‘ olivia cooke, cis female, she/her, 31 / 310 , high fae’ ― cauldron save you. it seems SERALDINA EZRANA has finally made it to the capital, the DRAGON RIDER (OUTSIDE OF RULING FAMILY) from DUSK COURT is said to be RESERVED and is said to describe themselves with calloused fingertips, the scent of a fresh dawn, the harsh whip of wind and with all of this in mind their UNPREDICTABLE nature always seems to get them into trouble. may the mother hold them as they navigate this unthinkable time. dragon info: mara, orange, bonded for 2 months
‘ manny jacinto, cis male, he/him, 34 / 340 , high fae’ ― cauldron save you. it seems CAELAN LETRUSH has finally made it to the capital, the MERCENARY from NIGHT COURT is said to be SMART and is said to describe themselves with silent footsteps, the nimble nature of a cat, the determination of a dog and with all of this in mind their SNEAKY nature always seems to get them into trouble. may the mother hold them as they navigate this unthinkable time. ; *one kalore’s spy wc
emma d'arcy, non-binary, they/them, 29/290 , high fae ’ ― cauldron save you. it seems DIVINYA AFTERSUN has been teleported to the dusk court, the GENERAL OF THE ARMIES from DAY COURT is said to be CALCULATED and is said to describe themselves with the cut of a sword, the breaking of dawn, the smell of a fresh book’s page and with all of this in mind their DISTRUSTING nature always seems to get them into trouble. may the mother hold them as they navigate this unthinkable time.
‘ dev patel, cis male, he/him, 28/280 , daemati high fae ’ ― cauldron save you. it seems RAVI KALITA has been teleported to the dusk court, the PERSONAL GUARD from SUMMER COURT is said to be PROTECTIVE and is said to describe themselves with the scent of healing balm, a secret whiff of flowers under the twilight, the sharp sting of a sword cut and with all of this in mind their GRUMPY nature always seems to get them into trouble. may the mother hold them as they navigate this unthinkable time. ; *personal guard to cassiopeia dragomir
staying as busy as he could, it was somewhat easy for cedrian to slip into his role as high lord. his mind still lingered on his children, worry for them growing each day it seemed, but the high fae reminded himself that he couldn’t get lost in thoughts of home when those with him here were all he could take care of. he told himself his children were fine, and would be waiting to see him eagerly. he knew divinya may very well understand where his mind lingered, but he tried his best not to unleash his woes on all he crossed paths with. he trusted his inner circle explicitly, but ced would always struggle with leaning on others when it came to his emotions. “ i appreciate it greatly. ” there was no one he trusted more, it was why they were his chosen general. cedrian had picked or inherited all of his inner circle members, but each remained as such due to his complete and utter trust in them. he wouldn’t be able to function otherwise. “ i understand, i know you will do all that you are able. ” he doesn’t watch divinya closely, not wanting the other to feel as if he is picking them apart, but ced is attuned to most of his court at this point. he can tell that they are unsettled and does not blame them. “ not at all. i intend to meet with this new high lord, with an open mind, but as of now i trust none other than a very select few. ” the number of those outside of his court on the list were fewer than he’d admit.
there's a nod as they listen alone. although divinya isn't normally one to hide their emotions from others, they still don't make it a habit to outwardly show them unless to those that they trust. ced can read them, not unlike other members of their court can, and they find it to be an asset. it's a showing of mutual trust. "well, i do hope that goes well," they reply with another nod, considering. there's no telling whether or not the other high lord will be accepting of their allyship or not, but they trust their high lord to make the proper judgement. "is there anything else you wish for me to do, or should i continue to be on standby?"
a laugh rang out from the fae. " there has to be. how else do they get them to listen so well ? " aeri grinned and nodded in agreement. " they do. they are so intense. " they rolled their eyes. " it must be exhausting to have to keep up such a stuffy appearance. " aeri could never. they were quite the opposite, most likely much to their court's dismay. " at least they can throw a good party, " they noted as they gestured to the event around them. “ i'm thinking of getting my tarot read. need to see what the universe has in store for me. ”
he shrugs. he's never been interested in keeping up a stuffy appearance himself, but it's worked for him and his line of work. he's gotten pretty good at reading people, but never really been interested to know people beyond the surface level, especially not these new folk he just so happened to be stuck with. "if there's a dragon on your card, be sure to run and hide," he replies, smirking. he's nursing a drink but he needs about a thousand more before he's satisfied. "and you're right, the party isn't half bad. perhaps i can convince someone to cause some mayhem, we could use the entertainment."
