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Winter Rising



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Tue Aug 23, 2016 3:57 pm
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Rydia says...



Plot

As the season of Summer draws to an end, every faerie can feel the subtle shift of power as the winter court gain the upper hand and the symbolic battle for control ensues, but just once, wouldn't it be nice if Summer didn't end?

The Summer Queen has decided that this year they will push the winter fae back and allow the mortals to bask in the light and sun for evermore - or at least another season. The Winter faeries cannot let this happen - it would be against the natural order, it's unfair for Summer to be in power longer than them and, quite frankly, there's already too much light.

Both sides have their champions - the queens who put their plans in motions, the Lady Summer and Lady Winter who keep alive the spirit of their factions and the Summer and Winter Knights who bring the manpower, not to mention the ogres, changelings, trolls and all the forces of faerie which align with one side or another.

But with two of the biggest powers rearing up for a battle, it is the mortal world which is caught in the middle of the fight and a small band of heroes must endeavour to promote peace between the factions or else side with one over the other and end this struggle as quickly as possible to save as many mortal lives as they can.

The Characters

If you've read the Dresden Files, this is loosely based on that world but don't worry if not as all characters created for this storybook will be yours and need not be influenced by the series. Characters of summer allegiance should be summery - warm, passionate, alive - and if they are of faerie origin, it's important to know they cannot directly tell a lie. Characters of winter allegiance must be Wintry - Cold, calculating, ruthless and again, faeries cannot tell a direct lie (the Summer/ Winter knights do not necessarily have to be faeries and could be human/ wizard in origin).

Summery does not mean good and Wintry does not mean evil - they are simply two sides who think differently but both are just as important for the world to function. Winter keeps plant and human life from over populating and over running the world, even as Summer helps them to grow and develop. Winter is ruthless but not without logic or purpose.

Character Slots

Winter
1. Winter Queen - @Omnom
2. Winter Lady - @Craz
3. Winter Knight - @Holysocks
4. Winter ally - @Rydia
5. Winter ally - troll/ goblin/ changeling etc.

Summer
1. Summer Queen - @Rydia
2. Summer Lady - @Lightsong
3. Summer Knight - @Moonwatcher
4. Summer ally - changeling/ dryad/ sylph etc. - @Omnom
5. Summer ally - changeling/ dryad/ sylph etc. - @Lightsong

Mortal World
1. Human - @Steggy
2. Human - @TheCrimsonLady
3. Wizard - @Moonwatcher
4. Knight of the Cross - @TheForgottenKing
5. Mortal ally - werewolf/ vampire/ renegade faerie -

Feel free to get creative with these and don't worry about reading up on what the 'in world' rules are for these creatures - I'm happy for you to adapt it to something which suits you.

Character Template

Code: Select all
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Race: [/b] (eg. Faerie/ Human/ Wizard etc.)
[b]Title/ Job: [/b](eg. Winter Queen/ Summer Knight/ Police Officer)
[b]Age:[/b]

[b]Appearance:[/b]

[b]Personality:[/b]

[b]History:[/b]

[b]Strengths:[/b]

[b]Weaknesses:[/b]

[b]Other:[/b]
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Sat Sep 03, 2016 1:05 pm
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Rydia says...



Queen Udara | Summer Palace Gardens

The orchids lifted their heads at her approach and stretched their delicate petals to show the full extent of their beauty, every pink vein pulsing with life. Udara half reached out toward one but then pulled her hand back. Such a small thing, a flower budding. There were thousands of flowers in the summer palace gardens, tens of thousands, but here a small orchid was budding in her presence and Udara noticed.

For a long time now, the small details hadn't mattered, they couldn't matter, not when she was the Queen and there were so many big, important details to worry about. But more and more of late, she was seeing the smaller details again. Flowers budding. Grass growing. All because one small human child had been taken away from her. Queen Udara wondered if she wasn't losing her mind - the Queen in her had to wonder things like that - but the seed had been planted and the new era would start from today.

"You're going to be late."

Sonrya's statement was not chiding or questioning; it was an absolute fact.

"I keep thinking about sending someone else," Udara admitted, her lips curling into a wry smile. "I thought maybe our Lady or our Knight. What do you think?"

"I think if you were serious, you would be talking with one of them and not to me."

Udara winced but the dryad had always been nothing but honest and she was right: Udara wasn't here to change her mind, she was here to strengthen her resolve.

"The flowers in the mortal world already begin to wither but you keep our flowers beautiful all year round."

"It is always summer here," Sonrya agreed.

"It is always summer everywhere. From now on. There is no winter here, yet our gardens flourish year after year so why shouldn't the mortal world as well?" Udara's smile suddenly split brightly across her face. "Come on. Let's go, I want you to help me show them." Udara waved her arm and the air in front of them split, opening up a Way into the mortal realm. On the other side of the hole was a large expanse of green dotted here and there with flowers, and filled with the clash and ring of battle.

Udara strode through the Way and the dryad followed, without hesitation, and neither looked back to see the flowers in the palace gardens slightly decline their heads.

In the mortal realm, in New York central park, the two creatures of summer stepped out at one side of a clearing where the Summer Lady and other emissaries were already gathered. Before them the battle raged and though creatures of summer and winter fell on either side, the bloodshed was minimal and it was clear to any spectator that this was a theatrical battle. And there were many spectators, though most were blind to the passage of the fae and gave them a wide berth without thinking or realising why. One human child stared in amazement as a winter troll wrapped its large arms around the thick trunk of a dryad and pulled hard sideways to send them both crashing to the ground. The child's mother pulled impatiently on her arm. A few practitioners of magic watched from a safe distance but most knew better than to bring themselves to the fae's attention by interfering with such a prestigious ceremony.

