Princess

So, Princess, everyone’s all tucked in, and here we are. Night sky... Heavenly Spheres to light the way. None of Ogre’s spies to hear us. No slang speech. No pretending...
What say you?
- Berin

*Deep breath in, loooong exhale...*

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.....

The Worlds is Sanctuary... Look how they fill the firmament! So out of reach for so many. And we with choice, of  all the worlds our stories could unfold in, here we are on Faelan’s terra. Why here, do you think?
No, don’t answer.
I know why...

*sigh*

I love the slang. Do not belittle it. It expresses what our own words often do not have emotion for. After all these years it’s hardly pretending anymore. It is just life as it is now.
And though the freedom to speak plainly as we would of old is beyond priceless,  however strange it now feels on the toungue, I do so with trepidation. The Ogre’s spiders spin and weave everywhere. Nor are they his only tool.. So, brevity must rule...

You have served faithfully lo these many long, long years, as have I. But now, as our goals come nearer to fruition I find myself unsure. Not for long. It is a passing thing. A small uneasiness that plagues me. I was not wrong in telling the Old Man not all ends are known. The possiblitites are too varied to be sure of an outcome. But yes, I have more hope now than at any time in the past. That bunch in Ulaidh though, they are most stubborn, as only those thinking they are entitled can be. The others want change. I know this by Arei’s journies.  But will they accept what we bring?
- Arrow

Humph.
We lived through this before.
 Your claim was strong and they rejected you, but they were none of them ready then.

You could make the claim again.......
He is such a runt. No knowledge, no experience, no power...
- B

Ha!
No. We were lucky to have come out alive, for me to hide and be forgotten, to live to fight again. We live long, but my time for joining the four Kingdoms has come and gone. Accalon’s claim is stronger, and the time is nearly right. He has all that he needs inside.
I just pray, Lord of Sanctuary, that we get him to safety so he can finish the change. If we can’t do that then it will be dark days for a very long time as we wait for another. That would be beyond my life span and what I started I would see to completion.
- A

As would I.
- B

Good. Onward then. Death or Victory.
- A

Death or Victory, Princess. You have my life. This you know.
- B

Ah, Aladan, you are a better man than most in this world. For your sake, I wish I could be different.
- A

Ha! No Princess, then I would not love you so.
 Do not fear. :) I know I am not the one...
 And do not fret over it. I am a man of solid grounding. My loves are mine to keep or let go as I see fit.
- B

Mess Hall

Well, the Ogre did it again.
- Rogue

Did what?
- Tamsaelin

Finger licking, bowl licking, melt my tongue delicious. The freaker can cook.

You’d almost think he was glad to have us back.
- R

No. Not likely!
He always cooks like that.
- Berin

Naw. Not always. I’ve had to eat his cooking when he’s pissed. Nothing you want to be putting in ur mouth then! Lol...
- R

Ha! He’s merely cranky when it’s like that. When he’s pissed he don’t cook at all. When he’s pissed, u starve! U ate well cuz he started cooking before he knew we were close.
- Arrow

Longbow!
I wasn’t sure u’d be coming out in one piece!
- R

Yah. I survived. :)
- A

I can tell you I’ve not felt less a man in a long time, leaving you like that...
- T

Lol... I could tell by the way Berin held u back when the Old Man was calling he’s she’s how much u were worried for ur manhood, I mean, me. Heh heh...
- A

Hey, not fair!
- T

No worries mate, I know how important a mans balls is in the priority of things. ;)
- A

Now wait just a minute!...
- T

Eeeeazy Tiger!
Lol...
I’m just yanking ur chain.
- A

I should be so lucky!
- R

Hush. Ass... Don’t need you walking down that road.

