Sorcha was late. She knew this. However, she very much detested these meetings. For many years she had very few qualms with the other courts and she believed that so long as she kept far from that, such peace would remain. She kept her people under close watch, as well as those who entered her court. Though she knew it was unrealistic to believe she knew of all the ongoings of her court, she liked to think she new almost all of them.
As she neared the meeting area, ice creeped over the grass with soft crackles. Sorcha had never been one to keep her power too closely reigned it. She enjoyed it writhing about her and nipping noses. Her steps were quiet though she made no attempt to hide her presence nor arrival. She moved like a glacier: deceptive, fluid and deadly. With the Winter Queen being so close to the Summer King caused steam to kick up and thicken the air. And when she spoke, there were light, white puffs of cold air.
"Do explain to me why no one simply hunts them down?" There were no apologies nor formalities. However, that was the Winter Queen, she lacked the patience for those little things so they did not come naturally to her.

@rechonq

Such entrancing conversation made time go by as if it didn't exist. The chill in the air and the faint presence of rot on the air was the only reminder that Tarani and Lost were getting close to the Fall King's Palace. "Not so much a palace," she thought to herself, "but more a vast ravine of trees. Still, it is as good as any palace I'd want to be in." It was true. It wasn't a palace, per se, but to Tarani at least, it was a palace. She'd venture to say at times that it was even home.

Tarani was the type to take things seriously most of the time, if not all the time. It didn't mean that she was withdrawn or had no sense, like a sheltered pup; it simply meant that in her experience, especially in the Fae world, nothing was a joke when it came to words. One couldn't say a word without it having a double, if not triple meaning. The whole point to making deals and promises is that key principle of deceit. A principle she was all to familiar with--her sole reason for being so analytical when it comes to speaking to others.

Tarani, commonly referred to as Anya, wasn't too surprised by the compliment, suspecting that the Satyr was a natural smooth talker any way, it shouldn't've been to difficult for Lost to have come up with one. "A well noted compliment, I agree. It doesn't come without effort though, I assure you. It has taken me many years of seclusion and discipline to achieve this level of calm with the two 'beings' inside. A struggle in its own, but one I do not take for granted to this day," she spoke gratefully and appreciatively. Anya thought about Lost's next words for quite some time, minutes passing by. "Forgive me. I had much to go through in order to find what I was looking for. Now, I agree: when it comes to physical confrontation, most Fae fall. However, it is their own fault for being weak. A little something about me for you, to relate to physical confrontation and weaker Fae." A deep breath to calm her self and steady her nerves, Tarani went back about six hundred into her past.

"About six hundred years ago, when I was dealing with the power struggle inside, I had met a Lycanthrope. Not the first time I had encountered one either. In fact, I had had contact with one a few years prior to this engagement, but it was a much more friendlier encounter. At any rate, the Lycanthrope I had encountered next wasn't very old. Wasn't very young either, but much younger in comparison to me. At first it was just words he spoke of. Dreams and hopes...the same that I had shared. I made the mistake of divulging that information, something I should have known not to do, but I was to caught up in the words and forgot where my head was. The Lycanthrope was aware of this and took advantage of it, promising me power and a restraint if I would only supply him and his pack with the resources they needed to take on a rivaling pack of Lycanthrope's. Trivial matters compared to the ones I had at the time, and that was exactly what I thought. So I did just that, and up to about two hundred years ago I was indebted to that miserable excuse of a Fae. And then, as if the world was being lifted off my shoulders, I felt relief. The power binding me to the debt was broken and I had already suspected why it was such. The miserable oaf had gotten intoxicated and tripped one day, his head splitting on a rock. After that, I swore that I would never feel that way--like a slave--ever again." It was a tough four hundreds years for her after that encounter, and she took out her frustration on the weaker Fae--not uncommon either. She had struck many deals over those few years, making sure not to collect until the time was right; leaving an arsenal at her call.

"I would very much enjoy your company on this years Hunt, however, and I do believe you should fully exercise your right to prowling this year. I hear there shall be many involved, and many who will fall. It'll be a festive one, that is no lie at all." The leaves had stopped falling from the trees as they approached closer to their destination. It would only be a matter of time after that and the Hunt would begin.

