Beneath ancient trees clothed in the many colors of fall, a dark figure paused. Removing a almost feline head from his hand, glowing eyes flashed as he whispered upon the wind. The pool before him rippled before showing the Realm of the Fae. He let his chuckle 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. 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. His throne was made of ancient bones of great creatures, and covered with the hides of those he had killed in the prolonged years of his reign.

Eyes that were shrouded in darkness studied the pool before him, casting his fell voice upon the wind. "Ready the Hunt." His voice was a dark, velvet purr, as several Fae blinked gleaming eyes before disappearing. Gesturing with two fingers, the pool changed to show the meeting place of the Fae Rulers. The grounds where peace would be born, or more war. He looked bemused at the standing stones of England. How long had it been since they first were place in their ancient resting place? How long had they been channeling the ancient magics, powered by the mortals that once worshiped there? Powering the gate for the Fae, entering the Fae world at their own whim. The peace talks would begin shortly, but he predicted the ever caring of Spring would arrive first, followed by Winter or Summer. Tegvan- or 'Falk' as the Fair Folk referred to him- had already decided to arrive last. Alone. His hunt and hounds would gather and prepare themselves, and there was little need. A predatory smile flickered across his 'fae' features. None dared to attack him, the fact was arrogant but true. His great hall held the proof in the shadows and still pools. In the bones and hides he sat upon. In the falls that thundered behind him. Oh, this little peace talk would amuse him to no end.

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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.

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.

"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.

Feoras sits in his throne strumming his fingers on the arm. The throne is made of different woods and look quite beautiful. Not that he's thinking about the throne he's sitting in. He's more busy thinking of the meeting approaching with the talk of peace. That and the fall king's hunt is starting, he can feel it. This means to him that he would not be able to enter the forest for awhile.
He pushes himself out of the throne and starts pacing, he is getting impatient of waiting. Normally, he is not the first ruler there. He might just surprise them and get there first. With a look of neutrality he leaves deciding to be there first. He walks with almost feline grace, his shoes making little to no noise. His clothing is his usual black leather ansble with the only color being the gold from the pendant and hoop. His eyes seem to be of a lighter orange possibly showing his plans to talk of peace.
His walking takes him past the forest and to the meeting, getting there first for the first time in a long time.
He paces in the place his impatience clear.

Grimus purred with satisfaction, watching the human below him cry out and stumble around. He, of course, had led the beetle into the man's hair. Sunlight made his golden eyes flash in amusement as the figure below stumbled back into the very tree the Fae cat perched in, high above. Ah, it has been too long since last a human has wandered here. I think I shall play with him until my Queen has need of me, he thought, thoroughly entertained by man's antics. This was promising to be a beautiful day.

Leaping from branch to branch, Grim followed the human for a time, contemplating what to do to him next. It appeared the poor lost soul was searching for food, which pleased him immensely. A human in need was always great fun, if their strings were pulled properly. Focusing for a moment to pull a Glimmer of invisibility around him, Grim makes a series of silent and graceful leaps closer to the forest floor. Finding a branch that would be just out of reach of the man, he settled himself where it met the tree. Soon the man neared, and he allowed himself to be seen again.

"Hello there. You seem lost," he said simply, smiling wide to display sharp fangs and pointed teeth.

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 a magnificent contrast to the white wonderland. And so 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 on the sleeves, and along the front with black and blue gems. A sweeping train and a deep V neckline made up the rest of the dress. Her black velvet cloak, had raven feathers sewn around the collar, it had been her mothers, and Marzanna had been wearing it for centuries. Dark colors made up most of her wardrobe. She had gowns, and jewelry from every human era she had been alive for, and she had fae designs too. The one gown she wore now had been a gift from her father's new wife a few decades back.

Tonight a peace Gathering was to be held among the fae rulers. Peace never lasted long among the courts, but without such gatherings as tonight they would all constantly be at war with one another, and the human world would be in shambles. So it was a necessary, but none less of an annoyance. On another note, Marzanna could feel something in the air change, is smelled like a mysteries tension, with a hint of the rotting leaves of autumn. She quickly made her way into the winter palace, her home.

