Max Oscar Napras, Grimus Auliro Malkin, Bayen Thearin Leoswald, Jessalyn Marie Thomas, and Raven Silverlight
Raven shook her head at Jessalyn's question with a cocky smile.
"I do not, your life means nothing to me. My lack of love for the Winter Court however far outpaces my indifference towards you. A chance to take a pet away from them is well worth my time when the opportunity presents itself. This was not exactly true. At least not the whole truth. Raven did indeed hate the Winter Court. A hundred and fifty years was a blind of the eye for a fae and far too short a time for Raven to forget the fate her sister had met in this frozen land. However that was not the only reason she was willing to extricate Jessalyn from this land. Someone had once shown Raven kindness when she had done nothing to deserve it and they had asked nothing in return. In some way she was repaying an old debt with this act. Besides it was not as though she had bound herself with words. Her instruction had implied a promise to protect the mortal girl but Raven had never said explicitly she would, only that she could. Evidently the distinction had been lost even on Bain who was experienced in the ways of the Fey. Still Raven did intent to deny Grimalkin another toy.
When the Cat Sidhe approached he was in the form of a human, albeit an unearthly one. Raven watched the fae approach with unblinking eyes. She held herself regally and comfortably but those that knew her almost as well as she knew herself could see just the faintest hints of tension in her body. She did not like being in the presence of Winter Officials if it was at all avoidable. After his greeting Raven inclined her head, drawing her arms behind her and one leg slightly back in a formal bow, of course she was not foolish enough to bow far enough that she could no longer see the Grimalkin. Only the uninformed or very foolish ever turned their back on a Cat Sidhe. In effect this was also a show of respect to Grimalkin as it said that Raven was wary of him as an opponent.
"Ah The Lord, Grand Grimalkin, your presence honors us. I must confess I prefer the thunderstorms of Fall to the charms of this land but Winter has its own beauty which finds me in good health." Raven had interacted with Grim a number of times at the Winter Court, usually just in passing, a few pleasantries, once or twice he was the one to recompense her for her services. They both were fully aware of what he was referring to however. Raven did not fancy the feline fae's company but the one and only time he had truly done something to offend her was a hundred and fifty years previously. He was the one that sounded the alarm in the Winter Court when Raven and her sister Dawn had attempted to break into the vault. He had chased them through the halls. He had been standing on one of the parapets when Dawn had been shot down falling into the town below. Raven had no proof that he had fired the weapon that killed her sister but in her mind he would always represent Dawn's murderer.
Still it was never wise to expose what was in your heart to anyone, especially those you regarded as enemies.
"Ah, my memory is less twisted but no less clear. We are immortals my Lord. If we held every slight born against us to our hearts our quest for revenge would never be sated. The loss I suffered was... unfortunate but it is a thing of the distant past." Grimalkin turned from her and addressed each of the humans individually. First to Bain, asking after his health and commenting on his role in the Winter Court. While Raven knew the fae were often less guarded around humans compared to their own kind Raven knew with her present Grim would not say anything of true value. She was not exactly an enemy of the state but she was severely distrusted by everyone in a position of power.
"I am not a fool Grimalkin. I leave what belongs to Winter in Winter's hands." When Grim began to speak to Jessalyn Raven cut off her reply before she could say anything that might cause a disturbance between the two fae.
"That human however is not one of your possessions Grim. She belongs to me. Should you wish to address her you may do so by the name of Kylen." Raven drew out the sound of the Y and clipped the E short making the name sound airy and a bit flighty, like a name of the Spring Court.
Raven's head snapped to the edge of the clearing as Grim's pet
'Oz' spoke. Truly she was surprised that he had the bravery or more likely the extreme foolishness to speak out against Grimalkin. If he was following the Cat then Grim had his true name. A mocking smile spread across Raven's face accompanied by a similar tone veiled with an air of good natured friendly advice.
"Grim, your pet is quite unruly. Perhaps you should look to keeping control over him, or else having him retired." In fae culture it was generally considered rather embarrassing to have a human you owned and were therefore responsible for speak out without permission, especially if it was to do something expressly against his Master's wishes. Though she kept it hidden from the humans it would be obvious to Grimalkin that she was laughing at him.
Before Jess could respond to the new male voice's question on her name, which she was not going to give him having been warned beforehand, the woman, apparently called 'Wanderer', spoke for her. Normally such a thing would make her mad and earn the person a tongue lashing, but in this case Jess was glad she didn't have to answer the strange creature. Since it was referring to itself as a 'cat' Jessalyn was fairly certain calling it a 'creature' was accurate.
