful Sonny."


And a sea shanty? Really?


The elf starts to nod in agreement with the monkey on the transience being bad, "Yes it is, well not the Generale leaving ta give me back my crown, dude was really uptight," before shaking her head in dislike over the would be general.


Circe nodded with Anatole. She'd heard rumors. Courts not handing over power to others. But that tended to end poorly for them in revolution or Them showing up according to the rumors. But Anatole was lookin towards Rhodes after his explanation? She did so as well, "So is there actually a way ta fake being another season's monarch? Cause I ain't heard o' that before. Singular court dictators, coups, and bad shit but never uh, whatever the word is fer this."

[Titania]

"W-why did you abdicate so hastily then!?", the question escapes her lips. Of course it wasn't something wholly whimsical, she had been mulling over it for a while, but she just can't keep on bottling it up anymore. Somebody had to ask Circe.
There are plenty of reasons for a Monarch to pass the crown. Death, old age, apathy. But none did really fit the Summer's temperament.
She just couldn't accept that somebody as fiery and invincible as Circe would roll over for a random stranger.

[Seraphina]

A simple nod, “It’s important that each who enter the Freehold be given that chance to prove themselves before judgement is passed.” But, that was a dead topic to her right now. One to be held later.

With his arm around her, she returns the kiss with one of her own, sliding her own arm around his waist. “I can’t complain, and you? Though the lack of Winter’s is a bit troublesome. But I did want to see about scheduling a meeting with the other Monarchs, I’ve offered to host at Garden Grounds.” Hopefully the meeting would put the pity things behind them. “Oh, I believe we should be able to. There should be something in either the main building, or perhaps here, in the House of Mirrors.” Then a nod, “And you’re correct, she always had things planned well in advance.” But she did hope her friend would return soon.

An eyebrow raised, “There’s already been mention of that, and it’s gotten a few hackles raised.” So no need for more.

Smiling to Sonnie, “I won’t deny that assessment of you.” With the Beast, what you saw was what you got. Except Sera thought there was more brain there then she let on.

Then a sly smile, “Oh no, not silverware. Though now I’m concerned with your lack of silverware and plates. And might get you some.” Cause no plastic. “A sea shanty huh? I look forward to it.” Games were fun, kept her sane. Ish.

“If history is anything to go off, then yeah, she’ll come back. And I hope she does. And if she comes back, we’ll invite her to girls night, give you the whole night to get to know her.” Might have to start small, something at the house first.

She nods at Anatole’s words, he was spot on.

Laughing, “Does that mean no checks either Circe? Asking for a friend.” She jokes.

“I only had one dealing with him, and he didn’t seem like a bad person then.” But, things change, as do people. “But glad the crown is back with you; I think you do a great job.” She compliments.

“Well, back when the Freehold was rebuilding, and a Season was without a representative, the current Monarch could step in. Or appoint someone to step in until the next Season. In this case, it would fall to the Dread Lord. And I believe this is us simply without any Winters, which could change tomorrow, or next week.” Or never.

[Rhodes]

Rhodes paused before responding to his Court-mate, measuring his response. "It is known for the reigning monarch to act in the stead of an absent court," he says slowly, turning to the last of the Freehold's Summers. "Just Circe says, more volatile monarchs have held onto the crown by force for love of power. In essence, the roll is very much the same as Ingrid's would have been when she held the title of Director - should there be a gap in the seasonal rotation, and if collectively approved control were to step into the shoes of the empty court, it would work in much the same manner." He inclines his head to Seraphina's explanation, and sips his drink casually. "The Wyrd is fickle, of course, and might not work with such an action - and the Wyrd is particularly fascinating around here." The fractious Freehold Pledges being the main example. Such power was alluring, dangerously so, to sit oneself as the head of all these little changelings...
In his minds eye, she was there - hair red as blood and eyes green as emeralds, dozens of lings dancing and worshiping at her feet int he Eternal Garden.
Yess, my little flower... Rule them... control them.... we love it so....
Rhodes breaths in sharply, and tightens his grip on Sera just a little. She was the one with his heart now. He was not that being any more. "Ahem... th-though, if it were to be that choice, I... I would suggest a pledge of some kind to ensure the crown is p-passed.... as is proper." He seems a little shaken, as if some searing memory had gripped him.

