@LadyRunic@Ojo chan 42

Feoras listened to falk prattle, but nodded. "I am bothered by it....though I know not why." he watched falk with his orange eyes and wondered mentally if it was such a good idea to admit such in falks realm. He pushed the thought away and listened to Falk's bargain. He wondered what questions falk could possibly have for him...but figured this would be a good bargain.

"It is a good bargain indeed. I accept it." he studied falk a moment. "Would you like to question first?" the display of power in controlling the weather did not phase him. He knew falk was powerful. In knowing so, he knew that if he was to be killed he would have been already.

---

The small salamander seemed to shrug it's shoulders at Laira's first question, then nodded at the second. It gurgled at her and repositioned to watch her more carefully. It could sense the boredom and knew that boredom meant an increase in the likely hood of the guest to run. It waddled its way over to her and looked up at her. It's eyes seemed trained on her.

Falk

The Fall King's lips twitched in a smirk. "Actually my question would be second. You have just asked one." He pointed out with an amused glance towards Feoras. Appearing to stare off into the distance of the darkened hall, the Fae lights of will-o-wisps flickering and gleaming. Imprisoned for their own wrong doing from ages long ago, a uprising of such annoyance Falk had forever condemned them, though he took care to release one every so often. Promising them all they would leave their bound structures, so long as they would send another in their place so often. After several centuries the funny little creatures had changed the former imprisonment and ransom into a place worthy of respect. Often the small and, literally, brightest of the Fae would argue and bicker for a place to light the King's Hall and it's grandeur. More than once the Fall King had to turn down proposals for more 'lamps'. He enjoyed the darkness, and often times he had to reming the wisps of such a thing. They would never betray, for they could not. The spell lanterns allowed no sound in, though they once allowed it out. But the constant chatter of pixies and wisps had near about drove their King mad with the blabbering of nonsense.

Dark eyes flickered to the young stripling. The young stag and the ancient one sat side by side. "So, youngling..." He scooped a glass of wine from the table between them holding it with a particular care. "You are bothered by my courting of your lady. Or so you would like it." He leaned back, watching the Summer King out of the corner of his eye. "You were raised by Fae and made Fae from your birth near about. A shame, I dare say. The human heart offers so much that we Fae lack. You are bothered but you do not know why. . ." Falk gave a true chuckle, a deep rolling sound. "Do you feel as though your heart may burst from your chest so that tears may never fall from her eyes again, that your life would be hers if she but asked?" There was a odd quality to the Fall King's voice when he asked his question, it was almost a kindness. "Think on your answer, Season-born, and think very hard."

Aisling

Aisling flopped upon the bed, dressed in warmer clothing and detesting the Queen. For all her words she was still a Fae. A nasty, horrible Fae Queen who only wanted what she wanted. Never mind those about her. Though the goblins and creatures of winter did not have the beauty of Fall, nor their terror. The latter she was thankful for. Fall Fae were beautiful but they were also terrifying with their hidden dangers. Death came close on their heels and terror in their hands. Falk was the best and worst of them. Though, no Fall Fae acted outside the bounds their king set. They did not harm unnecessarily, not without the Fall King turning upon them with rage that sent his Fae trembling.

Stroking her harp, she played softly. Lacking of things to do and the music her last and only comfort left if she was honest. Books were not her forte, the current style of writing lacking her victorian tastes. Though a thought came wondering in her mind. She could not eat. Not here, there was no mortal food. Nothing sealed. Terror gripped her, as her lips firmed to a thin line. "The precious mortal requires food." She called sarcastically into the hall. "Sealed, packaged food from the Mortal Realm." She specified. "I may eat nothing else, per the Fall King's ancient orders when first I came to your disgusting Realm." The last sentenced muttered under her breathe as she shut the doors and returned to strumming her harp.

Laira walked around in the room. from left to right, to the door and back to the window, reapeating this circle multible times.
patience and sitting still have never been two good points of Laira, and they probaby would never be. The problem was, she could not go and explore, for there was a little creature watching her. His eye's following her every movement, every blink made Laira aware that she was trapped here. A guest, but not welcomed. Again she stood at the window and noticed that there was ivy growing around it. Taking a part of the plant in her hands she let her hands trail down the long veins it had. Strong enough to hold a human.

was she going to escape.... Laira was not sure about it. But it did not seem like the summer king was going to either show up or summon her and have a talk with her. No, she needed to take her fate in her own hands again. Laira was done waiting and took the decicion. Now she only had to ditch her guard, how little he might be, if he told on her she would be captured for sure. And for sure, her title as 'guest' would fall away.
Then she remembered, Salamanders cannot stand sudden temprature changes. She only needed to find somethign cold that could stunn him for a short while. After all she did not wanted to hurt the little fae. She searched around the room, making it seem like she was curiosly looking at everything. She soon found a hand mirror, the surface as cold as springtime water. Acting Like she had just made the grandest discover ever, Laira made her way to the salamander and sat down besides him.

''I am sorry'' Liara said as she lifted the salamander on the surface of the miror, watching the cold blooded animal lose the warmth he O so needed. Without a moments hesitation Laira made her way to the window and used the ivy to climb down. She rushed out of the palace, having no real idea where she might be going. All she knew that the further she got away from the summer palace, the better it was for her. she ran and ran, until.....

