thegoodfellow

[thegoodfellow]

The gift that keeps on giving

[thegoodfellow]

The heart is an arrow. It demands aim to land true.

[thegoodfellow]

END

"If that is how you feel, there is nothing else to say about it. However, if you ever need my aid in this matter, I will do so freely, as a repayment for the transparency." There is something rotten about having to word their relationship as transactional, but there is a desire to respect Inan's boundaries and they have time to build on the fragile trust he had chosen to extend to her after Fen'harel's betrayal. "I will, yes. I am curious to see what this Count is capable on this matter. You?"

[thegoodfellow]

END

"The slow decay never stops, but with it comes the birth of new life," she whispers, more to herself than to her fellow Chancellor, a fond smile of her own as she keeps her gaze on the golden splendor before her. One must die and die and die, before they can live, just as she had been told on her confirmation ritual. She had learned that lesson intimately as nature consumed her and reshaped her over and over again, and learned it once more when buried along the roots, but it was easy to forget, when face with the enormity of their losses, of their grief. So many had died, sacrificed themselves for a better future for the courts, and that future has yet to arrive, for they are the ones that will be building it up from nothing. There is a reason that for as much as she does not understand Zahrya, she respects him. He is doing his part, building the future they deserve, and she can only thank him for that. "It will be hard work, reaching that future, but I look forward for that toil," she admits, even as a bemused smile spreads and she sends him an arched look. "I am beyond delighted to receive your invitation, I will not miss such a high honor."

[thegoodfellow]

[thegoodfellow]

This is very exciting news

[thegoodfellow]

"Every once in a while, I feel your judgement loud and clear," Robin drawls as she rolls her eyes but keeps herself smiling politely at the other guests. It's truly a surprise how easily different species are mingling, and she truly does not know if she feels all that comfortable about it. Regardless, it was Meryasek's wish for all of them to be there, and she will be indulging him as much as she can for the rest of the festivities. After all, one only got married once, if they were lucky. "Considering I have an actual home, I truly don't know how to feel about it."

@thegoodfellow location: Royal Wedding Reception notes: he's her date because she's maidenless and he likes food

Nirvaan had really planned this whole thing? Planned this whole wedding and never mentioned it even once, not exactly best friend behaviour of him. They even had sex that one time. For the moment Robin was Assan's best friend again as he stood at the long reception table and stuffed his pockets endlessly. He wouldn't have sex with her, not after the Bill thing but they were still friends. "Tuna." Assan said with a nod as he inspected a piece of fresh tuna before he popped it into his mouth.

[thegoodfellow]

"If that is how you feel, there is nothing else to say about it. However, if you ever need my aid in this matter, I will do so freely, as a repayment for the transparency." There is something rotten about having to word their relationship as transactional, but there is a desire to respect Inan's boundaries and they have time to build on the fragile trust he had chosen to extend to her after Fen'harel's betrayal. "I will, yes. I am curious to see what this Count is capable on this matter. You?"

"That's not my intention for coming here," Inan was not looking for permission, "I only wanted to be transparent." He thought carefully over his words to follow, elves had to be mindful of such things but whenever Inan spoke it was from the heart. "My brother died long ago, I won't know a drow renowned for terrorizing my people." Even if it hurt to think of Somniar as such, it didn't make the notions any less true. Onto some brighter tidings, Inan had also been meaning to ask, "Will you be attending the party in the mortal realm?"

[thegoodfellow]

"I suppose you are right, and yet, I had to try," she muses, a rueful twist to her lips that is quickly wiped away as she laughs softly and gives her companion a quick nod. Subtly, she gestures to the walls. Where Yavie's twinkling stars ended, her luminescent fungi began. They snaked up the walls, weaving up the walls and mixing in the decorations as they pulsed in rhytmn with the music. "Aside from my delightful presence? And my own to cents to the decor? If you go to the drinks table, there is one punch that is my special brew. I have had to spell it to stop most from drinking it, though, it came out quite strong," she admits with a Cheshire grin as she brings her flask to her lips and takes a long sip. "I considered adding some spores to spice up the circumstances, in Zahrya's honor, but I did not know if he is preparing something similar for spring."