“i'm not sure what i was expecting with a celebration here, but i'm not disappointed.” small suspicions arrested and tucked in the back of their head, exchanged for curious and observant. wishing to remember the details, perhaps to paint them later. these always had ulterior motives, but they wouldn't profess such a thing out loud. “the lanterns are lovely in this light. which is kind of ironic to say, but. the dusk court fills us with surprises, i suppose.” turning to their companion, imalda had chosen a lace mask to accompany otherwise dark - hued, indigo costume, lace and tied at the waist, as though they were adorned in ribbons. if one asked what the look was, imalda would respond art and nothing more. for that was explanation enough. “if they wish to put us at ease, it's working for me.” / @courtsongs .
if there's one thing that divinya doesn't like it's parties; events where there's such crowds that their eyes end up darting around all night. they wish that they could just have a few drinks and ease up, but it's easier said than done. even with a drink in their hands they still have the strong urge to go elsewhere, maybe get higher ground and examine the area, ensure no one wants to start any shit. still, though, they listen to the other quietly, and nod along. "it's nice," they say, which is the biggest possible compliment that they can give in that moment. they can't echo the sentiment of being put at ease, but they can understand it. "perhaps it's less to put us at ease and more to welcome us. in a way that's different than how they've welcomed us before, at least." they pause, their fingers tapping the glass in their heads, then they let out a small sigh. "i'm not one for parties. apologies if i'm not the best company."
it was given to not immediately trust the dusk fae, but she wouldn't be the one to truly make a decision in regards to her court and the dusk court. whatever suho decided on with the high lord would be what she would follow. barely having even spoken with the fae of the court they had found themselves in. "i don't really trust the fae either, but i was more referring to the dragons in the sky." the general replied as she looked up to the sky. "what's to stop them from just taking us out randomly?"
"well, that too," he replied, a small sigh leaving his lips. the mental image of being dangled from the mouth of a dragon was probably the least appealing mental image he'd had today. which is why he hadn't had a glass of wine in a few days, he's already too paranoid, the last thing he wants is to lose control and ask a dragon for a hug. although, maybe a drink is just what he needs. "perhaps they're friendly, like large cats. or perhaps they eat fae that they haven't marked as a friend. who's to say? that seems like the worst possible way to die, though, so i'll just keep my distance. the sky is for stars, not for those creatures."
aurora had said to get to know their guests. but there would always be a boundary between them and the others. an inconvenient truth known as trust. or the lack thereof. vesparia understood that her court had not been tested in the same ways the other seven courts were tested together—tribulations that would allow them to form allies or even make enemies plain and clear. relations with the dusk court, however, presented a torturous limbo. unknown if they would be friend or foe until...something were to befall them. this was where the spy came in. taking pages from tanvir's books, it was ves' job to sow the seeds, but the uncertainty in the other's voice told her to not push too hard. so, slowly, almost methodically, she put on a mask and softened her gaze as she listened, her expression one of understanding. "trust comes slowly," she replied gently, her voice carrying a hint of warmth as if she were confiding in him. "you’re not the only one who finds it hard to let down their guard, especially when everything is…so different."
i can't seem to figure them out, and normally, i find that easy. if that was the case, vesparia would make it easier. she would be as open as the books she carried. "perhaps there are things we’re trying to figure out about you as well. trust is always a two-way path… or so i’ve heard." she chuckled softly, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "though, i find it difficult to believe someone who finds us so hard to trust would be so honest about it." her tone was light, almost playful now, but her words were carefully crafted, designed to put him at ease without giving too much away. "perhaps we should start simple. names?" she offered, realising she never did give him one during their last conversation. extending her hand, she said "the other librarians call me lyria." her alias, punctuated with a smile that faltered just as her books slipped from her grip.
