Max scowled a tiny bit, he didn't like being called a slave, or being treated as an inferior, when it seemed like his only benefit was not dying." Alright, I see your stick," He said, and drummed his finger on his legs," Now where's my carrot?" He asked as he trailed along after him,"What positive incentive do I have to not make this as difficult as I can for you?" He clarified, "With all due respect that is." He added, not wanting to upset his "master".

@FateWeaver

Lyra - Summer Land

Looking up Lyra saw The Tree Lady, as she called her, and smiled brightly. "Looking for Ba-Ba," she answered. "I want Ba-Ba."
She wasn't saying this in a bratty or demanding way, but matter of factly. It was no secret that the King of Summer spoiled the little girl. When she wanted something, within reason, he usually procured it for her. And right now she wanted him. She was still too young and innocent to that ways of the world to undetstand that sometimes the things you want do not appear the second you want them to.

A gurgle came from her stomach. "My tummy is talking." Lyra giggled. Lifting up her arms in a silent plea to be picked up, Lyra trusted The Tree Lady to help her until her Ba-Ba came.

Once The Tree Lady picked her up Lyra laid her head on the dryad's chest, drawing comfort in another female's presence.

@2b3heart

@KioruxSesheema

"I'm sorry my Lady. I was sure someone of your stature already knew of my presence." Lost wasn't so haughty as to not give puffed up words to others, especially his elders. He enjoyed it himself when those younger than he gave him respect and if he should expect then he should give it as well.

"I'm very honored that you would remember my name, but I suppose that is in your wisdom to remember every name, even nicknames." The laugh that escaped her lips after she accepted his request, sent chills up his spine. No one should enjoy taking lives this much. He very much enjoyed ruining lives or taking control of others, but taking lives was not something he deeply enjoyed. It had been a while though and maybe she would reward him if he helped her in the hunt.

"Thank you Anya. I have heard of you as well, but not by any other name than The Lady. You are a grand hunter and though you are one of many of his Legions, not many stand above you." He continued to follow her on her left and just a step behind her.

"Would you like some music on our treck? I can play anything you like. Or help you feel any way you want. It would really be a shame not to enjoy the beauty of this place and I can help make it all the more enjoyable."

@rechonq

It had been quite sometime since Tarani herself had been out of her Estate, and it took her at a bit of a shock that the young Satyr had known of her, and by The Lady no doubt. "I won't lie, Lost. I'm rather surprised you remember such an old name. It has been many years since I have been called by that name--the last Fae War to be exact."

A sense of unease rattled Tarani's bones, "The Satyr must have some unease about me." It was expected for her to be feared, power being one of the many things she continuously sought after with every fiber of her being. Still, she did have a soft side, and she would put aside her malicious nature for a while, if even a short while. "Do not be frightened. I shall not harm thee. I only wish a bountiful Hunt, and revenge for the wrongs done to us Fae. Many Deals have been struck and many Promises broken by Humans. The Hunt is a way to balance that. It is only natural that I, an Earth Nymph, take part in one of the many ways of Balancing the Realms."

Then, of course, there is Lord Falk's own reasons for the Hunt. If it pleased the Fall King, then it pleased her. Her sole purpose in life is to serve the Fall King.

The two continued forward upon a path known only to a select few--it's beauty for those privileged enough to have inherited the knowledge of knowing where it is. The wind danced lightly around, light glinting from the fractures and breaks in the trees, adding to the surreal feeling of calm. As they walked the leaves fluttered at their feet, creating a kaleidoscope of color. It wouldn't be long and they would reach the palace.

"Pray tell, Lost. How did thee come about the young girl earlier? And why did the Satyr not rush to her side? There were indeed outsiders in Fall territory?" Tarani knew of Lost quite well, and had even met him in Court and passing bys, but she did not know however, the true extent of his loyalty to the Fall Realm. "Does Lord and Lady upset you, Little One?" A wry grin forming on her face.

"Music shall come later. First we shall converse and become much better acquainted."

