ROLEPLAY HQ - long-lost-secrets

@ICE

The spring brought forth war. The snow melted and churned the roads to mud. The village lay on the edge of the forest that spread up into the mountainsides, dark and wild and dangerous. Her brother had already gotten up and helped their gran get breakfast, the woman already up talking again about the fae. It was all she talked about now..... "He held my hands and he sang to me once my momma fell asleep." She poked his nose smiling when the boy giggled. "You were just a baby gran. You can't remember that." "I remember him. His pretty eyes and he had fluffy red hair and big ol' ears." He put a piece of fruit in her mouth, sitting on the porch with him. "Go wake your sister." He got up, padding barefoot inside and nudged her with his foot. "Hey. Gran says gettup." He stepped over her to go get his whittling. He was trying to make a sword with a dull knife that they had no way to sharpen. Messages of the war were coming in today. Wounded had been returning to the villages and cities for healing. Their village was close to the line of the territory. @ICE

She woke up groggy again. Another late night of worry where when she did finally manage to rest her head, she was plagued with the same reoccurring nightmare. Wartimes were terrifying but somehow, that wasn't what she saw in her dreams. "Sorian, go tell gran I'll be out in a bit." "Aye!" The seven year old rushed out of the tiny room, toy sword in hand as his sister sighed and fell back in her bed. --- It wasn't long until she'd slipped into her robes, a plain cherry satin dress and simple black corseted belt with all the fixes over her hourglass figure. Today she'd be going into town to restock on meats for the small family, maybe even try to sell a few herbs when she was there. That meant having to try to look appealing and preferably normal in a village where everyone thought her family was mad. Sora headed to the kitchen, to see her grandmother mulling over a platter of dumplings as young Sorian sat happily already munching on the crepes that'd been set on the table. "Oi," Sora fluffed his blond curls with a stern glare that was soon erased thanks to his toothy grin. "Slow down."

20:09

@Vox, The Fool

In town, there was a foreign battalion. For the most part if one ignored them, they moved on. They were just drunken thieves of the other lord to the north. But foreign soldiers meant trade with people that didn't know her family. But she started seeing more. Soldiers on horses armed with spears, and more were up the hill. A woman took her arm gently, "Even if you're all mad, you need to flee. The men avoid the forest your close there. Hide tonight." She said softly, "The men are standing up to them tonight." She smiled faintly then quickly bustled away when her husband called. The woman had taught her brother his letters, and her son had played with him before. The market was tense and the foreign soldiers were loud and brash. They didn't care for proper trade, taking what they wanted for whatever they wanted to give. "Aye girlie!" Two men her age, clad in soldiers uniform and with sword on their hips jogged to catch up. "Aye. Where's a pretty thing like you going eh? We have some wine of youd like to share." He'd be attractive if he wasn't an invader. The army had been looting villages and burning them down their whole travel through the territory. Their village was about half way through the territory. "What's your name?" The other grinned, both following her walk.

@ICE

She needed to get home, quickly. She knew of men like these and she’d seen the damage they could do. At least Gran and Sorian are safe. Her brother whined about staying back but Soraya would hear nothing of it and travelled to the market on her own. She knew her way around a blade or two. It wasn’t much but it was enough to keep her alive. “I don’t have one, now please leave me be.”

20:29

@Vox, The Fool

"We ain't no fae name stealer come on." He'd pressed blocking her way, "We'll walk you home aye?" The second went to grab around her waist as the first took her wrist in a gloved hand. More had started being a problem. There was soldiers everywhere. They'd choked the streets. Kicking in doors and pulling out the occupants. "Come on girl." Both hard started pulling her for a side alley but stopped when they hit the chest of another man. He was tall and built like a soldier, with long hair tied in braids. To Soraya, he looked strange. His face looked too tight and his eyes didn't focus or move quite right. He made her hair stand on end and her heart race. He took her gently from the two men, talking but she wasn't processing the words. She couldn't stop staring at his eyes.... "Go home." He said softly to her, both soldiers staring at him too. They'd forgotten her.... @ICE

His eyes… something about his eyes. They were dark with flecks of gold that glimmered in the spring sun but what could have been beautiful on any other man shook her. Something about this man was off but she wouldn’t stay to figure it out. Soraya bowed her head once and lifted her skirts to rush home. Surely this was but an omen of worse to come. When she arrived she was glad to see Sorian and her grandmother by the garden. If they’d gone for a walk she didn’t know how she’d find them. “Inside, inside, hurry! Soldiers are making their way here, quick!” “Sora, what’s wrong?” Her grandmother’s old bones couldn’t take much travel, not by horse. She’d have to prepare a carriage. But with what funds? And how long would that take. They had no choice but to hide. “The men will try to take on the soldiers tonight, Gran. We’ll gather our things and hide in the cellar until it passes. Once it does I’ll come up with something. Sorian, inside now!” She was already quick to start packing perishables and blankets to keep them safe down there as she left gran and Sorian to carry a few books down. “I can fight!” Sorian had gleaned with his toy sword in hand. He was too young to understand but that’s the last thing she wanted the boy to do. She wanted him to grow strong, educated and maybe live to become a great doctor not another bloodthirsty brute. “Sorian, this is serious. Now please, finishing helping gran.”

21:00

@Vox, The Fool

The day fell to tense night. Her occasional trips to look outside yielded little. And then they heard the horns. It rolled down the mountains like thunder, rippling in their chests behind their bones. Her gran looked to the ceiling, Sorian waking with sleepy blinks. "What is that?" He asked softly holding her skirts. Another horn sounded north, then a high pitched sound. She would've thought it was a bird had the night not been dead silent. A repeat came from further away, two things communicating. "I want to go look. Please." Sorian tugged her hand. "Can we just peak from the windows." He begged softly looking up with big wide eyes. Her gran was already going to the steep stairs. Both of them practically dragged her upstairs, silent as mice to go to the windows. She could see soldiers in the distance but also shapes in the dark. One was by their gate. Large wolves padded the grass and several shapes of what she hoped was... people following. Another horn shook the house, closer this time, and bonfires in the field lit. They went up all in a roar, impossibly fast, sending light up to the night sky. Dark shadows of people, and wolves, and lumbering shapes they couldn't identify surrounded the flames. Protecting their village. Keeping them safe. "It's them." Her gran said softly, the fires reflected in her eyes. @ICE

Soraya’s sky blue eyes tried to decipher this mess of shadows that only became more clear the louder the horn got. Flickers of lights revealed wolves, much bigger than the average like the people who marched alongside them. “What is this?” She muttered to herself, keeping a tight hold of her little brother who she knew if given the chance would rush out of the safety of their home. “Gran?” But her deep ocean blue eyes glimmered almost with delight at the odd display. Them? Was she saying… all her stories…? No, no! It couldn’t be, it couldn’t possibly be true. Her grandmother was mad, that’s what the doctor said last he came to visit. All the women in her family eventually fell to a spell of madness. Is that why when this would began to slip she looked so excited?

21:28

@Vox, The Fool

"He remembered. He'd promised me. He'd told me so. He'd promised he'd keep us safe. If we'd go to him, he'd take us. I guess it works the other way too...." She said softly, holding tight to Soraya's hand. She was trembling. They all fell asleep in the windows, and when they woke the fires were still burning bright. Four men were sat in the field left. The rest had gone. The village found no soldiers amongst the streets. No dead, though there was blood and brains. There'd been a silent massacre in the night and nothing but the supplies and horses were left. Her gran had thrown open the door before Soraya had realized, Sorian holding her arm. She refused to wait. One of four rose when he saw her and Soraya saw him bow, putting his head to the ground. @ICE

She hurried to step into front of her gran and brother, arm held out to her side to blocking them from coming any closer to these strange men. The weather was dark, all clouds with rain to muddy the walkways. The fog was thick and made these men even harder to see. “Who are you?” Sora demanded. “What do you want? Why did you protect us?”

21:41

@Vox, The Fool

"How dare you!" A woman's voice chattered out before a man barked in another tongue and she stopped talking. The leader unhooked a mask and pushed back the hood of his hair. Red cords of hair slid down his back and large ears flicked. He smiled, softly adjusted how he stood with his smile faltering before pulling in another breath. "Name is... Aether." He said softly in hesitant common. "This is Prince Aether." Another figure passed, a white kimono tugged tight to her form. She had fox feet and tails trimmed in red-pink. Thick braids the width of her arm dragged behind her. Aether was dressed in armor made of a shiny green metal, trimmed with silver. His dark eyes searched her face for her thoughts. He grinned seeing her gran and chattered happily when she took his armored hands. "Hello you. You stayed away too long." She patted his face and Aether looked to the other for translation. "He says, "Sorry."" She sounded unimpressed and almost annoyed by it. It was clear he had said more that she wasn't translating. Sorian peaked around her skirts and he grinned to him, sharp teeth more like a dog than a man. He shrunk back and Aether stopped, ears pressing back. He turned back to her talking and she translated. "Hes repaying your family. This land is for Fae because your family helped him." She crossed her arms tails angrily flicking about.