So, all of u done licking ur appendages?
We’re gonna be needing our own powwow.
- A

What’s that?
- T

Don’t get out into the Worlds much, do u?
- R

K. Stop. I need some food and then I need me some down time. Berin, can I trust u 2 to set up Tam for the night? Without  pranking, Rogue? I’m heading out in the morning for a bit of reconnaissance n want u all along.
- A

Really? Ur saluting?
- A

Hey, if the shoe fits!
- R

Heh heh heh...

Macca Juk Me: part 2

(Door closes)

That’s better. I know that bunch. Them Fae types would love to stick it to me, even if it’s only verbal BS.
NOT gonna give them the pleasure.
- Ogre

Right. Well. I’ll make my report brief and succinct.
The Seanean...
- Arrow

The SEANAN! Ha! That bitch is nothing but a two bit whore dressed up in Faere Glamour. They’re all the same, them ones that is sniffing ‘round the Aeri’s ass, looking to make something of themselves by sucking up to the Queen B! Think they, anyone of them, give a sheite about me and mine?!
- O

K. So. No report? We’re gonna do this instead?
- A

Do wot?
- O

*sigh*
Really?

K. Well... They could have turned you and the Beauty away when you came seeking asylum.
- A

Turned us away? Ha! Not freaking likely. You think they would have contradicted the High and Mighty ‘Lord of Sanctuary’s’ own edicts? What drivel! Not a chance they would have said no. I knew it. That’s why I came here!
Lord of Sanctuary. Ha!
You know the phrase, Bowyer, ‘the Lord helps those who helps themselves’? Well I’ve been helping myself for sooo long I know there is no Lord but me. It’s all been me!
Where was HE when the Georges was decimated? When my love was turned from me by that proselytizing demon claiming to know God, hoodwinking her and denying me my place as Husband? Where was HE when the sea took the bitch and would not give her back? When I was left with a wee babe and Hells Hounds after me?  No where! HE was not to be found. It was ME! Me who found the lei’s and road them. Me who skimmed the edges of the worlds and found the rift that would  bring me to Faelan. Knew their laws enough to make them give my wee babe and I Sanctuary. No Miss Longbow. I helped myself. On my own...

I know what all gets said behind my back...
Don’t care.
When you have lived as long as I have and seen the things that I’ve seen you just do what needs doing and damn the rest.
So, tell me. What is the Seeeeenan gonna offer me that would justify breaking your contract with me? Sending you off into the wilds with your hand picked chosen for that throw away changeling? Hmmmm? I know that’s what your little groupies represent. So what little treat does she have in store, guaranteed to piss me off...
- O

You know, I could address any number of points in that rant, Erick of the Georges, not the least of which is the fact that you made it here says more about the Almighty than it does about you, but I’d be wasting my breath and I know it. And no. You are not going to like what she has in store. IIIiii don’t like what she has planned. Beauty has been a sister to me for many long years now and you know less of me than you do of the Fae who let you in so don’t talk to me about changelings and contracts. I know my duties, and better than you couldn’t sway me from them. There is a long game that not you, or even they, see. So don’t think I like any of this, but my going is necessary.
No.
No comment.

Good.

Now. Asher Terradantin is leading a cadre of recruits who are assigned to protect Beauty. More than that Imnah can not do at Samhain. Your only advantage is their advancement depends entirely on how well they discharge their duties here. And they are keen to be in their leaders good graces. Even Terradantin I’d wager will come around.
And don’t think you can hoodwink the Fae by talking smack about them. This you know. The Fae will know. Long eyes they have and there are those set to watch.
- A

That snievlling, cry home to momma, painty waist, snot nosed little shit is leading something?! The arrogant little prick couldn’t find his way out of my front door, never mind LEAD anything! That one will bring more grief down on my house that I do Not NEED! That Biiitch! Thinks she’s gonna saddle me with that little sheite?! NOT GONNA HAPPEN!! She can take her trifling offer and shove it up her arse!
- O

