The Court Traitor

(Indris Elba, 43 / 420, Rayne Malgrave, cismale, he/him) Underneath the sparkling sky, did you see INDRIS ELBA being tipped by the Cauldron? No, that's just RAYNE MALGRAVE, who is the 3RD IN COMMAND from HYBERN. I heard that on most days they're GOOFY and TENACIOUS but if you catch them on a dark night, they can be MANIPULATIVE and DETACHED. But if you really get to know them, you'll know that they vibe with MIDNIGHTKISSES UNDER THE FULL MOON, PRANKING HIS FRIENDS AND COHORTS WITH STUPID THING, and KICKING ASS, TAKING NAMES, AND GETTING LAID.

[flreclouds]

she can’t help the laugh that escapes her, “maybe they should.” she arches an eyebrow. “no one knows. i didn’t mean it like we already were known. but we’re all trapped with the rest of the courts. someone is going to figure it out eventually. and whether they keep it a secret is… another story.” she shakes her head. “i’m sorry, rayne. i did not mean to worry you with that. i just meant that i am not sure how much longer we can remain a secret.” she shakes her head. she had not meant to imply someone did know. just that she wasn't sure how much longer their secret would remain.

[gottagetmesome]

Though relieved, he didn't let it show on his face. Nonchalant was Rayne's default setting, and he liked it that way. When people knew your emotions and your business, things started to get messy. "Well, I suppose you're correct there." He hated the idea, though. The secret getting out, that was something he didn't ever want. Not unless they decided to tell people themselves. As a...well, not a family. Whatever they were at this point. "This place is starting to feel pretty crowded. Too many people. Too much information that you can never know what and who to trust or not. It's a mess."

[flreclouds]

“yes, i suppose more than a little,” she chuckles. she sighs, nodding when he speaks again. someone did do this, and they most likely were rather pleased with themselves. “yes, and at the very least, they’ve succeeded in scaring many of us. what better time to make demands?” and yet, nothing has been made clear. she leans into him when he takes her hand and rests his forehead against hers. “thank you,” she sighs, and she bites her lip, past emotions washing over her at the familiarity. but… as much as she wants, she can't. and she feels awful about it, when she can tell that he is offering. but it was never meant to last. she’s not sure anything involving herself ever is. zaina takes a step back. it’s small, but it’s enough. and she can’t stop the sorrowful expression crossing her face. because whatever curse had remained on her line, didn't seem to differentiate between something brief or not, if she liked her partner. “i’m sorry.” she shakes her head. but even if she felt like she could, she's not sure the anxiety of everything going on would be something she could forget about long enough.

[gottagetmesome]

Though it's a small step, it felt like a chasm opened up between them. Sorrow grips his heart and his eyes drop, disappointed. With everything going on, he thought she'd accept the comfort he offered. That she'd be happy to have him around, to take care of her and... Shaking his head, Rayne also takes a step back. "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have... I know it's over, I should respect your wishes."

Still, being with Still, being with her was better than being alone. Or even being with anyone else in this godsforsaken place. "Listen," Rayne met her eyes, sincere and slightly pleading. "I think we could both use some...company at the moment. Let's go talk. Catch up. Nothing has to happen but," his sigh drains him, and his shoulders slumped down as he finished. "I miss you, Z. Like a lot. I just want to spend some time with you. As friends. We can be friends, can't we?"

[starscfmalgrave]

IT HAS BEEN A LONG WHILE. Part of her wished to argue about it - wanted to have a fight right then and there. He was providing her with all of the reasons to holler at him - but, the silver flame in her blood stilled. Instead of a roar, there was nothing but cold silence in her veins. A sigh left her lips.

here they go.

"And I am the High Lady of Starlight. Last I've checked, our courts were lifelong friends. Or do you intend to sever that bond? I doubt your High Lord would appreciate it." she knew there was no one around them, but still the tone of her voice turned softer, quieter.

another sigh leaves her lips.

