Fable - Ask A nightmare dressed like a daydream

[Favashi]

"While I delight in our little games, I'm no fool,"

Favashi flashed him a grin that would not have looked amiss on a crocodile. Sadly, she had to concede that he had a point on that one - an easy bet wasn't a fun bet and that was what their whole odd friendship was built on. Still, she watched with amusement as the Prince was thoroughly and rightly dismissed by the mortal child. A thrill ran through her as she took a sip of her wine. She had completely forgotten who the girl was much to Freaya's poor luck. Perhaps if she could remember how she had dumped the child with nothing to defend herself in hostile territory her interest in her now wouldn't been quite so piqued.

It was never a good thing to be one of Favashi's curiosities.

"A fortunate woman who keeps His Majesty's favor," he said carefully. Then, shedding some of his proper form, leaned in with a wider smirk. "I've never seen her in my life. You?" He took another bite from his plate.

She dragged her eyes away from the main event to their new interest and cocked her head to the side like a hunting bird watching a mouse. Of course no mouse would attract the Erlkings attention so and it annoyed her that she too didn't know who this woman was. With a derivative sniff she plucked a treat from her beau's plate and popped it in her mouth.

"Not many women would consider it fortunate to be under Midir's gaze," the Huntsman King had a habit of eating what he slept with.

 

[Seska the Dragonslayer]

A faint tremble ran up her spine at the touch, but whether it was pleasure or not was impossible to tell. Had the mask not been on, the woman was quite well versed in keeping her thoughts hidden. She did not, however, tell him to withdraw that hand.

"You may welcome, but there are those that dislike that which they do not know," she said in a low voice. She took her eyes away from the Erlking's son, whom she had already dismissed as a silly boy at absolute best. Silly, but probably as dangerous as so many in this place, including the man she now spoke with. She lifted the her glass, and closed her eyes as she allowed the liquid within the run across a tongue that had grown quite fond of such things over the years.

"I disagree," she said to his remark. "It is just that we fae take so much longer to do the things that humans do. They always flit about, so eager to pack their short little lives with all the living they can grasp." She shook her head, silver hair shifting. "As to worth?"

She laughed, a throaty laugh filled with a mirth that could not be truly understood. The seelie opened her eyes, and held Midir's steadily. "A strange concept, that. I could wax philosophical on the notion all night long and never reach its end. The only thing that has real worth is the Art, the prim, and the Balance. All else is ancillary - even you, and even me." She glanced sidelong at the room with hooded eyes. "Obviously a fair number of them as well." Which is to say she considered the ones not included in that list to be beneath even that.

"Though...it is amazing what the mortals, in particular, will do to one another based on their worth, or perception of it." A sip of the fine golden liquor. "Honestly, their antics are more interesting than we give them credit for." And certainly more dangerous. "What would you hear of, dear King?"

 

[Wilton Frae]

Oh! Things were so exciting! Wilton was bouncing up and down on his heels as his eyes restlessly wandered without care from scene to scene and group to group. Should he dance? Should he sing? Should he listen in on the dramatic little plays the other fae called their schemes and lives?

An audible grumbling escaped from his tum tum. Oh right. He hadn't eaten all day. He was far to excited after hearing news of the ball and his invitation getting lost. So to the food it was!

The clearly fae man skipped on over to the food table. He picked some little finger pastry off a passing tray with a spin never losing a step as he went along. Popping it into his mouth, he looked for something to drink. Ah! Another person with a tray! So he continued his skipping over to them and took it with a little bow into a spin out of the person's way. Not a single drop of his drink was lost.

To his lips went the refreshment and his eyes to the table of food to stuff into his mouth.

As the avatar of mischief and merriment made his way to the food table, the guests all over the ball might begin to notice something strange. Pinecones were being blimped by butterflies overhead randomly in every direction. Bits of glitterdust would ran down from them as well as whoever was responsible for this miracle had liberally overcoated both the cones and the butterflies in the stuff.

From the kitchen yelling could be heard by those close to it. Suddenly the door burst open as a fairy fled with quills in their butt from the surliest looking porcupine in all the realms. She chased down the target of her ire with gusto out of the open door. But once inside she stopped. So many strangers all around her! She bristled up and began to dart around attempting to quill people. She was determined to get them before they got her!

While all of this was going on, Wilton obliviously stuffed his face with whatever scrumptious morsel caught his fancy.

Seska the Dragonslayer Delun Vaer Nhimei Favashi Fraeya Midir Lorcan Diyue Rhianni Falerumasa Isiell Ariel

 

[Lorcán]

No?….. No?

