Getting accustomed... [Open/Annette]

[Ayaena]

The dormitories had been quiet today, the outside alive only by the sounds of nature and not a lot else. Maybe she rose too early, but the sun had startled her from dreams. She passed by with purpose; a stride which would indicate she had a specific place to be.

In fact, her relative intrusion served an important purpose. For all she'd heard of the powerful woman, she had never personally met The Red Queen in the flesh. It was an important thing, to be sure. The mesmerizing streams of purples and blues in the trees had gathered her attention, almost a direct reflection of her own unruly wave of hair.

She had been smiling idly upwards as she entered into the Royal Palace directly, Naoku's light rumbling purr bringing her eyes down to survey their surroundings.

Her long fingers brushed along the massive ivory beast's spine absent-mindedly, his head tilting upwards ever-so-slightly in response. It was a practiced but casual movement at the same time, one which spoke of a secure and comfortable bond between the two.

Extravagant... How appropriate. Her mouth quirked upwards again just a touch, her strides slowing as she took a moment to appreciate the entrance, glimpsing to the throne room beyond. It was warm, alive, pulsing with the dull constant presence of magic. With just a small taste, it felt familiar, though she wasn't sure where the sensation came from.

Naoku stalked off to the right, letting his own senses taste and explore the inside, though always vigilant towards the Sidhe woman nearby.

[jaejin]

To say Jaejin had completely sobered up from the night before would have been a lie. Though he was not hung-over, his body still held a distinct buzz to it. Fortunately, Jaejin had been of enough mind to tidy up after a night of boozing, and thus he looked quite presentable and his breath did not stink of alcohol. Dressed to impress in a pair of black slacks, an untucked white dress shirt with a few buttons unbuttoned, his black skinny tie loose and dangling about his neck, with a black vest thrown over it, Jaejin looked like a well-kept player. In a sense he was. It was the role he had played back on Earth, seducing targets into the bedroom where Hawk laid in wait. Time after time he had lured women to their deaths, all the while feeling nothing…until she had come around.

But she was gone now and Jaejin had reverted back to his player self, with a newfound love of alcohol. His inner turmoil drove him to drink, but it was quite possible the usually level-headed and smart male had yet to realize this. He had come to one realization however: He was going to be here for a while, and if he was to make sure he could live in comfort, he had better get used to the court ways. Jaejin had been observing other faerie throughout his brief time in Alanor and had already picked up many of their mannerisms to put to use. His training as a BoP had crafted him into a chameleon, able to take on any persona he so desired. However, for now he was merely himself…or what he thought was himself. Jaejin honestly had no idea.

Kaeul entered the main court room first, swooping in through the door and beating her wings the moment she caught sight of the giant tiger stalking the area. She let loose a warning screech, doubling back as Jaejin came through the entrance. He was rubbing his head and yawning, still trying to wake himself from a hard night, when Kaeul’s screech caught his attention. Jaejin held out his right arm, equipped with a soft leather bracer, and Kaeul immediately took refuge there, content to be close to her bonded. Jaejin looked from Ayaena to her tiger, made the instant connection and smiled. He dipped his head, ”Good morning. You’re up early.” As quick as a blink of an eye, Jaejin reverted back to his old persona. It was instinctual, and subconsciously he now thought of this woman as prey. Still, her beauty made him take a mental step back. Jaejin had never tangoed with a Sidhe. For all he knew, he could end up becoming the hunted.

[Ayaena]

Ayaena never left in a less-than-presentable fashion. This time she had on a white blouse with a black vest over it. Both seemed to be made to fit the exact curve of her shapely frame. Her relatively long legs were encased in stockings and knee-high boots, only a slight lace-printed length of thigh visible before black shorts took over. Her signature blue charm bracelet was slung stylishly but lazily around and around her left wrist.

Her attention was alerted just as the man's mantel entered the room, bent down and inspecting a flower so that she wasn't in the best position to defend herself. Luckily, she hadn't been too badly startled, it was more curious who the beast belonged to than its reaction. She turned to face him entirely, standing with a swoop of hair that sent purple-blue waves over one shoulder to slide down her back.

