Session 86: In Their Best Bib and Tucker

The party spent time preparing for their attendance in The Feywild as the Court of Leaves and Whispers sent out invitations and began their own preparations. Bolvaic traveled with Aralmeni as she resigned her position as attendant to Meabh McGowan-Glenns, as she prepared to join the Guild League and assist with the negotiations in the Feywild. During this time, she and Bolvaic discussed Bolvaic's growth and moving past his need for holding onto grudges.  

Aisling Hawthorne

During the time before the festival, Sorsha Hawthorne visited the League Hall for a visit. After showing her around the guildhall, Sorsha asked to sit somewhere private to speak to her daughter. She said that she wanted to give her a Sending Stone. She gave her one with three gemstones on the back of it, signifying that it was a 3-G Sending Stone, capable of three sending spells per day. She also said that it was enhanced with a friends and family enchantment that allowed it to be attuned to both her mother's stone and her sister's stone, so she could send messages to either. Sorsha said that her father didn't want to get the more powerful 5-G Sending Stone, as he believed that with more magic encased in the stone, it might be possible for wizards to use clairaudience to listen in to conversations or possibly use mind control spells through the stones. Sorsha told Aisling that because her father is more short-lived, he does not have the full context to understand that change is inevitable and sometimes he resists it more than he should.   She also told Aisling a little more about her time in Alfheimr. She also gave her a serious warning.   Be aware. The Fey cannot lie outright, but that does not mean that they speak truth. Never thank a fey–that is an admission that they have done more than expected of them and therefore a debt is incurred. Each Court has its own rules. If they are visiting the Court of Leaves and Whispers, as guests, they must abide by the rules set. But that does not mean that there will not be those who won’t try to manipulate through those rules. The Queen of Elphame will never have anything other than her own benefit in mind, so you are useful while you benefit her, but are nothing once you do not.   She told her daughter that not everyone in the court is so fickle with mortals, and said that she trusted her daughter's judgement. The pair talked some more and, with Aisling knowing which Courts were invited, she gave a bit of her own insight into each of the courts that she knew either personally, or by reputation.  

Illevaere Solandra

During the time preparing, Illevaere found themself alone with the three Emissaries. Elen of the Ways stated that each of the three had something to prepare Illevaere with.   The Emissary of the Stag King who is called (behind his back) the Beautiful Fey Top that they will be protecting them and their friends, especially since the bearded one seemed very easy to trick. He assured Illevaere that one of the rules that will be set forth is that while they are within the Court of Leaves and Whispers, there will be no pledges, no oaths to be taken by any mortal without their full knowledge and consent. Oaths may still be taken, but they must be known and consented to. The food that will be available to them will not have its typical effect on mortals. However, each visiting court will have their own villa in the Court of Leaves and Whispers while they are guests. In order to allow them comfort, the fey magic of the Court of Leaves and Whispers will be waned, and each villa will be subject to the rules of that visiting Court. They will not be protected while at another court's villa.   Elen of the Ways tells Illevaere that the idea for the festival is so that the mortal guests could ingratiate themselves with the courts. Most of the fey do not have much respect for the words of mortals that they do not know. Hopefully, the festival will give everyone a chance to prove their value and their worth to some of the Courts. This means that the mortal guests should try to gain favor with a court, and potentially serve one or more during their time here. However, Illevaere has no such luxury. Because of their ties to Stag King, the other courts will not recognize them as unbiased. But if Illevaere were to swear fealty to the Court of Leaves and Whispers, it would mean that Illevaere would be seen as a member of the Court and be assumed to have words weighted with the backing of the court, and as a member of the Court. Elen of the Ways suggested that she would try to see that the fealty would never make any ask that would be contrary to the bindings of Caena that they already have. Illevaere accepted the offer and swore the oath of fealty:   "I pledge to walk in silence and shadow, to listen before I speak, and to let my words be as the rustling leaves—soft when needed, sharp when required. I will bear the whispers of the unseen, honoring secrets as both shield and blade. No truth shall pass my lips unguarded, and no untruth shall be told without purpose. As the autumn wind carries the last words of summer, so shall I carry the will of the Court of Leaves and Whispers. This I vow, until the final leaf falls and my duty is fulfilled."   Once the oath was made, the Death's Head Emissary of the Stag King spoke next. Their voice seemed to resonate in Illevaere's mind, but everyone else seemed to also hear it. They told Illevaere that they would impart a secret of the court that could be told to no other. He stated:   "The Stag King is dead.   It does not matter how he died, nor the reason why. Everything and everyone must eventually pass. But, there is a delicate balance with all of the Courts. If he were known to be gone, which of us would take his place? Of the courtiers, whose loyalty was to the King and not the Court? We see how easily Queen Mab controls the Empty Throne of the Autumn Court, would we suffer the same fate?   The King’s body was returned to the soil here and, as the cycles dictate, he has helped to grow the autumn trees tall and strong. This is why we say “The King and his Land are one.” Because it is truth. And, while we may play coy, this is why we say that the King has always watched from a distance, but rarely makes his presence known. This is also truth. When a decision is made, it is the three of us to decide, by vote if we are not unanimous in intent. It is understood that we follow the majority in that case, even one matters of grave consequence. We will always present the face of unison. "   Illevaere stated that they were not completely surprised by this revelation. While they did not elaborate on the nature or reason of the Stag King's death, Illevaere did discover that it occurred about a century or so ago, at least by the mortal calendar--as time for them is often convoluted.  

