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[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

A grin worked its way across Beatrix’s face. She had been willing to put money down that Luna would choose the ring leader as her opponent. Instead, she picked one of the groups more lesser known individuals. 

Meryl worked the brothels and the the streets, over seeing and protecting the girls when costumers got too rough or couldn’t pay. The Hob was small, but built like a statue. Meryl could easily out fight, out wrestle, and out grapple any of the larger Fae in the gang. Funny choice for Luna, but of course she’d have a plan. 

“Allow me,” Beatrix said, sitting down her glass. She moved over to Luna and her fingers began to unwork the delicate silk ribbons that held Luna’s dress to her body. “Brigs, fetch her a weapon from my closet, bring a few for her to choose from.” A weightless Fae darted out of the garden.

“Now, I don’t want any betting going on between the ranks,” Beatrix said, finishing with the ribbons. “We don’t want to create divides among us. This is a right of passage for the Lady Crow, not a prize fight.”

The tiny Brigs came back carrying two swords that together weighed more than the freckled Pouka. 

“Luna, pick a sword.”

ruckus || luna & beatrix

Beatrix took in Luna, taking in the group. She was interested to work out Luna’s strategy. In the back of her mind, she had expected Luna to call her out right off the bat. Maybe her time with the Redcaps had done something to quell that arrogance that plagued the Lady Crow’s personality. 

“Of course,” Beatrix answered, “What are we without our glamour?”

Not a surprising request. Luna was gifted with her glamour, and depending on the opponent she picked it could give her the upperhand she needed to win. It certainly ruled out the few Pouka that hung around Beatrix constantly. Luna might be good, but very few Fae could hold a candle to the Fox Clan’s innate gift for glamour. 

“Who will it be Luna? The suspense is unbearable.”

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

Beatrix took in Luna, taking in the group. She was interested to work out Luna’s strategy. In the back of her mind, she had expected Luna to call her out right off the bat. Maybe her time with the Redcaps had done something to quell that arrogance that plagued the Lady Crow’s personality. 

“Of course,” Beatrix answered, “What are we without our glamour?”

Not a surprising request. Luna was gifted with her glamour, and depending on the opponent she picked it could give her the upperhand she needed to win. It certainly ruled out the few Pouka that hung around Beatrix constantly. Luna might be good, but very few Fae could hold a candle to the Fox Clan’s innate gift for glamour. 

“Who will it be Luna? The suspense is unbearable.”

ruckus || luna & beatrix

“Not forgotten, just waiting for the right time.”

She had been preoccupied for sure, but to be honest she had nothing particularly cruel up her sleeve. The first time she had put Luna to the test the noblewoman was still nothing but silk and crinoline. She was used to the environment now, but Beatrix till doubted that Luna was ready to spill blood. 

“Business had been good lately, and I don’t feel like going down to the dungeons to find a snack. You made a deal with me, that you would master swordplay in only half a year. Got your sword on you now?”

No matter how hard Luna worked, true mastery of the blade would take years not months. Still, she she had improved rather quickly, she was hardly a novice anymore for sure. Beatrix pondered for a moment and killed her drink. 

“You can pick any Redcap, and you don’t even have to best them. If you can last ten minutes in a sword fight with them, you’re in. So, who do you pick?” 

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

Better to be feared than loved || self-para, challenge 1

The young Hob was rolled into a ball at her feet, her whole body shaking and her once glamours makeup smeared all the way down her neck. With one hand she tried to hid her shame, and with the other she held her large belly protectively.

It wasn’t unusual for a resident of Nightshade Row to come grovelling for help; in fact it was quiet unusual if it didn’t happen. Loans, favors, pardons, revenge, mercy: Beatrix had heard it all. This, however, was a first. 

Love.

The Hobbess fell in love with some low ranked noble slumming it on The Row, and he promised her many lovely things, but most importantly, he promised his undying love. Of course, he couldn’t deliver, and at the same time she began to show with his bastard offspring, he decided it best to return to court and his legal wife. 

Love. 

