akashavarma

[akashavarma]

SHE COULDN'T HAVE AGREED MORE WITH THE COMMANDER OF NIGHT. It had seemed that the only thing truly aplenty here was the fish. Given how much of them the Summer court ( & their guests, naturally ) had consumed, Akasha was both impressed & slightly distrustful over the fact that not a single specie of the fish had gone extinct yet. Was there a magic to boost up their numbers? A breeding spell? Or was the ocean void of predators? She couldn't say she knew. & it's not like she was looking for a strategy to starve them out. They weren't at war.

yet, that is.

"Quite. They could've filled the boat with something much better than the fish. Rare riches traded from all of Prythian. Summer court artisans selling their arts & crafts. Surely they've had more options presented to them." she agreed with a slight shake of the head. "But, at least their sweets are delicious. Have you tried lavender chocolate, yet? They sell it in boxes & as icecream, but I found the flavor more special when done in form of a liquer they spike the chocolate with."

it often felt as if she was gorging herself on sweets when she indulged in a treat or two. the war camps didn't leave room for a budget of candy for the young ones - sugar being a delicious discovery upon entering the court for the first time. the third in command hardly looks as threatening as she should, hand buried in a paper bag of sea salt taffy, overlooking the feast.

"a whole boatload of fish," nor remarks, a ghost of a smile on her features, breathing in the variety of grilled and smoked and fried fish. this sort of bounty was unimaginable in childhood. "as if we haven't had fish every day since arriving."

the feast.

closed for @brckenrctual, @ethercvl, @liuyan, @rosaxseer, @n1ghtsongs + @lichtundschattens.

[akashavarma]

A CELEBRATION REQUIRED VIBRANCY - & WHAT A GREATER, VIBRANT COLOR THERE WAS BUT DEEP RED MIXED WITH GOLD? Akasha had not attended such lively festival in over a year now. The Lantern festival in Dusk was full of splendor & grace, but it had been a different kind of it - more muted, due to the eternally dying sun. Still better than the darkness of the Night court, though with the moon above their heads casting a bright, silvery glow, it was lighter than one would've expected of deep darkness. But, she wasn't here to reminisce of festivals old & passed - she was here to join the lightness & merriment of others ( & gouge the new High liege of Gaea, the identity of which not even the Gaeans had known of - which was something she, as the Second in command, did not take as a good sign. who know, she may be dismissed of her services yet. new liege, new circle. )

indeed, everything here was so fragrant.

Finding herself in the company of Summer's very own High lady wasn't something the commander of Gaea actively sought - but, now that the chance had presented itself, why waste it? Golden eyes follow the High lady's movement & she nods as the other fae spoke. She'd heard of the customs - garlands, wreaths, even flower petals pressed into fresh amber to make pendants of it. Gaea had had something similar - they were, after all, the earthen court. Every solstice was a celebrations of soil, rock & everything in between. Truthfully, she'd expected a more... aquatic celebration. Perhaps it will come later in the day.

"They are. The richness of their fragrance leaves a pleasant, relaxing feeling. Unlike the mimosas whose only scent is that of a headache." Akasha lightly quipped, joining the High lady of Summer at the stall. "That one you hold is quite beautiful."

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 ⎯ @ethercvl ( gaeul ) , @slivertm , @liuyan

her  elder  sister  leaves  no  stone  unturned  in  preparing  for  their  court's  sacred  solstice  celebration  -  of  course  this  was  no  surprise  for  the  high  lady.  the  two  sisters,  shared  in  their  need  and  drive  for  perfection,  and  gradually  were  learning  they  have  far  more  in  common  then  either  believed  or  would  ever  admit  to.  it  was  a  relief  to  have  one  thing  off  her  endless  plate  of  duties,  and  further  more,  lavinia  would  enjoy  planning  this  celebration  far  more  than  alina  would,  not  due  to  her  lack  of  enthusiasm  for  summer  solstice  but  of  other  thoughts  weighing  on  her  mind.  the  celebration  had  garnered  the  response  they  had  hoped,  the  tension  of  months  prior  slowly  breaking  as  most  of  her  guests  appeared  to  be  enjoying  themselves.  she  stands  not  too  far  from  where  cedrian's  children  were  playing,  her  gaze  never  straying  from  them  for  too  long.  they  were  entirely  safe  here,  not  only  were  their  father's  guard  watching  over  them,  but  her  own  as  well.  however,  it  was  the  sight  of  their  bright,  innocent  smiles  that  brought  her  a  strange  of  serenity  that  made  it  impossible  to  look  away.  perhaps  her  fears  were  for  naught  concerning  them,  the  longer  she's  near  them,  the  harder  it  would  be  to  be  away  from  them.  it  was  some  time  earlier,  little  zaela  and  nyssa  had  brought  her  a  crown  flower  and  the  high  lady  was  so  stunned  momentarily  at  the  gesture  it  took  her  a  moment  to  snap  out  of  it  and  accept  it,  only  for  the  little  girls  to  place  atop  alina's  head.  it  remained  there  until  a  breeze  almost  snatched  it  to  which  alina  removed  it  and  kept  it  safely  in  her  hands.  it  was  the  feeling  of  another  presence  joining  her  that  had  her  gaze  finally  shift  to  focus  on  her  companion;  still,  a  greater  portion  of  her  attention  remaining  on  the  children.  "the  blooms  of  summer  solstice  are  the  most  fragrant  as  they  are  long  lasting."  she  remarks,  "some  fashion  them  into  the  jewelry  pieces  as  such  until  the  next  solstice."  a  tradition she herself partakes in. she lifts one of the necklaces that hand on a jewelry stall near by.

near the crown flower station as well as a jewelry vendor !