@ICE

“Fae…” Her head whipped back to her grandmother who couldn’t be happier to be graced by her delusions as Sorian was at least calm enough to stay close to her. “You’re real…” she muttered to herself. Her eyes watched over the mystical figures in their lavish kimonos because landing back on this prince. He was a giant, a beast truly who’d surely tower over her petite five foot four frame easily. His features features were sharp, angular without a hint of softness right down to his teeth and he had strange ears, similar to some kind of fawn. “You’ve repaid us,” she frowned. “Now, please be on your way.” She was scared. That much was clear. This were creatures from her nightmares, imaginary demons that haunted her family.

22:06

@Vox, The Fool

His ears flicked back and he looked wounded, straightening up to stand once her words had been translated to him. It took a second before he talked again, voice clipped and low. "This village lies on our land. We are going to stay until we are sure the soldiers have stopped. They will send more to investigate. Your repayment has been that we haven't wiped this place off the map before your birth." He turned on his heels before the translation had even finished, 6'2" frame stock straight. A thin cat like tail twisted behind him, agitated and annoyed. "That wasn't nice of you." Sorian said softly tugging her skirt. "He hasn't done anything bad." @ICE

Yet. He hasn't done anything bad yet. Sorian was too young to understand, much to innocent for her to explain but if the Fae really existed then the rumours of their nature had to be true as well. They were monsters and if they could so easily wipe out soldiers, who was to say they wouldn't take out her family as well? They'd just said as much. So no, she didn't care if she'd hurt this prince, she wouldn't risk any harm coming to what little family she had left. "Come Gran, let's head back inside." @Vox, The Fool

The next morning Sorian and her gran were back outside with them, the other three fae visibly watching the humans. They didn't trust them about the same as Soraya did them. Their bonfires were smokeless and gave minimum heat, purely casting light. Aether had a slate, Sorian sitting by him and her gran in a proper seat a ways away. They were teaching him letters and words, Aether's ears flicking while he copied Sorians carefully written letters. It was easier to see him in the light and without armor. His hair was tied into cords that hung to his waist, tawny skin broken up with stripes of black and brown. His entire body was striped but some she could barely see. Big gold rings pierced his ears and he had a stud in his tongue. Gold cat eyes slit with dark pupils focused on not breaking the chalk in his long clawed fingers. A long thick furred cat like tail spread across the grass, tip flicking lazily. "Good morning Soraya." Her gran smiled and Aether looked up with a hesitant smile. @ICE

Soraya didn’t like this. She didn’t like it at all. As much as she appreciated the fae looking after her family why did they have to do it here? And why had her gran taken them so easily? What exactly was their relationship? Even in the stories her grandmother told she couldn’t recall any that would foster this kind of relationship. Her father had died in this war, her mother had disappeared, how could she trust them!? But instead of asking she simply nodded her head, lips frowned and skirted over to the well to prepare the water to wash the families laundry. As she walked and even when she sat to begin her work, she could feel that hand man’s golden eyes studying her. Every so soften she’d lift her head to peek at him and examine his cut jaw or his darkened neck, cock a brow at his tail but more often she’s keep her head down.

09:42

@Vox, The Fool

Sorian eventually came to to do chores and her Gran wandered to the house to nap. While Soraya hung up the wash, she noticed something come from the trees in the distance. A massive body snaked from the trees to the field, coiling amongst the grass. Sorian tugged her hand, "Look. Sora." He said softly watching Aether talk to the massive form. "Can we go see? Please?" He was basically trying to pull her across the yard to the gate, "Please Sora?!" He stuck out his bottom lip, begging. @ICE

The blonde had leaped back the moment the creature made its size fully aware and yanked her brother back with her. “How you lost your wits!?” She hissed. “Sorian your as big as it’s fang!” But that didn’t stop the boy from pouting, almost crying by the time she begrudgingly said yes. “Do not let go of my hand and absolutely no touching. You see with your eyes not your fingers.” “Aether, Aether!” The young boy called with his sister in tow. Sorian dragged the hesitant woman towards him and the creature but Soraya stopped him a few feet back from both the snake and the man.

11:04

@Vox, The Fool

She had rose, upper body rising her to nearly thirty feet. Her skin was a soft velvety rose, tinged with purples and blues. Hair fell in a wave around her and over her chest. Her upper body was that of a woman, her coils furred with the same blues as her massive lashes and hair. Furred ears flicked about twitching with her thoughts. Ocean eyes were pupiled with stars. She easily was over 100 feet long and dwarfed Aether and his few soldiers. Several of the villagers who had been loitering about their fires, spying on their 'guests', reared away from her macabre, predatory beauty. How she and Aether were even the same species confused. Aether put his fists together in a salute while she spoke to him, her massive form giving power to a voice demanding of respect. "Such little ones." Her common was hard to understand but she tried, letting Sorian see her massive hands tipped with claws. @ICE

She’d never seen something so… confusing. The clash of colours, the blend of both a snake and a woman. And this… person was the same as this Prince? “Sora, Sora! Look, look!” Sorian was giddy, pointing at the large hand that came out in front of them with its turquoise nails. “Sorian! What did I tell you?” What even was this creature? All she knew was that if this Prince was bowing his head to her then there was no was peasants like them could approach so carelessly. But in her bewilderment she must’ve loosened her grasp because before she knew it, Sorian had rushed into the palm of the woman, leaving his sister to scream for his return. “Hi! My name is Sorian and that’s my sister Soraya. What’s your name?” @Vox, The Fool

She was gently, letting him hold her hand. She sunk down to be closer at his level, smiling softly. "Tinania." She rested on her arm and chest, keeping it obvious she wasn't going to grab him. When she bowed closer down a small form peaked from her back, having been holding her hair. A little girl with bright blue hair and eyes was holding onto Tinania, hidden beneath a thin vest she was wearing. She blinked sleepily then her eyes widened seeing Soraya, and she hid back beneath Tinania's hair. "Go to your sister little one." She brushed him towards her and rose, full stomach rippling as she pushed fully up. Aether went back to their conversation, debating something between themselves and the three soldiers. One of the soldiers followed Tinania as she took off across the field, surprisingly fast for her size, the soldier keeping track with her. Aether smiled watching her and went back to the little picnic they'd set out, having been making lunch. @ICE

“Did you see Sora? Did you see?” Sorian rushed back to his sister who looked like she’d nearly pass out. “I made a friend!” She could only stare at the slim boy with big, poofy blond hair, smooth tanned skin, and wide sky blue eyes much like her own. “Just… go inside and prepare for lunch, Rian.” “Aye!” He hurried to the house leaving his sister to stare back at this alleged Prince in a state of wonder. @Vox, The Fool

"That is my father's wife. Queen is your word I think." Aether cracked the shell of some kind of fruit he had brought with him, using his teeth. "She is going to fetch children from south." He dug in his claws and tore the rind off tossing it into the fire. "She likes children." He chuckled softly, "She has too many young to count." He dug in his claws into the fruit, pulling free small inner pieces from inside. He looked up confused when she was staring, popping another piece of food in his mouth. "What?" @ICE

Soraya was shaken right down to her core. That woman… was fond of children? That explained the small girl that had been with her. What did she need them for? Why would she take them? Was she enslaving them? Consuming them? “W-what for?” Her voice trembled but Soraya took a step forward. “Why does she does she have so many? How?”

14:14

@Vox, The Fool

He blinked confused, ears flicking. "I am not the one to discuss how to breed if you do not know..." He awkwardly popped another piece of the fruit innards in his mouth. He had little understanding of her fear. Tinania was intimidating yes but she was a strong mother. She had a massive brood of children and fought tooth and claw for them just as she had him when he was a youngling. "Most younglings do not survive our home. The more you have the better the chance for your bloodline." His home was a place of abnormality. The far north mountains were near inhospitable, most fae living in the cave systems hidden underground. It was harsh, dangerous, and violent life. @ICE

“So that girl… is your sister?” How many did he have? And all for what? The sake of some bloodline? And way did they not survive? How could something that big not protect its young? Was there bigger than her out there? “Why don’t they survive? Are there bigger predators than your mother out there?” She still kept her distance. He too was still a beast after all. @Vox, The Fool

"She is one of the largest, but it's still dangerous. She is... mother but not. My birth mother died. Tinania took me in as hers until I gained claw on my own." He dug in his teeth to the rind again ripping into it further. "The most dangerous thing to us is our own kind. Fighting amongst ourselves is... controlled, but inevitable." He said nonchalant watching the fire. "We do not stop growing unless we wish. We can control our changes and growth." He lightly tugged his ear. "Some things we don't intentionally control. But we can alter at will." @ICE

They we’re like humans in that regard. Pointless in-fighting rather than placing value in innovation through community. “Why do you fight?” She asked, twiddling her fingers while she stood by. “Is it over land? Territories?” That was one of the reasons humans fought. Never a good one if you asked her. It got people killed, like her father. @Vox, The Fool

"Control. To be weak is to have shame. Or fight over each other. To protect young. The elders frequently consume young to retain their size." He picked fiber of the rind from his mouth grimacing. "We have limited safe lands and food." He ripped the rest in half checking the inside for more of the fruit flesh, tossing the empty rind in the fire. He had a bag with more things and wrapped fabric parcels of food. "We are little more than animals. To act as if we were anything else is to lie." He unwrapped a fabric parcel, using a finger to sort through what looked like nuts and he held up one before him. "To deny one's aspects is to be foolish." @ICE