A young boy spoke out and Jess immediately felt fear for him. Would he be punished for speaking in such a way? She didn't dare ask.
The Wanderer, who despite her claim seemed determined to protect Jessalyn's life, deemed to rename her. From what she had learned so far, this was important. Bain was calling her Katie. In truth she preferred the Wanderer's name for her. It sounded unusual.
Jess might have been blind but she picked up things quickly and heard more then others. For instance, she could hear the sharpness and bitter edge to the Wanderer's tone when she spoke about her past with the creature. She could hear the undercurrent in the creature's honeyed words. There was something else too. Something in the creature's voice when he spoke of his memory of the past.
"He's hiding something..." she muttered.
People often called Jessalyn 'The Human Lie Detector'. It wasn't anything special, she could just hear the undertones people had when they were lying or telling half-truths. It depended on how good of a liar the person was, but most of the time Jess could call people on their lies. She never lost a game of Bullshit, or Liar Liar as some people calling it. Maybe she could use this skill as a way to keep herself alive.
Bayen facepalmed when the kid spoke up, he really wasn't sticking his neck out that far with the comment "Sir Grimilkin, would you prefer if I broke the child into court dealings... I'd hate to see you break another one of your toys..." he trailed intentionally shoving his hands into his pockets, he remembered quite a few of the poor souls the cait sith had found. Quickly he shook his head speaking just after the Lady Silverlight "No violence, only words and games. I've quite enjoyed her company this far, other than some choice words. Even those had been more friendly than somethings I have exeperianced through court." He played with his words lightly. Several times in his mind he turned over the words to make sure an accurate choice had been made.
Then he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket secretly folded between his fingers, and then patted Raven on the back slipping the paper underneith a random strap. His dexteritous fingers had no problem making it appear natural, if one was not paying attention too well it would be unobvious. Perhaps even taken as a human reaction of good will, after all Bayen had been very strange in such ways. However he did internally demand that Raven notice, the paper itself was pre written. Though he had given very few people the same note he always had one on him. Basically it said
While I have no peculiar idea as to how you feel about myself directly, I must not mind your company so much if I have slipped this note onto your possession. Sorry if the motion was awkward for you, it was simply a way to avoid attention. Anyways for anything other than treason or such matters please do come visit for a respite of this world. My ears are here to lend, with promises of silence obviously.
Well it had been much more like a letter than a note, but his penmanship was quite immaculate compared to his engravings. So the note itself had been small and easy to slip into easy areas.
Bayen turned to Jess and patted her on the shoulder whispering very low in her ear "Silence is golden, words are death here. Please keep your head, litterally." He turned back to Grimilkin smiling quite naturally. Raven had spoke her piece and given him cover to whisper his mind to the girl. Unlike Raven Bayen had no problem bowing low to the Cait Sith, after all the Cat had no reason to do him harm. A calculated move one might say, to both Raven and Oz, Raven to show discernment, and Oz to show him his new place.
With a more of a lop sided grin Bayen spoke "I am very pleased by your words of praise, I don't think that you normally hand them out to pets. I shall treasure them closely as though I had been handed mithril chain to toy with in my forge. I do trust that the food Sir would remember my humble workings and come to me for odds and ends. Ah, I even have a present for the Queen when she makes it home from wherever she might be." He said pulling out the bronze Camilla with its frosty looking glaze.
The craft itself had been his best work so far, had he been in the realms of mortals he would have been called a master. Although now being where he was it could be considered lower end, not horrid, more or less retro. Well that's what he would call it anyhow.
Grim managed to maintain his sly smile, despite Lady Silverlight's claims that the human girl belonged to her. Even Max Oscar Napras' speaking out only caused him to twitch an eye in annoyance. The Wanderer's well hidden jibe only made his smile grow, revealing his pointed teeth. She would pay for it. Later, when she wasn't expecting it. There was a certain decorum to be maintained in the relatively public setting however, and so he would play the part of the injured party.
"Oh, Oz, is that what you really think of me? That I'm a bad person?" Grimus turned to the boy, placing one hand on his chest as though offended.
"I have only spoken the truth to you, and I have led you to my very home with intent to share it with you. I have promised you food and shelter, and an oath here is as powerful as a name. Does that count for nothing? If you truly think that way about me, perhaps I should consider my friend's proposal that he help you along."In truth, Grim saw no reason not to accept Bain Thearin's offer. It would give Max some well-needed information and experience, and get the kid off his back when he had official duties to take care of. Of course, it also meant returning a favor at some point, but he just saw that as another guaranteed opportunity to trick something new from Thearin. Moving to the older male's side opposite '
Kylen', he placed a hand on his shoulder.