A dark shimmer danced behind his eyes as he regarded the human girl, his jaw tightening for only a moment before his grin grew, though it was more of a mask than the one he physically wore. Oh he knew people were watching, he could feel their eyes and their amusement just as much as he felt his father’s disappointment. The latter didn’t bother him nearly as much, he’d intended on pulling on that thread, and here he was, drunk and being humiliated by a mortal girl in his own fucking home.

“I didn’t ask them.” he answered too calmly.

And now Ariel was flirting with her and basking in his delight of his rejection. His eyes rolled, and he tried not to let the feigned amusement slip from his face. He shot a glance to Delun and rolled his shoulders before stepping forward with a quiet laugh, as though her answer had been some hilarious sarcasm.

"No need to be shy, Lady." he rumbled, his voice like rolling thunder as he snaked an arm around her waist to sweep her onto the dance floor irrespective of her rebuff. "I promise, I'll be on my best behaviour.." he muttered over his shoulder to Delun, and lifted one of the tiny glasses of honey liquid from a passing tray to offer it to the girl.

"Drink."

 

[Ariel]

Ariel took Isiell's arm with a bow and a flourish, said something along the lines of it being his absolute pleasure, and wandered out to the floor with her.

"Is it truly gossip if everyone knows?" He mused as they began to move in step. "Mab's reign remains, as always, and per usual there are a few daggers moving about. It's really quite tiring to keep track of..." He trailed off. What was happening near the back? Was that yelling he could hear over the music? And what was that odd little creature with... a porcupine?

A passing glance of Lorcan and his captive partner returned his focus. "As if I need help to catch such eyes," he started, turned Isiell again, and peered back at Fraeya, "...but, uh, if we were to play your game, what did you have in mind?"

He spun her in two neat twirls before looping her back into his arms. "We wouldn't want to harm the poor thing. I dare say she's in enough danger already." And there, beneath the timbre of his banter, was genuine concern.

Ariel was notorious for his escapades in the mortal realms. While the Winter Court had no issue with mortal or half-breeds, word still travelled. Opinions on him varied from romantic to rakish, depending on who was asked (if they didn't say "who the hell is Ariel?"). Many assumed he simply took advantage, that he saw the mortals as easy prey for his indulgences.

This was patently untrue. Ariel appreciated them. Too many looked down on them, too many judged them inferior and lacking. Perhaps their lives were short and their means meager, but did this not make them admirable? Was not a woman who toiled away her fleeting youth more deserving of affection? Was she not more interesting?

After whatever transpired tonight, Ariel suspected he would need a long vacation from Underhill.

 

[Fraeya]

Fraeya barely had time to take in Ariel and his introduction with that slight bow. And the Isiell at his side. Gorgeous. All of them were gorgeous. And Fraeya was suddenly very thankful for the masks. Fraeya wasn't unattractive but she knew she had imperfections, like molded clay. Molded clary hardly stood up to perfections of carved gratine.

"What are you..," she inhaled sharply as his hand snaked around her waist and she was swept into the veritable spotlight. A hand pressed against his bare chest, like cold, hard rock, as she was swept into an intricate and dangerous dance, far beyond the twirling and dipping couples beside them, beyond her feet sliding and shuffling on the floor. Fraeya could feel the heat rising along her face even as her sharp eyes narrowed up at the prince.

If she didn't already have a target on her back, she knew she did now. She could feel the glares and stares of jealousy from all those fae females wishing they were in Fraeya's place. She caught a quick glance of the horrific king as she was tugged along, locked within Lorcan's arms. At least he seemed to be distracted by someone that trumped Fraeya's interest level.

Thank the dryads.

She blinked at the golden liquid. He'd given a command and not a question.

Never drink it.

Never.

She struggled to maintain that list that Vaer had given her. Be polite, BE POLITE, be po-

"No," she took a breath, eyes snapping back to the prince's face. His cold, frigid smile. The layers of masks he wore. She could see them. See them all. "Do you need me to explain to you what that word means?" Fingers twitched against his skin. She knew she was moments away from doing something she would most likely regret.

 

[Lorcán]

Lorcan looked down at her, his cheeks dimpling as a husky laugh tumbled from his lips.. "Oh I know what it means, Lady Fraeya, believe me." he answered in a low rumble with a glance toward his father. The old man certainly said it enough. "But it's such a boring word." he added, dragging his eyes back to her, his hand settling gently on the small of her back as once again he gestured to the little glass, twisting the stem betwixt his thumb and forefinger as his brow arched daringly.

"Come on, have some fun. Wouldn't want everyone to think you boring, would you?.." he taunted playfully, lifting the glass to let her smell the honeyed tonic. "It's just one drink. What's the worst that could happen, hm?." he winked.

