fyrelyght

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The advantage of having known each other for centuries was a double-edged sword. On one hand it granted Sibili the confidence to never waver and quiver before him as so many others did. Though he'd made himself into a nightmare and the terror of many faes' dreams- the memories of him young and laughing were more than enough to keep her standing tall. And yet...the memories disadvantaged her when he made barely veiled threats on her brothers. Perhaps she could have stayed cool for another high lord, but personal matters often made for personal responses.

After he spat his poison into the ether she'd flung venom back, her skin heating to a scalding temperature as a single and stray flame sparked at her fingertips before she wrangled it back. "If you'd like to threaten my brothers I'd first remember that you have much more to lose." Certainly she would mourn if her brothers were ever struck down, but she'd heard the grief of a parent or mate were unmatched. And where she had neither- Keelan had both. "An eye for an eye gets messy when you've got more for someone to take."

Those were the last words Sibili remembered speaking to Keelan on that evening, and as she waited for him to give news of Tahir she heard them echoing in her head. Was it any coincidence that the high lord of Day had been threatening her brothers only for one to be nearly killed? So as Keelan approached the look she gave him was full of knives and fire, a promise that she'd meant every word she'd said in return. "Tell me," she commanded him with a barely chained patience.

A chuckle escaped Keelan's lips at her words. He understood her resentment towards him; he had been one of the many reasons her parents had died during the war - her father's blade had even met his at one point before someone else had done the killing blow. He'd hate him too, had he been the one to take someone so precious away from you. "Such hateful words Sibili." he mused and let his hands find the balcony railing, looking over his domain. "You've always seen through my pleasantries or, as you call it, my brilliant way of saying absolutely nothing," he smirked at that, wondering if he could tick her annoyance as he believed she could do to him. Wasn't that why they had once been such a powerful force together? They were both strong high leaders, some of the strongest, and the tales of what they could've done had been brilliant. But it wasn't meant to be.

"Well, if pleasantries won't work, do you want me to be frank?" Keelan turned around, leaning against the railing as he looked at the high lady. She hadn't changed much in appearance, but he knew she was anything but the woman he once shared his bed with. "I do hope we both will keep everything clean during this summit - I fear the wrath we might invoke if we do not behave." he knew he was a lap dog, a dog on a leash to the high king, but didn't everything have a means to an end? "I hope you'll keep your brothers in check, along with the rest of your court." his eyes darkened, his demeanor changing from pleasant host to horrifying ruler. "I do not wish any harm to yours nor mine."

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closed starter for safiya @faemade

Kazamir had spotted the former Hybern operative making her rounds through the summit fairly early on, but had seen little reason to approach her before now. There had been a long list of delegates to get to, and he wasn't meant to frequent members of the Autumn Court too often. Now he approached her with his ever-present nonchalant gait and crooked grin. But instead of plying her with an abundance of flirtatious energy, he muted it into something a bit softer. His words still came out charming, but there was an attempt at comfort beneath them. After all, the missing fae was a part of her newest court.

"You know what the worst thing is about you having abandoned the king?" he asked, making it clear the words weren't meant as a threat. "It means you abandoned me as well. You were the prettiest of his entourage by far. Now who am I meant to pine after at those mind-numbing meetings?" A tease to ease her worries. Then he would ask about those same concerns.

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⭑ ࣪˖ [ sibili ventura ] → the high lady of the autumn court + attending the summit .

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( flashback ) closed starter for sephtis stoica @cldrnfeared