The soft crying of a child made her stop in her tracks. It was hard to pinpoint but Laira decided to follow it anyway. She was after all cursed with a curiosety that would surly become the nail on her coffin one day. She soon came by a small ravine, the cryin echoing through the walls. She followed the heart wrenching sound until she saw a speck of gold on the bottem. There, covered in bruises and dirt, sat a litte girl with golden hair. She was the one that cried for help.

'''Don't worry little girl, you are not alone anymore!'' Liara called as she seaced for a way down. She found one, but it was rather steep. Laira slid down the rocky surface, feeling her green dress rip. She would have to mend it later.

''shhhhh shhhhh, little one. It will be alright. May I take look at you knee, have the mean rocks hurt you?'' Liara said as she carefully approached the girl.

@BlackPanther @Belle

Leaf

It was truly a pathetic creature that stood before Leaf. It spoke to the consideration that Alys gave to the Spring Court that this was what she sent. It was almost insulting. The Winter Queen could have sent anyone, someone cunning to spy on them, someone strong to at the right moment undermine Nyx's regime but instead she had sent something that she'd wanted thrown away. Leaf found it simply priceless. She chuckled softly under her breath. "But my good fae," said Leaf faking a look of confusion. "I thought you did not deem yourself impressive nor important. Why would a Queen go to war over the loss of something you yourself have said is trivial?"

Leaf knew that even if Arys had sent someone she valued she wouldn't march on Spring for their loss. Spring provided much of Winter's food and as she refused to deal with Summer she could not afford to declare all out hostilities. No one expected her to be cordial but both parties knew that at least for the moment she would not be violent. More likely Grexx's death would forfeit Sini's life. A loss to the Court perhaps, she did much for Nyx. He would grieve for a time, the Court would join him but the politics of the land would not suffer for it.

Leaf almost felt sorry for the poor creature in front of her, he had no finesse, no skill with words or twisting them, from the way he reacted when Lanvier growled in the distance he had no courage either. The only thing Leaf could see to his credit was speed which while an admirable trait helped little without aid from other skills which he seemed to lack. Perhaps he would show himself to be intelligent, or some sort of strategist. Leaf was not foolish enough to dismiss something simply on first appearances though she instincts told her there was little more to Grexx than what he presented. Still she would keep an eye on him just to be safe. It would not do for a member of Court to wake with a goblin dagger in their back, especially if that person was Pearl.

Leaf gave Grexx a smile sweet a honey and soft as wool which for those that knew her usually meant she was planning something. "I believe you are to meet my lord," Leaf raised her hand and a wind blew through the trees. "My sons and daughters will guide you to his palace." She shrugged as though realizing an afterthought that was of little importance. "That is if they are not hungry." Leaf waved her hand again the the trees seemed to shift out of the way on either side forming a path that twisted and turned out of sight. "Follow the path and you will reach the Spring Palace, the World Tree Yggdrasil."

The trees had gotten Leaf's message loud and clear in the wind. These trees had an air about them that they used to frighten passersby, a darkened air, dampened sunlight, shadows out of the corner of one's eye. They were simple parlor tricks which the trees usually used to scare mortals new to the fae realm but for young fae, especially one from another land the effect would be just as precious if not even more so. Leaf vanished, appearing in the Courtyard of Ceridwen's memorial. She used the scrying bowl to watch Grexx's progress towards the palace.
@Belle

Nyx

Nyx listened to Sini's report. She was a clever fae and would make a good leader in whatever part of the Court she wished to take up a permanent position. Alas she was also young and could not yet dedicate herself to a single task, instead preferring to be at Nyx's disposal for whatever tasks he required of her.

"I would not rule out the possibility of both Sini, smooth talks are often the first sign of trouble on the horizon." Nyx smiled slightly when Sini mentioned Feoras and his former love. Not that the situation at the Moot between Arys and Falk had been amusing but the look on the Summer King's face throughout their interaction had almost made the dangerous affair worth happening.

"Indeed it does, I believe despite what transpired between them, Arys still holds Feoras' heart in a vice." Though there were many rumors Nyx had never been able to tell definitively what had actually happened between Arys and Feoras. Some said he was caught in bed with one of Arys' chambermaids, others that she had tried to kill him in his sleep, some even suggested that he'd proposed to her out of human emotion and she'd rejected it in disgust. "It cripples his ability to lead, particularly with the resources of Winter's he can no longer procure." Summer was in its design less integrated with nature than Spring and so they relied on building materials from both the Unseelie Courts to make new structures.

Sini would hear the news soon enough, there was no reason to keep it to himself. "Falk proposed a marital alliance to the Queen of Winter this Moot. That is why it was so short, after such a move there was little anyone else could think to talk about." In fact Nyx had had a handful of inquiries for both Winter and Fall about some unrelated matters but those could be dealt with another time.
@shylarah

@LadyRunic@Ojo chan 42

Feoras

Feoras listened carefully to falk. He is bothered...he can also feel those cracks. Cracks to...he's not exactly certain..just that they had belonged to a wall that had been there since he could remember. He thought on falks words. As he thought he felt the cracks widen until the wall fell away. He blinked, but nodded.

"I would." he looked down. "Do you know what is wrong with me?" as he spoke he looked back at falk. He did not know what happened to him....why he had a form of an internal wall...why he was reacting like this. It was all foreign to him.

