((Post a Character Sheet any time. Please keep Out Of Character Chat off the story thread as well.))

"Oh come and dance in our ring. Forget your troubles, gladness bring. The mortal world which you have ties. Behind you lies, behind you lies."

People disappear from time to time into the forests or mountains never to be seen again. We just file a missing person report and move on, usually they don't come back, but sometimes they do. They may be found in such a state to be declare mentally unstable, or perhaps they are dismissed as having some 'out-of-body' experience. They talk about spirits and gods, certain they exist or that there is a higher order telling them what to do do. Preposterous right?

But what if there was? We can't see it, we don't believe in it, but it's there and we know it. Through tiny gaps, small little openings in the veil, we can stumble through. A circle of stones or trees, a ring of mushrooms, or perhaps some old ruins. Perhaps we run into something out in the wilderness, confused and begging for help. We agree to something without knowing the price. But what is it? Where is it? The Fae is what and where. The Fae Realm and it's courts. The Fall, Winter, Spring and the Summer Court. The Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Within this realm promises are binding, prices must be paid, iron is a deadly threat, and lying will only cause you more trouble than it is worth.

I should know better than any, the laws of the Fae are iron in their own might and breaking them is far more than foolish. The power struggles are constant and nothing is forgotten, not by the Fae anyways. Who am I? It doesn't matter any more. I am merely a servant of the Unseelie court, someone who watches and serves the true king. I don't even know if I'm human any more, or if I ever was. My name is spun from his lips and I must hasten to do as I am bid, may you never fall into their grasp.

"Grasp the iron that they fear. Raise it high, they won't come near. Flee the forests and keep away. Else with the fairy you will stay."
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The sun moved easily through thick grey clouds. Rain had either come and gone or was on the way, a dreary and beautiful day. Grey eyes studied the clouds and scattered rays of light piercing them. Her hands moved along a small lap-harp compelling notes from the thin silver strings. A musical instrument she had learned over the years, it had been a stout friend to her. It was sung from a great tree and carved with breathe taking detail, nothing less would do for "She who was born of ashes". The notes sharped in anger, they had forbidden her name, her very lovely name because name had power. Her fair face bared a blank expression of sorrow as she sat upon the park bench. A small escape into the mortal world for a slight time. Her Lord had sought something from this Realm so she was sent to fetch it, to attempt to flee would be futile and it would bring only sorrow.

Many people passed her by staring at her odd form of dress. It was not often you saw a teen wearing a thick Victorian styled dress with a thick cloak of grey. The deep and light blue of the dress making her seem all the more vivid among the more plain colours and manners of dress. Thick red curls hung down her back to her waist, secured away from her face with a grey ribbon. Her gloved hands stroked the harp again as she spell bound several of her fellow humans, luring them with pure words of warning.

"Graps the Iron that they fear,
Hold it high, they wont come near.
Flee the forest and keep away,
Else with the fairy you will stay.

Dance in their circle, twirl about,
Forget the world and your doubts.
Into their realm, into their halls,
You'll never see your own fall."

Strumming one last time she let the applause come and pass on as she started a purely musical piece. No one believed her. No one ever would, but still she tried. Tried to warn them away from the Fae. The other realm of magic and laws more dangerous than any human made weapon. Her own years had long passed by and by now she should be older. How old, she wasn't sure she wanted to find out. Her Lord had placed a spell upon her staying her aging, but not her needs. So, she came to the mortal world for his whims and gathered her own food which she took to the Fae realm. To eat Fae food was a risk she had yet to take and she was stubborn enough to avoid at all costs. Even if it meant living off of scraps if her Lord thought her in the wrong.

Standing she wandered from the bench after gathering up her small bag of grocers that would keep. Trees soon surrounded her as she wandered deeper and further from the paths people usually took. The path became broke flagstones, overgrown with weeds and grasses. Standing before a great oak she touched the bark in reverence, a whorl on the tree rippled as her hand slid through it. Taking a step she was among the forest still and on the broken flagstone path but everything was reversed. Much like a mirror. Following the path once more she watched the birds above squawk and joust each other. Ravens, they were always playing, never fearing. It was a crime to kill them as they were favored by the Fall King. To kill a raven meant one would take it's place. Her Lord was just in his own way, if it was justice to trap one in such a form. More than once she had amused the thought of killing such a bird. Perhaps her life would be... better in it's own way. But no- the Fae Lord would know and her hope would be shattered. He was a just Lord, but this justice was not to be taken lightly.

