Lask himself is not amused with the blades petty, and dangerous game... "I aught to reforge you into something less aggressive." The blade slows and calms "Pardons about my blade... Next time it shall remain Sheathed. I would offer you a weapon, but you cannot wield Iron. Should have a material you desire a weapon made of, let me know- But just so we are clear, only One, any past the first is a favor."

The Fall King inclines his head. "You have your blade returned. Do you seek a trade with I? Or is you're business finished?" The wintry tone of his voice is coated with amusement, gesturing with his hand he peers into the pool, watching to going on's of his many Fae. Aisling watched the Baron warily. Surely he would have the sense to leave? Before the darkness fell all the more and covered the hall? Before her Lord had born enough insult? It was rare when her Lord would take insults to fight- but it did happen and many of those who triggered such rested in the trees, or on his throne as warning of his prowess.

"MY dear friend. You wound me. but i take the hint. You know full well i did not tell the blade to do such, Nor would i. But i will not begrudge you for believing so." the young gremlin bows and grabs his blade, turning to leave the fall kings halls. This is the only tie he will Nearly apologize. He returns to the realm of snow and frost, to his halls. High vaulted metals forming a palace, heated, and driving away the chill and cold... Smiths hammers ring, kitchens pleasantly bustling. Lask walks to his throne, sitting and leaning back, Furiously throwing the sword, planting it firmly into a wall. "One bedeviled job...." he growls, holding his head "Sending my own daughter Shiva would work better. At least then i could actually Get Results!"

((Double post, my bad)

Max had initially thought something may be up when Katya spoke. Something had seemed off, but he didn't have much choice but to go along with it, seeing as it was a choice between starvation and whatever lay before him, but he never could have fathomed this. He looked around in a mixture of shock and awe at Melliae's Court, unable to speak. Things definitely took a turn for the worst when both Katya and Melliae removed their Glimmers, showing that in reality, they were some terrifying tree people

"What are you?" He whispered, backing away from them, contemplating running far, far away and never coming back. "What are they? Where the heck are we?" He asked, feeling more scared of them than of the previous threat of starvation. What were they going to do to him? Eat him? Enslave him? Or something far worse than he could even imagine? Max decided he wouldn't stick around to find out, and, turning on the spot, he started to run away, and was soon out of the front of the village, only for him to find himself soon running back into it. He now froze, terrified that he was somehow back where he had just run from, "What's going on?" He managed to get out, before collapsing onto the his knees, the shock finally hitting him completely.

"Now you've done it. You couldn't of sprung it on him gently?" Katya muttered, and Meliae gave her a sharp look.
"Mind yourself Katya." Meliae reminded her before moving over to the boy, sitting down close to him, but not crowding him.
"Calm down." She said quietly.
"A week ago, you came to Russia, not through any conventional means. You came through one of the portals of my people, the Fae. That alone is something most Fae would kill you for. I do not wish to kill you. Nor enslave you but you can't go back to your human life unfortunately. I can offer you sanctuary here, though." Meliae explained slowly, trying not to scare him away.

Max looked over at her, switching to sitting on the ground, and pulled his knees in, "But... I need to go back," He said, visibly upset, his face contorted into a frown, his eyes full of worry. " I need to be with my mom and dad, my friends..." He then had the worry that maybe some of his friends crossed into the world as well, but put it off. He needed to worry about him for now, so he took a shaky breath in, and said, "Why couldn't I leave? I was running away from here, but as soon as I left, I came right back..." He rubbed the back of his head. If he could figure out why that happened, maybe he could escape.

"I'm afraid you can't. Walking through the Fae realm does things to a mortal. Things that wouldn't be able to be explained by your science. So I'm afraid you cannot go back." Meliae said, trying to figure out how to explain this to him without freaking out anymore.
"At this point, I either had to take you into my court or you would have died. We are many days from mortal civilization, even with the help of the portals. Food offered from a Fae...it's a contract. In the Fae realm contracts are binding by magic. You cannot leave, so it prevents you from leaving." Meliae tried to explain but she knew she wasn't doing a very good job.

The Fall King looks through the pool before the stone dias. as he watches the nymph struggled with the human boy. How foolish of her to try to be honest, when wonder and amazement could have worked if she had acted quicker. The strong, sharp features crack a sly smile. Gesturing the wind rises, leaves rustling and falling to the many hued carpeted ground below. "You have caught a mortal, tree. One that I shall wish to see. A later date to my Court thou shall come yet. Do not forget to feed more fruits unto thy pet." The wind whispers through the air echoing his words with a eerie echo to the Fae Duchess. He did hope that the fruit would be reversible as the boy could prove useful in his plans. The foolish little Fae had forced a deal, he sits back amused. The poor child would be lost and confused, it would be rather sad if his potential had been wasted. But the boy wast not his- yet. He would come to serve the Fall King in time, slowly the threads would come together and the web would be weaved to hold the great prize he would catch.

Max frowned, this was all very upsetting, but at the very best it would take time to fix this mess of a situation. Stifling back his tears and sniffling a bit, he looked at Melliae. She had saved him, even if she could have been more honest before giving him the fruit. He'd need to be more careful from this point onward, and consider his actions if he wanted a chance at ever escaping in the future. For now he would play along.