The ice palace was centered in the winter lands, next to a frozen lake. It is built of finely carved stone, magic, ice, and white marble with silver veins. The palace was tall, twisted, and magnificent. The exterior resembled the neo-gothic style of the human's St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, but a tad more fanciful, and unnatural with its glistening white walls, gleaming crystal spires, and colorful stained glass. The surrounding evergreens and winter foliage helped make the rather intimidating castle look a bit more inviting.

Marzanna had the interior decorated to her liking with fine velvets, furs, and silk tapestries making up much of the decor. Her throne room was one of pure beauty. The pillars that lined it were made up of huge geodes, with the polished brownish rock sliced to show its spectacular frosted lavender crystals to the world. The ceiling was forty feet high and at its center was a long jagged rift that opened to the sky, letting in the light and falling snowflakes. Her own throne looked as if it was made of glass, and iridescent opal. Three huge chandeliers aligned down the long room floated above, affixed to nothing but magic. The candles were lit with blue glowing flames, that did not create the dreadful heat that melted and destroyed, but rather hummed and flickered soft winter lullabies. The stone walls throughout the palace had intricate patterns etched into them, similar to snowflakes, mandalas, and lace. Every tall dome ceiling in the place was hand painted to depict the histories and stories of the fae realm.

Walking into her chambers she consulted the large silver mirror. Images of where that gathering tonight would take place appeared before her, as did some of the happenings in the realm. The short glimpse of Fall court affirmed Marzanna's suspicions, King Falk was starting up The Wylde Hunt. The Peace meeting was soon, so she had no idea what King Falk was thinking, or going after for that matter. She always took the sound of the horns, and howls as a justified warning from Fall. He was powerful and old, and so far no one could stand it his way. Marzanna's best interest was to stay on Fall's good side. She was no coward, but she knew how to pick the battles she could win. Fall and Winter were not allies, but they were also not enemies. In fact the two seasons that made up the unseelie court were rather neutral at the moment. Marzanna hoped to change that at tonight peace meeting, but that really all depending on Falk.

A scream escaped from Maxes lips as a giant cat appeared in front of him, commenting that he appeared to be lost. "[i][Ok that's it then. dehydration has finally caused me to hallucinate./i]" He thought to himself as he looked at the cats very sharp teeth. Though he was solidly convinced that he finally lost his mind, the only course of action he could think of was to engage it in conversation. "Yeah, you could say that." He agreed,"On the off chance I haven't gone completely crazy, what are you? And where am I?" He asked the giant talking cat.

Meanwhile in the Spring Court, Ardaie was just waking up to her now sunlit, pastel colored room. The walls were gradients of pink to red, with ornate wood furnishings made from Ents who where just too willing to give up their lives to make her room as lavish as possible. Within seconds on her waking, one of her personal attendants was right beside her. "Good morning your highness," The servant said eagerly, " I trust you slept well?" She asked, as the Queen roused herself, not responding to the helps mindless chatter. She simply extended her arms out, the attendant quickly took a robe from on top of one of her dressers, and slid it onto the queen. Ardaie then waved her hand, and the attendant scuttered away.

Galahad brought his sword up to parry the blow from his opponent, sending sparks flying. He advanced on the fae that was facing him, staring him in the eye. The fae across from him was an outlaw Spring-Born, a servant who'd fled from his master. Galahad cared little about the crime, and more about the reward. He swung his sword again and this time it disarmed the weaker fae that stood across from him. The outlaw, who couldn't have been older than him, fell to his knees. "I yield sir. Please, let me live," the boy said, fear in his eyes. Galahad, smirking, gestured for him to stand, before turning to his soldiers who'd been watching the fight, waiting to see if their leader would command their help. Tie him up. We're to return him to the Spring Court," he said, his voice stern. Two satyrs rushed to tie the sniveling Spring-Born up, and he was soon being pulled along behind Galahad's procession as they marched through the forest.