Speaking of kings and courts, Aisling finds she is not walking alone, and a frosted leaf lands on her shoulder...

"Speaking your 'adorable' little song to lure in the pathetic and meek again, Little one?" The winter king himself chuckles walking beside her, he' bares no armor this time, but just a noble set of clothes, he almost looks elegant- if she didn't already know better than to be regaled by the pretty looks of the fae. "I was just on my way to visit your king and bide some idle time in company of a friend. Hope you do not mind i accompany you on your little walk?"

Aisling's step quickens as she glances away- it was not wise to anger the Winter King, or be anywhere near him for that matter. "I do not, Winter King." She murmurs, her eyes glimmering with annoyance. Applying a blank face, her hair is tugged about in a playful wind, natural made. The Winter King was a staunch friend and enemy- a useful and horrifying person of interest to the Fall King. The Irish lass was force to keep with him till she reached her Lord's hall. She could not even speak in defense of herself, or her warning to those of her kind.

As daylight poured in through the canopy of the forest, Max was woken up from the bright light of the rising sun. Groaning internally, he rolled over and out of the soft bed of leaves he had made for himself. It wasn't much, but it did help him blend in, and it was something to give him a semblance of warmth over night. He stood shakily, his stomach growling, and in a fair bit of pain. He had been surviving off of berries and lake water for the past few weeks, which was definitely not the proper diet for a growing boy. He ran his hands through his hair, and screamed out as he pulled a bug out from the mop that was his head. "Gross gross gross!" He said, stumbling and falling back towards one of the trees.

Max fell on his hands, his palms soar from the hard wood of the tree he fell into. He regained his balance, and wrapped his arms around his chest. "This is the worst morning yet." He said, giving a small, nervous laugh. He really wanted to get home, but these woods were never ending, and things were not at all looking good on that front. He gave himself a moment to regain his composure and collect himself, and started to walk, with the hope that he might find something substantial to eat.

Meliae was watching the young boy as he trudged through her forests. She was alerted to his presence a week ago, and had been bumbling through various portals ever since he arrived. Meliae assumed he wasn't from Russia, but you never know with these things. All humans look so much alike. He was lucky it was still warm, although her forests were usually always warmer then the rest of the woods.

"M'lady. He will not last much longer. If we leave him, he will die." Meliae's most trusted adviser, another Ash tree like her but much, much younger, whispered as they silently followed him. Meliae pondered this predicament. While she would like nothing more then to obliterate the human race, this boy, this youngling, had done nothing except try to survive. He had not taken more than he needed, he simply survived. It made her weary to kill him, since that would be an excess killing. She refused to stoop to the mortals level.

"Perhaps he can be useful to me." Meliae said outloud, before she put her Glimmer on and stepped out to where he could see her.

"Vy zabludilis'?" She asked him, raising an eyebrow at him before she repeated in English, "Who are you?"

Max had been in a bit of a daze, not thinking clearly at all, so when he heard a voice suddenly call out to him, he jumped in shock and fear. He turned on the spot, and looked to see who was calling out to him. His eye finally fell on a woman, and his heart fluttered in relief. Though he was initially confused from the language that he was addressed in, when they switched to English, he put it out of his head, simply happy to be around another person.

"M-My name's Max," He stuttered, and held back tears of joy, as he started to hyperventilate a little," I-I got lost here, an- and.." He stopped, unable to form words in the wake of him being found,as he found his body shaking as emotion that had been repressed for a long time started to pour out, "Can you help me get home?" He choked out, tears now rolling down his face, his cheeks red. In a normal situation, he'd be far more composed, and embarrassed at this outburst of emotion, but he was malnourished, tired, and very, very frightened. He wiped the tears from his face with the sleeve of his tattered shirt, and said, " I'm sorry, that was impolite," He corrected himself, still shaking." What's your name?"

"What? i'm in your lords realm, your fine. Now if this was Winter, then that's be wise. And no worries, no stories of singing birds far too far from their cages." he smirks "If you want... you could even call it a Favor...." He looks about himself, as if he misplaced something very important. he looks a bit worried, then looks to her "I actually forgot my blade." he looks surprised with himself. "Ah well."

