Just a little bit more. This waste of time would fall soon. Renar yanked his poleaxe out of the wooden serpent's body as his charge reached its apex, halting briefly atop the snake's head. No heartbeat here. Unfortunate, easy as that would be. Nevertheless, he prepared to jam the spearhead of his poleaxe into the serpentine wood that passed for a skull, if only to keep the construct further off balance.

Or at least he would have, if the snake didn't choose just then to rear up, leaving Renar scrambling to latch onto a spike of wood with his free hand. From this vantage point, he could see the serpent launching multitudes of magical orbs in the air. And to this, he...stayed exactly where he was. After all, it stood to reason that the creature wasn't stupid enough to hit itself with them.

Once the attacks died down and the dust settled, Renar looked towards the ground, taking note of both Fionn and Gertrude's spells both completing. Judging by the trajectory, neither were aiming for the upper section of the snake. Good. He'd stay up here, just in case either of them missed the heart. Renar slung his poleaxe up over his back and began to clamber upward, reaching the head of the snake once more in short order. From here, he drew his weapon again and plunged it into where one of the eye sockets was, watching intently to try to detect the movement of the heart should it try to flee up here.

Mentally noting Ser Caulder as fine enough, Rolan was focusing his attention on the unconscious Aessyr in his grasp right now, gentle as he was being. It didn't take long to be joined by the one who had asked for their help, who was quick to try and rouse her friend rather than allowing him to continue getting the worst of the grime and ichor off the unconscious one, and a sinking feeling in his gut began to mount. Rousting someone unconscious was the realm of smelling salts and the like, but anything in his kit was meant for a fully grown adult. Even treating a child was easier since one could reasonably estimate how much to reduce a treatment by, but an Aessyr that literally fit into the palm of his hand? A few drops at most, which even then seemed excessive, and he was about to answer Ser Gerard's request for her condition negatively when she started waking up, almost missed due to how slight it was. "Seems she is coming to, fortunately."

Given he was preoccupied with the two Aessyr, Rolan had to let the others handle watching for trouble or something else coming into the clearing to investigate the sound of combat and noise. The tearful reunion going on in his hands made him feel a touch awkward, he never was one for wearing one's heart on their sleeve, and it kind of left him unable to respond quickly should something come up. He didn't have the lack of heart to interrupt the two Aessyr, however, not at this juncture when there was no overt threat, or even anything he could sense hiding in the underbrush. Of course he was wrong, but at the appearance of the clearly fae hunter, his instinct was to move one of his hands to his blades, or satchel, but given the circumstances he made no such move. The hunter could have struck any one of them down should he have wanted to, and casually wielding a great bow as he did meant that armor might not have put up as much of a fight as one might hope.

Tall, well built, incredibly underdressed but that could be overlooked given the whole 'being a fae' fact. His tone commanded presence in the woods they were currently in, addressing them as children of men and speaking that he was hunting the abomination they slew. Convenient that he didn't reveal himself until after his prey was dead, but he wasn't going to attempt to puzzle out the thought process of a fae. Possibly waiting to see how they collectively responded to the Aessyr fished from the remains of the Gannek in case they proved hostile to the fae overall as well, that made sense from a certain perspective. A shared enemy did not make for allies, and landing a killing shot when the fight was up close and pitched as it was took a steady hand. Doubly so when trying to not injure swallowed fae, so he did not question or even bring up the wait to reveal himself until after the hunt was done. "We did as we were asked, free the Aessyr from the thing's guts. Hunting the creature down in the process makes the woods better for all parties with a vested interest in it's health."

@VitaVitaAR@HereComesTheSnow

Fleuri Jodeau

As the serpent's upper body bloomed, Fleuri, having been situated just behind where the base of where it split apart, was struck by the expanding wood and knocked back towards the rear of the snake. He didn't seem to be injured, but it did knock him off his feet.

Never thought I'd get backhanded by a plant, he thought to himself as he pulled himself to his feet and and realigned his helmet's eye slit. He quickly realized that the blow was a stroke of good fortune, for it had knocked the knight away from the path of the magical projectiles being expelled towards those still in front of it.

The others were striking at the front, so Fleuri would attack the rear part. He lunged forward and swung his sword horizontally into the serpent's bark skin, intent on slicing through and leaving the creature with a long gash. If the heart wasn't where he struck, he hoped that he'd at least be able to discern which direction- forward or back- the heartbeat was coming from.

Gerard Segremors

@Eisenhorn@VitaVitaAR

"As he says." Gerard affirmed, tone even, measured. A big step in the right direction that this newcomer appeared before them openly, hiding neither his weapons nor his intent, as far as he could read— all points worth noting. Feeling how the air shifted and the trees sang when this gangly newcomer spoke, there was little doubt in Gerard's mind that, had this figure the intent, one or more of their number would be dead before they'd known their first battle had lured another to their midst. "We were met with a plea for help from one who was in need, and as Knights of the Iron Rose have a duty to answer."