Galahad led an oddball bunch. Most of them were people searching for adventure, or those who'd been driven out. There was one ent, a gremlin, two pixies, a water nymph, an air nymph, a couple of season-born, and of course, Galahad's second in command, Brenna. Although Brenna was on a mission of her own right now, she'd normally be marching alongside Galahad, bothering him the whole way. As the group marched through the forest, currently near the border that separated the Fall and Summer Courts, Galahad sensed it. It was a slight breeze, one that many wouldn't even notice. Falk had begun his Hunt. "Damn it!" the Winter-Born exclaimed, sensing the trouble that was on the horizon. "Everyone, pick up speed! Falk has begun his Hunt, and if he catches us near the Fall Court, or anywhere in fact, these weapons will be useless!" he shouted. His soldiers' faces fell, their worry noticeable as they picked up the pace. What in the hell is Falk doing? I thought he'd be at the Peace Gathering. That's the only reason I even risked getting this close to his land Galahad thought. The Fall Lord was not someone that even Galahad would dare trifle with. If he was lucky, he'd make it to a safe haven, and when the Hunt was over he could get his rewards for the prisoner he'd captured. But if he wasn't... well, he knew the stories.



Brenna found that of all the Courts, she liked the feel of Spring the best. The flowers and the smells. Sure, Summer was her home, but she had never wanted to be home. And plus, the drinks that they served in the Spring taverns was remarkable. Brenna was currently seated at a table in the back of a tavern in the spring court, dressed in her normal outfit, nursing a cup of some drink that only the Spring Court fae knew how to make.

From where she was sitting, she could see her target, an outlaw Winter-Born from the Winter Court. Brenna had long since stopped caring about what crime he had committed, but she cared very much about the sack of gold that was waiting for her back in Winter Court. As she finished her drink, the fae got up from his table where fae sat with his friends. Now's my chance Brenna thought, moving to meet the man at the bar. She tucked a dagger into her sleeve and tousled her dark tresses as she sauntered over, smiling the smile of a dumb girl. She could feel the fae eyeing her as she moved, could tell that he was mentally undressing her. Good. Let him be distracted. She met went up to the bar where she payed for her drink, and turned to offer the fae a smile and a wink before sauntering off and out of the tavern, and into the brightness of Spring Court. She knew he was following. They always did. Why wouldn't they? She was any fae's dream.

She made her way towards the Spring Castle, a grand structure, with the outlaw following behind. She could hear his footfalls, loud as they were. Suddenly, with no warning, she turned a sprung at him, the knife coming out of her sleeve and coming to rest at his throat. "So here's how this is going to work. You, are going to come quietly, and I am going to bring you back to Winter Court to who ever wants you. If you care to struggle, well then I can always start nicking off appendages," she said, grinning. He whimpered and nodded. "Perfect. Now hold still one moment," she said as she bound his hands together, and tethered him to another rope that she now held in her hands. And, with her prize collected, she marched off towards Winter Court, a bounce in her step as she did so.

Feet pounded against the leaf covered ground as a large, thin hound leap over a fallen tree. The Wylde Hunt had been called together, it was not riding. Not yet. Bounding past a group of sheltering wisps, the Cwn Annwn paused. A group of mixed Fae were near the border, something his Lord would not allow should the Hunt ride. Giomanch changed course, loping towards the scent. Why the Fall King was calling the Hunt, Giomanch was unsure. He had theories, of course. The peace between rulers was a test, all things were tests to the Fall King. Was the Hunt for whether they passed or failed, he could not say. More than that it was not his place to say. The Fall King ruled well and wisely.

--------------------------- @smarty0114 -------------------------------------------

The path between Summer and Fall was a ancient Gate, claimed and kept by Fall. It also had a good buyer of gold, and selection of grocers when you took in the human element on the other side. Both something Falk had taken into account when Aisling first came to him with her trifle problem and reluctance to eat the fae food. Hefting the heavy bags in her arms, Aisling walking along the thin path. Hearing the slight movement of a group coming through the forest. A voice swearing and calling out for them to move fast. Sliding off the path she darted behind a thick tree. Fae were not to be trusted, not even of her own Court. Especially not the Court of others. Stifling her breathing she listened carefully as she watched a group of Fae move swiftly along the path, a Spring-born bound and in tow. Though she could sympathize with his plight, she felt no pity for Fae. The Fair Folk deserved the horrors they visited upon each other. "Everyone, pick up speed! Falk has begun his Hunt, and if he catches us near the Fall Court, or anywhere in fact, these weapons will be useless!" Came the call. Her Lord was beginning to gather his Hunt? She would have to hurry, lest he took her absence unwell. Pulling the cowl of her cloak over the vibrant red hair blessed by her Irish blood. However the movement jeopardized her grip on the bag, avoiding dropping the tin cans caused them to clank seemingly loudly in the tense silence. Hr breathe caught in her through as she pressed against the tree, Fae hearing was sharp. But perhaps they were too much in a hurry to look-? To care-? Hopefully so.