Night had fallen on the Autumn Court, but from the window of the silent library everything looked the same as always to Sibili. She'd once loved to sit beneath a starry night with her brothers, the three of them taking turns to keep a bonfire alight as they forgot everything of the world apart from themselves. But tonight there were no flames as she looked out into the trees below, and a cloudy night made it impossible to see if any stars were shining above. Not a single ember breathed within her walls, the place where her power lived dark and empty ever since faebane manacles had been clapped to her wrists. On the worst days- when she was desperate to feel even a flicker of her flame she stared at the blue stone encircling her bones and had visions of ridding herself of them. A flash of silver, the strength of a fae...if she didn't have wrists or hands then there'd be nothing for the faebane to cling to. Her shackles would fall to the ground with her severed flesh and her power would return. But logic always ruined her line of thinking. If she managed to rid herself of one hand and manacle she'd be unable to wield the blade in order to dispatch the other. Beyond that the thought of never again feeling a sword in her fingers put an end to her musings. If she wasn't a weapon...she wouldn't know what she was. Sibili was doing her best to lean out the window when she heard him approach. She knew her efforts were fruitless- knew that the wards on the palace placed by the king kept even the slightest of night breezes from gracing her cheeks and every piece of her within. The daughter of autumn couldn't so much as stick her pinky out the window. "Come for your nightly check up?" she asked the approaching giant of a male, the edge that usually colored her tone dulled by a particularly hopeless evening. "Don't worry- I haven't got the courage to get rid of these bracelets yet." Her hand flattened against the air where the window's glass should be, her nails scratching down the invisible magic before it tensed into a fist. It settled onto the barrier of the wards, and it was anyone's guess whether or not she'd raise it to bang against the walls of her prison.

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closed starter for talia carys @faedusted

From the moment Sibili had entered into the summit she'd been looking for a moment to slip away from the crowds and prying eyes. The high lady of autumn had spotted Talia across the room more times than she could count, and though the physical evidence of her friend's safety loosened the fingers of the fist around her heart...she wouldn't be satisfied until she heard confirmation of Talia's well-being from her own lips. Unfortunately it would have been far too suspicious to instantly disappear, so she'd had to wait- to practice a patience she'd never excelled at until the rest of the revelers were deep enough in their cups and conversations to barely notice the absence of a high lady and high priestess.

Her patience was spent while she waited in one of the countless rooms of the day palace, holding her breath as the door finally opened. Greeted by the sight of Talia, a rush of affection flooded her senses, and in the blink of an eye she'd gone to embrace the priestess before giving her a thorough examination to confirm she was in good health. A flick of the high lady's wrist and the room was sufficiently warded enough to ensure they'd suffer no eavesdroppers. "I'm so glad to see you. The letters are wonderful but they're always too short- and always have too little about yourself." After all, a spy couldn't risk much other than the bare and essential details. "Have you been alright?"

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Sibili gave him another smile from the corner of her mouth, squeezing his hand in reassurance as they passed amongst the revelers. As the lights of the palace hit her she glowed like the day this court was named for, but the truth lay in the way the shadows flickered over the solid gold of her attire, making her look like a living flame as she moved towards the dance floor. "Don't get so chivalrous on me now," she teased, still finding it unsettling at times to be reminded she had risen above her brothers in station. She'd known them for every moment of their lives, watched and taken part in the twists and turns. Yet when they called her high lady she was reminded she would always be set apart from them- that there would always be a fundamental difference between them, that no matter how much they loved one another they could never truly be the same. She'd learned long ago that being high lady could be a lonesome role, and every reminder from her brothers of her birthright was another night spent alone.

"We don't just do our best- we make it happen," she said with renewed optimism. She was speaking more for Rhyn than herself, hoping her words would fill him with a sliver of hope. No doubt her own night would be a boring spectacle of political drabble and people crying praises for a king that didn't deserve them. "Now you're going to dance with me." A song began from the musicians nearby and she didn't wait for Rhyn's reply to lead him onto the floor. "Remember when father made us do this when we were little? You used to stand on my feet and I'd dance us around so you could learn to be a fine young gentleman." The words held more fondness than could be properly conveyed, full of a nostalgia they'd never escape.

No wonder he looked up to her so much. Sibili was the epitome of bravery and a force to be reckoned with. When he was young, he thought she was the savior of them all, that no one could over-power her or take away what was there, but alone even the most potent fighters can't take the masses alone. As the emotional man he was, he walked closer to his sister, interlacing his fingers with hers as they watched over the crowd filled with their court and every other in the land. "I know you are," he murmured, knowing she wouldn't go in here without being prepared for the worst of happenings.