[akashavarma]

IT WAS ALWAYS LOVELY TO FIND A KINDRED SPIRIT. She, too, did not understand the need to change or adjust what had already been perfect ( or, well, a preference ) - why shift something that worked, something that had been pleasant & enjoyable? "I can't say I know either. & yet, we are often proclaimed as creatures of habit. Seems to me we can be seen as far too frivolous for that." Akasha nodded with a hum, taking a sip of the syrah. She understood what the merchant meat with the latter. Lately, every conversation was bound to spark up a debate, at best. At worst? Blades have been known to be drawn, if not an immediate magical attack ( though she reckoned the fae have been more civilized than that ). "Indeed. It seems even the most innocent of conversations will wound up in an argument. I suspect it's the uncertainty that's getting to everyone." she knew it was making her iffy.

Akasha's listened with a petite smile on her lips.

She liked to listen to others' stories & experiences. Every fae was an original story, even if some lives intertwined to an eerily similar extent. Still, it was always better to see the others as unique, rather than nitpick the similarities they held with everyone else. If one wanted to look for it, they'd find shared traits with everything in this world - animals included. The commander chuckled at the words. "What did they say when you've told them about the dupes? I'm certain they did not respond kindly to that." she could only imagine their response. Yet, at the curio cabinet being mentioned, Akasha's interest further piqued. "Oh? Pray tell, what did you find in there? Concoctions? Shady books & forbidden scrolls? I do enjoy a good mystery." she smiled.

“  that's  exactly  it  !  ”  exclaims  she  .  “  you  don't  hear  me  hating  on  new  choices  nor  experiences  ,  but  why  change  a  favourite  when  you've  found  it  ?  ”  zorya  speaks  from  experience  on  that  .  part  of  the  reason  behind  becoming  a  merchant  ,  with  no  court  outright  to  have  claimed  ,  was  due  to  that  craving  for  more  .  the  yearning  for  the  great  beyond  ,  the  changes  in  the  tides  ,  in  how  things  unfolded  .  however  ,  as  she  has  travelled  more  and  more  ,  she  finds  that  even  in  still  -  new  places  ,  she  seeks  out  comfort  .  favourites  such  as  hazelnut  ,  or  sharp  cardamom  ,  or  rich  broths  .  things  that  remind  them  of  something  else  ,  not  quite  home  ,  not  outside  of  it  .  “  conversations  are  much  the  same  for  me  .  ”  she  leaned  ,  putting  her  chin  in  her  hand  .  “  i'm  so  used  to  everything  becoming  an  argument  .  or  bartering  .  which  is  the  same  thing  .  ”  it  was  more  uncommon  for  them  to  have  normal  encounters  these  days  .  though  what  would  zorya  consider  to  be  the  strangest  thing  that  has  been  sold  ?  their  gaze  perks  up  a  bit  at  the  other's  admission  to  her  interest  in  decorations  .  “  someone  once  tried  to  tell  me  that  their  tapestry  was  rare  ,  and  i  was  able  to  name  several  dupes  .  that's  not  odd  ,  just  bad  business  .  ”  when  it  comes  to  that  ,  she  has  many  other  stories  she  could  tell  .  like  the  real  pegasi  feathers  mentioned  to  be  fakes  .  but  she  wouldn't  mention  that  ,  no  ,  that  was  a  bad  idea  .  “  i  would  say  …  an  entire  curio  cabinet  .  it  was  small  ,  and  they  said  it  was  empty  .  …  it  wasn't  .  ” yes  ,  how  strange  and  odd  the  world  was  …  zorya  grimaces  and  takes  another  long  drink  .  despite  the  speed  ,  they  were  barely  feeling  it  .

[akashavarma]

A QUESTION THAT SEEMED BOTH INNOCENT & WEIGHTED. How did the dowager mother fare? The question may have been simple & easy, but its answer would've been most telling. Was it an attempt of testing the waters for weaknesses? Perhaps. Perhaps it really was just the polite opening, two cats circling around a bowl of hot porridge. Akasha smiled to the commander of Night & took a sip of her red, considering the answer.

truth, but not all of it.

"She is holding up. I have no children of my own, but I reckon it would have been a horrendous heartache to lose one. Despite what he'd been during his last few months, he was her son after all." she'd known Sitara well enough to know the dowager queen felt that... carnage of the late king was the only way of stopping it. As a queen, there was no other way - but, as a mother... it must have hurt like all the circles of the Hell combined in one. "How does your High Lady fare, after the battle's been fought & won?" she returned the question.

their smile widens. nor doesn't have the same cunning as most do, its their preference to be blunt. this game is a reflection of that. what could be more straight forward than taking turns to voice curiosity? clever word play doesn't fall into the chasm of difference between high fae and illyrian.

amber liquid dances within the goblet, catching like molten gold. "then..." starting easy, nor muses, "how does the queen-mother fare, having stepped outside of the public eye?"

[akashavarma]

AKASHA NODDED, THE GESTURE FOLLOWED BY A HUM. It isn't until this moment that one does truly understand how limited the vocabulary is. What one sense can perceive, the other falls short in grasping it in it's fullness. How does she describe the murals? The chipped paint at the corner of one of the depictions of the leviathan, the barred teeth & the sense of both dread & awe, intertwined. "They enjoy portraying their hidden creature, the leviathan. In one mural, the creature is seen surrounded by the darkness of the sea - only the silver speck of iridescent paint glitters like eyes reflected in the dark. The other mural shows the beast in hunt, though there are parts of the paint that are chipped and pale." the commander spoke, but paused after a moment. "Perhaps it looks different when submerged. There is a special kind of paint that changes shades when doused with water. Perhaps the merfolk may tell you a different story." not that she'd known - or cared to ask.

humming lightly in agreement, Akasha led the acolyte towards the shady spot.