It was a level of cruelty she'd never thought she'd hear from something that so closely physically resembled a human. "Consume?" She stood by in a stay of complete disgust, holding onto her stomach that had once grumbled. How could anyone even think to do something so vile? Watching him eat didn't make it any better. Is that what his kind did to their young? Tore through them like peaches and nuts? He was quite large, no where near as big as that snake-woman but bigger than any man she'd seen. Was he a cannibal as well? Frankly, she was too scared to ask and made a note to tell Sorian to keep away from the Fae when neither she or her grandmother were insight. "Little more than animals... monsters is more like it," she muttered to herself before turning back to the house. @Vox, The Fool

He tsked hearing her say so. "You fear what few do. Shows your damned immaturity." He bared his teeth frustrated. How was he supposed to explain something fundamentally different? Instinctually different.... he wanted to explain but lacked the words. And there'd be no way to show without physical touch and she wouldn't come within a length of him. When she turned away he moved and pressed a palm to her arm. She could see his thinking, his memories, tied together in a knotted mess of time and thinking. His people were new in their evolution. New to government. New to thought. Never had one had the chance to do anything except survive. She could see his mother. She looked like him, and it was obvious he followed her design. He would be her honor. She carried him through the dark, climbing the trees that rose to the rough ceiling in twisted knots. She brought him outside where the cold whipped his skin, and she pointed out the stars and what she named them. None of them had a consistent language, a consistent culture. His people were a sea of individuals without structure, struggling to establish an order to the world. He reared back like she burned him, ears pressed back and visibly upset she didn't understand him. Praying that she'd look at him differently. There was no one he could talk to freely amongst his people. Fae schemed and tricked and lied. He didn't like her looking at him like he was there to trick her too. @ICE

She lurched back just as he had. Was this that fae magic her gran had told her stories about? And it was this powerful? She felt like she'd just flipped through an album of fae history. And frankly, it left her with even more confusion. And apprehension. "It is not immature to be cautious," she snapped back at the man. His sad story wouldn't fool her. He was still fae, still a trickster like the legends said. Those illusions may have been just that. Soraya knew she had to be smarter. If her family would let themselves be so easily enthralled by this wicked man she couldn't do the same. Someone had to be the voice of reason around here. @Vox, The Fool

He tsked when she left unable to stop his tail from lashing. Convincing her is frustrating. He ground his teeth in annoyance, crossing his legs under him. I just have to wait to make sure more aren't coming. Then I can go home. He moped softly, ears down. Aether made sure Sorian kept close to his house and her, setting about patrols. @ICE

When evening came Soraya’d finally finished all her chores and stepped inside to help her grandmother prepare dinner. “Can you call your brother in?” “He isn’t here with you?” She hadn’t seen Sorian outside much at all today which she frankly preferred with the fae roaming about. And she’s been so busy she hadn’t taken much time to check on him. “He stepped out after lunch,” her gran turned to her with pinched brows. Immediately, Soraya rushed to dawn her cloak and hurried to check the village. She returned around twenty minutes later, now with the sun in its earliest stage of setting far more panicked than when she’s left. The red-haired fae sat by a fire, reading over a map and regularly she’d never think to cross his path but she was desperate. “Have you seen my brother?”

He whistled to the other three asking a question in his own tongue and they looked amongst each other confused. He got up quickly, the others splitting off at a jog and he crossed his arms focusing fully on her ears up and forward at attention. "Where does he tend to go? None of mine have been out of my sight and I can't sense any other of my kind nearby. I'll look with you." He stated lightly, "Get something with his scent, please. I'll get a track."

15:18

@ICE

She nodded and hurried back to the house only to return with his cloak. Maybe this was a bad idea, maybe this was a trick but she had to try damn it. There was a war going on with creatures that ate children. She had to try anything. She hand it to Aether. “Will this help?”

18:15

@Vox, The Fool

"We have to be quick. This damages." He stated bluntly, cutting off a small bit of the fabric. In his palm he cut his palm deep enough it quickly began to well over, staining the scrap. The fabric burnt and the dark ash started darkening the skin of his hands, burning. The steam that bubbled up in red whisps formed a cord about his wrist and tightened down. He started off in a jog toward the trees, taking her with him with his non bleeding hand. "This way." His magic was damaging frequently, especially if they needed it to work quickly. His bleeding hand was shaking, blood running off his fingers. The cord tightened like a snake and seemed to be pulling him in a direction. @ICE <added to>

She gasped at the sight, marvelled by the magic she was witnessing. *What... how? * But there was no time for explanations, they had to leave. Soraya followed, moving as quickly as her legs would carry her. She squeezed Aether's hand in her panic. She was scared, so freaking scared and fighting back tears threatening to stream down her cheeks. She had no one but her brother and her grandmother. And how long would she have the later? Sorian... she had to protect Sorian!

10:50

@Vox, The Fool

His ears were pressed back with pain, slim feline face flinching with it. They topped a hill and he had to pause to rest on a tree digging in his claws before taking off again. The undergrowth tugged on their clothes and Aethers tail, like twisted hands trying to keep them away. He slightly slid down a hill slick with leaves and, panting under his breath, kept pushing forward. "Yell for him. We are close." @ICE

"Sorian! Sorian! It's Sora, where are you!?" But what were they close to? What would they find? The idea of walking ahead only to see her brother in pieces or being devoured by one of these monsters never strayed to far from her mind. It was already dark than when they'd ventured out and the forest only got thicker the deeper they went in. Worst of that, she heard nothing in response. No songs, none of his chatter, his laughter. Nothing. Nothing human at least. "Sorian!" Her vice was course, strained as the panic was starting to set. What if, what if, what if...

16:29

@Vox, The Fool

He held tight to his wrist, face turned up to the sky smelling for him. He could smell him but also a man, judging by sweat and metal. He stopped at the edge of the tiny clear space, a village man holding the boy. A knife was against his throat and Aether hissed. He couldn't get the magic to stop crushing his hand until he touched the boy. "Woman. I need your permission to kill that man." He said softly, holding her arm to keep her from bolting forward. "We all want you to leave heathen monster! We don't need your help. If you don't leave in two days I'll kill the boy. Since you seem to be fuckin obsessed!" He barked. Aethers tail had puffed out with his anger, his hair following suit in what wasn't in coils. "Give me permission and I'll keep him safe. But I will kill the man." He said softly, voice breaking as his hand crushed. It tightened to the point his wrist had broken. He let it fall to his side loose. @ICE

The horror in her eyes was unmatched. And still it paled in comparison to that of the hate radiating from the man. “He is just a boy—” “Shut your mouth, witch!” He roared in return. “You and your family has done nothing but bring chaos to our village.” She jutted back with a clenched fist of her own. “Sora!” Sorian cried for her. Tears were already running down his face, blue eyes amidst of fear. Time was running out. There was never a choice. Once this man too Sorian his fate was sealed. “Do it.” @Vox, The Fool

His tail flicked and a dart an inch long hit the man in the head dropping him backwards with the force. Several similar spines laid back flat amongst his fur and he grabbed the boys shirt, hauling him away. Roughly he ripped the magic cord from his broken wrist panting softly. "You alright boy?" He asked gently cradling his broken wrist. Adrenaline was keeping him from passing out. He moved away so the two crying humans could embrace, trying to keep awake. His magic burned off his blood to work, and the tie would have tightened until it cut off his hand. Thank goodness it'd not taken that long. His legs wobbled and he fell forward into one of his soldiers arms, the masked male holding him up. "That was foolish Aether. You could've died. Or lost your hand." He chastised. Aether could imagine his disappointed face beneath the mask. "I know." He mumbled, "But I had to." "These people helped you once. You don't owe them everything like this." He wrapped an arm around the others waist holding him up. "I know." The female soldier, a woman with snake like scales and yellow eyes, offered to carry Sorian home. Her kimono was pure white, even after being outside so long. @ICE

She hesitated. Of course she did. One rescue wouldn’t erase years of suspicion. But she glanced down at Sorian who despite the tears had a curious glimmer in those same eyes. Then there was this prince. Even if the fae were dangerous he’d still saved her brother her. “Alright.” Sorian beamed as his sister sighed and turned to the fae Prince. “We’ll have to set that once we return home.”

18:22

@Vox, The Fool

"He's already out cold." His soldier chuckled softly, owl mask muffling the sound. He'd picked Aether up carefully, heading back through the trees. He carried the man over his shoulders like a scarf. Aethers tail dragged in the undergrowth, face pale. At the small clearing outside the village they laid Aether in the grass, the soldier setting his wrist and settling their prince in his sleep. Their gran cradled Sorian in her arms, smoothing his hair. @ICE

Soraya watched from her window for the Prince to return to his station but figured he’d be away for the rest of the evening. He was still a prince and his health was top priority. But she wanted to thank him, she just wasn’t sure how. She knew nothing about him and refused to use his name. Maybe that was a good start. @Vox, The Fool

The next morning, the two soldiers were refusing to let him do anything. He was bundled up in a blanket, holding onto a cup. His ears were pressed back tail tucked about his legs. Sorian had gave him flowers in the morning before helping his gran to town to buy food and he had them set in front of him. He was happy the boy was alright. He winced as he put too much weight on his wrist. @ICE

Soraya has made biscuits after her gran and brother had left. She was too embarrassed for them to catch her making such a thing, especially knowing who it’d be for. So when she was sure they were gone and she saw the man alone she packed a basket and approached with care. “Aether?”

