Maine ran his hand through his flowing hair, brushing it out of his eyes. He pulled out his phone, thinking he should probably see about phoning home. Or rather if he could phone home at all. Maine tried, but failed, seeing that he could not. Maine held the phone above his ehad, trying to see if he could find a signal. He walked around a bit, but still with no luck. He sighed with irritation. He saw the inside of his cabin, and while it was nice, he felt like he would need more. And possibly having someone official who is able to bind legal documants would be a plus as well. Maine gave up, pocketing his cell phone, and decided on trying to venture into another point of interest. Multiple lines of personal communication. He would need to talk to more people if he was going to have a better chance of getting the best ending possible.

Mika watched as one of the other people tried, without luck, to get a cell signal.
"I'm sorry but I don't think you're going to have much luch with that. If we're were I think we are, there aren't any cell towers that will bounce back to Earth. They might be able to be used locally though? Just a thought." Mika said, biting her lip nervously. While Mika didn't know anyone else, even just by image, they boy in front of her was someone she knew. She remember her grandfather cursing their family name, she remember lots of late nights and early mornings of him trying to fix the mistake that trusting pretty man with a silver tongue, the boy in front of her's father. She remembered being so angry and so confused as to who would want to hurt her family like that, for no good reason. And yet, she couldn't muster up any of that hatred for the boy in front of her. His father had almost bankrupt her family, and yet she couldn't find any of the venom she had just spit at Nico Jenson.
"I'm Mika by the way. Your family used to do business with mine, a long time ago." Mika offered a small smile as she held her hand out.

Maine looked at the hand that was extended to him, and nearly laughed out loud. Who was this strange girl who thought she could just walk up to him and offer to touch him? But Maine reminded hismelf he needed to interact with......well she wasnt exactly a peasant. He could tell by her posture and clothing that she had money but clearly nowhere near the status his family had. Maine accepted the handshake and smiled through the pain. "Maine, Maine Aarvack. Please. Im sorry but I do not recall our familys transactions. Was it a business transaction with my father, or a beauty transaction with my mother? Forgive me but I am not mainly inserted with my own familys buisness all the time."

Mika kept the pleasent smile on her face as she continued on.
"Oh I'm sure you wouldn't remember my family, you and your mother did come visit our casino once but I sadly had other obligations to fulfill at the time. It was business with your father though, it didn't end well. It doesn't do us well to dwell on the past, it'll only breed anger." Mika didn't want to fight about it, she probably shouldn't have even brought it up.
"I fear there may be trials of a sort ahead of us, fairies do like to watch us go through paces. I should think an alliance between us might be advantages." Mika watched as he grimmaced when shaking her hand. Either because he remembered who she was, or because he thought she was too common. Which amused her, as her family was on par with his family in terms of wealth, it's just that her families wealth wasn't advertised like his was. She didn't run in the fancy circles that he thinks she should run in.

Maine smiled and nodded. "Well if you wish to allign yourself with me then you should know I plan on making my own mark on history, and now that I know of this place I plan on using whatever I can to come out on top. Whatever it takes. I dont like being a pawn by those I know nothing about."
Maine slowly recalled a faint memory, one of himself with his mother. He remembered.....something.....and it involved this young women. But Maine pushed that thought the side because it simply wouldnt help. If he did not recall it immediately then it was not worth remembering. He was a smart man, and he needed to keep his wits focused ont he present.
"That being said, I am not my father. If we do alliance with each other, no harm physically or financially will befall upon you. If I can not figure out a way to find the best outcome without stepping on others, it is not a venture worth anything."

"I must say, I'm pleasently surprised to hear you say that. I've been around enough people in your position and most do not fall far from the tree." Mika had her doubts about Maine at the beginning of this conversation, and while they weren't erased completely, his statement had gone a long way about easing them.
"I do believe that our phones will work with others in the same realm, if you want we shoudl exchange numbers just in case." Mika told him, pulling her phone out of her pocket. She had no idea if her new house would have a way to charge her phone, but it was worth a shot.

Maine took the phone, then inserted his number. He sent a text to his phone and was suprised to actually feel the vibration in his pocket. He handed the phone back and shrugged. "I guess it did work. Thank you."

Once the effects of the Namorados' fairies wore off, Nereia looked around, an amused smile on her face. She clasped her hands together and raised her voice for her last announcement. "I shall leave you all to your own devices. We expect you all to be prompt and in attendance in tonight's festivities. It is, after all, to honor your presence in Cladarat. You will find whatever manner of clothing you desire to wear to the occasion in the closets provided for you in your houses," she gave a small curtsy and with that, she fluttered her wings and flew off.

In Nereia's place came several hummingbirds that flew towards the humans, each holding a tiny scroll in their beaks. One by one, the bird flew towards each guest, extending the small rolled up parchment paper in its beak, blue and pink for the women and blue and green for the men. As soon as the small scrolls touched human hands, it enlarged to human size.



