( Lana Parrilla , 48/600, Catalina Ailin, cisfemale, she/her + Daemati + Fire Witch ) Underneath the sparkling sky, did you see LANA PARRILLA being tipped by the Cauldron? No, that's just CATALINA AILIN, who is the HIGH LADY from AUTUMN. I heard that on most days she’s WISE and DISIPLINED but if you catch them on a dark night, she can be RUTHLESS and DANGEROUS. But if you really get to know them, you'll know that they vibe with THE SOUND OF HIGH HEELS AND A HEAVY STEP ECHOING AROUND THE CORRIDORS OF THE PALACE, RED JEWLERY ADORNING HER NECK AND CHEST, A DAGGER IN HER BELT AT ALL TIMES IN FULL DISPLAY. ( nads, GMT-3, 36, she/her)
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BASICS
FULL NAME: Catalina Ailin
AGE: 600
PLACE OF BIRTH: Autumn court
GENDER: Cisfemale
PRONOUNS: She/Her
SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Bisexual (though absolutely no one knows)
TITLE: High Lady
FACECLAIM: Lana Parilla
BIOGRAPHY
Becoming the High Ruler of Autumn didn’t come as a surprise to Catalina. She was raised to rule after her parents and she knew that was her life purpose. Growing up she focused on learning about history and politics and when she was old enough, she was her parent’s shadow during their ruling until it was her turn. When the time came to take the title of High Ruler, it fit like a glove.
As a young fae, she was never interested in romantic love and relationships so when her parents suggested that her reign would be better if she had a husband who was powerful, she simply accepted. It was going to be like any other court position for the man, something strictly political. They didn’t even share a chamber. But even if the man was powerful because of his family and status, he was a small pathetic man who didn’t like that he was second to her. In the beginning of her ruling, it was small things: he tried to put her down, treated her badly to which she didn’t even bat an eye but as the years passed, he started to try to interfere in her reign. Catalina put a stop to his silly plans but he started to get a few allies among the powerful families in the Atumn court.
But one night, Catalina had enough. She didn’t need this, she could rule on her own and the last straw was when he threatened that one fae she really cared about. He had found out about it while reading one of the journals she keeps and threatened to expose her little weakness.
Catalina didn’t think twice about it, entering his mind and luring him to a secluded part of the castle and once there, she let his mind go so he would be conscious for what happened next. With a swirl of her hand, she set him ablaze without warning.
When Régulo arrived, followed closely by Omar, Catalina was standing over a churned corpse. He tried to attack me, threatened our family, our court. I had to do it. She said in tears, her performance was flawless.
Her youngest brother decided to take the blame for it and she didn’t stop him. She knew it was going to be easier that way, have him be the one that did it and her to be the benevolent ruler that forgave his brother, even thank him for defending her. But she made sure the message was clear for anyone who tried to side with her late husband. Do not attempt to fuck with the Ailin family.
zaina tilts her head, listening to catalina’s suggestion. “i will make the suggestion to send the spies. perhaps we ought to focus on the ones from the continent the most…” she muses. “have you met any of them? i’ve noticed a couple, but i don’t know what to make of them yet. it’s odd they’ve suddenly appeared.”
“no, i haven’t been able to speak to her yet, which makes me more suspicious. i intend to reach out to her second in command. if i cannot speak to the high lady, perhaps i can speak to her second.” she replies. they need to find out where starlight stands on everything going on. “do not insult my guard.” her words are steady. she may respect the other high lady, but she will not tolerate insults. even if they have to work together.
The Continent fae seemed completely suspicious. They probably weren't even invited to the Winter Gala and somehow they are now here as well and in the middle of all of this. They are not part of Prythian's ruling and Catalina couldn't even begin to imagine an alliance with them. "I have yet to meet any of the Continent fae, no." Catalina hadn't left the palace much as of late but they better keep an eye on those they do not trust. "Yes. I'm afraid we don't have any spies in my court but I will tell my Commander to pay special attention."
Even if she's willing to work with anyone just so they can leave this damned place and go back home, she doesn't trust the Starlight inner circle. "Anyone who is willing to explain what is going on would be wonderful, truly." Catalina fought hard the need to roll her eyes at the other High Lady. "I'm not insulting him. I don't even know him, but he is an Illyrian and without their powers, they can't fight." She stated, making her previous point. "If witches are and Cauldron Made fae are the only ones with powers, no matter who they are or what position they have taken, perhaps we should recruit them. Help them if they need. They might be the key to help and protect their courts." Herself being one of those still with powers but she wasn't advertising it just yet. Let them believe she's frail and unprotected.
Renatus didn't fight the retreat. He let her back him against the wall, let her words wash over him like a wave of heat: familiar, searing, with the same fire that ran through his own veins, turned outward. She was good at this. Always had been. And maybe she was right, maybe he had no standing to ask. Maybe his time away from their home court had cost him the right to question how she handled the family he'd left behind. She turned, started walking, and he watched her for a long moment, the tails of her gown still settling from the force of her spin. Something in his chest folded quietly inward.
"I'm not telling you how to do your job," he said, the edge gone now, replaced with something softer, sadder. "I'm not even telling you how to be a sister. I wouldn't know how. I haven't been a good brother in centuries, apparently." He began walking again, slower than before, his satchel heavy on his hip. "But I'm going to see him tonight, as someone who knows what it's like to watch a body burn and wonder if you're still a person afterward." He drew level with her but didn't look at her. "Lead the way to the chambers. I won't bring it up again. Satisfied?"
Yes, Catalina was satisfied but she wasn't happy. Being questioned like this, out in the open in a strange court full of strangers wasn't something any of them should be doing. Why worry now about the dead Lord when they don't know if they will ever be able to go home? If anyone heard, it could jeopardize Catalina's hard work and alliances. She doesn't care what anyone would think about what happened under her roof, under her ruling but she did not want to put everyone in danger because of it.