Grimus chuckled to himself as the human screamed, enjoying himself considerably. Men were such interesting creatures, and their variety of reactions upon first meeting him was something he relished. Yes, this was proving to be a wonderful morning indeed.

"What am I? Well, it appears I am but a cat. However, you may address me as Grimalkin, for that is my title after a fashion. Your mind is exactly where it belongs, poor fellow, though your body seems to have wandered. This is the wonderful realm of Faerie, where you seem to have stumbled through no fault of your own. I'm afraid you may never find your way through these trees on your own, and there is simply no hope of returning to your home plane," Grim explained, his raspy voice tinted with a satisfied purr. Making himself vanish from sight again, he leaps down to the ground and settles on his haunches just a few feet in front of the man before becoming visible once more.

"On the first part, I may be able to offer some assistance. Be warned, however, nothing here comes without a price. However, courtesy must first be observed. I have introduced myself, and it would please me greatly for you to do the same." Learning the Names of other beings was one of Grim's favorite games, and he surely intended to play it with this man. His Queen could always use more pawns, and at the least this one had been entertaining thus far.

Between his own physical condition and the shock this beast brought to him, Max was still a little show on the uptake, and he only really processed the last bit of what the creature asked him. His name. "Uh, Max." He told it, "Max Napras. What's yours?" He asked as he stomach growled.

@LadyRunic

Galahad heard a loud metallic noise, distant but close enough that his fae hearing could pick up on it. His head whipped in the direction of the noise. He saw nothing, but he knew someone was there. He gestured for his men to follow him as he moved across the forest silently, a feat that had taken him years to master. As he passed by trees he checked for adversaries, but he found no one, until he came to a particularly large tree. He spun around to the other side gracefully and found a human girl, dressed in Victorian era clothing. Her hair was bright red, and she had bags in her hand. His soldiers raised their swords at the sight of her, but he motioned for them to hold their swings. The girl was afraid of them. "Who are you girl?" he asked in a harsh tone, his face colder than the snow that fell in Winter Court.

Aisling studied the tall, and cold Fae before her. He could not touch her, not here in the Land of Fall. It would be a foolish move, one the Fall King would strike for the petty insult dealt towards him unknowingly by these fairies. Narrowing her grey eyes at the threatening Fair Folk, she tried to banish her fear with cold indifference. "You are on Fall Land, no power do you hold here." Adjusting the bags, she stepped from the tree after steeling her nerves. Musing over the idea of hurling one of her cans at them, a potential threat of iron, but decided against it, should the Fall King become displeased over the action. "Poachers! Be gone and leave what thou thought to take! Laws of Fairy you do break!" She declared, her steps keeping her moving away from the Fae that spoke.

@smarty0114

Cymbeline had spent most of the morning walking about the forest, day dreaming. She was barefooted, and dressed in a white cap sleeved frock that was trimmed in pale gold silk ribbon, and covered in luminous crystal lace. Her mother had made it for her many moons ago, as a gift for a fall harvest celebration. Her white skin looked as if it blended into the dress itself. She wore her long colorless hair down, as per usual. And though the ground was wet, and there were mud puddles around, her feet and clothes wear clean and without stains.

Unlike any other day, Cymbeline actually had things to do. The Wylde Hunt was descending upon the fall court, and she should have been helping with the preparations, but losing track of time was her specialty. Flying just above the forests canopy of leaves, she looked about for something to entertain herself with. She spotted King Falk's pet human girl being ganged up on. Cymbeline had dubbed her Ms. Marigold due to her red hair, and the dislike of calling her 'She who is born of ashes'. A ways off to the left she saw a Cait Sith fae taunting a human boy. That looked like fun, but she didn't wish to ruin the Cait Sit good time.