 

[Fraeya]

Her nostrils flared as the sweet stuff drifted up her senses. Accusatory gaze lifted back to him. All chest and skin and muscles and darkness. And his wink, playfulness along the edge of a blade.

Her neck stiffened and she moved her other hand so her fingers enclosed around that wrist of his that lead to his fingers gripping the glass. A small, shove away. Like trying to move a mountain. "Prince Lorcan, I think you know that I do want everyone to think I'm boring. And I also think you know the worst that can happen." A pointed, knowing look up at the fae male.

"Or do you not think I see beyond the masks you wear? The games you're callously dragging me into? Or do you drink to forget?"

She should really not say so much to the prince of this court but now she was angry and perhaps she'd make him angry enough to release her and forget her all together.

 

[Isiell]

Isiell laughed softly as Ariel swung her out to the dance floor. She was about to say something about not wanting to know the common gossip, but rather the things he saw and noticed that no one else had when her companion's words trailed off. She saw where his gaze was directed, and smirked when she realized Ariel and finally noticed the odd one (Wilton Frae).

His attention quickly wandered back to the changeling, though.

"As if I need help to catch such eyes," he started, turned Isiell again, and peered back at Fraeya, "...but, uh, if we were to play your game, what did you have in mind?"

"I have a feeling it might be harder to catch her eyes," Isiell murmured, watching Lorcan and Fraeya's interactions closely despite Ariel spinning her. "The prince is setting things up nicely for you to swoop in and rescue her, however cliche that is."

"We wouldn't want to harm the poor thing. I dare say she's in enough danger already." And there, beneath the timbre of his banter, was genuine concern.

Isiell let out a mirthful laugh then. "For you, darling, I won't harm her... much."

The interaction between Lorcan and Fraeya was swiftly taking a hostile turn, though, and she slowed the dance with Ariel as they drew nearer where the two... bickered.

"Or do you not think I see beyond the masks you wear? The games you're callously dragging me into? Or do you drink to forget?"

"You aren't being dragged into the game," Isiell purred when she was within Fraeya's hearing. "You are the game."

 

[Wilton Frae]

This ball certainly was fancy. Wilton didn't even know know what most of the foods he was stuffing into his mouth were called. Little pastry thing of yum yum goodness was his name for most of them. It was far more accurate than the occasional fancy name one of the fancy guests would call them.

He did know what the tarts were. His mum called him a tasty tart all the time. Said his red hair and white skin reminded her of a raspberry tart.

A drink picked up and as he pressed it to his lips there came a THUMP from the table. A pinecone had fallen from air and upon impact an explosion of glitterdust went everywhere. A good portion of the food table was now ruined, unless you liked the taste of salt. Glitterdust oddly tasted like salt even though it wasn't.

He froze and stared. Where had that come from? An exhausted little butterfly landed on the back of his hand. Oh the glue had worn off. THE GLUE HAD WORN OFF!!!

All over the place glitterdust bombs began to drop. Explosions of shiny color followed everywhere the pinecones landed. The ruckus from near the kitchen got a bit louder and finally got Wilton's attention. He looked over to see a little open space had formed with a porcupine in the middle.

Oh no! He had to go deal with it right away!

So glass mostly full still in hand and butterflies landing, and some dying, all over after glitterdust pinecone bombs exploded, he began to dart towards the circle with the porcupine.

Wilton found himself running through the dancing in the ball room. He twirled and spun and stepped around the pairs without a single drop of his drink spilling. It was masterful footwork and made him look as if he was dancing with the whole room.

.... But then he spun in the wrong direction and bumped into a well dressed man. The contents of his drink spilled all over the man. He froze for a second then said, "My humblest apologizes! So sorry! So so sorry!"

Wilton went to pull out a handkerchief from his pocket and accidentally pulled out a pouch of glitterdust. It bust open and all of it got all over the man along with the spilled drink. All of that having taken place, Wilton decided he only had one course of action left to him: leave.

"Oh no! Not again! So so sorry! Sincerely my humblest apologizes! I have to attend to something else, but I will be back! Promise... Maybe!"

And then Wilton took back off towards his original destination.

As the man got to the little circle around the quill covered rodent, he called out in a concerned tone of voice, "Oh heavens! I hope you are not hurt my lady!"

A woman with a couple of quills in her hand looked over at Wilton. She didn't recognize him but she was happy someone was concerned. Tears began forming in her eyes. She was about to speak.... And then Wilton pushed past her into the open space.

"Lady Stewpot, come here!" Wilton said as he came to a knee with arms held wide open.

The porcupine stopped and looked over at the man. A second pause and then she waddled quickly in her version of a sprint to the man. She made noises at him.

