faeriddled

[faeriddled]

Finn had always been aware of his surroundings, not due to being paranoid or insecure – it was a flaw of being in the centre of a social circle. Everyone had to be welcomed, satisfied and feel as if they were his most important guest when he was at his own place; he had to be aware of every act occurring on his territory – no matter good or bad, for he could always rewrite the circumstances or change them in a way he would seem innocent.

It was the reason why he was certain that the stranger was the one who collided with him, a stranger with a very familiar face – someone who Valentine knew well.  He wondered whether he was born with an aggressive inclination or if it was a result of the glass he was holding. “ I am very aware of my surroundings,” Finn said softly, voice gentle as he smiled at him. “ I would love to accept such magnificent credit but I do not believe I could ever be the reason as to why you are messed up. Thank you for thinking I could make such an impact on you by simply standing here.”

( @faeriddled -- The Lunar Eclipse Masked Ball late, in the evening )

Champagne is flowing so fast that Rowan can barely say no before a fresh glass is poured for him. He tried. He really did try to stay sober tonight, but everything that is happening around him has brought him to fail. The weird conversations. Everyone behaving strangely. If he does not believe in one thing, then it is true magic -- but the full moon is making him think that maybe, it is really there.

His head starts hurting more and more and soon enough Rowan stops watching where he's going, until he bumps into a stranger, and almost spills champagne all over himself. "Shit.", Rowan starts cursing as the sticky liquid drips all over his hand, and he graciously saves his suit from getting all wet, too. "Watch where you're going, man.", he blurts out, "You almost got me all messed up, dude."

[faeriddled]

A simple game, a game on her terms for as long as he enjoyed it and for as long as he decided to entertain it.  Her crimson stained lips reminded him of vengeance and he wondered how revengeful the beauty could be if things did not turn out her way.

“ The only man who knows how to spend is the one not wasting his time, and I believe my time is not wasted when I have the privilege of your company.” His tongue knew how to caress the insecurities he believed she had, how to flatter her, used to words she perhaps wanted to hear, for there was no other way to speak to Valentine. He waited for her to make the final decision, the first move and followed every step – a tango he was not leading but he was more than okay with it.

“ Do you believe someone would decide to challenge me?” he questioned, innocence hidden in the voice of a sinner as his legs moved slowly, guiding both him and her away from the crowded space where they weren’t meant to be seen together.

“ Many hear are aware I am standing on solid ground and if I wish? The ground for them could turn liquid.” It was not a threat, it was just a reminder of the lack of fear he held. “ Where do you want me to take you, Val?”

Valentine doesn’t reach for his arm immediately. She lets her gaze drift over him instead, slow as molasses, assessing the victor of her little auction with a tilt of amusement. It was a little buddy of hers. A fae she'd spent more time with than she'd care to admit.

“How charming,” she breathes, voice velvet-smooth and silky. “I do enjoy a man who knows how to spend.” The glint in her eyes suggests she’s not simply referring to money, but other valuables as well. There was no denying that the redheaded beaut adored having people waste money on her. Especially considering she could nearly buy whatever she wanted with her own funds. Yet, where was the joy in that?

At last, she places her hand lightly on his offered elbow, but there's mischief coiled in the movement, as though she's agreeing to a game, not a date.

“Let’s walk, then, shall we?” Valentine purrs. “Before someone decides to challenge your claim and I’m forced to claw my way out of a bidding war twice in one evening.”

[faeriddled]

The reason why he had decided to be polite and adhere to the normal etiquette at such gatherings was not kindness, yet she did not need to know of that. His smile grew brighter with her words as if the compliment meant something more than intended. “  I would love for you to visit, perhaps you would have a better understanding of my gathering. I need to warn you, though – you’d have a lot of fun.”  He had decided not to address anything else that was hidden in her words; it was obvious why she avoided the topic of the rumours for his establishment – some simply did not understand that a good time was always priced in more than money, and sometimes it was not what one could afford. “ They have indeed, they are not only efficient but also adapting to the growing demand and I’d love to see you stay on the market for long and grow. We can collaborate if you think an expansion might be a plan in your future. I am certain my guests would enjoy your food.”

