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Ari waits outside the Crown's cottage in the Spring Hollow, the garden flowers all in bloom and flourishing despite the cold snap that has come through Philly. The gentle giant has a massive hand knitten light blue shawl pulled around their broad shoulders, and their head is bent to look through a book they're idly flipping through. Beside them on a little table is a pitcher of ice water and a few glasses laid out.
Among the gardens, there's little reason to force one's tiny wings into a shirt, so Drake didn't bother. A long necklace ending in a geode hung around the golden dragon man's neck, and he was looking into it for far too long as he made his way around. When he managed to get himself out of the immediate draw, he snapped his attention up and skittered on over towards the giant. "Crown Ari. What are you reading?"
They look up and offer Drake a warm smile, closing the book up after marking their place. They hold it up for him to read: No Idle Hands: The Social History of American Knitting. "It's a fascinating read," Ari says, only after Drake has looked away from the book and focused back on them. A genial smile rides rampant across their face, splitting the green marble with sharp white teeth. "Barely can put it down."
"Textile arts," muses Drake before he comes forward, stopping a bit away so they look fairly on level rather than, well, if the gristlegrinder were to stand. Meanwhile his hands quickly fluttered two outer fingers about sternum height before both hands raised, one knocking its wrist on the other from above. Handy. "Do you make your own clothes?" A glance then to that shawl before back to the Elemental.
Ari smiles down at the shawl and nods, watching Drake's hand motions. Their large hands lift to sign in return with patient, practiced motions--more dexterous than their bulky size would suggest. I do. Knitting is a hobby of mine. It soothes the mind. They smile. How are you?
Drake's very quickly dropping into a smile before the lips firm up to go alongside any needed motions. Unchallenged. Uninspired. I thought I could find inspiration here but have not yet. Not since I made the warning ring of the Oathbreaker. How are you?
The mention of Oathbreakers makes them pause, then nod. Their expression and body moves along with the signing to help be better understood, their marble face easily expressive. I am well. Thank you. Would you like to sit? Make yourself comfortable. they sign, then gesture to the seat beside them. What normally inspires you? Tell me about your work.
Drake ends up perched on the edge of a seat, half-crouched with bare feet on the seat. It does not look like a comfortable position. I follow the whim. See where what the world brings me. I use metal, gems, glass - things of the earth. Where earth meets fire. People often.
Ari makes a soft thoughtful sound to themself, dark eyes taking in Drake attentively. As they become more serious and thoughtful their body has a tendency to go still--like a statue. Alas, that's not good while signing, so they force themself past it--but when Drake is replying the stone giant goes... well, stone-like. A sign of intense focus and interest.
Do you think you would feel happier if you had direction, rather than following your whims? Would that be more fulfilling?
Why? asks Drake with a simple collapse of all but his pinkie finger. Then onwards. Is there something that needs done? What has Spring been doing? I can support.
Ari rumbles out a soft, gentle laugh--even though Drake can't hear the sound, it lights up their face, in a way that makes it clear they're not laughing at Drake, merely delighted to see him eager to jump in.
There are always things that need to be done. And your support would be valued and appreciated. Ari pauses, drawing the shawl around themself. There is something that needs doing. Have you met Mearcstapa? The name is spelled out, and Ari says that last sentence out loud as they sign.
The Wizened's nose wrinkles up, and then he sneezes, shaking his head rapidly as it to shake out the last of the germs. When he looks back to Ari, he starts back in.
Yes. They don't like me. What do you need with them?
He pointed out to me that the burden of acquring legal paperwork has been resting on one person's shoulders for too long. The Steward of the Midwinter Hearth does a fine job, and I know Mearcstapa plans to step up as Scrivener for Autumn, but I believe Spring should be doing their part as well. A new title needs to be created and filled, to help people gain the resources they need to build new lives.
Ari smiles at him, going still again as they gauge his reaction.
Drake's inner membrane slides over his eyes as he continues his stare. After a moment, he signs again. How much talking would that involve? With people. There's a moment before he indicates himself. Not good at people. Money? Yes. People? Harder.
Ari considers that a moment before continuing to sign. It will probably require talking to some people, yes. To know what they need to make their lives better. But more important will be knowledge of how legal systems work, and how to safely acquire things without drawing too much attention.
They pause, then offer him a gentle look. But if you do not think this is a position you can thrive in, perhaps you can help me find someone else to fill it.
I can do that part, signs Drake after a minute of contemplation. But I will keep my eye open in case someone else seems better prepared. An even keeled approach.