Ilbryen Dorydark

Ilbryen was reading a book in their bed at night when their bedroom door burst open. A figure that looked just like Ilbryen entered, though when they moved, they left disjointed ghostly echoes behind them, mirroring their movements, but some make different movements, but ultimately collapse together with other ghostly echoes. Pete the dog at the foot of the bed looked confused for a moment, but after sniffing the newly arrived Ilbryen, seemed to accept them. The original Ilbryen asked the new arrival what happened and why they were here. They said that it was fey stuff, but did not elaborate, though it was not known if it was because they didn't fully understand, or if they didn't want to fully explain. The new Ilbryen handed the original Ilbyren a silver coin and stated to them:   "Tomorrow morning, head to Eastbridge. Use that coin to purchase a quill nib and ink from a green haired fey. Then write, “Illevaere is not true.” in your book."   The new arrival then took the candle that the original Ilbryen was reading and took out their own candle. They lit their candle from the one Ilbryen was reading their book by, then they blew out the candle and left.   The next morning, Ilbryen went to Eastbridge and found a green haired fey in the marketplace--an uncommon but not unheard of occurrence. When Ilbryen approached, they asked to buy a quill nib and a vial of ink and the fey sold it to them for one silver. The fey stated that a figure that looked like himself had visited him last night and told him to sell it to a half-elf with white hair. Ilbryen related the events that happened to them. With the sale completed, the pair parted ways, neither fully understanding what it meant.  

Myohn Leerick

Myohn was visited by the Swan Queen while in the Court of Brook and Bawn. She spoke with him, telling him of the invitation to the festival:   "We have been invited to a festival and I have decided to have my Swan’s Song join us. It is in the Court of Leaves and Whispers–quite an audacious invitation, all things considered. They bound one to their court in the middle of spring, in the presence of one of my courtiers.   But nonetheless, we have accepted their invitation. Each of our retinue shall be nothing but courteous and gracious. However, any opportunity that we have to shine and stand out while in an Autumn Court should be undertaken. Winning contests is preferred, but besting the Autumn Courts in their home Court is still a relevant moral victory–they are not the only court who can flourish out of season. In fact, were you to convince someone appropriate to swear fealty to the Court of Brook and Bawn while we were in the Autumn Court, it would settle the slight against us.   My Iron Swan and my Muted Swan shall be accompanying us, but they each have their own purpose. You may be requested to assist them, and you should do so. But theirs is a very… delicate matter and must be done correctly or not at all."   Myohn stated that he is aware of those who might be in attendance and stated that he might be able to form a duet with another performer and the Swan Queen accepted the notion. When Myohn asked what the purpose of the festival was, the Swan Queen restated that it was to make herself look good and to prove that her court could flourish out of season. Myohn stated that he meant what the intended purpose from the perspective of the Court of Leaves and Whispers was, but she seemed to not care about that.   As she left Myohn, the Iron Swan approached Myohn to give him a bit of insight on what he might expect and what might be expected of him. She said:   "This is your first courtly outing as a full courtier. You will do well by ensuring the Swan Queen does well. You should see that at each dance, at each ball, she has the finest dance partner. Be certain that her dance card fills and she needs to turn people away. You are to control the Festival’s perception of the Queen. Spread rumors where needed. Silence rumors where dangerous. Ensure that every fey noble leaves speaking of the Swan Queen’s power, not of any perceived weakness. The Barbed Countess despises the Swan Queen, and the feeling is mutual. I am there to shield any poisoned blades that may come, but you are there to shield any poisoned words. Is that understood?"   She stated that the finest dance partner is not necessarily the prettiest--that can be subjective. Rather, it should be whomever is the current talk of the festival. She also assured Myohn that she has his back and that if he needed muscle, she would be there to provide it for him.  