19:24

@Vox, The Fool

He looked up, ears flicking forwards to attention. "Good morning. Are you doing okay? How's the boy?" He blurted softly suddenly excitable. Nervous she was actually speaking to him without much hatred. He coughed covering his mouth with his arm, ears pressing back with discomfort. "I'm glad you both are alright." His tail flicked lightly, and the sight of him sending a dart from the end of it popped in her mind. @ICE

Soraya visibly tensed but breathed through it. This man saved Sorian after all, he didn't do all that just to kill her here where she stood. Clearly, for whatever the reason, her family mattered to him. "I'm fine, we are all fine," she muttered."I just... wanted to say thank you for saving him. You've been protecting us and... I haven't been exactly grateful or kind." Soraya sighed and sat the basket down before him. "Buttered biscuits... I had some extra time so..."

20:10

@Vox, The Fool

"Thank you." He beemed happy, ears pressed back in his hair and teeth bared in a grin. He held it to him like it meant the world carefully unwrapping them to try and eat. "I haven't been able to eat this morning. This should help." He purred happily tearing into one carefully. "No one knows about that man. They think he died of a bear." He said softly, secretive despite being alone. "You're safe." @ICE

She nodded, "that's for the best." If anybody knew the truth they'd be executed. Her family already lived on the fringe of society, being linked to a murder even if deserved wouldn't do them any good. "How's your hand?" She hadn't intended to stay out here and make conversation but this man with his big sharp grin, even though it made her uneasy she had to admit, there was a bit of charm to it. @Vox, The Fool

"Meh. Broken. My magic is... pointed destruction. It requires heavy sacrifice to get sometimes useful of it." He idly touched the binding and nibbled on a biscuit. "But it can be useful for little things I suppose." He chuckled again at her. The joy hadn't left his face, tail tip flicking back and forth like a reed. "Since soldiers seem to be avoiding, we shall be leaving for home soon. Can have your field back." He teased softly, tugging the blanket tighter around himself. @ICE

Was that why he was so cheerful this morning? Any soldier probably would be, right? So it was the same for the fae then. She didn’t know much about him, really she knew the least in her family but the man reminded her of a happy wolf, if there was such a thing. “Oh,” there was a tiny shift in her demeanour, melancholy. She hoped he didn’t pick up on that as she forced back her polite smile. “Well thank you for all you’ve done. I hope you have a safe trip home.”

02:05

@Vox, The Fool

"I'm honestly not looking forward to it." He admitted sunning his face to the sky. "I'm going to miss the sky." He looked up as he heard a cry of his name, two kids sprinting across the field from the trees. Tinania's massive frame had sunk to sit amongst the shadows of the woods, watching her children with her brilliant eyes. The little girl she'd seen before looked more like a demon than an animal. Rams horns curled down her head, her curly blue hair like a dandelion. A tail like her mother's dragged behind like a dragons rather than a snakes, her legs like a satyrs tipped in hooves. The boy was older and winged like a dragon fly, against his back in fabric overs stapped down. His face was thin and streamlined. Aether laughed as the girl tackled him backwards, the boy too busy staring stunned at the sky. "Saroya this is my father's child, and my aunts son. Bighette this is my friend." He smiled softly as the girl scrambled up to bow, fists pressed together in her salute. She chattered softly which Aether translated. "She's happy to meet you. Tinania brought them to see the sky." @ICE

Soraya smiled bigger than usual for the girl, "I hope it hasn't disappoint." If her gran's stories rained true then that meant they lived in the underground. But why? Surely they were strong enough to make it on land. With someone as big as Tinania how could you stop her from wiping out an entire village and calling it her home. And the fae had magic. Surely they could do something to take back the land. They were doing it against the soldiers now. Which actually brought up a question for her. "Aether... why are you fighting the soldiers? I know that this is your land but you don't even stay here. Is it really just because of my family?" @Vox, The Fool

"Yes." He said firmly holding Bighette in his arms. "I owed them a great deal." He looked back to the sky. "My people are afraid of the world. We have lived our whole lives beneath the ground. Being out here is.... exposing. In our home we can feel everything around us. We are tied into the land. But here, nothing talks to us. Everything is a stranger." This village was the first foothold into a world they couldn't understand. Her family his first tie out. It was just as she said but it was more. It was because of her family but also his own selfish desire. @ICE

“But you’re so powerful, you all must be. How can you be afraid?” She glanced back at his mother who honestly still scared her before turning back to Aether. “Your mother is as big as a ship. How can she be afraid?” She didn’t know much, she was just a simple village girl after all. But based on what she saw she thought the fae could probably do more good on the surface than the humans were. “Strange doesn’t mean dangerous though, right?” She offered with a little smile.

12:21

@Vox, The Fool

"Tinania is nearly blind. Though she won't evet admit it. We are powerful yes, but it comes at great strain to our bodies." He said softly chuckling as his sister tugged on his corded hair. "We can starve easily. We often fall to our minds whims. We cannot die of age, which means we don't have the space to often reproduce. We stagnate." He shrugged lightly. "Change is frightening to anyone." The little girl got up to catch butterflies, got one, and popped it in her mouth before Aether could stop her. She spit in disgust whining from the taste, blue tongue stuck out. "My people are learning. That's about all I can say." @ICE

Soraya nodded slowly. It still didn’t make much sense to her but Aether looked determined to set this change into motion. Who was she to deter him? “Well with you leading them I’m sure they’ll be in good hands.” @Vox, The Fool

"I just hope for more for my people." He chuckled, watching his sister get immediately distracted by everything. "I wish I could show you my home. The difference is alot. It is so.... quiet here." He smiled ears flicking. She'd realized the difference in sound after a few days, especially with Tinania around. The fae made constant sound deeper than she could hear, but it made her skin tingle strangely. @ICE

She imagined the underground would be quiet. Probably filled with caves and endless tunnels, maybe like ants? “Well,” Soraya took a seat next to him, close enough to smell the scent of raw earth ruminating from his flesh but safe enough not to touch. “Tell me about it.” @Vox, The Fool

"The mountain is hollow and water flows from a crack high up. It's warm which made the land grow. Massive trees grow large enough to cover your house." He smiled softly eyes down looking at his wrist. "It's too dangerous to be on the ground for long, and even in the trees aren't necessarily safe." He wasn't sure what to say and he knew his description did little. "It's always loud. Everyone always talks. There's nothing like this..." He gestured to the field. "Theres very little place you can actually be alone. So the time of quiet here has been so... jarring. " @ICE

That couldn't be easy. It was already hard enough being an outcast but now an outcast on unfamiliar territory? "You don't have to come back," she muttered. "We're safe now so don't worry about us anymore. Focus on your people and doing all the things you want to." She felt bad enough for being so cold to someone with such a kind heart for so long. And now he was leaving only after she'd just started trying to get to know him. It was bittersweet. Though she knew he cared for them to some extent so she wanted to reassure him. "Really, we'll be all right." @Vox, The Fool

Does she not want me to stay that badly? He looked down to his half sister, petting her hair. "I will miss here. And your brother." He laughed softly petting his sisters cheek with his thumb as she slept in his lap. "I'll miss talking to your family. Even if you hate me." He conceded more teasing her. Tinania let out an inaudible rumble that vibrated in Sorayas chest, and the half sister went back to her mother's arms. The boy was already on her back. Aether watched then leave and she realized he was lingering. Soaking up his last beams of the light. His soldiers had left as he'd refused to go yet. He felt like a flower turning towards the light... "I know you will. I'm just... delaying. @ICE

She frowned a bit at that, honestly ashamed. She knew why he would think that, who wouldn't? She'd acted as if she'd hated him for so long, even though it may have been with good reason. And it took him sacrificing himself for her to even be willing to sit next to him. She twirled her long golden locks between her fingers for a moment before sighing and leaning forward. Soraya pecked his cheek quickly, so quick she barely felt the flesh. She took two steps back and turned to the mountains. "I'm glad I met you, Aether."< @Vox, The Fool

He blinked ears flicking, clearly confused and debating what to do. When she walked away he idly touched his cheek and looked at his fingers as if she'd left physically signs, touching his fingers together like he could feel the form of affection. Sorian had pulled her away for lunch. He didn't want to leave, but he had to. The field felt so empty they had gone. It was a year before they saw signs again. A small fae messenger was at their door the morning of. "Prince Aether cordially invite you to a wedding. You'd be provided safe passage and lodging within our kingdom." The male held out a letter. @ICE

“A wedding?” A years time had passed. Soraya hadn’t thought that she would hear from Aether again. She hadn’t suspected he would contact her. She didn’t even know how he’d manage a letter seeing as when they had met the man was still learning his letters. Even if he wanted to write her what would he say? It wasn’t as if they were especially close. She kept him away from her for so long and now he was inviting them to a wedding. There was a sting in her chest reading an invitation to a wedding from a man she hadn’t heard from for over a year. It was small and more of a nuisance than anything. Although she couldn’t and wouldn’t explain it. “Sora?” Sorian called and appeared from behind her. “What’s that?” “It would appear Aether has invited us to a wedding.” “Aether!?” Sorian gleamed. “Can we go? Please!” Soraya glanced back at the carrier. She didn’t believe they had much of a choice judging by his frown. “Alright… we’ll go.”