She wasn't wrong, it certainly shone brighter than anything else here, more interesting here. He'd saved enough to line some of his attire with it as well, Yavie didn't want to be mistaken for the other creatures here, not that he could. "You? In the Astral?" Yavie smiled at that, "That wouldn't be a good idea." It wasn't a place to be taken lightly, though he could appreciate her curiosity, somehow Yavie imagined that the two of them would have a great deal of fun together. "Did you bring anything to the party?" The trickster was the Queen of her games, even though her season had waned he had high hopes for her.

[thegoodfellow]

"The slow decay never stops, but with it comes the birth of new life," she whispers, more to herself than to her fellow Chancellor, a fond smile of her own as she keeps her gaze on the golden splendor before her. One must die and die and die, before they can live, just as she had been told on her confirmation ritual. She had learned that lesson intimately as nature consumed her and reshaped her over and over again, and learned it once more when buried along the roots, but it was easy to forget, when face with the enormity of their losses, of their grief. So many had died, sacrificed themselves for a better future for the courts, and that future has yet to arrive, for they are the ones that will be building it up from nothing. There is a reason that for as much as she does not understand Zahrya, she respects him. He is doing his part, building the future they deserve, and she can only thank him for that. "It will be hard work, reaching that future, but I look forward for that toil," she admits, even as a bemused smile spreads and she sends him an arched look. "I am beyond delighted to receive your invitation, I will not miss such a high honor."

For just a moment Laer thought about his father, the storyteller of only some renown. He thought about his sister who hadn't lived long enough to see what would become of this world. He thought about Liandrin, the mother who was chancellor before him who'd been chased into the Otherworld alongside Titania. "I was a child then." His gaze lingered on the tree, thinking still on the warder that he'd held dying in his arms, and the immense grief that had sent him wandering in search of himself. Laer had found a great deal in the many, many years he had spent in the Otherworld. A thousand for the mortal realm, many more elsewhere. He'd wrongfully assumed that there was no more lessons for him to learn, yet here he was, seeing old things made new once more. "Bittersweet isn't how I'd describe it, that's the interesting thing about time: when it's gone we lose it forever. Not just years, but moments. Someday in the distant future there will be no elves left who remember the garden of Eden, immortal as we are, nothing is eternal. I hope when that day comes this Laurelin still stands. That an age will come when our people know more of this blessed life than they do of hardship." Laer touched Robin's shoulder briefly, sentiment done, "This year you'll be welcome to partake in Summer's orgy."

[thegoodfellow]

"I am no fool, Wade Calhoun," she tells him coldly, but almost invitingly. In the end, she desires for him to take his chance, to attempt a culmination of their conflict, so she can have the excuse to retaliate finally once and for all and altogether destroy what makes him him. Death is far too much of a blessing for a man like him, and it is not what expects him if he falls on her clutches. Perhaps a changeling fate awaits him, hunting and maiming those he holds dear. Perhaps eternal rot, his body being eaten molecule by molecule before being put together again. Perhaps, a return to his mushroom form, a slow suffocation that slowly destroys his ability to think until he becomes a doll on her hands. She simply cannot decide, all the options as tempting as ever. "I have never been anything but who I am, Calhoun. You must forget, my kind is older than humanity, we have never been human. I held fondness for your species, yes, desired for peace between us. You have changed my mind, however, as you became an ambassador of all that you hate. I hope you know, the abomination that killed your family would be proud of what you have become, and he likely awaits you on the depths of what is left of the Inferno, awaiting for your inevitable transition into demonhood. For make no mistake, you will become a demon if you continue on this path."

Robin was a mirrored image to a life of tenderness; where once he felt limited to his humanity, Rome had soured and changed that. She taught him faultlessly of the demons in this world not knowing what he'd become when allowing him to pursue such vengeful acts. Hatred bled into his heart, fused into the entirety of his being; there'd be no turning back from the path set before him, the Archer had set ablaze his former ties. Even his family, plenty of his closest friends; Wade had chose to threaten them and evade them rather than settling for their differences. To him, to the newly established Darkfriend, there were no compromises when it came to these creatures. He couldn't say Lilith was different, spliced between any strange affection he felt for the First Demon was that petulant hatred that arose at the thought of their dalliance. They both kept each other at arms length at the end of the day and it was perhaps the only distinction. Wade laughed, a casual rendition considering the very public place, but his voice lowered, gravelly with animosity, "If I were to get another chance, you'd choke on your words." He leaned in as though sharing a sordid secret, "Strange how you talk about how I've changed, you're filling your own shoes well." This vision of a monstrosity he created for her, it was the only way Wade could allow himself to feel hatred for his former friend on his betrayal, "But get your last laughs in while you still can, Robin." A grin pulled at his expression as he leaned back, arms settling behind his head.