"Yes, yes. I know. These scary people were being very rude to you. They should treat a Lady better than this." Yes, we can get you something to eat. You must be starving after such a fright!" Wilton said as the porcupine ended up literally climbing up his torso and shoulders before positioning herself on his back with her head next to his. Some how he didn't get quilled in the whole affair.

Midir Fraeya Seska the Dragonslayer Vaer Nhimei Isiell Ariel Delun Favashi Diyue Rhianni Falerumasa

 

[Lorcán]

Lórcan let out a quiet huff in his tedium as the girl refused the drink again, but the boredom on his face was slowly replaced by something a little more dangerous as she spoke. His jaw tightened, and through his mask his gaze narrowed on her face. He let out a breathy laugh, but it was a cold sound void of any amusement. "So the little bird bites.." he growled quietly.

He pried her fingers from around his wrist, and downed the drink himself, keeping his gaze set on her angry little face as he did so. The empty glass fell from his grip and disappeared, and with his free hand he reached to clasp her chin. "You think I can forget?.." he asked her bitterly. "Whilst you freely strut around this place?" his head tilted.

Isiell's passing comment caused his lips to twitch into a small smirk. She was right, of course, he was entirely aware of what games he was playing, and he leaned in close to her ear. "What makes you so special?.." he whispered, each word a little slower than the last before he pressed his lips against her cheek with a grin at the chorus of audible gasps from a few who watched.

 

[Fraeya]

That small star-shaped mark on the back of her neck flared as he dropped his glass. She tried not to focus on it too much. The way she could see the ripples of magic in the air. The mark on her neck burned in a nudge of warning. Even as Isiell’s comment made fear spark along her very bones.

“Freedom?” A twist of her lips into a bitter, fleeting smile beneath the leaves that hid the rest of her face. Lips parted to say more but then she winced at his bruising grip along her jaw. They never remembered how strong they were. Or perhaps they did and didnt care.

Even if the prince shared the same gilded cage she was in, at least he had power to do something about it. A small shudder as he drew closer. Fraeya thought of Willa. The other human girl she’d grown up with. How the fae had commanded the girl to dance naked in front of them. Their jeers and roving eyes taking in the human, female body. Fraeya had been forced to watch. To remain still. How they’d snapped Willa from the illusion they’d held her in so she’d realize her shame and what they’d just made her do.

And with Prince Lorcan’s kiss along her cheek, he ruined everything. Any sort of meager barrier Delun shielded her from was long gone. Too many eyes that wouldn’t forget at least in her lifetime. She couldn't stay in this court anymore. Fraeya thought of Willa. That look on the other girl’s face.

And that spark of fear turned to a wildfire of anger. That hand on her back. Grip on her chin. Lips on her cheek. Her response to his question was a sudden, sharp lift of her knee between the prince’s legs.

 

[Lorcán]

Frankly, he didn't think she had it in her, and frankly he had regrets. The moment her knee collided with his groin, his grip on her fell away and he doubled over before drunkenly staggering to a knee. His shock intake of air was shuddered back out, laced with a few choice insults for the girl. The pain was it's own animal with it's own category of terrible, his eyes and fists tight shut as he fought the urge to throw up every drink he'd consumed onto the polished tiles.

"Well fuck me." he coughed and looked up with a wince, an eye still shut against the pain that only seemed to be getting worse. He felt people approach him as though to assist him back to his feet, but they stopped short, no doubt unnerved by the shadow that seemed to crawl over him like tendrils of smoke, a temper and rage he was trying very hard to control.

He braced his forearm on his knee and blinked away the tears, his jaw clenching with the ache of each lasting wave. Two of his personal guards approached through the crowd, one of them taking his elbow to pull him up as the other moved toward Fraeya.

"Leave her." he grunted. She'd served her purpose, and removed any guilt he might've felt for whatever trouble he dragged her into, thanks to her swift knees.

 

[Ariel]

Isiell enjoyed chaos for chaos’ sake, and Ariel was always careful to keep his head on straight when she was about. He liked a good joke, a good bit of mischief as much as anyone, but sometimes it paid to remember that at the butt of the joke were people.

His face hardened beneath the stony mask as he watched Lorcan become ever more forceful with the girl, and while he continued to turn his partner, his gaze remained on Fraeya.

And then it happened. Ariel’s mouth parted and emitted a small, strangled sound of surprise. He double checked to make sure that Isiell was still in his harms and that she had not actually moved Fraeya’s knee herself. While she would no doubt be delighted in this turn of events, Ariel needed to put some cold water on this situation quickly.

He released his dance partner and, fluid as a river, swept down and laced Fraeya into his own arm about her waist, guiding her tenderly, but firmly, away from the kneeling prince.