caelan's eyes darted around, as though he was examining the other and their surroundings. the sweetness to their voice was clearly intended to let his guard down, even the slightest bit. these days, caelan found it hard to be easy going, and he knew that he looked far more tense than he normally did. so, he tried to ease his shoulders, offer her back something, to show that he meant no harm and maybe pretend to trust her a bit. he wasn't being intentionally malicious, but he didn't gain people's trust easily by being completely himself. it was part of his spy nature. "you've got that right," he replied, shrugging his shoulders in a considerably nonchalant gesture.
he considered, then decided to put some truth behind his words, because the other was right -- you can't gain people's trust through pure deceit. "i don't believe it's that we find you hard to trust. it's more that we came here without choice, so naturally, our first assumption is that there's something malicious behind it." he was certainly shocked when he first woke up. "caelan. nice to meet you," he replied, reaching out to shake her hand. he could learn a lot about people through their handshakes; inside his mind, he was already taking stock of what he was learning about her. "i've always liked libraries. i'm guessing you spend a lot of time here?" he opted for a joke, throwing humour in his tone as he tilted his head. "can i find books on how to stop dragons from eating me? do i have to cover myself in something stinky? is there a code word, perhaps? a little dance i can do?"
the commander of the night court was not accustomed to roam about with answers, information did not evade him. one way or another, through his spies or otherwise, he uncovered every bit of dirt others would attempt to hide. anything that would pertain to the night court as a whole did not remain hidden from the commander for long. there was a lingering frustration that continued as days passed by and his abilities showed no signs of returning. here of all places he needed it more than anything, but until his gifts returned he did entirely rely on caelan and imalda to uncover what they could, and siara as well. which was not to say he did not have ample time on his hands, when he was not with his shadowsinger, he devoted his time to learning what he could through the grapevine and doing what he did best, reading others, observing their hosts. "precisely. i doubt their citizens will attack without cause, but there are other forms of torture they might be privy to, and until we learn their capabilities and their gifts, until ours fully restored, better to exercise caution."
"i had no doubt you would, even here. though eyes will remain you, because we're all a novelty to these lands in some manner." a slight twitch of his lips in response to the other's joke. since he had brought them into his cause, kalore had began to think of caelen and imalda as family of sorts. not a man who placed his trust in others, but his two companions had proved themselves ten times over. they could be trusted with imperative secrets, secrets he hated keeping from the spymaster of the night court, but one he could now share without placing her in a difficult position. no matter what happened, he could not implicate her in any manner. it was a some form of relief to share his tightly held thoughts to caelan. "your pride can handle a comfortable bed for a time, friend. you will not find nearly a proper sleep in the inn's in the city." his gaze once more meeting that of his spy's, "you will find many chatty mouths on the palace grounds. i have spoken to some of the titled faes, they do not seem entirely opposed to speaking to most of us, but not the inner circle yet, i am working on that. it's not as easy for them to speak freely with a commander, so that's where you and imalda will come in. i do however plan to work along with the other commanders, i have spoken with them, and spring and autumn have agreed to work with me, i will also work with day and dawn."
"i'm not fond of them, not yet, not until we know what their motives are. they could prove to be an ally or the entire opposite." living in isolation perhaps did not allow the thought processes the other courts employ. it was also possible their isolation may have made them too arrogant to work with the other solar courts. a brow rose with mild curiosity as the other spoke of the dusk general, "you will have ample time to change the general's opinion. the high family appears to not be entirely eager to get to their guests. as for the dragons, they do possess some sort of intelligence, to not attack any one of us. i wonder do they obey the high family? or their riders?" kalore nodded, "you will." not that the daemati held any doubts, neither had failed him thus far.