Beatrix wasn’t acquainted. If she had to guess, her mother had loved her. Her father had loved her mother, of course. That was, after all, his downfall. Love had sent him spiraling into a sea of depression after she died. Losing control was a high price to pay for love, and Beatrix found after all her years she wasn’t obliged to pay the debt. Loyalty, now that was what was important. Loyalty and love went hand in hand, but in the end loyalty left a clear head. 

“My dear, I’m afraid I must decline your request. You were tricked, and blackmailing the lord back into your arms will never make you happy. They say it’s better to be feared than loved, but I don’t believe that’s what you want.”

The crying stopped, replaced by a hopeless, confused look. She opened her mouth to protest, but was silenced by Beatrix’s raised hand. Beatrix turned to the man on her right and nodded, and the crane like Fae excused himself. 

“We won’t be blackmailing your beau back into your arms, however if you like I can offer to make sure that takes responsibility as a father. A baby is a precious gift, and should have both parents. Until then, though, we’ll foot the bill.”

The man returned with a heavy sack, and picked the Hob up off the floor. She protested, but again Beatrix cut her off. 

“Consider it a shower gift. Now, you’re time is up.” The mother left, still in tears, calling out her gratitude to Snow. When she was gone, she turned back to her companion. “Send the Lord a message; tell him his tab is open.”

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

“Not forgotten, just waiting for the right time.”

She had been preoccupied for sure, but to be honest she had nothing particularly cruel up her sleeve. The first time she had put Luna to the test the noblewoman was still nothing but silk and crinoline. She was used to the environment now, but Beatrix till doubted that Luna was ready to spill blood. 

“Business had been good lately, and I don’t feel like going down to the dungeons to find a snack. You made a deal with me, that you would master swordplay in only half a year. Got your sword on you now?”

No matter how hard Luna worked, true mastery of the blade would take years not months. Still, she she had improved rather quickly, she was hardly a novice anymore for sure. Beatrix pondered for a moment and killed her drink. 

“You can pick any Redcap, and you don’t even have to best them. If you can last ten minutes in a sword fight with them, you’re in. So, who do you pick?” 

ruckus || luna & beatrix

Beatrix moved her backgammon pieces, half tuned into the people around her. They were mostly her lieutenants, the people closest to her and a few others she trusted in the ranks. They were out in the gardens. The day had been hot and humid down in the caves, but the night brought cool breezes and the flowers provided fresh scent against the stink of The Row. 

She reached for her glass, and out of the corner of her eye caught sight of Luna Crow. The lady had weaseled her way into Beatrix’s most inner circle; despite not being a true initiate. Beatrix was more or less obliged to let it slide, considering the fit Luna was throw if she were no. Besides, it wasn’t like she wasn’t fun to have around. 

“Luna,” she called, filling her wine glass, “How long have you been hanging around with us now? You haven’t gotten bored yet?” 

Everyone knew exactly whey Luna got to skip ahead in Redcap hierarchy. She posed too much of a threat if she was slighted in anyway. She wanted the experience, but she got it watered down. Luna had lived in the lap of luxury her whole entire life; she couldn’t be expected to understand hardships or work and that was fine. However, Beatrix had the last say, and to solidify any alliance with Luna and the Redcaps, she needed Lady Crow to be a full-fledged member.

“You haven’t spoken up in a while about being challenged. Have you been feeling well, Luna?” she teased. 

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

ruckus || luna & beatrix

Beatrix moved her backgammon pieces, half tuned into the people around her. They were mostly her lieutenants, the people closest to her and a few others she trusted in the ranks. They were out in the gardens. The day had been hot and humid down in the caves, but the night brought cool breezes and the flowers provided fresh scent against the stink of The Row. 

She reached for her glass, and out of the corner of her eye caught sight of Luna Crow. The lady had weaseled her way into Beatrix’s most inner circle; despite not being a true initiate. Beatrix was more or less obliged to let it slide, considering the fit Luna was throw if she were no. Besides, it wasn’t like she wasn’t fun to have around. 

“Luna,” she called, filling her wine glass, “How long have you been hanging around with us now? You haven’t gotten bored yet?” 

Everyone knew exactly whey Luna got to skip ahead in Redcap hierarchy. She posed too much of a threat if she was slighted in anyway. She wanted the experience, but she got it watered down. Luna had lived in the lap of luxury her whole entire life; she couldn’t be expected to understand hardships or work and that was fine. However, Beatrix had the last say, and to solidify any alliance with Luna and the Redcaps, she needed Lady Crow to be a full-fledged member.