The Fall King glances at the winter fae. "You're late, Queen of the Court of Winter." His voice is echoed by far off thunder. "And to answer your question, we do not hunt them. There are laws in place against it laid down by Fae far more ancient and far gone than yourself. Perhaps you best remember that." He leaned forward, bracing his hands on the stone table in the center. Looking bemused he tapped his fingers. "As to that sword... Tis nothing more than a toy. There are far more terrifying weaponry within the Fae Realm and I have no fear of a tin dagger." Green-grey eyes watched the other rulers. Foolish WInter and her little years was at a disadvantage. Spring had grown presumptuous. Summer... Summer was wary, a slow smirk crossed his features. Predatory in meaning but he disguised it as a polite smile. Well practiced and well versed in such things was he.

@Bryn @Natsu @BlackPanther

@Krinos Solstice
Nikko gurgles at her as if accepting this. The woman bows and nods. "I can get you some food and drink. Our ruler has a favorite in fruit juices...would you like to try one?" She tilts her head. "As for food....I hope you like meat" she smiles again. Nikko gurgles and the woman nods as if Nikko had asked for a drink...which he had but songstress wouldn't know that. Nikko then looks up at songstress and gurgles happily at her...it's not very often he finds a new friend.

-------
@LadyRunic
Feoras paces a bit more his hand going to his chin as he thinks. Then with a flourish he snaps his fingers. "What of your wild hunt?" He has a rather evil look about him right now. "Use the hunt to rid of this...irritation" he looks at falk a look of curiosity of what the fae would say in response. He seems to be ignoring the other two rulers right now as he thinks of how this would work.

Songstress looked back at the woman, "Fruit juices, hmm? Alright, I suppose I'll try one. And I'm fine eating meat." she replied. She heard Nikko gurgling, she wished she could understand him, but it just wasn't possible. She noticed him looking up at her, and giving the salamander a small smile, she began to stroke his head once more. She had to admit, this world was filled with strange and odd things, but the inhabitants, or Fae as they call themselves, appeared to be pretty normal. Well, whatever normal passed for here anyways. Her mind wandered to their King, what was he like? He didn't appear to be cruel, but she also figured he was no pushover either. That was good, she wasn't particularly fond of the idea of serving a King that could be stepped on so easily. As she waited for her food and drink, she began to hum a song ever so gently, deciding it was the only thing she could do to pass the time right now.
@BlackPanther

@KioruxSesheema

The Fall palace was probably the most beautiful palace Lost could dream to imagine. It was beautiful in that it's walls weren't made with metal, stone, or dead wood, but rather it was a hall of beautiful trees that created a semblance of a palace. It was as if Falk's will caused the trees to align themselves. Their ancient standings were rivaled only by Falk himself. The various colors of the leaves, ranging from bright yellow to deep red, created a beautiful mosaic throughout the hall.

Lost felt a little bit of what he thought to be the heartless warrior side of Anya as she mentioned the fall of weak Fae to be their own fault. He knew that completely ignoring your physical status was very foolish, and he had trained himself to deal with many troubles. Most of his training was actually dealing with armed opponents while unarmed. He became very skilled at stealing others weapons. This came about from his habit to travel unarmed. He found it easier to explain himself as an innocent visitor to other realms if he was unnarmed. Fortunately for him only the young and weak were foolish enough to attack him while he was unarmed. The first time he did it was pure luck, but when the young Fae promised to never harm him and to grant him a favor in return for mercy, he realized the value such a skill could have. He practiced it more with his friends and grew more capable in his skill. Even though he still never egged on others to attack him, it saved his life several times.

As he heard her Lycanthrope story, he thought about how it seemed the both of them had learned valuable lessons about their weaknesses from those younger than themselves. He saw their destination coming up on them so he tried to keep his speech short. "Ha, it seems that both of us have learned valuable lessons from those younger than us about our weaknesses. I am pleased to say that I have never been seriously indebted to anyone, well except for luck if that were a thing. Even though I have not practiced combat much, I do know it is important to stay alive. Fortunately for me the first time I was attacked I was able to disarm the opponent and use their weapon against them. This technique has helped me a lot in living and gaining favors and promises. I look forward to becoming a better hunter with you and I pray you never fall to deception again." They arrived at the entrance to the Fall Palace. As many times as Lost had seen it, he would always be amazed at it's glory.