He inclined his head and shoulders, sure to nod a little lower, if only just. He did not want to compromise his stance yet, nor was he in the presence of royalty or the Knight-Captain fully invoking Command— but there was the overwhelming sense that he was within another's territory, and, with nothing by way of food left to offer as he had Aithne... this was the respect he could show.

"I do apologize for the intrusion upon your Hunt, regardless."

Taking a few slow steps to his right, he slowly reached up to remove his helmet, revealing his wild coal locks, scarred face, and golden eyes most importantly to the new fae entity's view. Windows to the soul, mirrors to one's intent, the lupine knight would do what he could to return the courtesy of "showing himself".

By no accident, though, did he also end up between the tall, ethereally refined, antlered hunter and the rest of his peers. He couldn't simply say his goodbyes to all the fae present and have the knights be on their merry way, no matter how much he wanted to— and he really, really did. As glad as he was that everything so far had been a positive interaction, and that they had saved the second Aessyr, he still had little desire to involve himself with the dealings of the Fae of these woods any more than he needed to...

"You were hunting that beast. Might you hold wardenship over these woods, stranger?"

They were still here for a reason in the first place. The grey man bore himself with import in more than stature alone— his address of them, his stated desire, his resonance with the woods, all pointed to him being a key figure in the area. Not quite his image of a "Moonlit Queen", but even so...

"Our purpose in coming here was in response to a similar call for aid, before we were met with little Aithne," he explained, resting the helm in the crook of his elbow. "It is one of our kin who needs it, as it happens. The Duke Thedric of the keep at the Wood's feet, stricken by madness and mentioning a 'Moonlit Queen' repeatedly. If you've any insight on such matters, I thank you for sharing it."

The air itself sizzled.

Sir Fionn's efforts had paid off.

The brilliant light tore across the clearing and cleaved apart the wood that remained in the path of the serpent construct's heart. For a moment, it was exposed, then fully ripped free of its confines. Indeed, the branches composing the serpent had twisted inwards, gripped the throbbing, green mass shaped much like a human heart, and thrown it free from the body in an effort to escape its fate.

But its response was far too slow.

The magical energy hurled forth from Sir Fionn's blade struck it squarely and tore it cleaning in two. For a moment, it was suspended in the air, cut apart by light, as its own energy faded and the emerald tones dulled.

Then it came to pieces, shattering like glass.

The upper half of the massive serpent twisted for a moment, suddenly sharpening into an innumerable number of points and raising upwards---

Only to be blasted open, torn apart by Lady Gertrude's efforts, her Dragonstar shearing through the wooden serpent's flower-like upper body and bringing its final attack to a an explosive halt, splitting open its form and sending its halves bowing sideways.

Fanilly lowered her blade, taking a deep breath.

"... Good work," she said, after a few moments, though she did not yet sheath her sword. While the enormous construct had been defeated, something still felt incredibly strange in the air. She couldn't simply let her guard down, she had to be ready to move, to issue commands, "It appears to be dead, but---"

"The magical energy hasn't faded, you know," Lord Arken interjected, his staff raised "Simply because the construct isn't moving doesn't mean..."

He trailed off, lowering his staff.

The wooden serpent was no longer moving. The green light had left it.

However---

Life hadn't.

Portions of its body had twisted free of the mass, rooting themselves back into the earth as they once had.

Branches that drooped suddenly seemed sturdier, spreading, green leaves sprouting from the split and torn form.

New greenery covered the wicked gouges left behind by their assault, a verdant, living, yet bizarrely-shaped tree now standing before them.

As its branches raised and life returned to them, small buds appeared. Their petals parted all at once, as if the knights were watching the natural spectacle unfold sped up hundreds of times.

The great, strange tree that had moments about been their enemy was now covered in innumerable white blossoms.

"... It's faded," Lord Arken commented, finally, lowering his staff, "At least, insofar as can be expected in a place like this."

It was strange, really. Despite the enormous serpent having been a foe of considerable danger, now it was simply a strange, yet beautiful centerpiece to the clearing that perhaps held the entrance to the Moonlit Queen's realm. To Fanilly's eyes, it almost appeared as if they were looking upon a tree covered in stars. She didn't recognize the flowers. Did they exist anywhere else?

"... Now that the guardian has been dealt with, presuming we've found the location, now all we need to do is find assistance so we can get inside," the Knight-Captain said, after a scant few moments of silence, "Given what's left of the serpent, I don't think we should have a difficult time finding it again."

With that being said, she still wasn't certain about how they'd locate a fae or a group of fae able and willing to let them enter the Moonlit Queen's fae realm.

But they were far closer now then when they'd started.

@Raineh Daze@Psyker Landshark@Crimson Paladin@Octo@The Otter

---

Silence filled the forest, as the tall fae hunter's initial response was merely to silently regard the knights in term. His green gaze traced along their forms swiftly, taking in each knight and lingering somewhat longer upon Sir Gerard's face.

But they lingered longest on the tiny shapes of the two aessyr, Enfys now managing to weakly return the tearful Aithne's embrace.

"---I see. Then I must thank you again, children of men," the fae hunter responded, "For preserving the life of our little sister."