*sigh*
Erick. That Hedge is yours. The Ghosts that Walk are of YOUR making. Though I know it was not your intent these are still the result of the poison you have woven into the Bramble and Briar. You can not stop the evil that has sprung from your own mind. As evil does, it comes home to roost. You have kept Beauty alone and penned in by it all. You have stifled who she is, what she is. You do not even see how much of what I say is true...
- A

You know NOTHING! U can just stop with ur psychobabaling bull sheite. That Hedge is for her protection! I can’t help that the unscrupulous come for her! Or what they become because they skewer themselves on the only protection she has! What have the Fae done to protect her? Nothing! Well, you. They gave me you. But what good have you been? Those Walkers keep on coming. You are no help!  How have you ever filled your part of the contract, hmmm?!!
- O

Ha! A so u think?!
Well, Erick of the Georges. When I am gone, send Asher Terradantin and his crew back to the Seanan and tell her what she can do with them. You think my power is nothing? Go ahead then and see for yourself what has left with me that helps protect this place. 100 years I have resided here. You, Mr Ungrateful, have no idea what you’ve got till it’s gone.

And tell me again how much you want to protect Beauty?
- A

Grrrrrrrr.....
I like NONE of this! You push an old man into a corner with your threats! I know enough to know you are old world, that those upstarts in Ulaidh have no idea. So don’t lecture me on what I’ve got. THEY don’t know what they’ve got!
- O

Oh they know. Lol... At least the ones that matter do. The rest just guess and are scared shitless, blocking me whenever they can. They thought they were getting rid of an annoyance when then sent me to you. They have no idea. Nor did you when I took in young Accolon, and you still lack understanding.  He was safest here with Beauty. Not anymore, and Beauty’s safety is tied to his. So wish me well on this journey, Old Man. Evil is out there equal to the good and not all ends are known. Only the possibilities.
- A

Humph! You keep telling yourself this tripe long enough and sooner or later you’re bound to believe it.
- O

Whatever, Old Man. Can you say transference?!
No, don’t respond.
We will be gone once Terradantin arrives. Be prepared.
Personally, I’d say take his help, whatever grief you think it might bring...
- A

The Owner

Oh. So u all r back r u? Come looking for me, have ya? Done confabing with the rich n famous? Come to give me the verdict? Well, n THERE’s a new face. Can bet that means no good for me n mine. Huh!
The bunch of u just toddle on off now, ya hear? I’m not in the mood to be ganged up on by riff raff the likes of U all!
- Ogre

But?!...
- Berin

Ah. No.
- O

But?!!...
- Tamsaelin


 N!, O!
Not now. Maybe not ever.

Yes. That’s right. Just shuffle off like good little boys n girls. Think she’s a he n he’s a she. Just can’t tell. Specially that new one.
No. Don’t stop.
Keep on going.
The hall to the left works...


Bowyer?! Wait.
U come with me...

On the Stoop

Dang. So THIS is the Castle behind the Bramble Wood? That’s a tad disappointing...
- Tamsaelin

Not impressed? Well I find that a tad disappointing...
- Rogue

Really?
I find Uuu a tad disappointing...
- Berin

Ha! Well that works for me. I won’t have to exert myself to get on ur bad side. It will just happen naturally. ;)
- R

Heh heh heh... Truly, I don’t find you disappointing Rogue. Entertaining, yes, but not disappointing. Thissss.... Mouldering pile of wood and tin and, is that hay?? Definely NOT what I had anticipated when they speak of the Ogre in the Briar.
- T

I’m sure the owner will live up to if not exceed his reputation. No worries on that score.

So... U smart asses ready to tackle the Old Man?  I doubt he’s out in the open. His spies would have told him we were approaching and he will not make this easy on us.
- Arrow

Macca Juk Me. Part 1

Woah!!!
You could have warned me! Aye? I didn't  expect a face full of spikes coming up at me out of that Lei Line!
- Tamsaelin

Lol...
Welcome to the Briar.
- Arrow

This is the Bramblewood?
- T

The Briar portion, yes. DON'T touch the tips. Poisoned, aye? Probably won't affect you but let's get u inoculated first, k?
- A

Arrrrrrrrrhuuuppp!!!!!