---

The small salamander shook itself and growled. Garnet made a reappearance and kneeled next to it. "now now...you know what we are doing. The dryads will watch her" the small salamander grinned exposing sharp teeth before climbing onto garnets shoulder.

In the forest silent members of the summer court watched. One in particular was not supposed to be out there yet, but he had taken it upon himself to follow closely. Somewhat hidden was a light palomino unicorn stallion. His horn being of gold and ivory swirl and his eyes a blue. He was one of the few unicorns in this court and was a guard...usually assigned to guarding Feoras. He had noticed the small girl missing and then heard of the guest. Finding both had him thinking to follow and make sure for all the fae's sake that the small girl was safe.

The little goblin harrumphed at the fae's words about him not being important. He knew he wasn't worth much. He was the runt of his kind and the oddball. But he could prove himself. He was determined to do just that.
When the trees moved at her command Grexx went from irritated to fascinated. They are your children?" he asked in genuine awe and amazement. "Amazing! Did you birth them from a father figure or did they spawn from you like twigs on a tree? Do they speak? Do they have descernable genders?"
He realized he was tumbling one question after another in his excitement. He tried to reign himself in. "I am truly sorry," he said with a bow. "I meant no offense at all. I enjoy learning so much and I-" when he looked up the fae was gone. Disappointed, Grexx sighed and moved along the path made for him. He prayed no other creatures were hungry for a goblin snack.

The trees twisted and moved, never staying still. Grexx gulped, fear making his heart pound. But he kept moving forward. Granted, he moved faster with every step, but he didn't stop so he considered himself doing well. He knew, well more like felt, himself being watched and evaluated. Whether it was the female fae or the King of Spring he didn't know.
Warring with his fear was his fascination with everything he saw. It was all so new and exciting. He wanted to stop and nearly did a dozen times to observe and sketch the various things he saw in his notebook for later study. His hunger for knowledge made his eyes shine with curiosity, much like a human child. It was a strange combination of feelings he had never felt before. It was all so thrilling!

By the time he reached the Spring palace he was nearly giddy with both relief and excitement. The guards of Spring laughed at the tiny goblin runt. Grexx tried to stand tall but he felt intimidated as always by those bigger than himself. He adjusted his glasses. "Your King, the honorable Nyx, is expecting me," he said with far more confidence than he felt.
He was led inside and through the throne room, towards a mighty tree. Grexx shook with the effort not to race forward and begin studying the immense tree. If he made any sudden movements he would likely be killed or seriously injured.
Then again they would have to catch him first and if there was one thing the little goblin had going for him it was his speed.

He was presented to the King.
Grexx bowed low. "Honorable Lord of S-Spring, I am here as the representative of my queen, Arys Lady of W-Winter. I thank you for your hospitality and for the opportunity to learn about the ways and c-culture of the Spring realm. From what I have seen so far your realm is both b-beautiful and d-dangerous. I am very excited and honored to be here."
Grexx was proud of himself. He had gotten all he wanted to say out, only stammering a couple of times.

@Prince of Seraphs

So Summer and Winter kept circling each other. How long, Sini wondered, before fighting broke out again? What problems would renewed hostilities bring for Spring -- and how might they turn it to their advantage? Whatever planning she did to counter anticipated troubles, it would still be necessary to keep an eye on the activities of the other courts, but that was nothing new.

Falk’s proposal, however, was completely unexpected. “He did what?” she said, surprise written clearly on her face and in the flare of her wings. Shock quickly gave way to consideration, as Sini weighed the new turn of events. “He’s up to something, of course. He does nothing without a reason, and the game he plays is long indeed.” Most likely longer than either of them had been alive. The sylph had heard a great deal of speculation on the Fall King over the years, but never had anyone had more than a guess at his goals, and often not even that. “The Queen of Winter is clever, and her heart is cold. She would see both the risk and the benefit in that offer. You say ‘proposed’ -- so I gather it is neither accepted nor denied.” Understanding flashed in the blue of her eyes. “Oh! She set him a test, did she not?” It was not always done, but it was the right of any fey, should they wish, to set a challenge before accepting a suitor. It could be anything from a mere formality to impossible, depending on how they felt about the matter. Arys, of course, would try to find something to ensure Falk’s intentions. Sini wondered what the task was, but the thought of Falk playing the role of a suitor on a quest was so incongruous that she couldn’t help but let out a peal of laughter at the ludicrous image.

Her amusement was quick to subside, and her expression turned serious again. “While that should be interesting to see, I worry what it means for Spring. Falk has never had any fondness for Spring, nor for you, and if he can field the forces of Winter in addition to his own we will be hard pressed to fend them off. It is not impossible, but the cost will be great. Likewise should he support Arys when Winter and Summer next go at each other’s throats.” Of course an outright attack was not the only way, but subterfuge gained far less from a close alliance between the two Unseelie Courts, save perhaps that they might not need to watch each other quite so closely. Sini didn’t think such trust was likely, but whatever trouble came, the balance of the seasons was shifting. It might not be possible to stop it, but if connections were used properly, Spring could weather the storm. “Nor do I think allying with Summer ourselves will be enough -- especially since, as you said, Feoras’ judgement is impaired when it comes to Winter.” Nyx would have already reached a similar conclusion. “That means it is necessary to--” the sylph paused as a stray breeze sent by one of the palace guards blew through the garden. The Archon’s guest from Winter had arrived, it whispered in the ears of ruler and knight. “--Strengthen our ties to Winter,” Sini finished, smiling in satisfaction.

