The Fey Dance

by Gael

Having refreshed ourselves in our rooms, we gathered before the towering doors that led into the throne room. As expected, my companions looked absolutely stunning. Each embodying a different facet of grace, grandeur, and quiet power. From deceptively simple elegance to divine regality, their presence was an undeniable one. Whether they were Fey or mortal, few would rival them that evening.

As the doors opened, we were momentarily stunned by the majesty within. The woodland motif we’d seen earlier had blossomed into something transcendent. Floating lanterns drifted overhead, casting shifting hues across the chamber. Two immense oaken tables, each seemingly carved from a single ancient tree, lined the hall. Leaving enough room between them for a dance floor large enough to host a small army. Music, soft and ethereal, drifted from unseen corners. Adding an air of mystery to the atmosphere. Above us, clouds lazily veiled the ceiling, parting now and then to reveal a star-strewn sky. It was nothing short of magical.

Yet our attention was soon pulled to the far end of the room. Where, on a raised dais, a grand table stood. Seated there were several nobles and guests of honour. Some of which we recognized such as Lady Vivienne and Lady Elanna . And at the centre of it all sat High King Ulther himself.

The first thing I noticed about the High King was his hair. Long, silvery-blonde locks that seemed to defy gravity. From that wild mane protruded his long pointed ears. Wider than an elf’s but not quite goblin-like in appearance. His skin bore a pale green hue. And his eyes were glacial in coldness. He might have exuded regal authority, were it not for his posture. Slouching in his chair, he rested his head lazily on one hand. Surveying the hall with thinly veiled boredom.

As we approached, Davozan announced us. At the sound of our names, the king’s expression flickered with mild curiosity. And proceeded to greet us with a hollow smile.

To our surprise, his first words were not those of welcome, but of thanks. For delivering to him a new pet. He gestured toward a large wolf lying submissively at his feet. The Warg King, reduced to a slave for his failure to stop us.

We then took turns introducing ourselves. Liliana went first and, to her credit, maintained her poise even when the king addressed her as Lady Vivienne’s pet. A clear attempt to diminish her

Dadroz kept things brief and detached, which suited the king just fine. As He didn’t seem particularly interested in him.

Then came my turn. As I introduced myself, a thin veil of rage crept over the king’s face, especially when he called me the killer of Cornu the Hunter. I calmly denied the accusation. Cornu’s death was not mine to own. For it was his own pride and impatience that led him into a place toxic to his kind. All I did was merely granting mercy to a wild suffering beast.

Fortunately, the king chose not to press the matter. Instead, he turned to Alistan, whom he mockingly called the people’s champion and thanked for “entertaining” the common folk. But like his sister, Alistan refused to rise to the bait, replying simply that it was his honour.

Next to introduce herself was Hayley. Who, in her typically no-nonsense fashion, did so in a businesslike tone. Just as the king opened his mouth to respond, all sound from his side of the room vanished. Though the king and his entourage didn’t seem to notice. Later, Hayley revealed to us that this was the work of Nan Rootskewer, one of the hags from the Rune Hill Coven who was also present. In order to spare Hayley from his crude jests, she had silenced him. Truly a mercy, for his lips betrayed words best left unheard.

Which raises a question to mind that I’d like to pose to you. What is the difference when, in polite company, I call someone like the High King a lord and someone like Hayley a lady? The difference is that I call him a lord because his title demands it. I call her a lady because her actions deserve it.

From everything we had learned of the High King, as well as that brief encounter, I was convinced that my companions in general gathered more nobility in a single week than he had done in his entire, long life.

Finally, Luke introduced himself simple as “Luke the Mage.” The king warned him against dabbling in vile magics beyond his grasp and generously offered some Fey tutors to help “correct his course.” Naturally, this only made Luke more defiant. Which caused him to decline, stating there was no need such.

With introductions complete, the king informed us that the apology expected of us would come later in the evening. For now, we were encouraged to simple enjoy ourselves.

We quickly each went our way. Hayley went to speak with Lady Rootskewer. While The De La Roost twins and Dadroz vanished into the crowd. And Luke, true to form, found his way next to a striking young Fey maiden with pink hair and a dress to match.

As for me, I chose to mingle. For it never hurts to make new friends. Though sadly, my reception was a frosty one to say the least. Though whether this was due to the king’s influence or my connection to Vincent, was hard to say.

Fortunately the tension was eventually broken when the ceiling burst into flames.

The source of which was quickly found. Luke, attempting to impress his companion, had conjured up a massive chandelier of fire. Unfortunately, his spell had clashed with the ambient Fey magic of the castle. He quickly extinguished it, but judging by the sparkle in the maiden’s eyes, the spell had not missed its mark.