He paused for a moment, clearly to consider Sir Gerard's request. By now, his stance had become casual, the bow still in his hand but held low and at his side.

His eyes narrowed briefly at the mention of a 'Moonlit Queen'.

He was silent for a considerable amount of time.

"While I would have enjoyed the hunt, you actions to bring the abomination to its end warrant consideration," he said, at last, "While I am among this forest's protectors, I am not the one you must speak to."

He turned, beckoning towards the deeper forest with his free hand.

"My lady shall hear your request."

@HereComesTheSnow@Eisenhorn

"Oh, that's great," Tyaethe said, armour gone and vampire darting over to inspect Fionn with a grin, "It's been too long since we had somebody throwing around magic blasts from their sword and the like, it just never feels right without some of that, you know? There was Elly, and Ed, and Parv…"

The vampire's rambling stopped, hands reaching out and pulling Fionn's sword down to inspect closely. At least it wasn't quiet for long, Fiadh had freed herself from her safe little bunker and flung her weight on the former mercenary's back with a cheery, "Yay!"

"That was very impressive, darling, I didn't know you'd take to everything so fast! Oh, to think you're so talented…" It was probably a bit awkward, all the Niyar's weight hanging from his shoulders while she did her best cat impression against Fionn's head.

"You broke your sword a little," Tyaethe noted, tapping the metal adornments on the hilt. What had previously been golden and shiny was now looking distinctly melted, with all sorts of interesting and oddly translucent bubbles ruining its previous symmetry. That was nothing compared to the smoking ruins of the runework, blackened and slightly steaming if one were to listen closely. Probably how the shortsighted girl had even noticed it to start with.

Rolan allowed Ser Gerard to say his piece as he listened and observed the fae hunter, noting that they were focusing back on their original goal for being here to begin with. His fellow knight had a better grasp on how to speak with and negotiate with the fae, his dealings with business prior to finding a place among the Knights was often hunting those who either broke the law or otherwise took advantage of those who could not protect themselves. Negotiating the restoration of a man's mind after unknown trespasses against some 'Moonlit Queen', even after earning an audience with 'his lady' as the fae hunter mentioned, was a bit further beyond his capabilities. Still, he had an obligation to see this through and he couldn't let his fellows left hanging in the breeze, as it were, and he stood, still carefully holding the two Aessyr. "Aithne, Enfys, we are about to depart. Would you prefer to rest longer, and come along, or do you have other preferences?"

Rolan did not intend to simply dump the two Aessyr on a flower or something and leave them to their devices, and given how slowly Enfys seemed to be recovering, perhaps a meeting with this Moonlit Queen would benefit them as well. Besides, having witnesses to the rescue efforts, doubly so when they had made no request for reward in return, might provide them some manner of consideration that would not otherwise exist. Assuming that very consideration wasn't being used to even gain a meeting with the Moonlit Queen, or however the hunter's Lady preferred to be addressed, but that was a bridge to be burned later. For now they had a destination, a way to progress the order's efforts in the area, though they would not be able to split any of their number off to go inform the bulk of their number. Assuming they were still, somehow, sitting idly in place entertaining a madman. Something he greatly doubted.

"Then we can depart immediately, if nothing else reporting this hunt concluded should not be postponed and I would not wish to keep your Lady waiting." Rolan hoped that Ser Gerard had some hidden savvy at negotiation, or perhaps Dame Yael or Ser Caulder might prove deft experts at such things. Otherwise he would have to rely on his experiences, and those were a massively far cry from dealing with the Fae. If he could, he would have surrendered his position here to allow Ser Fionn to take the forefront of the impending negotiations. Then again, if hope solved all the world's problems none of them would be needed for their martial prowess. He would have to carry this out to the best of his abilities, and handle the backlash of any missteps from there. By their combined efforts they might come up with a tenable agreement to free the Duke's mind from the grips of madness.

@HereComesTheSnow@VitaVitaAR

Gerard Segremors

@Eisenhorn@VitaVitaAR

He closed his eyes for a moment, and let a slow breath out through the nose. He’d not meant to hold it in, of course, but he was nonetheless forced to reckon with how much the scope of their “forward scouting investigation” had crept out and expanded. In many circumstances, the knight would have gladly lifted his hands in defeat, made some assertion that being a forward arm of the Iron Rose in endeavors of diplomacy “still far beyond his pay grade”, and slunk away to the aft of their number while the better-schooled talking heads worked what magic they could. Perhaps literally, given who they’d be dealing with.

A moment later, he opened them again, to glance back at his peers as they steadily reassembled behind, the reunited Enfys and Aithne in tow. Then green was met with gold once more.

”Agreed. We would be remiss to spurn the invitation, especially when we seek wisdom beyond our means. Lead on, friend.”

But there was nobody to really hide behind now— and it was high time he stepped up to the plate, if he really was serious about embodying the old stories.There were as many legends of knights as courtly envoys, making overtures for guidance and hospitality from afar, as there were slain dragons.

As they began to walk, he finally returned his sword to its’ sheath. This was a battle he would not win with it anywhere else.