Udara stood her ground implacably and stared out at the fighters. The Summer and Winter knights shone in their ceremonial armour, each leading their small battalion of fighters against the other and at the far side of the clearing, the winter Queen stood with her Lady and her emissaries.

"Today Summer grows tired," Udara intoned, her voice carrying easily across the whole of the battle field. From this distance, she could not quite see the expressions on the faces of the Winter Queen and Lady, but she smiled in anticipation of their surprise. "Tired of giving in to Winter. Tired of allowing this blight on the mortal realm."

The sounds of battle faltered and angry and confused murmurings permeated the air, while cheers of approval rose from the ranks of Summer.

"Today Summer says no more. I will not relinquish my hold on this land!"

And Udara nodded to Sonrya and at the same time focused her will on the park around them and the flowers in New York central park shook off their fatigue and the sun beat down and the forces of Summer threw off their ceremonial gear to reveal real battle armour beneath.

"Today Summer challenges Winter for rights to this land, for once and for all. I declare that this city shall be our battlefield and that within this location, all immortal beings will be rendered mortal, until one side is defeated or retreats."

A large silence fell and even some of the forces of summer faltered. The Queens and Ladies of Summer and Winter could rarely be killed. Only on Halloween night and at moments of great change were they subject to the normal rules of mortality so Udara understood their fear. If they were to lose a battle such as this, it would take Summer a long time to recover. But they would not lose.

"Such foolishness." The Winter Queen's voice cut through the air. "Winter can not be turned aside, the snows will come and the winds will rise, that is as it must be. I will accept your challenge but all blood spilled in this city is by your hand."

There was a rush of power in the air as Udara's heat met the Winter Queen's ice and the deal was sealed. Queen Udara didn't feel any different but she knew that once again she was mortal and the fight was on. But this was only one of the battlefields and Udara had more forces to set in motion before this day was through.
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Wed Sep 07, 2016 9:53 pm
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Omni says...



Sonrya - Spirit of the Summer Tree I Central Park



For a moment, the two streams of arcane power by the two Queens shocked both sides into silence. For a moment, any fighting ceased.

But only for a moment.

Sonrya pulled out her two thorny swords and advanced on two goblins. Flowers bloomed around her as she slashed at the first goblin. It shrieked and jumped over her head. The second goblin slid to the side, throwing a icy boomerang at her.

She sidestepped out of the way of the first toss, but a second boomerang slammed into her arm. Icy splinters formed along her shoulders. She felt warm, though, even through the ice forming quickly on her body.

"You are on the losing side, Goblins!" Letting one of her swords sink back into her forearm, Sonrya held her hand out towards the stream of heat from Queen Udara. The heat solidified, turning white-hot against the the air. A field of daffodils and violets sprouted around Sonrya, soaking up the pure heat from the mix of Udara's and her power.

She harnessed some of the heat, radiating in her palm. The sheer force of the magic dissolved the magical ice on her arm; she readied the sphere at the second goblin in front of her. "Summer will prevail in the mortal world. Just give in and I'll let you live."

The goblin sneered. "Poor dryad, thinking you can win."

Sonrya smiled warmly against the cold grin of the goblin. "You forget your place, being. You are in the territory of Summer!" Pulling apart the golden sphere, the garden around her prospered and grew wildly around her and the two goblins. Light filled the area around her, powered to even greater heights by the presence of the Queen.

Grappling at the two goblins and trapping them, Sonrya quickly pulled out her second blade and threw the swords at each goblin. They planted themselves soundly in each body, and the two went still.

The daggers re-grew in her forearms as she moved back to Udara. "My Queen, we cannot stay here forever." They both knew Udara could not keep the stream of magic forever. The clash of warriors between the two factions was quite a site to look at, ut already the land suffered from the onslaught of summer and winter together.

"I cannot be the first to falter, Sonrya."

"You are not faltering, Udara. You are reserving your strength. I know it's a little hard to hear coming from me, but be smart about this."

Sonrya could tell she was mulling this information over. The dryad never meant to be rude to her queen, but being honest was one of the reasons the two were close. The queen had her advisors for official purposes, or strategic actions. Sonrya knew that something had to stop, before each Queen was too weak to move. The war would end in one quick moment then, and nothing would have been accomplished.

Udara turned to her and they exchanged a glance of understanding. Moving her hands in one quick fashion, Udara formed a sphere of the arcane energy before her. "Do you see those trees there, close to the lake?" She whispered, still continuing the stream of magic. It weakened, and the balance of the two Queens' magic pushed closer to Udara.

"Yes." Sonrya honestly had no clue what her Queen was planning, but not knowing excited her.

"Tap into my magic. Will them to grow into mighty trees that tower over the land."

Sonrya grinned childishly and raised her arms, her hands clenching as she drew from the arcane magic once again.

Her senses heightened, and all at once she tapped into the expansive network of roots that were the heart of the park. Near the middle of the park, she picked a row of healthy trees and poured her soul into them. Willing them to grow, she then poured her queen's arcane magic into the suggestion, turning it into an order.

Faintly, she could see the great oaks sprawling above the canopy, great wooden limbs stretching into the skyline with hungry claws. As the top layer of the magnificent treeline reached the arcane battle in the sky, Udara stopped her magic, instead throwing the sphere. It rocketed to meet the Winter Queen's primordial ice magic. Power though the cold was, Sonrya admitted, nothing can stop the glory of Summer. The sphere met the ice in blazing fashion, lighting the sky in a myriad of colors. Shockwaves of mixed magic flew across the land.