21:24

@Vox, The Fool

"I am to show you to the new gate with the reassurance from you that you conceal it from strangers." The man stated. "You will be free to move between spaces when I am present to bring you between." He saluted with his fists together. He looked near identical to humans, apart from an extra set of eyes and arms below the first. "Please be ready within an hour." ~ What they'd been doing for the year became obvious when she saw the gate. A massive stone arch inscribed with symbols was nestled amongst the trees, set with doors like those to a castle from a fairy tale. The fae pressed his hands to the surface, said a word firmly, and pushed them open. Beyond was a thick twisting branch like a tree, forming a walkway before them. Lanterns were set along the natural ledge and tossed their light into the dark. The bough of the tree let to the center trunk. The tree had seemingly grown around a palace. Spreading balconies and walkways bridged between rooms, barely visible in the dim light, but she could see the size by the little points of light. The fae led through. "Prepare. It is very... heavy." He said before either of the human guests stepped through. Aether hadn't been wrong about the warmth. It felt like summer even this deep in in the ground. Trees thick as castle towers twisted like natural pillars between the ground far below and the stalagtite covered ceiling. The very air buzzed. A constant consistent boom like a waterfall pounding a river to froth. It was inaudible to her and yet she knew it was there.

@ICE

"Wow..." Sorian was the first to speak, quick to take a step forward too but Soraya caught his hand. She was absolutely not letting him get lost or carried away here. Everything looked so otherworldly. Like things she expected from the human world with a naturalistic twist. And still, somehow it all blended into a perfect harmony. "Where is Aether?" Her grandmother asked. She was glad she had, Sora felt embarrassed to be the one to inquire. @Vox, The Fool

"He is out with the scout party. It sounds he's about three miles that way." He pointed out into the dark. Snagging a lantern he held it out to Sorian. "Want to hold this for your family?" He pushed open the doors into a palace wrapped up on the trees, it clear everyone was excited and preparing. It looked like a festival of people hanging up flowers or sheets of fabric painted with symbols. Aethers half sister and a boy with bird wings and a long tail took interest in Sorian, and soon all the three were making the flower garlands on the floor. Every blossom was nearly the size of an adults hand and faintly glowed. Another man set out a seat near the children for her gran. "Aether is coming back." The courier advised lightly, keeping out of the way of the bustling party makers. "I will keep an eye on your family for you. And Tinania is above us." He gestured lightly and when she looked up, she realized Tinanias coils were visible between the slats of the roof. Everyone was happy to the point it buzzed the air and became infectious. All of them with their varied colors and traits were a brilliant parade. Within a minute Aether was clinging to the open arched window, setting baskets inside filled with food and plants. "You came!" He exclaimed happily, grinning as he saw her. "Come on. I can carry you with me." He offered holding out a hand. His stripes had darkened down his arms. @ICE

“C-carry me?” To where? How? Questions upon questions still she gave him her hand after getting a nod from her gran. “Sorian and I will be fine dear, go have some fun with the Prince.” There was a naughty twinkle in her eye that turned Sora’s face scarlet. She didn’t know what she was implying but whatever she thought could happen absolutely would not. They were here as esteemed guests for his wedding. Soraya had thought about a lot since he’d left. She hadn’t figured she’d see him again and regretted how cold she’d been. She let her fear blind her to so many truths for so long. Like how handsome he was. Tall, lean, stacked with muscle upon his frame with wide shoulders and a broad chest tapering down to his slim waist. Then there were his stripes, they looked like that of tigers like in storybooks she’d read to Sorian. His other animalistic features were just as interesting to her but the cut of his jaw, the strength in his hands, those had stained her dreams. @Vox, The Fool

He bent and she realized he had a sling across his back. The sling would hold her tight to his back. "I want to show you things and you don't have to climb." He smiled showing her how to sit in the sling properly. He tied his hair out of the way. He'd taken out the cording of his hair, it now slight waved curls. Once she was tied in safely, her arms about his shoulders, she blinked and saw through his eyes. It felt odd, both of their minds linked like they had when he shared memories. His eyes split the dark like it was day, the twisting trees like pillars. She could physically feel the hum in the air but it made sense now. They could talk through the hum, able to send the sound over long distance. Insects made sounds and the predators mocked the preys sound trying to draw them near. Even the trees made sounds, trying to entice pollinators. His fear of the quiet made sudden sense. This was a place for the blind. In the dark, small spots gently glowed on his skin following his stripes, concealing him against the foliage. His ears had never stopped moving. "I am glad you decided to come. I've been bringing together the clans, trying to make it safer. To make a gate." He jogged lightly across the tree bough, looking down toward the ground far below and yet she felt no fear. He trusted his strength to keep them safe. His happiness and his joy was spilling through their link, obvious he was happy she was there. @ICE

She was distracted in all her staring at this marvel they maneuvered through. When he had spoke he caught her off guard. “O-oh! Sorry, yes… It was important to gran and Sorian.” Soraya’s ego couldn’t take admitting her own desire to see him again. She was curious, she could admit to that. But that’s as far as she’d like her mind wander. And only for herself. “It looks like you’ve made a lot of progress.” She could only say based on the visions he’d shown her. “You should be proud, Aether.” Clearly it was an arduous task. One that she was sure he’d faced plenty of push back on. But still, you persevered. “What’s going on with this gate?” @Vox, The Fool

"It's powered by my father. It gives Tinania a way through safely to the far nursery. We'd had an older gate we couldn't activate. Now we can. And it means I can visit the surface." And you... filtered through the link but he didn't say it aloud. "Hold on." He warned and jumped into the open air, catching hold of vines to slow their fall to the ground. "We had an older nursery that we lost. When the large gates broke. We didn't know how to fix them." He stated with a light breath as they reached the ground. He picked up a spear resting against a large tree stump. "Yours is a test we made." He had a location in mind where they were heading, but she couldn't quite figure out what was in his mind for it. "Honestly. I wanted an excuse to share my home.' @ICE

This was all too much. She was one human, one who hadn’t been exactly open towards him or his culture still he was being so friendly, trying so hard and showing her so much. It was more than she deserved. And coming to the surface? To visit her no less? Wouldn’t that be inappropriate? He was going to be married, how would his wife feel about this? Maybe marriages were different amongst the fae? “Will you be allowed?” She asked. “To still come to the surface? Won’t you be too busy?”

15:14

@Vox, The Fool

He glanced back at that, ears flicking. "Who would be 'allowing me'?" He chuckled, confused and amused. "Busy maybe. But there's definitely no need for me to ask say my father." He set down the spear, getting hold of the trunk of the tree, and started scaling up it. The cracking bark and trunk gave holds he could get his fingers into. They were heading for the top of a cliff edge, the tree giving them access by a long trailing branch. "Theres a bath here. Where the spring pools. It's warm and nice. I thought you'd like." He explained where they were going lightly. @ICE

“I suppose that’s true.” If his father couldn’t stop him than how could his wife. Maybe he’d even bring her along. For whatever the reason that made her feel worse. Sora wrapped herself tighter around him, eyes shut as to not make herself nauseous looking down. This was a hell of a climb. The whole trip had been breathtaking and even though she knew he was strong, she was still afraid of them getting hurt. “That sounds nice,” she whispered. There was a hot spring in the mountains of her village but she never went, she couldn’t take the stares. @Vox, The Fool

He noted the difference in hold and glanced back but didn't talk. He got through the crack and into the opening inside. The water seemed to well from nowhere, the warmth coiling in steam and escaping from the crack. He disconnected his mind from hers as he set her on her feet, undoing the harness. The space was pitch dark and he gently took her fingers guiding them to a plant that grew along the walls. With a soft touch, the leaves responded by glowing blue, racing around the walls and ceiling until it all was lit like day. He stepped away going to a few small wooden crates, setting down his sling and a belt, and from inside pulling blankets for drying after. The floor was clean black stone, worn smooth over time. His back to her, he undid the tie at the side of his waist, clearly undressing. Based on some fae she'd seen they had varying amounts of shame, and clothes seemed more accessory than necessity. @ICE

She was in a state of complete shock. The smells, the warmth, everything about this land was so inviting. The water smelt fresh more than any stream she come across and rivalled that of her mountains. “Oh, Aether this is—” Soraya screamed, loud enough to shake the resting moths. She turned her back to the obtuse man, shielding her eyes from that toned body mid-strip. “What are you doing?” She cried. “You can’t just undress like that! You’re getting married!”

15:59

@Vox, The Fool

He blinked then it registered and he laughed a little. "It's not me being married..." She heard him hit the water and he wiped his face clear. It made sense why she'd been... hesitant. He'd thought this would be more an invite to be closer to him and she'd been cross the whole walk.... Makes sense. He blinked water out his eyes. "I am very much not married, getting married, or courting." Well that last one might be a lie. "I'll turn my back. There's slips in the box if you need them..." He said softly, noting she might be embarrassed. @ICE

“O-oh…” Now she was even more embarrassed. So he wasn’t getting married… but he’d invited her to a bath? Why? What was he trying to do? Don’t be silly, he said he wasn’t courting. And Aether’s never really tried any of that stuff before. At least not with me. He’s like… a big puppy. That’s right, this was just an innocent bath, nothing to worry about. She doubted he even had time to entertain those types of thoughts and she knew she didn’t either. She had to taken care of her family. So with a nod she went to grab a slip then find a dark corner to remove her robes in. Like he said, he wasn’t looking but she still moved quickly. And even in the tiny cloth she wrapped her hands over her breasts and gently took the water. The moment her feet hit it she couldn’t hold back the moan escaping her lips as she slipped into the soothing bath.