"I am not better than that, Rayne. Not when this threat looms over the entirety of our world. You can't run away from this. None of us can. We can't even leave Winter." however, she shrugged, "But, if you want to speak of something else, we will speak of something else. How do you fare in Hybern, brother?"

[gottagetmesome]

She was right, of course. Starlight and Hybern were friends. And as he kept reminding himself, Starlight was still home. He sighed, nodding along with her dialogue. As much as he missed home–and even his siblings, though he'd never admit it–the fire still burned in him. After centuries, he still felt the betrayal of not being chosen. And of course, he knew that it wasn't her fault, and that Tia didn't choose it. But being bitter and awful was just easier than feeling that pain and admitting to how he was feeling.

"I certainly didn't mean it that way, Lady. But being lifelong friends does not equate to being one and the same court." But he shrugged lazily, doing his best to appear nonchalant and unaffected by her presence. Pulling some shadows around them so they were hidden from view, he leaned against the wall with a casual grace he'd perfected over the years. "Things are well, thank you, sister. So kind of you to ask. Though, this new predicament we've found ourselves in certainly complicates things. Tell me, how are you handling keeping your secret safe while surrounded by every other court?"

[flreclouds]

it would give others something to use against her, if she gave into her emotions. she won’t give that up. so she remains polite, even when she dislikes others. the most she’ll do is refuse a handshake — and if everyone knows that she dislikes touch, they can’t so easily use that against her. unless they decide to kidnap her… “i suppose someone does. although if everyone left the mountain lions alone, would anyone need to?” she grins. but she does expect if he did, he’s strong enough to take them on and still be here. “with our attendance here, it was going to come out one way or another, even without being trapped.” astoria replies, shrugging. they can hardly claim to be part of hybern when they are very clearly led by another.

[gottagetmesome]

Sighing deeply, Rayne crosses his arms over his chest. "More like they should leave me alone," he mutters like a child, under his breath. But it's her next words that cause his face to turn to stone, his arms falling at his sides as he tilts his head. "Are you saying that they have already found out?" Sure, he was threatening to out them, but he never would have. Not when he still considers that his home, and knows he'll be back some day. "Who knows?" His throat went dry, hands tense in fists.

[flreclouds]

she takes in his scent as it surrounds her when he hugs her, squeezing him lightly when he kisses her head. she had missed him, and she lets herself get lost in him for a moment, before he pulls back and she drops her arms, a soft smile on her face. “if anyone is, they might be a little bit insane.” she chuckles a little.  she knows that most of them are far from okay. she wouldn’t blame him if he’d been snarky at all. “interesting is one way to describe it.” she chuckles a little. “i do, too. it’s… as much as winter may try to make us feel at home, it isn't. and the lack of...” she trails off, because while she thinks it's likely that winter is just as clueless, she's still irritated that there seems to be no progress when everyone is trapped in their land. she does know he means the starlight court, and she can’t imagine having left her home for another court, and being fine with it, no matter the reason. and of course she’d always kept the secret. her position as high lady had not changed that. she had vowed to protect the starlight court’s secrecy from even her own court until they decided to reveal themselves. and now that they are here, she will look out for them just the same as she does for all. but no one needed to know that she knew. their relationship with the world was their own choice.

[gottagetmesome]

"More than a little," he muttered, his eyes going far away as he desperately wracked his brain for answers. But still, none came. And now the absence of her temporary warmth hit him like a bull in the gut. He looked into her eyes, and offered her the softest, most genuine smile he could muster. "But someone did this, and whoever it is, I bet they're just thrilled."

Reaching for her hand again, he took a step closer, holding it to his heart. Sighing, he tilted his head so their foreheads touched, closing his eyes. "I know, love. Though, I have to admit, I haven't felt more at home in decades than I do in this moment." His voice was soft with anxiety, afraid that he might ruin this moment. Afraid to let reality come crashing back in. "But hey, if you need anything while we're here. Anything at all..." He left the offer hanging there, hoping she'd reach into the opening, hoping she might give him what he so desperately needed. If he could spend just one night in her arms again...