The words on the scrolls faded as soon as the receiver finished reading it, replaced by a new set of words that included a choice for the females and a question for the males.

Everyone was mad here - or in on it - or maybe part of his imagination, Tarly decided. This was some cheshire-cat style wonderland, or something, and when Tarly looked away he could swear the world warped around him to something... different. The longer he spent here, the more "here" he felt, and he found that more unsettling than comforting.

Was he passed out on the pavement somewhere having a seizure or something?

Or perhaps he was still at the party, surrounded by his friends who were having a laugh at mad ol' Tarly thinking he's in Fairyland?

That brought a small smile to his lips. If he had to choose, that one was better. He looked down to the little stray, thinking he was way out of place in this mystical land full of strangers and magic. But then so was Tarly - everyone seemed so calm, or at least adapting to the situation, taking it in their stride. Him and Poncho were out of place, here. Two raggedy strays in a land of beauty and wonder.



Tarly lodged his hands in his pockets, kicked a stone and traipsed as they all followed the fairies - followed the fairies! Hah! - to their houses, but Tarly stood outside his door as the others split off to explore their "homes". He stared at the cheerful, ominous place.

Home, huh? He shifted his weight in discomfort. Out of everything here, this was perhaps the most alien to him.
His stomach rumbled.

"How about we go find some grub, mutley?" Tarly asked, picking up a stick for Poncho as the pair wandered off into the treeline for a bit. It would be a chance to clear his head, at least, and he wasn't ready to go searching for a refrigerator in his house yet.

Mmm... burgers...

Tarly watched Poncho bound off into the ancient forest after the stick. The canopy was filled with bright hues of green, dotted with beams of sunlight that illuminated the forest floor and danced around the wildflowers that grew there, swaying in the light breeze. The megalithic trees themselves arced upwards for what seemed like for ever, their trunks sentinels for the centuries. It was far removed from his adventures through streets of concrete and clubs late at night back home.

"What'd you think, Poncho? Shall I crown you king of the forest? Haven't seen another pup like you round." asked Tarly as he vaulted up some of the lower limbs of a particularly ancient tree. His feet found good footing as he climbed up and up into the branches. One sturdy looking limb in particular took his fancy, and he balanced across it, sitting down to overlook the forest. The breeze whistled by his ears and he looked down to Poncho, then out towards the cottages that sat neatly in the sun. He could see some figures moving there, going about their lives, settling in - and he wondered if it came naturally to people to feel like they belonged. Particularly in a strange place such as this.

The branch Tarly settled on twitched, the ancient tree not used to bearing the weight of a human. A loud creaking sound issued out from somewhere inside the wide, age-old trunk when the dog Tarly brought with him decided to pee on one of its thick exposed roots. Finally, with a sigh, the tree opened its eyes and looked at those that were disturbing its sleep.



"You humans are an impolite lot, having an old man like me bear your weight and tolerate being bathed with this pungent watery discharge from your companion," came the ancient tree's deep, raspy voice. It flicked its root at the dog just enough to send the stray scampering away with its tail tucked between its legs. A kind fairy would later find the dog and decide to care for it in Cladarat.

As soon as the dog was out of the way, the tree flicked its root again to shake the dog's urine off.

"Oh, bollocks!" Tarly exclaimed, almost falling off the branch in surprise. When he grabbed onto the branch, the tree sighed again, this time in exasperation.

"Do you not plan on getting off, little man?" the elder tree raised an eyebrow and slowly brought it's branch down. Like the way it shook off the dog's pee, it shook Tarly off, sending the young man tumbling down onto the grass.

Tarly immediately got back on his feet but he was too surprised to find himself in front of a giant talking tree that he could only gawk at it.

"I see you have nothing to say for yourself. Such a rude human." The tree closed its eyes and gave another long and weary sigh. "I know not the reason why you were brought here, human but I do not believe you will do well in our realm. Away with you then." It opened its eyes and pursed its lips, blowing a soft warm breeze towards Tarly.

A myriad of colors swirled around Tarly as he was transported back to the human realm, exactly where he imagined himself to be.

"Tarly, you've gone off your trolley. Fairies?"

Tarly looked up and grinned, his head spinning from drinking too much. "What fairies?" he asked, memories of his short stay in Cladarat completely wiped off from his mind.

In reality, it probably only took Mika about 30 seconds to make her decisions, but as she ran through the options in her head it seemed like it took a whole lifetime to decide. She was a lawyer, she pieced in clues of what she had and made a decision based on the big picture. Based on what she knew, she knew that the fairies were playing some kind of game and she suspected with the appearance of Amor and Ódio it was something to do with their emotions. What she knew of spirits and their games, she wasn't just picking someone for a one off. It would have repercussions. Now, she really should have picked Maine, due to the fact she had just asked for an alliance and he would have been a sound alliance if he wasn't like her and just a touch emotionally stunted. It just wasn't the best combination, besides even with what he said, Mika didn't entirely trust him. Not that she didn't trust Kieran either but he was a clean slate, at least. Someone she could trust easier.