Zadock Marling

While Zadock was at the Seafoam Court, Narahm approached and asked if he could speak with him. He told Zadock that the court had been invited to a festival at the Court of Leaves and Whispers. The invitation was very curious since courts of all seasons were asked, and there was little notice, and it did not coincide with a holiday or anniversary that he was aware of. He believes that the festival is a cover for another agenda. He wants Zadock to accompany him as part of his entourage because, firstly, he wishes for Zadock to be his emissary to the mortal realm and therefore he should understand as much as he can about the fey and the courts. He also wants him to be there because if the true intent behind the invitation would have something to do with the mortal realm, then Zadock is an asset. But he also wanted Zadock to try to investigate and determine what the true purpose might be.   He explained that he was inviting Jenny Greenteeth as part of his entourage, because she is wicked and dangerous. Narahm understands that he often projects a peaceful and unassuming presence, it is good to remind people that the water's edge can be wicked and dangerous. Lath, the driftwood treant, is his advisor to war. If war is the reason for the invitation, he wants Lath there for their insight. He told Zadock that Acacia and the Court of Rampant Green was also asked to attend and she accepted. He then opened up to Zadock about his lover, Acacia:   "Acacia of the Rampant Green told me that I was foolish and sentimental for asking you to be my voice to the mortal world. But let me tell you about my love. The Rampant Green was once lush wild spaces of forest and green and my waters would brush against their edges. Ships came and the land was settled. Trees were felled to be used as lumber, and sometimes simply just to make room for settlements. The people disrespected the green more than they did the shore. Then, the worst crime of all occurred. The people took wild plants and domesticated them, planting straight lines of crops to grow to simply consume their never ending hunger. Acacia turned her back on the people. The rampant green that was once green glens changed, and she became focused on invasive plants. Plants that would choke the life out of the domesticated farm fields and overrun the buildings to reclaim them to the green   I did not turn my back on people. I would still drop my glamour and help the isles when I could. Though, as you know, that is what got me captured. Acacia sees that as proof that there is nothing left for us in the mortal realm, that the isles should be purged. But I see it differently. I saw you and a handful of others risk themselves to free me. Even if it is handfuls in vast cities, those handfuls should be saved. And perhaps those cities can learn.   This is why I want you to speak for me. We have obligation to attend the festival, but moreso, there is a reason why courts of all seasons are being called together like this. There is something occurring. If it involves the mortal realm, I would ask for your opinion."   Zadock stated that he finds purpose and place in the Seafoam Court because, as a half-sea elf, he is also of the border where land and sea meets. He agreed to accompany Narahm and to assist with his purpose at the festival.  