- Rogue

Oh!! Sheite!

- Berin

Don't let him go!

No!

Oh crap.

U let him fall in it!

- A

Fall in it???

The pansy just about got it all over me!

- B

*sigh*

Aye, but you're supposed to let him go judiciously, like felling a tree. U don't shove him down in his own up-chuck cuz we'll b smelling it all the way back to the castle!

- A

Hmm...

- B

Ooooooooooooo.....

- R

Haul him out of it, Berin.

At least roll him on his back away from it. K?

- A

Why me?

- B

Really, u asking me that?!

- A

Ah. No. Guess I'm not.

Errrr... Over u go ya weak ass, pansy tailed vomiting son of a...

- B

Berin!

- A

Extenuating circumstances. Not my usual language preference. 

What are YOU laughing at?!!

- B

I've never seen you outside of Ulaidh. If I had know how entertaining my Fae Brethren could be I would have hung out with you away from the Court's stuffiness long ago! Lol...
- T

Ha. Ha.
Glad you find this soooo funny.
- B

Ahhhh...  Arrgghh..
- R

Rats. Berin, Tam, grab an arm n drag him over to that old Walkers grave. Dunk him face first. It'll get him cleaned up n on his feet faster.
- A

That's a grave? A Ghost Walker's?
- T

An old one, yes. The Walker is long gone.
- A

All right then.

 Ready?

Heave ho!
- T

Huh! This. Pansy. Weighs. A ton!
- T

* splash! *



Ah...



He's, ah...
 ...not moving?!




Eh?
Won't he die face first in the water like that?
- T




Wait for it...


Wait....


Wait...

......
- A



*woooosh*
Arrrrrggghhh!!!!
Arrrrrggghhh!!!
*splash*

*swish*
Arrrrrggghhh!

Arrrrrroooowww!!!
R u trying to kill me??!!!
- R

Nope. No try about it. Would just do it if I needed to.
Now. We all wakey wakey here?
- A

*glare*
- R

Good.
On ur feet soldier.
We got a hike ahead of us.
- A

And that right there is why she gets the talk, eh?
- T


*hhaaaackk!
Phtewweee!*

Nope.
But it is one of the reasons. :(
- R

Ur On Ignore.

Midge!
Hey Midge!
Wait up!

I LEFT THE BERRIES IN THE SCULLERY!!

HEY!!

And just like that she's gone...
Wot's up with that??
- Wicken

Exiting Lios Na Grainsi (The Grange)

Oh Man! What happened there?!
- Rogue

I'd say we've be ousted.
- Arrow

So are we all just gonna lie on our backs here and look up at the trees?
- Berin

Sure. Works for me!
- R

Huh. Don't think I can move just yet.
- A

You see trees?
- R

Ah. Yah!
- A

All I can see is that flash of light. This better go away soon!
- R

Ignorant and blind. That sounds like you.
- B

Oh... Stuff it! K?!
- R

*snicker*
It don't take long for ur mouths to get back on track.
- A

Well, I'm done laying around. Ohhhhhhh, arrrrrggghhh!  That's tough getting up. I think the Seanan was pissed at the proceedings. She put more umph than necessary into that send off.
Hand up My Lady?
- B

Oh yah. Wobbly here still.
Thanks.
- A

Arrgghh! More bright lights?!
- R

Your vision is returning. Its Tamlin and Ntour deciding to show up. No kick in the pants for them.
- B

On the ground again Rogue? Think it's probably the safest spot for you.
- Ntouranae

