Long way from home.. --Open--

[DieNah Bonaventura]

DieNah was wandering again. She did it so often these days. With so much death in her family, she wanted away from the Kingdom of Water, away from the painful memories. But for the one brother still left alive, she might leave it altogether. In her existed no loyalty for the Kingdom that had sent her elder brother and father to die, in effect killing her mother.

So she wandered. Lost in her thoughts. Lost in the world. Sometimes she left the Kingdom for days at a time, to finally look up, realize where she was at and go back to the house that wasn't home anymore. This was one of those times when she looked up.

The Frozen Wings Cavern. In the Ice Kingdom. When had she crossed into the Ice Kingdom? Yes, she had noticed a slight temperature drop, but for some reason the cold had never bothered her. It frequently caused her to wonder if there was Ice Fey in her blood, despite the detailed family tree at the manor that stated this was not the case. The entrance was up ahead, should she go in? Her brother would be worried, as he always was. He had become so over-protective of her since their mother's death...not wanting to lose his last family member. The Cavern was always so peaceful...

DieNah walked decidedly towards the cavern. It was one of her favorite places. And there was something appealing about the Ice Kingdom as a whole.

[Silvar]

It had been some time ago that Silvar had spotted a Fey crossing the border that seemed so out of place. He'd let it slide, but made a personal point to follow her, because it was incredibly rare that one saw a Water Fey on this side of the Fissure (and he was fairly certain that was precisely what she was).

He had been particularly curious when she had crossed the Dark Kingdom's other border with the Ice Kingdom, for Ice and Water were never very good friends, their history a perfect example of that fact. She wasn't his problem anymore, because she was no longer in his Kingdom, but it didn't mean he was going to let his border patrol look sloppy. Didn't mean it wasn't fucking cold here, though, and he was glad that he'd been in his court attire when he'd spotted her in the first place.

A creature of shadows, Silv had never been accused of poor tracing skills, and he shadowed her as easily as any other prey, all the way to Frozen Wings.

As she approached the cave, he approached her, the shadows tight and unassuming at his feet as, despite the cold, his steps held authority (danger, once he stopped masking the sound of his footfalls).

"You're a bit far from your cozy little home here, aren't you," wasn't so much a question as a statement. If she was unaligned then he would reasonably have to leave her be (reasonably), but his words suggested that he knew she wasn't. If she were a solitary, she would dispute the fact, after all.

If not... he would have an excuse to cut her down where she stood.

[DieNah Bonaventura]

With a skirt that looked so much like a skinned fishtail, the gray-green tint to her skin, and her hair/eye coloring, DieNah was practically the poster child for the Water Fey. Her gypsy look, though, spoke of a love for adventure and a good time, fun to be had. Much more like the Wind than the calm, serene Water.

Lost in her thoughts as she'd been, there had been no notice of being followed. DieNah was quite startled to hear someone walking behind her, to hear his voice, though she covered it well. At her..."cozy little home", as he put it, there had been no room for someone who couldn't keep at least a semblance of calm when they were feeling anything but. Calm face, serene face, neutral face. Arms kept to sides. No little movements, no tics. Stop! moving your big toe; yes, the little ones, too. That one had always been her flaw. On land, though, her skirts usually hid her feet from sight.

With one last yearning look at the carvern mouth (Oh, how she craved the quiet stillness!), DieNah turned to see the Fey that disturbed her. Immediately, she knew this was a Dark Fey she was dealing with. If the bloodred eyes didn't do it, it was the clothes. And if not the clothes, then it was the way that shadows seemed to cling to him, the dangerous air about him.

"Cozy? I know no home such as this." Her strong voice had a musical aspect to it, somewhat deep and throaty. A song hid there that could easily entrance the mind and soul, had done so already to so many. Absently, she hit a bell, one of many hanging from her sash, with her fingernail. The clear ringing sound it produced the beginning of a spell or the product of a need to move, even she didn't know.

"Why would a Dark Fey be in the Ice Kingdom? You seem rather out of your element." This was said with just a hint of amusement, perfectly placed. Die really couldn't give the distal end of a viperfish for why he was there, her goal being to turn the conversation back to him.

[Silvar]

How interesting, though, that he would run across another Water Fey, even in such a short time after the last one. This one, however, only reminded him of how ready to kill the other one he'd been (despite how well the Light Fey had distracted him).