Naime of Summer

Naime awoke to her husband shaking her up. For a moment, she was simply Meredith the Summer Born again. And then she remembered who she really was. She glared at her husband, and he backed up confusedly. He had never seen her give that look before. Meredith had been the epidimy of goodness, always smiling. How unlucky for her that she had actually been a reincarnated seductress without knowing it. Her husband was a nice man, with mousy brown hair. He was on the chubby side, with a weak jawline and big hands. Meredith had found them comforting, but Naime found them disproportionate and undesirable. She quickly fixed her facial expression, making a quick excuse along the lines of "you scared me!". Twenty minutes later she was up and ready to go to court. Her husband had to leave earlier than her, because he was higher up in the ranks of Fae, almost right beside the Summer King himself. So Naime floated out the door a half hour after him, landing softly on the green forest ground. Her home as Meredith was a big treehouse, sprawling up into the canopy above and disappearing somewhere. She took a leisurely stroll, trying to get back in character as Meredith, a happy go lucky Summer Born, when she tripped over a tree root.
"SHIT!" She screamed, landing on her face. She looked up, seeing a little girl in a tree and cursed again in her mind. She didn't see the dryad, just a plain tree. "Um...Hey little one, what's going on?" Naime attempted, trying to channel an annoyingly happy girl. "Shouldn't you be..." Naime trailed off. "Somewhere else?" She guessed, looking around the empty forest. The congregation of Summer Fae was nowhere near here, that was for sure.

@Belle @2b3heart

"No need to feel so pressured. I'm not going to lash out at you for the slightest mistake. Not today anyway, I'm in a good mood. Even so, you would have to really irk me to cause me to desire to harm you, and that is no longer easily done. For now, at least, feel no need to guard your words or treat me any differently than an acquaintance who could murder you at the slightest whim." Grim spoke as one bored, leading Max on a wandering path through the woods. No straight line would lead them directly to the Winter Court, but they would get there in due time.

"As for your proverbial carrot, I admit that I have failed to explain to you the benefits a mortal can find in our humble home. If there is music or art you desire to behold or make yourself, you will find no lack of either. Nearly any food or drink you can imagine, and many I am sure you cannot, are merely a request away. And you in particular have the pleasure of answering only to myself and my Queen. Few others will challenge you so long as they know you belong to me. You will want to take heed of our knight, though. I believe she does not like me overly much. Something about that honor nonsense..."

Grim smiled to himself as he walked, reaching out to let his fingers trail along the bark of a tree. It seemed incredibly sudden that they stood at the treeline, looking down at the ice palace that housed the Winter Court. It was his second favorite place in the entire realm of Faerie, and the home of himself and his Queen. It appeared that nearly everyone was out about there own business at the time, and since he had heard no response from his Queen, Grimalkin decided that he would take the time to help Max settle in.

@Natsu

@Krinos Solstice
Nikko motices movement in the being he is to be watching and straightens himself up. He waddled with purpose over to her. This probably looks no different then when he normally waddles...but it's the principal. When he reaches her all she can probably see is his golden slited eyes and his nostrils. He gurgles up at her exposing his large mouth with teeth that are quite sharp considering his species. With a grumble he puts his front 'hands' on the edge of the bed to pull himself up a bit exposing a bit of his golden colored belly. He gurgles at her some more...not taking into consideration that she doesn't speak gurgle like his master.

Jessalyn - Winter Land Forest

The gust of wind startled her and she covered her face with her arm for a second until it died. The voice that followed was female. The question the stranger asked was valid, but something in how it was worded unnerved Jessalyn a little.
"Lost? Yes, I... I believe I have gotten turned around a bit. Could you tell me which direction Lansing Street is? My dorm is on that street. My roommates will be expecting me."

Before the female could respond a loud thud and an angry voice made her head turn in that direction and Lysander bristle and bark.
"Shh, boy. It's okay. Good boy." Jessalyn attempted to placate him but the protective dog continued to growl under his breath at both strangers.

A male voice, sounding young and slightly awkward, began speaking to her. Jessalyn had been shivering and her hands and lips felt like they were turning blue.
"Th-thank you," she said, taking the jacket after missing it once. [00aeef]"Lysander got spooked by something and -" she started to explain only to be cut off by the man speaking again, but saying the strangest, and slightly crazy sounding things.
"What are you talking about?" she stammered a bit before wrapping her arms around Lysander for comfort and to keep him from going after either of the mysterious people before her. "Can either of you help me? Please? Just call me a cab. I'll pay for it. Please?"