“Time to go,” he whispered to her. He kept his face pleasant, both as a lie to onlookers that nothing untoward had just happened, and as an attempt to show the girl he was not her enemy.

If they could get to the edge of the room and out to the gates she might just get through this. He hoped she would be smart enough not to struggle.

 

[Vaer Nhimei]

"Not many women would consider it fortunate to be under Midir's gaze,"

Vaer offered neither agreement nor argument to her statement. As a loyal Hound of Sluagh, he would not tarnish his King’s reputation with his own tongue. In holding it, perhaps, he also gave some merit to her musing.

It was difficult to keep his attention on Midir and his mysterious partner, however, when Fraeya was turning reluctantly with Lorcan. A dangerous game, especially when Favashi was one of the onlookers. Especially given Midir's past actions regarding his son's partners. But his change in topic drew at least Favashi's attention away from his friend. A small success, even if he was helpless to distract the Erlking.

“Do not try to envy her too much. It is just as well he finds his entertainment elsewhere. Who would take all my money if you caught his attention?” he teased with a grin that passed beyond the coverage of his mask. “She must be be wyldfae. I do not recognize her from any of the seasonal Courts. But she can hardly be… a nobody… to...”

His attention trailed away toward a ruckus happening near the kitchens. A man was pushing a woman aside and speaking to… Was that a porcupine? The commotion was drawing a lot of looks from around the room. A group of cwn annwn from the Sluagh, gathered in a proverbial pack and previously engaged chattering loudly amongst themselves, now watched the creature intently. All four of them were frozen, waiting for some unspoken cue. The moment that porcupine's paws hit the floor, they'd be doing what their species did best.

As if by providence, the porcupine distraction came not a moment too soon. Vaer carefully glanced back toward Fraeya just in time to see her knee swiftly arriving to Prince Lorcan’s groin. He winced and drew a breath, as if he might have said something to stop her action, but he was far too late. Thankfully, Lorcan doubled over and another fae was already sweeping the girl away. Vaer withdrew his attention only as long as it took to throw a pointed look in Delun's direction. His charge was in an uncomfortable spotlight; he certainly hoped his sway with Midir as his second could assuage some of the trouble she was about to be in.

Vaer gave a grumble of displeasure as he raised his wine glass.

“If you and your friend can claim any part of tonight’s mischief, you’ll both be looking forward to advancements when you return to your Dawn Court,” he remarked before downing its contents.

He was not particularly fond of the relative chaos blooming in the room. The cwn looked poised to jump at any moment, Fraeya was slipping away while Lorcan was being aided to his feet by his guards, and... pinecones laden with glitter were dropping from the ceiling. His attention returned to the safest bet he dared make -- and broke his usual mode of siding on reason.

"400 gold on the porcupine giving the eldest Unori a mouth full of quills first."

 

[Diyue Rhianni]

Diyue’s smile was even brighter. Of course the dragon recognized her. It was a specific sort of delight that filled her when she heard her designation. Her amusement was not put on, and Diyue nodded knowingly.

“Ah. Well I hope you did not find your books too out of order and that any incompetency was quickly corrected,” she laughed. A business woman herself, she certainly understood having to step in from time to time. When Falerumasa asked after the theatre, Diyue's pride was apparent in her ever-present smile.

“You flatter me, Lady. One cannot judge the art by the word of the artist alone. We are still running The Color of Moonlight but we will be bringing Heir Without Honor soon. If you plan on returning to Underhill in the future, it would be an honor for you to attend one of our showings. On me, of course.” Diyue inclined her head and her smile curled with a little mischief. “I will not take no for an answer. Consider it my formal thanks for our continued business together -- and another reprieve from the frustrations of the young.”

Pleased with herself for making it impossible for Falerumasa to decline, she straightened and patted her companion’s arm.

“May I introduce my very good friend, the Peril of the Wild Hunt.”

Peril bowed deeply. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my Lady. My family makes their home at the edge of your strait. My father has always spoken very highly of you.” She turned to Diyue with a warm smile, her face hovering close. “If you ladies will excuse me, I’ll go fetch some refreshments.”

Diyue nodded, laying her hand over Peril’s before she slipped through the crowd toward the refreshment table. She watched her go, she appreciated the cut of the cat sith's gown before allowing her eyes to sweep the room. There was something happening near the kitchens, but she couldn’t see what.

“I am always surprised,” she sighed to Falerumasa as she took in the gathering, “at how our peers manage to remain so dignified while making such disarray.” She let a small chuckle.

About that time, her eyes landed on the Autumn Prince for the first time. She tipped her head to see past another dancer to get a better look at his partner only a moment before what appeared to be a mortal girl delivering a swift and sharp knee to his groin. Diyue’s brows rose and she politely averted her eyes. Gathering her composure, there was still the suggestion of a smirk at the corners of her mouth.

