#I swear Noita isn't as much of a little shit as they come off

[thewolfisawake]

A letter would arrive for The Bastion of the Veil. Written in an elegant, scrawling hand, it invited their top hunters from each branch and a delegation of hunters from noble families to a grand revel hosted by King Camhlaidh Moireasdan, ruler of Seelie.

A line of embossed silver outlined the edges of the card, and printed upon the back was inked a design of an elegant and ornate silver sword.

"How beautiful," Kirika noted the design of the invitation. There was certainly thought that went into it as the silver glinted under the light, "And quite the honor. The Seelie Court is quite...tricky, peek-a-boo...elusive...! Elusive, aren't they? And to extend it the Bastion in itself is surprising."

"Is it? It has gone around the grapevine that the king served within the Bastion while he traversed this realm. For what reason and why us, I cannot say. Although I have also heard that someone in this room may know."

"I would like to converse with that person since I know not that reasoning," Rune replied with a pointed look Rukiya, "I will consider it but likely will pass."

"Pass? But how often can someone say they've gone to the Seelie?"

"Any number of gullible or deluded humans," Rune quipped, "although I can think of someone who may be interested and need to hear back from them before I can make a decision. Am I to assume you that you are bringing your protege, Rukiya? And anyone from your side, Kirika?"

Rukiya chuckled, "I have considered it but I don't know if Faye is quite ready to deal with the nature of their inhabitants. But I do admit, I would love to see her all dolled up."

"As for me, I do have someone in mind in the Asian branch. It'd be quite the venture for her and she is of a family of small but present prestige. She is also an exorcist," Kirika informed with a small nod.

"An entourage of exorcists, my how strange that must be to a land intertwined with nature and its power," Rukiya said, "surprising no blackbirds have been invited considering they're runned ragged as much as we are."

Kirika piped in, "Well, the Bastion probably does not want to make a bad impression with King Camhlaidh."

Rune remarked, "Too late for that."

--

Despite his desire to turn tail and run, Crowe kept an even keel as he strode through the manor. It seemed much less full than it once was. Probably because most of his generation were full-fledged hunters. But, unfortunately, it seemed that the Nomikos are already pondering about marriages and children. Particularly whom would serve as a boon to have within their fold and the timing of such an endeavor. It was one of the few conversations he was not necessary to be in on.

"Oh young master," came from one of the maids, "we hadn't heard about your arrival or we would've greeted you at the door. Shall I prepare a set for you?"

"Don't bother. I'm only here at the behest of the master of the house. I'll be gone shortly," Crowe replied. The maid gave a brief curtsy in response before scrambling to be anywhere but this wing. Whether it was to be a civil matter or not, she wanted no stake when it came to

He reached the door at the end of the hall and opened double doors to a parlor and inside were a few of the faces of his cousins and their parents. And at the head of it all was their golden boy, whose gaze was immediately on him.

"Crowe, I see you have answered summons this time," Chares observed.

"Probably still salvaging from that tournament blunder no doubt," was a badly concealed whisper. Crowe knew the risk of keeping information quiet but that didn't make it any less bitter the blow it did for his reputation.

"You were lucky enough to catch me between assignment," Crowe answered, "as difficult as it may be for some , I do have obligations in tandem with my rank."

The warbler's smirk turned to a clenched jaw. Crowe seated himself across from Chares as the man decided to continue.

"As we were discussing, there was a particular correspondence that was delivered to the Bastion."

"Would this correspondence happen to be an invitation?" Crowe asked, sensing where this could go.

"Exactly that," Chares said, as he produced a copy of the invitation, "the delegation of noble families have yet to be formally solidified however I have little doubt in our family being within their ranks. Grandfather has requested for two members to attend in his stead. And since most of us are present at this meeting, it'd be ideal to come to a conclusion by the end."

So basically, who will fill the second seat, Crowe thought. There was little sense in having one of the most accomplished families not invite their heir apparent. Especially when this revel was an opportunity for the still fairly new king to extend with those that'd likely be in charge during his reign. While Chares could handle speaking for the family, this was also opportunity for the second seat to schmooze with those invited to the revel. Which considering the Seelie had been away from anyone for centuries...there were sure to be many grasping for the chance...and those that grasp at those.

Personally Crowe held no interest in the affair. If he was going to send the Nomikos to the Underworld one of these days, the last thing he needed was helping them get an in with some fae or some other tricksy race. But as a blackbird...it was opportunity. Intel gathering of the guests and even the land was rich. And while he did manage to avoid outright disapproval from his actions at the tournament...anything he could get here would help smooth things over with his superiors.

Ugh, the thought of it on top everything else tired him further. He was too young to feel this old. But unfortunately for his position, there was no respite to be had. So he discerned whom actually was in attendance and started to formulate what offer he could present or what favor he would be calling on as he raised his hand to put his name into the running.