Falk

The clink of the wine glass being set upon the table echoed through the halls of the Fall King. Leaves fell as they always did, the falls spread their mist throughout. It was lovely, pleasant. Lacking the over refined taste of some of the other Courts, and still speaking of great power through the age it was woven. It had stood for eras of rulers but when it was built the Fae embrace this nature as if they loved nothing better, it had been a simpler time then.

Falk leaned back in the chair, the wood protesting slightly as the muscular back of the Fall Lord forced the back of the chair. But the chair was to survive another day as Falk sighed and forced tensed muscles to relax. "That, is your greatest gift and curse. While you are Fae in our twisted immortality and power," The dryness of his voice rivaled the leaves upon his hall floor. "You were human to begin with and human you remain at your basis of hearts. You will feel emotion more truly than any Fae. We mock and say we do," The Fall Lord gave a amused chuckle, the wind stirring about them. "And we do, no doubt. But not in the same way as Mortals do. They feel it so much more vibrantly, time and experience is a fleeting thing for them. Their blood runs hot with the need to embrace all cares of life, and so the heart rules them more oft than not."

He glanced side ways at the Summer King. "We, however, do not. Our emotions are strong, but they do not touch us so deeply. You, however, are human at your basis no matter how many spells and powers were granted to you." There was no insult, no sneer or snipping in the voice of Tegvan but rather a soft stating of facts. A almost jealous look entered his eyes, almost. The Fall Lord clamped it down, refusing the weakness to show. "So you shall feel, more than any Fae and yet your lady love will not be able to reply in kind. Her heart feeding on desire rather than love. Usefulness, and fondness." The Fall Lord gave another sigh, "It was simple back when I first walked these woods. Times turn slowly, yes, but they still turn. So tell me, youngling, as it is my question..."

"Why do you keep a human child from aging so close?" Were Feoras to look at Falk's face, he would see a knowing smile. While he asked the question, the Fall King had suspicions and the Fall King was not often wrong. But the tone and way he asked was nothing more but a spur the young stag's mind. To set it down a path upon humanity. And Falk watched with careful kindness, something that was foreign within his storm catching eyes.

@BlackPanther

@Ojo chan 42

Lyra gasped and stared with wide eyes at the lady who had appeared. She wasn't from Ba-Ba's court... But then, who was she?
When the stranger showed her kindness the little girl latched upon it, showing her scraped knee. "I was looking for Ba-Ba and my bunny ran away and then I felled down!" Lyra sobbed like it was the end of the world, which in her mind it was. "It hurts! It hurts! I want Ba-Ba!"

The human child's tears were making the trees loom almost menacingly overhead. If the stranger was harming the child, they would carry the report to the King of Summer himself.

Lyra hugged her legs, looking very small and pitiful. Ba-Ba had told her not to wander away from court. She had not listened. Now, even though she wanted him desperately to cuddle her and make her hurts go away, she was also scared about being in trouble. Would he yell at her? Would he be really mad? Would he put her in the cage with the spikes around it like the one the bad hobgoblin was in? It was enough to make her shake uncontrollably with fear.

@Belle

Laira found a soft smile playing on her lips as the little girl cried for her Ba-Ba. The nickname for this girl her inmportand person made her smile and Laira walked towards the girl. She kneeled and looked at the wounded knee of the little drop of Sunshine.
'' I am sure your Ba-Ba will come and find you very soon, adn your bunny for sure will return to you as well'' Laira said soft still trying not to startle the girl anymore than she already was.

The girl began to shake all of the sudden as if she was afraid. ''hush hush little one I won't harm you'' She said and sat besides the little girl. '' All will be fine, now let me clean that wound for you. It might sting a bit but you are a big girl aren't you? So you can handle that'' Laira grabbed a handkerchief and softly brushed away the dirt that had gathered on the knee of the girl. She wondered who the caretaker was of this girl, was it the person she called Ba-Ba. He or she really needed to watch her better, little childeren wander off more than one would like. She could end up being stolen or dying if one was not carefull. Her time within the orphanage taught her that and she decided that when this Ba-Ba of hers showed up she would tel him or her to better watch their childeren.

''What is your name?'' Laira asked of the young girl ''My name is Laira'' She smiled closing her eye's and tilting her head slightly.

@LadyRunic

Feoras listened to the knowledge flow and it made sense. Why he felt so strongly...stronger then he should. Why he felt so much for the human so long ago...and why he was now feeling for the winter queen. It made sense and the clarity and understanding flashed through his eyes. He turned and studied falk. "That explains much" the unsaid thanks was hooked at the end of the sentence.

He then nodded and chuckled. "Somehow I had a feeling that would come up. A child's innocence and love is truly priceless. How they see the world how they give their absolute. I keep her young because of how precious this age is." he tilted his head. "she is priceless." he wouldn't freely admit it, but he was a tad selfish with it as well. He wanted that child's wonder to last as long as possible.