"It really is to perish on the spot, isn't it? The summers in Gaea could never compare to such a mind numbing heat & monstrosity. It is monstrous, this scalding heat. Perhaps it would have been better if the air wasn't so damp & heavy all the time. Even nights bring us little respite." she sighed, sitting down on the soft sand. "I'm not much for swimming. I know how to swim, but the blackness of the ocean makes me uncomfortable. Wary. To not know what lies beneath your feet. I take to just lounging in the shallows. That way I don't have to get my hair wet. Do you enjoy a dip in the sea?" she asked.

she's surprised by the touch at first, taking a moment to relax into it. the fae's hands are soft, warm. malaika sometimes feels like a pet, tugged and guided along, following where she's led. "that would be nice, thank you."

she likes hearing how other people describe the world. the water azure. the marble is grand. their dress looks like a cupcake. until it happens, one doesn't realize how scary it is to open your eyes and see nothing. how empty it is. how boring it is. to lose total access to a visual feast.

considering the uneven sand, the beach is less favourable - it's difficult to feel the soil beneath them, having to feel lower into the crust. but, it's manageable with someone leading. "i think some shade would be lovely. this heat is unbearable."

[akashavarma]

THE COMMANDER OF GAEA STANDS AT THE EDGE OF THE ROCKY BEACH, GOLDEN GAZE FIXED UPON THE AZURE WAVES LAPPING AGAINST THE SHARP STONES. She had come here for solace & solitude, for some peace & quiet, but unsteady sound of footsteps draws her attention to the approaching fae. Ah, Clara's acolyte. The temple of the deep remains covered by the sea, though the... pale stone of the building shines from below - like moonlight reflected upon the surface, only inverted as it shone from within.

a smile tugs at her lips, even if they cannot see it, they will sense it in the tone of her voice.

"I have been there on a few occasions, yes." Akasha approached the younger fae & took a hold of one of her hands. "Come sit with me at the beach. I found a lovely spot in the shade. If you wish, I will describe the carvings & the murals to you." she offered.

a distinct roundness cuts through the darkness of her vision. the sun is warm on their face, the light tickling their skin as the heat rises to the surface, painting them rosy. a flock of birds crow mightily, sharp and shrill. the noise persuades the vacant gaze in their direction. from where she stands, the waves crack loudly against rocks, heavily blanketing them in foam. the temple of the deep should be around there, malaika recalls. perhaps the water is rocking steadily upon its stone. does any of it stick out of the water?

"they say that that the temple of the deep is beautiful, especially when it rises at night." the gaean fae can't help the wistful nature of her tone, craving to see the carvings etched into the marble. malaika's only able to enter in the evening, not the biggest fan of being leashed to a swimmer to guide her down. "have you seen it?"

open for @ofcourtfablesarchive

[akashavarma]

AKASHA LIGHTLY SMILED AT THE OTHER, POUSING A CLASS OF CABERNET FOR THE MALAKIM & SLIDING IT ACROSS THE TABLE TO HER SLENDER HANDS. "No, we certainly cannot." though she doubted the Mother cared of such trivialities - she hardly seemed to care about important matters, let alone drinks. But, the younger fae was right - sleep did evade her tonight ; not only tonight, but many night as well - ever since Kabir fell, even before coming to Summer, her nights have been restless & odd. Uneasy.

now she knew why.

"It does, yes. & your father is right, the wine does help. Cabernet in particular, though I am biased towards syrah as well. Still, I find the cabernet to be more soothing for the nerves." & she had been nervous - the mourning period is creeping to an end & magic will undoubtedly reveal the next liege of Gaea within weeks - if not days. Turning a golden gaze towards the malakim, Akasha asked ; "What is keeping you awake tonight?"

Something  big  was  coming  rather  sooner  than  later.  This  much  Patime  knew,  although  she  tried  not  to  think  about  it.  The  big  magic,  the  fallen  ruler⸻it  was  too  much.  Too  scary.  Could  she  face  it?  She  felt  like  she  didn't  have  to.  Her  father  would  tell  her  that  was  a  mistake.

Everything  that  affected  Prythian,  would  have  an  effect  on  the  Prythian.

"Oh,  wine?  I  don't  drink,  but-"  she  eyed  the  beverage,  tempted.  She  didn't  care  much  for  alcohol,  but  social  gatherings  often  called  for  it.  This  wasn't  such,  yet  she  thought  it  shared  the  same  sentiment.  "Okay,  I'll  take  some  off  your  hands.  I  couldn't  go  against  Mother's  wishes,  could  I?"

She  settled  in  her  sofa,  caring  for  the  placement  of  her  velvety  lilac  wings  with  her  own  hands.

"Is  sleep  escaping  you  tonight?  My  father  always  said  wine  would  help  his  most  sleepless  rest."

[akashavarma]

AKASHA HAD BEEN RATHER AMUSED BY THE GENERAL'S SUGGESTION. She was hardly an alcoholic - what was so wrong about having a glass of cabernet before bed & reading a book? There were worse ways to relax. A hot spring for one - she'd rather live with the tension in her body than submerge herself, willingly, in a heated spring - healing properties or not. "I like my nightly glass of red wine & a book to immerse myself in. It's hardly a vice, general." she lightly chuckled, but opted not to explain herself further - or comment on the springs.

she was fed up with the heat enough as it is.

Yes, it was expected of Gaea to mourn & wail & appear as flighty as chickens in the presence of a fox. She was neither of those things, but it would have been shameful of the Second in Command to appear so prone to bouts of emotion, destabilizing her rationale. A drink or not, Akasha had seldom allowed her emotions to get the better of her - in fact, she could count the times on the fingers of one hand. "We are in seclusion due to it. Many of my brethren find themselves at a loss. Do not get me wrong, it is not the king we mourn directly - he was a meek ruler at best, a true monster at worst. But, we now lack a purpose. What good is the inner circle when there is no ruler to serve? The wait is taxing on us, even if a period of mourning must be respected."

it was tedious.