Silv felt no intrigue at the sound of her voice, and gathered little insight from her words, something that failed to fuel an assumption of neutrality for him. The sound of the bell put his senses on edge, though, and his eyes narrowed minutely. Her words, however, made him wonder if she was simply stupid.

"I believe the real question here is why would a Water Fey be in the Ice Kingdom," he responded, the bite in his voice something he didn't bother to hide. His fingers itched for movement but he kept them still. Neutral or aligned he already wanted to wring her neck and gut her like the fish she was, and he would be hard pressed for a reason not to.

"Perhaps you've gotten your history wrong," he proposed, tilting his head back only slightly because he belonged here far more than she did, "but you're either incredibly young or incredibly naive. Maybe a bit of both, but I would advise you take the time to understand your situation."

Unless she was aligned with the Dark Council by some fluke, he had no reason at all to let her live. Honestly? Why would he be here? At least he had the excuse of an alliance, no matter how potentially shaky it was. She on the other hand, likely had no such excuse, and it wasn't exactly a secret that his Kingdom was not exactly welcoming to those of the Light Council (and the ceasefire to begin with was something he personally despised).

[DieNah Bonaventura]

DieNah got the feeling that this Fey didn't care which side she were on. He might tolerate her if she were on the Dark Side, but would pick a fight for no other reason than boredom. She knew a bit about hand-to-hand, but it had been awhile and she had never been able to practice it much. When it came down to the real thing, knowing the theory just wasn't good enough. Would he dare shed blood if they were inside the cavern?, she wondered. It was said that there was a curse for any who disturbed the peace. Mere legend, of course, but some Fey believe in such things.

"I was more commenting on the extreme temperature than alliances. Water Fey have been known to live in extreme cold, if underwater." At this point, DieNah's voice changed. To someone who knew of Wind Weaving, her voice would sound distorted, like something recorded in one of those Light machines and played over and over. To him, though, it would be a very beautiful sound, automatically changing itself to fit whatever he saw as beautiful. "You, however, look rather cold to me."

It was a suggestion, and nothing more, but the temperature to him would decrease. Someone with no control would shiver and shake with cold, chill bumps would surely occur on any exposed skin even for more controlled fey.

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[Silvar]

Again, her words seemed to blatantly avoid his point, and it had begun to irritate him. He wasn't here to play games or even have a simple chat (and he was so growing tired of hearing her voice).

Silvar, though not very learned in weaving of any shape, had enough experience to recognize relatively well when it was being used. The Fissure alone had given him that much, and there were plenty of Fey under his command who had the talent for it as well. Still, the sound of her voice had changed, though it was hard to say what he found beautiful, and as the chill settled into his bones he grit his teeth against the cold.

But the curve of his lips turned upward.

It had been the only excuse he'd needed. Even without a declaration (true or false) of her alliances, he considered it an attack, because she was in no place to be putting a spell on him. If the sound of her voice was supposed to deter him, well... He had killed beautiful things before. But if she held any kind of skill in weaving vocally, he needed to shut her up.

"I'll take that as your answer," and as he spoke the shadows spread suddenly from beneath his feet. He held no hesitation in the way that he advanced on her, albeit a bit stiffer than normal if only for the cold (temporary, only temporary), the darkness a living thing that reached for her with a swiftness beyond his own steps.

Bind. Slice. Rip. Choke. The shadows were sharp and the intent to kill was plain in his eyes.

Run.

[Phaedra Acacia Rin]

There was a disturbance in her kingdom. Many years ago Phaedra had commissioned some very powerful magic wielders to place a barrier around her Kingdom so she would be made aware of any intruders who were not of the blood. Only the ice fey themselves were allowed to pass back and forth without there being any bells and whistles. Anyone of mixed blood would even make the sounds, which were for her warriors and herself, embedded in a small locket shaped like a snowflake. Though the mixed blood would barely make it trill, while those that were not ice at all would cause a very distinctive alarm. The Queen of the realm began to think that it having a certain tone for each type of fey might be prudent, but a lot of work. It was something to think about at least.

The noise was strong and there had been two of them. Her upper lip curled as she snarled, startling a few of the guards that were stationed all over the palace area. “Keep to your duties. If you are so easily startled then perhaps I need to replace you.” Replacement always meant death. To be picked for a guard was a high honor but if you needed to be relieved of your duties then you were a failure and it was a black mark against you and your family. Might as well be dead then fail a job in service to the crown.