The Spring Queen raised an eyebrow at the mention of the hunt, "I'd be rather surprised if Fall had the capacity to direct his hunt." She said with a bit of venom in her voice, "It will, as it always does, end up a savage bloodbath." She scorned. "No, if you truly seek to rid yourself of this infestation, you'll need to be poised." She giggled with glee at the idea of a genocide such as this, "If you don't focus an attack on them specifically, you'll surely fail."

@Natsu@BlackPanther@Bryn

There's a whisper as wind tugs at the Spring Queen, mocking her words. "...surely fail... Surely Fall..." It seemed to giggle back at her. Falk raised a hand slightly, the breeze twining about his fingers alike a kitten seeking affection. A ghastly, glittering green light shining behind the storm that was his eyes, Falk smiled politely at the foolish youth. "Control of mine Court is lacking? I believe no creature of the Fall Court has set such a grand foot against my will enough for me to note for a long while." His smile only grew to show off sharp, pearly white teeth. "Then again, spring savagery is so much more... mundane. Eggs for little children, bunnies, little chicks peeping out of their nice safe bed." His smooth voice danced about the words, letting them echo a tad. "Since Spring is so assured, I shall move to offer them this hunt. To seek out and stamp out this Fae." He graciously bowed the the Queen of Spring. "Let those with the best tools do the job that those who are to old will surely fail at." Straightening his features looked like a beast about to pounce.

Fears looks at fall, a bit of surprise weaving through his eyes before he tilts his head. "If spring were to fail..." He taps his chin. "Perhaps we should add a time limit for spring" He looks at spring his orange eyes turning reddish. "How about half the time frame of the hunt...if they are to fail then the hunt goes back to fall" He looks back at Falk. "What say you?" He had zero confidence in spring, the wild hunt was fall's domain and likely to only be successful with its true owner. If anything, he had a fair idea that spring would fail....and fail miserably. Which would leave this hunt as a waste. He seems to be ignoring the winter queen. Finding that Falk is the one to be speaking to right now.
@LadyRunic@Natsu@Bryn

-----------------------------------
The woman bows somewhat to Songstress and walks back to the hearth where she turns to ash as she transports. After a few minutes she returns with lamb, vegetables, and a fruit drink. This drink is a mix of summer fruits a favorite among the summer fae. "Here you are. If you need anything else there is a bell by the hearth. I will be the main servant aiding you" She smiles and puts the food and drink onto a small table then turns back to songstress. "I am known as emerald." She puts another drink that is completely red on the floor in front of nikko. Nikko gurgles and holds the drink with both front hands as he drinks it. Emerald bows again before heading back to the hearth and teleporting.

@BlackPanther@LadyRunic@Natsu

Sorcha was more than content to let them handle the matters that had not yet affected her. This was one of her flaws, failing to really acknowledge precautionary measures. However, one thing did nag at the young Queen's mind. "And if Fall is to fail?" She flicked her gaze to the other rulers as she held her elbows. "I mean, I am sure it is absolutely impossible for such a thing to happen, but I suppose considering it could not hurt." A thin, dark brow arched as she took in the overzealous, tittering queen who wished for death more than she did. The prat was far too eager, although, she was not completely wrong. This fact, was annoying to Sorcha.

Lyra - Summer Court

Once they arrived at the court Lyra slid down from her perch on The Tree Lady after thanking her and giving her a hug for bringing her there. Then she ran off to find Ba-Ba, her little footsteps echoing in the great hall.
All members of the Summer Court mostly ignored the small creature. The few that did look her way smiled in an indulgent way that one might to a small dog before turning back to their own business. Everyone knew the tiny human was the pet of the Summer King and as such was untouchable. She was a sweet cute little thing, so no one had any qualms or designs against her, although a few resented the fact that a human child had a higher place in court than many of them did. They knew the King would sacrifice them without a second thought if it meant the safety of his little pet.
Once a court official had stepped on the child as she had been running about, scrapping her fragile knee and then had spoken harshly to her, blaming her for the instance. The cry of pain and tears of hurt feelings had brought down the wrath of the King. No one liked to think of what had happened to that official.