Titania's exclamation was a little amusing, if one did not know the Summer for what she was. The last year's observations had shown the Dread Lord that Circe never wanted to run the show, unless that show was a party or bordello. She partied like a spring, but her fury was like the inferno when roused. "Price was powerfully tied to Summer, Titania," he reminds the Celestial lady. "Sometimes that can be all there is to settle such things. Many who leave have planned to stay, but we must always be ready to flee if we feel our safety is compromised."

He looks to the Verdant Queen, smiling a little, feeling the warmth seep back. "An evening with two lovely ladies? How can I refuse?" he chuckles softly. "We can look into such a thing and confirm where the arrangements were made. It is unnerving." The Dread Lord smiles - to him, a stab of fear at these proceedings was a welcome reminder to the others.

[Sonnie Wu]

By this point, Sonnie had resumed eating from the provided buffet, having reloaded her plate with cocktail shrimp, chips, pigs-in-a-blanket and other assorted party foods. After all, nobody felt ill, so it was all safe.

Probably.

I already ate some, so if I'm poisoned, more won't hurt!

Eat up!

"Really?" she looked surprised, "I didn't know the Courts could work that way. I guess there would be a safety net in case an entire Court just sort of dwindled away, wouldn't there? That's reassuring."

After giving the Summer Queen a comedically droll look, she pushed a pig-in-a-blanket against Circe's lips, "Shhhhh, just put this wiener in your mouth."

Meanwhile, the Beast looked to Seraphina and smiled, "I don't know, maybe real silverware and plates would be okay. I like my solo cups, though. Makes every suppertime feel like a game of beer pong!" A grin spread across her face, "I don't actually know any sea shanties, but I'm sure they're on Spotify or something. I'm gonna see that tail yet!"

"Honestly," she said, popping a shrimp into her mouth and continuing to talk while chewing, "I figured Price left to chase after the Glass Man. I mean, they arrived as a pair, didn't they? He probably feels responsible for the Elemental going all psycho. I'm sure he knew the blue elf here already knew how to handle things." She looked down at her plate, "I hope Cole is doing okay."

Sonnie tilted her head, giving Rhodes a look both curious and confused when he appeared to get all shook. Her golden eyes flicked towards Sera, then back to the Autumn King. However, she remained silent for the moment.

[Circe]

Circe's scanning of the room is stopped as wide black and red eyes turn upon the ditzy star girl. That was unexpected and out of nowhere.

She scowls at Titania and points at Rhodes with her thumb, "He beat me to ya Tits," anger boiling up as her Mantle flares out at full blast, "And I fanculo didn't JUST hand it over. First MMPH!" And Sonny manages to flip the off switch to Circe's Mantle by shoving her wiener into Circe's mouth.

This earns the monkey a glare before Circe removes it from her mouth, "Sexy cute monkey," she sings out before dead panning, "Later. Starlight asked a question," turning back to Titania, "The Wyrd is an asshole. He had more Mantle. Second," she narrows her eyes as ears flush against her skull, "This was when there WAS a Court, not just me, we had a pow-wow." Her right hand is moving for emphasis and it is aggressive. "Debate was not calm but rational. Cole and I wanted ta build shit, it was 2 ta 2, but easier fer us ta work if I wasn't tryin' ta wrangle the crazy glass man. Who tried ta murder Cole and would only answer ta Price. So props ta Cole fer being right."

She then looks back to Sonnie while fiddling with the pig in a blanket, "That better have been why Price left." As for her being in charge, "I am me Sonja. Neither the Wyrd nor other Summers tell me how ta be wrathful. I do it my way, let others do it there way, and it has worked fine. Iron Spear stabs the foes of the Freehold, not try ta be used fer dick measuring." A blue hand then darts out towards Sonja Wu. To suddenly stop and rub her on the head, "Thanks lil' monkey. We'll get ya some of the freezer mugs ta keep yer drinks cold." When the hand pulls back, Sonja has the saliva covered finger food tucked atop her left ear.