“I will see to this intrusion, no one else is to interfere unless told to do so.” Her words were law and while some may want to protest they knew better. The Queen had a love affair with her own Kingdom but despised the weak that was infecting it as well.

It took her little time to find the intruders, in the cavern of all places. Her wrath built as she came closer and the temperature dropped drastically, the wind howling and picking up more then normal. How dare these pathetic fey invade her territory and in the sacred place of all things. The kingdom reacted to her because she was it’s ruler, and she let it take her rage and shape it into a storm just outside of the cavern that would tear flesh from bones.

“ENOUGH! There will be no fighting, no attacking nothing done here! Do you understand the words that I speak? For surely if you do not I will make you a part of this place right where you stand. This is a grave slight and will not be taken lightly.” Her icy cruel eyes looked from the obvious Water fey to the Dark fey, she had heard about him before, she knew a lot about the Dark from her one friend. “You,” she pointed to Silvar, “do you dare to cause trouble in the alliance in my kingdom?”

The Queen was doing her best not to tear them to shreds right there, with all the ice that was around her and them. How dare they, infidels! She was outraged and angry beyond belief.

[Silvar]

The change in the atmosphere was sudden, frigid and it wasn't the fault of the Fey in front of him, was about as far from it as possible. The wind whipped around them and Silvar remembered one of the many reasons why he made a habit of staying out of the Ice Kingdom in the way the chill seeped even deeper and the way it stung his face and eyes.

And of all the Fey who could have shown up here...

At the sound of her voice, though, the shadows drew back as suddenly as they had lashed out without ever reaching their intended target, curling back at his feet and all but vanishing in the wake of the presence she projected (rather physically at that). He straightened, gaze dropping momentarily away from the Water Fey before lifting again in a much less harsh (though still quite sharp) expression, the line of his mouth straight as he looked down (up) the finger that pointed at him.

Anger was clear there in her features, and while knowing enough to know who she was, he found himself wondering why exactly they had never met formally before or during the war (or after it for that matter). It would have made sense if they had, but it wasn't something that was particularly pressing just then, and he set the thought aside for a later date.

"I assure you," he stated, the single shred of humility something he exhibited only because he knew his place here, "it was not at all my intention to do so, as I was merely following a pest." The truth, for he had a feeling if she had caught him lying it would be the death of him (no matter how it would or wouldn't be taken within the alliance) because he was not ignorant to her capabilities. In a way, he had come more to erase a spot of trouble than to cause any (because he wasn't stupid as this Water Fey seemed to be).

It was only unfortunate that he hadn't realized precisely where in the Ice Kingdom that he had followed this particular pest. Unfortunate as well that he had seemed to forget how frigid this Kingdom was even to its neighbor (though the same could often be said of his own feelings on foreigners and mix breeds, in the end).

"Though I am aware you are far from incapable of dealing with your own pests..." ...this one was mine first. And he so disliked having to give up prey. In hindsight, he shouldn't have let her get across the border in the first place.

[DieNah Bonaventura]

If the sudden attack meant anything, it meant that her little test had worked. It seemed that she hadn't lost her touch with Wind Weaving as she feared, it'd been so long since she used it. And it was good to know that this particular Dark Fey, if she ever caught his name or position in life, was susceptible to her Wind Weaving. She would be ready in case he attacked her again, for there would be more wanderings and not always through nice territories. DieNah resolved relearn all that she once knew. She risked a glance at the Dark One before returning her gaze respectfully back to the Ice Queen. 'Starting with my Dark curses. Do I still have that deck of cards?'

It wasn't hard to figure out from the Queen's words that he was often the reason for trouble. Perhaps it was more of a good thing that she had interfered. And there would be no fooling or trickery with her, not that DieNah would. Despite the rumors of this bloody queen (the sudden storm was testament that most had their truths), something about her inspired an instant respect in Die. Yes, she was terrifying, but...awesome all the same. What would it be like to serve in her kingdom?

She supposed, in a way, that it would be her fault if he were killed, in the same manner as those humans who owed their deaths to her. Again, in the same manner, DieNah found herself not too worried over his possible death.

"I apologize for the intrusion, your majesty. It was not my intention to lead this over-aggressive lunatic to this holy ground." While some might think it ass kissing, Die truly meant what she said. She had wanted to see it, and to appreciate it. Not disturb it.

