Fae Courts Life, Freedom, and Revelry

[The Brothers Vitae]

Compared to their seasonal neighbors in the Autumn Court, the Vitae's abode was a humble one. A single large estate hidden deep within the forest, though for its three residents, the place often seemed far too empty and spacious. Such was not to the case tonight. Brilliant decorations of onyx, gold and silver adorned the walls and halls of the Vitae Estate. All about, charmed Zorrens carried platters topped with drinks and treats for those who took part in the festivities. Throughout the main hall would be a plethora of tables, each carrying cards and boards for various games that opponents might gamble on. These tables surrounded a large dancefloor given life by the troop of troubadours standing atop a large stage by the stairs to the estate's residential wings. Opposite the stage and near the entry way doors would be a large bar where the drinks were always flowing, gathered from around the world and often sampled by a certain non-present warlock in the service of the lord of secrets. Surrounding both the floor and the tables were booths along the walls where guests could attend to more private discussions, a consideration that Varos of course had seen too.

The grounds, hidden from the rest of the Ixchel wilds by a great many glamours and illusions were scattered with various outdoor activities, though the dueling rings were featured rather prominently. Wulren's idea of course, the rings were a place where fae might go to test themselves, or even settle old grudges if more diplomatic means had failed in garnering an understanding. Archery and various competitions of thrown weapons were also on display, likely owing to the rather active duties that the Vitae court had given themselves in the world's events.


Back within, as the music began to play and the festivities allowed to commence, the trio of organizers would appear atop the double staircase, Varos in his finest of dark robes, Wulren in his shiniest and most decorated armor, and Rerreno standing between the pair in his most glamourous of golden outfits. "Ladies and Gentlemen, duannan, warlock and whoever in between that might have seen fit to grace us with your presence," Rerreno began, fixing the room with his brightest of smiles, "Our halls have stood empty and our doors closed for over a millennium now. And for this, you have our deepest apologies. In our duties to the mortal realm, we seem to have forgotten our place amongst our own kind. Therefore, we bid you, come and make merry. Use tonight to remind yourselves that we are still quite well, quite present, and quite eager to mingle with our kind once more."

 

[Raphael]

Raphael swirled the golden liquor in his goblet but paid no attention to how it glittered like a summer sun. His whole focus was on the mysterious trio of brothers who had finally appeared to greet their gathered guests. There was an excitement which charged the air with the same type of energy that was usually felt before a lightning storm or a powerful unleashing of magic. It was hardly surprising with so many fae from all corners of the globe gathered to see the mysterious trio's home after all these years, but it put the Puca on edge. Every part of his training and instincts told him that tonight was a night to keep his wits about him and so he hadn't touched a drop of the wine in his hands and used it as a prop to grant him access to circles and conversations that a looming solitary fae with a mean glower wouldn't be permitted into otherwise.

As the speech ended and the polite clapping ended, Raphael allowed the tides to sweep him towards the duelling rings which had barely paused to be greeted by the hosts. It seemed the majority of the guests favoured this particular spot and he found himself a seat upon one of the upper rings that overlooked the cages below and nursed his drink in what outwardly appear as a casual manner.

You didn't attract bees with sour grapes and he intended to get as much information as he could on the brothers and their court. It was his job, after all, as the Erlkings Truth-Seeker. He was just glad tonight his only tools were his wits and his charm and not the blades he had left safely in the vaults back home.

 

[Olyssa]

Olyssa famously skirted any and all functions the Autumn Court held. The music, the intensity of magic, and the general fact she had to act in a certain way if she attended as part of the Erlkings Court, meant she much preferred to spend those types of nights in the stables or the Wilds proper with the animals and beasts who would be most affected by a large gathering of fae. Neither did she particularly like to travel too far to the parties the Summer Court or Winter Court put on which were often much duller affairs anyway. The result over the centuries had been that her reputation was of a wallflower instead of the life of the party which suited her just fine except that sometimes... sometimes she also liked to have a dance, a little wine, and take a night off.

When she had heard that there was to be a party practically in her own backyard Olyssa had seen her chance to cash in one such evening. And the next morning, just to be certain of course.