“You haven’t spoken up in a while about being challenged. Have you been feeling well, Luna?” she teased. 

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

The squire snickered and pointed his sword when Beatrix raised her brow in question. At the dummies stood Finn Crow in a one-sided fight. A small wave of amusement flushed her face, and then it was gone. She twirled her sword once, swinging it up to rest the back of the blade against her shoulder and cradle the hilt in her curled fingers. Her empty hand crawled into the pocket of her worn black trousers. Igel broke out into a full laugh as the lord nearly toppled himself and the dummy. 

The Crows certainly were an odd bunch. She hadn’t seen the old matriarch face to face in some time, but Iris Luna and Finn had to have learned their underhandedness from somewhere. The spoiled and haughty Luna had all but begged to join the ranks of the Redcaps. She’d even carved out a comfortable space, though she treated it more like a club than the dangerous gang it was. Now here was the other twin, equally as spoiled and haughty, but with less cares in the world. Luna, despite herself, was excelling with a blade. Her drive to be the best at everything made her a fast learner. Beatrix doubted Finn had that kind of drive. So the question she asked herself, what could the lord possibly be doing here now?

Igel blew air at the lord. A lower whistle cut through the gym and the seedling trotted over to this sergeant’s call. Beatrix was left face to face with Finn Crow; she reminded herself they were at court, and despite her general reputation court etiquette was not to be ignored. 

“Lord Crow, I didn’t know you were a swordsman,” she said, word drenched in indifference. She took in his fresh shirt and her lip twitched at the corner. “I expected you were more the type to gamble on matches, rather than participate.”

liquid swords | beatrix & finn

Hobbies of the court ladies varied. Needlework, floral arrangements, interior design. Many were excellent equestriennes and some could accurately hit a target five hundred strides away with a longbow. Some exercised their glamour, some dabbled in more demanding works of magic. Some had their pets, the gambling parties, their wardrobes, their tea parties. In the whole court, only five of the ladies chose the sport of fencing as their hobby and daily exercises. 

A tad bit odd, but surely not unheard of. These ladies could keep up with the best of the lords, and no one would dare to deny them a duel. The knights of the court often oversaw the duels, seeings as there was only one of the cultured ladies that could hold their own against the battle hardened knights. Of course, some in the Unseelie court would protest to hear “cultured” in the same breath as the name Beatrix Snow. 

When she entered the gymnasium, most put away their blades and retired for the day. This left her with the indifferent and the knights to practice with, not that she cared. After four hundred years, a knight was just about the only person who could keep up with her. 

Now she parried with one of the of the squires, her sabre to his long sword. It was a fair duel, despite the saplings youth. Courtiers often came to watch from the balcony and today was no different. They watched on, sipping out of gold goblets and waging meager bets on the duel. 

She swung her sword down, but the youth took a trick from her own book and challenged her stance. The edge of Beatrix’s blade met the pommel, and the swing was thrown back over her head. The squire grinned, sure of his win. Beatrix was calm, allow the sword to take its new path without resistance. Behind her back, she switched hands, swinging the blade around from the left to block the squire’s swing. She broke the contact and took a step in, the point of the blade at the boy’s throat. 

“Match, young Igel. Good to see you’ve learned something though.”

The youth smiled, pleased with himself to have a compliment from someone who rivaled his captain. 

“Next week, Igel. Until then,” she said moving to pack up her equipment. 

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

liquid swords | beatrix & finn

Hobbies of the court ladies varied. Needlework, floral arrangements, interior design. Many were excellent equestriennes and some could accurately hit a target five hundred strides away with a longbow. Some exercised their glamour, some dabbled in more demanding works of magic. Some had their pets, the gambling parties, their wardrobes, their tea parties. In the whole court, only five of the ladies chose the sport of fencing as their hobby and daily exercises. 

A tad bit odd, but surely not unheard of. These ladies could keep up with the best of the lords, and no one would dare to deny them a duel. The knights of the court often oversaw the duels, seeings as there was only one of the cultured ladies that could hold their own against the battle hardened knights. Of course, some in the Unseelie court would protest to hear “cultured” in the same breath as the name Beatrix Snow. 