Preparing for the Festival

Illevaere met with Wistari Enydark and he stated to them that he knew that they had met with the three Emissaries and pledged themself to the court. He then looked at Illevaere and stated, "The King and his land are one" giving understanding that both were aware of that secret. Illevaere askled how he was adjusting to his new body and Wistari said that there were some benefits of it. His lifespan will be much shorter and so there is some solace in knowing that his service has an endpoint, though since he is used to a body to span centuries, he can feel this one dying, even though it is ages away. He also said that being a Halfling there is now no expectation for him to ever wear shoes, which is a plus when it comes to having to wear fancy attire.   A couple days before the Festival was to begin, Elen of the Ways and the Beautiful Fey Top gathered the party together. They stated that during their time at the festival, they would likely need assistance in running errands or procuring things that they might need. As such, they have spoken to Illevaere about them and have chosen candidates to act as attendants, valets, lady's maids, or assistants during the festival, presenting the group waiting for the party and their assignments.   The first was Violet Faeheart. She was seen in the group with her fingers crossed saying to herself quietly, "please be the blonde girl, please be the blonde girl." She was overjoyed when assigned to Aisling. Aisling saw that she walked with a way that suggested that she was familiar with mortals and the two immediately began to bond over dresses and make up. Aisling was amazed as Violet showed her the Changelock Brush that she had--a magical hairbrush that can change the color of the hair that it brushes. It takes a full 10 minutes to brush someone's hair through, but it could be done as often as one wished throughout the day. Aisling was very happy to share her own insight to make up with her own magical accessories. In finding out that the two of them had so much in common, Aisling asked if they had just become best friends. Violet said that they had, but she would probably be around a long time after Aisling died, so it is a bigger obligation on Aisling's end.   The next called was Sylas Staghollow, a young, exuberant, and excited stag-man who appeared to be about 12 by human age. As soon as his name was called, Sylas stood straight and ready, looking proper but looking like he might burst. When he was assigned to Bolvaic, he eagerly leapt forward to meet him. Bolvaic introduced himself and held out his hand to shake. Sylas took the hand and kneeled before him, holding Bolvaic's hand to his forehead as he burst out with a sudden oath:   "By hoof and by horn, by leaf and by thorn,
By the fleet-footed hunt and the whispering morn,
I, Sylas Staghollow, pledge my strength, my service, and my spirit
To the mighty and esteemed Bolvaic Boradrak!

As a Squire bears the weight of duty, so shall I bear yours.
As a stag follows the path through bramble and shadow, so shall I follow you.
No task too great, no burden too small,
No revel too grand, no battle too brawling—
I shall stand as your herald, your right hand, your watchful ward!

Let the festival winds carry forth my vow,
Let the dancing lights bear witness,
And should I falter, may the horns of The Wild Hunt call me to reckoning!
By honor, by duty, and by the untamed spirit within me,
This I swear, before fey and fate alike!"