Lyra ran straight to her little cushion by the throne and frowned. Ba-Ba?" she called, looking about before stomping her foot and looking towards a guard. "Where is my Ba-Ba?"
No one laughed at the ridiculous name the child called her master. They all knew better.
The guard leaned down. "He is away on business small one. He shall return soon."
Lyra pouted but nodded. She didn't like it but had to accept it. "Will you play with me?"
The guard shook his head. "I'm sorry. I am on duty and cannot. The King shall return soon. Maybe he will bring you something if you are a good girl," he said gently, trying to make her feel better not only so the King would not come back to a sad child but also because he really did want to appease her. She was a good human, well behaved for the most part and all would admit she was adorable.

Lyra nodded, still not happy but would try to be good. Her Ba-Ba didn't like it when she was bad and would scold her. It never lasted long but she didn't like being scolded.

While running around the court she found her way back towards the kitchen where she tried and succeeded in using her cuteness to receive some small sweet cakes as a treat. The cook loved her and often spoiled her, which frustrated the King at times.
As she nibbled on one of the cakes she spotted Emerald leaving the kitchen and followed. She lost sight of her because Emerald disappeared, but saw something interesting. Guards standing outside a door.
Not afraid at all, after all what was there for her to fear under the protection of the King, she went over and walked right in the room. The guards didn't stop her. She outranked them. She could go anywhere she pleased unless the King specifically forbade it and he hadn't forbade the child from interacting with the prisoner.

Lyra saw the pretty woman inside the room and cocked her head like a curious puppy. "Hi," she finally said, smiling brightly and going to the woman. "You are a pretty lady. What's your name? I'm Lyra. I'm this many," she said, holding up four fingers. "Here, you have cake too," she offered the pretty lady the other small cake.

Songstress looked over the food that had been delivered, she recognized lamb immediately, it was one of her favorites. She heard the woman say her name was Emerald, she made sure to file the name away for future interactions with her, "You may call me Songstress." she replied. She watched as Emerald left to attend to other duties, which was good, she prefered to eat alone. Well, technically she wasn't, but she had come not to mind Nikko being around. For the time being, she trusted the salamander, he hadn't done anything to warrant being her enemy. Her observation of him continued, So, he can hold things the same way a human can, I'll have to keep that in mind. she thought to herself. She reached for the fruit drink she had been given, taking a small sip to try it, finding it pleased her palate. She heard the sound of a child's voice come from the doorway after setting her drink down, finding she was just a small little thing, but she was able to speak quite well for her age. After giving her name, Songstress felt it only polite to give her own, though it wouldn't be her real name for obvious reasons.

"You can call me Songstress, Lyra." she replied. She was offered a cake by the little girl, she apparently had no fear of her, then again, Lyra probably had little to fear in the castle anyways. Songstress shook her head at Lyra's offer, "No thank you, Lyra, I don't really like sweets. I'm sure Nikko might like it though." she said, motioning to the salamander next to her. Strange. How did a child like her wind up here? And she seems not to be afraid of the Fae in the castle. And the guards, they didn't stop her from coming in...does that mean she outranks them? She must have someone powerful protecting her if that's the case. Perhaps the King, maybe? she thought. She looked at Nikko, "Say Nikko, it seems Lyra here can do almost whatever she wants...does that mean she outranks just about everyone?" she asked her new friend.
@BlackPanther@Belle

Ardaie's nose crinkled as Fall began to speak, and to hand off their savage crusade unto her. She weighed her options, figuring that she could either appear weak and turn down the challenge, or spend time and resources to benefit the Fall. She huffed, and forced a smile, before saying, "I will gladly take this on," She said, before adding, "But I wish for compensation, namely, your human." She said with venom, before putting her hands together and waiting to see how Fall would take that. "When I succeed, I want your pet to become mine own."

@Natsu@Bryn@BlackPanther Falk merely gave a sly smile. "And should you fail? I believe there should be compensation for the misuse of the Hunt. Should the Hunt run. . . 'Wylde', there will be a great deal of damage caused and energy spent on my half to get it under control again." He tapped delicate fingers in thought. This little Queen was about to learn the power of the Hunt, it was not just controlled. It was riding wave upon unrelenting wave of terror and horrors. Of unbridled rage and fury. Directing them to crash upon the certain pebble within the stoney shore and not bring done the entire shelf. There were also the little details, the little counter magics that deterred the Wylde Hunt if the Master of the Hunt did not drive it on. "Your name, your full name I will require in turn should you fail." His smile was dangerous, "After all, she who fails to ride the Hunt, Becomes the Hunt." Glancing to Summer he shakes his head. "A time limit? The Hunt will ride till it wishes no more, if the Hunter does fail."