The Lord of Starlight didn't let himself go any farther. If he got too carried away, he knew he'd only be sorely disappointed when she didn't want what he did. The pressure in the air surrounded them, though, and he felt as if the rest of the world had stopped existing, at least for as long as they were in this moment, together.

[flreclouds]

zaina steps into his arms when he opens them, needing the comfort. “thank you,” she smiles softly. she does feel bad for having ended things like she did, because she does like rayne, she always had. but her feelings couldn’t go above her people, and she is certain that there is some curse on her family, because every relationship she’d had that had gotten serious, where she had developed feelings, if she did not end it before it could go wrong, it seemed to end in the death of her partner. she couldn’t let that happen to anyone else. “i have been well. despite, this,” she waves a hand at the palace around them. “my people are happy, or at least i do my best to try to make them happy. they are… less than pleased now, though.” and while callum had reassured her that her people would stand by her, that dawn did not expect her to fix things, other reactions had given her a much different impression that she was expected to fix this. “and what about you? how have you been? how is hybern treating you?”

[gottagetmesome]

Having her wrapped in his arms again broke his walls down and he found himself burying his head in her hair. It brought him back to a better time, and he smiles, kissing her head softly. "Anything for you, beautiful." Rayne closed his eyes, letting himself get lost in the moment as they both stood in silence for a few moments. The scent of early morning roses hit his nose and his arms squeezed tighter before finally letting her go, school his face back into a flirty smile. "Of course. I'm not sure anyone is enjoying this at the moment."

How was he? Rayne bit back a snarky reply; she didn't deserve his hurt or anger. She'd done nothing wrong and everything right. Well, almost everything. Grinning, he gestures around him. "Well, things are certainly interesting. I don't hate it, but...I do miss home quite a bit." Not that he thought about it often, considering the wave of hurt that hit him every time he did. But he knew Zaina would understand. She was literally the only person, outside of his Hybern family, that he'd told about Starlight.

He hoped she kept his secret all these years, but he had a strong feeling she had.

[flreclouds]

she doesn’t think rayne ever really liked her, although that hadn’t mattered. he was tia’s brother, was his parents’ son, she would always keep an eye out for him, if only for them. she’d been the second for his parents, and out of respect for them, she’d always look out for their family. even if she was cold to others, she’d always made a point to be kind — but never fake — to the malgraves, no matter whether they got along all the time. but he’d also hurt tia, and she wouldn’t forgive that for a long time, as petty as she is. “indeed.” she hums, chuckling. “well that explains why you look so rough. off battling mountain lions.” she teases. “doesn’t it?” she muses.

[gottagetmesome]

Her distaste was evident, but Rayne still respected her decorum. After all, he knew he wasn't an easy person to like or get along with. But Astoria, ever the diplomat, hardly ever let her emotions get the better of her. Even though he was sure she must not trust him, and likely didn't even like him, she would always show him the respect that she felt his family was due. It was rather boring, honestly. He could hardly even goad her into a fight. He puffed out his chest, smirking. "Well, someone's got to do it."

In fact, he'd had some run-ins with the creatures once or twice, and he was always the one that walked away. So it's not like the statement wasn't true. Leaning in close, whispered loudly. "I'm sure my dear sister is taut as a bowstring wondering when all the courts are going to discover ours." The smirk remained in place, delight shining in his eyes.

[lightbcrn]

"Decades? Has it been? I'm terrible with time. It's just so boring and linear." Icarion's grin didn't waver. If anything, it stretched wider and brighter. "But yes, emotional, all of that. I'd cry if I wasn't so dehydrated. They have tea, though. Dawn's High Priestess made it herself. I might be poisoned but at least it's fancy." Icarion drifted closer, hands still in his pockets, posture so relaxed he might have been horizontal.