"In fact," he said lowly, leaning close to the human's ear and continuing in a whisper,
"I would consider it a personal favor, Bain Thearin, worthy of adequate recompense at a later time. Oz is new to our world, and I find the acclimation period to be a strain on Fae and human alike." With a final pat on his shoulder, Grim turned back to others. The human girl seemed to be rather observant despite her blindness, which he was beginning to catch on to. It was unfortunate the Lady Starlight had taken an interest in protecting her, for she would have been a worthy addition to any Court.
"Forgive me ladies, he has only just arrived here. I have barely had time to teach him anything about our realm, let alone the importance of courtesy. Pardon me while I have a chat with my companion." Showing no fear in turning his eyes to the ground in a full bow, he turned back to Max and walked the short distance to his side. Leaning down, he began to whisper harshly.
"You will listen to the one known as Bain, and you will learn from him Max. Courtesy is of utmost importance here, as is knowing when to hold your tongue. If both are beyond you, a less favorable position for you can be found. I believe you will do well here, but not if you cannot respect those above you. Do I make myself clear?"Max raised his eyes in shock as a
human took the side of the fae, and even referred to max as a pet. It appeared that nobody there thought that he may be doing the right thing, which truly made his stomach turn. He shrunk back as Grim began to talk to him, bringing up the fact that he
was providing him food and shelter. "I'm sorry." He whispered quietly, as the Cait Sith started to pull him away.
Max looked down as Grim scolded him, "Crystal sir." He said, terrified and even a little embarrassed, " I won't let that happen again." He found himself saying, before turning to face the group, and placing himself closer to Grim, hoping this would pass without repercussion.
As Grimalkin spoke Raven heard behind her Jessalyn whisper something under her under her breath. Though it didn't show in her face a sharp twinkle danced in her eye. The girl would read people well, possibly even better than the fae read each other. Perhaps she was not as without worth as Raven had first imaged but then she was not the only fae that would view the girl's blindness as invalidating her existence. A high ranking court official might be willing to take the girl on but Raven doubted she'd find someone lower than that interested in acquiring a human pet with an imperfection of such magnitude, still Summer was oft prone to such acts of generosity, even if it was only for the King's amusement. It was after all well known that his favorite pet was a four year old human child. He was not a weak ruler but perhaps mildly sentimental.
All of this passed through Raven's mind in an instant as she watched with her head cocked to the side at Grim's interactions with both Bain and Oz. It was more or less obvious, at least to Raven that Oz's words had embarrassed Grimalkin and she had no doubt the little human toy would pay for it once the two were away from prying eyes however it was not in the nature of any fae to act rashly or crude in this type of situation. She knew he'd heard her mockery and despite the fact that he appeared to brush it off and disciplined his servant in an orderly fashion Raven knew that he would be plotting some form of retribution. This didn't scare her. Had they been in the Summer or Spring Courts she would have paid it no more mind as their pranks were often more annoying than dangerous. In this half of the Unseelie Court however it had to be taken more seriously. Still she was not in the least bit frightened. The Tuath was long used to fending for herself and defending herself was simply a part of that experience.
Raven stiffened as she felt Bain's hand touch her back. For a moment when his nimble fingers caught on one of the straps of her top she thought he might be making an advance on her and if he did she knew she would sever his hand from his arm. Still she didn't betray any of this in her body and in another moment it became clear that he had slipped her some kind of message. She would read it later though she doubted it would be of any significant value or specifically geared towards her given that she had only just met the boy and he couldn't have had time to write anything extensive. This was more likely a pre-prepared note, perhaps a warning about the Winter Court, not that she needed one.
Raven was mildly insulted by Grimalkin's bow. He showed no regard of her strength in that he fully exposed his neck to her, making it clear he did not regard her as a threat. She at least had shown him the respect of telegraphing that she was wary of him. Still it was just like a Cat Sidhe never to stoop so low as to acknowledge that someone else might be a problem for them.
"If you do not mind Grand Grimalkin I will leave you and Bain to your duties of discipline. I and my pet have a rendezvous in Summer Court that I would be loath to miss. With your permission I will take my leave. Of course both the fae were fully aware that Raven was simply paying him a courtesy. Grim knew that she was simply being polite and didn't hold any form of recognition for his authority. If he did refuse to give her his leave she would be more than content to make her exit anyways, turning her back on him to show that not only did she not respect his authority but she also had to fear of his abilities either.