The petite sidhe's wings fluttered in an unconscious manner as she pulled back the long bow with a surprising strength for one of her size. The other fae running the small competition quirked a brow but said nothing as she lined up her shot and let go of the string on the exhale. The arrow made a satisfying thunk as it slammed home through the centre for the third time in a row and she gave a grin to the two fae she had been up against. A nymph with purple skin swore and stormed off, slamming down his money as he went, and the other with a face like a fox only grimaced and offered a sketchy brow before slinking off. She was acquiring quite the little pile of gold which she made disappear somewhere about her person. Even in a dress such as hers there were methods of stashing coin.

"Quite the aim, Miss," the man running the game commented as he went to pull the arrows from the board. Olyssa shrugged with an easy smile then turned to find some other form of entertainment. Perhaps the dagger throwing...

 

[The Brothers Vitae]

As fast as they might have appeared together, the trio almost as suddenly dispersed. While they would always show their brotherly bonds to the public, their differences couldn't be ignored and to see them agreeing on a single diversion was near impossible. While Rerreno calmly walked down to the stairs to mingle with the croud below, Varos and Wulren stalked off to their own interests.

Wulren's path took him to the outdoors and as he reached the threshold, he placed his hand upon the wall, grinning widely as he withdrew a long silvery blade, glowing with ley magic imbued into the metal. Even to a keen eye, it would be difficult to tell if the sword, once a design on the surface of the wall had been pulled from glamour or transmutation. A man of towering physigue, his muscles beneath the armor seemed to have been hewn from stone, and his face, naturally graced with fae comeliness held scars like tattoos which only seemed to add to his appeal. Every step that carried the silver armored wolf radiated with power, strength, and purpose. His platinum eyes sparkled with glee as he set eyes on the fae already taking their places in the rings of his design. For the lord of war, most fae events were dreadfully boring with dancing being the most physical activity to be done in public. But now as he hopped the rail into the ring before a live audience, he felt more at home than he had for centuries locked up and fighting against inanimate dummies. "COME ON THEN! Let me see what I've been missing!" he bellowed, his grip on the hilt tightening as he looked around.

Raphael

Varos walked with the silence of death himself as he slipped through the crowd, keeping to the shadows though his eyes and ears travelled among the throng of people. Curiosity abounded about himself and his brothers, but he paid no mind. Given time and questions, that which he was willing to disclose would be learned. In truth, he was a bit conflicted in his role in the night. It was he who controlled the court's secrets, but while they weren't here to open every book, he couldn't deny that tonight's purpose was quite the opposite of secrecy. His brother had not exaggerated when he said it was time to mingle with the rest of the fae world, and that required a certain level of transparency, or at least, the desire to not be a hermit.

As the fox walked, he found himself faced with an interesting sight. A green haired fae seemed to be extending her talents in the archery range, and if his intelligence was correct(Which it always was), such talent was coming from what might be considered a living decoration. "Quite the aim, indeed," he purred on his approach, nodding to dismiss the bow offered by the game master. "I take it you've been enjoying yourself at our festivities miss, if for no other reason than your heavier pocket." His voice was low and quiet with an almost conspiratorial tone, though his voice would ring in the head of all who heard it as though his lips were placed next to their ear.

Olyssa

 

[Sio Lusce]

Siobhan Lusce was still young by the standards of the fae and this was not only her first social event, it was her first time leaving the Night Court. To say that she was vibrating with excitement would be an understatement. She had begged Saang to accompany her to the party and he had given in citing something about diplomacy and yada yada. She tuned out and started planning as soon as he had said yes.

She clapped politely with the rest of the guests as the speech ended and then looked around the room for some entertainment. There was plenty to be had and she made a mental note to go to the archery range later. First, she needed some wine. Siobhan meandered through the crowd, her black dress flowing gracefully behind her as she moved. She did not end her quest until she came to the large bar where she ordered a glass of deep burgundy wine.

She took her glass and started to work her way through the crowd again. She had not found anyone particular that she wanted to speak with yet. Everyone seemed to know someone and she content to people watch and listen for the time being.

The Brothers Vitae

 

[Zaire]

Luella Balsinde hadn’t planned on intending, parties usually made her want to sleep in the next day and it was already troublesome enough getting out of bed before the sun rose. However, missing this wouldn’t be in her best interest, and so she was here, listening to Rerreno’s speech, politely clapping after and then dispersing with everyone else.

Luella had seen the ring reserved for brawls, and she could only assume what fun could be made there. She deftly maneuvered around everyone, picking up a flute of sparkling champagne off a tray. By the time she had arrived at the ring, the flute was empty and she discarded it on a tray reserved for gathering empty glasses.