She didn't want to admit how truly scared she was getting. Something wasn't right here. But even though she tried to hide it she was terrible at bluffing and the fear showed in her face and in her trembling voice.

@Prince of Seraphs and @EthTenshi

A smile spread across Raven's face as she listened to the poor mortal girl trying to figure out a way back to where she had come from. She clearly didn't realize the position that she was in. She was still looking at the life she'd enjoyed up until now as her future, how foolish. Whatever career or higher education she'd been seeking was now so far out of her reach it would be laughable if it wasn't so sad. Before Raven could think how to proceed however someone else entered the scene.

Raven leaned back against an ancient elder tree to watch. He wasn't fae. That much was obvious the moment he appeared. A human slave or pet evidently. He was new here. Not as new as the creature lying at Raven's feet but his time in the land of faerie was short lived. She guessed the longest he could have been in this realm was twenty years though she rather suspected it was closer to ten. Those that had spent longer periods in the world of the fae had a certain look to them. A kind of sheen or glow about their skin and eyes. Aisling Ní Cheallaighe, the girl born of ashes was prime example. This boy was still quite young and by the sound of his speech still inexperienced.

"My my, a true gentleman." Raven spoke, her voice hanging in the air. She turned to look at him her violet eyes shining among the white of the snow. Even if he was too green to know what the color of her eyes said about her race the look and the unusual vibrancy of them spelled danger. If he was prized enough possession of the Winter Queen he may have seen eyes belonging to others of her tribe preserved in her vault. It was no secret that they were considered a prize among the rulers of the fae world. If her eyes didn't broadcast her destructive ability the the diamond sword strapped to her hip certainly made the point clear.

Jessalyn interrupted Raven almost before she started. Still trying to find her way back to her own home. The fae girl turned and addressed Jessalyn directly. "Don't bother girl. Whatever it is you are trying to get back to is lost to you. Choose your next moves carefully. They will determine if you survive in your new life."

With that Raven turned her back on the blind girl. Raven had a number of human servants indebted to her in various positions in various courts but she did not particularly want one that was both blind and from all appearances stupid.

"Greetings Bain," as the word passed her lips Raven knew that he was telling the truth about it not being his true name. The word felt hollow on her tongue. She could feel the traces of his full name in the letters but there was no power to the word. Perhaps there was hope for him, he evidently wasn't as stupid as his appearance would suggest.

"Give my regards to your Queen and let me give you some advice. Be wary of the 'help' you dole out in this realm. That creature won't survive here." Raven said gesturing to the blind girl on the ground. "She is damaged. Her impairment makes her useless as a servant. Perhaps she'll make a mildly amusing pet for a time but this world is not made to accommodate those without every advantage and the Winter Queen is not a patient woman. I'd keep my distance if you do not wish to be dragged down with her." To emphasize her point Raven snatched her staff from her back and slammed it into the tree next to her which was part of a canopy holding a bank of snow over the place where Jessalyn had stumbled into this land. Raven's blow to the tree destabilized the branches and the cold white blanket of the Winter Court came raining down on Jessalyn's head.

Raven became aware that someone was watching not far off, two someones in fact. She didn't let on that she knew of their presence though. Her hand rested on the hilt of Claíomh Solais just in case the hidden fae were foolish enough to attack. Raven settled back against the Elder tree curious as to how this would unfold.

Ama beamed at the little human girl. Seeing her sometimes made her wish she could have children of her own. Stroking the young girl's back, she gently kissed her forehead.
"Don't worry, little one. We will go see your Ba Ba."
Hearing the girl's stomach, she knew right away that Lyra was hungry. Looking around, Ama spotted a fruit tree. Though it was bare of fruit. She strode over to the tree, Lyra in her arms. Placing her hand on the tree, Ama made a branch lower down towards Lyra's face. Within a minute, a flower began to blossom, then quickly turning into a piece of fruit. She plucked the soft, fuzzy fruit from the branch and handed it to Lyra.
"Eat, little one. I can hear that little rumble in your tummy."
After giving her the fruit, Ama wondered if she should take Lyra to the King. She knew he was away at the meeting and it could pose a risk to Lyra. But after thinking over the consequences, Ama decided to make her way to the meet. She could protect Lyra anyways.