A chuckle escaped at her words of wanting him to have fun. When had he last been able to attend a celebration and enjoy it? Of course, whenever Tahir was around, he found himself happy, smiling, and laughing - as well as with Sibili. Still, something always seemed to be pressing on his heart, wondering if this happiness could've lasted forever had he simply made different decisions and choices. "If my high lady requests it, of course, I will give it a go." as a servant walked forward with drinks, he grabbed two. A glass for him and one for his sister, handing it over. "I guess we do our best, the both of us, during the summit." he sighed gently before chuckling. "To no heads rolling and a lot of laughter."

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Sibili had housed no plans of approaching Keelan during the festivities during the coming days despite the high lord being their host. While he'd made it clear that he preferred that ways of charm and propriety, she'd never been one for such empty things. It was a privilege of being as powerful as she was- that she didn't have to tread as carefully around him as others might. This was the reason that she didn't stifle the small scoff that huffed between her lips when his greeting came. "Our relations?" she echoed, eyes already narrowing in judgement. "I'm fairly certain there'd have to be something between us to justify such a word choice. Honestly Keelan- who are you performing for right now?" They both knew the truth of their situation and the fondness that had been lost between them so many centuries ago. Or so she thought. Maybe she'd once seen him as someone who'd understand her in ways no one else would- a fae who knew the burden of being heir to a court's dreams and nightmares. But all that had died while he'd chosen the side of her parents' murderer.

"But you know me-" Perhaps the words had been true at some point in their long lives, but whether there was any accuracy to them these days was anyone's guess. They'd both changed since they were young. "I can't resist any chance to be a plague in your home." She tried her best to discern whether his words were a veiled insult or more empty and fanciful words. Everyone knew she wouldn't hesitate to speak her mind at the summit, no matter how many tempers the words might ignite. "And you've always had a brilliant way of saying absolutely nothing of substance."

closed starter for sibili ventura @fyrelyght

"lady Ventura." in truth, Keelan didn't feel like speaking to the high lady of the autumn court. Their past was complicated - not just black and white, but colorful and grey. When they were both young, life seemed to go in a very different direction for the two, it had once been promising, and Keelan could still remember the smell of her skin when they escaped to the summer court away from prying family eyes. That, however, was long lost memories neither seemed to wish to encounter.

Walking out on the balcony the high lady had found, Keelan didn't step close enough for her to reach him. He didn't like the thought of that; he never wished to be touched by her again. He'd been burned before and intended to never be again. "thank you for coming; I do know our relations have been-" Keelan let his eyes glide to the sky then, wondering what she deemed their past. A troublesome one? A memory kept for nights alone? "difficult." his head left the past and returned to the present. "I'm looking forward to our discussions; you've always had a brilliant way of expressing yourself."

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Sibili couldn't explain exactly where the peculiar impression invading her intuition had emerged from. She had no right to think that she might be able to begin identifying what a baseline for the man standing motionless before her. Nothing but a number of decades spent trapped in the same palace at the heart of her court. After all, she'd always been careful to keep the partition raised between them no matter how much she might tease as the jagged edges of her exterior had smoothed. Still- perhaps it was the almost robotic tilt of his head or the way he seemed to look through her that had her second guessing the moment she'd reached out a second too late. His hasty retreat had words already forming on her lips while she pointed a blazing glare in the direction of a few fae who'd been brave enough to stare at the sudden movement. They were wise enough to quickly avert their gaze from her wrath. "My apologies- I didn't mean to...alarm you." Was that what had flit across his eyes? She couldn't be certain what exactly had crossed him, only that she hadn't seen it before.

Again there was a nervous energy about him that didn't fit with the picture she'd formed of the man. It was as if someone had titled the frame of the picture he made, setting him slightly askew. Like the shadow he'd been behind her in the halls of her home had blurred around the edges. She studied him with sharp eyes and the beginning of a frown, trying to pinpoint whatever wrongness had surfaced. "There you go being evasive again," she murmured mostly to herself. "Perhaps the clothing doesn't mean much, but whether you have a choice in them seems rather integral." Her eyes narrowed while her brow furrowed, and it seemed Sephtis's usual talent for refusing to beat around a bush was mirrored in her. "You're different." The words were said in a way that told him she was expecting an answer or some form of an explanation, and the stubborn angle of her hips said she'd be willing to wait all night for it.