Naoku had lept and in one motion, he shifted all his weight to land at Ayaena's side. Coolly, he eyed the large bird and its keeper. He prowled across the Sidhe's front, making his territory well known. The idle hand gesture from before was repeated, although it was hard to tell if it was for her comfort, his, or both. Ayaena's amber eyes were warm and inviting in general, but seemed to light up as she carefully took her time to inspect him from toe to head. She did nothing to hide the obvious trail of her gaze, settling at last on his eyes with a tilt of her head.

When he spoke, the massive Siberian tiger seemed to relax a bit, having accepted that he was supposed to be here and could not harm the Sidhe woman. "Good morning to you as well. You are also up early." She didn't intend to volunteer any more information about what she was doing or why. If he asked, she'd choose her responses carefully, but she wasn't the blabbermouth type.

Not Sidhe, that was for sure, but promising in appearance at least. His initial mannerisms were also pleasing, not too loud or brash, not too quiet or reserved. His mantel was also interesting, both strong and useful. "Might I ask your name?" She didn't mind taking the next step in conversation, in fact asking the questions was often better than giving the answers.

[Queen Annette]

Amongst the jungle of the Seelie court there were many predators. The sidhe warriors and politicians stalked the terrain, cutthroat and ruthless in their plots for power. The nimbus, the wannabes, and in many cases soon-to-bes, that fought to prove their worth, grasping for power where ever it was offered. Finally, there were the garlangers, the oppressed people of the court, who fought daily for their lives and their rights to breath. Truth be told, the Seelie court was a home to predators of all types, it was a scuffle amongst the top of the food chain. Yet amongst the court the queen moved, her presence always looming, her reputation always proceeding. In the jungle, the lion never feared the jackal. And the Fae of Reticent Fury never feared the court.

She appeared before them, standing just beyond the area where the duo spoke, as if she had always been there. She beheld them with two matronly eyes, a gaze that was similar to a teacher observing her class. Annette listened to their words, the idle banter, the cavalier demeanor of the male and the more preserved female. From her vantage point she could tell who the older faerie was, and who conformed more to her political idealisms. For the faerie she spoke of, it was a good first impression. For the faerie who she did not speak of, it was up to them to make their impression now.

The Red Queen moved forth, the presence of her red fox looming just as large as it’s bonded. Though her mantel, the little creature was more of a scavenger, a pest in the wild, it stood beside the monarch a level of regality that matched, if not exceeded the tiger’s. ”A good morning to both of you.” She said with a formal bow, expecting that she needed no introduction as the Red Queen was easily recognized.

She was dressed in her day wear, a tight crimson dress that hung just above her ankles with a neckline that swooped low, revealing her figure in almost its entirety. Her figure was fit, with noticeable curves of the feminine figure but still a leanness to it that made her appear more pliable, a body that would appear to be graced with the swiftness of a dancer. She treaded across the terra in her bare feet, her usual alternative to stiletto heels that were not so forgiving when she was not seated in the throne room.

[jaejin]

Jaejin watched Ayaena’s powerful mantel come to her side. His own toothy smile widened just a tad, appearing almost as if he were just baring his teeth, though the soft touch to it kept it from being overly predatory in fashion. He was just about to respond to Ayaena’s question when they were both interrupted, or rather, blessed with the appearance of their Queen. Jaejin knew her to be such, as despite his constant search for Hawk in the lands adjacent the Seelie court, Jaejin had caught glimpses of a woman who walked with assurance and pride. This was that woman, a stunning piece of flesh indeed.

The tall male took only a brief moment to assess the situation before he took a step back until he was facing the two of them at an angle. Kaeul opened her wings and in a flourish of feathers took from his arm, rising to find a perch above them, not too far from her bonded. Once she had taken flight, Jaejin clicked his heels together sharply, his back straightening before he dipped into a deep bow, one arm placed across his chest. Jaejin was no stranger to the art of addressing those in power. He had, after all, been a dog most of his life. He was used to dealing with superiors, and though the formalities were different here, the theory was all the same.

”I am Jaejin, Seeker of the Seelie court, Lord of Roan illusion.” Jaejin put to good use what he had observed thus far, using this moment to address both the Queen and the Sidhe female he had just met moments earlier. As Jaejin straightened himself back out his lips parted into yet another smile, a warm gesture with a biting touch, ”It is a pleasure to meet you on such a brilliant morning, though even the sun cannot compare to the beauty before me.” It would seem cheesy, yes, but it was sincere…or as sincere as Jaejin could be. Even he himself knew not when he lied.