Any being, mortal or non, that didn't know the coming of war definitely felt something now, Sonrya mused. As dust settled, her queen's plan had worked. The giant trees now marked a marker between summer and winter, immortalized by the clashing of ice and heat. On Winter's side, the trees were frozen, crystallized by looming stalactites of non-melting ice.

On Summer's side, the oaks blossomed, creating wonderful giants amongst mortals. The high branches scratched at even the sun. Sonrya was proud of both of them. Together, they would allow Summer to be alive in the mortal world forever.

Udara slumped, weak from the continuous show of her powers. "We need... to find a safe house. Somewhere we can coordinate our attacks and see the entire battlefield."

Sonrya shrugged. "I am the wrong person to help you with that."
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Holysocks says...



Lennsle, Winter Knight | Central Park


Lenn couldn't believe her own ears. Summer couldn't last forever, the Summer Queen couldn't just do that! Ever since the last piles of muddy snow had melted that spring, Lenn had longed for the frost again. There was something so suffocating about how the sun beat down on a person, as if it planned on melting more than simply the snow. It also was terribly notorious for ruining perfectly good chocolate.

It seemed without further question, the Fae launched into a full-blown war. Lenn looked to the Winter Queen- she still looked shocked. Lenn stared at her, waiting for her to say something- she had to say something. There must have been a way to talk some sense into the Summer Queen before, before-- Lenn sucked in a huge breath as she caught a glimpse of two oak trees that had frost on one side and fresh spring blossoms on the other. It sudden;y made her angry that the Summer Fae could be so careless. These things had a balance, like everything else, and they weren't supposed to be messed with. But here, it was being messed with.

Lenn knew she should be fighting. She knew she had to uphold winter- it was her job after all, but each new bud opening up to the sunlight, she felt more and more ill. She looked around and caught sight of a very large, brown shape. Guffy. Just the thought of her steed lifted her spirits again. Still slightly dazed, Lenn managed to pull herself together enough to make her way to Guffy, dodging swords and stray bits of summer and winter magic- he wasn't that far away, and she felt more comfortable in battle on him. They were a team, and therefor worked best together. When they were together they didn't have to constantly be worrying if the other one was okay because they were right there. As Lenn drew closer the moose spotted her and head butted a couple summer fae out of the way to get to her. Lenn leapt for his back but her jump fell short and her stomach landed hard on his withers. She groaned but pulled herself up and swung a leg over the enormous beast. Being on Guffy again made things feel a lot more doable, and Lenn urged him forward now. She had to get to the winter Queen, she had to get her somewhere safe where she could give them orders on how to deal with this horrid mess.
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Craz says...



| Lady Elizah | Central Park |



She strode down the icy podium from where her Queen stood, her cloak sweeping out behind her, the tail of its thick grey fur rolling out as she descended. It dusted upon the frosted ground before it swelled with the surging wind, fanning out behind her and billowing in the air, a forewarning, the trailing end of a demon made of mist and snow. The cloak that, what was seemingly minutes ago, obscured her completely in its formless design of thick fur and hood, now lifted and parted to reveal the enigma in which it was hiding: the stunning white and black feathers that parted from their post at her back, the dark clothing thick enough to stop an arrow, the smokey glass dagger at her hip, the quicksilver eyes that blazed with rancor, and the snarl upon the Lady of Winter's dark lips.

Elizah raged.

The representatives of Winter howled and spat around her, fighting back the cursed heat with fervor, their icy blades clashing with the swords of Summer with hisses and sizzles. They were not prepared for battle such as this; they had come for representation, their blades crafted for war but their hands not honed for a lengthy fray. She watched, heartbroken, as her people struggled to form a cohesive strategy in the chaos. Shouts rang through her ears. Magic whistled through the air she breathed.

Lady Elizah reached for the dagger at her side. She only had the displeasure of using the enchanted blade twice in her two hundred years of owning it - a third time, the witch had said as it had gifted it to her in its leathery and frostbitten hands, and the blade would break. Until then, the darkness in its alabaster cheek whirled and seethed.

Elizah's focus remained on one thing: the Summer Queen who watched at the opposing side.

She was ignorant, young, rash, a stupid stupid spoiled rotten changeling, a child put in charge of power that held the fate of the world, someone who hasn't bothered to leave her flower fields enough to fully comprehend the importance of the natural cycle, an entitled foolish little girl-

Her wind roared as a Summer fae's arrow whistled towards her. It thudded in the ground, golden pollen sighing out of the cracks in its wood as it made contact with the frozen ground. Elizah bared her teeth, her wind lacerating the next Summer soldier who had stepped out in front of her. Ice rapidly crawled up his leg, the wind buffeting and snatching away his scream. Elizah stalked on.

She twisted through the ongoing battle, occasionally pausing long enough to trip up the Summer soldiers who had dared to cross onto Winter's territory or to dodge the blades of the Summer fae who had dared to cross her, but her eyes remained upon her target. The Summer territory was blinding, glittering with forced life. Elizah could nearly see the simmering heat where their stolen land began.

She surged forward, the border so close, close enough that she could touch it, and the Summer Queen's cowardly back was retreating-

She stopped, her face tickling with the heat and the magic that seeped from the barrier. The Queen had turned around, prompted by some premonition, and their eyes met. A snarl lighted upon the Lady of Winter's nose and mouth, and she raised her dagger high above her head, to the barrier, to the Summer Queen. A promise.

A hand pressed upon the Queen's shoulder, and after a whispered word from the dryad at her side they disappeared into their towering forest.

"Lady Elizah, please-" a hand brushed upon her shoulder, wary of the aggression that roiled off of the fae's body. She inclined her head at the familiar voice, struggling to drown out the screaming of the dark magic clutched in her hand in response to the barrier.