It was that thought process that led her to go find Kieran, and she fumbled for the words.
"Don't take this the wrong way but I've been told I can take one of two people to the ball and I would rather it be you if you don't mind." Mika asked Kieran, biting the inside her lip as she waited for his response.

Hey art ninja. I'm...I'm okay. You appear to have a sleeping dude on you if you were not aware of that. Do you need rescue?

Tabitha giggled at the text, and flicked one back No, thats Kieran. He's pretty cool

Tabitha looked up as the hummingbird dropped the scroll to her, catching it. She blinked and looked at the scroll, completely taken aback, she read the scroll, the words somewhat...well they were impressive to her and she stared down at the words as they disappeared, to be replaced with a set of names. She licked her lips, frowning. Maine, or Tachi? What did that mean? Her eyes went wide. Did she have to take one of them to..whateverthis was? A dance? Tabitha had never gone to a dance with a guy in her life. She normally went by herself and...made her own kind of fun. She looked to Kieran, a little upset that his name was there, to the picture she had drawn, quickly closing her sketch pad, and back to the scroll.

She had no idea who Maine was, really. Tachi...her gaze flicked over to Tachi, a small smile on her face, before she looked back to Kieran. If she really had a choice, Tabitha would have to say she'd rather go with Kieran. She knew him better, and liked him. Like the way he seemed to understand her. Her gaze went back to the names. Shifting, she leaned over and kissed Kieran's cheek, rising slowly. "Um. I'll be...I'll be back" She said softly, feeling like she was being a little torn apart. She didn't like feeling like this, and torn, she hugged herself, moving towards Tachi. DId she have a choice? She didn't know, but she wasn't going to go with a perfect stranger, not when Tachi had been so nice to her.

Her magenta hair moving in the wind, Tabitha stared down at the scroll, stopping for a moment, and staring at the names as if they could change. What would she do, if it were between Kieran, and Tachi? Her gaze flickered back to Kieran, regretfully. Was this what it was going to be like, back home, when she had to marriage someone she didn't know? Was this how she would feel, torn and at a lose? She didn't want to feel like this again. Maybe...Did she have to go back? She licked her lips, and her gaze went to the scroll, to Tachi again. If given the choice...

She'd go with Kieran.

But without that choice, it was Tachi. Knowing that, she completed the walk to Tachi, and looked up at him. "Tachi...I have something to ask you"

Tachi raised a brow but shrugged at the text. Then as he was about to start typing again...a hummingbird dropped a scroll in his lap. Before the bird could leave he lightly pet it's head. The bird let out several cheeps and swooped at him before leaving. He huffed and read the scroll. What the eyebrows furrowed as he read it again. He was about to read it a third time when it vanished and he blinked at his now empty hands.

He still looked confused when Tabu approached him. He managed to stand and slip his hands into his pockets. "Go ahead tabitha" Tachi managed to sound casual even though he was immensely curious. Though....she also looked torn. Head tilted as he studied her, Tachi wondered what was going on.

Tabitha licked her lips nervously, glancing away she drew in a deep breath. "so I'm suppose to chose someone to go to whatever they have planned with...you were one of my options...would you go with me?" she asked, hating the way she seemed nervous and worried "I mean I know we are both both promised to people but we're stuck here and I don't want to go to this thing alone..."

Tachi tilted his head and watched as she nervously moved. He thought back to the scroll and it clicked. He nodded and lightly moved to look her in the eye. "Of course I will. Though....you seem torn" he inhaled and slowly braced himself. "What's wrong Tabitha" he had a feeling she didn't want to pick him....for whatever this was. He wasn't going to force anything on her though....why would he. Heck she probably thinks he's something..what was the term Dirty. She was going to leave. No matter how he presented himself. Brace yourself

Tabitha looked to him and smiled, small genuine smile, "Tachi, I just...I hate feeling like I have to have a choice, you know?" She said, giving a shrug, "I like you, Tachi. Really, I do" She said brightly, "I mean...its just...Kieran's been good to me, and Ijust don't like feeling like I abandoned him"

Tachi blinked. He was fully prepared for a different reaction and he had to quickly recover. He managed to nod and studied her. "I get that. But thank you...for picking me" he smiled at her and nodded again. "I'm sure he'll understand. Besides you'll see him at whatever this is."

Tabitha looked to Tachi, wondering why he seemed suprised, and returned the smile. "Yeah, you're right" She said, but her mind wandered back to what Kieran had said earlier. she bit her lip, but she couldn't be...down about it forever, could she? "I've never been to something like this with someone" she said, rolling the scroll in her hands.