Elen of the Ways stated that Sylas was meant to be Bolvaic's attendant and valet and not squire, but a bemused Beautiful Fey Top said that he thought the pairing was perfect. When Bolvaic stated that he thought the pair was now the new power couple, Sylas agreed and said that once the other pairings were made, they could challenge any of the others to a tag-team brawl to prove that they were truly the power couple assigned here.   Next was Whisper Scrollleaf, a studious, shy and awkward seeming leafbound fey--and also the fey that Ilbryen had met at the market. Whisper seemed to already assume who he was to be paired with and began walking to Ilbryen saying that he was paired with them. The Beautiful Fey Top grew a little annoyed at the presumption and halted Whisper, who apologized and quickly returned back to the line. He then offered Ilbryen to pick from any of the attendants, but Ilbryen picked Whisper anyhow.   Whisper approached Ilbryen and stated that he had two ink spirits who were in his service, and therefore, where in their service as well, Laureate, who writes poetry, and Jot d'Facement, who is more vulgar and into graffiti. He saw Ilbryen's books and offered to carry and organize them for Ilbryen. He also let himself talk about potential romantic encounter he had. He said that he was in love with a Dryad, Calla Viridian, and that she was the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. He said he was too nervous to speak with her and instead took months to compose a worthy poem about her beautiful. It was the best thing he had ever written, but he was too nervous to recite it to her, so he wrote it out with beautiful calligraphy with every bit of his heart on the page. When he handed it to her, she took one look at it and said, "I knew this tree." Apparently the parchment was made from a willow tree that she had danced under in her youth. So, instead of a gesture of love, he committed a war crime.   Tove Gundarsson was called forth next. He appeared to be a young Rhythan sailor of about 17 years of age--human instead of fey. He recognized Levi as Rhytham when he was assigned to him and seemed very happy to be with one of his brethren. Levi recognized the tattoos on his Tove's face as being markings for the Clan of the Wolf, one of the first clans that settled on the Moontide Isles. Tove saw Levi's bear totem and asked him of it. When Levi mentioned The Great Bear, Tove said that he knew that the spirit was in the Feywild, but he had not met him.   Tove said that his ship had been destroyed by the Great Levithan and he washed up on the shores of this court a couple months ago, but had already acclimated himself well to their ways. He excitedly told Levi that the women here were the likes that they've never imagined in Rhytham, but pointed out that he still made a good choice with the blonde half-Rhytham girl. Levi pointed out that he was not with Aisling and instead was with Tertius. Tove looked him over and assured Levi, "Oh? He's your partner? Well, I suppose he's close enough to a pretty woman. Good choice, brother!"   Vesper Bitterleaf was called next, assigned to Illevaere. Vesper was a sidhe that was one of the faithful of Mother Caena and immediately recognized the makings on Illevaere's hands and feet, marveling and admiring them. She stated that she would not see Illevaere dressed in gloves or boots to hide the markings. She stated that she was an alchemist for the court and that was where her primarily knowledge lay. She seemed to know much about Caena, but less about courtly attire and etiquette.   Fiachra Grimthorn was assigned to Tertius. He was a handsome sidhe that seemed to have had his own history and past with hags and their dealings. Emberleaf was assigned to Aralmeni. She was a sidhe who did not appear delicate or graceful, but rather direct and intentional with movement. She was once a member of the Court of Iron, but was banished from her court and rank and taken in by the Court of Leaves and Whispers.   With the attendants assigned, they began their work of preparing everyone for the festival.   Illevaere met with Dewspark, renewing their friendship and bonding over Illevaere's newly growing antlers. They asked Dewspark for help decorating their antlers, but also to help that they not make any faux pas or make the court appear foolish. However, along with that there was also the intent to ask Dewspark to help understand and get in closer with the Emissaries, which Dewspark immediately understood what was truly being asked and agreed to be their wingman. As a demonstration of gratitude, or at least of paying the debt of service, Illevaere offered Dewspark drugs, which she said she has never taken, but would happily take as many as Illevaere wanted to give her. The pair made informal plans to meet up after one of the nights at the villa.   Aisling had a sleepover with Violet, the two of them being able to share notes on dress, make up, and other items. Aisling also told Porter that he could take it easy. Porter said that he was given hazard pay and extra-dimensional mileage payment from her parents, so he was willing to help if needed, offering to carry around her handbag if she needed it.   As the attendants were getting dressed for the Promenade, Bolvaic put his trust in Sylas. He arrived with a fine suit for Bolvaic, but as he looked at it, he said that Bolvaic shouldn't wear the shirt under the jacket, so he could seem more intimidating. He then suggested taking the sleeves off the suit jacket so that Bolvaic could show off his muscles rather than hiding them. Bolvaic pointed out how good this idea was, especially since shirts restrict movement in combat--a point which got Sylas thinking on when he should probably be shirtless as well.  

The Promenade

The party stood ready with two of the Emissaries at the road leading into their Court. Fey trods are permanent pathways that remain relatively unchanged through the Feywild, but they lead only to certain places. Fey roads and paths can, and do, change. It is difficult to enter and navigate a fey court without invitation, which is part of why alliances are to be made. Elen of the Ways opened the road and could sense those who were coming, though a standing mirror was also set in place as she said that one may choose that manner of arrival.   Sensing who was arriving, she told the party of the Court of Heat and Rapture. They are a splinter Court from another court and probably the one most able to focus on the task at hand. The Court arrived in formal, if understated manner. General-Headquarters-Hindquarters-Gives-Orders-Front-and-Rear-Sergeant-Billygoat-Legs led the march, followed by two silent sparrow-men (?) behind him dressed in fatigues. The General wore a military dress uniform with medals and awards, but no pants. Another Satyr, Restor de Tristram, unclothed and unadorned in military garb arrived and nodded to the group with a causal "Hey."   The General went through formal introductions, naming Restor as his civilian attache. The General then asked to go over his itinerary with the Emissaries to ensure that it lined up with the festivities planned. He read out his itinerary.   Schedule for Arrival and First Day’s Activities
So ordered by General-Headquarters-Hindquarters-Gives-Orders-Front-and-Rear-Sergeant-Billy Goat-Legs.   05:00 hours: Dawn Formation