16:41

@Vox, The Fool

He kept his eyes visibly away, arms over the edge and chin in his hands. Several of the moths had landed in his hair, nestled in the red waves. "I'm sorry for the confusion." He said softly after a moment. "I didn't mean to mislead. The message warped through the line." He nestled his head into his arms, "I wanted to spend time with you. I enjoy your presence. Especially when you aren't afraid of me." He teased winking, his slow blinks like a happy cat. He was trying to keep his space, not force his way too close. But there was so much he wanted to say. To do. To share with her. Suppose I'm a fool for obsessing over my first close friend.

18:33

@ICE

"I don't know how," she muttered. It was easy to get comfortable in this warmth but Soraya didn't want to get too carried away. He was still a prince and they were still strangers after all. Besides, it'd been a year since they'd seen one another, he was probably just saying that to be nice. He's probably gotten better with pleasantries. "I wasn't exactly kind to you."

20:10

@Vox, The Fool

"I know. I don't mind." He reassured, eyes soft and staring into space over his arm. "Don't apologize over it." He smiled, tail lashing softly under the water. She had a place to sit against the wall in the water, the bench wide enough to lay in. The water was buoyant enough she didn't have to worry about sinking. "I'll take you home tonight if you want. Else there's a room for you and your family to sleep." @ICE

She had no intention of leaving him. It's not like she could get gran of Sorian to agree even if she wanted to. So she simply shook her head and sat back against the wall. "I think I'd like to stay," she replied. "I know gran and Sorian do." It was still so strange to her that he'd take any interest in her. She was a simple village girl, surely there were more interesting people he'd come across in his journey. "So, who is getting married? What does a fae marriage even look like?" @Vox, The Fool

"It's a big party. 3 days or so of time to just reconnect. Official weddings aren't very common because it's new tradition." He turned in the water to sit, back against the edge and face tipped to the ceiling. He'd coiled his tail over his waist to hide. "I thought your brother might like to see. He badgered me for any information." He chuckled. He could hear through the buzz that Sorian was playing still with the other pups, under Tinania's eyes. "It's something I've never gotten to share before." @ICE

“Well then we’re pretty lucky, aren’t we?” To witness a fae wedding with even more of their kind to see. Was it strange to be excited? Three days too. They didn’t have much fancy ware. This silks we’re stain and their gemstones pretty rocks. Would they even fit in here? She sighed, “so who’s getting married?”

08:20

@Vox, The Fool

"Mmm hard to explain. We don't have families like you do. Nor do we really make pairings like men. When females come of age, they choose males they like of similar status. That choice changes based on who has had children already or if the males are not changing quickly enough. Monogamy is.... rare." He set his head in his arm basically laying on the bench. "She is chosing who to pair with. So we don't know who yet." He was falling asleep, comforted by her being close. He hadn't been able to sleep amongst his people, their constant speak loud in his ears. @ICE

“Are you comfortable?” She giggled before letting herself drift towards him. “You look tired, my Prince.” It was more teasing to but strangely it made her blush. She bobbed in the pool and watched the gentle giant rest. “The way fae handle marriage sounds better than humans.” @Vox, The Fool

"It can be violent. I remember the fight when Tinania made it known she'd choose." He chuckled softly, "but for the rest of our people, it's easier and calmer." He turned red at 'my prince' eyes opening slightly. "I don't sleep well alone." He chuckled sleepily pushing back his hair. He dunked his head briskly under the water, blinking the water from his eyes. @ICE

“Is it because of the buzzing?” She recalled that was exactly the reason why he couldn’t get any sleep. But then he mentioned being alone. So the. What did this mean? Could he have had other women he kept as concubine? *Stoo, you’re being silly!” “Is there anything I can do to help?” @Vox, The Fool

"Nah. 'Less that's a veiled attempt to sleep in my bed." He teased winking. He pushed up getting out of the water, streaming it off his legs. He wrapped up in the blanket and sat with his feet in the water. "Why.... haven't you married?" He asked softly after a moment, curious. @ICE

“I-I’m sorry!?” He’d said it so smoothly, so easily. Since when had he gotten so comfortable flirting? She chuckled, more of a scoff before sinking deeper into the water. How had things turned around to be about her? “I’m not marriage material,” she mumbled. “I don’t exactly have to personality for it.” She wasn’t meek or soft and besides Sorian she wasn’t necessarily good with children. “Wives have to be beautiful and benevolent,” she shrugged. “I don’t have the patience for either.”

18:20

@Vox, The Fool

"Bullshit." He shook his head ears flicking. "Life is too hard to worry of patience or perfection. You cannot charm your way out a predators mouth." He cleaned under his nails, "Besides, what is the point of beauty without ferocity? Beauty is a one sided coin." He swept a hand over the plants to re light them, quietly padding the space. "When you're ready, I'll carry you back. Im going outside a moment to talk." He smiled and ducked out. @ICE

“All right.” She watched him step away, still sunk to the bottom of the bath with only her blue eyes watching him leave. The moment he was out of sight Soraya popped her head out for a peek. Without anymore of a sign, she stripped from her slip to let the warm sink into her skin. “Perfect,” she hummed. She hadn’t felt so relaxed… well, ever! The blonde dunked her head beneath the surface to detangle her wavy locks, releasing her waist length mess from its braids and bindings. When Sora finally came to the surface she found herself giggling before falling back into the waters. “Is this how the fae live?” She whispered to herself. “Hmm…” But Aether would be back any minute, she had to hurry before he caught her in such a position. Not that it was easy to focus, the warmth of the water, the sounds of the natural world, she found herself lost in song as scrubbed away. @Vox, The Fool

He sat in the doorway quietly, half listening to her but also giving her the space go properly bathe. He felt no rush to go back inside.... part of him wanted to press. To see what she felt of him. But it also terrified. If she said no.... He rubbed his face lightly talking to Tinania in the distance. Her loud rumbles were like thunder in his ears. He pushed up to go inside, sighing softly. "You drown in here yet?" @ICE

She squeaked before diving under the water again and cowering away to the deeper end of the bath. She thought to tell him to leave or just stay waiting until she could properly dress but… her mind was curious as to why he really asked her here. They could spend time together in so many other ways so why this? “No! You can… come in.”

20:27

@Vox, The Fool

He kept his eyes turned down, as much respect as he could give despite the intimate closeness. He set out a blanket for when she was ready, settling back into the water. "I...." He started softly then stopped looking away, chewing his cheek. His face was red, but he decided to keep his mouth shut. He didn't want her to be stuck with him alone if she said no. Just wait... @ICE

“You can look at me, Aether,” she smirked. Soraya’d pulled chunks of her hair to the front and over her breasts, despite being shoulder deep in the water. Sora swam forward with gingerly steps as she slowly approached the fae man. “Why are you so red?” @Vox, The Fool

"Im... unsure." He admitted then noticed her approach, looking away again. "I don't want to say something foolish and make you hate or fear me again..." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Rather stupid eh?"

21:05

@ICE

She took another step, the ripples of the waves she created dissipated against his chest. “I don’t think so,” she tilted her head with a hint of a smile. “And I’m…” Another step, then another until she was about an arms length away from the blushing redhead. “Not afraid at all, Aether.” @Vox, The Fool

He offered his hand silently, eyes clearly hopeful. Praying she'd take it.... He felt unsuitable. She'd want a human like her and he was... well as she'd said. He was a monster. His fingers flinched slightly as he reconsidered it. There was nothing he could say to convince her. It'd all started purely to be annoying. She'd shown such hatred that he made it his private decision to annoy her.... but now all be wanted was her attention. She saw him. She listened to him speak..... "Choose me." He said softly. "At least to try and be enough to make you happy.... I can't think. I'd thought I'd lost my mind because I can only think of you...." He said softly, flushing at his vulnerability. Frightened. @ICE

Choose you? Choose him to what, exactly? Just what was he suggesting and why was it making her heart throb? Who was she to even have a choice? She was no one, just a girl he’d met once in his many travels. He was royalty, he served a purpose and had ambitions and goals to achieve. All Soraya would manage to do is slow him down. A useless human like herself even being given a chance to choose? Her eyes looked to his darkened claws then the lines of his hand that soon turned to stripes that traced up his body. He had scars and little marks, the odd sprinkle of freckles faded into his skin. His peach-coloured human-like skin in contrast with his fawn-esque ears or his swishing tail. What of his eyes? Slit like a cat but diluted once again as he stared at her. What are you even asking me, Aether? Do you know how crazy this sounds? We barely know each other and you, a fae Prince wants me, a human villager? All valid questions and concerns. But her mouth was dry as she stood before him. Because all she could think about was the time she’d wasted before being afraid of consequences and how she thought she’d never see him again. She thought of all the things she’d do and tell him if she ever got the chance and maybe even teach him somethings about herself and her world. And now here she was with this opportunity hesitating once again, fearful of her own happiness. Soraya took a breath and slid her hand in his. “I… chose a long time ago.” @Vox, The Fool

He let out a soft sound of relief, shoulders sinking with it. He held tight to her fingers then brought it up to his face, pressing the back of her hand to his cheek. Relief made him shake as he let out his stress of it all, realizing it was easier than he thought. He laughed softly, pressing his forehead against her hair. "That was easier than I'd expected." He chuckled still holding her fingers. "Are you ready to go back? It's quite late." He wanted to say more, looking through his lashes to her face. He'd avoided looking down, but he knew she was pressed in tight against his chest. He wanted to show her everything. Share his world with her. "I'm sure your grandmother is making conspiracies..." He laughed as the idea popped in his head embarrassed.