"Do I need a reason to find my favorite brother? My only older brother? The one who abandoned me to a court full of vipers and my sister?" He pressed a hand to his chest, a picture of wounded innocence, honey eyes behind his lazy smile. It was exhausting, performing for someone who had known him before his mask existed. Did Rayne remember the boy who cried at fallen stars and mediated sibling spats with genuine tenderness? Icarion wondered if that boy was still visible, perhaps a hint of him, in the shape of his smile. He hoped not. He couldn't afford to be seen.

"You looked like you were brooding here all alone. I thought I'd rescue you from... well, yourself."

[gottagetmesome]

Rayne did indeed remember Icarion's history, and he also remembered the look on his brother's face when he left. Blood rushed to his head and he steeled himself, not letting his own mask fall as the memories he'd kept locked away so long came coming back. His eyes shone with nostalgia, but he smiled lazily along. "Seems you turned out okay even without my help, no? Besides, Tia isn't that bad." In all reality, Tia was a great sister. She was kind and loving, thoughtful, caring. He could go on and on.

But it didn't stop the rage he felt at the throne picking her over him. He knew he had no right to be angry; she didn't make that choice, it was made for her. Still, his blood heated when he thought of it.

[flreclouds]

she feels like she has a whole laundry list of things to do, and she has no clue what the timeline for this even is. and in a rare moment where no one is hovering over her to make sure she is okay, and she isn’t in the middle of attempting to check in on anyone, she closes her eyes, taking a deep breath, and then slips into the corridor for a moment alone. she really does consider throwing all etiquette and caution aside and demanding winter do something, but she thinks that will not go well, especially if they are feeling just as lost. and she will not allow anyone to simply blame the winter court without solid proof past the trapping of them all in the winter court. but when she hears that whistle, she turns, a smile slipping across her face as she takes in rayne. it certainly had been a long time, even with him being hybern’s third in command, and her having kept a friendly relationship with hybern throughout her time as high lady. the position did not leave her much time for leisure or simply travelling. “rayne! now aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” she smiles.

[gottagetmesome]

His arms opened instinctively, inviting her in for a hug. "Well, you're not looking so bad yourself, there, High Lady." Rayne wasn't bitter or anything, even though he'd really felt something for her when they'd been together. And he understood her decision, her need to focus on what was important instead of a silly little fling. But it still stung sometimes when he thought about what he had lost. "Tell me, how have you been? I've heard you've taken to the throne quite nicely. Your people are happy, I take it?"

[flreclouds]

astoria had kept quiet, during their time in winter, kept to herself and tia, as well as the few friends she’d had, most of whom she’d met since arriving in winter, while under the false memories, as sad as some may find it. the seraphim had a hard time with trust, and with their court hidden away, there wasn’t much room for making friends when she was focused more on ensuring the safety of her high lady as well as keeping their court safe. she had found friends through that, but the list was still short. she had hardly expected to see rayne of all the fae trapped here. surely they could have… avoided this encounter. or at least, she could have spied in peace… just enough to know tia is safe, not caring about his activities otherwise. she had been loyal to his parents, had trusted them, and had grown close to tia because she’d been close to her parents. and while tia's siblings may not all like her, she had always kept an eye out, would still protect them even if they didn't like her. but she resents that he had left just because he didn’t get the throne. it was… childish. more importantly, it had hurt her friend. the seraphim regards rayne when he greets her, “look what the cat dragged in…” her glare shifts to a slight smirk. “well, i’m here, aren’t i?” she says in lieu of a real answer. “and yourself?”

[gottagetmesome]

Her obvious surprise might normally amuse him, but he was having a bit of a rough night. But behind that gaze there wasn't as much hatred as he'd expected. Astoria had always been a kind person to him, even when he didn't deserve it, but there was no way the two of them would ever be friendly again. Not when he had every intention of finding his way onto that throne himself. "Also here, thanks. And it wasn't so much a cat as a rabid mountain lion. Used me as a chew toy and spit me out right on the front steps." By his smirk, it was impossible to tell how much of that was a lie, and he lifted an eyebrow, as if in a challenge. "Really, I mean this whole 'trapped in winter' thing is getting a little old, isn't it? Makes it a bit hard to keep secrets, I'd bet." The meaning was clear in his words, and the smirk remained firm on his face. No, he had no intention of giving up his home like that, but it couldn't hurt to make them sweat a bit.