Taking that as my cue, I retreated into the garden for some peace and quiet.

As always, the ever-shifting nature of the Feywild was astonishing to behold. The surrounding city had vanished. Now the castle floated on a massive rock suspended in a rich starlit sky.

To my surprise, I wasn’t alone. A figure stood at the edge of the garden: a black, humanoid owl gazing into the distance.

I apologized for intruding, but she assured me it was no bother. Proceeding to introduce herself as Nymiria Windseer, a celestial in service to the goddess Arysia, Lady of Visions. Hearing this, I addressed her in her native Celestial, surprising her pleasantly. I told her I’d learned it from my father, a cleric of Ima the Mother. The mention of whom stirred a slight pang of homesickness in my heart. Had it truly already been nearly six years since I last returned home?

We spoke of little things until the topic of why she was there came up. She explained she had come in hopes of speaking with Lady Rootskewer, but had yet to find a private moment to do so. Grateful for her kind presence, I offered to pass along a message. An offer she kindly accepted.

Back in the hall, I managed to find Lady Rootskewer in deep conversation with Hayley and Liliana. Excusing myself for intruding, I passed on Nymiria’s message. With a sigh she muttered that there was no avoiding it anymore and excused herself. But not before offering Hayley one last piece of advice. To ask Alistan about the statuette.

Sensing Hayley's mild annoyance at the interruption, I quickly withdrew and returned to the now-slightly-warmer crowd.

Soon, a wave of excitement swept through the room. Luke and his Fey companion had taken to the dance floor, engaged in a passionate waltz. One by one, other couples joined them, and the hall came alive with music, movement, and light.

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30th of Daga, 121 year of the tree

A trial of brambles
30th of Daga, 121 year of the tree

Departure
1st of Lug, 121, Era of the Tree

Dreams and Peril
2-5 Lug, Year 121, Era of the Tree

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7th & 8th of Lugh, 121 Year of the Tree

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8-11th of Lug, 121 Year of the Tree

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11th of Lug, Year 121, Era of the Tree

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12th of Lug, Year 121 Era of the Tree

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13th - 14th of Lug, 121 Era of the Tree

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The Journal Entry’s title

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2nd of Nuan, Year 126, Era of the Tree

Heart of fire
3rd - 4th of Nuan, 126 Era of the Tree

A festive day
10th Nuan, Y126 Era of the Tree

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14th of Nuan, 126 Era of the Tree

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The Journal Entry’s title

The Journal Entry’s title

The battle for Ravensfield part 2
16th - 17th of Nuan, 126 Era of the Tree

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18th - 21st of Nuan, 126 Era of the Tree

The Journal Entry’s title

The Embassy ball
22nd - 23th of Nuan, 126 Era of the Tree

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23th of Nuan, 126 Era of the Tree

The fall of Robert Talespinner
23rd of Nuan, Y126 E.O.T.

Intermission: Letter home

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28th of Nuan, 126 Era of the Tree

The Journal Entry’s title

A new beginning
29th of Nuan, 126 Era of the Tree

Breaking and making deals
1st of Aran, 126 Era of the Tree

Nightly intrusions
2nd of Aran, 126 Era of the Tree

The Journal Entry’s title

The Journal Entry’s title

Dinner for Seven
9th of Aran, 126 Era of the Tree

Graduation Day
25th of Aran, Y126 EOT

A love for the ages
24th of Aran, Y126 EOT

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26th of Aran, 126 Year of the Tree

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26th of Aran, 126 Year of the Tree

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2nd of Brigan, Y126 E.O.T.

Lord Quinn I presume
4th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

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5th - 6th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

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6th - 8th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

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8th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

Heart of Acid
8th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

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11th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

The Journal Entry’s title

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12th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

The Journal Entry’s title

Latebra Velora
16th of Brigan, Y126 E.O.T.

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16th - 17th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

A royal summons
17th - 20th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

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21th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

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21th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

Hall
Hopefully 22th - 25th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

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I think 25th of Brigan, 128 Era of the Tree

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No clue

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7th of Mannan, 128 Era of the Tree

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still no idea

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29th of Gobu, 128 Era of the Tree

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30th of Gobu 126 Era of the Tree

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1st of Mannan, 128 Era of the Tree

The Fey Dance
1st of Mannan, 128 Era of the Tree

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2nd of Madan, 126 Year of the Tree

Getting back on track
4th - 10th of Mannan, 126 Year of the Tree

Entering the King' Tomb
11th of Mannan, 126 Year of the Tree

A key challenge
11th of Mannan, 126 Year of the Tree

The Fey Dance

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