08:27

@ICE

"That'd probably be for the best," she whispered and drew her hand from his cheek down to his shoulders. Truthfully, she didn't want to go. She had many questions just about what this meant for them but now wasn't the time to ask. Right now, she had to setup a boundary. "But Aether," Sora stepped back and crossed her arms over her breasts. "I won't go easy on you. It's unladylike. You'll have to court me." She wanted a romance like any other human girl. Soraya hadn't even been kissed. In fact, this was the most intimate she'd ever been with a man and she was shocked with herself. If choosing meant what she thought it did than all that meant to her was there was an interest in one another. Now what that meant was over her head. @Vox, The Fool

He grinned and got out holding up the blanket for her to dry with, wrapping her up in it. "Very well then." He laughed softly hugging her in the blanket. He stepped away for to properly dress, tieing his pants about his waist and tightening the ankles. He strapped on the harness across his chest and waist. "We can take the trees back which is safer. Or the ground which is faster." @ICE

“These are your lands,” she replied. Soraya had marched off to the corner where here robes lay. She quickly got dressed, embarrassed by her actions but also mildly impressed. “You decide the path and lead the way.” @Vox, The Fool

He bent and got her back to the harness, making sure her skirts protected her legs from the straps. He didn't force the connection between their minds, so her sight of his world was dark, small points of light in the distance glittering like stars. Blossoms of flowers that cast their luminescence into the night of their world. How many of them had never seen the day? How many had never been amongst the light.... He crawled out onto a bough with her on his back and a spear in hand, moving quieter. He could hear a beasts hum in the dark, one about in the trees. "Stay quiet okay." He said softly looking back to her. The things reminded Aether of humans wolves, but they were longer and with frills about their heads that could cast hypnotizing light. Their teeth dripped with poison. He silenced himself and her, crouched low on a branch, keeping flat. It was beneath them but he wasn't looking to fight, especially with her on his back. "It's OK just be quiet ok...." He said softly, hearing it snuffle beneath them. @ICE

Soraya clung onto him tighter, already trembling. It was so dark and the fact that he moved quieter and with a weapon no less made her tense. There were beast out here. The disgruntled, uncivilized fae maybe? The ones he’d warned her about that were dangerous. She grit her teeth and shut her eyes, as long as she could stay calm, as long as she trusted Aether she would be alright. @Vox, The Fool

She saw its frills raise, it like leaves about its massive jaws. It was black, dark as the night, apart from its colorful throat. A massive scar ran down its face and Aether tensed harder, tail lashing. "It's the deaf one. I blinded it in one side as a child." He said softly watching the thing pass onto another tree. "Hes the one who chased me when I was young. Bastard followed me down into your valley." He quickly moved on, moving slow and quiet. "They hypnotize with their mane. Biggest danger is to the young ones." He explained softly, ears flickering about like mad listening. It wasn't long before they were climbing back into the main building, now full of Aethers people drinking and smoking. Her gran had a small glass in hand, Sorian twisted up asleep with Aethers sister on the floor. Both were snuggled up close like children with a toy. Tinania rumbled a greeting that buzzed her skin like lightning as Aether let her out of the harness. "There was a Lightmane nearby. The bastard one." He warned lightly and one of the men, a dog like creature that looked more a werewolf than man, chuffed softly in their tongue, going outside apparently to watch. Aether gently picked up Sorian from the floor, "I'll show you the room I made up for you." @ICE

Soraya would probably never get used to seeing Tinania. She scared her, well, rather intimidated her. Not just with her size but her status as a queen. A queen with a son who intended on courting her. She sighed as she took a seat next to her gran. “What’s wrong, my child?” “Oh, nothing, nothing I’m just…” She watched Aether carry Sorian off with a smile. “I’m not really sure how exactly but… it appears Aether has some interest in me, gran,” she whispered. The old woman cocked a sparse brow, “oh?” Soraya chuckled, “I think it’s just an infatuation. Interest in the unknown, something new. He’ll come to his senses soon enough I’m sure.” @Vox, The Fool

"He wont." Tinania chuckled softly from above. "It isn't like him to behave rashly anymore." She chuckled putting the end of a large pipe back between her teeth. "Theres not much point to whispering. We can hear it." She winked, "though we will pretend not to." She gently snaked down to have better view of Soraya, brilliant blue eyes focusing on her. "I cannot say I understand his fascination, but I know he's loved humans since his night out of the mountain. I pray you give him patience. He doesn't know much of humans courting. But he will definitely still try." She chuckled as Brigette sleepily got hold on her long hair, trying to pull her mother closer. Aether smiled softly hearing Tinania talk of him, but moved on to place Sorian in bed. The room was inside the tree and without windows. The only way in was the singular door that branched from the atrium. The safest place. He set the boy amongst the blankets. @ICE

“R-right…” She mulled, honestly feeling embarrassed for forgetting. But Tinania somehow felt easier to ask than Aether directly. It made her anxious. “T-Tinania,” she rose to stand in front of her, bowing once. “Your… highness?” The woman always looked so amused which only made her feel sillier. “I was wondering, how do the fae court? Do they court? I don’t think it’s fair to expect him to take on human traditions. Surely there’s some fae tasks I can complete as well?” Another thing was bothering her about what she said. “Has… Aether ever done something like this with another human?”

19:37

@Vox, The Fool

"I am no highness. We do not have royalty like humans. I am merely the strongest...." She chuffed at the word letting out smoke between her teeth. "Fae don't court often. It requires energy we often cannot spare. At most one would give food or make a den space to try to impress..." She looked over as another male rumbled something and she made a face like she was considering. "He likes clothing. Food. Pretty things that catch the light." She listed lightly adding the last when a woman had made a note. Most of them seemed afraid to talk to her directly just as they were afraid of Tinania. It was respect. They let Tinania be their voice. "It is hard to upset him with a gift. Even something useless." "Hes gone to the Overground many times over his years, but never spoke of anyone closely. He'd talked with natives of the mountains and the sea to the north, but never gave them a gate to our home like he has you." @ICE

“Pretty things… Okay, alright,” she grinned, more to herself. “I can do that.” She’d been afraid it would’ve been some kind of intimacy she wasn’t sure she could commit too. At least not yet. That thought brought up new questions that made her burn up right away. She simply shook them off. It was already hard enough knowing that they could all hear one another. The last thing she needed was a thought like that ending up in the winds. But more than that, she was the first he’d ever brought here. So that had to stand for something, right? “Thank you, Tinania.” @Vox, The Fool

Aether popped back up within a minute or so gently taking her hand in his, lacing her fingers. "Are you okay? You look stressed..." He noted softly skimming a thumb against her cheek. The quiet talk of his people was soothing, even if they were talking of him in their own tongue. He was fine being their fool.... Their trip to the baths ahad skipped the part of the party he'd worried would frighten her. Tomorrow would be more welcoming and calm.... "Do you need to lay down? I know this is all alot." He smiled tipping his head lightly, though the tip of his tail flicked with mild aggravation. Traitor. Idiot. Weak. It echoed in his ears. He knew his face was strained.... Tinania would protect her family for him if anyone dared, but that didn't fully mitigate his anxiety. @ICE

His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Something was wrong and she wanted to talk to him about it. “Actually, could we go somewhere private?” She chuckled. “Well, not private since that doesn’t exactly exist but… like your room, I suppose? Just so it can be only us.” She was sure her grandmother and brother would be okay without her. Just while she figured out what was on his mind.