(( I'm so sorry, wrong tab))

"I take no favors from winter." Aisling grinds out through gritted teeth. Moving quickly for her short statures she almost runs to reach her Lord and the sanctum of his halls. Reaching the hall she peers into the pattern depths, stones clothed in coloured leaves patter and rustle under her feet. Beneath ancient trees clothed in the many colors of fall, a dark figure paused as the mortal girl bursts into the hall in a flurry of motions. The two guards of great stags do not offer challenge to the one who comes behind her.

Removing a almost feline head from his hand, glowing eyes flashed as he calls out. "Long has it been since the Winter King has come unto my fair halls." The pool before him rippled as a wind passes over it. He let his chuckle at the situation before him rustle the leaves high above him in his ancient hall. The great trees forming columns along the flag stoned path to his dais. Pools behind the trees flickered and sparked with light from various lesser and greater Fae. The mist that tangled above the pools and among the roots of the great trees emitted from the half-moon falls behind his thone of bones. The remains of those who challenged him. Many said he was the most barbaric of the Fae but it was hardly so. He simply saw himself as a hunter, the top predator and such a throne he could mask with stone or wood as he liked. It only a seating place and he cared little where he sat, only that it would not collapse under him. He was amused to think such a thing and so kept it ready as a reply for such a question. Along the cliff that formed the falls, two high walls followed the pools and trees down to the entrance. It was far too dark to make out the design on them. Th Fae King saw no need to lighten his halls as of the current moment. Aisling curtsied to her Fae Lord and sat upon the cold stone and plucked at her harp dully.

"My name is forgotten to the mortal realm but you may call me Meliae. You are not Russian, but rather American? Interesting. What is your full name?" Meliae asked, as she held her hand out towards Katya. Katya handed her an Apple, grown one one of the few Malus nymph's left it was something that would bind him to her court. She didn't take pleasure in it, she would rather the humans leave her entirely, but he'd been into the Fae Realm, and she wouldn't let him escape.

So she handed him the apple with a smile, a motherly, reassuring smile.
"This is all I have for now, but I am the leader of a...village not far from here. We can feed you and decide what to do from there. Meliae might take him to her Lord Fae, since he has some odd fascination with the Mortals. He's kept a pet longer then anyone she's ever known, the red headed Harpist. Then again, Meliae doesn't leave her forest all that often so what does she know?

He greedily took the apple, as it was by far the most appetizing thing he'd ever tasted " Um, Max Napras," He told her, not considering his middle name " I don't think I have any Russian in me, but I know I have some Italian." He looked down at the apple and tossed it lightly in his hand, before taking a large bite into it, and his eyes rolled up as the delicious, sweet flavor burst through his mouth. It really was true that the first bite of an apple was the best, especially when you've gone weeks without having a proper meal.

He smiled over at Meliae and gave her a tight hug around her waist," Thank you so much, I really owe you one." He said, and released before taking a second bite into the apple. He swallowed, and said," So you said there's a village near here?" He asked, the spark of life returning to his eyes, now that he was with another person, and there was an assurance of food in the near future. he finished up the apple as he awaited for a response.

"Oh well, you know being a king gets Tedious." he has no love for being the ruler of a court, but no one else in winter had risen to the challenge. "Though... normally i don't leave my sword laying about- Have you seen it? Normally i wouldn't be concerned, but.... It isn't the nicest thing and who knows what it will do when not watched." he actually seems worried, if it wasn't an utter lie.

The Fall King's eyes gleam a eerie ghastly green of a fresh storm in the dim light, lanterns lighting the Winter Fae's path to the dias, stopping well short of it. "You do not merely 'miss place' that blood drinker." He remarks cooly. "You have simply unfastened the jesses and allowed it to hunt at your- or it's, though unlike you- whim." He gestures minutely a wind rustling the leaves far over head. "Wine, Smith?" A goblet made from the horn of some great beast appears before him. It's a gesture of courtesy and an invitation to speak more of the true matter at hand. "You are hardly so... visible with your emotions." His voice rolls and echoes with a silkiness to it.

"Okay Maybe i let it loose and now i cant find it- But im sure its fine!" he smiles, Worriedly... it quickly turns to a frown "I... Well i fear for a certain court." he sighs "i admit i made a mistake.. And...." he looks about "I would not begrudge someone who... Helps me, retrieve the blade, before it does any real damage." he states; asking for help without trying to in debt himself.