Falk

Falk listened to the answer with a slight smirk. Picking up the wine bottle and refilling his glass. "She will thank you for that." He agreed, a certain foreboding about his words. It was certainty born of eras of experience. "She will thank you, after she curses you and wills for nothing to do with you. As is the way with young mortal women." He gave a light chuckle, his mind fluttering back to Aisling. Though the situation and reasons were different Falk none the less was amused.

Listening to the waterfall and the music of the woods. "You still have a question, to ask." He nodded, setting the wine glace aside and summoning a book and quil to his hand to cross something off. Swirling shadows swept the items away. A raven perched on the throne far above before giving a sharp caw and flying off. Falk gave it no notice for it was a average raven. One of his many pets and beloved birds, though the King of Fall would not admit such.

Nyx

Nyx chuckled to himself at Sini's surprise, the shock on her face as priceless as any gold. Like the dutiful knight she was shock soon evaporated in consideration of how this might be turned to their advantage. Sini always offered Nyx good council though sometimes it was more conservative than was to Nyx's taste. "Indeed Arys has set before Falk a challenge. Were it any other fae seeking her hand I would deem the challenge impossible but this is the Fall King we speak of. She has asked Falk to find the ritual with which she froze her head and reverse the effect. Should he do so she will marry him." Nyx hoped that the task set to Falk would delay him for many years to come but in his heart he knew that if Falk truly desired Arys as his match he would find the answer. Nyx would be a fool to assume it would be later rather than sooner.

"Falk believes Cernunnos the last true Archon, he would gladly see me dead if he could be ensured victory with little cost. For now he tolerates me because the damage this Court could do to his in a war far outweighs his dislike of me. If he married Winter's Queen however that would do much to isolate us from deadly weaponry should he declare war." At the very least Arys would not trade with a hostile force that fought against her husband. At the most she would ally with him against both the Seelie Courts. As much as it pained Nyx to admit together the Unseelies were far stronger than the Seelies.

"Cementing ties with Winter is an important step but I believe strengthening Summer would do much to aid us." Nyx spoke no more on this subject for it harkened back to a previous conversation that he and Sini had had. One in which Nyx voiced his consideration for removing Feoras from the position of Summer King to ensure that a stronger leader took his place. Feoras did after all have his title by virtue of his adoptive father and the magic gifted to him, he did not have the people's love as Nyx did or their fear like Falk and Arys. If he could be pushed into a display of weakness his own people very well might rise against him. The question would be when, if it happened at the wrong time Winter might see it as the perfect time to strike before Summer had organized itself.

However Sini and Nyx could not discuss the topic here, it was far from secure. He would perhaps converse with the Slyph before she was sent to Arys' Court. Speaking of which, one of the Dryad's guarding the gate had alerted the pair that the emissary of Winter had finally arrived. It took him long enough considering when he'd sent Leaf to fetch the creature, then again he had sent Leaf to fetch him so perhaps the delay was to be expected.

Nyx made his way back to the palace to receive his guest in the Great Hall. "Sini join me won't you? This new arrival concerns you as well."

Nyx took his seat in the obsidian throne before motioning a guard to show Grexx into the hall. His first impressions of the creature were not inspiring. He was small and weak, he tripped over his own words and looked rather openly terrified of everything around him. Still he was Winter's Emissary deserved respect displayed to his title, from Nyx anyways. The Archon could leave tormenting the poor creature to his Fools. No doubt Leaf had already done something to him on his journey to the palace.

"Welcome Grexx, I am pleased to see that Arys has taken my proposal to heart." Nyx was mildly insulted that with the chance to place one of her own in Nyx's ranks this poor creature was the most Arys thought to send. Then he supposed looks could be deceiving. Perhaps there was more to Grexx than did meet the eye.

Before Nyx had the chance to see more however Pearl appeared from a nook where she'd concealed herself. She approached the creature and did walk several circles around him, studying him closely. Nyx waited to see what she would do as the machinations of Leaf's apprentice always eluded him even as her actions did spark interest.

She smiled at Grexx before she opened her mouth and started to sing a nursery rhyme. "Tick tock goes the clock, now what then shall we play...? Tick tock goes the clock... From Winter you've waylayed..." Over the next few lines her voice slowed to an eerie pace. "Tick tock goes the clock and all the years they fly... tick tock goes the clock till you must surely die..." The smile on Pearl's face ever sweet suddenly look sinister as she took Grexx's hand and shook in after the human fashion. Then she ran off to hide behind one of the pillars of the hall grown from the wooden floor.

"My apologies Grexx, Pearl bless her does not exactly live in the now. You must forgive her her odd tendencies." Though he looked far from sorry and much closer to amused.

Nyx turned to address his knight. "Sini as you can see Grexx is a subject from Winter who will be spending some time with us. In returned you will be journeying to Queen Arys' Court as an adviser to her Ladyship."

Dagon

Far beneath the Winter Court, at its deepest foundations lie some of the darkest and coldest dungeons in all of the Fae World. A place reserved for some of the Courts' most hated individuals, they are places of extreme torment and pain. A couple Goblin Torturers staff the area, as no more than a couple are needed. Only one prisoner currently has such a black mark upon them that they should suffer such a fate, and that is the current Winter Knight, Ser Dagon Feldspar.