[gottagetmesome]

Staying away from his sister so far had been a piece of cake, but somehow, he hadn't thought of her best friend being around and blowing his cover. As Rayne took in the scene, Astoria's eyes landed on him and he cursed under his breath. Leave it to her to be the first to know he's back.

He'd never liked her to begin with, but now...well, now the way she was looking at him made him want to lock her up in the basement, along with his stupid sister, while he ruled as the High Lord he was always meant to be. But of course, with everyone so on top of each other here, there wasn't much opportunity for him to even try any kind of ploy to take back his throne. Smiling smugly, he buried his feelings and sauntered over to her. "Well, fancy seeing you again. It's been ages., really...how are you?"

[gottagetmesome]

Being trapped in this place was literal hell, and it had little to do with the fact that he had to avoid his sister at all costs. Everyone cramped together in one room for so much of the time was suffocating, and he was sick of it. Taking the moment to slip away, he found himself following a familiar brunette beauty down the corridor, waiting until they were far away from prying eyes and ears before he whistled low. "Well, haven't you just aged like a fine wine." His smirk was evident in his words as he leaned back against the wall, waiting for her to turn around and face him. It had been at least decades since he'd seen his lover, now ex, but the way she moved still did it for him.

[lightbcrn]

to: @gottagetmesome

"The thing about murders in frozen palaces is that everyone gets so serious. Where's the fun? Where's the whimsy? Someone died. Tragic, yes. But also an opportunity. When else do you get to see this many powerful people trapped in one room, pretending they're not terrified?" He doesn't greet Rayne. Icarion simply starts talking as if he's been part of the conversation all along, because he decided he is, and reality has a way of bending around his decisions. He finally glanced at Rayne, honey eyes bright and utterly unreadable. His smile was lazy, lopsided, the smile of someone who had never needed anything from anyone and wanted you to know it.

"Missed you at my birthday, by the way." He clicked his tongue. "I'm keeping a tab. The interest is crippling. You'll be paying it off for decades. Lucky for you, I'm very patient. And very generous. And very, very humble. Truly, I'm a gift. You're welcome."

[gottagetmesome]

Icarion. Rayne practically growls when his brother's voice reaches his ears. Shaking his head, he doesn't even turn or acknowledge his presence, but after a while, it becomes obvious that he must. Smiling a wolf's grin, Rayne turned to Icarion. "Brother, ah. Isn't it so wonderful to see you here. It's been decades, hasn't it?" His eyes remained narrow and wary, but his body language presented a different idea. He was tense, but also relaxed.

"I'm not sure humble is a word I'd use to describe anyone in this family, honestly." He looked around, ensuring there was no one in earshot. Though his heart still thumped with the idea of revealing Starlight to piss off his family, it was still his home. After all, he grew up there, and spent the better part of his life walking the halls and running through the streets. Shaking his thoughts away, he finally meets his brother's eyes, and sees malicious plotting. "Did you come looking for me for a reason, or...?"

[starscfmalgrave]

AS FAR AS FAMILIES GO, HERS WASN'T THE HAPPIEST. Not for the last fifty years or so, since Starlight's previous ruling monarch - their father - succumbed to an illness and the throne of Stars passed onto her - the second eldest of the Malgraves. She expected uproar and, dare she say it, a temper tantrum from her, couple of decades older brother, but what she did not expect was for Rayne to pack up and desert the court of Starlight entirely, leaving behind himself nothing but shadows and a heated arguement that involved the rest of the surviving Malgraves.

and all that just to become the third in command of Hybern. Tia had loved her brother - loved all of her siblings - with her entire heart, but with the recent events that had occurred, she found herself unable to forgive - forgive the fact that he left. Not just her, but their entire family, their entire court, and for what?

it seemed to her now that magic knew why it chose her, instead.