he was a predator sizing up prey in the filigreed ballroom of the day court, something man-like in shape but not in nature. he barely seemed fae some days. through the curtain of curly, dark hair that obscured his face his eyes gleamed like obsidian. his head tilted mind slipping and sliding between the cage of bone like it might pour from his ears and slick out of his eyes. breathing seemed to escape him only a preternatural stillness of his chest filling up the space where he stood. he was a walking corpse, the rotting dead somehow still clinging to life while still straddling that line between humanity and inhumanness. the nuances of sibili's words were lost on him washing over his understanding as easily as turpentine. the touch of her hand on his arm was an unwelcome shock to his system. he yanked it back out of her grasp and finally seemed to remember himself.

had he chosen to wear this armor? though it had only been a few hours since he left hybern the memory was fleeting and far-away. his gut was seized with the sudden horror that he could not remember. he did not know whether he had chosen to wear this himself or he'd worn it because his king asked and illness curdled in his throat. he coughed and shifted. "does it matter if he did?" he could still see that great pillar of flame she'd once been full of rage and beauty when she said things like that. "it's just clothing. it doesn't mean anything."

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Sibili looked to her brother with a soft smile that was reserved for only him and Tahir, glowing like the final and sleepy ember in a cozy bedtime fire. "You know I'd love nothing more than to irritate the king," she began with her continued levity. "But you also know that's exclusively my job." She'd willingly go back into centuries of forced solitude before allowing her brothers to draw the king's attention. No good ever came of such a thing. "Then again- if anyone gives you shit for it...there are some benefits that come with being the most powerful high ruler. One of them being the right to scare the very life out of anyone looking at you the wrong way." Sibili gave her brother's arm a comforting pat, escorting him further into the celebration. "I'm always prepared," she replied easily, refusing to show any weakness in the face of her brother's fears. If she was brave it would help him be the same. She'd learned from a young age the truth and results of being strong for her brothers, and had been doing it ever since.

"Even if it has been a while." Parties while in isolation had been nonexistent. "You don't have to like it," she told him softly. "If you want- you could always hide out. But only after I see a genuine attempt to enjoy yourself," she finished with another encouraging smile.

As he heard the voice of his older sister, a certain calm fell upon him. Sibili was his rock, the one he always turned to when he felt down. He remembered how he'd come without Tahir to the dungeon she was in under the mountain, crying his eyes out and pleading for forgiveness for trusting someone from the winter court. He could never keep a secret from her and never wished to. He'd walk to fire and ice to protect her and fight alongside her. The main reason he picked up a sword and mastered it was her, the sister he looked up to more than anyone else. "I can repeat it if you wish, perhaps scream it so the king also can hear my discomfort." he joked and chuckled at her words; his smile only faltered after mentioning him having fun. He didn't do that much anymore, he struggled to do so, but if she told him to - he would at least try. "Are you prepared for this? I don't know if I'll ever get accustomed to attending these things even now.." he murmured and eyed his older sister.

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Sometimes Kazamir forgets that his bride to be isn't a nameless entity he can keep on the edges of his mind, and as Cassiopeia turns with a sharpened smile he knows this is one of those times. He can't pretend his betrothed is a far off stranger when he apparently knows her well enough to know her beaming greeting is more of a threat than genuine. But this jest must be one of his last along these lines, even if he's far too amused by the murderous glint in her eyes. After all, Kazamir had told his father of his plans to try and truly win the princess.

He takes the lovely hand that he'd brushed a kiss against to settle it over where his heart must be, clutching it to him as if only her touch can heal the wound the thought of marrying anyone but her would rent. It's a rather dramatic pose, and as much as it makes onlookers swoon he's sure she can tell he's keeping his air of underlying frivolity. "My princess," he begins before making his charming attempt to save his ass. "Honestly- I'm heartbroken to hear such a devastating proclamation." Her backtracks, pretending as if this were his plan all along. "I only meant that if she knew she'd certainly be overcome with jealously. And everyone knows jealous sisters make the worst guests at weddings."