Ah, at least she & the Summer general could find a common footing in that area. "So, you, too, believe this is far from over?" Akasha retorted, taking a petite sip of the cabernet she had been enjoying - the general's reprimand bounced off her like droplets of rain against wax. "I am of the same opinion, though I do pray it does not come from our court again. I hope the magic will be wiser with it's choice this time. & before you ask, no, I still have no idea who it may choose. The court still mourns & if the magic had already chosen... it remains veiled from everyone, our next ruler included."

╰ ♡ continued from here @akashavarma

╰   ♡   ❝   needing   a   drink   to   relax   is   not   something   that   i   would   be   proud   to   be   saying   out   loud   to   another.   ❞   the   statement   is   more   than   a   start   to   someone   having   a   substance   abuse   problem.   ❝   there   are   plenty   of   other   things   that   can   be   done   to   find   yourself   in   a   position   to   feel   relaxed.   might   i   recommend   the   hot   springs   instead   of   turning   to   alcohol.   ❞   the   hot   springs   are   not   often   his   choice   of   place   to   relax,   instead   he'd   prefer   to   spend   time   with   his   wife.   though   he   was   not   sure   of   the   other's   status   to   even   suggest   that.

╰   ♡   anyone   would   have   asked,   in   the   politeness   of   conversation   with   another.   though   the   general   wouldn't   lie   if   it   was   also   in   preparation   for   conversations   with   his   high   lady.   ❝   as   would   be   expected   of   any   court   after   the   loss   of   their   leader.   ❞   he   hadn't   expected   any   less   of   the   capital.   especially   in   the   temporary   time   that   they   remained   with   an   unnamed   leader   for   them.   though   he   wouldn't   press   the   commander   for   the   answer   to   that   question.   sure   the   other   is   as   clueless   as   he   is   to   that   answer.

╰   ♡   ❝   the   summer   court   is   not   impressed   that   the   barrier   remains   in   place,   which   i   assume   to   be   the   same   of   all   courts.   i'm   sure   everyone   would   prefer   to   have   returned   to   their   homes   after   the   problem   was   solved.   all   that   summer   can   hope   is   that   we   find   a   solution   to   that   before   the   next   threat   appears.   ❞

[akashavarma]

WELL, THAT WAS CERTAINLY ONE WAY TO DRINK. Akasha lightly chuckled at the words, offering a petite nod. "I do enjoy a good drink, so once I find what I like, I tend to stick to it like resin to the bark of a tree." it was her bias with red wine - syrah & cabernet in particular - & a few strong drinks, like gin, rum & fruit schnapps ; she did enjoy cherry liquor & dark chocolate liquor. Everything else, she could live without. However, as the merchant spoke of silence, the commander of Gaea found herself nodding in understanding & agreement. The loud silence was anxiety inducing - it was strange & uncomfortable, buzzing with uncertainty & danger - even if the danger was only perceived in one's mind. "Oh, I agree. It feels like having numerous invisible eyes fixed upon you - searing hot & with a hidden intent. Yet, you are alone or in the company of someone who has nothing of value to say." sometimes it was better to remain quiet & sometimes... small talk was a savior, even if she usually despised it.

interesting.

"Well, that's good. Now I know who to call for when I wish to purchase a rare decoration for my home in Gaea." she doesn't think she'll ever order pegasi skulls - she wasn't the kind to put a gnawed out carcass on display in her home, but it was good to know she could acquire it, should she ever... desire for a spooky item to enter her collection of oddities. "& what's the strangest object you've sold, if you don't mind me asking? I do have an interest in oddities. It's a great tool of learning how strange & lovely our world is." Akasha asked.

they  press  the  edge  of  the  glass  to  their  lips  ,  and  their  sip  is  accompanied  by  pleased  smacks  .  “  well  ,  look  at  that  .  it  sure  is  .  i'm  not  much  of  a  drinker  or  a  tester  when  it  comes  to  full  -  on  drinks  ,  i  usually  swipe  a  finger  full  and  move  on  .  ”  that  sounds  rather  shady  but  it  was  exactly  what  zorya  did  .  she  would  pass  by  in  trying  to  steal  something  to  trade  off  later  ,  and  she  wouldn't  be  able  to  help  herself  from  dipping  into  a  taste  test  .  “  i  don't  like  loud  silence  either  .  i  feel  like  it  gets  really  weird  ,  it  sits  in  your  ears  like  a  bug  .  i  look  around  and  i'm  like  ,  why  isn't  anybody  talking  ?  too  used  to  the  markets  .  ”  they  equate  their  need  for  it  with  constantly  being  surrounded  with  the  noises  of  bargains  being  made  ,  quick  deals  ,  faster  stock  .  and  if  they  don't  have  that  flowing  through  them  ,  then  something  clearly  must  be  wrong  .  “  when  i  say  i  can  sell  anything  ,  i  mean  it  .  it's  harder  to  get  bigger  things  ,  like  furniture  or  pegasi  skulls  ,  but  anything  rare  ,  i'm  the  person  to  seek  out  .  ”  rare  and  oddities  and  things  which  shouldn't  be  on  normal  shelves  ,  the  full  works  .  when  it  comes  to  figuring  out  potential  business  ,  zorya  likes  to  start  small  .  so  long  as  the  nice  -  tasting  drink  doesn't  loosen  their  tongue  . 

