Tales and Entitlements

[Seraphina]

A solemn nod, “That is should! If a party is not held here, it shouldn’t be considered a party. But do we want to go fancy for a second party? Or more relaxed, lets all have fun type party? Or do we put a Spring twist to a masquerade ball?” because that could be fun too.

She figured it was a game. “Huh. Well, if we go with this idea, it seems we have some research to do. And to see how hard it is to get a game like Wheel of Fortune. Like, is it something you can rent or buy?” her mind thinking. “Oh, dice should be cheap too. Maybe there’s a site online where you can get them. And I’m gamer to learn, I can have a card night at my place, and we can try and learn. I know some basics, but I’m not really good at it.” A shrug, “Though if we do a casino theme, it should also have a Spring flare to it. Not sure how yet, but it has to feel like Spring. Oh, one year we did a Luau, it was soo much fun! Grass skirts and coconut tops!” Nodding, “I don’t want us to have a theme if not everyone is in on it. This will be Springs time, so all Springs need to be on board.” At least to her.

Laughing, “I totally expect to see some monkey stickers somewhere at the coffee shop.” She was serious too.

Chuckling, “A race car? Damn! You have way more exciting dreams than I do!” always the girl who could help others and not herself.

A nod, “There is. Like with anything, there are multiple levels of expertise. Years of studying and learning. And all that time learning, well, it takes a toll on you. So much time in the Dreams of others makes you less solid when awake. Uh, kinda? I didn’t get a good look at those who approached me, but if I understand how it works, then yeah, kinda. More and more of me will match my hands. So it’s something I’ve been struggling with I guess, do I keep pushing and improve on healing, knowing more and more of me will disappear. Or stay where I’m at?” another shrug. She wasn’t sure yet.

[Sonnie Wu]

"I don't see why not. We do relaxed parties all the time. Plus, I think Titania would like it if we did something more elegant." Sonnie nodded, mostly to herself, "Casino night can be relaxed and fun, and then we do a fancy ball!"

The Beast thought for a moment. While she did that, Fugly grunted and rolled over on his new bed, making himself more comfortable. "Okay, maybe there's party supply stores that rent that sort of thing? What are the gambling laws in California? Hmmm... oh, we can all wear tuxedos! And we'll serve martinis, shaken not stirred!" She was jarred from her 007 thoughts by Sera, "A luau? Oh, that must have been great! I'm sorry I missed it." Especially the roast pork. There was more nodding, "Yeah, we'll get together with Starlight soon and start planning. March 20th will be here before we know it!"

A devilish grin spread across her face, "Oh, don't worry, I'm sure you'll see them here soon enough." Sonnie chuckled evilly as she hit the Place Order button on her phone. "Hey, I qualified for free overnight delivery! My stickers will be here tomorrow!" The chuckle evolved into a full-on cackle.

Putting her phone away, she simply smiled and shrugged, "The race car dream probably would have worked out better if I actually knew how to drive."

"That's a rough decision," she responded, in thought to the Nix's dilemma. "I don't know what the right choice is, there. I love that you want to help people, but at the same time, I don't know that I'd want you to be totally see-through." Her eyes fell onto Seraphina's hands again, her expression growing curious, "So is it just a visual thing? Or does stuff fall through your hands when you try to pick them up?"

[Seraphina]

A shrug, “Honestly not sure. But I can look into it, as well if we can rent equipment and what the cost would be. Then we all meet for discuss it, I’ll have the numbers.” She takes out her cell and enters a note to remind herself. “Oh, tuxedos! Not sure if I can pull of a tuxedo. Hmm,” thinking, “what about making the tuxes more Spring? Or each of us adding our own twist to the classic tux?” it might be fun. Each of them with their own unique tux. “No reason we can’t have another one, I’d love to have another one! Think I still have some of the decorations somewhere. You want a luau, we can make it happen!” No reason they couldn’t do another one!

Laughing, “I can see it on the news now. Mysterious banana scented begin to appear around the city. Who could be behind this? What does it mean?!” she keeps laughing.

“But you had fun! And that’s what dreams should be, fun. And driving is easy, I’m sure you’d pick it right up in no time.” Sonnie was smart.

“At least I don’t have to figure it out anytime soon. I can remain where I am for as long as I like. But then I don’t get to advance.” A helpless shrug. “And I’m not sure I want to be totally see through either.” A small laugh. “Oh, just visual.” To show her, she picks up her mug, “Just a look thing. Though it would kinda be cool if there was some fun associated with it. Like if I could do something with them.” Though the trade off was clearly being able to save someone’s life. But still.

[Sonnie Wu]

"Hedgespun tuxes? I like it! It'll be a fun twist on our dresses from last year," she nodded, increasingly approving of the idea the more she considered the possibilities. "The more parties, the merrier, of course! It's our sacred duty to make Spring the best season in the freehold!"