"The Winter Queen requests you by her side."

Lady Elizah nodded slowly.
"we'll fasten it with some safety pins and tape and a dream, and you're good to go, honey."





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Steggy says...



Meilody Andrews - Flicker Flower Shop

At a flower shop on the corner of a busy New York street, resides the elegant and not-so-fearful Meilody Andrews. Every afternoon she would arrive promptly at three--it was a routine she had when she lived back with her mother. If she happens to break the routine, the dependable sleep cycle that keeps Meilody awake would crumble.
The flower shop was actually right below her apartment, which she was lucky enough because the flower owner had promised her a job. It was a wonderful and lucky combination that pleased Meilody. Sadly, the same flower owner had died a few weeks into when Meilody started working, causing her to run the show. Though she did enjoy working there, it was only a few weeks into working that she felt happy.
Working in the small, cozy flower shop with an array of flowers felt like home to Meilody. Every day or every time a single costumer would come into her store, she would offer some form of deal like 50% off all irises or Buy one bouquet of roses, get a vase for free! Though she had welcomed most with a warm smile, some would push aside and continue looking. It wasn't until three weeks into the job that Meilody grew incredibly bored of working inside the same store; business had boomed for the first few weeks of summer and the prized Dahlias were sold out within the first week they were on the shelves. The same old customers would come in before leaving again, their voice crackling among sorrow and relief.
It wasn't until Monday, a day that Meilody had enjoyed from as long as she could remember, the "inspector" came.
The "inspector" was a old man with thin-wired glasses, peppered black and white hair, and wrinkles that were like canyons with moles as pinpoints for hikers. This certain fellow was the "head leader" of some flower company that Meilody couldn't even the remember the name of. All she knew was last year, when the man came, the last owner had to restock on roses which then caused half of the costumers that came into the store to become allergic and leave the store soon after. The "inspector" only given the previous owner a far warning before leaving with a scowl.
She had tried to make everything nice and tidy. Cleaning the little cracks in the floor with a toothpick and brush, the windows were cleaned to the absolute perfection--Meilody could see her reflection, and the flowers were ordered from color, not type. Within an hour, the "inspector" had arrived with a firm line for a smile and a disgusted look.

"Hello, Mr. Devin!" Meilody exclaimed, moving her hands behind her back.

The only response that Mr. Devin gave was a grunt.

"How're you today?"

"Fine." Mr. Devin walked around the small flower room. He stopped by the display of Aster, lifting a finger to the purple petals. "How long have you been working here, Miss Andrews?"

"For a month, exactly, Mr. Devin."

"Hmm." He then moved from the Aster display before looking around the room with a careful eye.

"Do you like working here?"

"Very much so. As a child, I've loved the thought of flowers and-"

"I don't want a detailed backstory, Miss Andrews. That isn't how you came into the business, is it?"

Meilody hesitated. "No, it isn't."

Mr. Devin nodded before moving across the room to the carnation display.

"I've had my fair share of cutting people off from their job because they given me a detailed story about their life. They never do understand the job you have is just the job you have until you quit. You work until you grow tired, I suppose." Mr. Devin turned around, leaning on his cane.

"The stories that are created come from the work someone possesses."

- - - -


Mr. Devin had left an hour later. He didn't have any requests or complaints about anything in the flower shop. She continued to help people who came in, pointing out the big sale in red (most of the people that came into her store were old and didn't have their reading glasses on). The hours and minutes that followed after Mr. Devin's visit that when it came around closing time, Meilody didn't realize it.
After closing down the store for the night, Meilody walks through Central Park to get her apartment, which is little ways but not too far. The building lights shone from above, along with lampposts that were around the walking trails. In a nearby gazebo, lights were strung around the beams and outer side. It gave Meilody a warm feeling.
However, this night was different from the previous nights. On her walks, there was a small open patch next to the trail she often walked on. It was the perfect place to look at the stars.

This time the patch was bright yellow. It almost seemed like a group of fireflies had just decided to stay there and would scatter if you ran through the grass. They often say curiosity killed the cat but during that moment of Meilody watching the yellow, curiosity can also stir a plan towards realization.
You are like a blacksmith's hammer, you always forge people's happiness until the coal heating up the forge turns to ash. Then you just refuel it and start over. -Persistence (2015)

You have so much potential and love bursting in you. -Omnom





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Rydia says...



Cheshire | Central Park


Why people still invited him to these ceremonial changeovers of power was a mystery to Cheshire, though he expected it had something to do with the fact that he didn't want to be there. While the rest of Winter vied and preened for a place, he'd much sooner be back on the job, luring some fool human into his dark domain or having a perfectly civilised conversation with some nice writer types.

Instead he was in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time as the ceremonial battle around him erupted into magical maelstroms and bloodshed. Plants started sprouting all over the place, some of them popping up under his toes and a few were even trying to grow on the troll next to him who hadn't worked out yet what was going on.

"Hey, that one hurt. You want to punch less hard next time or I crush you," the troll complained, to which the dryad replied by lashing them with vines which wrapped around the troll's feet and brought him crashing to the floor. Chessy leapt out the way before they could do the same to him and he put his claws to good use shredding vines left, right and centre.

"Less crashing, more crushing," the Malk instructed. "The fight is real so for real we'll fight." Then, because he couldn't really help himself, he launched into a verse of the Jaberwocky as he nimbly dodged between attacks and occasionally fended off the far too clingy plant-life: "Twas brilig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe: all mimsy were the borogroves, and the mome raths outgrabe."

The troll had some time ago clambered to his feet and was slowly dragging his heavy feet closer to the dryad but a frown deepened his brow with every extra line the Cheshire Cat spoke.