I trust your judgement in what is right for yourself. Either way, I would be very grateful for your help, Ari signs. They smile again, then reach for the pitcher of ice water, pouring themself and Drake a glass. Their dark eyes stray momentarily down the Trod as they take a thirsty gulp, a look of verdant contentment turning to one of concern. They look back at Drake, setting the glass down to sign again. There is something else that has been weighing on my mind.
Drake's attention never waivers from that spot, instead fixated on the monarch. Speak it and see if it weighs less.
Petra flew in, in her preferred form of a small, brown sharp beaked ground finch. She winged in and landed on Ari's shoulder, chirping happily to see him.
Ari's hands start to move to reply to Drake, but then the little bird sweeps in and the gentle giant breaks into a radiant smile. They shift easily to include more people, talking out loud now--but their hands don't stop signing along with what they say, even if it's not directed to Drake. "Good afternoon, Petra. It's nice to hear your cheerful voice. Have you met Drake?" Apparently they're well enough acquainted with the tiny birb.
You talk to animals? signs the dragon man as he looks between the Gristlegrinder and the bird on their shoulder.
She whistled a little tonal 'nah uh' and leaned against Ari for a moment then hopped over and cheeped at Drake in greeting.
Ari laughs merrily. "Petra is more than just the tiny bird you see here. She is a very skilled Spring Healer." They look to the chirpy birb. "I was just discussing plans for Spring with Drake, if you'd care to join us."
Drake shifted back in the chair more, now legs fully under him in a kneel.
Petra flapped her wings and with each beat they grew larger and larger, and in a blink of an eye a tiny woman with brown wings and feathered hair settled her wings against her back. She smiled to Drake. "Hello! What kind of plans? Sorry, I don't know sign language."
Ari waits patiently for Petra to shift shape, giving her time to get settled and the two to say any hellos before they get into business. Still, they sign along while speaking.
"There are several Freeholds neighboring Shackamaxon. They have been... quiet, lately. And as Spring is the time for seeds to be planted and connections to be fostered and grown, it is time for us to gather Diplomats to send to our neighbors. And to check-in, to make sure everything is alright."
"I don't speak bird," says Drake with a smile towards Petra. Maybe a joke, maybe not. The delivery was just off. His attention shifts to Ari. "Do we know where they're attached? Even cities?"
Petra still laughed and grinned, making sure to face him directly if he could read lips. "Diplomats, huh? Well I'm not a diplomat but if you want a healer to go along and browbeat anyone who gets hurt into acting reasonably, I'm your bird."
"Our Trod connects us to Allentown, our closest neighbor. Then there is Lancaster, Baltimore, and New Castle, all about an hour's travel away," Ari replies. "If you travel by vehicle, of course. The Hedge isn't usually so generous while measuring distance."
They smile warmly at Petra. "I cannot think of any situation where I wouldn't want you and your skills on hand, Petra."
"Then maybe we should make it there first," says Drake as his talons go down to glide over his pants just a hint. "Do we have any who are skilled navigators for the others? Or gifts prepared for a visit?"
"I can think of a lot of situations like that," she said with a smirk. "That's why I'm a Page and not a Joyeux. I'm a Pathfinder but I would prefer taking a car. I went out for fruit with a bunch of Summers and we got all separated. It was horrible. Well, we survived uninjured so not that horrible but not so good for my stress levels."
Ari smiles wider, flashing white teeth towards Drake. "Gifts would be a wonderful idea. None are prepared yet, and I can think of no better to take charge of such an honor as you, Drake."
Gentle concern replaces the smile as Petra speaks. "The Hedge can wear down our minds far more easily than our bodies, at times. I'm glad to hear no one was injured. Have you managed to relax since then?"
Drake regarded Petra. "Do you know how to find or get into the freehold where we're going from this side? I've always had to run into someone to be pointed to the local freehold on the iron side."
"I'm fine, Ari," she assured him. "I just felt like a hen trying to guide a bunch of over confident chics." She sighed. "Which is not a fair or accurate comparison for the Summer Pages, for the record. And Artie was pretty badass when I saw him sparring with Sigrun the other day. The Pathfinder contact takes care of directions, pretty much. But really, a short road trip is way easier and safer."
"The Trod should allow you to travel safer than going through the thorns, at least. The way to Allentown should be reasonably safe." A beat. "As safe as the Hedge can be. But I trust your abilities as Pathfinder, and whatever you feel is best, Petra."