she feels the proximity of her betrothed before he even reaches her,  body already prepared for a dance she’s memorised and intimately learnt:    turn around,   and beam,   and look delighted enough to see your future husband.    it all boils down to the optics,   of making people certain of what they must believe.    show everyone that your union will be strong    —    even if it’s been an eternally long, four hundred year engagement,   even if by now you suspect it won’t amount to anything.    EVEN IF YOU ARE NAUGHT BUT ANOTHER PIECE ON YOUR FATHER’S CHESS BOARD.    she,   who is prepared to draw a welcoming grin across her façade,   stumbles after kaz’s familiar teasing.    this is a different dance of theirs,   reserved only for their private amusement.    and though she wants nothing more than to step on his foot,   or unabashedly glare,    the princess is painfully aware appearances must be maintained.    so her lips do twist into the loveliest of smiles,   the shape beneath sharp as a knife.      ❝      kazamir.      ❞      her greeting is poisonously sweet,   innocent enough to whichever creature may hear it,    yet her following words still drip the acidity he’ll recognize so well.      ❝      perhaps you’ve been promised to the wrong sister,   then.    i’m certain the king wouldn’t mind changing things around for you.      ❞   

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Kazamir was pleased with the small laugh he was rewarded, seemingly still seeking approval from his parents despite his claims of not requiring any fussing. He was fairly certain no one ever stopped looking for the prideful gleam in their parents eyes- even with how long lived the fae were. While his father gave him a cursory once over, he instinctively straightened his shoulders to improve upon an already impeccable posture. Despite his teasing words he wouldn't fail his family or his court. "Doom? That's a funny way to say savior."

They quickly moved on to a touchier subject, and a fraction of the jest in Kazamir's gaze dimmed before he said, "Don't you think it concerning that we're still not married?" He certainly hadn't been in any rush to finalize the nuptials, and if he'd had his desires they never would come to fruition. But being born the heir of an entire court and legacy seemed to have a way of doing away with ones desires, and the thought of the princess escaping their plans didn't bode well for his family and people. "I thought..." An uncharacteristic hesitation entered his features. He knew his father was no stranger to questionable methods, and that Keelan was well aware of the ones Kazamir himself had used in the past. But the princess of Hybern was a most dangerous time bomb. "I'd begin making some further efforts to expediate them." It was the closest he could get to saying that he planned to woo the princess without being crude.

His son's attitude reminded Keelan of how he acted towards his father, and even if it had been so many years ago, it made Keelan's heart swell to an extent. A small chuckle escaped from his throat as he walked towards his son. He might be old in fae years, but he still saw the young boy who once adored his father more than anything else. "that attitude might as well be the doom of us all." he murmured under his breath before he looked at his son up and down. He looked presentable, a good mix of himself and his mother. The thought of Feo stung his heart a little because even if Delilah had helped them overcome his choices, his wife still wouldn't look at him the same way. "I expect you to ask the princess to dance, court her as you should, and respect her - even if her father won't attend." the high king would stay underneath the mountain, but his spies and alike would still be around. "The nursemaid is not needed. I trust your judgment," he said with a certain tone in his voice, which said he believed in his son and what he would become one day.

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Familiar faces weren't a rarity among a crush like this, but ones Kazamir were genuinely pleased to see were harder to find amongst the glittering assemblage of fae. It seemed he didn't have to look far to find a friendly one in the form of Eirene, and his grin came more naturally than the practiced one he often used for courtiers. "I'm certain I'm doing much better than I was just a few seconds ago before I had the pleasure of laying eyes on such a vision." The words were light enough to ensure he wasn't being overly cringeworthy, but still delivered with enough charm to be a compliment. "You're right about the musical, though. Would you believe me if I said I was playing the lead?" The words couldn't be further from the truth, but Kazamir couldn't help but think she'd find amusement at the thought of him prancing around a stage.

open starter.

eirene still felt sometimes like a young girl playing dress up. for nearly five hundred years she'd been draped in pastels and silk, crowns of daisies splayed through her hair. the spring court had been equal parts heaven and hell all beauty and poison lingering underneath the surface. now in the fashion of the winter court, severe and yet still striking she felt like a newer woman. it hadn't even been a century since she'd defected from the spring court and the prospect of seeing anyone she knew a little too well sent a terrible thrill of anxiety up her spine. her gown a steel-gray fading into a pale blue billowed in the warm air of the day court light enough for the heat but still chilled by the winds of winter. she stood at the edge of the garden taking in the brilliant sunlight and fragrant fauna. "and how are you today?" she said with her usual snip of easy charm. "are you enjoying the festivities? i'm told there will be a musical performance not long after sundown."