[thegoodfellow]

"Love happens when you are not looking, so I have decided to leave it up to the Fates." There is a quick of her head, acknowledging that it is her duty as well, to have children. However, she does not see the appeal of single parenthood, and she is still working to get a handle of her duties, trying to erase Fen'harel's legacy. For now, children cannot be her priority, so she will leave it to her court to increase their population. "When it is time for me to have my own, I will come for you, but it will not be happening anytime soon, I believe."

✿*° ‘° ･

Of course, Zahrya could speak endlessly on his own children. They were miracles, truly special in ways no others have been probably since his birth, but he learned how to not be so selfish in his joys. His eyes glimmered not just for spring any longer, but for the dawn as a whole. Nature had its cycles but moved ever forward for all living things. "And what of you, Chancellor? Have you opened your heart to the possibility of love? Or will duty be your deciding factor? In either case, a partner worthy of your power will yield the ripest fruit. And of course, I will be there every step of the way to ensure proper fertilization occurs," he giggles.

[thegoodfellow]

"Let's merely agree that we could both learn from the other," Robin ends the matter with a huff of amusement at his denial. That the maker of humanity didn't believe himself to have something worth teaching speaks either of a great deal of humility or a shattered ego. Neither of the options were particularly pleasing, but she would rather it be the first. After all, she had decided to welcome all those demigods that descended from a member of her court upon their forests and treat them as her citizens. And yet, too much humility could be a rather dangerous thing for Prometheus if he is to remain in the courts. "Do feel free to stay for as long as you want, all descendants of the Dusk Court are welcome to live in my court. Be warned, however, only those with clairvoyance should feel welcome to venture off the marked path. Without it, you might anger the forest."

[thegoodfellow]

"Is it a mimosa if it does not have orange juice or merely another cocktail?" She muses, expression airy and friendly as she walks closer next to the Winter Chancellor and snaking her hands around her arm, squeezing the muscle there reassuringly as she keeps to the other's pace. It is the other's season, even as their duties and domains of influence have changed, and she is more than willing to bend to Aurora's whims if it means she forgets her duties for one afternoon. It's what the other deserves, after all the heartache said duties had place upon her shoulders. "That, I can do. In exchange, would you indulge me in some gossiping?"

"Well, there's bound to be seasonal mimosas over there," Aurora offered, mustering a smile over. She wanted to be in a great mood despite things lingering below the surface. There was a lot to be thankful and happy about but a couple things still sobered Aurora joy, namely the deaths of her mother and Titania as well as her Warder's unrest. But in favor of the Solstice and all that was going well, the Lunar Chancellor visibly made an effort not to let anything weigh on her.

"Saturnalia Market it is. I think it's important to see what else the world has managed to invent with peppermint flavor... as long as we avoid politics for one night." It was an odd and uncharacteristic request from the business-orientated Chancellor. But if Aurora focused on the lovely celebrations she figured her mood would lift more and more.

[thegoodfellow]

"Lying suits you well, does it not?" There is no judgment on her voice, overfilled with amusement as it is. It is rather hilarious, that once given the ability to bend the truth and outright twist it, Farenduil had taken to it like a otter to water. Convenient, in a way, as his status as a former fey might endanger him and the ability to lie might save him. "It's good for you to admit as much, the first step for growth is always self-acknowledgment," she says with a sly grin and a shrug. "There is only way to go from here is forward. Any thoughts on what you would like to do?"

"I appreciate you trying to spice up my love life," He doesn't, not really, and yet he's terribly amused that there are those that seem semi-involved. After everything that had transpired the last year, the concept of dating should be a breeze. It's not, not because he didn't think it was very apparent between the two of them that there was something there, but because where did they go from here? Maybe he'd have to consult with Yavie, maybe Hayliel even. "What I need is to find something to do that's now wandering the house." He points out, thinking of Micah with his job at the herb place, that would be something.