@Belle

Bayen took the time to clean his fingernails while the Raven was speaking "Greatings one whom dose not give a name to give." He smirked slightly, of course he had little time to say much else. He had been in the Far world long enough to understand what a distasteful act looked like. Quickly grabbing Jessalyn by the shoulders and pretty much swapping places with her, note that he did not get tangled with the dog, he got covered in snow and ice.

With a scoff he turned his deep blue eyes towards the Fae his general mindset changed no longer playing silly, he had been seen through anyhow "One dose not know the uses of others until that person can whiteness the acts. Dose a mighty eagle not start as a hatchling?!" He reprimanded her, at this he turned to the woman infront of himself refusing to shake the snow off. Steadeing his voice he stroked her shoulder comfortingly "You are no longer in the realm of mortals, you are now in the lands of Fae, more specifically the winter court." His words felt inadequete as they left his lips so he continued "You are safe with me for now, but she is right, I need to find a way to make you seem useful to my queen. I wish I knew a way home, not for myself I like it here." He paused letting go of her. He got the idea that letting go might not have been the best of actions, but for now it would have to do.

He turned full body towards Raven and stopped, he noticed a single soul, but he did not act on it. Anything that was going to be malicious would have pounced by now, and then it dawned on him. Bursting with laughter he nearly doubled over "I see now, you are the bitter one Raven, I'm sorry about your family. Though perhaps that is why that one over there is not appro-... No, the two in this area... But seeing as neither of us are dead you have not been compensated for us..." he trailed attempting, and failing, to not enter into deep thought.

He had been overly sincere about his appology, though people died all the time. He shook his head a bit of snow coming off of him "Now it is a pleasure to meet you... I hope that next time we may have a drink together. I think you might be a match for me." He said becoming his normal self again, and throwing off her previous actions as though she were taking life out on others. Then again if he were in the same position what would he manage to do? He sighed again getting rid of depressing thoughts.

@Prince of Seraphs @Belle

"Sounds to me that I'm more like a pet than a slave then." Max rationalized, and actually smiled a bit. It didn't sound too bad, the way Grim was describing it. "What kind of things will you expect me to do then? You haven't captured me for my well being have you?" He pointed out, and kept following after the man. It was at that point he realized that he couldn't stop following him. If he tried to stop, his legs ignored him. He then remembered that this fae told him to follow. He had obeyed an order he didn't even realize he was given, and he was still obeying, even though he wanted to stop. He wanted to keep talking, but he felt his voice catch in his throat. He was too encapsulated by shock and fear to form words.

@FateWeaver

@luclovers

Ama looked stopped when she heard the new voice. She looked over at what appeared to be another fae. A little taken back that she was not noticed, her emotions were sent to the trees close by, making them twist and turn.
"She is fine where she is." Ama said, a bit peeved.
Her skin thickened with bark, but swelled back down. She shouldn't be mad. The fae did nothing wrong. Sighing, she looked back at Lyra.
"She is under my protection. So she is safe. I don't believe I have seen you before..."

Lost hadn't taken this path in a while. He forgot how beautiful it was. He was always getting caught up in the affairs of other fey as of lately. He felt like he was at an awkward age where he had enough power to be feared by most, but many were still above him. The beautiful scenery and Tarani's calming presence helped him to relax and lower his gaurd some. He would never fully let it down though. That was just folly waiting for disaster in his mind. "Well Anya, I try my best to remember every name I am fortunate enough to hear as well. I have never realy met you, but just heard of you. You seem much more calm than the stories."

Lost knew of the broken promises all too well. He had never been foolish enough to do that himself. The most serious of punishments lied in wait for liars, and he had taken advantage of that for other fey and humans as well. He was more self-centered than this noble Earth Nymph. He still served Falk loyally, but only as much as he had to, or as much as was convenient for him. Anya now asked a troubling question. Yes if he was eager to give his life in name of the King then he would have confronted them immediately, but he was merely looking for some fun today.