Still, as much as it pained her to keep herself removed from her brother's presence, Tia was aware of her duties - and the recent terror with the Midas made her aware of the necessity to speak with Rayne.

with a sigh, she followed to where she'd noticed him leaving moments ago.

The polite, albeit a bit strained, smile blossomed upon her lips, refusing to turn bitter at his word. "Lord Malgrave." she greeted, an incline of her head the return of the curtsey. "We ought to speak of this... thing that befell our court. And, it seems, the rest of Prythian, as well."

[gottagetmesome]

The way she used his title ripped at him in the most menacing way, but he kept the smirk on his face. "Sister. It's been a long time, hasn't it?" He stood back up, leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest. "Our court? I'm sorry, Tia, what court is that, exactly? Last I checked, I am the 3rd of Hybern's court. And you...?" His eyes burned with challenge, and he kept his ears perked, senses alert for any lingering footsteps or anyone that may be listening in. ,

"Besides, that's hardly the way to great your big brother, is it? With talk of business? Come now, you're better than that. Aren't you?" The glimmer in his eye grew, and though he was sure she wouldn't rise to the bait, he loved to watch her squirm and resist all the same.

[gottagetmesome]

So far, he'd successfully avoided Tia since they'd been locked in this unfortunate hellhole. It hadn't even been that hard, seeing as she seemed to be too busy trying to make sure no one found out about Starlight. Rayne huffed a laugh, shaking his head. He could blow her entire court out of the water with a few simple words if he wanted. But something inside him didn't want that secret out, either. His eyes searched the crowd for his 'sister'; he'd just seen her only a few moments ago talking to some diplomat or squire or something, but he'd lost track of her when he ran into one of his lady friends.

Cursing, he made himself smaller, trying his best to find a corner so he could find her before she found him. Fumbling his way through others, but very gracefully, he had almost made it to the corner, but something felt wrong. And before he could even think, he whipped around and let out a long, anxious breath. His eyes locked on Tia's and he smirked, sketching into a bow immediately. "Your highness."

[gottagetmesome]

Male (he/him) || 43/420 || Court of Hybern || Third-in-Command

The Court-Traitor

(Indris Elba, 43 / 420, Rayne Malgrave, cismale, he/him) Underneath the sparkling sky, did you see INDRIS ELBA being tipped by the Cauldron? No, that's just RAYNE MALGRAVE, who is the 3RD IN COMMAND from HYBERN. I heard that on most days they're GOOFY and TENACIOUS but if you catch them on a dark night, they can be MANIPULATIVE and DETACHED. But if you really get to know them, you'll know that they vibe with MIDNIGHTKISSES UNDER THE FULL MOON, PRANKING HIS FRIENDS AND COHORTS WITH STUPID THING, and KICKING ASS, TAKING NAMES, AND GETTING LAID.

Who is Rayne?

Eldest brother of Starlight, Third-in-Command of Hybern. He grew up relatively close to his siblings, though always felt like an outcast anyway. All his life he felt that he was missing something, though he was being prepared to take the throne. But when his younger sister was chosen instead, it solidified his feelings that he didn't belong in Starlight, so he left.

Starlight royalty to Hybern third

When he left his court and his sister, he traveled for a while, visiting all the courts for a time, before settling in Hybern with his good friend Suro. While there, he became a trusted member of their court, and was soon offered the position of Third in that court. And so he never looked back.

But who is Rayne?

Arrogant. Proud. Goofy. He a ho. While he has a fun and friendly presentation, underneath it he's a bit of an asshole. He's got a girl in every court, at least, and plays around on them all. Rayne likes to mess with people and play pranks, which are sometimes very stupid and sometimes...well, one time, may have resulted in some casualties... Overall, though, he is a great friend, extremely loyal to Suro and his new court.