Circe did wrath her own way.

Circe is back to scanning. "Fingers crossed that Sasha pulls a Santa and brings back some Cole fer us." Then she stops scanning to turn to her fellow monarchs, "Sera, Rhodes? If the files are digital I have Funderland's passwords." Not hacked, she'd help ensure they were more secure. Can't call it hacking if you set up the security.

As for Seraphina's question, that gets the elf to hum in thought. Not fake she is actually thinking about it. "Thank ya too Sera but no ta any American banks, not even bit coin. Caribbean or Swiss accounts maybe. I'll check but, wait, joke? Yes, joking, ha ha. Ignore that, ha ha ha" the Fairest shakes her head pretending she'd noticed it was a joke.

As for the Dread Lord ruling over Winter, "Oh, I guess that'd make sense fer safety 'n all that then. Guess it works fer everybody too?" This makes her wonder if she'd ever have to do that too at some point. But how to phrase it as not a threat, oh wait she knew how to do that! "I mean, Rhodes? In theory if I give ya and Seraphina a honeymoon Honolulu trip at the start of Autumn it'd be up ta me ta run Autumn until ya came back?"

[Titania]

The Fairest seemingly lacks the self awareness - or the clarity or the survival instinct - to know when to drop it. Because even if Circe's mantle has her gulping and staggering a few steps back, the way she folds her arms and is shooting daggers at both Sonja and Seraphina, says it all.
See, I warned you, but you wouldn't listen. The unsaid message was delivered remarkably well in the tongue of body language.

King Rhodes - and it wasn't lost on her that he had been the only Monarch whose crown had been passed by the Wyrd - somehow came to her rescue. Indeed they were constantly under the threat of the Gentry. See, her paranoia wasn't paranoia at all, but just self sufficiency.
Of course Circe had to interrupt the serious moment.

[Seraphina]

She feels the grip tighten, though not sure why. Still, she gently rubs her hand along his back. Her other hand resting assuredly on his hand.

A smile was offered to him, “A Pledge is a good idea.” She pulls him a bit closer to her, trying to reassure him.

“Just let me know when you are free,” then she looks to Circe, “and you as well, and I’ll have the coffee shop ready.” Then a nod, “I’ll look into pulling the papers.” She wasn’t quite sure where they would be, but she would look.

The Treasured had to laugh at Sonnie, “Well, I wouldn’t dream of taking your solo cups. Consider them safe.” But what was beer pong?

“Uh, I think they arrived around the same time. And I think, I could be wrong, that Fawkes was living at Prices house or something. But I agree, I hope Cole is ok.” He really had seemed to changing himself for the better.

Then the Mantle flare from Sonnie. Not that she could blame her, and as such, Sera remains quiet. Letting the Summer get it all out there.

Once Circe appeared to have calmed a bit, “Circe, I hope you know you don’t have to explain how your Season operates.” It was obvious that Summer worked it out among themselves, and it was not for anyone else to question it.

“Oh! I plan to look for paperwork, but if you could take a look, that would be very helpful. But only if you have time.” She was sure the elf had a life outside the Freehold.

A nod, “Noted. Should I need to write a check, I’ll move some funds around to make the checks more, secured.” Then a wink.

Sapphires widen slightly, “Wait, what?” eyes moving from Circe to Rhodes.

Finally, Titania. The daggers were returned with a flat look.

[Anatole]

Anatole grunts while he munches on something festive, watching his Sovereign most especially. The shaken pause Rhodes displayed for a moment earned a narrow eyed look from the dwarf - a reaction to the Fairest's sudden chance of temper more than an expression of concern or disapproval.

He frowned as Circe outlined the ructions within her own Court. The dwarf said nothing, a lazy hand trawling for treats from the table.