Right now, yah! I'd say I have to agree.
- R

Lol...
Right. Well. The Seanan sent some Fae trinkets to go along with your Marching orders. Use sparingly and with caution. Do not open till you are well away from here. There are items that those not supportive would love to take back and opening the packs here will call to them. Tamsaelin will tell you what's what.
Asher will see you at the Briar before you go. Don't leave until he arrives.
Arrow, here's a pack for the Runt. In it is a set of clothes, make sure he wears them. It masks both scent and appearance. It will assist but is not fool proof against the half dead. It is an illusion that the Walkers with proper time and energy can decipher.
- N

Tell the Seanan many thanks. I know she jeopardizes her position the more assistance she gives without Aeri here to back her. Kel and his ilk are a thorn in the side of change, always.
- A

I will look into Tri-Point as soon as a blind eye will allow.
- N

Oh Tor... Bless you. I know how tied your hands are. The deets of Rella's message were a bit garbled but the overall was clear. This is not good...
- A

Enough. You forget where we are.
- Tamsaelin

True. My concern though is the AeriEmin. Her plan is to come back through that way.
- N

Right. Well, Lei lines for us again. All ready? Thanks again Tor.
Rogue? U on ur feet yet? Berin, get him up.
- A

Why bother? I'll only be flat out again at the other end. Oh, damn. They're right here? Figures she'd dump us by the exit.
Oh, shiete...
Berin, don't let go...
I think I'm gonna be SICK!
- R

Synod

Paralysis n spells. Niiiiice. U Fae insecure much?
- Rogue

Hmmm. Mmmmmmm!
- R

How about muting?
That work for you instead?
- Ntouranae

Mmmm, mhmmm Mnmhm mmhmmmm!
- R

Not insecure, Man of Thoraux, impatient with impertinence. We've had enough of yours.
Now.
Synod is never called lightly and never at Samhain! And as my brother stated, strangers on the Grange is even rarer. At Samhain you are lucky not to be made an addendum to our festivities in a way you would not benefit from!
So. That we are here says much.
Anestaelana AreiXquisae,  Tamsaelin Darquen, Prijan Xemplar, Celeteren Emin, Ntoranae DarqNquer are joining the Seanan for this Synod. They stand with me in place of the AeriEmin. Make note of it, Prijan, for the records. Of the Outsiders as well.
- Imnah

We should NOT be here at all!
- Celeteren

Brother, this is not your choice to make!
I will say this to you all only once and I do not care who likes what I say or not.
This is NOT our issue. The Fae collective will pardon no interruptions to Samhain. However, as much as the subject is taboo, I know that the one you harbour is the catalyst for all this disturbance and needs to be dealt with.
- Imnah

Kill it.
- Prijan

NNNNNNH!
- R

Hush! Synod has first talk.
- I

Taboo it is, and as disturbing as it may be to the Purer Bloods, that child has more Fae power in his Lineage than all in this room combined.
-  Anestaelana

Anestae is right. And whether you agree or not having the Walkers funnel off that energy, Fae energy, is not going to be good for us.
- Ntouranae

It can not touch us!
- C

Well that is a typical Fae head in the sand response.
- N

You. You should not be considered a voice here!
- C

Kel, brother mine, Elitism is not going to win with the AeriEmin. She has chosen whom she will and you gain yourself nothing by your pursuit of it. Do stop!
- I

You all are blind! It starts with one's like you Ntouranae, an orphaned unknown claiming bloodlines not likely your own, allowed to counsel. Giving recognition to this situation with the Walkers only aids the weakening of the Fae. It is why we have the rules we do. Further splintering of the bloods as you find in this Abomination whose been allowed to hide out in the Bramblewood leads to just this sort of instability! Ignore it! Don't lend it any credence! It is the Ogre's nest, his mess, let him deal! We are the Fae. It. Can. Not. Touch. Us!
- C

Kill it.
- P

I disagree.
We were all one race once. Aelf, Ellyon, Erse and Ward. We are all Fae. Whether you agree or not about status the physical is unmistakable. We have gone down different paths and the powers vary. We stay mostly behind the designate boundaries with our prejudice and our snobbery but the blood lines are not as pure as you want them to be. Alliances have been made in the past. This child is no different in that way.
- Tamsaelin