“Tell me, Lady. How are things in your strait?”

 

[Delun]

His family had always known he would not be the paternal type. Had seen signs of his lack of fatherly instinct in most cases involving his siblings and those after given the attitude of Deal with the consequences over stemming the problem altogether.

Sadly, they also knew it would come to bite him in the rear when he least expected it.

Fraeya had been a special case in his mind. Someone that needed at least a the very least a safe harbor in the storm that was the fae. And he had been more than willing to provide it. The comments from Lorcan had been near to completely ignored as he prepared himself to continue writing. Tea being set aside before picking up the brush once more to transcribe something more.

But eyes had fell upon him. Not long after the swift lift of a knee had set in motion something even he might not be capable of simply excusing or even saving face in the light of. There was an equally pointed look back to Vaer Nhimei before the male of the Haoqi family set aside the brush once more and examined the scene that had developed.

A quilled guest had been set loose, causing in it's own right a bit of chaos. Ariel was already moving the pieces about as Lorcan was tending himself. His legs slid out from their place, gracing the floor as he sat atop the slightly raised place and tilted his head toward the Prince.

"Firstly, young prince. Ladies of all varieties enjoy the presence of a suave being paying them lip service of all kinds. But you will find that the sweetest fruit is never found by pulling harshly at what is not ready to be plucked." His hands pushed him up from his seat, a slow motion that gave him a second to gather his thoughts.

"And second, I would save face in this moment by admitting to yourself that attempting to anger your father by dancing with a mortal was a silly thing. My assistant is such not because she bends at the slightest breeze, but because she causes the least amount of trouble and does her work." He walked around the young prince but stopped halfway.

"I keep clear accounts of all transgressions committed that require balance. Be it mortal or fae, and more oft than not, the hunt finds its way to exact the balance. As has been done in this moment." He tilted his head down. "Further action would throw the balance out, and exact a price that may yet be seen but wholly detrimental to all involved, not just myself and my assistant. Excuse my presence, as I should inform the king that our quilled guest startled my assistant into a reprehensible action of which I shall pay for."

He did not wait for the prince's reply as he made his way to where Midir and Seska the Dragonslayer stood. His gaze was clearly on Midir as he neared but stopped far short to not interrupt or drop eaves, his hand moving in that subtle way that silently asked for the Erlking's attention.

 

[Isiell]

While the shenanigans by the strange attendee with the porcupine were certainly proving to hold some entertainment, Isiell was far too fascinated with the little drama playing out between the Autumn Prince and Delun's pet.

Causing a chaotic environment was easy. Child's play, really, and while she would certainly indulge in that from time to time--especially if she wanted to be noticed--what she really thrived on was manipulating others to cause the chaos themselves. Then she couldn't be blamed, and she was entertained, and the effects often lasted far, far longer.

And as she and Ariel continued to turn around the dance floor, she didn't miss Lorcan's smirk at her comment, nor the scent of Fraeya's heightening fear.

"You'll get your moment soon, Ariel," she whispered quietly to her dance partner with a devious grin.

She had expected Fraeya's fear to turn to anger. Fear almost always did, at some point, it was just a matter of when. What she did not expect was for Fraeya to deck the Autumn Prince, and a delightedly shocked smirk curled over her lips as at least half of the ballroom ground to a sudden halt.

"Oh, I was not expecting that," Isiell whispered in fascination as Lorcan stumbled to a knee, then directed her comments to Ariel. "Now's your moment, lover boy, or I'm going to go get her. She looks like fun."

Ariel was already releasing her, though, and swooping in to save the human girl.

“If you and your friend can claim any part of tonight’s mischief, you’ll both be looking forward to advancements when you return to your Dawn Court,” he remarked before downing its contents.

She was close enough to Favashi and Vaer to hear Vaer's comment, and she smirked at him over her shoulder before turning her attention back to the scene continuing to play out. Delun had finally pulled himself from his solitude, and was speaking with Lorcan, and Isiell wandered over curiously.

"I keep clear accounts of all transgressions committed that require balance. Be it mortal or fae, and more oft than not, the hunt finds its way to exact the balance. As has been done in this moment." He tilted his head down. "Further action would throw the balance out, and exact a price that may yet be seen but wholly detrimental to all involved, not just myself and my assistant. Excuse my presence, as I should inform the king that our quilled guest startled my assistant into a reprehensible action of which I shall pay for."

Her brow arched beneath her mask and her mouth twisted wryly at his words, and when Delun walked away to divert the Erlking's attention from the situation, Isiell swooped in.