Sonnie giggled at the thought of a luau, clapping her hands together. "I look great in a grass skirt and coconut bra! I presume. We can do the hula dance as a trio!"

Giggled developed into full laughter at Sera's news joke, "Who is the mysterious Monkey Stickerer? Inquiring minds want to know! Is she a force for good? Is she hot? More at 11!"

"If driving is so easy, then why are there only three pedals but four directions?" It's possible she'd never been in a driver's seat before. Best keep her away from Circe's car.

The Beast watched her Queen manipulate the coffee mug with no issues, and Sonnie nodded to herself, "Good, good. You'll save a fortune on smashed crockery that way." After picking up her own mug, she took another drink of cocoa. "I wonder if one of those entitlements will secretly try to recruit me one day?"

[Seraphina]

“If we have time, Hedgespun would be fun! But with the Tavern, we could make a day of it together, all three of us. If Titania’s on board with the idea of course." Laughing, “Oh I don’t think it’ll be too hard to make Spring the best Season. I mean, come on! Spring is the most fun, and attractive Season here!” of course they were the best! Though she was a bit partial to Autumn.

“Of course, you will! I’ve seen you in a bathing suit, you’d totally rock a grass skirt and coconut top!”

She giggles along with her, “Will they assign a task force to hunt down the Mysterious Monkey Stickerer?!” this was fun, she needed a good laugh.

A confused look, then she realized, “Oh! You mean three pedals when it’s a standard, I think. One of the extra pedals is for the thing,” she makes a motion with her hand, like she was shifting, “the thing in the middle. I can’t think of what it’s called. But most cars only have two. And,” wait, what? “four directions? What car you been in?” cause now she was lost.

“That’s true, but smashed crockery gives me a reason to go shopping. And, well, accidents do happen.” There was a wink.

“I think one will, you have a lot to offer. And any one would be lucky to have you among their ranks. I just hope you don’t think you need one to be special. Because I think you’re pretty damned special right now, and a huge asset to the Court and the Freehold.” From her tone, she wasn’t bullshitting Sonnie. She truly meant what she said.

[Sonnie Wu]

"Okay, so we've got party planning, hedgespinning some outfits and improvements to the Tavern on the docket? Sounds like a good set of goals for the rest of the winter." Sonnie smiled warmly, "We might be a smaller Court than before, but we're still awesome! We can do this!" With a nod, she ran her fingers through her hair like she was the star of a shampoo commercial, "Well, obviously we're the most attractive! Was there ever any doubt?"

Laughing, she gave Seraphina a little bow, while still seated, "Thank you for noticing my bikini bod. I put a lot of work into it."

The Beast winked, "A task force can try, but the Mysterious Monkey Stickerer is too elusive! She'll never be caught, not while there's any place in Sacramento that has yet gone unstickered!"

She looked into her now empty mug of cocoa, deep in thought, "Right, the stick thingy. What's it called? Um, wait! Isn't that the parking brake?" Her hand was making the same shifting motion, but like the Nix, the proper name wasn't coming to mind. She looked at Seraphina when asked about the four directions line, "Hm? Oh, I might have been referencing some show, but I don't recall which." A shrug, "I don't know if you've noticed, but I tend to make a lot of pop culture references. Sometimes I don't even know what they're from. I pick up a lot of silly stuff off of social media."

Sonnie honestly blushed under the praise from her friend and Queen, and her hands fidgeted with her empty mug a bit, "Well, I never thought I needed one before, but thanks for the vote of confidence. I guess we'll see how the future goes, huh? And if none want me, screw them!"

[Seraphina]

The smile was returned, “A good way to keep us busy!” like she needed more things to do. But she would get them done. “Oh yeah we are! We don’t need a whole bunch of Springs to throw the best party the Freehold has seen.” Though having more would make things easier.

“You’ll have to let me know your secret. Is it all the biking? Cause I’ve never ridden a bike before and would have to find another way.” Bikes had been a huge no no growing up.

“It helps that she has a secret fan base that love interfering with the task force. Making sure the Mysterious Monkey Stickerer stays hidden and a step ahead.” Very important.

Seeing the mug empty, she offers more cocoa, and if wanted, will pour some fresh cocoa into the mug. Settling back in the chair, “Uh, I don’t think so? Think that’s something different?” she then laughs, “I should know this, I drive.” Still laughing, “Maybe we could ask Circe.” The Elf would know. “I enjoy your pop culture references. It gives me something to look up and learn about. One day, I shall be able to use them myself.” Maybe. “But probably not as good as you.” Sonnie was pop culture queen.

“Exactly! If they are too blind to see how amazing you are, then screw them. They don’t deserve you anyways. Plus, no one says you have to join one if approached. You focus on you and doing what makes you happy. I’ve learned things have a way of falling into place when we least expect it.” It was how it worked for her. “And you know if there is anything you need, or want, or that I can help with, I’m always here.”