With a sigh of boredom she landed softly onto the ground next to the calm translucent ponds in the Summer lands. The bioluminescent fish and fae creatures that inhabited the ponds, all stared up curiously at her for a short moment until they went back to swimming around. This was one of her favorite places to be. This place was home to a multitude of clear ponds and tranquil pools of water, full of glowing little fish and jewel encrusted shells. The ground was covered in soft moss, and the area was surrounded by shaded willows and green summer blooming trees. Mushrooms popped up here and there under the plum trees, and around the berry bushes. When there was a breeze one could hear the twinkling of wind chimes, and jingle of tiny bells. Through the canopy of leaves the summer sun shone down creating light beams that made the place glimmer and shine.

Cymbeline sat on the ground and basket in the warmth of the summer land. She was an autumn fae, but sometime she believed her heart belonged to the Seelie court. The sunshine, blooming flowers, and effervescent life that was the Seelie always called to her. She loved her Autumn, but finding the beauty in it was hard when it was all you were.

Feoras bounces on his heels some and sighs heavily. This is the last day he could spend in the forest and he was...here. With a bit more pacing he gives up. He goes back from where he came and heads for his forests. Of all the places in his lands his forest was his favorite. He felt that the other forests were inferieor to the beauty they held. The trees were full of leaves and full of life while the pools of water were cool and held many summer water fae who inhabited them and enhanced their beauty. He walks through his forest silently with barely any thoughts since he knows his land well. His orange eyes becoming more of a honey gold, something few see from him of late. His hand sea to stroke the trees and foliage as he walks by them as if he wants to thank them for being there.
As he wanders he finds pools of water with someone there. He watches her silently for a moment before silently going into a tree to watch her better. She seemed to be fae, but she does not look familiar to him. He decides to watch her further before speaking to her.

Lositay wasn't much interested in the Hunt. It was too direct for his tastes. He would much rather people watch on such days, but with the Hunt and the peace talks going on, it seemed like no one was enjoying themselves. Normally on days as boring as this he would lay in the branches of one of his great ent friends, but he was active in the hunt and left Lost to his own devices. He hopped from tree to tree looking for trouble. Others trouble of course as he was very particular to ride the line of right and wrong never to cross it. He came across an interesting sight. Aisling was going out today. Did she know of Falk's plan to hunt soon? Lost silently followed her as she passed through the Fall-Summer gate onto the Summer side. He didn't dare leave the Fall Realm today so instead he waited patiently.

Several hours had passed as Lost played his flute with the tune of the wind and the trees. He added a touch of careless abandon to his song. He had done this before during the Hunt. The few fey that passed into the Fall realm on this day felt a little more light-hearted than usual. An extra spring in their step during their time here. On any normal day this would be fine and welcome, but carelessness was deadly today. He would never know for certain whether the unknowing fey were caught or what would happen to them, but going back to hear of a good Hunt made hime feel like he did something.

Finally Aisling returned. She was probably the creature that fascinated him most. How this human captured the heart of the King was a feat Lost could barely dream of accomplishing. He would try to study her often, but never made any progress in learning her secret. Most of the time he passed it off as Falk's whim. Lust was his game after all, he must be able to figure it out if love were involved. She walked the path that lead by his tree. He had chosen this tree as it was especially large and the branches were more comfortable. It turned out that another band of hunters were out today as well. Lost watched with excitement as he saw Aisling notice them and futily try to hide. You were better off with your normal gait in the open if you were going to make that much noise hiding. The assumed leader of the group heard her as well and went to investigate. Ha, there are two dummies under my hooves today. He even said he knew the Hunt was coming. When Giomanch catches your scent together he's going to hunt you to the end of existence itself. He watched silently listening to the conversation between the two. This Winter fool should really learn that the Falk has eyes and ears everywhere in his realm. Lost was very content with the information he was gathering now. He was hoping that this Winter-born would leave her alone though. He would feel rather obliged to follow them or confront them and both were rather dangerous.

Tarani exited her estate out of the massive oak door to the front of her house, instantly greeted by a pale light and a soft wind that smelled of a sweet decay. She knew what time it was for it was Lord Falk's favorite time of times--The Wylde Hunt. She couldn't blame him though--it was her favorite time too! The anticipation for the next Hunt after each one drives Tarani to her limits, sometimes causing her to do awful, terrible things. "This should be a Hunt to remember."