@LadyRunic@Natsu@Bryn
Feroas nods to Falk. "I see." he glances at the other rulers. He decides to remain quiet for this round. Figuring that Falk and Spring are not finished discussing their deal. If things got a bit hairy so to speak he would attempt to change topics...or at least try to calm Falk down enough so he doesn't kill Spring. Feroas is smart enough to respect Falk's abilities...he was older and more powerful. His silence remains...his orange eyes betraying nothing of his thoughts. Though he did have some amusement at the trap spring just skipped into.

--------------------------------------
@Krinos Solstice@Belle
Nikoo nods his head at songstress' question and finishes his drink before setting the glass down. Looking from it to the table he tilts his head. Then he grabs the glass with his mouth and stands on his hind legs his front legs bracing on the edge he sets the glass down and nudges it so it isn't at the edge. He then waddles over to lyra and gurgles. He seems quite comfortable around lyra...most likely because he can't really upset her. Kind of hard to upset a toddler when you're the size of a dog and a salamander. He oozes adorableness just like lyra.

@LadyRunic@Natsu@BlackPanther

Sorcha could tell this had turned into a more personal bout between the courts and allowed her mind to half listen and half wander. The tiny Spring queen stood with the strength of an oak and Fall was equally unyielding. Her gaze flicks to the Summer King who seems to be doing the same thing as she. This was a spat between the middle courts, one which she had little sway or desire to participate in. Instead of simply leaving for the time being, as she felt that she was no longer needed, she stayed a while longer. Perhaps there was more to learn, like what was so special about the human pet fall had.

Lyra - Summer Court, Guest Room

The lady said her name was Song. Or something like that.
"You have a pretty name Song," Lyra said giggling. She looked a little crestfallen when the pretty lady said she didn't like sweets, but smile again when Nikko came over to her. She giggled and cuddled the salamander, who never seemed to mind the child hugging it tightly and lugging it around sometimes. She never hurt him so he just let her do what she wanted.
Now she just sat on the floor and cuddled the salamander while feeding him the other small sweet cake.

"How come you are here Song?" Lyra asked while rubbing Nikko's belly. "Are you Ba-Ba's friend?"

Lyra was curious about this lady. Ba-Ba was her Ba-Ba. If this lady was here to take him away, things would get ugly fast.

Her nostrils flared at the suggestion of her ever giving him such a thing, "Do not presume to play me." She hissed, "Do your hunt yourself."She deadpanned, "This could have worked well for you, if you hadn't over played our hand" She said, crossing her arms, "I move to end this moot." She said, fuming, "I've had enough of the Fall King trying to push his duties and problems onto the actual competent rulers."She said, and glared over at the King. Perhaps she was overreacting, but such was Spring's nature.

@Natsu@Bryn@BlackPanther

Falk smiles and gestures with a sweeping arm. The Fall King had been expecting Spring to act so. "As you will Queen of the Court of Spring, If I wished to relinquish the Artifact that would consume you, I would not have added that stipulation for your name if you fell within the Hunt. One must be able to drag you out." Glancing to the other Rulers, he cocked a brow and continued on with the business at hand. The Moot still had a few things to go over. More work would be concluded afterwards in this one, it was not the first time he'd seen the Moot lead to bargain and treaty. Especially with young rulres. "I say nay to the motion. The humans still lie a threat to even we, should we choose to venture forth from the Realm of Fae Lands." His sharp features became stony, with a scowl. "Should they pick apart the ancient Gates and place metal in the place- Well, crossing would be most difficult."

@LadyRunic@Natsu@Bryn
Feroas tilts his head. "The humans have grown naive, forgetting about us completely. I doubt they would place metal there purposefully." He taps his chin. "Rather, I can see them putting metal there for some other stupid reason." He looks at Falk then the others. "I feel that that situation is not of import to us currently. Though, we should keep an eye on the humans to ensure that they do not remember." He looks at them all again. "We could either have each of us go there occasionally to check...or send someone in our stead periodically." He felt this was a good idea, what the others thought...he has no idea.