Tachi managed a smile. "Ive never been to something like this either. We can figure it out together." His tone was self assurance but he was worried about what he was thinking. I don't think she wanted to pick me... it did not matter. He could simply go to this and deal with whatever it was these fae had in mind. Hopefully nothing too insane. He tilted his head. "I know how about you go get ready and ill meet up with you. Text me when you are ready." that way she did not have to worry about time constraints. And also because he had no idea what he was going to wear himself.

Tabitha hesitated, feeling like she had just botched things up, but not knowing how to fix it. She glanced down, then back up at Tachi, giving him a bright smile, she hugged him tightly,"I do like you, Tachi, like...like like. I just...wish we could have met, before we were forced into arranged marriages" She hugged him tightly, finding she meant every word she said. She looked up at him, and smiled, "But if we are stuck here forever, I'm glad to be stuck here with you" She skipped away, There was just something about Tachi...that made her want to go back, to do something else. She retreated into her hut, and glanced about at the artistic perfection, sighing happily.

Caity raised her brows as Nico came back. "Done flirting?" She asked as she leaned against her door. She took a long sip from her coffee mug - no cream, one sugar - as the actor returned. It wasn't as if she was upset her left her hanging. After all, she was no movie star or model. Still, they had had plans for coffee.

Yeah, she has all the right to be annoyed at me. I did leave her so abruptly... Nico thought to himself. And although there was still that feeling of wanting to talk to someone, he made an effort to focus on his friend. It was probably prudent to apologize while he was ahead. He ran a hand through his hair and gave her an apologetic smile. "I...uh...wasn't exactly flirting...I think," a momentary look of confusion came over his face but it disappeared just as quickly as it appeared. "Anyway, sorry about that."

She pointed over her shoulder with her thumb, indicating her house. "There's a whole french press full of coffee inside. It's still hot, and you're more than welcome to some."

The apologetic smile evolved into a genuine grin. "I'll take you up on that offer. I..." Nico's words trailed off as he watched a small colorful hummingbird flutter around right in front of him, it's beak clamped onto what looked like a small scroll. His hand automatically came up, thinking that the little bird might need somewhere to land on. It headed straight for his hand but instead of touching down onto his palm, it placed the scroll it had neatly in the center of Nico's hand. His blue green eyes widened when the scroll magically enlarged. "What is this?" he asked even as his hands were automatically unrolling the blue and green parchment.

Caity reached out with her free hand, the other secure around her coffee mug. A hummingbird dropped a small scroll into her palm then fluttered off. Caity opened the pink and blue scroll, pinning one edge of it against her coffee mug and rolling it open with her other hand. "Moonrise? When's moonrise?"

She had barely asked that question when the words vanished and were replaced by new ones. ...choose your fate... Nico or Gordo... What the hell was that about? She had to ask one of them out to the dance she was trying to avoid? She had never asked a boy to a dance before - well, she had once. It did not go well. And both these men were attractive. Of course, Nico was more so than Gordo, and then there was the small fact that Gordo seemed to dislike her... But how in the hell could she ask a movie star to a ball?

"Moonrise is probably tonight..." Nico replied, his eyes quickly scanning the new words that appeared on the scroll. "Would I say yes or no? To what?" The movie star glanced at Caity's scroll. "What does yours say?" he asked. He barely had time to read what was written in the pink and blue scroll Caity held when the words faded. He raised an eyebrow. "Did your scroll have my name on it?"

Caity let out a cough, dropping the scroll. The parchment vanished into the air as it fell from her fingers. "Well, you know, possibly." Damn, he had seen! What should she do now? Caity still didn't feel like she could just ask him to go to the ball with her. He was... Well, damnit, he was a movie star!

Caity put her coffee mug to her lips, gulping down still-hot coffee as quickly as she could. She coughed and sputtered as she finished. "Oh, would you look at that, I finished my coffee. Guess that means I need to go get more."

Nico looked at his own scroll and watched it vanish from his hand. Pretty convenient way to get rid of stuff that are no longer needed, he found himself thinking. He looked back at Caity. "Well, I'm coming along with you. You did offer to share some of your coffee," he said as he followed after her. "So, was it really my name on your scroll?" he called after her.

Caity blushed, and let out a groan. Of course the jerk wouldn't let it go. Stupid movie star. "Yes, it was, you nosy man. It also has Gordo's name. Apparently I need to ask one of you to the fairy prom."



Caterina had taken one glance at her scroll, and knew her choice. But as Nico's voice filtered over to her, Caterina frowned. He wasn't only on her scroll? She looked to see who he was talking to - ugh, the purple haired woman. Caterina almost pitied the poor plump girl. Nico was shallow enough to not go with her if she asked - there was a reason his name had only been linked to the most beautiful Hollywood elites and models, after all.