"It's Ok...." He told her, " I mean, I would have died if you hadn't, just be upfront about these things next time, please?" He asked, standing up and dusting himself off. he look at her and shuddered, still put off a lot by their appearance, but he'd acclimate eventually. " So you mentioned getting me fed?" He asked hopefully as his stomach growled. He'd already taken food from the Fae, so there was no point starving himself.

"Oh, now I've caught up with you."

A ponderous voice bellowed from the dense thickets toward the gathered fae and mortal standing amidst the entrance of the fall duchess's 'village'. The great stone giant parts the numerous tress as he slowly but surely steps out into the open. A move that would be far from Orðabók's mind in normal circumstances. But this was not such a normal occurrence indeed.

His gemstone eyes set upon the poor young boy who was simply bedazzled by the goings on around him, of course, the sight of someone as imposing as a lord of rock couldn't exactly help. Drawing nearer to the group, he attempted to appear as non-threatening as possible, of course, he had vague recollections of the duchess, and one her position would likely at least know of the hermit, so there shouldn't be all that much trouble.

None of this had particularly eased the golem, no, he was simply too enthralled by the prospect of the mortal's knowledge to worry about the encounter with other fae. With little more than a gesture of greeting to the fall noble, Orðabók leaning close to young Max and spoke in his normal dull tone, "You wouldn't happen to be a human, would you?" Just to be sure.

Max felt the Earth shake as the Stone giant approached them, which caused him to turn around to check out what was going on. His eyes widened in shock as he saw Orðabók approach them, completely and totally astounded at the fact that a giant rock monster was even real. He looked at Melliae and Katya in hope of some kind of assistance, but then the creature spoke, asking him if he was Human.

"Um, Y-yes..." He told him, honestly mostly worried about being eaten," But I'm really tough, and probably chewy, so you most definitely wouldn't want to eat me." He added hatilly," And you are?" He asked, scuttling behind Melliae in hope of protection.

Soft feet pattered across the paths to the Summer Court. Aisling gazed about her at the marvel that was the Summer Court, though still she much preferred the Fall. The Fall for all it's twists and turns and shadowy halls, the hall was true unto the being lying within. Lies and deceit held in the light of day, and in night they gleamed with beauty. A basket on one arm was covered with a green shawl she had shed in the warmth of the Court. Pausing before the two guards that sat before the door to the Lord's hall she bid them to take word of her message to the Summer King. As she waited she mussed. Falk- as the Fall King was known- was up to something. Dismissing the Winter King in such a way and now turning to summer. She know her part in this, but not what the over all scheme was. That was what is was with no doubt. For the Fae were glad with their schemes and power struggles. It wasn't so different from the real- excuse her- Mortal Realm, oddly enough. She had told her Lord of a twisted woman who had been on the human news. He probably would pass her- the deranged woman- by as she was too visible.

The snow covered ground sparkled like diamonds and glitter. Ice crystals hung from the dormant trees branches, and snowflakes floated silently to the ground, like soft feathers. Winter Court was beautiful, cold, and gleaming with fresh snow today. The bright red of the Winterberry bushes that grew around the castle were in magnificent contrast to the white wonderland. As where the glorious Witch hazel trees, whose flowers blazed like little suns in the midst of the everlasting winter that was Marzanna's Court. Her favorite part of the whole Castle was the frosted gardens, and the frozen roses. That was were she was at this moment, in the gardens enjoying the crisp frigid air, admiring the frosted evergreens, and newly bloomed snowdrops.

Marzanna wore a dark Prussian blue gown, that was intricately beaded up the sleeves, and along the hem with black and blue gems. A deep V neckline, and sweeping train made up the rest of the dress. Her black velvet cloak, had raven feathers sewn around the collar, it had been her mothers. Dark colors made up most of her wardrobe. She had gowns, and jewelry from every human era she had been alive for. The one she wore now had been a gift from her father's new wife.

Tonight was the anniversary ball. A celebration of the 50th year since King Haeson's ascended to the winter throne. Every single winter fae was invited, as were the elders, and important persons from the other seasons. This particular ball was quite lavish, as Marzanna had been in charge of the planning. Long ago when she had been a mere countess, she had been known to throw some of the best parties this side of summer.

Taking a stony finger to his chin, the lord of rock and rubble pondered for a moment. The question was a puzzler for sure, who am I, who am I? The young mortal hadn't even seen the golem for but a moment, and already asking such perplexing twisters. But, since he was somewhat short on time he opted for an easier answer, one that could not possibly reach the fathoms of such a question, "You may know me as the Hermit." the stone giant rasped in his earthen tone.

"And what would I have the pleasure to call you, young mortal?" He added, all the while barely glancing here and there at the fae of the fall court. Perhaps it was intrusion that he had sprung upon them, but then, he could learn so very much from the human. And thus, Orðabók would live with whatever could come of the encounter.