When she entered the gymnasium, most put away their blades and retired for the day. This left her with the indifferent and the knights to practice with, not that she cared. After four hundred years, a knight was just about the only person who could keep up with her. 

Now she parried with one of the of the squires, her sabre to his long sword. It was a fair duel, despite the saplings youth. Courtiers often came to watch from the balcony and today was no different. They watched on, sipping out of gold goblets and waging meager bets on the duel. 

She swung her sword down, but the youth took a trick from her own book and challenged her stance. The edge of Beatrix’s blade met the pommel, and the swing was thrown back over her head. The squire grinned, sure of his win. Beatrix was calm, allow the sword to take its new path without resistance. Behind her back, she switched hands, swinging the blade around from the left to block the squire’s swing. She broke the contact and took a step in, the point of the blade at the boy’s throat. 

“Match, young Igel. Good to see you’ve learned something though.”

The youth smiled, pleased with himself to have a compliment from someone who rivaled his captain. 

“Next week, Igel. Until then,” she said moving to pack up her equipment. 

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

Pop them bottles in that club I heard your boo was talking lip I told my crew to smack that trick Guess what they did, smack that trick Gold everything, gold ass chain Gold ass rings, gold ass fangs

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

@solitary-thief

“Your first round is on the house,” Beatrix said, “After all, you might as well be a delegate with your name and status in the Fox Clan.”

Beatrix paid little attention to the girl next to her, her mind weaving the plan together that would get both the Redcaps and the Wolf Clan out of hot water. It would ruin ties with the Foxes and August of course, but August might not be an issue after the whole thing was over. They’d have to wait and see. 

“Now, the idea of the game is to get all your pieces to the other side before the House does. Thank you can accomplish that?”

hustler’s story || raven beedle

“You’re mistaken, dear,” Beatrix said, a wide smile creeping across her face at the Pooka’s audacity. “Your brother and I share a mild acquaintance.”

The youth could be forgiven for carrying a blade on her; it was a given that most everyone who came on the Row were armed in someway or another. Only fools walked around thinking they were untouchable. But for this little pup in a playhouse outfit to take the effort to remind Beatrix she was carrying a weapon, for whatever reason, nearly had the marble woman in stitches. Even her hotheaded brother would never be so stupid.

“Ahh, Miss Beedle. You have much to learn about etiquette,” she sighed, a laugh buried deep in her lungs. “Allow me to be your mentor.”

She stood from her chair, setting her chalice down on the wooden arm and moving to floor level with the Pooka. She was taller, but Beatrix never noticed. She was the type of person that stood a head above everyone else in the room, her presence to strong that no glamour was needed to make the woman seem bigger than she really was. 

“Come along, Miss Beedle. The backgammon tables are waiting.”

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

Beatrix expected Luna to be a brat. It was a given. If Luna wanted to play pretend though she’d follow the rules like everyone else. The leader’s face remained neutral. 

“For the time being,” Beatrix shrugged, “I’m sure there’ll be something else for you to do once the groundwork is laid.”

Luna had been running with the gain for a while now, but Beatrix hadn’t forgotten that Luna had technically failed her initiation. That night she came though in bright yellow silk and failed til slit the throat of some Hob whose name had quickly been forgotten. Unless Luna had accomplished something Beatrix hand’t heard about, and down on The Row Beatrix heard about everything, the raven haired noble would just have to be patient. 

“Everyone gets their assignment based on what skills they possess. But, if really want to challenge yourself, you can volunteer to infiltrate the Fox Den.”

It was a bluff, but Beatrix was sure that proud Luna wouldn’t back down easily. She had decided who would go into the Dens. It was going to take some thought, since all involvement of the Redcaps needed to be kept a secret. Luna was no roughneck though, and in a real fight Beatrix genuinely worried the noble would be cut down. The Redcaps she spared with went easy, but against some feral Fox with dirty tricks and dirty blades, she’d come home in a box if at all. 

“The team was meant to be made up of our own Fox and Wolf members, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you tagged along.”