Their smile grows again, proud and radiant to see them take initiative. "I also trust you both to find others who can balance your skills. There are many in Spring who would step up as eager diplomats, I'm sure."
Drake shrugs lightly. "What is with that Summer Artie anyway? Do we have a Fae-Touched near who wears a face mask often? He revealed me to them but if they were fae, their mask was strong."
Petra groaned. "I keep doing this to myself, don't I. Why do I keep volunteering for these things? No one gets lost or murdered by-by flying fish if you're going by car." She sighed, then shook her head to Drake. "They aren't fae-touched, Finley is a vampire. From what I understand, they're pretty good friends with Artie."
Petra gets another hearty, gentle laugh. The mention of vampires doesn't seem to startle the Crown. They watch the interaction quietly, picking up their glass of ice water to sip from.
"Is it normal for him to ignore you when you're speaking to him? When I stop seeing people, it's an issue of clarity," explains Drake. "Are we on good terms with vampires here? It seemed odd to inform one but not the other."
"I don't know Finley that well," she admitted, and scooted closer to Ari to lean against him companionably. "We're good with them. I'm dating one, actually."
"We have a positive diplomatic relationship with the Kindred of this city," Ari says, their body language and tone shifting to more serious as they talk and sign. "The Crowns have worked to keep peace between us and their Sakima--their leader." There's a subtle please don't make messes for us to clean up there.
"And the Summer?" asks Drake with a curled finger dragged across his forehead.
"Hell if I know," she said with a shrug. "I'm not dating him so that's something you'll have to ask him. There's a looot of relationship drama in this hold that I just prefer to avoid with carefully cultivated obliviousness."
Ari looks between them, then smiles again as they rise to their feet. Their Mantle flares as they stand, like a breeze catching the spiraling and sprawling illusory vines. Filling the air with the sweet scent of honeysuckle and a top note of clean petrichor like the air after a midday May shower.
They tuck the shawl around their shoulders again, then sign and speak, "Unless there is anything else I can do for you, I will excuse myself. It was good to see you both."
"I can't." Drake signs both hands splayed open, coming to his shoulders, then drawing back. A single index finger to his forehead before it comes down and both hands splay in peace signs. Heal clarity.
Still, he looks unperturbed from there, looking to the monarch. The signing goes back fluidly. Enjoy your book.
"You don't have to leave!" Petra protested. "I was kind of thinking that maybe we should organize the Court's healers, just in case of emergencies."
To Drake they nod. "If you're ever in need of healing in that way, you are welcome to seek me out. And let me know what you decide, about the title. Perhaps you could reach out to Mearcstapa, to learn more about what such a position would require?"
Their eyes light on Petra, approving and gentle, crystalline flowers budding along the vines. "That is a wonderful idea. The Freehold could use a unifed force to help those in need."
She nodded, wrapping her arms around her knees, then looked up at him with a teasing smile. "Ok. Don't be a stranger, just because you've got a fancy hat. I like seeing you around here. It's nice."
The Wizened considered, then nodded. "I will go now." Apparently one for abruptness. A look then to Petra. "Enjoy flying."
"I do my best!" They laugh brightly. "Trust me, I would much rather see all your smiling faces than be buried in work all the time!" They nod to Drake. "Have a good day, Drake. Take care." They look back to Petra, considering her a moment before smiling. Their massive arms spread, quietly offering a hug.
Petra gaped after Drake for a moment as he decided to leave. "Bye," she said faintly, then rushed over to bury herself in the hug and rubbed her eyes. "Thanks," she whispered. "I needed this."
The birb is lifted off her feet into a warm, affectionate embrace. Ari gives the best hugs--strong and engulfing but so gentle, flooding the air around her with soothing scents. "Anytime," they reply softly, setting her back down on the ground after a second or two. "It's good you are working hard, but remember to take time to heal yourself, Petra."
"I'm fine," she promised. "I am. Just... feeling a little disconnected sometimes."
By this point, Drake has skittered on off!
Ari rests a large mit of a hand on her shoulder for a gentle squeeze. "It happens to us all. It's even more important in those moments to find something to anchor yourself to. Perhaps find one of the Joyeuxes to speak to, if you need someone to talk to?"
"I'll speak to someone," she agreed with a sigh. "Take care of yourself too. Spring is more than the paperwork!"
"I will." They squeeze gently, then pull their hand back. "I'll see you soon, Petra." They smile, then head inside the Crown's cottage.
Petra flickered back into a little bird a moment later, and flew up into the eaves of a cottage roof and settled in, feathers fluffing out into a tiny ball.
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