Surely these fae had not been keeping this boy as a pet for too long, unlike that ashen girl of the Fall King. And the mighty stone golem wondered of the poor mortality that leads to something so akin to slavery. Would they do the same to the young boy? Could Orðabók allow such to happen? He was a neutral force after all, but something surely didn't feel right to him.

She could hear them, they had to be a flight away now, if not a little less. She recalled four officers pursuing her, however it was likely they called for backup, just in case. She had ten minutes at least, she had to deal with them and get out of here before their backup arrived. Clearing her mind, she aimed one of her guns at the door, lifting it from the chest area, to the head. The instant the door opened, she fired, the bullet piercing through the skull of the officer stepping through. His body instantly fell, causing the three remaining cops to crouch, giving her time to change to a generator a little further back. Once there, she remained silent, listening to the footsteps of the men. She smirked, they were using standard procedure, spreading wide enough to cast a net, but not too far apart that they couldn't see one another. She knew they'd find her if she stayed hidden, and if she revealed her position, the others would bear down on her position. She knew she was screwed, being backed into a corner like this. If she were to die here, then so be it, but she was going to take at least two more with her. She peered around the side, spotting an officer headed her way. He turned his head away, giving her the chance to lean out and fire again, dropping him easily.

Just as she had expected, the other two started firing in her general direction, causing her to retreat into cover. She popped out every now and then to fire at them, forcing them into cover as well, thus initiating a rooftop shootout. She knew her fate was sealed now, with those two in cover, backup would arrive before long. She sighed, luck was not on her side today it seemed, her career was over. Having no fear of death, she rose out of cover with both guns aimed forward, firing as she ran at the officers. "Is she insane?! Don't kill her!" one said to his partner. It was too late, the bullet passed through the woman's chest, her steps now slowing to a stop and her guns dropping. She looked down at the wound, blood running down her body like a river, a smile forming on her lips. She looked at the men, who seemed to be disturbed by the smile, "I have sung my final song. Ironic...to be killed in such a place, on the day the world first learned my name...enjoy your victory while it lasts..." she said, falling to her knees. Holding her wound, she looked at the officers who approached her, "I swear...I will kill you...both of you...I will find a way...you haven't heard the last...of..." she trailed off, hitting the ground. The air around the city suddenly got colder, especially around her. In an instant, the officers had frozen in place, the woman's body vanished from sight as well. The woman, still barely alive, used her eyes to look around. This was a strange place, she was looking at a landscape that couldn't be physically possible, yet it was there. To her, it looked beautiful, the ice and snow twisted in such horrific yet beautiful ways. If this is what death looked like, then she was content with it, "Beautiful..." she managed to spit out, her eyes slowly closing. She wished she could live just a little longer to enjoy the beauty of this landscape, but such was not her destiny.

As if he where an angel of death, a dark figure stands over the woman, chuckling "Going to give up now, little one? Let your silly little life end here?" he taunts, daring her- no, Challenging her to stay alive and awake "Laying in the snow?" In the light snow fall the dark gremlin was a perfect contrast to the white and light blue all around, Dark robes, of black and night sky blue cover him, sword at his side

"Perhaps i can show you even More wonders, But rest now, little one, We'll see you yet live...."

Meliae glanced up at the giant rock in front of her, as a few of her warriors came closer. She held up a hand, halting their movements.
"Do mortals interest you so Hermit? There are billions outside of my forests, I'm sure they'd love to meet you." Meliae said, her words cruel but when one doesn't pick a side, it tends to earn them enemies instead of friends.
"You may call him Max, if you feel it necessary to speak long enough to call him anything." Meliae stated, answering for the boy before he got himself in trouble.

Max was about to answer, but was taken aback by Meliae deciding to do that for him. " I can answer for myself," He said carefully, sendning an annoyed look to Meliae, and then looking up at the Hermit, and nodding in agreement, " Yeah, my name's Max, Max Napras." He told him. The rock monster was so huge, that Max didn't want to take any risks in upsetting it. Max then decided to venture to ask a question, even if it may upset the Fae that currently house him," Say, these Fae tricked me, and now I can't leave this village, is there anyway you can help?" He asked quickly, hoping to get an answer before they tried to force the monster away.

There's a rolling laughter like cracking lightening as the trees shake about the Hermit, Meliae and Max in a rogue wind. "Oh my! Tis amusing one, shame to I he did not come. But for the best it be, for he is of little use to me." The Fall King chuckles deeply on his throne as he watches from the gleam enchanted pool. He could not contain his laughter, this boy was extremely amusing in his antics. "Thy tithe be required, Hermit, and I ken yen shall pay. Time thy may take in this meandering way." He assured the Hermit of his delay in the paying of homage to the land's Lord. The Hermit was a useful Fae and one the Fall King was loath to block from his lands. "But if there is a problem of to whence the mortal's homage paid, come before my Court and homage fair be laid. I shall not ha'e the blood of such a friendly Fae split over a child, Duchess." The cool breeze whips about Meliae in quiet warning. He watched them from the pool that reflected the eyes of a raven that perched above. She would obey, all who owed him tithe and bowed to the Fall obeyed. Resting a pointed chin on fine hands he mused over what to do if she didn't, it was rare but it did happen now and again.