[Ayaena]

Her attention curiously piqued, she'd been waiting on a response when the slightest movement from the corner of her eye made her take hasty notice of The Red Queen herself. Unable to hide the flicker of surprise in her eyes, her mouth tilts upwards into a pleasant smile. With but a slight flick to the Siberian's ear, the tiger goes into a relaxed pose. Now lying easily at Ayaena's feet, it was the least threatening or imposing the male could get, short of rolling over or sprawling out.

Taking a step forward, Ayaena went into a sweeping bow almost alongside Jaejin. Her smile remained when she stood, honestly excited that things had fallen into place so nicely. After all, it wasn't like she had an appointment so she might not have caught the Queen at all. "Queen Annette, Ruler of the Court of Seelie, it is absolutely my pleasure that we finally meet." Jaejin took the moment then to introduce himself, and she mentally stored it away for later. "I am Ayaena, Seeker of the Seelie Court, wielding the Hand of Latrociny, and of Facade Illusion."

As she stood straight once more, she took in the appealing and yet intimidating form of the Queen. Taking as much time as, or possibly more than, her once-over of the Nimbus male, she finally met the woman's gaze with an appreciative smile. Naturally, she lived up to what had been said about her. Realizing how much she'd had to reveal in front of the male, her eyes slid casually over to gauge his reaction to everything. He probably wouldn't give much away yet, though.

"I hope your morning has been pleasant, and that we are not keeping you from something more important." Her smile widened a touch, lightly trying to gauge if now was a good time to engage the Queen in conversation, or if it would simply become an annoyance. Surely Annette would be curious about them both, being that they were both Seekers... although she'd intended for her first impressions to be a little more private. She knew nothing of the man next to her aside from his name, but she'd have to roll with it and hope for the best.

[Queen Annette]

The Queen bowed as the male introduced himself. She was fond of formalities; those who played the game often noticed that they found favor with her much more quickly than those who forsook the traditional faerie ways. She was an old queen, and an even older courtier, one would be hard pressed to find Annette going against courtly tradition. The Seelie had always been known for upholding tradition even when their Unseelie brethren did not. They were a dignified court, and under her rule it would stay that way.

Her gaze then shifted to the female, the violet hued sidhe who piqued her interest more so than the nimbus male. She bowed, also using the formalities that the nimbus had pleased her with. Sidhe, in general, interested her. Often these creatures were born from a long, unique history that involved a great amount of blood, lust, and adventure. Annette’s life had been filled with all three and still, until this very day, she actively sought all three. Despite the fact that she had achieved the highest rank of power a faerie could, conquered any challenge the fae could fae, she still needed more. That was one reason Annette never saw herself fading away while still holding the crown. She would pass it on in favor of more exploits before she let herself become idle. It was the same drive that put her on the throne in the first place.


However, Annette declined to pry into the sidhe’s past and instead chose to respond to Ayaena’s question, her words directed at both fae. ”Nothing is more important than interacting with my court.” She said pleasantly, gesturing to them both as the words trickled, like silk, from her lips.

She stepped forward, her hands folded behind her back in a posture that made her look like an inspector. Inspecting was exactly what she was doing. ”How long have you been in Alanor?” Her words, once again were directed at both of them, but she yearned to hear from the sidhe, still believing that they had much more interesting pasts than nimbus or garlangers.

[jaejin]

The fact that Annette allowed him very little of her attention mattered not to Jaejin. He was not entirely unused to it. During his years as an assassin Jaejin had always been number two in his team with Hawk. He had been expendable, his skills when it came to killing sub par when compared to hers. Despite the fact that he excelled at tasks that required some sort of emotional skill set, he was blatantly ignored by his superiors in favor of Hawk. Though this severely frustrated him, Jaejin had learned to deal with it over the years. He could superficially brush it off with ease, though the full effects of being ignored sank deep within his fragile heart. Still, the Queen meant very little to Jaejin at the moment. He was vying for her attention merely because he was lost without a commanding officer. Annette was the closest person who could fill that role.