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As always, Sibili seemed uncowed by Sephtis's imposing mass of brawn though she detested how far back she had to crane her neck to look him in the eye. She couldn't help the way her eyes flickered to the enormous wings that furled out behind him, the bat-like appendages having always been something that intrigued her. With him as close as he was she could make out details in them that she hadn't seen before. Finding her way back to his gaze, she was overtaken by a sensation she hadn't felt in nearly two centuries- the utter powerlessness she'd endured while being trapped within the walls of her own home for hundreds of years with her power beyond her reach. For a moment she swore she could feel the sickening chill of the faebane manacles she'd worn around her wrists as part of her penance, and instinct made her reach out for the flame that lived within her chest. Sibili found it there waiting for her, warm and welcoming and beckoning to be stoked. But a celebration such as this was no place for her flame. Nevertheless, the embrace of the magic brought her back to the present- reminding her that she was in the Day Court and no longer a prisoner.

Brushing off the unwelcome recollections, she couldn't help the flicker of returned amusement that came when he spoke again. Willing herself to stop thinking and simply act she managed to find more words. "What's all this uncertainty?" she asked with the beginnings of something that might have bordered on a tease. "Have you gotten shy in the last two hundred years? You had no problem pestering me with questions before." She didn't know how he could stand to be so close without drawing back or coming closer. The space between them was a confusing in between, not far enough to be casual but not near enough to be...something else. But she'd never backed down in her entire life, and she wouldn't be starting to do so now. The brush against her gown had more confusion bursting in, but she didn't wish to be outdone. When her touch on his armor came it was more intentional, trying to fake a certainty she didn't currently have. "I see you've brought your fancy leathers tonight. Not even a single drop of blood on them. Did he make you wear them?"

she looked the way he had remembered her in his mind. sometimes in fevered dreams or hazy visions he saw her fiery face, an immolated tower of flame the raged on and lashed out at him. only one of his innumerable sins in the name of peace but maybe the one that remained with him for the longest. it had been two hundred years since he had seen sibili ventura but he thought that she looked healthier. when he'd been dispatched to watch over captivity inside of her home it felt a little like captivity of his own. his king's advisors had grown wary at his level of power, his skill in brutality and everyone agreed that it would be best for him to take a reprieve from court. now standing right behind her he could still smell that ginger and bergamot aroma. it made him feel much younger, smaller in his own body remembering those electric eyes that had pierced him in the doorway of her bedroom. "i was told once-" he said stilted and unsure like it was the first time he'd spoken in a while. "that if i wanted to know something the best course of action was just to ask." he still lingered close to her, unaware of his knuckles just brushing the edge of her gown. "so, i asked."

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closed starter for cassiopeia hyberion @faemyths

After his father's rather lackluster pep talk that was really more of a mind-numbing repetition of all the things Kazamir already knew- he was finally ready to step into the central hub of the celebrations. As usual he was all smiles the instant he was put before a crowd, his shoulders squared but relaxed in a way that made him seem confident and strong, but not arrogant. Granting every person he passed a charming greeting, he made his way towards the first person who would require his attentions- none other than his betrothed. She looked radiant as always, but there was a small part of him that couldn't help but think the golden hour lighting of the Day Court suited her particularly well.

Steeling himself for the task he'd set for himself, he loosened his gait a fraction while letting a bit more mischief shine through his crooked smile. If he was going to win over Cassiopeia...he'd have to be at his absolute best. Dipping low, he reached out to bring her hand to his lips to brush it with a kiss. It made an enchanting vision for any onlookers. All the while he kept his eyes on her's, rising from his bowed position to say hello. "Well if it isn't the loveliest of our princesses standing before me," he began, starting a dance they'd already performed a few times over the centuries. "Don't tell your sister I told you that. I'd imagine it'd be a bit of a damper on our future wedding day."