"Of course, Lady Silverlight, you know you are ever free to wander as you will. I know how to reach you should my Queen require your skills," Grim said as he and Max rejoined the others, waving politely after them. He knew the reminder was not necessary, but he still put it forth every time he parted ways with the Tuath. While he did not state that he knew how to find her, for he could not do so with complete certainty, he had many lesser Fae that acted as his envoys when he required someone known to make themselves scarce. It would be interesting to see if the girl and her dog remained with the Wanderer in the future.
"Sadly, my duties now require me at the palace. I am sure my Queen will desire me near at hand once the moot has completed. You are both welcome to join me there, if you wish. I would suggest finding some food for young Oz, and perhaps a place for him to stay while he is here. If you have any particular need of me you can send List," he commented, referring to one of the many pixies commonly known to carry messages for him. Most beings of any note knew enough of Glisten's true name to summon him when they needed to contact Grim. It helped that the tiny Fae knew Grimalkin well enough to judge which messages were important.
With one last bow Grim made the shift back into his feline form, more comfortable and fit for travel.
"Until we meet again," he said in farewell as he turned away. As he walked he he pulled his glamour around himself, slowly fading into nothing. Once he was invisible, he broke into a loping run that would take him home quickly. The palace was not far, and his body was light and swift. It took only moments for him to pass through the gates, and only seconds after he found himself among the beautiful crystalline forms of his Queen's gardens.
Bayen looked at the child with a lazy smile, he had been sure that this kid could have known by now the situation he had been stuck in. Then again witch Grimilkin being in such a rarer fine mood he most likely would not understand the weight of his actions. Still it seemed to Bayen that his full name had been acquired, that should have been enough clue to find out that he has nothing left. However it was most likely due to stress and a kind nature, he had quite a bit to learn.
Bayen flinched hard when his middle name was being used, it was a little low but to be expected. At the very least the Caite Sith would not relinquish his name willingly to others. The obvious reason being that then he would become a sloppy resource. He sighed heavily from shock, the blood pounding in his ears. Of course with no danger immediate it settled quickly with a struggle to thump dying slowly back to its original beat. His mind was calm during this time although, he kept his cool precisely because there was no threat to his health. More over he decided to shelve this favor for a much later date, Bayen was under no illusion as to what it meant to train a pet for a fae. Even greater than that had been the fact that he himself had been human, playing simple had its advantages.
While Grimilkin had been scolding the child Bayen had time to appreciate that he still had his arm. For just a moment he had fully thought it had been sliced off from its base with little time for he himself to react. He silently grit his teeth knowing full well that he had a long way to go before he was good enough to assist in combat in any way. Then again he had little clue as to whether or not his limit was so vast, he sincerely doubted it. Maybe what he should ask for from his queen is if there is an artifact that can make any of his works into enchanted goods.
The thought of what that might cost him could be quite high, though... Not if he got a few more favors for Grimilkin. On that note taking too much time could alert the malicious cat to him being more than simple. He would just have to avoid the subject at first, then say he couldn't think of a need. The Cait Sith most likely wouldn't guess it from him, either way it would be best not to be greedy.
With a smile on his face he turned to the two leaving ladies and waved "Again, my pleasure to have met you two." He bowed slightly as a farewell in case the Lady Silverlight looked back "Kylen, speak witty! Chose your words, enemies, and Friends as carefully as every step you take." He said cheerfully warning her, had anyone other than her been listening to his parting they might not have noticed how he made the word friend sound like a name. It carried to hopeful warnings the first that everyone here has a name, and it may not always be a kind one. The other that anyone is willing to be your friend for your name, and if a name here is everything then what else were they willing to take? Silently praying that her detection stats were high enough, they seemed like it was decent enough though he still had been worried.
Jess swallowed heavily at the warning the one called Bain whispered in her ear. Words were death here? How else was she supposed to express herself? It was like her family all over again, telling her to shut up and just sit there silent, ignoring her existence. How was she supposed to survive here? She
had to go home.
Jess held on to Lysander's collar, relying on him to guide her as apparently the Wanderer had decided it was time to leave. Her irritation surged at the word 'pet'. The
hell did she get off calling her a pet? She didn't even call Lysander her pet. He was her partner, her helper. Jess accorded him the respect that came with that.