Caterina would do the girl a favor. From the looks of the girl's sputtering, she hadn't asked him yet. So Caterina would make sure the plump girl wouldn't get rejected. "Nico!" She sauntered over to the duo, her hips swaying. "Seems I'm supposed to ask you out to the ball. We should go, for old time's sake."

Caity blinked at the model, surprise coating her features. Did Nico used to date her? Damn. DAMN. The other woman was gorgeous. Yet there was something about her attitude Caity didn't like. The woman seemed to think Nico saying yes was a given. Caity cleared her throat. "How do you know Nico hasn't said yes to someone else?"

Nico was about to encourage Caity to ask him out when the woman he used to date came up to them. Caterina confused him. One moment she acted like she hated him and the next she wanted to go to the ball with him. Her inconsistency was one of the reasons why he broke it off in the first place. He looked from one woman to the other. These games or whatever we're all in would probably give me a headache, he thought. Maybe I should just go with Rina to end this. He knew how unpleasant Caterina could be and he didn't want to subject his purple haired friend to that. But despite that thought, he found himself looking expectantly at Caity, her words making him unconsciously wait for her invitation.

"Said yes to who?" Caterina made a show of looking around. Could this girl not take a hint? And she was trying to help her, too. "It seems like no one else has asked him - the only ones here are you and I. Besides, Nicolas and I have a history. I'm obviously the best choice, and the only choice."

The model's words made her bristle - if Caity was a cat, her tail would be puffy in anger. She turned to Nico, half out of spite. She had been planning to get up the courage to ask him. Now she was pissed off enough to do it without courage. "Nico. Want to go to the fairy prom with me? We can get drunk on fairy wine and pretend to know how to dance."

Caterina's lips parted slightly in shock. The plump girl actually had the courage to ask him? She applauded her bravery - even if it was a totally foolish move. Nicolas wouldn't be interested in going with the purple-haired woman.

Again, Nico looked from one woman to the other. He had been in a similar situation with Caterina once. And it didn't end well for the other girl. He weighed his options. The supermodel was right in one aspect. It made sense for him to go with her...that is, if he was still in Hollywood maintaining his super star appearance, But this place... he found that he wanted to at least be himself and not let social expectations dictate his actions. He looked towards Caity and made a different decision. "Sure, I'll go to the fairy prom with you, Caity," he gave her a smile.

The model nearly choked as she stopped as gasp from escaping her. Well, that wasn't what she had planned at all. Still, must maintain appearances. She gave her hair a flip. "Pity. You might have gotten your own personal after party, Nicolas. Remember our last one?" Caterina gave him a slight smirk. "Have fun with your...friend." She turned and left the duo, her hips swaying as she sashayed away. She supposed she would find this 'Gordo' character.

The look of shock that had appeared on her face since Nico had said 'yes' still hadn't left. Caity blinked at the movie star for a long few moments, trying to formulate something to say. She hadn't actually expected him to say yes. Particularly when she was up against that snobby but beautiful woman. Who would have slept with him. Caity just hoped Nico didn't regret his choice. "Uhm. Well. Since that's settled... I guess it's time for me to have more coffee? Do you want coffee? I want coffee. I'm going to get coffee, before someone else comes over and asks you to the fairy prom. That was awkward."

Caity went into her house, seeking the comfort of coffee and books.

Nico followed after his obviously flustered friend turned date for the ball. "Coffee, yeah. That'd be nice," he said a little distractedly. He may have turned his ex down but the model's words brought back vivid memories to his head.

It was one of those wild Hollywood parties where booze was freely flowing and women threw themselves half naked at the men. But unlike most of his buddies who were making out with one random girl after the other, Nico only had his attention on Caterina and their hot make out session in one of the darker corners of the bar. It didn't take long for them to agree to go back to Nico's place where they went at it the whole night, tangling and tumbling together in his bed and filling the room with their moans of pleasure.

Caity led him through her book-filled home, bringing him to the kitchen. There, waiting on the table, was another cup for coffee. Convenient. She filled it up for Nico, and filled her mug up once more. "So. That was your...ex?" She asked, sitting down at the kitchen table. She didn't notice the walls - once painted a cheerful blue - were now a glossy stained wood.

---

---

Gordo had retreated to his hut, the small place was rather....well, open. There was a work bench, that held many items used to build things, to experiment with, with a book case there, filled with books, and Gordo glanced about, curiously, stepping about the place carefully, he examined everything, before starting back outside, hands in his pockets, he thought for a moment, wondering what he could do now. So far approaching others hadn't seemed to work for him. He sighed, starting towards some trees to examine them. The young man was trying to figure out just what was going on here, to find his feet again, when the scroll was dropped to him, and he looked up at the bird, before examining the scroll.