[Phaedra Acacia Rin]

There was nothing behind her pale as death eyes while she watched them. No emotion, no understanding, just the shine of light to signify that she was alive. Having the control over her self as she did now it could be turned off like a switch and she was enjoying this. Her first instinct had been to kill them both where they stood, screw the alliance and everything. Though that was the old hunger, the need to feel creeping upon her as it would for months if not years to come. You did not get rid of over five hundred years of senseless homicide as a hobby, in such a short time.

Having to shut her self off was essential to listen and not attack, but when they had both finished speaking she turned it on once more. Her features settled back into an almost malicious glint, eyes alight with anticipation, but her voice was calm. “To be following a pest you say? Then, oh Dark one, you were either stalking far too close to my kingdom then is necessary or proper, or…you have been following this quarry for awhile and have just now apprehended her. Which would mean you are very unskillful indeed.” Was she taunting him? No, she was speaking the truth as it was to her. If indeed he had been on her border then it was very suspicious and that bothered her enough to consider speaking to Etoile if need be. Either that or he was a terrible tracker, because no one would willingly follow prey to the Ice kingdom when you could take them out before.

“You are quite right. I take care of my pests personally, usually with my own bare hands.” Now that her power was back on and she had begun to pace about the cavern, they could feel the frigid chill roiling off from her own body. One touch and that would be enough to do many things, none of which were pleasant and all of which would be cold…and painful. “I forbid you, Dark one, to hunt anything in my kingdom. All intruders are for me or my warriors to take care of. It would be ridiculous to allow one from another court to do such a thing.” Her tone reprimanded him. Phaedra would never allow another to take care of her problems, to do so would showcase a weakness that she despised in others.

Standing so that she could keep an eye on the both of them and block the only way in or out, she looked to the female. “You do not belong here. This is a major trespass and all others of the Light variety that have even dared to set foot in my kingdom have met with a horrible fate. They are all still alive you see.” The Queen did not elaborate; it was none of their business what tortures and things she created to deal with those that got in her way or overstepped their boundaries. “I will not allow you to leave my kingdom alive little Water fey. You belong to me now.”

She could feel it, the rage building her power increasing and enfolding her. It was rapturous and she willed it to continue. Soon it would even be too cold in here for either of them to survive, as even her own Ice fey could not withstand their Queen at full power.

[Silvar]

The audacity that the Water Fey had was almost astounding, though, and it was almost hard to control the want to kill her. Almost, because the wrath of the Ice Queen was not something he wished upon himself, despite the fact that the two of them both seemed to have incurred it nonetheless. The miserable thing didn't even realize her situation at all, even now. How ignorant was she?

The Queen's words were, however, as biting as the cold in the cavern. He did not agree, though, that to be close to the border was something wrong. His kingdom was his kingdom, and it was only her border once he crossed it. He had the right to patrol his borders. Still, it was not something he would speak, not to her, at least. He was not exactly keen on dying today.

And as such, he kept quiet despite his disagreement. A poor tracker he was not, but perhaps a bit too susceptible to the chase. Politics were always such a pain in the ass, and he was steadily nurturing a rather harsh distaste for this woman.

As much as it would be interesting to see what she would do with the Water Fey, however, the steadily increasing cold was something to worry about. Did she mean to kill him after all?

"With your leave, then," he ventured, though remained unmoving other than to tug his cloak tighter about his shoulders (and how he hated to ask her permission more than he hated to give up his prey), "I will let you to your pest with my apologies for the intrusion."

Even if she refused to let him leave (as risky a decision as it might be in the long run), he hoped the Water Fey would suffer.

[DieNah Bonaventura]

The temperature dropped drastically, a curious sensation and she found it not a pleasant one. DieNah had never been physically cold before, Water Fey typically living in warmer waters. She had always had more of a tolerance for lower temperatures than her brethren, but this was something else entirely. Snow and ice swirled around the cavern, tossed around in conjured wind. Cobalt-green scales quickly formed all over her body (more than usual, was noted at the back of her mind), covering every inch of her (usually doesn't do that!), more like a snake's than a fish's. It helped, but not much.

