|
Lux:
The Winter Hollow is decorated for the changing of the seasons. It's always cold in the Hollow, but today it looks especially like a winter wonderland. Delicate snowflakes hover in the air around the cottages, looking like spun crystal or glass, with icicles hanging from roofs and ledges. Lights are strung all through and around the large tree in the middle of the square, those lights reflected in the hanging and floating ice, sending little flickers of light all over the fresh layer of snow that covers the ground. It's quiet. Somber, but there's an intimacy to the quiet as the Court starts to gather together.
Lux is there already, wearing for once not bright colors--instead of neons, dressed in all black with a long coat to help with the cold, scarf and hat on their head. They sit on the porch of the Queen's cottage, rocking idly in a rocking chair, watching the lights flicker over the snow.
Asbolus:
Asbolus slipped through the gate into the Winter Hollow with little fanfare, the sharpness of his mien cutting through the falling snow as he headed inside. Much like Lux he was dressed in darker attire, pale eyes scanning to see who was already present. Spotting his motleymate-to-be he offered them a small smile and a nod, moving to join them on the porch. "Salutations."
Roger Gimlin:
Roger, at least as he was known as by the Lost, was excited for his first Philadelphia crowning routine. However, of course, he kept it internal, for the reservations of the Shortest Day.
Compared to the usual flashy clothing of the Magician, he now wore more garments of his station of an Archer of the Lonely March. Simple leathers, stained black, a belt of pouches with kinves sheathed on either hip.
The Courser dropped from a tree near the cottage, obviously having just finished a patrol to make sure the Hollow was safe on this important day.
In a voice that would not be audible if not for the perception of the Lost, "Hello, Lux, Asbolus," a bow of his head.
Lux:
Lux looks over as people start arriving, giving Asbolus a fond smile as he approaches, and a welcoming nod to Roger. "Hey guys," Lux says in a soft voice, the electric crackle that lingers under their voice more notable with it softer. "Come, sit--or if you prefer, we can go inside and sit by the hearth." They gesture to a pile of folded blankets in quiet offer.
Asbolus:
Asbolus gave Roger a nod before looking back to Lux. "Inside sounds like an idea."
Roger Gimlin:
Even compared to normal, their eyes were on a swivel. Compared to many though, that swivel was located at their hips, due to the mien making their neck almost non-existent compared to a standard humanoid. His body seemed to be taught with potential, like a bow string pulled back.
They moved up next to Asbolus and Lux, "It is up to you, folx. I took a long walk this morning, but I do not mind sitting or standing in either location."
They moved ahead of the Page and Sage to open the door and double check that it was secure inside for the pair. Full scout mode.
Lux:
Lux nods to Absolus, casting another look out to the flicker-lit snow, before pushing up to their feet. They snag a couple of blankets on the way in, moving into the warm, cozy cottage. The hearth already has a fire going, spreading comforting light and heat through the cottage. Lux moves to a couch near the hearth and plops down after shrugging off their coat, hat, and scarf. A blanket is unfolded and draped over their lap as they flop down, one side held up in offering to either or both of them for fire-side couch cuddles.
"How are you both?"
Asbolus:
"Doing well, all told." Asbolus replied, removing his own coat and finding a place to set it before claiming a seat beside Lux on the couch. "Things have been going smoothly at the theater overall, which is always a plus."
Roger Gimlin:
Roger/Tony found himself on the other side of Lux, slightly turned so his shoulder would rest against Lux's shoulder to snuggle.
"I am likewise well. My shows at the various theaters in the region have been going quite well. Antonio Germer, Magician Extraordinaire has his biggest show on Christmas Eve Day, so we shall see how that all goes..."
Lux:
"I have no idea who Antonio Germer is," Lux muses, happily snuggling with them both, the blanket pulled up to their chest. "Wait, is that your stage name?"
Asbolus:
"Best of luck." Asbolus nodded to Roger, resting against Lux with a small smile. "If you still need some assistance with the stage presence side of things do let me know."
Roger Gimlin:
"Yes and it's my identity so that I can pay taxes and all of that sort of thing..." he replied with a grunt, "...Roger Gimlin is somewhere in Chicago with his, adopted, two and a half kids, wife and puppy dog." A touch of the Sorrow that brought him to Winter in his voice, "But yeah..."
"Thank you, Asbolus. I would like to know, if I can, how to be better, since, you know, one can always be better."
Lux:
"I'll get tickets to the show. Make sure I'm there," Lux says softly. "I'm sure you'll be amazing. But if you really want criticism, I'm sure we could offer that too."
Lux is quiet for a beat. "I'm sorry. About your family."
Asbolus:
"Certainly." He nodded, giving Roger a knowing look. "Indeed. Being away from loved ones is never easy, especially around the holidays."
Roger Gimlin:
"It's what brings us to Winter, is it not? That sadness, that sorrow. If I had to be taken, to be around loved ones like this," motioned to the hollow, "is the best compromise I could ask for."
Lux:
"Mm." Lux looks towards the heart, staring at the flickering flames. "That's a bittersweet compromise. Is there anything either of you are looking forward to shedding for the new year?" Lux pauses a beat. "You are aware of the tradition, right?" they ask Roger.
Asbolus:
"Still mulling that over, I will admit. Have a little while to decide, though." He glanced towards Roger at the question, curious to his answer.
Roger Gimlin:
"Yes, my friend. Both aware and looking forward to burning my contracts with my previous employers... My life as a thief is over and all that."
Lux:
"Sounds like a good thing to let go of," Lux murmurs, nodding. "It's been hard to decide on my own offering to the fire, but... I think I've worked it out."
Asbolus:
Asbolus offered a small nod. "I have a few thoughts as to what, just need to narrow them down."