[Sonnie Wu]

"We'll show everyone how Spring gets stuff done," she nodded firmly and proudly, giving a saucy snap of her fingers.

"Biking?" Sonnie laughed, "Yeah, I got a mountain bike. Sometimes I take it out on trails, but mostly I use it to get around town because I can't afford a car. Also, like I said, I dunno how to drive." She shrugged helplessly. "Mostly it's the kung fu, tai chi and parkour. I have a free running club I meet with once a week, and I'm in the dojo at least three times a week. It's all very intense. Kind of has to be, given the way I eat." She snickered a little. "Luckily, I'm a monkey, not a panda, so I'm not rotund."

"I'm sure the Mysterious Monkey Stickerer appreciates her secret fan club. Not that I'd know personally, having never met her." Wink.

The Beast did, indeed, accept a refill on that delicious hot cocoa. She held out her mug, keeping it steady for the pouring. "Ah, right. Circe's really into cars. Also guns. I presume explosives, too. That blue elf looks like she'd enjoy blowing stuff up." She smiled, "Thanks. Sometimes, I think I overdosed on the memes. I was in such a hurry to catch up on all I missed since the 90s. Now I got all these references in my head and I only recall what like half of them are from. And there's still new things I got no clue about yet."

Sonnie took a sip of the fresh cocoa and made a little pleased sound, "Ahh! Thanks, Sera. Those dream healer people are lucky to have you, too. You've got the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met. I'm sure you're going to help a lot of hurt folks. I'm proud of you!" She smiled happily, "Same goes for you! Anything you need, just ask. You're not just my queen, you're my best friend!"

Fugly looked up where he laid, and made a grunting noise towards the pair of changelings. Sonnie looked at him and laughed, "Okay, she's my best non-dog friend! Geez, so you're jealous!"

[Seraphina]

There was a laugh at the display, “Damn right!” Springs survive, and do it with style.

“Maybe someday we can make a trade, I’ll teach you to drive, and you can teach me to ride a bike.” She offers. “Think we talked about me training with you sometime. Since the whole thing with Fawkes leaving, I’ve found myself without a teacher. And I can only go over and over what I was taught before I need to learn more. If you wouldn’t mind of course, no worry if you’d rather not.” Then a smirk, “Well, pandas are cute, they're adorable way they just fall over. But monkeys are cute too. Have you seen those tails?!”

A quick nod, “Oh, of course not.” The wink returned.

Laughing, “Makes me glad she’s on our side. Because she’d be a dangerous enemy. Thankfully, I can bribe her with coffee. Keeping her happy and caffeinated.” Very important to a happy Circe. “I like them, and I’ve never heard anyone say anything bad about them. It helps me catch up too.” That was important too. “Guess that’s the good thing with the Freehold, we’re all here to help each other catch up and feel comfort doing it.” No judgement here.

A slight flush to her cheeks, “Aww, thank you.” She looks down at her mug for a moment, “It’s funny hearing that, because there have been those who think I’m fake. That how much I care for others isn’t really me. And I suppose I can understand, we all have had horrible experiences, one that could turn anyone’s heart to stone. I just always wanted to bring a little bit of happiness and joy to others, make them happy, even if for a moment. I think we all deserve that.” Then a shy smile as her eyes meet Sonnies. “And thank you.” She always knew Sonnie was one she could count on.

Laughing, “Aww, poor Fugly. Don’t worry, I cannot compete with such a handsome puppy. You’d win everytime!” she leans over to scratch his ears. Then she whispers, but not really, “Just don’t tell Rhodes.”

[Sonnie Wu]

"I think we can make such a trade," the 'Scrambler nodded, sipping her cocoa, "So you didn't have a bike as a kid? The restrictive parents thing again?" Sonnie could relate, having had demanding parents of her own. "No, no! That'd be great! The dojo always welcomes new students, and I can put in a good word for you. Sifu was always impressed with how quickly I pick things up."

"Seen them? Sister, I see a monkey tail every day!" Said tail swayed in the air behind her head, as if to demonstrate that it was still present. "But actual monkeys are adorable. Ever see the one in the cute little coat, that got left in an IKEA a few years ago?"

"Ah, so coffee is her weakness? I shall file this information away and never use it for evil," Sonnie smiled serenely. "Yeah, I suppose so. I mean, no matter how out of date I might feel, Titania's gotta feel that even worse."

An eyebrow raised, "Okay, anybody who calls you fake is gonna get smacked upside the head by my staff. You are one of the most genuine people I've even known, Sera." She scratched her forehead distractedly, "If anyone is fake, it's me. I play the ditz more than I need to." She gave the Fairest humble smile.

Fugly finally got out of his new bed to give attention to the Nix again, attempting to climb up into her lap. Sonnie watched and smiled, "You know, I learned how to talk to dogs. Like, I got an actual contract with canines. Fugly and I have had conversations... if you can call them that. He's more easily distracted than me!"