For decades Dagon had been bound down there, constantly suffering at the sentence of his beloved Queen. He had not spoken a word ever since his internment, merely bearing his punishment without reproach. Sure, he had cried out and screamed in pain at first at the daily pint of sacrifice he was to pay, but now it had gotten to the point where it was mechanical. He merely winced at the lacerations, lashings, and bone chilling cold that he was subjected to. Even before his internment, his skin had been blue as a frost-bitten corpse, though now it bore the scars of repeated torture, though his superhuman physique had not deteriorated much due to the ancient magics sustaining he through what would otherwise be lethal torture.

He bore the punishment without complaint because he knew he had failed his Queen, he hadn't possessed the power or control she had thought he had when she thought she needed it most, but he also knew that if she had wanted him killed, she had the full power to do it without need of torturers or even a separate executioner. This whole ordeal was a lesson for him, in the only way the icy Queen of Winter knew how, and he would learn from it, not be cowed and beg for mercy.

His latest ordeal was just recently finished, his jailors having laid him down in his cell, crystalized blood cracking like glass around his body and cutting him further, but he would not cry out. Instead he merely lay there and tried to close his icy blue eyes and get some sleep before the next day's round. To be honest, he had lost count of the days long ago, and had stopped caring about time.

@Ojo chan 42
Lyra wiped her eyes and stared at the lady stranger. Her name sounded really close to Lyra's name.
"Ba-Ba calls me Lyra," she whimpered miserably. She winced and squeaked as the lady brushed the dirt away from her scraped knee. Small drops of blood oozed from the cuts. It wasn't serious by any means but to a sad and scared child it had the makings of the end of the world.

The word was already being whispered amongst the trees, spreading like wildfire through the Realm. The beloved pet of the Summer King was injured and scared, and had been found by a stranger.

"Who're you?" Lyra asked the lady. "I don't know you. You're not from court."

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

@Prince of Seraphs
Grexx stood to his full height, which was laughably not much. He smiled and looked around the court, his large intelligent green eyes revealing a mind that was racing with a hundred thoughts at the same time.

The fae called Pearl made him smile with her words, but they soon changed to fearful things. The look in her eyes was not something the little goblin wanted to investigate further. The King spoke apologies, but Grexx was fairly certain he did not mean the words. Indeed he seemed more amused than anything else.

"I know I am not what you expected your Grace," Grexx said, swallowing a bit. "But for myself I am grateful to my Queen for giving me this opportunity. Indeed I am not like my goblin brethren, which I believe is why my Queen chose me. My passion is learning and discovery of new things. Your Realm is beyond anything I have ever seen. I dare to say it might just be equal to Winter in it's beauty, certianly in its amazing array of life. I have always been fascinated by Spring and it's promise of new life. Please, your majesty," Grexx said, sinking into a respectful bow. "Give me a chance before you dismiss me as useless."