"That backfired beautifully," she said to Lorcan, eyeing the bodyguard still supporting the prince's elbow. "I was going to set all the punch on fire, but you've set the stage quite excellently instead. Now, if you'll tell me what you're really trying to accomplish here, maybe I can help."

She stepped a little closer and leaned in to whisper, "Unlike Delun, I find balance to be overrated. Balls are so much more fun when everyone is trying to keep their footing."

 

[Fraeya]

She only stared and stared and stared at the prince. A ringing growing in her ears. Anger faltering to dread. A flinch as the guards came near and a flicker of surprise as Lorcan ordered the one to leave her.

The shadows.

What were the shadows?

She didn’t regret what she’d done but that didn't stop her from being scared. She felt numb as another fae male. The one from earlier. Ariel? Swept her up in his arms.

But she couldn’t stop staring back at the prince. As Ariel’s dance partner went to his side. For a moment, her eyes locked with Lorcan’s. From one caged bird to another. Even if she was a wren and he a hawk.

Wide-hazels finally broke away as they tracked a new figure. Delun. He would never win father of the year but he was still family. The only family she had or known. Fingers tightened along Ariel’s shoulder as she watched him approach the dreaded King Midir.

Nononono.

A silent plea as her eyes locked briefly with Vaer’s.

The glitter continued to rain down. Another commotion with an animal and a strange looking, wild fae.

“Wait,” a strangled whisper to Ariel, neck craning to watch Delun

 

[Midir]

The Erlking gave a ghost of a smile, but a ghost of a smile from him was like a feral grin from most fae gathered here. There was amusement, hunger, danger all rolled into one. Seska had always been peculiar compared to other fae but Midir was mindful that was to do with her age. Even he could feel it - and the power that came with it. It was a rather delicious thing and his fingers slid further round to her hip to settle his hand there possessively. There was no way he wanted to miss this rare chance to be able to bathe in it for a while.

"How about--"

The smiled vanished as the situation on the dancefloor unravelled. He of course knew his son would try something, anything, to get his attention. It was pitiful really, these acts of disgrace in an attempt to earn his... well anything, he supposed. Seska was enough of a distraction to keep him from caring an ounce that he was attempting to dance with Delun's pet mouse, but when said mouse turned out to have a little bite...

Interesting.

His eyes followed the girl as she was quickly swept up by someone else and he ran a tongue over his lips. Perhaps, he would need to pay more attention to the mice running about his court.

"How about the story of the mortal who has surprised you most?" He finished smoothly before noticing Delun and giving a small sigh. It was the one fae he would forgive for interrupting him. "Excuse me, my lady," he kissed her hand gently before stalking off to see his right hand man.

 

[Ariel]

Ariel, despite his better judgement, slowed their escape from brisk to leisurely. Eyes of gray-green tracked from the girl to her master and back, and his lips tightened.

He brought his cheek alongside hers and whispered to her ear. "It is best if you are unseen for a time." The darkness from Lorcan had been but a warning, and Delun would not likely protect her from its full force.

He batted some sort of floating tree matter out of his way as they neared the room's edge. From a nearby table, wreathed in florals, he pulled a two delicate goblets. He didn't know what they were filled with, but he thrust one into Fraeya's hands. "Drink it or don't, but do try to act... normal." Perhaps they could blend into the background long enough for tempers to cool.

He took a sip himself, finally looking back at the situation between Delun and the Erlking unfold. A glance back at Fraeya, and then a half-smile. "Would a dance have been so terrible? Your trampled toes would have healed up fine." His joking wouldn't likely raise her spirits, but he felt compelled to try.

 

[Favashi]

Favashi's eyes glistened with mischief at Vaer Nhimei's words and her sly answering smile was the only warning he got before she raised the glass of wine to her lips and took a sip.

"Fetch, doggies," she whispered quietly and her eyes flashed gold. It was a subtle thing and did not always work; a creature had to already be inclined towards doing an action for her 'nudges' of these kinds to take effect. However, the fae of war didn't think that that was going to be a problem here with how the Erlkings mutts all watched the porcupine scurry back to its owner. She could feel their urge to give chase and all she did was... nudge it.

Predictably, chaos erupted as several cwn annwn from the Sluagh darted after the poor creature.

Bored of that she turned her gaze once more to the poor prince and mortal girl who had earned his attention. She was not so blind to not notice that her companion's gaze also seemed to follow her. A bell-like laugh rang out and she shook her head.

"My friend, I can tell you now for free, but that way leads chaos."

 

[Seska the Dragonslayer]

She watched as the Erlking made his way away from her with a lidded gaze and a mask for a face that would have done the blank porcelain she chose to wear proud. It was quite possible her real face would have given away less. Maybe; a crack had appeared in that mask and it revealed only a trace of the maelstrom that roiled deep within.