Ha! And we know the disasters those Alliances have been! This creature is different. All four of the separated are in his veins? You are asking for disaster! I agree with Prijan.
- C

Tamlin, what would you propose?
- I

Who in his family has a Seanan? One who could cloak him. The Bramblewood is no longer safe.
- T

Arrow? You knew his parents.
- I

Not the Cymry. The Ellyl were the ones who gave him away. The Aelf are his more distant blood and I know little there. U, as Seanan are the best to protect but I wouldn't trust ur peers. That leaves the Gaels. The Ward would have him, I do not doubt.
- Arrow

The Ward are strange folk. It does not surprise me to hear that they would have him. He should have gone there originally. And here? Never. It would not be tolerated. Do you have someone in mind?
- I

Yes and no. A group, an area, possibly a person if any of them are still among us. It is a long shot, even for a Bowyer. It was too dangerous originally and is only marginally better now for him in Alba. But Seanan, the Ghost Walkers will be on us as soon as he exits the Briar. I alone can't take him.
- A

Hmmm. No, you can not.
Tamsaelin, Berin, Tieran of Thoraux will go. Take Asher as well. I've had enough of his nonsense.  It will give me peace to have him away at Samhain. Anestaelana will remain here but keep her eye on you. Ntouranae has her duties but she will be on call as a last resort.
- I

And what of my duties to the Sleeping Beauty?
- A

That is for the Ogre to do.
- I

Not alone. Part of his sufferance here was my being around the Briar. And what of the Walkers? We have never seen such a collective mind from them before. And there is more, Seanan. Reports of refugees coming in at Tri-Point. Hunters following them and also turning on the locals.
- A

Enough!!
It is Samhain! The Cymru can use a culling. All their mixed and weak blood. Whoever has come through the thinning this year is NOT our concern! Neither are the Walkers, the Weres, the Gouls or any of the riff raff u fear! Take heed to your own affairs and leave us to ours!
- C

Hmmm... You are right, Girl from Away, about your contract with the Ogre.

Master of Arms. You will put together a small Cadre of the new recruits who have erred and know they are to be punished by not attending Samhain. Make them understand that how well they carry out their duties with Eric of the Georges, protecting Sleeping Beauty, will directly effect their ability to stay in your service. Put Asher in charge. He'll be less of a liability there than on the Road. Let him know his ability to advance will be based on how well he handles this command. So Arrow?
Will that do?
- I

You ask the Mutt? Like it has a say?
- P

Normally I would not. But these are not normal circumstances. I know who you are, Mutt. Those here do not. And I am privy to your contract in a way those here are not. So answer me now.
- I

*sigh*
It will have to do. And I thank you.
- Arrow

Good. Be gone.

- I

The Ride Between Worlds

The Rift.

Touching down on Faelan's shores.

The Rift isn't tied quite so tight to the Equinox on this pass. Standing at the edge of the Little Wood, in behind the Greenery, me, on Otherside. Was watching it get closer. 

Breath, long on the in.

Deep, life goes.

Exhale... Slow... 

Soft it's exit. But on guard, me.

For the whip and the fling. Always, light blinds as much as the dark.  

Sanctuary's paths are infinite and beyond the comprehension of bound minds. Courage to risk is the coin required for the ride to Faelan.

"Destiny equals choices, not conditions."*

Not a thought that sits easy on the mind, stuck in our World's as we are. Much easier to blame the conditions and abdicate responsibility. Poor me, allows me to complain and blame without me having to expend any energy to change: change me, change my circumstances. We get real good at playing the victim. Same safe old miserable rut. Afraid to live. Have courage to risk: risk change, risk growth, risk living. Make a decision. Step out. Live. Change your Destiny.