They would mind though. Hardened thieves and warriors rarely enjoyed babysitting entitled court ladies.

“Sound more up your alley, Luna?”

makavelian || beatrix & luna

“We’re throwing our lot it in with the Wolves,” Beatrix told the room. Her lieutenants, informants, and closest bodies filled the small room, listening intently to their leader. “They are after all, court allies. Kasha will keep quiet about Redcaps involvement, and in return she gets the very heart of the Fox clan.”

The plan wasn’t a complicated one, but they needed to be careful. The Foxes were clever, Beatrix was banking on the young vixen, Raven Beedle, to act immature and irrational. Once they planted the evidence, it wouldn’t be hard for anyone to believe that the greedy Foxes had taken some precious relic of the centaur and pushed them to war. Who besides a Fox could sneak into the centaur’s sacred oak grove and steal their most holy of objects. Who but a Fox would even think of something so low and selfish?

“Bulletins have been posted that in the chaos, a foal was found wandering and captured. Because of its youth mercy was shown and it will live out its days as a slave for the entertainment of Fae folk from all classes.”

Her attention turned to Luna. The other noble had been running with the Redcaps for a while now, living it up in the underground. Loyal enough, but she still hadn’t gone above and beyond to show her dedication to the cause. For Luna, this was still all a game. 

“Luna, along with some others, you’ll be in charge of spreading the rumors through the court. Most people don’t know about your involvement with the Redcaps, and you’re very well respected: cousin to the king, the queen’s lady, a wealthy family name. Make sure attention is drawn away from us.”

It was a bit of a gamble, the whole thing, but then again what wasn’t anymore?

“Any questions?”

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

makavelian || beatrix & luna

“We’re throwing our lot it in with the Wolves,” Beatrix told the room. Her lieutenants, informants, and closest bodies filled the small room, listening intently to their leader. “They are after all, court allies. Kasha will keep quiet about Redcaps involvement, and in return she gets the very heart of the Fox clan.”

The plan wasn’t a complicated one, but they needed to be careful. The Foxes were clever, Beatrix was banking on the young vixen, Raven Beedle, to act immature and irrational. Once they planted the evidence, it wouldn’t be hard for anyone to believe that the greedy Foxes had taken some precious relic of the centaur and pushed them to war. Who besides a Fox could sneak into the centaur’s sacred oak grove and steal their most holy of objects. Who but a Fox would even think of something so low and selfish?

“Bulletins have been posted that in the chaos, a foal was found wandering and captured. Because of its youth mercy was shown and it will live out its days as a slave for the entertainment of Fae folk from all classes.”

Her attention turned to Luna. The other noble had been running with the Redcaps for a while now, living it up in the underground. Loyal enough, but she still hadn’t gone above and beyond to show her dedication to the cause. For Luna, this was still all a game. 

“Luna, along with some others, you’ll be in charge of spreading the rumors through the court. Most people don’t know about your involvement with the Redcaps, and you’re very well respected: cousin to the king, the queen’s lady, a wealthy family name. Make sure attention is drawn away from us.”

It was a bit of a gamble, the whole thing, but then again what wasn’t anymore?

“Any questions?”

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

“You’re mistaken, dear,” Beatrix said, a wide smile creeping across her face at the Pooka’s audacity. “Your brother and I share a mild acquaintance.”

The youth could be forgiven for carrying a blade on her; it was a given that most everyone who came on the Row were armed in someway or another. Only fools walked around thinking they were untouchable. But for this little pup in a playhouse outfit to take the effort to remind Beatrix she was carrying a weapon, for whatever reason, nearly had the marble woman in stitches. Even her hotheaded brother would never be so stupid.

“Ahh, Miss Beedle. You have much to learn about etiquette,” she sighed, a laugh buried deep in her lungs. “Allow me to be your mentor.”

She stood from her chair, setting her chalice down on the wooden arm and moving to floor level with the Pooka. She was taller, but Beatrix never noticed. She was the type of person that stood a head above everyone else in the room, her presence to strong that no glamour was needed to make the woman seem bigger than she really was. 