he almost wanted to scoff but he knew the other was right, a comfortable bed was more important than his pride. he just hummed an acknowledgment instead, his eyes darting around for a moment before looking back at the other, listening to him speak. to someone who might be familiar with caelan's demeanor, on a more intimate level than others, it would be easy to be able to tell how out of his element that he felt. putting his pride over comfort was something that kept him in control, although he knew in his heart that it wasn't the best way for him to be. hence, his friend's comment hit home, and couldn't find the words to respond.
he was right in the fact that the fae here were not chatty. getting any information out of them was proving to feel almost impossible. normally, they were pretty good at picking up signals from people, and finding where they lost their ambition and let themselves loose. "it's good to hear you're making well with the other commanders. i'm at a bit of a loss trying to get them to loosen up as well. i'm starting to think i need to resort back to eavesdropping. regardless, you can count on me to figure it out. as muhc as i can, at least. the more we know about them the better. at least for someone like me, without many connections and resources, at least." his defend yourself above all else nature has gotten him this far.
the thought of dragons made him shudder, he didn't like this topic of conversation. as cool as they were, he had very little skill to be able to hold them at bay if they attacked. he preferred to know his enemy face to face, in a more intimate level. "not sure. if you figure it out, we'd better befriend them." he sighed then, reaching up to scratch at his neck, suddenly antsy. "as fun as this topic of conversation is, i'm getting tired. i'm glad to have direction though, and a plan of sorts." he hummed for a moment, thinking. "any specific faces you'd like to see me befriend? or spy on, at the very least?"
discovering information in the dusk court was not going to prove easy to the spymaster. not that spying was ever something that was meant to be easy. adelaide couldn't blame the dusk court for not being so forthcoming to the unexpected guests within their court. it's not the other inner circle member's responsibility to discover things about the dusk court, but working together was often the best course of action. "i fear the dusk fae are very tight lipped here." having had no luck so far in any spying or conversations that she had had. "no friends made as of yet, they're all very closed off."
making new friends has never been divinya's strong suit, if it's one thing they're good at, it's scaring people away. people usually ignore them, or just don't refer tot hem at all, either out of respect or fear. so it's not as though they have that much experience in trying to get our secrets from the dusk court -- the one time they've tried, it was a bit more aggressive than they'd intended for it to be. "it would seem so. i'm not quite having as much success either. i am sure they're only tight lipped out of self preservation, but naturally my mind wonders whether or not they have worse reasons to be so." they sigh slightly, shaking their head. "i don't suppose we'll be privvy to those secrets anytime soon."
+++ open starter featuring vesparia as lyria, the dusk court librarian (@ofcourtfablesarchive)
the spy stood at the edge of the garden, fingers grazing the spines of the books she carried. the soft wind catching in her moon-silver hair as she spotted the figure across the way. their last meeting had been brief but memorable enough for her to pick up the thread of conversation as though no time had passed at all. "so," lyria began, slipping into the familiar cadence of her alias. a slight tilt to her lips as she took a step closer—almost as though their meeting had been a game she'd been playing all along, "has your view of the dusk court changed at all?" surely her home was more hospitable than it looked. her tone carried a warmth that was hard to place. she didn’t press, but there was a subtle pull to her words, an invitation to continue down whatever path their conversation had opened before. her gaze was steady, eager, yet patient as she waited for them to speak, to see if they remembered where they had left off.
he was getting a bit more used to it, a bit more familiar with everything. he still didn't quite trust anyone here, but at least now it was his normal level of distrust rather than a holy shit where are we level of distrust. their conversation had fallen into more easy territory; he didn't often voice his distrust for others, although he made it obvious. his intentions weren't something he normally discussed with others. sometimes he didn't even know his own intentions. "i suppose, they're easier to get along with after some time," he replies, shrugging slightly, but there's a hint of hesitation in his voice. finally; "it's just hard to trust them, even the nice ones, when we know nothing about them. i can't seem to figure them out, and normally, i find that easy."