Many seats seemed to be filling up and Luella couldn’t help but raise a brow curiously when one of the brothers went to take center stage. He was massive, Luella noted, having the stature every warrior dreamed of. She was a bit envious of his bulk, the power behind each swing of his sword must be overwhelming to face. Which was also probably why no one stepped forward. Those near the rings seemed to become quiet, and Luella herself felt such hesitation.

She considered her attire, a more simple tulle dress that didn’t restrict her movements. It wasn’t one of her favorites, so if it got dirty… well, she wouldn’t be too upset. Luella tied her platinum hair back before entering the ring, her body buzzing with anticipation.

“I’m afraid I left my beloved claymore at home,” Luella said, raising her mellow voice so that others other than Wulren could hear. “May I borrow a sword? Or, if you prefer, we can spar with just our hands.” Luella hoped another sword was lying around, because to spar against someone bigger and stronger than her was going to be a nightmare.

 

[Signe Lusce]

There was nothing Signe loved more than having an opportunity to go to an event, especially one that she knew she could dance her heart away in. Night Court affairs tended to be so drab and boring whenever she had been forced to attend them, and so this was going to be a delightful little treat. She had arrived with others of her family, but after the speech, they seemed to have gotten separated. Signe had gone off to compliment dresses of other fae or to coo at the way they had styled her hair, and it wasn’t long before she had started asking questions— which seemed to have scared a few of them off.

Dejected, Signe Lusce had looked around her, and was relieved to see her little sister, Siobhan, drinking wine. Well, at least Siobhan wouldn’t turn her away. Playfully, Signe snuck her way behind Siobhan and gently placed her soft hands over her eyes.

“Guess who?” She teased, her sultry voice giving her identity away easily. “What are you doing, lovely?” Signe then decided to spin her sister around to face her, an excited grin appearing. “I saw a place to dance, over there. Come dance with me,” the gleam in her viridian eyes was unmistakable. “You owe me, after all, I know it was you that planted those little firecrackers in the garden to scare the gardener.” She paused, thinking over her words. “Or it was Sybil.”

Siobhan Lusce

 

[The Brothers Vitae]

Wulren's wild excited eyes fell on beautiful voice in the crowd. With a broadening smile and a twirl of his sword, he let out a sharp whistle. "Someone get the lass a blade! Claymore was it, miss?" The flat of his steel clacked lightly against the metal of his pauldron as he watched a nearby servant bustle off to a retrieve a rack of weapons. It was an odd idea for him that someone might come to an event unarmed, but as his brothers oft reminded him, the world of their created mortals and the world they came from were oft different in many ways.

It wasn't long before a sizeable armory rack was brought out, lined with swords of all varieties form rapiers to the aforementioned claymore. Each one seemed to shimmer lightly with an ethereal light, a hint to their leyron material. "Would you like me to speak a blunting charm? I'd hate to ruin such a lovely dress." With every word and action, his eyes never once left his new opponent. Invigorated by the challenge, his body seemed charged with energy, but behind his excited gaze was a methodical gleam as Luella's every step found itself scrutinized. The fun of battle wasn't always in strength, and while he had more honor than to devolve into his shadowy brother's tactics, Wulren knew that only fools forgot to bring their minds to a match.

Luella Balsinde

 

[Zaire]

Luella stepped over to the rack the moment it had been brought over, her gimlet gaze going over each sword. They were expertly made, dabbling in dueling and weapons herself, she could see the skill and time spent in making these. She was deciding between a longsword or claymore, taking her time in figuring out what she wanted— something with reach considering hers was naturally less than Wulren, but did she just want to slash? She felt those sorts of attacks wouldn’t phase him, and so she went with the claymore after all.

“Oh, thank you but there’s no need,” Luella said, lifting the claymore with ease with one hand. She stood away from the rack, testing the weight of the large sword in her had, and gave a few practiced swings and even a few thrusts. “You won’t be getting close to me.” She said confidently, looking Wulren in the eyes. “I think this shall do, thank you.” She came to face him once again in the center of the arena with grin, bending her knees. The only thing she was really worried about when it came to her dress was the possibility of something being shown if she had to do any crazy maneuvering.

