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"Wouldn't have it any other way." Arden smirked playfully, always being the one to praise herself. Why wouldn't she, when she had every reason to do so? Creating her own fun and all that. "Really?" She challenged the other, eyebrow raised, a smirk never once leaving her face. If someone else was willing to entertain her, she'd be just as happy. "Sounds more like you're not willing to lose to me so quickly and so publicly. I think taking that pleasure away from me warrants more than a drink or two." She knew she'd lose in a heartbeat if it came to actually playing, but confidence was key in many things that Arden did.

"hella smart. sounds mighty fair to me" the man said with a nod, leaving the cue resting on the side of the table. while the table was being set up for the next round, heath took advantage of the short break, making his way to where his opponent was. if there was something he liked more than the thrill of competition, it was the company of a woman "but 'tween ya and me, if ya wanna skip the game and go straight to the drinks, i ain't fixin' to object. ain't no losers in that scenario" he admitted playfully, offering a slight grin and extending his hand "heath morgan. sorry for the call out, reckon i'm just painfully extroverted"

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By Chelsea Lauren for Mammoth Film Festival Portraits - 2023

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Even drinking, Arden was technically on a job. She was always working, always searching for something interesting, and something that would intrigue her, and sometimes, she was just lucky. Finding her target - possibly for a while - Arden settled down in front of the other woman, her typical drink already in her hand. Working or not, it was nice to have a drink. "Come on, when is it never good from me? Have some faith." And yet, she liked a little game of cat and mouse.

open: to anyone "You're interrupting my drink so this better be good." Ramsey rarely took breaks where she treated herself to anything, but every Friday she found herself at the local pub for the best sandwich on the block and a fine glass of red wine. the unexpected visitor lowering themselves across from her hadn't gone unnoticed, but she hadn't acknowledged them at first. A sigh escaped her lips before she looked up. "This better be good."

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It was difficult not to notice a little crowd gathering around the pool table. This seemed cliche, in a way, but even Arden couldn't avoid it, not after a couple of drinks in the system. Besides, she's had a long, long day, so watching someone have a little fun surely wasn't all that harmful.

That was, at least, until their eyes fixed on her, much to Arden's surprise. She wasn't all that skilled when it came to playing pool, and even she was willing to admit that. "Make it the next two drinks, and I might just accept that humiliation."

open starter

location: random bar

heath stood confidently by the pool table, his hazel eyes glinting with the thrill of challenge. as he sank the final ball with a precise, controlled shot, the small crowd erupted in cheers and applause. he straightened up, grinning, acknowledging their victory with a wink and a casual wave of his cue stick

"how bout it?" heath called out, his voice drifting over the bar “‘nyone?" the challenge hung in the air, the spectators buzzing with anticipation, eager to see if anyone would step up to test their skill against the reigning champ. among the crowd, his gaze caught a person standing close by, their eyes fixed intently on the table “you. wanna play? next drink on me”

[ardenxyuen]

Technically, Arden was working. Kinda. Observing the party, potentially enjoying it, and definitely trying to find something news- or, at least, article-worthy was challenging, but when was she not up to a challenge? Not to mention, when was she not up to a free drink? It could've easily been alarming, but Arden had been waiting for a drink of her own, and having watched the other get two, she fet at ease. "You're saying you're not up to a good challenge?" She questioned. "But sure, if you're not willing, I'll be happy to free you of your terrible issue."

Where: Queens block party

When: anytime during the event

Who: open to anyone

Vanja grinned at the bartender who had given them an extra drink, giving the bartender a cheeky wink. Picking up their first, they looked over at the person that had pulled up to the bar next to them. Pointing at the drink that they hadn't touched, "Would you like this? Bartender gave me extra one. But since this is supposed to be a family friendly event I do not think I should be double fisting drinks this early." Last thing they needed was to be arrested for public intoxication....again.

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— BASICS

Name: Arden Ahn Yuen Age / D.O.B.: 36 years old / 1988-04-15 Gender, Pronouns & Sexuality: female/ she/her / bisexual Hometown: New York Affiliation: Media Job position: Journalist at The New Yorker Education: BA from NYU Relationship status: Single Children: None Positive traits: Curious, assertive, smart, quick-witted, fearless Negative traits: Careless, nosey, judgemental, impatient, merciless

— BIOGRAPHY

A true New Yorker; that’s the way Arden always described herself. Completely enthralled in the city from the youngest of ages, the girl grew up swearing like just about any angry passerby. Every nook and cranny was known to Arden as she moved with her mother from one part of the city to another, always looking for a cheaper rent (or running away from the mother’s yet-another-ex). Whilst it lead to the girl having a very turbulent childhood, in a way, Arden was happy about it. Or, at least, that was what she was telling herself when she had one too many at one of her favourite bars. 

Despite the challenges – or because of the challenges – Arden grew up to be a very naturally curious person. Ever statement made to her was followed by “but why?” from her, much to her teachers’ and peers’ displeasure. However, her inquisitive nature made it all the easier for Arden to figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up. Studies at the NYU came easy with the right grades and even better scholarship, and shortly after graduation, Arden finally decided to see more of the world. Becoming an investigative journalist was the right move for her, and after finding the right job, the young woman was happy to travel the world at someone else’s expense.

With her twenties fun, turbulent and interesting, Arden returned back to New York with more experience, a failed marriage and even more not-so-failed explorations. A bit after finally giving her dues to the company she worked for, Arden finally decided to move on, accepting an offer from the New Yorker. Settling down in Brooklyn – where she always felt most comfortable – Arden found herself immersed in the life she hadn’t experienced as much. The darker side of New York, or much darker than she had seen before, was pulling her in, feeding her curious nature, and the woman was quick to get herself lost in it. 

— WANTED CONNECTIONS / PLOTS

TBC

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