Poppy looked at Ravi, concerned, but not wanting to alarm him. "Well, you are certainly exhausted if you haven't eaten and I am starving." She tells him, moving to sit next. to him the bench. "I was going to head to the kitchen and see if I can get something to eat. " She could hear the emotion in his voice and the last thing she wanted was to make him feel worse. "This place can get overwhelming I have found. But I have also found that there is nothing a good meal can't help. So, Ravi, would you please do me the honor of escorting me to the kitchen?" She stood up offering the crook of her arm to him, hoping he would accept her offer and join her in her late-night meal.
he nodded, appreciating the way that she was approaching this. it didn't make him feel small, didn't make him feel ashamed, and it was helping him work through his emotions. his anxiety is surprising to himself, so he's grateful to have someone to talk to about this, before he starts to spiral about why in the world he was having anxiety. "i would be honoured," he replied, offering her a small smile as he took her by the arm and let her lead the way. he still wasn't too familiar with where everything was right now. "thank you, by the way. i appreciate the kindness." he didn't go on about his anxiety, not wanting to bother her further. "what sort of meal are we expecting to find at this hour?"
taria has been a warrior her entire life, a member of an army in some form. as a child, it was a fighter in an orphanage, doing all she could to survive and make sure she and her sister survived. as a youth, she was put into any situation her adoptive parents could find to help curb the anger and violence the young fae possessed. she’s been around warriors for most of her life because of it, and knows how to interact. veiled words and false attitudes didn’t serve any of them, and certainly would not go far. a dry chuckle slips from her lips, “ i think you and i could manage it. ” at the next words, the general only nods. she knows. “ i am aware. i only hold those opinions against others if they chose to act out on those of us that have nothing to do with it. ” admits taria. her patience was thin. but she is relieved to understand the day general does not feel the same. “ nor am i asking for you to report to me, but to be a trusted partner. ” in theory all the generals were under her, but taria never felt that made sense. “ i am not sure how useful any of us are against winged beasts, but i think getting along is better than remaining at odds or strangers. ”
divinya nodded, appreciating that mindset. they may not be quick to trust anyone, but they always gave people benefit of the doubt, knowing better than to waste energy and strategy against those who wished them no harm. those things weren't mutually exclusive. at the offer of being a trusted partner, they consider it for a moment, looking the other over as they thought. part of being a general meant that you didn't turn down any allyship, you thought it through, and decided which worked best for you and allowed you the best advantage. given the presence of those winged creatures, divinya would be a fool to immediately reject the offer. the more the other went on, the more they seemed to be appealing to divinya's inner nature. "you're certainly right about that." offer considered, divinya offered a small smile, and a nod. "i do believe that a partnership between us would be mutually beneficial. my hope is that we won't have to fight those winged beasts. from what i've seen, those of this court are as confused about all of this as we are. what is your judgment of them?"
aeri grinned seeing a familiar face but of course feigned offense, crossing their arms over their chest. “ i hope i still carry an air of mystery around myself, ” they countered. “ all these new mysterious new court people and i'm starting to feel like old news. ” they moved to sit down beside caelan, stretching their legs out in front of them. “ unfortunately, no. i mean … hudson and i did claim a random bedroom we had woken up in as our own, but i don't think that is nearly my best work. doesn't look like it was in use anyways. ” they frowned, disappointed in their own lack of mischief as of late. “ although, i am determined to pet one of those damn things. ” of course the autumn fae meaning a dragon. “ do you think they are slimey ? scaley ? i need to know. ”
he could understand the idea of feeling like old news -- although, in his case, it helped his cause, he was sure it wasn't the same for the other. he stretched out his own legs, listening to the other speak. this court was boring, and he appreciated the conversation, in that it was enough to amuse him for now. "they must be scaley. i don't imagine they're very friendly, but maybe we can convince them otherwise. is there a dragon call, similar to those of dogs, we can use to tame them?" he sighed, the mental image of petting a dragon was a fun idea but he didn't want to get his head bit off. "i wonder if dragon riders would get offended if we even tried. they seem to take everything so personal. what do you make of these strangers?"