She continued to hold the borrowed claymore in one hand, a skill few had, which was why she liked to show it off. The moment the weapons rack left the arena was when Luella took a breath, her whole body had tensed. The dress hid her sculpted form, it was loose so one wouldn’t see the tight, mighty sinews of her biceps or thighs. But she didn’t move forward, no, instead she was poised to block and pivot.

The Brothers Vitae

 

[Olyssa]

"I take it you've been enjoying yourself at our festivities miss, if for no other reason than your heavier pocket."

Olyssa turned towards the voice, dragging her gaze with some effort from the growing pile of gold that went un-won again this round of throwing knives. As always her gaze had to travel up to reach a pair of haunting eyes and forced her to tilt her chin up. Her wings tremored in frustration though across her face she painted nothing but a faint smile and inclined her head with grace.

"It is not often I get a chance to enjoy myself at these affairs," she conceded and ran her eyes critically down the man's attire. Fae could be some of the hardest creatures to read and in the same breath the easiest. What secrets they did not let their tongue flap about might appear instead in something as small as a detailed bit of embroidery. It appeared such a thing could not be said of this man. His dark robes appeared to almost consume the soft light of torches and candles whilst the obsidian of his eyes reflected it like the inky pools of a midnight cove. Very interesting, she thought with her lips pursed.

"Olyssa," she offered out her hand to shake in a gesture that no doubt would have horrified her King but Midir had long since learnt it was best to leave the Sidhe to her own ways when it returned such good results. "Of the Autumn Court," she added almost as an afterthought. Her work took her across the Courts and she cared very little for what drawn up lines she trampled over in order to do her research. It was pure coincidence that her dress tonight was reflect of her current allegiances. The burnt orange gown was a modest full length affair clasped together at her shoulders by fine golden chains but plunged low at the back to accommodate for her gossamer wings. The silk that had been used had been spun from her very own Goldfingered-Spyders, a fact of which she was immensely proud.

"You look familiar," she pursed her lips again with that thoughtful frown.

 

[Raphael]

Raphael didn't show any signs of surprise when one of their Hosts themselves stepped into the ring; Wulren if his information was correct. He did, however, quirk a brow at the opponent who stepped forward. Lady Luella was a figure he had seen about the Autumn Court; her lavender eyes and fair hair were a rare combination in the more tropic climate of the Ixchel Wilds and thus made her stand out. Aside from the brief glimpses he had had little other dealings with her which was to be commended. After all, it was only those in his Majesties bad graces that resulted in them ending up in his domain of the Palace.

Still, it would be interesting to learn a little more about her. From the Secrets that came whispering to him she was a fearsome warrior and the show would be an entertaining affair.

As a gnome wandered past with a tray of food he leant and plucked a bag of freshly popped corn with sweet syrup smeared over the top. He settled back into his chair to watch.

 

[Sio Lusce]

Siobhan rolled her eyes as the hands over her eyes were joined by Signe's smooth voice. She loved her sisters dearly, all of them, really. Signe was just too chipper and she loved dancing way too much. Siobhan did not share her sisters graceful moves even if their bodies were build similarly. Signe had a special power that came with her lithe body while Siobhan had to focus to not fall over her own feet.

She could not say no to those big green eyes as Signe spun her to face her. As the second youngest, Signe had always been in her life and she really was a great big sister. With a sigh, she finished her glass of wine in a single drink and set it on a passing tray.

Siobhan could not stand to let any of her siblings down and she held out her hand. If Signe was going to make her dance then Signe was going to take the lead. It was only fair, after all.

"I owe you nothing, big sister. That was the hellion herself with only a little help from me. I just wanted to set them on fire, but I knew mother would not like that. Keeping gardeners on staff has been the bane of her long existence." One of the banes, anyways. Her children did not help her sanity.

As they entered the dance floor, Siobhan tucked a few strands of her thick red curls behind her ear before she turned to her sister again in preparation for the dance.

As the music switched to a new song, the sisters started to move around the dance floor. Siobhans long, beautiful curls and her flowy black dress wrapping around her everytime she spun or moved too quickly. "I feel so out of place, Signe. How do you do this? Especially at home, where we are not wanted."

Signe Lusce

 

[Jago Rhys]

The Hound had arrived. The Spear of the Sluagh blended from shadow to shadow as he paced the entire room. Golden eyes observed all, he's hands flexing into fists as his lip curled in distaste. He finally made his move to the bar, hand wrapping a glass of straight alcohol as he tilted his head back and drank every drop.