"No more talking, Kitty," the troll grumbled as he lifted his large club and brought it down where the dryad was standing just a second ago. "First I crush the pixie, then I come crush you."

"As much of a shame as it would be to miss that, I think I'm needed elsewhere. Beware the Jabberwock, my son!" The Cheshire Cat faded quickly into the shadows and bounded away from Central Park. He didn't have the clearest idea of what had pushed the Summer Queen to such rash actions but he didn't expect Winter would react any less rashly. Perhaps they needed some players who were a little less black and white in this game.

Cheshire escaped the battle field and took a great big sniff of the air, latching on to the magic aura of the nearest wizard. He was certain they would call an impromptu White Council meeting and he wanted to be there to impart his many centuries of wisdom upon them and to ensure they came down on the right side of the battle. Which was to say no side, or all sides, since what they actually needed was for there not to be a battle, but you so rarely could get nothing without doing something first. So onward to seek the manxome foe!
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Lightsong says...



Summer Lady, Analia / Central Park


When Queen Udara declared Summer wouldn’t give up their land to Winter, Analia was shocked. The Summer Lady didn’t expect her queen to act that way -- Summer and Winter, one of them couldn’t cease to exist. Such was the way of nature, and if it was defied, what consequence would it bring to them? To the Summer faeries -- no, to the entire world?

But that was her thought moments ago. After the deal was made -- Queen Isole was definitely as reckless as Queen Udara -- she had accepted the option to withdraw and let the change of weather proceeded was gone, and that Summer should fight their best to take control of the land. That was what she was going to do now. Summer must win.

As the battlefield was divided by massive trees that scratched the sky, Analia walked hurriedly -- but gracefully, as she was carrying a basket of Roses -- to Queen Udara. The queen was accompanied by a female dryad. If Analia wasn’t mistaken, her name was Sonrya. She suspected it was their combined effort that a fortress had been made between Summer and Winter territories. Glad she was for it.

As she arrived, she noticed Queen Udara’s face was too pale, sweat drenching her clothes. Tiredness had took over her body, rendering her vulnerable to potential attacks. Looking at her state, Analia was gripped by fear, but she tried to conceal it through her poker face. Queen Udara must’ve used too much magic for the defense, and now the best thing for her would be rest.

Analia took a seed from a gray satchel placed at the depth of the basket, and gave it to Sonrya. “This is an enchanted seed of the Rafflesia plant,” she said. “Unlike the usual one, this one doesn’t smell horrible; in fact, it smells of fragrance.” What was she talking about? It wasn’t the time to be a scholar. “Disperse it somewhere safe, and it will grow at the blink of an eye. Put Queen Udara inside it so she can rest. It will heal her at a magical rate; her powers, too, will be restored.” She looked up to Sonya.

Sonrya was staring down at her silently. Then, she spoke. “I don’t know the safe place for Queen Udara.”

Dang it! Analia thought furiously. Why did you let her waste her energy, then? She’s at her most vulnerable state right now! And you’re saying there’s no place for her to rest except at this bloodied battlefield! Instead of voicing it out, she gave Sonrya a smile. Argument would lead them to nothing; they needed to act now.

Taking a deep breath, she recalled her knowledge of New York, of Central Park, to be exact. There was a shop closed a few months ago; since then, the site was opened for renting. It was a terrible place for resting, what with the lack of proper bed and tea and kimonos, but it would be safe there. And with Rafflesia, Queen Udara would emerge to help them again soon. She relayed this information to Sonrya.

“I will try to take charge of our Summer people for the time being,” Analia assured Sonrya. Noticing a Summer soldier who dared to lounge around instead of fighting, she gestured at him to come to her. He hurriedly did. Analia turned back to Sonrya. “Please, take care of the queen for me. I’m afraid you’re the best companion -- and protector -- she has right now, and it will be your responsibility to see for her safety. Bring this soldier with you.”

She turned to the battlefield. Despite the natural defense Queen Udara had made, a few Winter soldiers were trapped in their territory, and they were giving their all to reduce the number of Summer soldiers as soon as possible. They needed to be stop. She looked at her basket, and to the fight in front of her again. It was time to participate in the bloodshed.
Last edited by Lightsong on Wed Sep 14, 2016 4:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Rydia says...



Summer Queen Udara | Central Park


Udara wanted to exclaim that the lazy Summer soldier wasn't fit to protect her but even as the thought sprouted, hot and hissing like a hot pan under water, it soon sizzled away again as she realised just how tired she was. Her skin burned with effort and simply remaining standing was a tax on her strength as gravity promised she'd be more comfortable on a bed of soft grass. The Summer Queen wasn't in a fit state to object and she nodded her thanks to Analia before retreating from the main battlefield.

She had only moved a few steps when she felt an icy shiver at her shoulder and turned to look back, her eyes locking with the fierce gaze of Lady Elizah. The Winter Lady showed no signs of battle fatigue, her grey eyes sparking with challenge and a dagger raised in a threatening salute. Udara summoned the heat from the air around her, felt it hum, fever-like through her flesh, thirsting for more destruction, except for a whisper of air, cool against her ear.

"You can't let them see how tired you are," Sonrya advised.

Perhaps coming from anyone else, Udara would have felt the need to defy them and prove herself but she gave one sharp, small nod and followed her ally under the cover of the Summer trees and toward the park exit. The Summer soldier followed at a careful distance, his eyes watchful as he held his wooden staff and shield in readiness.


They left the park and crossed the busy streets of New York with Sonrya leading the way, following Analia's instructions to find the abandoned store. Despite the crowds, the air was cooler on the streets, it didn't yet hold the sharp pinch of Winter but it wasn't blessed by Summer's warm kiss either. The city of New York hung somewhere in the balance between the two and as they walked, though Udara was struggling to keep her feet moving, the battle haze began to clear from her mind.