“i don't want to blame it on this place, i really don't. but i've been having the strangest dreams. i wake up and haven't any idea where i am.” such complaints felt rather small in comparison to the larger picture things unravelling outside of tyanna's reach. but she firmly believed in expression of her feelings, regardless of how big or how small. she did not shy backwards from them, and professed them to @courtsongs without inhibitions. “is anything like this happening to you?” tyanna also didn't want to feel alone in this strange sea, as though she had been set adrift.
it takes a moment for ravi to answer as he thinks about it. strange dreams are not foreign to him at all, but he can't quite recall if they've gotten worse or not since arriving here. "nothing outside of the ordinary," he says, but pauses as he considers his next line if thought. "for myself, it's not so much dreams as it is..." as a guard, it's always been in his nature to not reveal his hand or speak about the things that bother him. however, with tyanna opening up to him, it feels only right to grant her the same grace. he touches at his chest with the palm of his hand. "... sort of an anxiety, deep in the pit of my chest. it festers, far more than i am used to." he breaks eye contact, gaze flittering around before looking back over. "i assumed it was perhaps because i am out of my element, but it's certainly strange. it's as though my body understands that it's not where it should be."
nari was still not sure where she stood with all of these newcomers. torn between what she was being preached and what she’d been taught. her mind was well aware that she was overdue for a visit to the high priestess, but for some reason the lady shied away from the temple ever since her parents had passed. her faith was strained now more than ever, and guidance was not an easy thing to come by. still, the lady of dusk sucked in a breath, and smiled gently at the other. “ none needed. ” she could return to her reading at any time, and had been the one to choose to do so in such a public space. “ i am not sure, my lord. we are in such strange times. i believe the goal shall be to get you all home safely. ”
he hums in response, considering the other's answer. maybe to others that might come off as a false truth, but despite himself he feels inclined to trust the other's statement. from what he's seen, it seems this court is just as confused as they are about how they ended up here. he tries for an easy smile, and although it falls a bit flat, it's more than he's given these days. "i'm sure we all share that same goal," he says, letting the invite in conversation pull him closer until he comes to stand next to the other. he looks around. "it's a beautiful court, even if it is unfamiliar. i'm just a personal guard, you see, i'm not quite privy to the information regarding what is being done about this." his gaze shifts, and he makes eye contact with the other. "not that i'm asking you for any, of course. i do appreciate the hospitality we've been shown. although i'm sure you never have anything to worry about when it comes to conflict with those beautiful creatures you have."
miserable times carving out more moments together. the mentioning of dark magic has his lips twisting against the thought. “don't you dare throw out the concept of dark magic.” half a joke and half a warning, in return for the jest, which fell flat on its face. and not due to a lack of effort, but due to the circumstances. emissary flexes fingers at his side. “now, forces of light, we're talking about something more interesting. though, you'd think they would've been merciful and let us keep our abilities instead of stripping them away.”
though percy does not profess himself to be a fae who knows nor understands such spiritual matters. belief system which no longer aligns, mother and her kind which he acknowledges in the moment, but thus dismisses soon after.
mentioning of the leaders struggling dissatisfies him. he almost hoped the other courts figured it out and were just keeping the information from their brethren on purpose. like a fun little prank to be played. no, it all stems from true ignorance. illness spoken, which is received with a nod. “some are doing their best. others are doing nothing. it's yielding the same results.” he borders the line between thick and thin of these opinions. does not wish to speak too poorly lest unwanted ears do try to frame him. “you say that like you saw me worrying. do i look as though i'm worrying now?” of course, dismissal is the clearest way to indicate that he is, in fact, worrying. “you don't have to throw him off the trail, really.”
acts of service done on percy's behalf receive confused stares. he's accustomed to gifts, but not to time spent, nor towards things like this. especially not from a man who spies for a living. how he found out this tidbit of information still baffles him too. as does the reasoning behind keeping it close to his chest. “ugh. don't remind me about the sleeping.” pinches his brow, folds the skin at the bridge of his nose. “i've more than half a mind to make due outside.”