“Come along, Miss Beedle. The backgammon tables are waiting.”

hustler’s story || raven beedle

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

Beatrix took the Fae in. She was a jittery thing, but the expression on her face was not one that showed fear. Much like the noble herself, the younger Beedle seemed to show little emotion at all in her face. The tone of her voice gave away only slight concern, but being of Pooka breeding Beatrix doubted the girl feared much; even the Redcap boss herself. 

“I recognize your face but I can’t bring to mind your name,” Beatrix said. “You’re a Beedle, no doubt; August’s little sister, yes?”

An eyebrow slowly rose as Beatrix’s interest in the Beedle girl bubbled inside her. The sister of a Pooka chieftain, well known by the noble class of Sidhe, though not involved enough to carry much weight. Without a doubt a thief at heart, and thus by right of association, blaggard. Yes, much like Beatrix herself. 

She took a sip of her liquor before speaking again. “What brings you down to the House of Snow, Miss Beedle?”

hustler’s story || raven beedle

Beatrix sat in her chair above the floor, twirling a heavy wine glass in her hand. The pretty chalice was carved out of a a cloud pink coral, depicting some story from Shark clan lore. Bright blue liquid swirled inside, flecks of gold catching the light. She watched the night unfold, taking a sip of the sweetly burning liquor.

Business had been slow with the centaur running around, but the addicts and the desperate still made their way to the House of Snow to get their fix. Oberon had sent out a royal message, the centaur leaders had been captured and would soon be put to death. The same fate was offered to those who prompted the brutal attacks. She’d have to tread carefully, but she was already concocting a plan to prove her innocence in the matter. 

It was a slow night, but the tables were still full and the crowd was slowly growing: greed out weighted any lingering concerns about leaderless and unorganized centaur. And there, over the rim of her glass she noticed a new face drifting threw the house. 

A young Pooka with a striking resemblance to lout, August Beedle. Beatrix couldn’t recall the name of the Fox Clan’s darling, but the rumors about the girl’s fashion taste proved true. Was she in Nightshade Row avoiding centaur? That was fine, but Beatrix knew better than the trust a Fox unattended. Her name might elude, her this Beedle was just as notorious a thief as her brother. The girl would be stupid to get caught stealing on Redcap turf.  

She gave a little whistle through her teeth, and a Hob seedlings appeared a few seconds later. 

“Tell the Vixen she’s been upgraded; the House wants to speak to her.”

“Aye, Boss!” the boy jumped down and moved through the crowd, stepping in front of the the Pooka with a crooked smile and the faintest of a bow. “Lady Snow requests your audience, Miss. No refusals, it’d be rude! Follow me, Miss!”

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

hustler’s story || raven beedle

Beatrix sat in her chair above the floor, twirling a heavy wine glass in her hand. The pretty chalice was carved out of a a cloud pink coral, depicting some story from Shark clan lore. Bright blue liquid swirled inside, flecks of gold catching the light. She watched the night unfold, taking a sip of the sweetly burning liquor.

Business had been slow with the centaur running around, but the addicts and the desperate still made their way to the House of Snow to get their fix. Oberon had sent out a royal message, the centaur leaders had been captured and would soon be put to death. The same fate was offered to those who prompted the brutal attacks. She’d have to tread carefully, but she was already concocting a plan to prove her innocence in the matter. 

It was a slow night, but the tables were still full and the crowd was slowly growing: greed out weighted any lingering concerns about leaderless and unorganized centaur. And there, over the rim of her glass she noticed a new face drifting threw the house. 

A young Pooka with a striking resemblance to lout, August Beedle. Beatrix couldn’t recall the name of the Fox Clan’s darling, but the rumors about the girl’s fashion taste proved true. Was she in Nightshade Row avoiding centaur? That was fine, but Beatrix knew better than the trust a Fox unattended. Her name might elude, her this Beedle was just as notorious a thief as her brother. The girl would be stupid to get caught stealing on Redcap turf.  

She gave a little whistle through her teeth, and a Hob seedlings appeared a few seconds later. 

“Tell the Vixen she’s been upgraded; the House wants to speak to her.”

“Aye, Boss!” the boy jumped down and moved through the crowd, stepping in front of the the Pooka with a crooked smile and the faintest of a bow. “Lady Snow requests your audience, Miss. No refusals, it’d be rude! Follow me, Miss!”