The fae were good at making fools of themselves, and tonight was no exception. Still, he came to test his skill in the arena and that was all. He stalked through the crowd, stepping between and around people with a graceful ease. He was easily taller than most, and it made his destination easier to reach.

He approached the edge of the area where one of the brothers and a female he did not know sparred. He would watch, for now. Slanted eyes watching every movement the two fae made.
The Brothers Vitae

 

[Signe Lusce]

Signe was almost always smiling, but at Siobhan’s gracious compromise, Signe was full on beaming. She knew she didn’t enjoy dancing as much as she did. Luckily, Signe was smart enough to keep things simple: less dedicated footwork and often taking the lead. She held her sisters hands gently, as they found a spot with plenty of space.

“Ah, but you were a part of it,” Signe giggled as it didn’t matter to her. She had done quite a lot of caretaking for Siobhan, despite often losing sight of her whenever she wanted to be mischievous. In Signe’s defense, she was easily distracted and Sio had always been one to quickly figure things out. “I hope Sybil behaves today,” she mused, looking briefly worried. “You’re not there to keep her out of trouble.” The worry soon vanished as she twirled her sister around, easily distracted as always.

“You’re doing just perfect. You’re pretty and I have you, so if anyone is staring it’s because they think you’re cute!” Signe assured her with a wink, despite the fact that the entire time she had kept a firm grip on Sio. She’d never let any of her precious little sisters stumble, and despite being labeled as the ditzy one, her family trusted her because was steadfast on keeping them safe. The Lusce siblings were as tight as drums despite each one being different.

“I think we’re wanted. I like to think Saang wanted a little sister so strongly that the universe decided to give him six.” There was no mention of how it upset their father to the point Signe couldn’t quite recall she last saw him. Not that this fact bothered her any longer. Her green eyes only shown with joy, not clouded by any sort of negativity. “I’m going to dip you down now, remember to lift a leg up for balance,” she informed her, placing one hand on the small of her back before doing so. Thank goodness Siobhan was light. “This is your first time in another court, what do you think of it?” She asked as she brought her sister back to her feet, letting her recollect herself as they swayed together.

Siobhan Lusce

 

[The Brothers Vitae]

The lord of war raised a brow at Luella Balsinde's assertion. He enjoyed confidence in a woman, but against one known as the Lord of War, perhaps such confidence was treading into the territory of hubris. Only time would tell as he lifted his blade into a basic guard, the weapon angled and pointed between her eyes. "You're most welcome," Wulren growled cheerfully before starting forward, his grip tightening ever slow slightly just above the pommel and once more at the base of the crossguard.

Her unusual stance didn't go unnoticed and he made sure to take in every bit of it, hoping to know for what reason she would forgo the leverage needed to manipulate such a weapon. He couldn't disagree that she was strong enough to hold it. What was left to be seen was whether or not she possessed the skill to wield it. Stepping like a wolf treading through the underbrush, the larger fae brought himself closer and closer to the point of being in measure, testing out his opponent and seeing how she might react to the steady pace as opposed to one of a reckless charge.



"I should hope tonight will give your plenty of chances to make up for missed opportunity, Lady Olyssa," Varos purred as he reached forward to accept her hand. Quickly, a lopsided grin formed on his impish features, amused by her quaint casualness. "Varos of the Brothers Vitae. I should hope I look familiar, you've entered my earth." After taking a moment to draw in the sight of the woman before him, Varos released her hand and placed his own back within his darkened robes, far more muted than the fanfare of most his kind wore to such events, though a trim of deep navies and the barest of gold filament accented the qualitiy of the silk that had been woven for it. "Your colors suit you by the way."

Looking back to the competition and the waiting contestants, a faint chuckle left Varos' throat as one of his hands reappeared, wielding an obsidian blade. "My larger brother hates these things. Calls them puny and useful only for dirty tricks and spreading honey. I've always found it amazing that with the flick of a wrist, something so small can fell a man with a weapon as long as his body."