[akashavarma]

"GAEAN COURT, OF COURSE." Akasha responded without batting an eye. The earth-powered court had a versatile cuisine - earthy tastes of lentils, rice, turnip & vegetables, yet also fiery spices like cumin, pepper, curcuma, cinnamon, paprika & salt. She missed the warm flavors of it - this court only knew how to make fish - everything else was bland & tasteless. "If you ever find yourself venturing to my court, remember to seek me out - I know all the best places to try out food & drinks." she offered, taking a sip of the syrah.

what was the worst thing she'd witnessed?

"How about a lifeguard... Who can't swim?" Akasha snickered, remembering the nearly fatal situation. "He wanted to woo a lady. There was a situation with an oncoming wave & an illyrian unaccustomed to the combination of salt water, wave rush & the dawning realization they have wings. It was both terrifying & hilarious to see the lifeguard trying to navigate the shallows, splashing around like a child in a training pool. Luckily no harm came to anyone as there were actual trained lifeguards in the vicinity - but, it could've ended very badly." nepotism was a menace - there was no other explanation to how someone who couldn't swim could be hired as a lifeguard. "Needless to say he got fired that day - as did the person hiding them." she added, then asked ;

"What's the worst act of bravery you've witnessed?"

" which court would you recommend if i wanted to have a pleasant culinary experience ? " he felt like a child, still learning about the world around him. the mainland held too many new and exciting things that he had a hard time wrapping his head around everything. " humour me: what would be the most idiotic thing done in the name of bravery that you've witnessed ? " the stupidity of others always managed to astonish him. in the ripe age of 420, he still found himself shocked by the behaviour of his own men. some acts made him think about resigning. it might have relieved him of at least a dozen worries.

[akashavarma]

SHE DID NOT DOUBT THE BLACKSMITH'S WORK WILL BE TO HER LIKING. She had asked around the court about the smithy & its owner & had been satisfied with the information - skilled, fast & reasonably priced. Yet, as the illyrian speaks, Akasha finds herself pleased with what she hears. Her dagger had seen quite a few battles - threats & maims, as well. In her early days as the Second, she took her role rigorously, not daring to make a single mistake, not allowing a single mishap. She was less of a perfectionist now - now that Kabir had thrown all of her effort right into the mouth of a volcano ( metaphorically speaking, of course ), she was liberated. Her perfectionism got Gaea nowhere - it barely protected it, & all because of a wanton king who refused to communicate with his inner circle.

good riddance, indeed.

"I'm sure it will. & if you wish, I could tell you some of its stories. It's name is the Ember of earth - for the garnets & rubies adorning it gleam like molten lava in the depths of the earth." the commander offered, lighting up a cigarette, golden eyes following the movements of the other, as they ventured inside to fetch it. She had yearned to be reunited with her heirloom - such things undoubtedly had a soul. Akasha could swear she felt the distance from the object, felt is as if there was a phantom shape of it strapped to her thigh. It was but a short wait, yet it felt like centuries - she may have been a patient fae, but she could never seemed to wait enough when her weapons were in question. Fingers curl around the velvet concealed blade, the cold touch of iron & silver cooling her skin.

"Thank you for reforging it for me. How much do I owe?"

the  moment  the  commander  uttered  her  name  ,  the  weapon  in  question  flashes  into  derya's  mind  .  they  picture  it  with  ease  ,  the  ornate  encrusted  jewels  ,  and  how  they  had  taken  it  from  avi's  hands  so  that  he  might  focus  upon  other  orders  .  they  prefer  more  methodical  work  ,  toning  up  weapons  already  made  and  tending  to  such  adornments  ,  and  so  it  was  no  skin  off  their  nose  to  spend  a  good  two  hours  buffing  them  .  the  gems  even  had  some  scratches  ,  which  needed  to  be  cared  for  ,  and  derya  had  spent  a  bit  of  time  in  the  last  two  nights  ,  bathed  solely  in  the  light  of  the  forge  ,  to  meld  them  together  .  they  hope  ,  of  course  ,  the  work  is  to  akasha's  liking  ,  for  that  mattered  more  .  “  i  can  picture  this  weapon  with  ease  ,  ” offer  they  as  a  compliment  .  “  it  touched  my  own  hands  for  several  hours  .  i  can  promise  its  quality  will  be  to  your  approval  now  .  it  has  seen  many  stories  for  itself  to  tell  in  its  blade  .  ”  derya  was  always  curious  as  to  what  it  was  that  a  weapon  saw  ,  even  if  they  never  much  carried  the  desire  to  wield  one  and  create  their  own  .  they  hold  up  a  hand  in  response  to  the  smoke  .  “  i  appreciate  the  offer  .  if  you're  fine  with  the  dagger  ,  then  i'll  accept  .  ”  derya  otherwise  rarely  does  themself  ,  only  on  social  occasions  ,  which  are  not  places  that  they  find  themself  often  .  “  but  feel  free  ,  ” tacked  on  over  their  shoulder  as  they  head  to  the  back  to  retrieve  it  .  still  in  the  slip  of  black  velvet  of  before  .

[akashavarma]

UNFORTUNATELY FOR BOTH OF THEM, AVOIDING TO SPEAK OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS ABOUT AS ACHIEVABLE AS DEMANDING THE SUMMER COURT TO TURN INTO WINTER. It would've been a lovely gesture from the magic, but impossible. "What we wish is often not in the cards for the fae of our ranking, is it not, commander Honoria?" Akasha asked, drawing a chalice to her lips to drink. she

was interested in games - it was far too boring in Summer.

Ah. A generic drinking game, set out to fish for information? She would have been disappointed, had she set herself up for any sort of expectations to begin with. "Sounds... fun. Shall we take turns, then? You may ask first, then I shall ask you." she had a few questions lined up for the Night's commander - & she was quite curious to see if she'll answer.