Caterina looked around as she walked away from the duo. Who was this 'Gordo'? He wasn't famous - or if he was, he wasn't famous enough for her social circles. The air shimmered around her - and though Caterina prepared for the worst - all that happened was a path forming at her feet, leading towards the treeline and a man.

Her heels really weren't made for walking through the forest. Still, the man was probably Gordo, with the way things seemed to work around here. She sauntered over to him, assessing him as she approached. Not an actor or model, but he wasn't bad looking. In a suit, he would be quite presentable. She stopped before him, hand propped on a hip. "You must be Gordo."

Gordo rose from where he was crouched, studying the woman. She was pretty, there wasn't a doubt about that, but there was just something about her...or more accurately, the way she was looking at him. Like a slab of meat. He took a moment to respond to her, something in him seeming to want to rise to his own defense nevermind the fact he hadn't done anything wrong. He reached up to push his glasses more securely to his nose, his brown hair mussed by the wind. At his full height, Gordo found himself slouching, hands in his pockets as he studied the girl, much as she was studying him.

"I am, why?" He asked, managing to keep his voice steady.

Caterina gave him a coy smile. It had never failed to win a man's attention before. She had no reason to believe it would fail her now. "Well, the ladies have been given a the task to pick someone to accompany us to the ball tonight. And you are one of my choices."

She took a step closer to him, and lay a hand on his arm. She lowered her voice to a purr. "I'm Caterina Versini. Rina, to my friends. I hope we can become good friends."

Gordo rocked back on his heels slightly, "One of your choices? But you don't even know me" He said, frowning slightly, as he watched Caterina, a little taken aback at her forwardness. No girl had ever been so forward to him before, and he had to wonder why. "I'm sure we can become good friends" he said, watching her, trying to figure her out. "Rina."

"What's there to know? You're cute, I'm gorgeous, we'll be the talk of everyone." What didn't he get? She examined him a moment, then a grin spread across her lips. Did he not have experience with women? How cute! She could be his teacher. "See, my name sounds cute when you say it like that. We'll be great friends."

Cute? He was sure now he was the butt of some joke, and he shifted slightly, frowning at Caterina. "there's more to people then their looks you know" he said softly, watching her. Was she actually coming on to him? He had no idea, nothing really to base this on.

"Not when you're one of the State's leading fashion models." The grin fell from her lips, to be replaced by a polite smile. Was he actually going to turn her down? Impossible. She was Caterina Versini. Any man would beg to have her.

Time to switch to a different tactic. "We only have two choices. My other choice is my ex - and I just can't go to the ball with him. And I'd die if I have to go alone. I don't go to events alone."

Gordo frowned "I don't really follow fashion" he said apologetically. He didn't really follow anyone famous actually. The girl seemed upset at that, and Gordo shrugged his shoulders.

And then she decided to play on his sympathy, on the woman in distress card and Gordo sighed. He was old fashioned. He just couldn't resist that, and he glanced away from her "Alright! Alright I'll go with you"

"Perfect. You can come to my home and pick me up before the ball. Make sure you dress smartly. A suit at least, but a tuxedo would be better." She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "You won't be disappointed." Without letting him get another word in, Caterina sashayed off.

Befuddled, Gordo watched her go. He had to wear a tux? He didn't even know how to tie a tie. Shaking his head, he headed towards his hut, reaching up to lay a hand on his cheek, before he opened the door.

Unlike the rest of the group who either marveled at their surroundings or became confused with it, Alexis looked around in a detached way. In her line of work, there was no place for hesitation or confusion. Survey the surrounding and look for an advantageous location where she could observe the people she had been put in this place with. Do not get distracted by these creatures, she warned herself as she saw the fairies flutter by in her peripheral vision. She looked around, straightforwardly studying the faces around her. A model, a millionaire, an actor and several other faces she didn't quite recognize. Was her target in this group? She zoomed in onto the millionaire. It made sense for him to be the "golden boy" the contract stated. Who else would fit the description? She almost narrowed her eyes at him but decided it best not to give herself away. She blinked and feigned a look of boredom. Even when butterfly winged fairy began speaking, she didn't look interested. She followed after the rest of the group but discreetly kept a watchful eye on who she believed to be her target.

Houses. I don't need one here. As soon as I finish this contract, I'll have more than enough to buy one where there aren't so many pesky creatures flying around, she thought to herself, staying rooted in the spot she was standing on. Her target didn't look too difficult to bring down. She looked up, noting that the leaves of the giant trees around them blocked off most of the sky. She looked around. Hmmm... no lamp posts or anything that would light up the area. That's convenient, She thought to herself. Under the cover of darkness, she can easily sneak into his house and then fulfill her duty. All she needed to do now was find out which house rich boy was gonna be staying in.

A musical trumpet distracted Alexis from her plans. She looked towards where it came from and saw two fairies descend down, dancing with each other. What the fuck is this nonsense? she thought irritatedly. They were wasting her time. She turned away and sought out her target once more, failing to notice the glittery dust that was floating all around her. As the first few touched her, she blinked and felt her gaze being pulled towards another.