Of course it would not be the first time such had happened. Grexx still bore scars and marks from his own kind tormenting him for his oddness. Even if it was only for a little while, was it wrong of him to hope that Spring might be a soothing balm to him, a place where he could indulge in his desire to learn and discover without fear?

~~~~~~~~

@TemplarKnight07

A sharp icy wind swept through the Winter keep. All winter creatures scurried for shelter against the chill of their Queen's mood.
Arys sat on her bed, staring at the remains of the blackened rose that had been Fall's offering to her. Had she made a terrible mistake in agreeing to this marriage alliance? She had been without a heart for so long, she now found herself fearing it's return. Would it make her weak? Would she bend under Fall's heavy arm? Would he break her like glass? How could she hope to protect herself?

A spell would do no good. Falk was not all-powerful, but he was not stupid and likely had protections in place for himself to ward off such things. Feminine wiles would not sway him, he was too old and experienced for that. Plus since her one and only romance had been with that cursed being of Summer Arys was not certain she possessed the abilities to charm with her feminine wiles. Her ethereal prescence would work on any human male but on a powerful fae-

Arys' eyes shot open in shock. Human! Of course! He was the answer!

If he was still alive... exactly how long had he been down there... it was hard to remember. When you lived as long as a fae being it was difficult to descern sometimes between a year and a decade.

Waving her hand, the door to her room burst open and a gremlin came tumbling in thanks to a mighty gust of wind.
"Bring Dagon to me," she ordered.
"D-Dagon?!" the gremlin squawked in shock. "But milady, when you imprisoned him you said you never wanted to see his face again-"
Arys' eyes glowed a scary shade of icy blue. Ice shards whipped through the air, cutting the creature before her. "Question me again and you shall not be a statue in the Great Hall, your pelt shall adorn it's floor!" her voice had an unearthly hollow sound to it.
"Yes milady! My apologies! Forgive me! Forgive me!" the creature wailed as it was repeatedly cut.
"Do as I command! NOW!" Arys thundered before thrusting her hand forward and sending the gremlin sailing from the room.

The wind settled and snow drifted to the floor, making a fine powder along the stone. Her eyes returned to normal as she calmed her ire. Rage... anger... fury... these were things she was comfortable with. They were as familiar as a mother's embrace.

Going to her wardrobe, she changed into a flowing gown of pure white. Small diamonds decorated the neckline, catching the light and drawing the eye. A wave of her hand put large crystal snowflakes into her hair. A pearl-grey cloak lined with white fur draped over her shoulders gracefully.
It was time for a test of loyalty. Arys dressed with purpose, for this was the gown she had worn when her and her Knight had first met. Would he still have the same loyalty to her that he had before? Or had his time in torture soured his feelings towards her?
She would see.

Waving her hand, a gust of wind and fog swirled then cleared to reveal a mighty sword in the center of the room, frozen in a column of ice. Sioc... the ancient sword seemed to sense it was to be used again, seeming to almost pulse with energy.

-

Far below the Queen, light poured into the icy dungeon. Two large ogres lumbered down the halls towards a particular cell. Opening it, the went in and undid the chains that bound the inhabitant.
"Get up," one said, his voice harsh and raspy, his breath capable of killing. "The Queen has commanded your prescence before her."

@Belle

Dagon turned his head at the two ogres, the first two different faces he had seen in who knows how long. He couldn't stop his eyes from widening, like ever-enduring Odysseus must have felt after finally reaching his Ithica, it was as if a mountain had been lifted off his shoulders, though curiosity and apprehension soon followed in quick succession. He'd endured his punishment, but what awaited him now at the hands of his Queen?

He stood up on his own power, slowly but steadily. He looked at the ogres with his icy blue eyes, his voice raspy and the words almost sounding unfamiliar from lack of use, but spoke he did:

". . . Then I stand ready to see her."

The ogres escorted him out of his cell, the two Goblin jailors were packing up their gambling games, he knew that they had used such games to kill the endless shifts watching him in between sessions, though now relived of their duty, they were also leaving the dungeon for now. The two looked at him, their expressions not betraying the Queen's intentions anymore than the ogres, Dagon wagered it was a coin toss, either she finally had decided to kill him since she'd found a suitable replacement as the Winter Knight, or she wasn't. Either way, he'd find out shortly.

Though the Winter Court was certainly not the brightest place in Faerie, its main chambers certainly looked a lot brighter than its dungeons. He felt had almost forgotten what the natural vistas of light were and how the court looked above, but as he kept walking, he grew more confident in his familiarity. Many things in the Fae world were timeless, and the Winter Court was no exception.

The ogres kept a brisk pace, leading him through the winding geometry of corridors to take the long way to where he guessed he would be meeting his Queen, her bed chambers. Very few Fae of any significant rank ever set foot in that room, and most were stopped at the door to relay messages or await orders. But Dagon had awakened there so long ago, knowing that he had been a Knight on the mortal plane during a time of great strife was all he could remember of any time before, and that had been told to him by his Queen who gave him his new name and made him more than human.

She had granted him oblivion for whatever his past had been, and power beyond mortal reckoning, and in return he had failed her. He had cursed the ancient and malignant sword which had tempted him, but he blamed himself even more. He'd been the one who was too weak to resist Sioc's influence, the sword had merely behaved as it normally did around weak and potential vessels for its ancient spirit.

But enough remembrance of the past, what was done could not be undone, and the present was what mattered now. So he cleared his mind as the ogres stopped before the chamber doors. One knocked twice and slowly opening the door, presented the still bloodied and ragged Winter Knight to his leige. Dagon's eyes widened slightly and felt his breath be taken away, for Arys had dressed exactly as she had so long ago, the first clear image in his head after the impenetrable haze his earlier memories. She had taken his breath away then just as she did now, and he suddenly felt incredibly embarrassed that the ogres had not seen fit to even allow to make himself decent or at least more presentable.

He had hardly even noticed Sioc yet, bound in ice beside her, but he refused to give it any attention yet.

He looked Arys straight in the eyes and mustered his best voice in his current state, his hands clasped in front of him, managing to keep the cracks out of his voice this time, though it still sounded parched.

"You summoned me, your grace?"

“Unfreezing her heart? A bold request...and one that will have far-reaching results,” the knight murmured softly, turning the idea over in her head. “It might be worth seeing if we can find it first -- though I wonder if Falk would even consider bartering for the information, with how he feels about you and Spring.” She sighed. “If her heart is no longer frozen, I am not sure how Queen Arys will handle Summer. It may be there is an opportunity to strengthen our relationship to Winter there, though at the cost of our bonds to Summer. Still as you say, a stronger Summer would be of great benefit -- though hardly a guarantee.” Sini too remembered that conversation of inciting a shift in the leadership of Summer, but she was not sure she thought the benefit to outweigh the risks. She would have to think on whether that remained her opinion, with Falk’s new efforts.