DieNah wouldn't survive long in this; she had to find some way out, either by escaping the cavern or convicing the queen to let up. Die didn't know if she could reach the queen emotionally, playing on some imagined sympathy. She doubted there was anything she could do to impress the Ice Lady so much that she would be spared. Some rumors stated that she was absolutely emotionless, as cold as the Ice she ruled. Would she appreciate a Fey would was seriously considereing turning traitor to her own country? But then, what were Solitary Fey if not traitors to their kingdoms. Had DieNah ever even been part of her kingdom to begin with?

It was becoming hard to breathe, and thus hard to stand. She didn't allow herself to fall, to crumple to the ground. DieNah might respect the queen, but she wasn't going to give in. If she was going to fall to the ground, she would be dead; if she were going to freeze to death, it would be standing up. The only way to survive, she knew, would be to become invaluable to the Queen. The only question was, how?

Almost on impulse, without really any thought to what she said, "I think it would not be in the best interest of my health to leave, your Majesty."

Humbly, as though it were the last thing she would ever do, DieNah bowed to the Ice Queen.

[Phaedra Acacia Rin]

The Ice Queen could easily become carried away with her powers. Her abilities and especially now the newfound emotions that played havoc with her mind. She could very well freeze this entire place, cause the air that they breathed to freeze inside of their lungs and the soft liquid parts inside of their bodies to become cold and solid as ice. The thought did cross her mind, and the corners of her lips edged upwards into a smile, a sadistic echo of what her thoughts were. Yet, it was that thought that caused her pause, and she pulled the power back, ceasing the extreme cold for now.

“You may leave Dark one. Do so quickly, I grow bored and restless.” It was not a threat, just the truth. When Phaedra was bored bad things happened. These things were not just bad as in yelling and such, but entire families were brutally slaughtered over it. Her reputation, as well she knew, proceeded her in all things. The way she looked linked with her outrageous acts of violence and torture…her relish for bloodshed.

She would wait for Silvar to leave before paying any attention to the Water fey. Wait until he was far enough away, not to the border only because that would take longer then she cared to give it. Once the Dark one was far enough away that he would notice nothing, she turned on the Water fey with a grin only a predator could manage so easily.

A bow. The Water fey bowed before the Ice Queen and Phaedra paused in thought. Everything around them went silent. The storm outside stopped instantly and the wind ceased to move. The only sounds would be the breathing in the sacred place. “I am not your ruler yet you bow to me. Are you desperately trying to save your life? Do you think I have any shred of compassion in this body?” Phaedra smirked to the watery one but then began to pace, the wind picking up once more only this time it was a normal type of wind, lazy yet still cold.

Coming up behind the other, Phaedra stopped once more. “Just how much is your life worth to you Water one? What would you do to stay alive…well, I may not kill you. There are things worse then death and I have been called one of them.” The Queen reached out a hand and traced it over those interesting scales, enjoying the touch of something so foreign. Because she had her power turned on DieNah would feel the bone chilling cold of being touched by Phaedra seep in to every pore, but she made sure not to truly hurt her, only enough to warn.

[DieNah Bonaventura]

It was interesting to DieNah how calm she was. Knowing that there was no physical way to fight off the Queen ceased any struggles before they started, leaving her with an eerie acceptance of Death. It being inevitable also created a sort of apathy, nothing she did would help and (probably) nothing she said would help, there was no reason to do or say anything in false attempt to please the Ice Lady. Yes, there was the threat of torture, but something still entirely someone else's decision.

She was startled to see the storm die off as quicklu as it had started, and the temperature irise to a bearable degree. Why had she bowed to the Queen? It was a good question. It had seemed like a good idea at the time; a bow of respect to the one who was going to end her life. For once, Die didn't move as she came up behind her. Something long and thin and very cold, like a metal rod left outside on a cold winter night, stroked her scales. Die gasped, and then clamped her mouth shut. Showing was weakness. When she was sure she could control herself, she spoke evenly.

"I no longer consider myself part of the Water Kingdom, nor any land of Light." She turned to face her killer, breaking the contact in the process. "I know it makes no difference to you, but it is a recent decision, and I feel I should tell someone before I die." That if she didn't tell anyone, it would be left as just an idea in her head, that it wouldn't be real.

What could the queen have in mind to ask DieNah that question? Was the queen the kind to play these games with her prey? "I have not a hope of compassion or its ilk, for your reputation reaches far. And there is little I would do solely to save my life. A bit of fun, however, is quite a different story."