❝ You are most kind, ❞ Umi’s lips curled into a smile at the flattery before her eyebrows shot up as he pressed his lips on her hand. A gentleman? She was most pleased at having her instinct for interesting things proven worthwhile. The merfolk fisher mouthed his name but never spoke it, simply trying to get used to an equally interesting moniker. ❝ I have, I believe. Don’t you own that club in the forest? I haven’t been there, yet, but I’ve heard so many...things about it, ❞ she made sure to mince her words appropriately. As a fellow local business owner, even if just by name and rarely by practice, Umi knew full well the dangers of bad advertisement, and that not all promotion is good promotion, or however those phrases work. Idioms? Umi wasn’t quite sure what the right word was but she also wasn’t quite sure there was any truth about the disappearances. Or if there was any concern from her side. She gave him a slight bow, a gesture of appreciation for his kind words, though she took none of it for herself, ❝ The management has done wonders for Oyster Royale. Our general manager has been very...efficient at their work. I will deliver to them your praises. You will find them most grateful and appreciative. ❞

[faeriddled]

Familiar faces were difficult to ignore in a place where he had lived for years, longer than some humans could afford. It was not his intention either, for from any interaction he could gain anything – information, fun, or perhaps a few moments of playful bickering to stimulate his own brain. As someone who was destined to live in a vibrant social circle, destined to be in the centre of it, Finn did not fear interaction; he welcomed it, especially when it was a man who offered selfless kindness. It was not a virtue Finn had, but he could admire it from afar. He decided to ignore the evidence of indulgence visible on the other’s hand, for it was not a place where he would instruct others on proper etiquette. Instead, he offered him a brilliant smile, his eyes mimicking the evidence of joy as they widened together with his twin lines. “ I am equally happy to see you here.” He shook his hand as if he were an old friend and then followed up on his offer. “ I would not say I am hungry yet but I cannot deny myself a delicious wonton cup, especially if you are recommending it. How has life been treating you lately? I really hope you have the time to enjoy yourself.”

@faeriddled event starter; spencer avery & finn riddle

if he had to pick his favorite thing about these events -- that will one day fall into his and his wife's sole responsibility to orchestrate, ick -- it would be the food. not that five star meals are lacking on the avery dinner table, but something about the fancy parties leaves spencer feeling less restrained and ready to try everything on the menu -- more than once! currently, he's found a break in performing as the host to down his careful selection of hors d'oeuvres that he's collected from the trays floating around the party on silver trays carried by the staff.

he's about to dig in to a mystery flaky pastry when he sees what he thinks is a familiar face under an intricate black mask passing by his table. his hand that isn't dribbled with a mystery sauce reaches out for a handshake, after which he nearly licks the mystery sauce off side of his finger, but thinks better of it in case his father-in-laws eyes are upon him within the crowd. instead, he wipes the sauce off on an over-priced cloth napkin. ❝ finn?? so glad you could make it! are you hungry? whatever they have in these wonton cups is damn good. ❞

[faeriddled]

There were odd ways in which humans liked to be celebrated; he’d never offer himself on a silver platter nor for any gamble than his own life. However, it seemed that some found the need to bathe in attention. His eyes were drinking her in, for he had seen what was underneath the mask, and he was aware he could recognize her anywhere, as a Fae he could not deny when it saw a charming smile similar to that of magic. Even if it would never compare to the charisma of a Fae, Valentine Hawthorne was close. He did not expect her to put a price tag on the body and features she deeply valued, especially when they were the reason why no one had cut that sharp tongue of hers. Still, he gambled – for she was fun and he liked fun. A man who attempted to outbid him fell, not used to gravity or the way the earth slightly shifted under the pressure of his ego. Spending money was easy; it was not a burden – by the end of the night, he would make more. Once he was announced as the winner, he approached slowly, the thought of victory masked by a charming smile. “ I did not doubt your creativity; however, you find plausible ways in which we can meet.” It would not be a date with jealous eyes, for he was certain there was at least one person in that great hall who wanted one of them dead. “ Shall we move now?” he suggested, offering her his elbow, so they could speak  in private, so they could walk away.

Event Starter: @faeriddled

The lights dim just enough to let the crystal chandeliers glitter like a thousand watchful eyes. A hush falls over the venue as the auctioneer taps the mic once, twice, and begins announcing the next 'offering' for the evening.

Valentine steps forward like sin wrapped in gold, the cortege of her gown trailing behind her like the smoke from a slow-burning blaze. Applause erupts, though it’s laced with anticipation more than admiration. She’s not just a vision. She’s a gamble, a dare, a curated act of temptation. And tonight? She’s for sale.

“Up next-” The emcee calls out. “-a dance and private date with Miss. Valentine Hawthorne, heiress, heartbreaker, and tonight’s golden girl.” It was a little on the nose for her tastes, but she'd accept it. Not to mention, her mother probably slipped the man a card with what to say before she took the stage.

A soft smile curves her rose-gold lips, but there’s nothing delicate about the look in her eyes beneath the jeweled mask. She gives the crowd a languid turn, slow and purposeful, letting every watchful gaze drink her in. She’s auctioning herself off for charity, yes. But there’s nothing charitable about the way she looks when she purrs into the mic, “Don’t be shy. I only bite if you ask nicely.”