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

Risky Bets || self-para

a few days before the centaur raids began...

Beatrix moved through the gambling house, her pace a little quicker than usual. It set the other Redcaps on edge, but they went about their business and said nothing of their boss’s uncharacteristic behavior. 

With her right-hand man following closely behind, she flung open the door to the gardens and the menagerie and moved out through the cold air. She moved to the farthest and largest pen, hidden behind thick bushes with leaves the color of rubies. 

She approached the cage, and the creature snapped it’s head to face her. 

“Haloy! Ngow xhosal xcear!” the young thing screamed in its barbaric tongue. It was almost melodic, rising up and down, up and down, strange clicks here and there .

The filly charged the gold plated fence and roared, but Beatrix didn’t flinch. The young thing wasn’t much taller than her, standing fifteen hands at her withers; the human half rose out of the horse’s body, allowing the average sized Beatrix to meet thing the Centaur eye to eye.

The filly stomped her hoof, clicking something, obviously perturbed that her charge had no affect on her warden. All the others had flinched or retreated when face to face with her, but not this one. 

“You are causing problems,” Beatrix said in an annoyed voice. 

“Xca! Mald ren!”

“The feeling’s mutual.”

The centaur rang her hands anxiously and started pacing the length of the fence, chiding Beatrix in her sing-song language. The mob boss noticed the yearling’s hands were burned, and she made a note to have the food drugged so they could treat the wounds with ease.

“Centaur don’t encounter iron very often in the wild; didn’t know you were allergic too, did you?”

“Xca!”

“A hard lesson. If you’d behave, you wouldn’t have had to learn it. Don’t worry though, we’ll get you better. Your debut is coming up fast.”

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

Pop them bottles in that club I heard your boo was talking lip I told my crew to smack that trick Guess what they did, smack that trick Gold everything, gold ass chain Gold ass rings, gold ass fangs

[lady-beatrix-snow-blog]

“Well you might have heard, but I was wrongly accused of treason and tossed behind bars like a common pickpocket. Since being out I’ve put some money and, resources, into find out just who exactly tried to disrupt the peace.”

Whatever mutineers the guard wasn’t able to catch made a run for the mountains and foothills, to seek sanctuary with the first Pooka clansmen they met. Unfortunately for them, the Pooka can be easily bought; especially the Foxes. That greedy Beedle would sell his mother for a purse of silver coins. Ten traitors for twenty gold pieces was the easiest heist that shifty con would ever pull. 

And with that simple transaction, Beatrix Snow had ten of the conspirators shackled in iron in the Guestrooms back at the House. It had been days and no one had cracked, but sooner or later she would have the name of the conniving worm that had slandered her. And of course, more heads to give to Oberon. Trivial.  

“His Majesty gifted me the ring, to ease the burden of the whole thing. Many might here my name brought up and think I’m not loyal to King Oberon. Which is farthest from the truth.”

The way he watched the ring, Beatrix took the hint. Hawthorne was polite, but his tired eyes were telling. It mattered little to her, she had flaunted the ring for a reason. She wouldn’t have her loyalties questioned: turning her back on kin and all like half the court had done to her. She might be a criminal, but she was above treachery and they would know it. 

“You know yourself best, Lord Hawthorne. Would you like me to accompany you back to your quarters? They company will lift you spirit after having to ride raids all this time.”

chessboxin’ || open

For a moment, shock blazed clearly across his face.

The way she talked about the hobs she employed, as if they were merely things to be played with by the nobility… things for him to play with. Did she really think he would take her up on that offer?

But of course, court was a game where no one meant what they said. She had to know very well that he never visited the House of Snow. She was mocking him: that amused smile on her face was proof enough of that.

He must be really tired if he was letting a line like that get to him. Anger was too expensive to be wasted on what he couldn’t change.

He shook his head slowly. “You’re too kind, but I think all I need is some sleep.”

“That’s a lovely ring you’re wearing, my lady,” he said. He wanted the subject changed, and he wanted to know when one of the Avens had given her a ring. Those were given to the fae who had rendered the Avens a great service…or, frankly, to those who had pleased them in other ways.

“I don’t believe I’ve seen you wear it before in court, have I?”