“and i would hate to be accused of poor conversation,” nor says. her easy smile is immovable if not cold. her person feelings bleeding through — a poor show of her outward neutrality. “i won’t force you to hold conversation if you don't wish to speak of the boy-king.” she'd hate to push too far without learning anything.

"but... shall we make a game out of it?" honoria muses slyly. what else was there to milk from the gaea? perhaps their ruler was already chosen and they were hiding it from them. nor was curious. "that way we should not be bored. we each ask a question, and if you desire not to answer, then we drink."

[akashavarma]

IF THE MOTHER WAS TAKING REQUESTS, THEN SHE REALLY HOPED IT WOULDN'T BE THE SPRING COURT NEXT - OR THE DAY. She endured summer with a vengeance ( one might even say penance ), but if she had been transported to a court that only had the daytime as its eternal setting or the court with the promise of summer in it's warmer days, Akasha will be really angry. She had yearned for home, yearned to go back to Gaea so they could rebuild in peace & quiet, unbothered & unobserved by the rest of Prythian.

of course, she knew such a hope was not in the cards for them.

No, they probably will go to another court when this barrier breaks - if not, then it would've broken with Kabir's death & they all would've gone back to their respective courts ( or the magic would have just released them from the confinement & they'd all have gone were they pleased to go ). "If Mother is listening, perhaps it would be wiser to ask her to drop us in Gaea. It's not so much yearning for home as it is the necessity to rebuild while we still can. You know the ancient saying: Iron forges while it's hot. The same is with us, right now. We may be very flammable ants under a magnifying glass, but this time would be most beneficial for us to slip back home to get our affairs in order." the moment the barrier breaks & they're allowed to leave... is the moment the second in command will winnow to Gaea.

time - & speed - was of the essence, truly.

Akasha lightly chuckled at the Priestess quip. "There is a different kind of darkness to be found in the blazing sun. Just because it's a court of perpetual Day, doesn't mean there aren't shadows or veiled threats to be found. If you look close enough, you'll find the whispers of it within each court. Frankly, I would prefer the Night court, if I had to choose somewhere outside of Gaea. Or the other two solars, Dawn & Dusk, again. Dusk is familiar & Dawn is the best compromise between the time of night & day. I'm fed up with seasonals, to be frank. Eternity of a single season is an absolute menace to endure." though if she ought to choose one to reside in, it would probably be the Autumn court.

at least the priestess was enjoying herself.

"That is true. I have been by the shore once or twice. I quite like watching the sea wash at the beach, but the heat is intolerable. Even during the night, the humidity in the air is too much for me to bear sometimes." she swam a few times to cool off, but she wasn't fond of sea-water. It wasn't fear of the depths, she had no such fears in her heart, but rather the saltiness of the sea clinging to her like a second, very itchy & dry skin. While she would immediately rinse herself in the pool in her suite, the ghost of it... lingered in the smell of dampness & something to undeniably ocean. "I hear the Hot Springs are a sight to behold. You will enjoy it there, I'm sure." she had no desire to explore Adriata - she'd been here a few times in her early youth to know all the sights had already been seen.

the question made her snort out in amusement.

"You are lucky for Enjy's company - canines are better than men could ever be. The last thing I need right now is a man telling me what to do or how to behave or do my job. They all have such a flaw in their character & I am not magnanimous enough to tolerate it at the present. Besides - men of Summer are ill suited for me as this court is ill suited for me." that isn't to say Akasha could not be swayed by someone - just that it wasn't something she is pursuing or caring about at the present. With everything that's happened to Kabir &, you know, Gaea as a whole, it'd be rather selfish & un-commandery to go traipsing around in pursuit of romance.

"Oh,  well,  if  it's  cabernet  consider  me  convinced."  Accepting  the  glass  now  comes  easy  after  it  has  been  poured,  days  long  since  passed  when  an  adolescent  Clarabel  Moreau  would  sneak  the  cabernet  her  parents  had  collected  from  the  courts.  To  be  drinking  it  now  in  a  way  that  was  not  alone,  well,  Clara  welcomed  it.  That  was  a  rule  --  to  never  drink  alone.

While  Akasha  had  not  found  comfort  in  the  openness  --  Clarabel  did.  In  fact,  the  Summer  Court  was  LOVELY  to  her  --  though  she  could  do  without  the  humidity.  It  wouldn't  be  permanent,  she  had  faith.  “If  the  Mother  is  taking  requests,  should  she  hear  me  now,  maybe  we  can  pray  to  drop  us  in  Spring  next.”  It's  said  a  little  louder  as  if  in  hopes  that  the  Mother  could  overhear  their  conversation  (  which,  she  probably  could  ).  Spring  was  one  of  my  favorites  to  visit,  I've  cousins  there.  Distantly."  The  Moreau  line  had  originated  in  the  Spring  Court  but  over  time  had  become  strongly  Gaean  in  blood  --  though  some  still  remained.  Clara  had  never  been  a  shapeshifter  though,  not  even  close.  Much  to  her  parents  dismay,  the  fae  had  never  been  what  they  wanted  until  she  was  far  out  of  their  reach.  "You're  not  wrong  to  be  wary  of  the  openness  though,  it  feels  as  if  everyone  is  staring  at  us  Gaean's  with  a  magnifying  glass.  Like  ants  prime  for  the  BURNING."  Another  breathe  was  let  out  because  it  was  true,  another  sip  taken  from  the  glass  of  wine.

"Imagine  you  say  we  have  long  and  dark  days  only  for  us  to  be  transported  to  Day  next,"  of  course,  Clara  knew  Akasha  was  being  metaphorical  in  speech  but  she  couldn't  help  but  joke  about  the  current  state  of  their  unpredictability.  A  play  on  it,  almost.

