faefeasts: the midwinter gala - IC

[Wisps spin through the feast, each positively bouncing. A burbling giggle issues from the pulsing ball of light, and the wisp curls into the shape of a flower.

A second later, Aelius' excited voice spills from the wisp.]

Lords and Ladies and those yet undefined by form, mortals from hither and yon, the Frost Maiden with the Black Ice Smile and I are pleased to introduce you to... to someone new.

[Another happy sound.]

The newborn Lord of New Blooms, Summer's Sweet Scent. Alair. [His voice is soft and full of wonder.] His mother would prefer you not send gifts or even congratulations, and may kill you if you try to touch him, and I may simply melt you to slag on the spot, but you're welcome to stop by and say hello.

From a safe distance.

I'm sure our glorious Queen will understand if we murder you on accident.

[ The voice that comes over the wisp isn't one that's graced the party yet - for better or worse. Tinted with a sharp edge beneath the mild tenor, he sounds both amused and bored. A dangerous combination. ]

Rumor has it that I missed a war and a fight at this gathering. And here I thought it would be the same humdrum as all the others. [ A sound carries under his words - sharpening stone against metal. ] A shame I missed the excitement. [ And that sounds too much like a challenge for anyone willing to take it. He's never worried too much about consequences. ]

I know the King has hosted a few events since the beginning of the party, I wonder if he'll end with one that has a bit more sport?

Who: Erevos and Winter
What: Dancing
Where: Starlight Palace, ballroom.
When: After this.
Warnings: None.

( I believe we have a dance in our future. )

Voice Wisp: Winter/Everyone

(Her voice is a low, soft purr, with the sharpest of smiles lacing every word.)

Take great care and stay huddled up inside if you're the sensitive sort. It will be quite cold tonight.

I, on the other hand, will be dancing, if you dare to join me.

I find myself desirous of stories. Come, tell me your most intriguing.

So, here's the thing.

I thought, given everything, it would be nice to have some homemade treats instead of ones that a fae of feasts or food or sweets magicked into existence—and, really, thank you for that, Ashtara, we all appreciate your efforts. So, as one does, I went to the Starlight Palace's kitchens. Since that's where you go to make food.

Apparently, I did not end up in the Starlight Palace's kitchens, but having never actually gone to the kitchen before, I was not aware of this until after I accidentally used the Unseelie King's workshop to create sentient Sugar Plum Fairy Dolls, Gingerbread Men, Marshmallow Snowmen, and something that might be burned molasses but I'm honestly not sure.

[Distantly, there is the sound of shouting. Something explodes.]

They've decided to wage war on each other as they each attempt to establish a sovereign kingdom.

This is my gift to you this Midwinter. If someone might be interested in helping negotiate a peace treaty, that would be great. If any of you more litigiously inclined fae want to defend me from the Unseelie King, that would also be great.

[A pause.

There's another explosion, a resounding shriek, and something like a canon sounds in the distance.]

They've weaponized the candy cane.

Please hurry.

[ His voice projects evenly; a shadowy, stoic quality to it. There is a trace of some unnamed emotion lingering beneath the surface. He's been gone a long while, and there are repercussions to that - some pleasant, some complicated. ]

It's been quite some time. I'm in need of a drink, and to be told a story. The ones that are true are far more compelling.

Would anyone care to indulge me?

[Wisp: Aelius → Everyone]
[His voice sounds a bit harried.]

Asking for a friend: good yule gifts for friends and family that don't require murdering a human, sacrificing a bull, or killing the sun. Go.

[Mirror: Aelius → Winter]
[He's in her room, whittling a stick into a stick without bark. There is a bucket beside him. It may have blood in it.]

Snowflake. Would you like to go on a date?

[When she speaks her wisp is steady, not even a ripple over it, calm but there's an edge of curiosity in her words.]

What is beyond the Unseelie land? Where would it lead?

[...]

Where can I find a change of clothing? I would like to bathe and change. [...] Please.

[A wisp the color of winter moonlight and just as warm flits around, wending its way around and through the King's guests. It moves lazily, at ease with the surroundings. For those who care to listen, it's message is relayed in a cool tone of voice.]

Such a joyous occasion as Midwinter ought to prove to be one full of enchanting revels. And what, pray tell, do you think our King has in store for us? Surely it will be memorable.

[ A light, airy voice breaks across the wisps with a warmth that completely contradicts the snowy climbs of the Unseelie King's domain. Vevina has arrived and her enthusiasm for the gathering cannot be missed. ]

Isn't this wonderful? The Unseelie territory is spectacular! I do hope we don't prove to tasking on their hospitality. Thank you all for welcoming us.

Still, it's been an age, perhaps longer since I've run into some you and that is a true shame. Tell me, darlings, how have you been keeping yourselves busy? I want to know everything.

And those humans among us for the first time, please, don't fret. Our parties do get wild, but that only means you'll have the most marvelous stories to tell. If you have questions, you only need ask, my dears.

[Written Wisp: Winter/Nyx]

At last, the end is drawing near. Are you ready to return to the unseelie palace?

WHO: Winter and Aelius
WHAT: Popping the question
WHEN: After the garden plot
WHERE: The hot springs
WARNINGS: None. Alas there are no funerals here

( “No one else compares.” )

I tire of unimaginative revelry. If we are to seek our own entertainment, then ought it not be to our liking?

Who: Aelius and Winter
What: Discussing feelings
Where: The gardens
When: Truth plot
Warnings: FEELINGS EVERYWHERE

( everything I am cherishes everything you are )

Snowflake, we [...] need to talk.

[Written Wisp: Winter/Nyx]

Dare I ask you you fared in the maze?

[Written Wisp: Winter/Aelius]

The queen's sense of humor is starting to rival the king's.

As I had thought. I missed the certainty of solitude. If one does not wish to be found, then there are a plethora of options available to them. Tell me, what benefit does being surrounded by the masses bestow?

Snowflake, I would speak with you. [A hesitance.] If you have the time.

WHO: Winter and Arthur.
WHAT: A meet and greet. Well more the former than the latter.
WHEN: After the dancing, the kissing, and the fighting.
WHERE: By the feast
WARNINGS: None!

( He backed a step or so away with a hunted look in his eyes, a caught thing seeking only an escape. )