And just like that, the bids begin.

[faeriddled]

A place full of bored souls waiting for someone to entertain them, and also those who knew how to entertain themselves. He could not ignore the effort that was put into bringing the differences of all citizens together; it was indeed charming to believe a gathering could soothe a fire of anger that had burned for years. Still, pettiness did not look good on him, and instead, he decided to use it as a way to entertain himself and perhaps create a few useful connections. His thoughts were interrupted by a bold statement that he decided he would take as a compliment – he looked charming, yet interesting was another useful way to be perceived. “Thank you, and you look stunning.” Instead of shaking the extended hand, he took her in his and gently kissed it, lips barely brushing against the skin, for he was a gentleman.  Her occupation was more interesting than her name, still, he had to pretend to ignore that for a while. “ It is a pleasure to meet you, my name is Finn Riddle, and I assume you have seen me around.”  His advertising campaigns never lacked attention; there were a few billboards with him, but he was more careful with those, after all, everyone would see he was not aging. “ I have dined in your fine place; the food is always exquisite. I can see it is managed with great care. I  can only applaud the management.”

who & what: @faeriddled (closed; for finn riddle) when & where: the lunar eclipse masked ball at the moonstone museum

❝ You look interesting, ❞ Umi turned to the man standing next to her, Finn Riddle, and her attention was immediately grabbed by what he was wearing. Something about them made her feel all sorts of things, but she wasn’t quite sure yet if those were bad or good. All that she was sure of was that he seemed like he had a story to tell. ❝ Izumi Tokugawa, owner of Oyster Royale, ❞ she introduced herself with a hand out for him to shake, a smile on her lips. Despite spending more time fishing at the beach or at the ports, she knew it was much better to attach her name to the restaurant she (barely) owns. Technically, it was under her name and she made all the final decisions, but the head chef and the general manager were the ones who worked there every day (that was a working day), not her. She knew and accepted that without any hint of embarrassment or annoyance. Right then and there, she also suddenly knew who the person next to her was, the realization just dawning on her and making her ebony eyes widen with surprise, ❝ I know you, don’t I? ❞

[faeriddled]

FINN RIDDLE AT THE LUNAR ECLIPSE MASKED BALL A custom mask and a custom suit, designed with a touch of magic. Finn comes alone, accompanied only by his expectations.

[faeriddled]

‘Life is this … I like this.’ Harvey Specter

[faeriddled]

MANU RIOS 2025 | via Instagram (April 14)

[faeriddled]

Finn Riddle (Alvaro)

“One must be a fox to recognize traps and a lion to frighten wolves” BASICS Name: Finn Riddle (Alvar) Face Claim: Manu Rios Age: Appears to be 27, real age 80 Species: Earth Elemental Fae Occupation: Owner of Emerald Enchanted PERSONALITY Virtues: idealistic, charming, witty, humorous Vices: jealous, greedy, manipulative Fin has always been thought to be welcoming, after all Fae were blessed with superior looks to appear divine and not hostile to others. People who are not close to him would easily describe him as someone with good intentions, while those who came close enough to see what’s rotten would argue. He can be anything and everything; it entirely depends on the person before him and whether he decides they are worthy of his company. As someone who had been around for years, he knows how to remain a welcomed guest and not as an enemy within the borders of Westray and whenever he crosses a boundary, he  always offers  a well-dressed apology. HISTORY Earth takes, earth gives and earth is what breathes life into both him and his desires. Fin had spent many years exploring every pleasure that was offered. Coming from a line of wealthy Fae, he had lived in a world where everything and everyone had a price. It is the reason why he had decided to live hidden in the world of music, in a world where nothing but his opinion matters. He has made sure to have a place that would be visible for the world but also a hiding spot of his, where everything would be so obvious that no one would question, no one would dare to look. A place of entertainment, a gentle remedy for the soul that would unite both Fae and other creatures alike in finding comfort. He did not account for the chaos that would follow, however, he was still not disappointed.

During the years he had lived in the town , he had made several friends and several enemies. What he values the most is that both seem to be quite loyal to him, and as a Fae with a need for superiority, he truly admires that. He tries to stay on top of the competition and away from those who are not worth his time, even if he’d always offer them the privilege of an enchanted conversation.

He aims to live on his terms and if someone stays in the way of said terms, he would make sure they do not dare to engage in such a brave act again.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

Friends: those close to him, those he trusts to a certain extent

Frenemies: they love to bicker, they fuel each other’s creativity

Enemies: a rivalry that has been there for ages and the fire in it is still burning bright

Past lovers: Finn enjoys a good time, so I assume he would have had many pleasant dates in the past