If this woman tried to pet her, she'd find out real quick just what kind of
pet she had acquired...
"Go boy, follow," she told Lysander. He growled a bit at the others, especially the cat person which he didn't like, before obeying Jess and following the Wanderer.
Once they were a safe distance away Jessalyn spoke up.
"That boy. Will he be okay? I mean, will that thing, whatever it was, hurt him? There was something in its voice... I don't trust it, no matter how nice it tries to sound. There is deception in him. And that boy sounded like little more then a child. He was only trying to help."Raven glanced back at Jessalyn. She was asking the wrong questions. Obviously she was smarter than she first appeared which gave her two advantages, wisdom and being able to act as though she did not possess it. However she was still looking at things from the perspective of her old life. From a mortal viewpoint. She needed to learn how to play the game of the Fair Folk if she wished to live. Raven kept walking ahead, knowing where she wanted to go.
"I doubt it. He is foolish, lacks subtly and most unfortunate of all has a moral compass. If he is lucky Bain will teach him how to survive at Court. If he cannot adapt I suspect the Grimalkin will discard him within a number of weeks. Those that do not learn quickly here, die. As for you, that instinct right there, the one that says Grim is not a friend to you. Trust it, deception is everywhere in this land."Speaking his name Raven remembered the note that Bain had shoved into her clothes. She smiled slightly at its contents. It was essentially an invitation to spent time at his forge as long as the reason was not avoiding a criminal charge. He didn't sign the note which Raven knew was wise. A note was pure undeniable fact in a world where warped words controlled the fates of all. It was better never to put your name to written ones unless absolutely necessary. Still he had his own way with words and it would be wise to have a 'friend' in the Winter Court. Perhaps she would take up his offer at some later date. In the meantime she had to get Jessalyn to the Winter Court's boundary.
After the Wanderer's reply Jess walked in silence, still worrying over the boy. If he was hurt trying to help her, she wouldn't be able to forgive herself.
"Why did you help me?" Jessalyn asked after some time. She was shivering from the cold and talking in order to distract herself.
"Thank you. I do appreciate it. But why? I don't have any money or valuables. I can't pay you. I wish I could."She spoke the truth. Jess wished she could repay the stranger for helping her. She didn't want to think about what would have happened to her if she had faced that cat creature alone. But she highly doubted there was anything the Wanderer could possibly want from her. The only thing she considered valuable was Lysander and there was no way in hell she was giving him up. He was not just her eyes. He was her friend. The only one she could truly trust.
Raven considered her question. Of course no fae ever told the complete truth but there were certain facts that Jessalyn could easily obtain anyways, it would not hurt to reveal those.
"My people, the breed of fae I descent from are treated much like you would have been had I not been at your side. The only reason I do not receive the same welcome is that most fae fear me, or rather they fear a very old artifact of my people. The sword I carry scares them and so they give me respect. I helped you because of a promise I made to someone a very long time ago. Besides, taking a toy away from the Winter Court is never a waste of time." Looking ahead of her Raven stopped.
"We are here."In front of them everything looked, the snow and trees seemed to extend for miles. Raven knew that was not the case. She could feel the boundary of the Winter Kingdom ahead of them. Most fae had to cross the borders of the Courts through a number of gates placed between them. Their were some exceptions to this, the Wylde Hunt being one of them. In regular circumstances though these gates were the only method of passing between the Court lands. They were monitored by the rulers, letting them keep an eye on where their enemies were going. Raven however as a Tuatha didn't have that limitation. All she had to do was prove her lineage and the border would part for her.
She reached up her hands and a bright purple wall of energy came into being seemingly out of no where displaying the illusion that had sat in its place. Raven took a knife from her belt and cut the palm of her hand. Then she pressed the blood to the barrier. At the touch the border recoiled. The energy rearranging itself into a doorway big enough for Raven and Jessalyn to walk through. Raven took a couple steps back and took Jessalyn by the shoulders.
"Let me guide you. The Border recognizes me as Tuatha but it may not be accommodating if you stray. Stay close and keep your dog from wandering off."Raven then guided Jessalyn into the border between the realms. Crossing the border only took seconds but every time Raven did it like this it always seemed like so much longer. The entire tunnel was dark except for spots of light that burst into being and died just as quickly. It also felt oppressive. As though the darkness was pushing down on them, even Jessalyn would be able to feel that.
In another couple of seconds however they were free from the darkness. Now standing in clear sunlight on bright green grass Raven turned to Jessalyn.
"Welcome Kylen to the Court of the Spring Fae."