[thegoodfellow]

"I have heard of you," Robin offers kindly, head tilting on the direction of the newcomer and away from the swamp slowly consuming one of it's sacrifices. A foolish demon that had bothered her as she explored the Otherworld, and one that would not bother her people again. "How curious, that we have seen an uptick on arrivals, now that we have settled on this realm. How fruitful too." The more new arrivals, the less attention Zahrya would put on her theoretical future children. Specially because she is pretty sure this one fit the description of 'breedable' that Zahrya so desired for his hoard of broodmothers. Maybe she should mention him at the tail end of the next chancellor's meeting, actually. "A pleasure, Din'an. Be welcomed to my court. As long as you abide by our laws, you will always have a seat on my table."

where. dusk court, bayby who. @thegoodfellow

The mortal realm reeked of what should be beneath him, of what should have been culled long ago in favor of those with more worth. Humans; they were such vile little creatures, and yet, served quite the purpose when Din'an could not feast upon better morsels. If he wished to find a place within the mortal realm, then he would need to abide by its rules. For now. Which had been precisely the notion when he approached the chancellor, pleasant enough smile upon his lips, "I thought it would be wise to come introduce myself. So that we may get to know each other." Or so that he could avoid suspicion should some of the elves recount any stories of a creature so like themselves, but that which responded as a vampire. "I am Din'an."

[thegoodfellow]

"Me," she purrs in agreement, and in a fit of mischief, she stands once more and stalks closer to the wandering fey whose dashing rescue had featured in countless daydreams and wet dreams as well. A slow languid smile graces her lips as she moves, movements feline and predatorial as she approaches the woman she owes a life debt to. Carefully, gently, she raises her hand to place a single finger beneath the other's chin and raises her head just enough so that she can meet her eyes. There is still something ancient and predatory within her eyes— it belongs there after her confirmation as Chancellor and she will not get rid of it — but there is warmth as well, as recognition flickers once more and she finally gets the privilege of drinking in the delicate features adorning the other's face. "I did not get the honor of admiring your beauty, back when you saved me, but now that I have? I can say without a doubt that there was no better high elf to play the role of dashing saviour."

There is something playful to her tone as she speaks, breath fanning over the others cheekbones as she memorizes the depth of her eyes. Then and only then, Robin steps back, breaking the electrifying tension between the two of them as she sits on the edge of her desk and places her hands to her sides.

"Of course I remember, darling. I owe you a life debt, and I am not one to forget that," she informs her, amusement clear even as she makes herself as transparent as possible. "I assume you have a request, if you asked me here in the middle of festivities. In honor to the aforementioned life debt, as long as it is on my hands and it will bring no harm to my people, I will consider fulfilling it."

Thank the Gods the Chancellor was understanding, hopefully as welcoming as the Lunar Chancellor had been to her sibling. But her train of thought abruptly derailed as the cadence of the woman's voice finally hit Hesperia and filled her with a sense of familiarity. Hesperia looked up, straightening slowly as the Chancellor gestured for her to stand. But her eyes and her concentration centered on the familiarity of her face, no longer obscured so much by the dark and gloom of the Otherworld.

It was a fleeting moment, one of darkness and chaos that had enveloped them both. Hesperia was practiced in evasion and hiding, an expert in caring for herself and for her sibling in the worst parts of the Otherworld. There were moments, however, when the path was made clear to her and she knew it would be a particularly difficult one. The Tranquil would be left bound, silent and hidden in a place Hesperia that picked out and enchanted for brief periods of time while the autumn fey went on to scout the trail. Monsters would be dispatched or their presense noted so she could avoid them with her sibling. On one of those very scouting nights she remembered the sensation of nearby fey magic, something she hadn't felt in so long. Hesperia avoided confrontation with the creatures of the Otherworld, if only because she was often not strong enough to dispatch them on her own. So she knew how to evade them but clearly this other fey hadn't been so knowing or so lucky. Hesperia remembered following the trail of bodies left behind of other creatures when finally the sight of her fellow fey came to view, a noble exhausted to the end of her energy by the creatures that had kept finding her.

"You," she blurts out before she could stop herself. What happened to her decorum? Far too long spent away from the Court of the fey. Hesperia's gaze falters with embarrassment from the outburst before she looks back up at Chancellor Robin. "I- I've seen you once, Chancellor. I don't know if you remember... The circumstances weren't ideal."