Sharp green eyes focused on a spiky haired young man who looked awkward and out of place. A dog was prancing around by his feet, excitedly taking in its surrounding unlike its probable owner. She felt a strange pull towards him and an irresistible desire to actually talk to him. Strange. Why would I want to talk to that scruffy looking guy? But even as she thought that, her feet was already taking her towards the guy in question. She saw him head away from the main group and she followed suit.

She stopped several feet away and watched as the young man climb up a tree, the dog looking up at him. Is he someone that's gonna be helpful in my mission? Alexis never needed anyone to assist her but if it would hasten the completion of the job then it was worth considering. She would need to observe him for a while before she attempted to approach him with an offer... She watched as the dog lifted its leg, leaned onto a large root sticking out of the ground and relieved itself. If this guy can help me with that, I'd give him maybe 2% of my income as thanks. If not, then I'll just dispose off him like rich kid back there, She nodded her head and was about to walk towards the tree when she stopped short, her eyes widening.

The massive tree her supposed accomplice climbed up on opened its eyes and spoke. What the fuck? What the fuck! She looked up at the tree she was standing beside, half expecting it to sprout a face as well. She almost sighed in relief when it remained still, its branches swaying gently in the wind. She turned her attention back to the scene when she heard the dog whimper. She was shocked to see the tree flick the guy off like some sort of pesky bug. And then right before her eyes, he disappeared. The tree promptly closed its eyes, having taken care of its unwelcomed guest.

Where did he go? D-did that tree eat him? Alexis was a calm individual, the control she exerted over her emotions finely honed by both time and experience. But the disappearance of the man she wanted to talk to jarred her and finally made her realize that she was not in the human realm. She looked around frantically and her eyes fell on a small, colorful hummingbird fluttering towards her.

Like everyone else, she received a scroll. Her eyes were big as saucers as she watched the small scroll grow big in her hand. Her gaze flickered back towards the huge tree but when she saw that it remained still, she reluctantly turned her attention back to the scroll in her hand. Curiosity getting the best of her, she unrolled it and read the contents.

The soft stars are shining,
The moon is alight.
The folk of the forest,
Is dancing tonight.
O swift and gay,
Is the song they sing.
They float and sway
As they dance in ring.
We await you at moonrise

What?

The words faded, replaced by a new set of words, this time in gold elegant lettering.

From bad to worse, from worse to great.
Make weighed decision, choose your fate.

The words faded again and was replaced by a single name.

Tarly

Who the hell is Tarly? But just as the name appeared, it faded again and was replaced by two different names.

Novus or Trevan

Two fairies floated down towards her but the female mercenary was too agitated and too confused that she swatted them away without even looking up. "Goddamnit! Get the fuck away from me, you freaks!" she cried out.

The scroll in her hand should have disappeared like how it did for the rest. But it shook as a leaf would before it fell from the branch. And before Alexis' eyes, a new set of words etched themselves on the paper letter by letter.

What is one without the other

The words, the scroll, the trees and everything else around Alexis faded and she found herself in a small empty room with a brown manila envelope in her hand. She blinked and looked at it, confused for a few minutes. What was she doing?

Memories from her brief stay in Cladarat was wiped off from her mind the moment she was transported back into the human realm.

She shook her head to clear it and then pulled out a photo from within the envelope. It was of a young man with a head of messy hair and greenish blue eyes. The name Tarly Finch was printed in bold black letters just underneath the guy's chin.

Alexis Shadow smirked. My target.

Nico, being absorbed in his memories, failed to notice the set up of Caity's house and how part of his house design seemed to have incorporated themselves into their surrounding. He laid his still half filled cup on the table and it magically disappeared, only to be replaced by a new clean cup which he watched Caity fill with coffee. The smell of the coffee and her question brought him out of his reverie. "Yeah, we dated for almost a year," he admitted.

"Wait. What?" Caity stared at him, brows raised. "I get that she's pretty, Nico, but... She doesn't seem very nice." She took a long sip of coffee. Maybe it wasn't her place to criticize Nico's choices, but wasn't that what friends did? "Unless you were thinking with a different head than the one that holds your brain..." The last part she added softly - her tone was teasing but friendly.

"She is aloof and can be difficult to deal with..." there seemed to be a but there but he trailed off and then chuckled. "Well... yeah, I am a guy so sometimes I don't think with my brain," he admitted. It was nice having a normal conversation once in a while with someone who might actually think of him as a real person than a celebrated actor.

Caity shook her head and chuckled. "Being a guy is no excuse. In my opinion, the only desire to be ruled by is the desire for coffee." She held up her coffee mug in a toast. "I don't know about you, but I'd marry coffee if I could. It's hot, dark, and smells amazing... Which may or many not be my requirements for a human lover too come to think of it." She added the last part with a grin.