Olyssa

Rerreno for his part, found himself far less focused in his attentions. Fae after fae found themselves greeted by the lord of diplomacy as he sipped at a glass of sparkling wine. Many of his contacts had fortunately been maintained, even in his court's dark period, and now there was work to do to ensure such bonds stayed strong, while he reaped their benefits. However, this was not a night for simply meeting old friends. It was a new era in the fae world, that much he could feel. A new era meant new friends and as he turned his gaze to the dance floor, a pair of ruby haired siblings caught his eye. It was a bond he and his brothers were famously known for, and something about the apparent siblinghood spoke to him. What stronger ally than a family where one name carried several faces? Letting them have their fun for now, he simply waited at the edge of the circle, enjoying the light buzz upon his tongue and mind as he sipped from his glass, offering his courtesies to any that might wish to offer a greeting to the host.


Siobhan Balsera
Signe Lusce

 

[Sivan]

Despite growing up in a pack, and always being in a place where there never seemed enough room, Casimir was never particularly fond of crowds. Mostly because when he was around his kind or duanann he tended to be pushed around, and when it came to sidhe and nymphs, they too also seemed to push him out of their way. Everyone was always pushing him around. The timid fae huffed, once again, being pushed around and going whichever way the main crowd was going. Oh how he wished he looked fearsome and tall.

He had come here because he was told to do so. How could he say no? Especially when the person telling you to do something was over a foot taller than you? Or weighed about another 50 pounds of pure muscle? At least it was a party, and a party meant that Cas could drink as much as he wanted. He needed the alcohol, it usually calmed his nerves. Unbeknownst to him, he had been pulled into where the fighting arenas, a place he had originally wanted to avoid.

Rather annoyed by this outcome of events, with all of his determination, Cas finally broke loose of the wave of people that had pushed him all the way here. The moment he stepped out of it however, he stumbled, smacking his face right into a strong muscular back, dark hair slightly getting in his mouth. He quickly spat it out, taking a step back.

“S-s-sorry,” Cas stuttered, fidgeting with his pink harness before recognizing the fae in front of him. A look of pure horror spread across his dainty features, mouth agape. Oh, his night couldn’t be getting any worse. “J…J-j-j-j…” he fumbled, almost not wanting to say the name. “Jago!” He wheezed out, trying to calm himself. Oh lords, it felt like he couldn’t breathe. “I didn’t m-mean t-to… to.” He gulped, wondering if he should just try running away now. Or would running away just get him in more trouble when they were to returned to the Autumn court later? If only he could just disappear.

Jago Rhys

 

[Zaire]

Luella’s gaze didn’t leave Wulren’s shoulders, a testament to her years of experience. Too many focused on the sword itself, forgetting that swords were merely extensions of the arms and arms were connected to the shoulder. She had hoped he would charge at her, but, she supposed, an experienced warrior never did. With narrowed eyes, her footing moving in response to him. Of course he came closer, that was to be expected, or else this would be a very boring sword fight.

She would make the first move, Luella had decided that the moment Wulren came closer into her reach. Her left arm swung the sword, the sound of the blade cutting through air before clashing against the steel of Wulren’s sword was the only indicator that Luella had made the first blow. A practice hit, but one that showed off her speed— a murmur going through the audience with a popular statement being “I hardly caught that!” A few more times she clashed her blade against his, each blow showing off more of her strength as she began stepping forward. The swings were nothing fancy, standard sword swings, but were considered deadly due to her total mastery in them. Overall, this was a show just for Wulren, a warning that she was not to be underestimated.

The Brothers Vitae

 

[Sio Lusce]

Siobhan was held tightly in her sisters’ arms as they swung around the dance floor and talked. “Ha, I doubt that, my dear sister. They are all looking at you.” She smiled at Signe and continued gracefully with a focus on not tripping over her feet.

Siobhan had been speaking of the Night Court in general, but her sisters words about their family stung a little. Everyone in their family loved everyone else…except their father. He only loved Saang. She had not even met the man before. “The universe is hilarious,” Siobhan quipped dryly.

As she came back up from the dip – that she performed flawlessly – she answered her sister and caught the golden eyes of one of the brothers. She could not remember which one though. She knew he had been the one that had delivered the welcome speech. Her eyes flicked back to Signe, “I think it is rather lovely. It’s interesting to see the different activities they have here.”

The song ended and she pulled away from Signe. She started to lead her off of the dance floor and grabbed a drink from a tray as it passed her. Siobhan, being her troublesome self, headed straight for the brother who stood on the edge of the circle and greeted his guest. “You host a wonderful party…” she trailed off really not remembering his name.