The Fall King leans forward in polite interest his smile with the sharp, white teeth is predatory. "And what would be in it for I, if we helped thou retrieve this blade?" His hands are like the talons of one of his raven ready to strike down at a target. "It would be a shamed if something were to happen. The Winter Court would be the one under sue for the damage and harm done." He notes with a haunting smile. This was playing out beautifully, but he would not get carried away. Falk had been at this game for far too long to get too eager in the chase he forgot to watch for others danger or the enemy that could lurk behind. "This is the Fae Realm, all things must be paid for as is our laws."

Lask shifts and smirks, with a dangerous intent... "Found it." it nearly Scalps Falk, rushing from the fall kings throne, to its master. "I should have known... Perhaps i did- It does have a favor for you, it wants to taste you, and i do not blame it. You would be a honorable and worth opponent." The sword floats about its master- the demented blade would strike terror in a typical fae. Floating Iron. "That is assume it doesn't kill Me first." He frowns, watching the blade warily Apparently the Fae touched blade has been offering far more troubles than he's been letting on. The Blade whispers, in its own cold rasp, desiring sustenance, only the old fae would be able to hear it- that and its master. Lask glares at it "Pest, and Blood spoiler." The blade twirls freely in the air as if amused.

Falk leans to the side as the blade passes, before leaning back into the shadows once more, his face a maske. His eyes are the dangerous green hue still. Aisling watches the exchange, feeling the threats and danger floating about the air. The crispy air takes a static tone, dark and haughty. "Control thy weapon, Gremlin King. Thou hast been cunning to rise so high, a shame if you would be cast low over thine own sword." The glittering eyes of Fae back behind the two pools that run the length of the hall glitter in savage delight. The great towering trees groaning as the flickering lanterns swaying. One almost could see the twisted faces and pleading silent cries of still sculptures in the wooden trunks, the walls on either side of the wall are cast with light as thunder strikes. Images of old Kings that had been cast down and enemies wrought into twisted ends shone in battle scarred mosaics. Challengers had come and gone, his hall had been nicked and notched with the battles of ages. Himself, wounded and bleeding still had held his throne and had ruled his court with nary a protest or upraised hand made against him. For all within his court swore fealty with their name, full and true. If lie was told unto the King, one would find themselves facing a very unsettling prospect.

"In other news, serial killer 'Songstress' struck again last night, this time two store clerks were killed. This marks the killer's thirteenth year anniversary since the world was introduced to the Songstress. Despite the attempts by local law enforcement, the media created her name, something we here at Channel 7 have come to regret. So, once again, if anyone has any information on who exactly this killer is, we urge you to contact the police. This is Debbie Summers, have a good afternoon." a television showed a young blonde-haired woman on it. A crowd had formed around the store window during the newscast, all to find out if the killer had been caught finally. However, just like times before, their hopes were dashed. The Songstress was still out there, and nobody knew what she looked or sounded like...fear was evident among the populace. As the crowd started to disperse, several shots rang out, causing those very same people to panic and run for cover. More shots rang out. Eventually sirens were heard, several ambulances screeched around the block, coming to a stop where police were in a shootout with a local gang. It wasn't the Songstress, but one thing was clear, she had complete control over this city.

***

On the other side of the city, another crowd of people had finished watching the newscast, among them was a woman in a black trench coat. She turned sharply from the window of the store, making her way down the street. People go about their lives in this sorry excuse for a city, never knowing when their lives will end, and not particularly caring until they're on their knees begging for them. People are weak, easy to manipulate, especially when the threat of death is upon them. As fun as it has been here, I have become bored, there's no challenge let alone any thrill in killing people these days. she thought as her eyes traveled from person to person. She caught the attention of a questionable man, whom followed her for several blocks before pursuing her down an alleyway, clearly under the impression he had the upper hand on a helpless woman. She had stopped at the dead end, her back to him, "Hey pretty thing, what are you doing here all alone? You know it's dangerous out here all alone, right?" he asked, reaching into his coat pocket for a knife. The woman smirked, slowly turning around, her emerald green eyes becoming intense as she watched him approach her. "Dangerous for a woman?" she said, almost laughing, "I think you have it all twisted around...it's dangerous for a man like you to be here alone. Well, if I had to be honest, it'd be dangerous for anyone to be here...especially if they followed the most wanted murderer in the city." she finished. The man realized what she was saying a little too late, for the next thing to follow them was a knife to his heart, in which she leaned in to whisper the last words he'd ever hear before dying, "Bleed it out." she said, removing the knife from his chest.