Nico reached out for the cup Caity filled for him and took a sip from it. He grinned. "So you like your men hot, dark and good smelling, huh? I think I can fit into those category easily," he winked at her, settling into a comfortable banter. He even made an exaggerated move to smell himself. "At least I don't think I smell that bad."

Caity laughed. She hadn't thought she'd enjoy talking to Nico as much as she did. He was cute and funny - if a flirt. Though his winking made her blush, she didn't feel uncomfortable around him. Maybe he wasn't as shallow as the Hollywood gossip made him out to be. (Not that she actively read Hollywood gossip.)

"I haven't been close enough to tell." She teased. "I'll let you know at the fairy prom. I'm guessing there'll be a slow dance or two. I'll be sure to take a sniff." Caity paused, then grimaced. "Wait. That sounds creepy. Forget I said it."

Nico chuckled. Caity was a breath of fresh air. He wondered what she thought of him. The magazines don't exactly paint him in a really good light.

She rested her arms on the table, propping her chin on her hands. Caity hadn't forgotten that he seemed to have more to say about the model. She wondered if it was her place to pry. But then, she didn't want to talk about her ex's - she just happened to be lucky enough not to have them here in fairy land.

Her heart gave a tug. What if they really were stuck here forever? Sure, she seemed to have a friend here, but... Her family wasn't here. Her other friends were back in the real world. "Do you think we're really stuck here forever?" Her voice was soft. What would her Grammie do without her there to help with the difficult chores? "What about our families?"

When she mentioned being stuck in the place they were in, Nico lost the teasing look and his lips curved down into a frown. "While this place is unique and strangely fascinating, I think it would definitely suck to be stuck here. I've got loads of responsibilities back home. The movie we're filming is just about done." He scratched the back of his head. "Would probably be a good idea to ask about that later in the ball. Their queen and king are meeting us there, right?"

"I guess so. As long as we can get a word in. I don't know what a ball with fairies is like." Caity took a deep breath and let it out slowly. No sense in going into a panic about it yet. There would be time for that later, when she was alone. As long as she could hold off until then, she'd be fine.

"I guess I should get ready for this damn thing." Caity pulled a face. Getting ready for prom had been an experience she hadn't planned on repeating. And she didn't like getting ready for dates, either. Not that going with Nico to the fairy prom was a date. Right? It wasn't like that. He agreed to go with her to spite his ex, that's all. "If you want to take a book or something, go ahead. I have more than enough. I mean, you might be a movie star, but you're still a guy. I doubt you'll take that long to get ready. Might as well be entertained while you wait for moonrise, instead of primping."

"I've no idea what to expect either. I mean, it's not all the time I get kidnapped by fairies." Nico chuckled again as he nodded. "Yeah, you go ahead and get ready. I'll get out of your hair in the meantime and walk around outside. I'll come get you when it's time," he finished the rest of the coffee, stood up and made his way to the door. Before he stepped out of the house, he shot Caity a grin. "Thanks for the coffee, by the way."

Tabitha charged into her house like a whirlwind, roaming around it, she got distracted by a million different things-or thats what it felt like. Aisle's, paints, pencils, whatever it was, Tabitha touched it, examined it, let herself imeerse herself into the room, before she dashed into the small house inside the house, giggling at the wall to wall mattress, and leaped onto it. She giggled, and sighed happily. Finally she rose again and darted out the small house, towards the wardrobe nicely situated. She opened it, examining the clothes there. She stood a little perplexed, and she threw the clothes out all over the place, liking them, but not really...feeling them. Her magenta hair flew with the wind of it, as she twirled, pressing clothes up against herself, shaking her head.

Sighing, she titled her head, deciding she'd grab one more dress, and then she'd give up and go in what she had on, grabbing another dress, she stared at it a little thrilled with it. The colours...the cut...the style...and length. She absolutely loved it. Giggling to herself, she twirled around, throwing off her shirt and skirt, the tye died colours flying through the air, seeming not to care that she had windws, wriggling into the dress. It fit her body nicely, showing off what little assests she had, turning her body slightly curvy, and hugging her chest just right, and she twirled in it. Seeing the matching shoes, Tabitha tilted her head, the heels would make her slightly taller, and they did go fabulously with the dress...pursing her lips, she slipped the shoes on, hoping about ungracefully, she didn't seem to care as she finally got the shoes on, turning to check herself out in the mirror.

The rainbow colours of the dress were nice, and Tabitha giggled happily, and reaching up, she ran a hand through her hair, sighing happily. Walking about the place for a moment, she got use to the heels, deviously things though they were. Starting out her little hut, she looked about her to see if anyone else was about, feeling in the mood to interact with people. Anyone, really, as she twirled about, seeming to sway slightly to the tune of her own music.