• Roll Call: Every member will announce their name and title in order of rank. (Mute members and civilian members excepted)
  

• Uniform Inspection: Uniform and cloaks pressed to perfection, hooves polished to a mirror shine (where applicable)

  06:00 hours: Morning March

• Single-file parade to the gates of the Court of Leaves and Whispers

• Marching chant: “Left hoof, right hoof, step, two, three, four!” (Strictly prohibited: freestyling and/or unnecessary swagger)

• Mandatory stop to adjust ranks at the 1.5 mile mark for symmetry. Any spontaneous nature-appreciation will be grounds for an immediate “stern glare”.

  08:00 hours: Arrival Ceremony

• Formal Greeting: Synchronized 3.5 second salute to our hosts from our ranked members. Civilian members of retinue may offer an informal “Hey.”

• Review of Schedule with Hosts: This schedule will be reviewed and amended with hosts to conform to planned activities.

• Introductory Speech: Seven minute monologue delivered by General-Headquarters-Hindquarters-Gives-Orders-Front-and-Rear-Sergeant-Billygoat-Legs outlining the Court of Heat and Rapture’s major accomplishments

• Courtly Kneeling of non-commissioned officers: Knees will be bent at exactly 45 degrees. Civilian attache will measure with protractor.

  09:00 hours: Inspection of Quarters   10:00 hours: Mid-Morning Etiquette Review in provided conference auditorium

• Presentation (led by GHHGOFARSBGL): Proper Greeting for the Fey of the Leafy Variety

• Surprise Quiz on Presentation Subject: Addressing dryads vs. treants.

• Optional Tea Break for those who pass the quiz, mandatory leaf-sweeping practice for those who fail

  12:00 hours: Lunch

• Pre-meal march around banquet table to observe food’s tactical layout.

• Exactly 25 minutes to retrieve food and eat with synchronized chewing

  13:00 hours:

• Roundtable Discussion: Rules for Engaging the Court of Leaves and Whispers
  

• Never interrupt a whisper
  

• Do not ask the fey why their court doesn’t have louder titles
  

• Always compliment their use on poetic metaphors
  

• Rehearsal: Polite nods and feigning interest

  14:00 hours:

• Mingle: Assess company for potential fornication

  15:00 hours: Afternoon Hoof-Drill Spectacle

• Spontaneous demonstration of the Court’s precise hoof-drill maneuvers

• Applause break at 15:20 hours

  16:00 hours:

• Mingle: Rank potential fornication partners

  17:00 hours: Dinner

• Pre-meal march around banquet table to observe food’s tactical layout.

Preferred meal choices:
Pomegranates, Blueberries
Watermelon (to enhance erectile function)
Pineapple (as a courtesy)
Oyster and/or Banana (to prompt erogenous metaphoric association)
  18:00 hours:

• Digestion and Breath Check

• Mingle: Approach potential fornication partners in ranked choice order, make closing arguments

  19:00 hours:

• Fornication

  19:20 hours:

• Pillow-talk and begin Refractory Period

  21:00 hours:

• Refractory period ends

• Second round of fornication and/or apologies

  21:30 hours:

• Meet at Basecamp for debriefing of interactions

• Court members to deliver written apologies for any unintentional “chaotic tendencies”.

  22:00 hours:

• Lights out

• Dream journals to be reviewed the next morning for any rebellious fantasies

  Elen of the Ways accepted all of this with a slightly exasperated sigh. The General asked to head to their quarters and Elen allowed them to be dismissed.   The first Court had arrived as the Promenade of the Fortnight Festival had begun.