18:28

@Vox, The Fool

"We have to climb a little. Can you hold onto me?" He said softly. "We can be alone. They just talk alot." He murmured amused. He lead through the halls made of twisting boughs of the trees, which arched up near vertical. He took her in an arm to climb, easily using the branches to ascend. He set her down at the top, leading deeper in by holding her fingers. Putting his shoulder into a door, he let her into his space. It was narrow, built into the crack of the tree to keep safe. It looked homemade, gaining skill further in. Boards made of dark wood spanned the ceiling, a home made oven built and mortared sitting cold. A large bed took up the back half of the room. It looked more a nest than a bed, blankets and cushions and hides filling the floor. He shut the door and shoved a hide under the crack in the door, muffling his kins talking through the buzz. "I have other clothes you can sleep in. If you'd like more comfortable clothes." He offered softly trailing his fingers across the rough boards over his head. He'd started the den as a child digging out the space in the tree. It felt strange to have someone there. He had few possessions; a knife with a broken blade, one of the colored frills from those predators, a long tooth carved into a visage of a face. Apart from his one small shelf, his room was bare. @ICE

This wasn't the type of space Soraya expected from a prince but for Aether, it made sense. She had to stop thinking of the fae like humans. Their structure was totally different and-- "Wait, sleep?" She was to sleep here? With him? Wasn't that too soon? She wasn't sure just how comfortable she was with that. Wouldn't he think she was easy? That things were moving too fast? Sora shook off the thoughts, she couldn't let herself worry on about such a thing. If she really wanted to see where things went with Aether she had to be prepared to try new things. Besides, he didn't like the type to force her into anything and she was sure he was tired from all the lugging around he had to do with her. "Actually, yes. I'd like to where something else if you don't mind." While he searched, she stood by watching the intricate patterns of the roots along the walls. This topic would come up eventually but was it better to solve it now? Sora took a deep breath and shut her is. She'd let it all out in a single breath and maybe if she was lucky he'd mishear. "What's the fae's views on sexual intimacy?" @Vox, The Fool

He held up a large tunic that'd dwarf her and put it back in the box to keep looking, quiet while he debated how to explain. "To be close to another. Means to trust. That you won't wake with a knife at your throat, or claws in your gut..." He said softly holding a long tunic carefully in his hands. Gently, as if afraid of frightening her, he set his forehead against her hair. "I am happy you trust me even to sit with me alone. It means more than you know." He smiled nuzzling her hair softly. "But there is a room next door. If you wish to sleep alone." He handed her the long shirt which would cover down mid thigh, and shorts with thin ties. "I am in no rush like my kin." @ICE

“Honestly, I’d much rather spend the night here with you.” She took the shirt and went to hide in one of his corners. “It may not be ladylike but you make me feel safe and I like talking to you.” Soraya slipped out of her robes slowly, still speaking as a way to distract from her embarrassment. @Vox, The Fool

He kept his eyes away, even if he didn't understand why she acted so. She hid so he didn't look. "Ladylike is a concept I don't really understand. Women in my people are a hurricane. Whatever they want they'll do." He chuckled softly and sunk down onto one of his mattresses. "I am definitely not going to shame you." He tugged one of the blankets over his bare back. She realized quickly he had no major light in his room, just the dim light of the small clay furnace that cast no heat. "And my intention is not... of that. I'd like honestly to sleep." He teased, smiling sleepily, having made her a comfy a space as he could. @ICE

Upon removing her clothes she slowly stepped to his bed. It seemed plush enough but definitely different from what she was used to. Gingerly, she climbed in and was surprised by the softness. “Oh, it’s quite nice, Aether.” Nice but still a little chilly. Well, she’d make due. Besides, laying so close to him was already making her body hot. “Women where I’m from aren’t encouraged to do that. In fact, the more aggressive you are the worst chances for finding a husband.” @Vox, The Fool

"Definitely opposite here." He chuckled, pulling the blankets over them, his tail tucking around her waist. "I'd rather you be honest than worry you'll frighten me or something." He skimmed the back of his fingers over her cheek, blinking sleepily in the dark. "You caught my attention immediately. You only wanted to protect your family, even to your own detriment." He smiled letting his hand fall. "That's important to me." @ICE

Soraya shivered from his touch, “really?” That didn’t feel like anything special. That’s what she was supposed to do. They were her family, she couldn’t let them get hurt for anything or anyone. “Can you tell me more?” She whispered and scooted closer. “About your family?” @Vox, The Fool

"My mother died when I was small. My father remains on his own. Community was never his desire. He remains predatory and solitary." He said softly, talking with hus eyes closed, head set close to hers. They both smelled of the sweet water of the bath. "Tinania paired with my father when I was a child to have an excuse to keep me alive." He said it without much emotion but his face was tight. "She's more my parent than my father was." He tucked his hand in hers without pause, stretching out to get comfortable. "I survived because of my people. I'm not about to ignore them because it's 'culture'." He smiled faintly. "What about you? I don't have to know if you'd rather not..." @ICE

He’d surely lived a life. It sounded complicated but she knew those kinds of feelings all too well. “I’m sorry, Aether,” she mumbled. “About your parents.” It was strange, she’d never dream of telling a potential partner about her family. Yet here she was about to tell him everything. “My father died in the war,” she whispered. “Sorian was just a babe then. Then my mother went mad.” She squeezed the sheets in her hands. “We were always isolated but my pa always knew how to draw a crowd. People thought he was funny and charismatic. My ma not so much. Everyone thought she was like gran; wild and mad. But pa could restrain her, ground her.” “And it wasn’t so bad, even after he left for war. But then we got the news that he had passed on the battlefield. My mother lost her mind then. Now we were completely alone and everything fell on me. I thought I could do it, no I knew could.” But then… “Until one night, she disappeared.” @Vox, The Fool

He silently held her hands then put her knuckles to his forehead, a soft motion of sentimental understanding. An acknowledgement of her pain that required nothing to be said, though he did murmur a quiet apology. He didn't know why but he felt he should. "I am glad you had your brother at least. He's a sweet lad." He smiled ears flicking back. An attempt to be a comfort. "I promise to protect him." He mumbled sleepily into the dark and tucked an arm around her back to hold her close, fingers splayed ar the back of her shirt. @ICE

She wasn’t sure what exactly that motion meant but it seemed to be a sign of empathy. So she smiled softly. Aether’s arms were so big, muscle wrought with hard work and strife. Hell, Aether was big, not like any man she’d seen before. He must be bigger than Uncle. Her uncle, a man she solemnly spoke of. It didn’t matter how well things were going between them, she didn’t think she’d ever be ready to have that discussion. She pulled back her long blonde curls, maybe she should’ve braided her hair like she regularly did but tonight, she wanted him to find her beautiful. Soraya’s hands moved to his chest, slowly, carefully. His stripes, his scars, it felt wrong for her, a human, to touch them. But he didn’t seem to mind. “Have you really missed me, Aether?” @Vox, The Fool

He nodded, "You don't look at me like I'm something to kill. Or something to worship." He said softly, happy to bare his skin for her examination. "You see me." He took one of her curls in his fingers, letting it slip in time. He nuzzled back into her hair, huffing softly like a large cat, arms tucking about her waist. "Besides who else would be there to be cross when I do stupid things?" @ICE

She chuckled, “is that so?” But even still, a year was a long time to not see one another. What if she wasn’t all he thought? What if they really couldn’t mesh? She didn’t want to prove his people right. Maybe a union like this could do some good. Maybe they could change this awful world they’d been forced into. And maybe I can be happy. “A year is a long time,” she whispered. “What if I’ve changed?” @Vox, The Fool

"If you're willing, I am." He reassured voice soft. "I live for a long time. I have plenty to give to learn." He murmured, holding her hands tight. He fell asleep quickly once she went quiet, keeping her close and she realized his ears never stopped moving, even in his sleep. Keeping watch even asleep. @ICE

She fell asleep shortly after only to somehow find herself awakening in his arms the next morning. He smelt like nature. She could pick up scents of freshwater lakes and wildflowers in his hair. Maybe it’s my imagination. It made her cuddle in closer and gave her wishes for a kiss or two. @Vox, The Fool

He was stretched out sleepily, tail flicking gently, ears swiveling around in his dreams. He stirred softly when she snuggled close and he smiled, arms wrapping about her again. He was twisted up in his blankets, and he carefully kicked free his feet. "Good morning." @ICE

Soraya chuckled softly, “good morning.” She kept her eyes on his, biting back her lip for a moment. This felt so… natural. Like it was just another morning with her lover. At least, this is how she imagined it would feel. Just the right amount of nerves but mostly comfortable. “How did you sleep, my Prince?” @Vox, The Fool

"Ugh don't call me that." He grimaced laughing softly, holding her about the waist. "I am definitely not that word..." He snorted softly nuzzling his face into her hair. "But I slept well. Did you?" He tipped his head lightly set into his arm, tail flicking. "I need to deal with my evolution today..." He murmured, arms crossed over her back. "I have too much pent up." @ICE

“Aether it is,” she smirked. But her face twisted to confusion as she sat up a moment. His shirt slid off her shoulders, her hair tussled to the side. “Evolution? What’s that? Is it dangerous?” Should she be worried because she was. @Vox, The Fool

"We gain energy and strength over a period of time. Unlike humans we don't age gradually. We age in bursts. If we don't put the energy towards something it can make us ill." He explained lightly, brushing her bangs from her eyes. "But that means I can change anything I wish about my appearance. Such as whatever you'd like." He offered, smiling. @ICE

“But I like you as you are,” she nuzzled into his touch. “Why would I want to change anything?” And definitely not for her. She wanted him at his most authentic. “What will you do to release the energy?” She asked. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

20:58

@Vox, The Fool

"It's not a bad or stressful thing. More a chance and time to focus power. It's ok." He reassured, rolling to his back laying down. He stretched with a groan, bare chest and stomach flexing gently. "And we can do what you wish today. Whatever you'd like to see." He smiled setting his arms beneath his head, ears flicking. @ICE

“Today?” She hummed. She really didn’t have anything planned. She didn’t know how weddings worked for his people or if there were any strenuous ceremonies she had to be aware of. “Today I’d like to learn more,” she ultimately decided. “I’d like to see more and do more… fae things? Yes, I think that’d be good.” @Vox, The Fool