Was it fury? Or was it simple vexation? Whatever it was, the ancient seelie gave off a palpable sense of danger, a twisting of the prim within her immediate vicinity and likely enough to sour a few fellow fae's good time. She seldom spoke to any, and in fact seldom even was in the company of another. A visit to a fete like this was a wild dalliance that served little purpose but to remind her of what it was that she avoided most of her life.

But being denied a chance at having a conversation with someone that could, likely, understand some of the layers that made up her soul...that irritated her greatly.

Glitter rained down, but without even thinking of it, it swirled in the air round her, a sparkling curtain that touched not one hair on her head, not one thread of fabric. She cast a baleful glance at its source, but refrained from doing anything.

Yet.

It was to Lorcan - a fool of a boy - and Fraeya that she directed that intense scrutiny to. Standing there, holding the glass offered her that was half empty, with the ghost of the Erlking's touch on her skin, she stared hard at Lorcan first. The fool had gotten what he so richly deserved, but hadn't received as much as she would likely have given him had she been in Midir's place. Although, to be fair, that encounter had yet to occur.

She glanced away, crystalline eyes searching for the other interruption of her evening. She found her, near the edge of the room and with another. Those implacable eyes seemed capable of lowering the temperature in the room and it was just as well that they were hidden within shadows at that moment.

A mortal that most surprised me? The thought was fleeting, but close to the surface. She laughed to herself, and it was not a pleasant laugh at all, low though it was. "Why, the list is so long I could hardly pick one. It always seems to be the most recent one, though," she murmured to herself, and slowly began to make her way through the room, towards the mortal and Ariel. There was no reason to it - yet, at least - but it wasn't as if she had anything better to do now that that worthy and another had run off her entertainment for the evening.

A flash of anger. Only a flash, a single spark, but intense for all of that. Gliding like a ghost between beautiful people, eyes focused on one place and careless of whether they or any other knew it.

 

[Wilton Frae]

So there Wilton was with Lady Stewpot perched on his back and shoulder telling him how terrible these people were to her. She gnawed on the edge of his bark mask when he replied back with "You don't say?" and "No!" and "How dare they!" to let her know he was paying attention. Which he was! In fact he had stopped paying attention to what was going on around them.

Then he noticed the dogs. Dang dogs! They had been enemies of the Stewpots since her grandfather held them off years ago when they barked at the squirrels. That was why people preferred cats.

"One moment my Lady." Wilton cheerfully chirped as he booped her snoot.

Lady Stewpot huffed and focused on chewing his mask.

Wilton reached into his pockets as he began to bound around in an odd dancing way. As he did he began to sing say, "Mean ugly doggies~ Mean ugly doggies~ Why you look so sad? You're huffing out trouble! Puffing out trouble! Don't be so mad! Just rest if your sleepy! Or chase the one oh so creepy!"

Then the male threw glitterdust everywhere as he spun in a circle. Any of the hounds it hit would begin to feel sleep or would start to go after the creepiest person in the room (whoever that was).

Midir Fraeya Favashi Seska the Dragonslayer Lorcan Vaer Nhimei Ariel Delun Isiell Diyue Rhianni Falerumasa

 

[Lorcán]

Of course Ariel was there to sweep the human girl away. Lorcan glowered after her, his lips twitching slightly as he met her gaze, a hint of a smile that warned of a challenge accepted, that hinted of retribution, a debt now owed.

His hand swept into his tousled hair as casually as he could, all whilst resisting the urge to fall back to the floor and just, lay there. His jaw was tightly clenched, the muscles feathering slightly as he moved, dusting himself off and smoothing out his dark jacket and his dented ego.

Delun's analogy about unripened fruit was met with roll of his eyes and a sharp, nasal sigh. He didn't argue, though his brows knit as the man spoke of balance and walked off. Lorcan's gaze followed after him. "And what of my balance - Delun? One day those scales will tip in my favour." he growled, rolling his shoulders and neck as he muttered to himself, catching his father's glance and following his gaze in Fraeya's general direction. He smirked.

Isiell's comment had him spinning courtly on his heels, his head tilting as he regarded her with an affable grin. "Did it now?.." he asked in a smooth tone and gave a husky chuckle at her offer. Lorcan's brow rose as she leaned in to whisper to him, and as she did he watched over her shoulder as Seska seemed to be making her way toward Fraeya. His lips curled and he cleared his throat, his hand held out to Isiell with a subtle bow.

"My Lady, my only wish is to get through this shit show and try to have a little fun in the meantime. Dance with me, and lets see this night might improve a little. Just... Let's not talk of 'balls'. It's too soon.." he winced.