"You're very watchful," she remarked to the Summer soldier. His face was not well known to her but then, there were many fae who lived in the Summer court.

"It's so I may protect you, my Queen," the soldier replied with a small inclination of his head, though his eyes never moved from the shadowy alleys.

Up ahead, Sonrya snorted in disgust. "You did not seem so ready to fight for our Queen earlier."

The soldier paused and Udara almost walked into him but he collected himself in time and glided on, his feet moving stealthily and easily down the street as humans unknowingly crossed to the other side of the road to allow their passage.

"It is not my place to be judgmental," the Summer soldier said at last, in a careful tone. "I will fight for you always, my Queen, but a world without Winter... living things need to rest sometimes."

Sonrya stopped outside a slightly derelict looking building and signaled for them to stand back. She took a small seed from her pocket - not the Rafflesia seed - and pushed it carefully into the keyhole, before applying a touch of magic to speed up its growth. The seedling expanded to fill the shape of the keyhole and with a soft click, Sonrya unlocked the door and slipped inside to check the coast was clear.

"Some living things die while we rest," Udara said, as much to herself as to the soldier. "So never again."
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TheForgottenKing says...



Jace

"You know very well I won't intercede unless it threatens mankind." I said. The Warden next to me nodded as the Winter Fae sighed." It will threaten the mortals if summer isn't put back. The world can't handle it. The ways can't change."

I put down the scroll I was reading." I am a defender of men, not a defender of the seasons. I won't get caught in your feud. If the time comes that I must act I will, along with my brothers and sisters, but not on Winter's side. I'll be on the human side."

The Fae watched me for a second before shrugging and disappearing in a flurry of snowflakes. Warden Garcia sat in a chair heavily, resting her head in her hands." I can't believe Summer would be so stupid! We've got enough to deal with, but Fae battling in Central Park?"

I picked up a map of New York before answering." So far, the fighting is only in the park, but you can expect it to spread. I'll do what I can, short of taking a life... But if I am forced to kill, that means that I will be in the battle." Garcia nodded." Well when that happens, you can count on the Wardens. We'll back you up. And I'm sure the White Council will to. You're a Knight of the Cross. They're probably already trying to fix this."

I glanced at an open book on the table." The Summer Queen... Why? I just don't understand. She's new, aye... But still. Why now? Perhaps something more is at work here? Or perhaps it's just some bad blood between Fae. I don't know yet." I shook Warden Garcia's hand." I'll give you a call when I know more. Keep me updated." She nodded before picking up her sword and taking her leave.

I say heavily on my couch. I hadn't been a Knight for long. But I already knew that I was in a load of trouble. I had time age though. I had too. Forever summer, or forever winter?? I just hoped it could be worked out soon.
"I make my own luck"- Shay Patrick Cormac





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Rydia says...



Summer Queen Udara


Resting inside the seed brought a sense of calm to Udara and she felt a glow, warm like the rays of the sun, spreading over her skin. It pushed against the weariness in her bones and muscles, gently but insistently moving through every inch of her system, except for her heart.

There were some things the Rafflesia seed could not fix and it shied away from that burning sphere at the centre of her solar system; the calm always orbiting around but never to enter. Outside of that zone, the life could bloom and energy flowed back to her body but inside Udara's heart, there was no room for life. There was too much anger and too much heat, too much need to destroy the cause of her pain and all pain in the universe: the start of the end, the end of the end. Those things were Winter's prerogative.

But life, wasn't that Summer's prerogative? Not this fighting in the streets, in-fighting with the other fae and bringing chaos to the mortal world, instead... instead of nurturing and encouraging the seeds sown in the spring. Infusing them with the strength to survive the Winter and to soar above the land and to bring warmth, to cast that gentle glow from afar. Like her... that was what Udara was supposed to do, instead of standing so close to the world that she burned it with her touch.

A chink in her armour for just one heartbeat and then the Rafflesia plant opened and Sonrya shook her queen awake.

"I'm sorry my queen but they've found us. The forces of Winter are closing on our location and we must get you to safety!" The dryad looked tired, it was clear she had engaged with the enemy just moments before. "I'm sorry to awaken you. Analia believes the seed's work was not yet complete but we must move on from here."

Udara sat up in the pod and saw that Analia was also in the room, standing serenely by the door and with not a single crease to her smooth brow, giving no sign as to any vexation she might be feeling toward Sonrya for disobeying her command. Udara wondered if she did feel vexed or if she simply understood that Sonrya always tried to do what she thought was best for her queen.

"I feel strong again," Udara assured them. "The seed did what was needed. Lady Analia, tell me, what's the situation?"

"The combined magic of Summer and Winter has sealed the city of New York so that no magical creatures may leave or enter until one of the two queens should fall or decide together to break that seal. This leaves the two hundred ceremonial forces of each side in play. Our knight holds the ground at Central Park with one hundred fae. Forty hold our retreat here against sixty of the enemy and the other sixty of our forces are scattered throughout the city, searching for the right stronghold... or fallen. I think we've lost seven so far and many others are wounded or exhausted."

Udara nodded sadly as she removed herself from the pod and crossed the room. It was as she had planned - two hundred was the cost of her loss or victory but it was still hard to know their lives hung in the balance. "If you want to stay and fight, I'll understand," she said softly. "But what of the search, do we have a suitable location where I can strategise?"
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Craz says...