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It would have been truly impossible to miss the presence of her former glorified babysitter at the event. After all, he stood at least a head above the rest of the crowd and was as subtle as wine stain on a white dress. It was likely she'd spent a too much time glancing in his direction as the celebration commenced, unsure if she should keep her distance or approach. Either way, it was necessary that she know where he was at all times, refusing to let him be the deciding factor of that question. But it seemed her vigil had been interrupted by a rather glorious table of desserts, her attention having no room for anything but the éclair perched against her lips when the familiar voice rumbled through her. With all the speed of a fae warrior she whipped around to find the face she still hadn't made a decision about. For the first time in centuries she felt caught off guard, her dessert hanging limply in one hand. She tried for a quick recovery. "Did you see it touching my mouth?" she asked, still unsettled by having the choice of whether or not to make contact stolen from her. "That's generally a sign someone's about to eat something." Nevertheless she couldn't help the trickle of amusement that always appeared when he said something uncouth. But why had he been standing so close?

open starter.

pinned against the far wall of the day court the breadth of sephtis's shoulders underneath his leather armor looked comical against the magenta sheets of gossamer that draped the wall. he seemed to all that looked upon him like a man transported from another universe; hulking and uncomfortable his face permanently dour. his fist flexed armor creaking underneath his movement and he sighed. he hated being trotted out like a prized stallion for events. he would have preferred to just keep to himself in his rooms until the time for battle arose but he'd sworn fealty to his king long ago so entertain he would. he lumbered over the the table overflowing with cakes and coffee and stood with little care for personal space behind the current patron. "are you going to eat that?" he said gruffly.

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Sibili was certain her brother's words hadn't been meant for anyone in particular, but she picked up on them nonetheless. It was a product of being so attuned to her younger brothers that she was almost always listening for their voices among a throng of people. A rush of affection swept over her as she drew nearer to him, Rhyn being one of the people she was always pleased to be with. "I don't think you said that loud enough. I'm fairly certain only half the courts heard you," she teased before taking a draw of her own drink. She studied the gathering with sharp eyes, none too pleased to be summoned by their tyrant of a king. "Come on," she beckoned her brother before heading deeper into the crush of a celebration. "You should at least try to have some fun."

OPEN STARTER FOR ALL

when was the last time Rhyn had been in the day court? he couldn't even remember after all of these years. one thing he however did know was that he did not wish to be here. the fact that all the courts were gathering again always caused him to feel a certain fire ignite. he still longed for it, the freedom and chains to disappear. Hybern was a curse upon their land and should be driven out like the plague and yet they couldn't simply do it, because the autumn court alone wasn't strong enough. Heading into the great hall of the day court Rhyn found himself a cup filled with wine, smelling it without taking a sip. A sigh escaped his lips. "here we go again, how bad could it possibly get this time?" he said to no one in particular.

[fyrelyght]

Far too old to be rolling his eyes at his father, Kazamir settled for aiming a rather pleasantly disinterested look at his father while the high lord of day court continued to fuss. He was fairly certain he could recite the elder man's speech word for word at this point, and he almost toyed with the thought of doing so when he caught the very beginnings of his father's smile. It was the same as always. He knew the words were meant for all their benefit, so Kazamir decided to be only slightly impudent. Looking wholly wounded he settled a hand over his heart, as if Keelan's words had struck him through. "Father, when have I been anything but on my best behavior?" His own smirk, so like his father's, colored the words. "You know- I don't think it's too late to ask the nursemaid to accompany me. If you're that concerned." Well into his fourth century he was as much an adult as any other well-established fae, but it always seemed these facts mattered little to his parents when it came to instructing him.

closed starter for kazamir vulari @fyrelyght

"I need you to be on your best behavior during all this." Sitting in his son's chambers, he watches him intently. They had already spoken about this several times; the courts would all come to their home and either worship at their feet or threaten to slice them up. In truth, Keelan was proud of his son, he truly did find him to have become someone he could take pride in, but the fear of Kazamir making one mistake made him worry. Not because he would punish him, but because the high king might find him not to his satisfaction or someone like the autumn or summer court could decide to take his life. He would rather sacrifice himself than see that happen. "be careful around autumn and summer; the others you can be in a room alone with-" looking at his son, a hint of a smile was evident. "in the sense of being formal, don't step out of line."