"A few weeks." His answer was short and to the point. Though he was frequently a man of many words, Jaejin knew better than to prattle off on his own personal tales during a time like this. He would hold his tongue unless the Queen inquired further into his personal life. Perhaps then he would divulge more information. As for the Sidhe woman near him, Jaejin was somewhat happy to discover her name. He cared little for her rank, though it did denote how long she had been in the Seelie court. Still, the way she conducted herself was intriguing. Jaejin would look forward to speaking with her further once the Queen was gone.

[Ayaena]

She was a little surprised that the Queen had not made mention of her foregoing her own formal titles. For many years she had declined the use of 'Princess' and 'Mistress'. She was far from being a princess, and the only thing she was mistress of was the men she gathered an intimate connection with. Besides, the more she downplayed her status, the easier she found that she was underestimated. And that was fun.

The Sidhe woman seemed to glow a little more brightly at the Red Queen's words, as if using her body to demonstrate her pleasure at the kind words. "You humble us with that answer, my Queen." Her smile was soft and genuine, the kind that you would use with a close friend. But, that didn't mean she was faking it by any means, it was just how she interacted with people. Social intimacy was kind of her modus operandi.

Noting the posture of the other woman, Ayaena mentally prepared herself for what was sure to be a direct or indirect interview of a sort. When the question came, she took the straightforwardness and replied in kind. "As of now, just over a month. Previously, it depends on the time. I can't recall ever staying too long." Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, intentionally leaving her previous ventures a bit vague. "But this time around, I find so far the court is much more to my tastes." She didn't want to speak ill of any of the previous faerie in power, not when it could potentially cause more harm than good. Speaking ill of another to gain favor was often a dangerous and very unbecoming game to play.

She eyed the male next to her with returned interest. He was... fresh. Charming and new, this had the potential to be a very interesting meeting.

[Queen Annette]

Annette nodded, a few weeks was not long, and she wondered if this nimbus had come here on his own accord or if the Mounds had brought him. There was something innately human about the male, and though the queen couldn’t place it, she often found that those who retained human qualities were brought here against their will. The faerie named Fia was one such creature, she figured. Annette would be the first to admit that though Fia was very…human-like, she was also not suitable for the mortal realm. Annette couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was, but pulled Fia to Alanor, kept her there. As she eyed Jaejin she wasn’t sure if it’d be the same for him.

The queen also noted the manner in which the sidhe spoke to her. The warming tones were inviting and provoked a sense of comfort from those she spoke to. It was a good quality to have, one that in the wrong hands could be extremely manipulative. The skill to make people want to tell you things was awfully useful if you had nefarious plans.

”Excellent. I hope my court continues to be hospitable.” She studied the sidhe before her, the amethyst hair and the feint aura that all sidhe had. She breathed it in like a pleasant scent. It was intoxicating, the presence of other sidhe, she wasn’t sure how Jaejin could stand it. She asked but not the question she had been thinking, ”Were you born sidhe?” She used no name, it was clear who she was addressing.

[jaejin]

Jaejin could already sense that his presence was neither needed nor desired. The Queen before him was not unlike other superiors Jaejin had dealt with. She was interested in those that were already powerful enough to offer her something. Jaejin understood this, as he would have been the same way if he had stood in her position. All monarchs needed loyal and powerful subjects in order to instigate and continue their rule without mishap. Jaejin, at this moment, was not one of the faerie the Queen was looking for.

So, after a brief moment of hesitation, the Nimbus decided it would be better if he took his leave and allowed the two women to continue their conversation without his presence. He smiled slightly, and, like always, his exit was quiet and nearly unnoticeable. He bowed once, a bow to both of the women he had encountered, then straightened and turned sharply on his heel. Flashing Ayaena a particularly bright smile, he attempted to let her know that meeting her had been an intense pleasure, something he was not likely to easily forget. And then he was gone.

It was time once again to go Hawk hunting.

[Ayaena]

Like a flame receiving oxygen, Ayaena's essence responded to the queen more and more. Her own aura was powerful but coaxing in a way, something almost physical that you could touch or consume. It was no wonder that the woman could take a lover out of most anyone she pleased. Even Ayaena, only mildly interested in women, felt that undeniable call.

"I am very confident that it will be, and I am thankful for your warm welcome." Her amber eyes swirled with a faint lilac purple, all colour staring into the erotic darkness of Annette's own two-toned orbs, framed by the sleek ebony hair. Shallow as it may be, Ayaena took pride in being part of a court with a particularly attractive monarch. Looks were definitely a weapon of a sort, and something that evoked a lot of respect in their world.