The Brothers Vitae Signe Lusce

 

[Samara Khalid]

Samara had traded him her usual pants and blouse for a floor-length silver dress that matched the sparkle of her silver eyes. Like many attendants at the party, she had migrated to the fight rings once the brothers had finished their welcome speech. She studied the crowd in silence and noticed the abundance of Autumn Court faces she recognized. Luella, Casimir, Jago, and Raphael were just a few of them.

Luella was in the ring with one of the brothers and she had no desire to speak with Casimir or Jago since she dealt with them all the time. She did not feel like doing it at a party too. That left Raphael if she was really felt sociable and she had never actually met him. She had seen him and she knew who he was, of course, but they had never been formally introduced.

She shrugged and downed the shot that she had grabbed from the bar. She picked up a glass of something on her walk over to harass the truth-seeker and sniffed it. It would do. She was almost near his seat when she thought better of outright bugging him and took a chair a couple seats down from him to watch the fight instead.

Raphael

 

[Jago Rhys]

Jago had been watching the arena for some time now. It seemed the two fae in the middle of it were finally going to get underway. Fae politics and politeness ruined even what was supposed to be a good fight.

He watched unamused at the flurry of blows from the female. He knew she was from Autumn, but he did not associate with her. It seemed clear to him, that despite her speed she would still be no match for the more experienced host.

Jago crossed his arms, eyes still following every movement with a practiced eye. That was when, to his shock and anger he felt someone fall into him. With a snarl, he whirled to face the one who dared get even close enough to touch him.

The snarl that was on his face gave way to a malicious smile as he realized who it was. He reached out and grabbed the front of Casimir's harness and hauled him up off the ground. His face would be inches from the trembling Cas. "Of course it's you, can't even do anything right out in public can you. Shut your stuttering trap." He laughed, low and quiet, a rumble in his muscular chest.

Jago dropped Casimir to the floor and crouched over him, his lips returning to their sneer. "You're lucky we aren't home right now. Get me a drink before I kick you." He stood back up, towering over Cas. His golden eyes were sharp and commanding as he waited for him to scramble off and do as he was bid.

Casimir Bielke

 

[Signe Lusce]

Signe noticed the dry tone in Siobhan’s words, unfortunately, the talk of family whenever it pertained their father always was a sore subject. But it was quickly brushed aside, after all, the way their father acted was new to them. They had grown up expecting to be ignored and cast aside like useless livestock. Regardless, she was happy that Sio at least seemed to be enjoying her time here. She deserved a respite from the current situation in the Night court— and Signe couldn’t imagine a party being a better way to have fun.

All too soon, the song ended, but Signe knew better than to try to push her luck in convincing Siobhan to dance with her again— for ultimately, every time a new song played, Signe wanted to dance to it. She let her sister lead her to one of the Vitae brothers, and because of her chattiness, Signe knew exactly who he was. She had been asking about the brothers earlier before people had ignored her nosiness.

“Lord Rerreno, a pleasure!” Signe chimed, curtsying and dipping her head respectfully to the Vitae brother. She noticed his drink was diminishing, and neither her or Siobhan had anything to tide over their thirst. “Forgive me, but your drink has gone empty, and my sister and I are quite thirsty. I’ll go get us all something to drink,” She chimed, clapping her hands together. She turned to give Siobhan a smile and a wink before spinning on her heel, dutifully heading to the nearest bar.

The Brothers Vitae Siobhan Lusce

 

[Sivan]

It would be just his luck to bump into the one person whose sole intent was to torture him. Cas bit his lower lip to keep from squealing as Jago picked him up as if he weighed nothing more than a stuffed toy. He couldn’t help but close his eyes at Jago’s words, turning his head slightly away and trembling all the while. When Jago dropped him, Cas landed right on his ass, wincing at the pain but didn’t have much time to do anything else before Jago was upon him again.

Cas knew that Jago’s words were true, if they were at home, he would have already been kicked from Autumn Court all the way back over to Summer Court. Despite being used to Jago’s kicks, they hurt like one wouldn’t believe— and every time Jago somehow managed to get him smack dab in his ribs. Casimir quickly nodded his head, his cream colored hair covering his soft lilac eyes that were still glimmering in fear. He couldn’t wait to be away from Jago, even if it meant he had to come back to him.