She watched him hit the ground, pulling out a CD and letting it drop to the ground near him, 'Bleed It Out' written on it. She walked from the alleyway, tossing the bloodied knife into a dumpster and turning the corner, only to bump into a cop on duty. She quickly apologized and made her way down the street, though she didn't get far before she heard sirens. She didn't bother to slow down her pace, or look back to see if the cop was following her, she just had to find a place to hide as usual. When the cop cars came screeching around the corner ahead of her, they stopped, the officers getting out and aiming their guns at her. She didn't wait for them to say anything, bolting through the door to her right and up the stairs. She heard them pursuing her, she knew if she was caught, she would be screwed. Without a second thought, she bolted out the door to the roof, unaware or unaffected by the change in the atmosphere. Reaching the edge of the building, she realized she was at a dead end, there was no escape off the building. She could hear them getting closer, it wouldn't be long until they cornered her. She took cover behind a generator, drawing her guns. One thing she was going to make damn sure of, they weren't going to take her alive, not if she had a say in the matter. Come on you bastards, come and get it! she thought mentally.

Meliae froze when he hugged her. When was the last time anyone touched her? She did not know. Passions, even platonic relations as it were, were reserved for the Spring and Summer Courts, she had higher goals to attend to. Still...it wasn't a terrible feeling.
"Come, I will show you my village." Meliae smiled, as Katya took the lead.
"Katya don't go to far ahead." Meliae said and Katya stared at her.
"M'l...iae, shouldn't I?" Katya asked, since everyone would still be in their Fae forms.
"It is fine, stay with us." Meliae ordered. He wouldn't be able to run anyways, the magic that entralled him would just keep sending him back to Meliae.

When they arrived at Meliae's court, which would be considered a village to the rest of the world. There were Fae of all types. All three types Nymphs, scurrying around, brownies, kelpies, her court was diverse. Many came to her for protection as she wasn't in the Fae Realm, but rather offered protection in the human realm. She offered protection to anyone who swore her allegiance, as long as they weren't enemies of the Fall Court, of course.

"Welcome to An Chúirt Na Gcrann, the Court of the Duchess of the Fall Kingdom." Katya said quietly, as the Fae regarded them curiously. They knew their Lady would never bring them harm but a human wasn't a normal sight here. Both Katya and Meliae let their Glimmer fade away, revealing their own looks.
"Please don't faint...I hate it when mortals faint." Katya asked him, as Meliae waited silently for his reaction.

The flora of the fall court had always put on a serene facade, the leaves breaking from their trees in lovely swirling colours of browns and reds. Its cool breeze that delightfully chilled those who preferred a cool environment. But this did not soothe the stone giant, no there are many a creature within this court that had unnerved Orðabók. Best that he be done with his tithe of knowledge to the king of fall. Lest he be turned into some less than unsavory art form.

Ponderously the lord of stone hobbled onward, through densely obscured thickets, his footfalls causing numerous ravens to flock in droves away, the ruler of this court would be expecting him. Eventually something had frozen the golem in his tracks, voices. While rare, it wasn't unheard of that the hermit would wander off of his hidden paths and bump into others, and here in the Unseelie lands, Orðabók had met many a foul fae. He must be on guard.

Peering into a grove-like clearing ever so stealthy, as well as a giant man of rock can be, he spots three souls conjoined in some manner. One, he had perhaps seen before, though he could be wrong, there were many nobles of the court. Another seemed to attend the first, and the last, most curiously indeed, had appeared to be fully human. Such is a rare encounter, even for one as ancient as Orðabók.
Without sensing any overt hostility, the golem's curiosity overwhelmed him. Striding out into the clearing as harmless as he can appear.

"Do I sense lost spirits in the wood?" he bellows in his dull and earthy tone. But by the time his words were uttered the three had already been off. His glacial movement must be to blame for it, had they simply not noticed him, or did they just not care? Orðabók couldn't help but to meander after them, how the stone man wished to speak with a mortal, he could engrave many a tablet with what could be learned from them.