"I was sitting in that tree when she happened underneath of it. A lot happens at the gates between realms. As for the other fey, I didn't think they were so dumb as to mess with the King's girl. Should they have tried any harm I would have intervened, but if they merely took her with them, I was going to follow and lead the King or one of his Legions to them. Although with your arrival none of that mattered, I knew none of them could sense me, but I suspected you would have. So even if they had engaged you I would have joined you in their crushing as well. As for their relationship, that is another story. It really does baffle me, but I would never do anything against the King. His way is his own. Whether I understand that way is completely irrelevant."

Turning the conversation from himself, he asked Anya a question. "And what about yourself? Why are you so eager to defend the King and his possessions?"

@rechonq

Stories? Tarani thought to herself. It had been a while since she had heard any "stories" about her. She considered the thought of hearing one of those stories sometime. It might've did her some good. She was glad at least that Lost was calmer now, obvious he wasn't going to let his guard completely down. It didn't bother her though. Her most devious plans were better left for the Fae and Humans who opposed her and disregarded the rules of the Fae Realm. "I have many names, Lost, but most I have either chosen to forget or have no desire to hear such a name. You may continue to call me Anya, for now, but at some point, 'The Lady', will come back and all shall bear witness to her dark beauty."

Her plans for power were ever growing, and she constantly played with new ideas and added new factors into her games. It was a most pleasurable thing to experience for her. She didn't understand why others didn't engage in such stimulating activity. None of that matter, however. Lost held her intrigue for the time being. "Your motives for moving based on those circumstances is merely from a beneficial stand point, and if not that then fear of displeasing the Fall King drives you to do perform the acts you would've had to perform if things had turned nasty? I do not mean to imply, merely...to take a gander at your reasons." She continued to glide along the ground, gnarled roots twisting over unbeaten path.

A smile formed on her lips, the conversation had turned to her. A twist to be expected--a game that Tarani was happy to play. "'Why', you ask" I shall tell you like this. If it wasn't for the power and knowledge that the oldest of Fae had acquired from teachings passed down through generations of Kings and Rulers, then Lord Falk wouldn't be where he is today. The universe has an odd way of turning things about, don't you think? In my eyes, Lord Falk is the embodiment of the beliefs that the Old One's held--beliefs that I too share." Her answers were carefully worded, ensuring that nothing she said could be used against her at a later time. She didn't particularly fear this Satyr, but a problem is a problem no matter which way you look at it. It was the best way she explain it without delving into her personal life.

@2b3heart @luclovers

Lyra - Summer Land Forest

Lyra smiled brightly and giggled when the Tree Lady made the fruit appear on the branch. She took it gleefully and bit into it.
"Fank ou" she mumbled with her mouth full of the sweet perfectly ripened fruit.

Her mouth was full of another bite when another lady spoke. Lyra thought she'd seen her before but wasn't sure.
"Hi!" she waved, her messy face smiling. She then dismissed the newcomer and turned back to her friend the Tree Lady. "You want some too?" she asked, willing to share with her friend.

It didn't cross her mind that the female below might not be friendly, or perhaps might even be dangerous. Everyone was nice to her, because if anyone was ever mean she knew Ba-Ba would make them stop.

"We go to Ba-Ba now?" Lyra asked the Tree Lady.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jessalyn - Winter Land Forest

Although she was taken aback by the woman's suddenly harsh verbal attack. Her first thought was to wonder what she could have done to deserve such judgemental condemnation.
Her second thought was 'what a bitch'.
Her third, and most important thought was what the hell had she found herself in the middle of. Was this some kind of joke? Prank the blind girl?

She was brought from her musings abruptly as she was forcibly moved. Her hands gripped the arms of who she assumed was the man or boy from before. His voice changed, becoming more serious and very much unnerving.
Lasander barked and growled, shaking the snow off since he had been caught by some of the falling snow. Jessalyn put out her hand, a sign for him to come and he obeyed, taking his place beside her.

She heard the woman disparage her harshly, but didn't so much as flinch. It was nothing she hadn't heard before, about being useless and good for nothing.

"Perhaps I see where others are blind," she said cooly. "And maybe I am strong where you are weak, for I don't feel the need to attack others to prove my superiority."