Lux:
Lux leans over to kiss Asbolus' cheek. "Do you need help narrowing it down?"
Roger Gimlin:
"Yes, we would love to help!"
Asbolus:
"Perhaps." He smiled at the light kiss, resting his head against Lux's. "The most prominent is tied to what I offered last year, as I never really pursued that path after the fact and that reluctance is still holding me back on some level."
Lux:
"Hmm. Do you think letting go of it a second time will remove your reluctance? Or is there something else related to it that is causing the reluctance, that you could also let go of? Unstop the dam in a way?"
Roger Gimlin:
He adjusted, just to see Asbolus better, and reached his arm across to rest a hand on Asb's arm. Then his other held Lux's as well.
Asbolus:
"I believe it's a twice bitten thrice shy sort of situation. Putting myself out there on that level has never been particularly easy, and after the last attempt the want to make the effort has been lacking lest I be let down once again, although I know it's something I should be looking into."
Lux:
"I get it," Lux says gently. "But Bobo baby, even if you've fallen down twice, or fucking twenty times, that one time time you take a step forward is still progress." They reach up to brush fingers through the Hunterheart's hair.
Asbolus:
"I know." His head tilted into Lux's touch, letting out a quiet breath. "That last step did help put things into focus, just the question of stirring up the will for the next one."
Roger Gimlin:
Not being involved in the conversation or past, he just remained silent and present for the friends.
Lux:
"Well... Would it help if we worked to keep you motivated? Follow up and give you a poke to do what you're wanting to do?"
Asbolus:
"I think it would." He nodded, smiling a touch. "You and the others played wingpeople rather well last time, so if you wanted to help in that vein again I wouldn't say no."
Roger Gimlin:
"IF I may, what is the goal?"
Lux:
Lux perks. "Wingpeople?"
Asbolus:
"Mmhmm." He smirked, seeing Lux pep up all of a sudden. "I feel like I'm in a good place to start looking for that sort of companionship again."
Roger Gimlin:
"Ohhhh?! Very cool. Perhaps, burn a reservation for one receipt...but I'm sure you have something better in mind."
Lux:
"Oooh." Their brows raise. "Is there anyone you have in mind already?"
Asbolus:
"Someone in the community at large may be best considering how far along the path I am these days, but no one in particular comes to mind at the moment."
Roger Gimlin:
"More than happy to be one of the wingfolx."
Lux:
"Hmm... I'll keep an eye out for people I think you'd vibe with." They peer towards Roger, smiling. "What about you? Anyone caught your eye since you got here?"
Roger Gimlin:
"Haven't really looked yet, but it's less about the eye, then the heart. Gotta make a connection, and then my brain let's me appreciate them that way."
Lux:
Lux lets out a soft but still dramatic sigh at not having any immediately juicy gossip. "Fair enough... I get that. I hope you find that connection."
Asbolus:
"Right there with you, admittedly." He nodded to Roger, smiling a touch at Lux's clear disappointment. "If someone catches my eye you'll be the first to know."
Roger Gimlin:
"Honestly, it goes back to the other side. See so many beautiful or horrible things long enough and it starts not to matter what they look like, right?" a shiver, "It's more about how they treat one."
Lux:
"Good. You'd better." They give Asbolus' cheek a playful pat, before looking to Roger with a more sober look. They nod. "Yeah... That makes sense."
Asbolus:
"Indeed." He nodded quietly. "Although on my end it was like that for me before as well, needing that connection in place before things could develop further."
Roger Gimlin:
"I used to be a jock asshole toxic male. Had the sorority girlfriend, all of that..."
Lux:
Lux perks a brow, looking Roger over thoughtfully. "I guess I could see it," Lux muses. "I'm glad you've shed the toxic shit. You seem like a pretty great guy, Roger."
Roger Gimlin:
"Thanks, friend. I spent a lot of time beig a dick, before and after... and thought a lot with it as well. Now, I'm trying to better myself. I recently started to find myself with stronger ties to my story, so I wish to ... mold it ?"
Lux:
Lux nods. "How are you wanting to mold it?"
Roger Gimlin:
"I don't wanna be a shit anymore," he said simply, "Started to focus on not just... what I want, but what I can do to help. To... become part of the Freehold. I've never really had one more than temporarily before."
Asbolus:
Asbolus listened with interest, nodding quietly at the answer. "Been looking into that myself as well. I've been a Page for quite a while, it's well past time to change that."
Lux:
Lux smiles in understanding, squeezing Roger's arm, then looks to Absolus. "What title are you interested in?"
Asbolus:
"Sun Banisher." He replied. "I've expressed interest in the position and am waiting on word from on high on pursuing it properly."
Lux:
"Hmm... I can see it," Lux muses approvingly. Then they glance towards an old clock on the wall, and let out a sigh as they slide out from under the blanket. "Almost time. I need to go get things ready, but I'll be back before sunset. Thank you for spending the day with me."
Roger Gimlin:
"Thank you, dear friend," he leaned over and gave a kiss to Lux's cheek, in the European style.
Asbolus:
"Time with you is always time well spent." He said with a smile, scooting aside so they had room enough to get up. "A pleasure as always."
Lux:
Lux gives them both a hug around the shoulders and a quick peck on the cheek, and then quietly slips out of the cottage.
Roger Gimlin:
"I should do a patrol as well, Asbolus. Make sure things are secure and no one is trying to enter during the Shortest Day."
Asbolus:
The hug was gladly returned, followed by Asbolus moving to stand himself. "Sounds like an idea. Care for some company?"
Roger Gimlin:
"I would like that. You have plenty of your own abilities to stay dark, silent and the like I'm sure," a grin as he headed to the doorway.
|