She  does  not  answer  how  she  is  at  first,  as  that  question  is  one  she  is  not  sure  how  to  answer  and  knows  it  to  be  rude  if  she  were  to  let  the  conversation  stall  too  long.  "I'd  found  much  to  do  there,  actually.  The  best  thing  about  being  in  these  different  courts  is  the  knowledge  accessible  to  us  at  our  fingertips.  The  gardens  here  are  also  BLOOMING.  I've  wanted  to  take  a  trip  to  the  Hot  Springs  soon  or  do  something  else  that  is  very  specific  to  Summer  while  we're  here."  Another  sip  from  the  glass.

"As  for  how  I  am?  I  count  my  roots  that  Enjy  has  been  with  me  this  journey  otherwise  I'd  WORRY  for  him  more  than  I  would  for  Gaea.  I'm  alright,  really.  I  could  complain,  of  course,  but  I  know  that  most  of  my  complaints  will  be  solved  sooner  rather  than  later  and  that  The  Mother  knows  my  woes.  I've  met  some  interesting  folk  on  this  journey  too.  Reconnected  with  ghosts  and  friends  of  past."  A  pause  before  a  grin  starts  to  illuminate  her  features.  "Have  you  found  anyone  to  pass  the  time  with  as  of  yet?  Anyone  suitable  of  being  Mister  Akasha  Varma?"

[akashavarma]

WELL, SHE DID OFFER A DRINK TO THEM, did she not? Akasha was not known to rescind her invitations, even if they have been hastily made ( & by that she did not mean Zorya ). "Why not? It's rather tasty." she retorted, taking a sip of the drink as the younger fae accepted with a thanks. Cracking a smile, the commander of Gaea dismissively waved her hand. "No need for thanking me, I would quite like some company to chat with. It gets awfully quiet here at times - while I don't mind the silence, too much of it get very loud, wouldn't you agree?" the Gaean quarters were eerily quiet since Kabir started running with a less... lively crowd. & so she ventured to the Summer palace's common room where the variety of different fae could mingle & yet it had also been virtually deserted.

truly, her time in Summer was a hoot.

"A mediator of a kind." Akasha noticed, filling up a glass for the younger fae. She wasn't the type to stick her nose in others' business, but they had to talk about something, did they not? "What goods do you normally sell?" perhaps she may require their service in the future - who knows who the next ruler of Gaea will be, perhaps opening up a more relaxed trade will be beneficial.

“  …  a  glass  of  fancy  wine  ?  for  me  ?  ”  zorya  glances  about  ,  certain  that  the  gaean  lady  must  be  on  the  lookout  for  someone  else  .  this  better  not  be  a  case  of  doppelgänger  proportions  ,  where  zorya  finds  themself  taking  the  place  of  another  fae  they  don't  even  know  nor  are  they  related  to  .  that'd  be  unfortunate  .  a  merchant  of  dawn  is  a  fine  position  ,  but  not  in  comparison  to  those  of  the  inner  circle  ,  and  certainly  not  when  one  of  zorya's  daily  worries  was  reporting  to  the  master  of  coin  .  well  ,  you  know  ,  with  that  kind  of  stress  looming  over  their  mind  ,  perhaps  accepting  the  gift  wouldn't  be  so  terrible  .  “  i'd  be  rude  to  decline  ,  wouldn't  i  ?  so  i  won't  .  ah  …  thank  you  .  ” remembering  some  of  their  decorum  and  bringing  it  forth  .  they  are  dressed  rather  pale  in  comparison  to  their  surroundings  ,  layered  orange  and  line  tunics  and  baggy  trousers  ,  but  it's  at  least  clean  and  their  hair  is  tidy  .  “  i'm  not  a  seer  either  ,  i'm  simply  a  seller  of  wares  and  procurer  of  goods  .  the  man  in  the  middle  ,  so  to  speak  .  ”  it  was  always  tricky  discussing  work  ,  but  zorya  has  struck  that  balance  between  too  much  and  too  little  sharing  so  far  as  this  was  concerned  ,  even  if  it  still  made  them  sweat  . 

[akashavarma]

AKASHA LET OUT A PETITE CHUCKLE AT THE HIGH PRIESTESS' WORD - her attempt at dodging a drink had been valiant, indeed, yet utterly in vain, as the commander filled a glass for her. "One glass won't get you drunk. It's cabernet, just the wine to kick back & relax for a bit." she could use some of that relaxing, to be fair. With magic still undecided about the next rulers of Gaea, she'd been on quite an edge. Who knows what buffoon she'll have to pledge her allegiance to this time - or to what monster.

they've all missed home.

It's been a year since they've been in Gaea, & it seems like many more months may pass before they see it again - if they see it again. The magic had brought them first to Dusk, then to Summer - who is to say it won't keep dropping them in other courts ; & keep doing so until the end of time itself. "I miss home, too. This place is too lively for me, too loud & open. I don't trust this openness." there's got a be a catch in there somewhere. Everyone was still playing too nicely with each other. It was a recipe for disaster. "I don't think an entire forest can help me now, dear Clara." Akasha lightly chuckle, but proceeded to shake her head. "I'm fine, really. Just feeling iffy as the rest of our court, I believe. We have long & dark days ahead of us." she responded, before casting a glance her direction, a smile playing upon her lips.

"& how have you been doing, Clara? Did you find something to pass the time in Adriata?"