The man or boy declared her safe with him. With the way everyone was talking she wasn't sure. She just knew she needed away out of this looney bin.

@KioruxSesheema

Anya's warning of the return of the Lady seemed almost as if she was talking about a different person. The Lady seemed like a dark person to say the least. Lost was relieved to know that he was walking with Anya and not with the Lady. Lost began to wonder how good of graces he could get with this woman. She seemed willing to open to him and theirs could be a very lucrative relationship. The Lady was a character that Lost had not had much desire to associate with, but Anya was different and real, if he could call it that. Though beings like the Lady had their power, to often they sought power through destruction and fear. Anya seemed to enjoy life. It seemed she desired power as well, but enjoyed the game of obtaining it, as Lost does.

Her next comments were absolutely true. "No, you're fine with your implorations. They actually hit right on the mark. I noticed at a young age a lot of the younger Fey find their demise to carelessness and greed. Very few are simply unlucky, but there is nothing you can change about that. I take great consideration into my actions and the risks and the rewards they bring. I do love the King and he is certainly different from us, but at some point he is the same as well. We are all Fey together. At some point he was a young Fey and in ten thousand years one of us could be the ruler of the Fall Realm. I think we should certainly help each other, but we are competitors as well. It's a difficult and tricky game, but even the King plays it. I can't imagine how the King will fall, but time has told one story, and that story is that everything falls. I really don't wish it, but even if we became rulers our time would come as well. And it all comes because of greed, but there would be no game if there was no greed and life would be boring then." He stated that last sentence almost happily.

Lost was slightly proud of what he knew about greed and lust. Much of it he actually learned from the King himself. It was amazing how Falk could rule with fear and destruction, while similarly enjoying life and it's games. Even without split personalities as it seemed Anya might have. "Knowledge is a great power, but it is available to all the Fey ready to accept it. Unfortunately it comes with responsibilities and not everyone wants those. The King may appear to be the embodiment of the Old Ones beliefs, but I believe that is because he is wise and shares them as well. So similarly in my eyes as you share those beliefs you are just as ready as he is to be a ruler, probably better than the Summer or Spring rulers right now if I say so myself." Lost wasn't just blowing smoke here. He saw how the King should be protected, but also how rulers changed and someday one of the Fey around him would become ruler and he would give them the same respect he gives Falk now. Even Anya would receive his utmost respect should she become a ruler. As for the Spring and Summer rulers though, their actions were to sporadic and immature. They had Lost's respect as being more powerful than he, but as leaders he viewed them poorly.

Naime looked at the child, blinking, and then turned to the Dryad which had suddenly made itself known to her.
"My name is Meredith." Naime said, smiling a bright smile to match her bright hair.
"I'm on my way to court," she explained. "I could use some company." She offered, hoping to understand more about how to act normal in this summer land.@Belle@2b3heart

"For the most part, you should consider this arrangement to your benefit. I do not know how you will be of use to me yet, but you have already shown yourself to be a quick learner. For now, you shall be given time to grow and become accustomed to this world. That will let me know more about where your talents lie, as well as meet the other important denizens of this realm. My court is only one of four, after all, and the others generally take exception to... well, me." Grimus had stopped at the edge of the treeline, and was looking down at his home while he spoke. The palace was a work of true beauty, even compared to other Faerie constructs. Something caught his attention though, and he turned his head sharply to one side and sniffed at the air.

"Perhaps we are not as alone as I thought. Another human... maybe two? Shall we go and play with them?" he wondered aloud, scratching at his chin with one finger. It was a rare occurrence for him, to have so much free time to enjoy himself. Deciding it would be a waste not to, he started back into the trees towards the others he had sensed. Besides, it would likely be a comfort for the boy following him to interact with his own kind.

@Natsu

Ama smiled at Lyra, shaking her head. "No thank you, child. I don't need to eat. She turned her head back to the fae and gave a curt nod. "You may call me Ama. I am a servant to the Summer King. And this is his human child." The dryad walked over to Meredith. "We are also on our way to the court. We can walk together."
Ama kept a close eye on this fae. She never trusted anyone right away.
@luclovers @Belle