Cas quickly scrambled to his feet and began running to the bar— the best thing Cas was at was running, being a Cwn Annwn and all. Less than a minute had passed and Cas was at the bar, frantically looking at the bottles on the shelves. While the bartenders were busy, Cas sneakily leaned over, grabbing a bottle of bourbon. It had already been open so Cas didn’t feel too guilty about just taking it. Besides he needed it more or else Jago’s wrath would be upon him.

Dashing back to the fighting rings, Casimir made a beeline for Jago’s tall, imposing frame, nearly bumping into him a second time as he skidded to a halt. Swallowing hard, his lips trembling, Cas held up the bottle of bourbon, looking up at Jago to see if he had pleased him or not. “H-here it is, J-jago,” he finally mustered up, before realizing— what if Jago wanted ice? Or a cup? What if he didn’t want to drink from a bottle? Despite already being quite fair, any color Cas had in his face drained instantly. He might be getting kicked after all.

Jago Rhys

 

[Jago Rhys]

Jago looked in disgust at the cowering fae before him. What a sorry excuse for a shuck, why they kept him around was beyond Jago. Still, his brethren tended to be nicer than he was, and he knew it.

Once set free. Casimir took off like a bolt, and Jago sneered with mild amusement. He loved the fear that rolled off Casimir, reveled in it. He would have the pale fae trembling the entire night at this rate.

He scanned the crowd as he waited for Cas to come scrambling back. Golden eyes found Samara, and quickly moved on to find that Raphael was here as well. Autumn had made it's presence know it seemed.

He heard him before he saw him. Cas was in a panic, and it made the towering shuck grin with amusement. Casimir was his favorite punching bag, especially because he constantly seemed to be running directly into Jago. It only gave him more fuel, and it gave him pleasure to take out his aggression on the smaller fae.

He came to a trembling stop before Jago, and he lifted an eyebrow at the offered bottle. He bent over, his face inches from Cas as a slow cruel smile spread across his lips. " Casimir. You really can't do anything right..can you?" He took the bottle and tipped it over the smaller fae's head.

Once the bottle was empty, he grabbed Cas by the back of his neck and guided him to the arena edge. "Don't worry, you'll get taught a lesson when we get home. For now, watch and learn. Maybe you'll be next to fight." That deep rumbling laugh would emerge from his lips as his hand continued to keep Casimir in place.

Casimir Bielke

 

[Olyssa]

At his words, her frown softened into a warm albeit small smile. Those who showed an affinity to animals always won themselves a softer version of the Sidhe than most others were privy too. For the most part she much preferred their company to the company of her own kind and so finding someone with even a shred of the same love she possessed for beasts great and small at an event such as this made it a little easier to bare. His compliment she brushed off with a shrug; her appearance she cared little for and would have worn whatever her creatures had created for her. Besides, she was far more interested in the same thing he was.

"There is a small mouse native to these parts called a Nimhiúil," Olyssa said softly as she watched one fae with skin like the bark of a Jumpapet Tree step up to try his hand at throwing the daggers on display. "That can fit into the palm of your hand," she opened her palm out and a golden version of the creature appeared as if made out of stardust. "But it's saliva can kill a grown Cwn Awn within minutes and there is little most can do to save them," the illusion continued to look no more dangerous than the average field mouse curled up on her palm and it vanished when she curled her fingers into a fist.

"Size only fools a fool."

 

[Sivan]

Casimir held in his gasp when the liquid drenched his pale hair, getting into his eyes and stinging them. He shuddered, the fear mixing with anger. He was wearing all white, he had taken a lot of time in choosing his attire and now his clothes were stained and smelled like bourbon. Cas knew better than to glare at Jago— it only made him angrier. The only thing he managed to do to show how upset he was was to release the tiniest huff he could manage before Jago began dragging him closer to the arena.

“F-fight? Oh no-no-no-no,” Cas grimaced at the thought. There was no way that he was going to go into the arena. First of all, when looking down at the arena, there were two duanann with huge swords. The male he recognized as one of the vitae brothers, and he was massive. The other was much smaller, and wearing a dress, but she still had a huge sword in her hand. All Cas knew is that he didn’t want to be around any big swords. “You know I’m more of a r-r-runner, I wouldn’t do well.” Cas added, in hopes it could change whatever devious plan Jago was thinking up.

Jago Rhys