Lady Elizah | New York City



"The audacity of that little Queen- daring to step onto my territory -"

Lady Elizah turned away from her fuming Queen, her chin held high, and spoke to her own assistant next to her with deliberate calm. "Contact my little birds. I need to know who in the Summer Queendom will stay loyal to us. Don't get rid of the ones who don't, it'll scare all of them off. I want contact made with our allies farther North-"

"-such ridiculousness-"

"- and maybe even the wizards. But the White Council first, they wouldn't like it if we went to the Black Council. They're a last resort. Do not contact them until I tell you to."

"- all of them will rot in-"

"And the wraiths as well. Set up a meeting with them, and tell them that I will give them what they want in exchange for loyalty. Oh, and," the Lady winced, " send a message to the Cheshire Cat."

Elizah turned back to her Queen, who was swamped inside a cocoon of soldiers, her composure coinciding with her wrath. The Lady felt it too; the anger, the injustice, writhing within her. But she had let it get the best of her, she had let it take control and it had thrusted her onto a battlefield with a half thought of a plan, and for as little as it had considered she could have easily gotten herself killed. She was glad that the barrier had stopped her from throwing herself at the Summer Queen, because surely she would have been cut down as soon as she had crossed the threshold.

A shadow flickered over her face, and she glanced up into the silhouette of a bird circling above their heads. She examined it for a minute, judging, then offered her arm. It glided lower, circling lazily, before it dropped and clutched her forearm with its prickly talons.

For the first time, the Lady felt the weight and pain of those talons. She ignored it, but her stomach tightened.

His glassy black eye watched her with a cold calculation, measuring her mood before he spoke in its harsh, gritty voice, something that was between a whisper and a dragging claw upon a marble floor.

"The birds have found what you desire, my lady."

"You know it is suitable for my tastes?"

"It is safe for the Queen, my lady."

The Lady Elizah nodded slowly. "Show us."

She braced as Bartholomew crouched and took off, his great black and chestnut streaked wings soaring. Soon he was nothing but a general outstretched shape in the sky, heading in a general direction before circling back so their grounded assembly may navigate successfully.

They were finally nearing the edge of the woods, and the boisterous streets of the human world peeked out from between the brambles. Her nose wrinkled with the smell. Humans, she thought, always needing to take more. That must be where the Queen got it.
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Astronomer says...



Cornelius Aelius
White Council Building, New York City


Cornelius stood at the gates and scanned the crowds of the wizards, one by one. "Everyone, please form a line and move in an orderly fashion," Cornelius would call out, over and over. But of course nobody would listen.

The foyer was hectic, and Cornelius could sense the magical presence. The news of the clash between the Summer Fae and the Winter Fae had spread quickly, fast as a forest fire. The Merlin had called an assembly, in which they will discuss the battle, and how the matter would be dealt with. But it wouldn't be fun for Cornelius, he knew he would have to negotiate with the fae. It wouldn't go so well.

The entrance hall was made out of fine marble, and decorated in beautiful pillars and chandeliers. It would be almost perfect, if it weren't for how loud the room was. Cornelius listened in on the nearby conversations, and all the discussion was about the fae. Several people were gambling ridiculous amounts of money over who they believed would win the fight. The war had just started, and people were already certain that there wouldn't be such a good outcome. It made Cornelius feel uneasy.

"Next...next...next," continued Cornelius.

He watched the wizards enter the assembly room, thinking about how funny it was that despite the fact that there was a war, and plenty of lives could be lost, everybody thought it was all fun and games. But hopefully everything would resolve soon. Winter had to come at some point.

Before Cornelius knew it, everybody was into the assembly room. He gathered the last few wizards, and made his way down the corridors, bracing himself for what would come next.
~

"I call this meeting to order!" Shouted the Merlin.

All chatter in the room suddenly ceased, and all eyes stared at the Merlin. And Arthur Langtry stared back at them all with intimidating eyes.

The Merlin cleared his throat, "As many of you have heard, they Summer Fae have started an...uprising." Once more there was chatter in the room, and back to the same old discussion, too.

"Heard the Summer Fae started it."

"No way, it was the Winter Fae's fault."

"I bet you a hundred dollars that the Summer Fae will win."

"I swear if the Summer Fae win, and it's a hundred degrees year round, I'm going to hunt down every last Winter Fae."

"If your attention could be drawn back to me, please," Arthur Langtry asked politely, yet with the same, intimidating eyes.

"Discussion as to how this will be dealt with is to take place after this assembly. For now, we ask of you to not leave New York, as we have been informed that there is no way to get in or out for us wizards, or anything related to magic. We also ask of you to not get involved in the affairs of the Summer Fae or the Winter Fae unless instructed otherwise. Does anybody have something important they would like to share?"

"I do have one request," said a loud, dark voice from afar. And suddenly, fast as lightning, a wisp of dark energy seared through the room. The Chesire Cat was standing before the White Council.
Last edited by Astronomer on Tue Oct 11, 2016 3:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.





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Lightsong says...



Summer Lady, Analia / New York City


'Yes, we do.' Analia took out her phone that was kept inside her kimono. Google Map dominated the screen; human-made apps impressed her sometimes. 'I have never been there, Your Majesty, although the owner of the house entrusted me with the address and key. It took me years to gain his trust, I tell you.'

Looking at Queen Udara's raised eyebrow, Analia felt the heat as warm as summer creep to her cheeks. Despite not knowing what was in the queen's mind, she felt the urge to explain herself. 'It is not as you think, Your Majesty! Although he is quite handsome with his tan skin and firm body frame, I know well then to have a relationship with humans. They're quite ordinary.'

'Time is ticking, Analia,' said Sonrya, who had been tapping her feet on the floor. 'You do know we don't have time for the story of your... interaction with humans, do you?'