The next question made the Sidhe woman smile, one that began light but grew into a michevious grin. "No, I was not. It just so happens that blood, sex, and innocence are all powerful combining factors to such an awakening." It had been a long time ago. Her first time winning a duel had led her into going to bed for the first time with the fae who would become the love of her life. Which inevitably led to who and what she was now. The memory was still a fond one.

She felt the presence at her side begin to drift out of sight, and flickered her eyes over in time to catch the inviting smile. She didn't acknowledge it, less the queen took that as a sign that he was more worthy of her attention. Inwardly though, she did hope to seek him out at a later time.

[Queen Annette]

The Red Queen smiled devilishly at the words Ayaena spoke. She had never experienced a Coming to Power. The closest thing Annette knew to becoming a sidhe was when Alanor called to her and in the form of a muse she came; passing through the portal at the Mounds had changed her forever. Odd it was how a lowly muse, a nymph of talent and inspiration, was gifted with two bloody and violent sidhe powers, but Annette had never complained. She had experienced a life of love, music and beauty and now she was in the process of exploring a life of blood, steel and power, she favored no lifestyle more than the other but lived each to the fullest. ”The memory of your awakening charms you.”

Her words were merely an observation. It was something she delighted in, the brining about of power to her people, the awakening of their magic. Sidhe invigorated the court, bolstered her ranks through the inflation of magic and beauty. Ayaena stood before her, a living example of what Annette valued. Yes, it was shallow, but faerie existence transcended human values. Fae lived forever, they had no use for anything that was not aesthetically pleasing or significantly useful, anything that brought misery or despair was worthless.

She looked Ayaena over, deciding that she could be the type of faerie Annette had been searching for but had yet to find amongst her ranks. ”What are you ambitions, Ayaena?”

[Ayaena]

Annette's very nature appealed to Ayaena's social preferences. She liked people who were sophisticated, restrained, but not cold and dismissive. She found arrogance to be lowly, but meekness was boring. It took a practiced in-between to really strike her interest. Knowing the effort that came with having social grace, she valued it in others and liked to study it for her own self-improvement. Ever the learner, Ayaena found the farie lifestyle to be enlightening. Try as they may, humans would never master their art of the physical and spoken language.

She laughed aloud at the Queen's comment and tilted her head gently. "It is honestly a very pleasant memory. I would wish everyone to experience it once, hmm." Her eyes flicker shut as she takes a moment to relive it in a stale glory, the glow of her body again brightening before toning down as she sighed gently and opened her eyes. Despite the fact that things had gone south with her lover and ended somewhat bitterly, she cherished the good memories for what they were. Nothing lasted forever, why neglect the good simply because there had also been bad?

Ayaena's lips quirked up on one side as she considered the question, though her eyes held a sort of sober seriousness. "My ambitions... Well, I have seen and experienced much. I would like to put it to good use under your command, establish a stable life here. Enjoy all of the glamour and excitement along the way." She winked lightly and smiled brilliantly. It was entirely true, she felt her valuable life experience could assist her in obtaining a comfortable niche in society. And all she wanted was that, to have a purpose for her power and a life worthy of her faerie blood.

[Queen Annette]

”It is a shame that not all will.” Annette herself had not experienced the coming to power of a nimbus. Yet when the faerie mounds transformed her magic into what it was today, she experienced what she imagined a coming to power was quite similar to. No one was sure why the muse who for so long was nothing more than a beautiful image for artists to gaze upon had been transformed into the powerful sidhe known as the Red Queen. But Annette was not complaining, the hands of Striae and Blood had served her well, she could never go back to being the peaceful creature she had once been.

In response to Ayaena’s words Annette merely smiled and bowed her head a bit. Ayaena was the type she favored when it came to courtly politics. She wasn’t overly anxious to pledge her allegiance to Annette nor was she quick to rebuke any sort of loyalty to the queen, yet she was did not shy away from conversation with the monarch and spoke confidently. Simply put: Ayaena was not a fool.

”Life amongst the high court is not as glamorous as it may seem.” Though the sentiment her words seemed to convey was not a happy one, she smiled thoughtfully. The queen enjoyed her position, but she had to admit it took a strong person to live an immortal life in a position of power. ”It is not for the weak of heart.”