caelan shrugs. there's no telling what or who was the reason behind the situation they've all found themselves in, and although he pretends to be nonchalant about it and pokes jokes, there's still a rush of anxiety flowing in waves at the back of his mind. it's the familiar face that eases him enough to keep him rooted to the spot, engaged in the conversation when he normally would've pulled them elsewhere, or perhaps even stopped entirely, not unlike a cat that's found something else shiny to go spy on. he almost scoffs in response, but instead just shakes his head. "you'd think."
percival says do i look like i'm worrying now? and caelan wants to simply say yes, you really do, but he keeps his mouth shut. he figures that calling out the very obvious fact that they're both worried would do nothing to keep the conversation going. it's surprising to himself that he wants percival to feel comfortable around him, enough to perhaps someday express his worries, and it would be reciprocated. which is a stupid thing to think about, considering the fact that he hasn't opened up to someone in far too many years.
that thought shifts into the back of his mind as the other continues, and this is a conversation easier for him. "i have slept outside," he replies, his lips turning up into a smirk. "it's not at all comfortable. i gave up on the concept when i saw dragons flying overhead. stones as pillows i can handle. dragons as wake up calls, not so much. i miss pubs more than i should." and yes, he is referring to the fact that he often slept in them. and yes, he is also referring to the fact that the pubs here make him nervous, and out of his element.
an idea pops to mind. nothing too serious, but enough to perhaps ease both of their worries. "as we're both out of our element, i highly doubt that anyone would turn to see the two of us spending time together outside of our secret moments in alleyways," he starts, referring to the fact that everyone here seems to be trying to make unlikely friendships. "get a drink with me. let's spend the night at one of the pubs here, and we can both learn the lay of the land. no better place to learn about the unknown than the places in which they get drunk."
it'd been a couple weeks since they'd found themselves in the dusk court. ahra had started finding her way around the court more and more. the only thing that she wasn't fond of was the dragons roaming the skies when she was outside. "are you skeptical of them as well?" the general asked the other near her. "i'm not sure that i trust them."
caelan isn't even aware that he's being spoken to at first, and his gaze shifts to the other, taking a weirdly long amount of time to answer as he considers his response. "i'm skeptical of everyone," he ends up saying, although it sounds far less serious than it is. if nothing else, he has a bad habit of always sounding bored and disinterested whenever he speaks, as though every conversation is boring to him. he does, however, make eye contact, and engage in the conversation. "you'd be smart not to trust anyone until you get to know them, especially not a strange court. or you could make friends and trust everyone. what do i know?"
swift to spin upon his heel at being addressed, both brows raised to the point of vanishing in his hairline, feigning indignant surprise at the demands of the tone, gloved hand pressed immediate to his chest. as if it might still his heart from thundering off and causing a ruckus. “good morning to you too, my liege, the weather is quite fine for a walk, and what do you think of the breakfast to be served due to my lord's hospitality?” poignant questions, returned with razor - sharp intention. “the dragons are thus perched in their own chambers away from here. they pose no threat to you.” when it came to navigating questioning, he focused on one aspect at a time. he didn't expect to leap into this mask first thing in the morning, but he supposed it was a good thing he never completely removed it. “control is a matter of perspective. are they controlled in the way you'd like? perhaps not.”
the other is clever, they'll admit that, the conversation of control is expertly shifted into denial, a smart way of not showing their hand. divinya feels out of their element, even if they won't admit it, and they hate how such an unpredictable creature is held upon the hands of strangers. they'd never been one to approach with sugar rather than spice. typically, they make their allyships on fact, and mutual agreement. "i'm sure one can understand our concern, it's not as though control of the creatures isn't foreign to myself and the other courts who have been thrust upon your nation." they shift, trying a different approach, head tilting to the side not unlike a wolf examining their prey. "i will trust your statement. as for your lord's hospitality, i'm afraid i haven't been privy to it." they figure might as well throw them a bit of a line, even if they don't trust him at all, better to not immediately sharpen their tone around them. "perhaps you can appoint me in the direction of your general."