"I  would  care  for  a  glass  if  I  hadn't  cared  a  bit  too  much  a  few  nights  past,"  she  did  not  make  it  a  habit  to  drink  as  frivolously  as  others  around  her  did,  in  fact,  Clarabel  was  not  the  biggest  drinker  at  all.  However,  she'd  found  it  more  enticing  to  indulge  in  as  a  connecting  point  with  others  --  which  was  what  was  most  important  after  all.  Connection.  The  fae  still  longed  for  it  in  all  it's  forms,  often  praying  three  times  a  day  just  to  feel  something  bigger  than  herself.  "If  you  could  convince  me,  however,  I  may  try  this  wine  if  it's  anything  special."  In  truth,  it  wouldn't  be  too  hard  to  convince  Clarabel  to  have  a  glass.

Or  two.  No  more,  no  less.

Truly  no  more  though,  Clara  would  rather  stand  whatever  sort  of  guard  she  could,  hoping  to  give  Akasha  a  place  to  unwind  than  make  space  for  commiseration.  They'd  done  enough  side  eyeing,  whispering  and  frustration  for  several  LIFETIMES  after  what  they'd  been  through  with  the  young  newly  departed  King.

"I'm  missing  home.  If  it  weren't  our  summers,  this  heat  would  feel  unnatural.  I'm  not  really  sure  how  they  do  it  --  not  to  sound  ungrateful  for  the  time  here  but  by  the  roots,  if  we  did  not  have  seasons  in  Gaea -- I  would  be  done  for.  How  are  you  holding,  dearest  Akasha?  Have  we  filled  our  lungs  with  enough  breathe  to  calm  the  senses  or  must  we  seek  out  a  tree?"

[akashavarma]

IT HAD SEEMED THAT ALL SHE DID SINCE KABIR'S DEMISE WAS TO DRINK, & she'd wondered if it may be constructed poorly - if they all may think she had been mourning. She hadn't. She did not care much for him beyond the fact he'd been a king & a boy. Everything else was circumstantial. He was a little prick long before the upgrade, even in his meek days one could see something else glowing behind his eyes. Turns out it was something sinister. She may have been a loyalist, but she had been loyal to Gaea - not a boy who had brought it to the very brink of destruction.

what a joke he'd turned out to be.

"Sometimes, a good drink is all we need to relax." though there was very little that could make the commander of Gaea relax in the aftermath of the battle. Most of the Gaeans - at least those she'd known of - had been on the side of Prythian, as terrified & confused & kept int he dark as the rest of the continent - & some oft hem even more so. Yet, the general's question does not surprise her, nor touches her.

it was only natural he'd ask.

"It's holding up. We are not destroyed yet, though the court is..." Akasha paused, searching for a word. In shambles. "... trying to focus on healing & rebuilding. Hopefully heading towards a more positive future with someone who may appreciate the seat of power, instead of looking to overpower what does not belong to them." she never understood the hunger for power, for wanting everything while having virtually zero ability of gaining it.

it's how monsters were made.

"& how does Summer fare? I suspect everyone is still shaken up from the battle. Not to mention displeased that the barrier keeps us all imposing on your hospitality."

╰   ♡   noah   wouldn't   have   said   that   was   elated   at   the   fact   that   the   king   had   been   taken   down.   it's   a   relief   that   he   had   been   taken   care   of   in   the   sense   that   he   was   no   longer   a   threat   to   their   courts.   however   the   loss   of   such   a   young   life   was   a   shame.   one   that   he   had   had   a   hand   in   when   his   high   lady   had   asked   him   to   lead   the   search   to   locate   the   king   hiding   within   the   summer   court,   though   he   wasn't   about   to   admit   that   to   anyone   especially   the   gaean   fae.

╰   ♡   most   wished   to   know   who   would   take   over   for   the   goldcoves,   as   their   ruling   had   ended   with   the   boy   king.   the   longer   they   took   to   announce   the   name   of   who   would   be   taking   over   the   more   the   sopeculation   was   going   to   grow.   however   noah   wasn't   nearly   as   concerned   over   this   fact.   so   long   as   whoever   took   over   didn't   immediately   turn   against   the   courts.   he   would   be   prepared   if   they   needed   to,   but   he   still   did   not   wish   to   battle   if   unnecessary.

╰   ♡   ❝   i   am   not   much   of   a   drinker,   however   i   thank   you   for   the   offer.   ❞   noah   nods   in   the   other's   direction.   ❝   how   is   gaea   holding   up   after   everything?   ❞

[akashavarma]

THE COMMANDER OF NIGHT HAD BEEN CORRECT - whatever shall they do with their time now, that the threat had been eliminated? Break bread & share wine. Still Akasha greeted the other with a smile - Kabir had been a menace, she could admit to that. She wasn't a blind follower. He was one big flaw wrapped up in a boy's body.

ah, of course.

She wasn't surprised the commander would ask of Kabir & of Gaea. In fact, Akasha would've been rather disappointed is she didn't have questions for her. "I do tire, but I understand your need of inquires, commander of Night, so if you have questions I will answer them to the best of my current ability - & knowledge." some tings, Akasha did not know - could not know -, like the next candidate for the ruling seat of Gaea. She could make guesses, express her own interest in it... but it was all just a guessing game.

"i'll share in a drink with you," honoria says, conjuring a crystal goblet. "what are we to do otherwise if not break bread and share wine?"

her insides felt warm already, and she felt loose enough to discuss politics at length. nor usually left that to nesrin and kalore - the warmongering and battle talk was really were she shone. but, she had her curiosities about gaea - "tell me, commander. do you tire of inquires of the late king?"

good riddance, nor thought. the illyrian was of the belief that kabir should have been shot dead at the earliest signs of his strange behaviour. if kabir's childhood sickliness couldn't be cured, then the late king dev should have worked harder on another heir with another. it seemed only logical considering lord legion and lord danriel's endless brood of heirs. but, perhaps this belief was a facet of her personal history.