Analia saw her smirk, and her dislike over the spirit increased. She's right. You're wasting time, her voice of reason whispered, saving her from expressing irritation. Unnecessary emotion. She took a last glance to the map and had the path memorized. Exiting the building with the queen and Sonrya behind, she made them stop.

'I need to make sure our appearance is not seen.' She raised her hands towards the sun. Summer consisted of heat; at least, that was the first thing that came to the minds of many. They never questioned the source of such heat. Sunlight. Analia moved her hands, as if weaving strands of thread.

She was not as powerful as the two behind her. She could not summon trees. Her weapons was a basket of carnivorous roses, and the seeds she buried under the flowers were not of offensive nature. In short, she was not a fighter. She was a Lady. The best one we might ever have. The words of the fallen Lady, Dahlia, consoled her, preventing her from being self-deprecating. Who needs strength when you can attack from behind the enemy, undetected, unpredictable?

The light took notice of her gestures, as if realizing she was its master. It branched into golden threads, surrounding the three of them, as if making a fortress around them. Her hands led them, guiding them to move to places she desired, and after a few moments, a cocoon of light was made.

Then, it vanished.

Turning to them, she smiled, hope sparkled in her eyes. The queen frowned, but Sonrya's eyes widened. The spirit stared at Analia, and whispered, 'I've seen Dahlia did that... She thought no one was looking, but I was there. That was -'

'A glamour,' finished Analia. She was hoping to receive words of compliments from the queen, but alas, Queen Udara didn't recognize the spell. An awe from Sonrya didn't feel that much. 'A manipulation of light. It plays with one's sight, making sure what she sees is the deceptive, transparent cocoon, and not what was inside it.' A pause. 'It manipulates a sense only, but that should be enough. As long as there is considerable sunlight, the illusion will stay.'

Queen Udara nodded and patted her on the shoulder. The sudden show of - affection? - was unprecedented, but it reassured her, somehow. 'I am grateful, Analia. This spell, it only deludes one's eyes?' Seeing her nod, Queen Udara continued, smiling. 'That will do.'

Yes, Analia thought, smiling in return. Appreciation will do for now.
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Rydia says...



The Cheshire Cat | White Council Building, New York City


As Chessy followed the wizard at a safe distance, he started to get the feeling that he too was being followed (and wouldn't it be amusing if there was another follower following his follower and so on and on until the whole world consisted of only people who were both follower and followed.) The wizard had stopped outside an ordinary house but there was a resonance of power around it which meant Chessy didn't have to track him any further to know which magical barrier he needed to infiltrate.

So he followed his follower, just for a few delightful steps, while the young Winter soldier became increasingly agitated.

"Have you lost something?" Chessy asked, sidling up behind him. To the soldier's credit, he thrust a frosty dagger against Chessy's neck but the malk simply shifted into the shadows and across the fae's other shoulder. "I could help you look for it if you only tell what we are, ah- looking for?"

The soldier scowled and said bluntly: "You are The Cheshire Cat."

"Cat? Cat - what cat?" Chessy asked, looking around him in mock astonishment. Honestly, that one never got old.

"The Malk known as The Cheshire Cat," the soldier clarified in a relentless, frosty tone. "Your presence is required by the Lady Elizah."

"Why? Is it her birthday?"

The Winter Soldier blinked and Chessy wondered how someone so green had won a place at the ceremonial event. His greenness was probably how he'd got landed with being the one to summon the notoriously difficult Cheshire Cat and Chessy was honestly being kind when he used the term 'soldier'. If the fae stood erect, it was only in the way that a plank of wood stands erect until the wind starts blowing.

"Of course it's not her birthday! I'll tell her you won't come then, shall I?" The fae gave a nasty grin and even Chessy felt a few hairs rise on the back of his neck. He did not want to directly refuse an order from the Lady of Winter.

"But of course not, I'd never miss the Lady's un-birthday." Chessy winked at the fae and then turned and strode toward the building the wizard had disappeared into. "But I've got a bit of a side job first and Lady Elizah will want the information I'm about to gather."

Without waiting for a response, The Cheshire Cat slowly evaporated into the shadows with a dark chuckle and he found the quickest way under the wizards' wards and into their sanctuary.

Aha, one of the many homes of the White Council.

As a group, the White Council fascinated Chessy, which was to say that he didn't know where else you'd find such an odd bunch of stuffy old men who were tirelessly uptight and yet had the habit of squabbling like petulant children. Of course, they weren't all men or all old but who didn't love a stereotype?

He waited for the right cue and when it came, he pounced on it with all his theatrical might: "I do have one request," Chessy thundered as he zapped out of the shadows in a crackle of dark smoke. "Can you tell me which came first, the chicken or the egg?"

There was a heavy silence in the vast assembly room and more than a few eyebrows shot through the roof.

"What is the meaning of this intrusion?" The Merlin demanded but Chessy was more interested in the muffled voices near the back of the room:

"Does he mean Winter and Summer?"

"Surely Summer's the chicken-"

"How d'you reckon that? Eggs are hatched in Summer so Winter's the chicken-"

"More importantly, what and who is he and what has any of this got to do with the faeries?"


The Merlin rapped his staff on the ground for order as more voices took up the questions but a one eyed wizard - oh so many lovely jokes! - stole the stage when he firmly stated:

"The Malks are of Winter. They are the Queen's hounds and are as mindless as they are vicious. We should expel the beast at once!"

Which was simply not a nice way to be talked about. "Come now," Chessy objected. "I have many pieces of mind and some of them can be quite civilized if you invite us out to tea. However, we shall merrily depart if you can provide the answer to just one question. If a tree falls in the forest and nobody is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"
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