The Archon requested she join him to receive Winter’s emissary, and she dipped her head in acknowledgement. She accompanied him to the Great Hall and took her place to one side of the dais, flaring her wings for a moment to fix how they fell at her back before going still. The Queen of Winter had sent a goblin, but what a wretched creature! He was small, frightened, doubtless low-ranking -- unless he was a singularly skilled actor, and Sini did not get that impression from his behavior. She couldn’t be sure what Pearl’s sing-song rhyme meant, save perhaps the death of the emissary -- and that would bode ill for Spring, should it happen in the Archon’s lands. Still, she saw a sharp mind behind his fear. Doubtless he would report as much as he could back to Arys of the workings of Spring’s court, and he might learn much. His words brought confirmation -- one that seemed useless, but was clever and focused on learning: a dangerous combination. The would have to tread softly around him, but there was potential as well. If the goblin could be swayed to support Spring he might be useful, though it was far too early to know if that was likely.

Still, Sini could appreciate intelligence, be it friend or foe. She would have liked to get to know the new arrival personally, but it seemed Nyx had an assignment for her that would take her far from home. He wished her to serve the Queen of Winter as an advisor for a time. “I am honored by the trust you place in me, m’lord,” she said, inclining her head, taking his words as permission to join the conversation. Now she stepped forward, moving towards the goblin until she loomed over him, her armor gleaming in the light that filtered down from above. Still, the smile she gave him was sincere enough. The sylph was pleased by this turn of events for her own reasons, as well as those that were due to her loyalty to Spring. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Grexx,” she told him. “You may call me Ara. I hope we shall both serve each other’s courts to the satisfaction of our host rulers.”

@Belle@Prince of Seraphs

@LadyRunic
Feoras ran a hand through his hair. "She probably will. But that wouldn't make me care for her any less." he shook his head. He then inhaled before nodding at the statement. He watched the bird fly and then focused back on falk an idea forming in his head...it could be beneficial. "Would you accept a friendship?" he tilted his head and studied the fall King. He was honestly curious. A friendship would be slightly different then an alliance. It would be stronger.

He briefly wondered if that was too bold of a question, but it could be worth it. He wasn't one to start wars, but he would ensure the safety of his court and any friendship. The protection would also cover winter should falk manage to defrost her heart. There would likely be side effects in doing so, but the long run promised more benefits then risks. He wondered what falk would say.

''our names do sound the same, Lyra such a beautifull name for a beatufull little girl like you'' Laira said. Her attention got pulled toers the rusting of the trees, their leaves creating sounds that got close to wispers. What was going on here?, what what her logic was asking but her head knew. She was in the Fae realm, nothing should be unexpected here.

'' I am indeed not from the court, is that what you fairy's call it. I just arrived here today and I do not know a lot about this place, but you do. You have been here longer than I have, so that makes you smarter than me'' Laira said as sweet as she could. She slowly put the tip of her index finger against Lyra's nose and soflty tapped it. With a smile Laira looked down at the scraped knee, she felt so sorry for the little girl. Such a wound really hurts. Slowly she wrapped her hankerchief around the wound of the little girl.

''Lets do a magic trick, shall we let the pain dissapear?'' Laira asked. Her experience in dealing with childeren kicked into gears as she quickly tried to come up with a small not-very-magical chant . ''Just chant after me. Pain, pain, go away. Pain, pain, flow away'' The young Kelpie clapped with her hands on the beate of her little song. To finish the act, Laira made some waving movements. On that moment, small droplets of water fell of her hand. Scard by the sudden appearance of those thing Laira flinced. She turned her hand, it was dry. Where had the droplets appeared from. It was a mystery to her and soon Laira found her attention back at the girl. Wishing to brighten her up Liara decided to sing a small nursery rhyme.


She san the song, compleatly with some small dancing moves, pretending to be a teapot herslef. She could only hope the girl would cheer up and forget the boo boo on her little knee.
@Belle

The goblin certainly was strange for his kind but that was no guarantee he was useless. Though contrary to what he said Nyx suspected the reason Arys sent him was to be rid of him hopefully for good. Though there was also the possibility of she'd done it to taunt the Archon with how little she valued his Court but Nyx set that aside. Even if he knew it to be true he was not so petty as to take action on ever perceived slight. He would make a poor leader were that the case. No matter if Winter respected him or not Nyx had to show Arys that he held respect for her.

It was among other things why he had chosen Sini for the task. It would show Arys that he was willing to put his most trusted ally into her hands for the sake of continued peace between them. Of course it wasn't the only reason. There were some things Nyx wished Sini to be on the lookout for in Winter but he would inform her of those when they were in private.

He would have to be careful with this goblin. Despite each trait that made him a pathetic creature Nyx could see the sharp mind behind his eyes. He be brave but he was observent. Nyx would have to be cautious of how much he allowed this goblin to know. Though if he was treated as badly in Winter as his low dropping gaze and statue would seem to suggest perhaps there was an opportunity to sway him to a loyalty for Spring. That would have to wait though. First Nyx would see how he reacted to his new environment and by what means he communicated with his mistress. For it was certain that he'd brought some method with which to report the goings on of the Spring Court to Arys.

"I would be lying if I said I'd not expected someone more grand but it is often the unassuming that achieve greater heights for they are both patient and humble." Nyx got up from his seat and addressed the other courtiers. "Tell me friends, a thousand years ago if someone had told you a Mara would one day be your Archon would you have believed it?"

The courtiers stood still. Nyx smiled, an act that made him look kind and playful. "Come now I won't be offended. What would you have said?" A woman raised her hand. She was an old Naiad that oversaw the waters of Spring save for the River Plethegeon. "Nomia?"

"I'd have accused him of imbibing with the bacchanals."

Nyx smiled nonchalantly. "And so would most of you." Nyx turned back to the little goblin Grexx. "Appearance means very little here, only what you can do and when you act. Serve this Court well and it shall treat with with respect." Nyx paused for a moment. "Save for Leaf and Pearl. They do as they please."

Nyx turned to the two guards, common Springborn fae and said. "If you would not mind taking Grexx to the quarters prepared for him I must prepare my knight for her journey." Then he motioned to Sini. "We have matters to discuss and little time in which to do so." He looked back at Grexx. "You are well met here Grexx, pray you serve this Court well. Sini if you please." He motioned for her to follow.
@Belle@shylarah