Excitement washed over her body, a sense of euphoria overwhelming her senses. "A truly divine feeling," she breathed in deeply, taking in the beautiful scents upon the air. The leaves were changing, and all sorts of beautiful color swarmed around her feet as she took to the forest paths, her glamour shifting with the colors to camouflage her in her Fae form.

Her pace quickened just as her heart did; the tall oaks shifting ever so slightly out of her path as not to deter her from Lord Falk's Hunt. A focus like none other. All around her the lesser Fae scattered, some even tempting her nerves and suffering the consequences of death--adding to the sweet smell surrounding her. It felt good for to actually be able to DO something. "It feels like the only time I ever enjoy myself is a Fae War, Court Affairs, or a good Hunt," she thought to herself while commenting, "They just aren't like they use to be. Maybe this year they'll--" She stopped mid-stride, exclamations from only yards away breaking her focus. ""Poachers! Be gone and leave what thou thought to take! Laws of Fairy you do break!"

"Ah..." She smiled slightly, noticing the voice of the young girl screaming. "That sounds much Lord Falk's pet." All things considered, she wasn't going to let anything happen to her or the Fall Court. "An interesting start to the Hunt at any rate." Smirking she sped off towards Aisling, in need of aid she may be. After only a few shorts moments the Earth Nymph was only feet from Aisling, the ground slightly trembling as Tarani stepped upon it.

She gazed ahead of her and Aisling was stepping away slightly every available moment that passed, and in front of her on Fall lands was a group of fairies. She tilted her head sideways and smirked under her breath, "Excellent."
"Lord Falk would be very unpleased if anything happened to you, my dear." Tarani advanced closer towards Aisling, attempts to shield and protect her would be much easier for her that way.

"And if you don't mind me asking, what is that you think you're doing here? And causing trouble for this young one no less?" Her tone all but friendly; an edge of malice underlying.

Cymbeline could feel someones eyes on her. As a Mazikeen fae, foresight was natural. She glanced to her right, spotting honey colored eyes in the tree, she idly wondered who was hiding away there. She smiled quietly to herself fiddling with the hem of her dress. The tweeting song of the birds above and the smell of morning dew made her happy.

"Are you going to introduce yourself?" She said calmly as she dipped her toes into the pool before her, creating ripples and startling the little fishes into scattering in different directions. A breeze brushed her hair behind her, and she looked up to the place were the pretty eyes gleamed from the shaded shadows. She smiled lightly to him and then went back to wiggling her toes in the water, and enjoying her surroundings she opened up her wings to the gentle wind.

@LadyRunic

Galahad gave the girl a cold look. "Your knowledge of the fae betrays you. And for this reason you are free to leave unharmed. Run back to your master little human," Galahad said. He turned to the fae who'd just arrived but refrained from speaking. He knew that he'd delayed here for to long and that he should be fleeing Fall territory. He shouldn't have even entered in the first place, but Galahad had no time for regrets. He motioned for his men to follow as he began making his way towards the border to return to Summer territory. He could sense something in the trees and another fae that was moving towards them, fast. Powerful but not as powerful as Falk. Galahad continued towards the border, sword in hand and armor clanging as he and his followers ran. Galahad had once lost a soldier to Falk. A long time ago. He'd been caught in a trap, laid out for the Hunt. He'd never seen that little Gremlin again, though Galahad was certain that he was enslaved. Enslavement would be a mercy compared to the stories Galahad had heard of Falk's tortures. But Galahad would be no slave. And so he ran.

"Max... Napras..." Grim tried the name out slowly, matching the man's pronunciation and inflection exactly. Yes, there was power there, but not the complete control he was looking for. Still, it would have been too easy to get the entire Name in one go, and no fun at all. When Max's stomach growled, the cat flicked one feline ear in amusement. "As I said before you may address me as Grimalkin, at your service."

"Where are my manners, you seem lost, tired, and hungry. I can guide you to a place where these problems can be solved, but I would require something from you first. Something of a bargain, if you will. This is a dangerous place, especially for a human alone. We wouldn't want some goblin to make a meal of you, would we?" Standing as he talked, Grimus began to pace around Max in ever-tightening circles. Soon his tail was dragging across the man's knees, and but for his eyes and teeth the Faerie seemed but a normal house cat.