"Not everyone has a problem with watching someone burn if it is for the right reasons. Your situation and Régulo's are not the same." Catalina said as she walked, her eyes focused forward while they marched together, side by side towards the Autumn quarters. "You'll find that he has been treated fairly by me. I don't think he feels like I've abandoned him. In fact, I've offered him to let me know if he sees anyone gossiping about it and I'll see it's dealt with." When Régulo told her that there had been whispers about them, about him, she was furious and read to put anyone who dared question her in their place.
Régulo held hos head high at his sister's words. It was difficult to glare back at the fae who whispered such things when you were already branded as guilty. But, if things persisted Catalina would take action to protect their family.
The Allin's were so close knit as a unit, that there were times that they were a bit too tightly knit. Times where accountability needed to be taken yet was not.
"I won't. Not while the rest of the courts are in chaos" It would be no use coming out as innocent and telling the truth with all the other murders. No, it would only bring more attention to the autumn court.
Catalina took a moment to compose herself, letting go of her brother's face and stepping back, pacing around his new, temporary room. She let out a long breath, one hand on her waist, the other under her own chin as she got lost in thought for a moment. There were more important things at hand and worrying about something that happened in Autumn and was only pertinent to the Ailins was the last thing she needed. She made a mental note to talk to Omar about this and see what he thought of it and she hoped she didn't need to trap Régulo in this chambers. It wouldn't look well.
"I'm trying to get us all back home, Régulo." She said more calmly now. "I do hope I can trust that this is not something I have to worry about on top of everything else." The High Lady sentenced like it was more of a demand than a request. It was always like that with her.
☆ﾟ*·ﾟNODDING, SHE GAVE her a small smile. Kenna and Omar had been close enough over the years they'd worked together that the two of them could always make something work, no matter what. "The arrangement is good enough, of course, Milady. It helps that we are both nearby and able to reach each other should something happen." Watching her talk about the two of them, she wondered how much Catalina actually cared about them. She never showed a lot of her emotions and it was always something that Kenna liked to try and figure out, whether or not she was good at it. Shaking her head, she fixed her posture, standing up straighter. "Neither of us would let anything happen. Don't worry. We're not going anywhere."
What Kenna enjoyed about working with so many different courts was all of the personalities, learning how different rulers operated and thought about how to rule their courts. It allowed everyone to perfect their style and become better with each passing discussion and incident. "She is rather green, but I find it interesting to listen to her speak. It's always interesting to see where everyone's opinions lie. As for her court's loss, I find myself curious about how that happened, and I do want to learn more, but I won't push as it's not appropriate." Kenna didn't want to overstep or tell Catalina what to do, but she did think speaking with the other high rulers would be beneficial for figure out what to do in these situations. "I can arrange a meeting for us and if you'd like, we can request Dorian to be there as well if we'd like." Kenna's toes wiggled in her shoes as she tried to regulate herself to keep any secrets from slipping out. "I have been acquainted with their Commander, yes. It is in an important connection to keep in your back pocket should you need their assistance, Milady."
Catalina hummed. "I don't think what's appropriate or not matters at this point. All information is useful and anyone keeping things, secrets, means there are things to hide that won't help anyone. Thus raising suspicion." Even though she was keeping some things to herself, Catalina still wanted to know everything going on in other courts and what everyone knew. It was the reason why she had been working with the High Lady of Dawn closely. She was experienced at least, despite their differences in ruling. "I am not going to be as trusting as a lot of the other High Rulers. I won't turn my back on any of them. I don't trust them but I won't turn on them. I truly think that keeping them close and looked after is more beneficial than raising the alarms and getting them defensive." There are less closed doors when you play nice and faes are more prone to relax and make mistakes. Spill their secrets.
Her eyes trailed Kenna up and down and decided to take her own advice. Keep her close and relaxed instead of defensive so she dropped the topic on the Commander but she wasn't letting it go. "Yes, if you could. Dorian doesn't need to be here if it's just walking up to the Day's quarters once they agree to meet with us." It was always better if Catalina could do things herself instead of anyone else and if they were all under the same roof, there was no need for an Emissary if she can be there. "I already know that Day and Dawn are allied because of Lady Aureleigh's connection with the commander and that union builds a strong front. We should be a part of it. They need a stronger hand."
that neither have anything new on this is incredibly frustrating, but expected, all things considered. “of course there are. it’s a matter of learning who. we have our own inner circles who, hopefully we can trust those, since we appointed the majority ourselves… but we don’t know if someone else fed them false information. or…” she tilts her head, considering things. “perhaps we need to find a way to figure out who does know more.” she muses.
“of course.” she nods. they may not be friends, but they’ve known each other a long time, and zaina has always held good relations with the autumn court. “if we do learn that they are an accomplice in this, then we shall act accordingly, of course. but i wonder if it is a connection starlight is unaware of, or had no choice in… i wish there were more answers. i think the only things we can do immediately is just continuing to research and prepare ourselves for conflict…” she sighs.
After wondering for a moment, an idea forms in her mind. Catalina asks, "Your brother, he's a Spymaster, is he not?" She had a way of remembering everything and everyone. "Perhaps you should set him up to do some spying. On other courts. There's some fae from The Continent as well that— seem to have come out of nowhere, like they were there all along but we're noticing them just now." It seemed suspicious, especially from fae that didn't follow Prythian's court system. "He could start there."
It keeps bothering her that Starlight isn't the court leading this investigation and that they haven't done more. "Have you had a chance to talk to the High Lady Malgrave? She hasn't offered me an audience yet which makes me think she's either incredibly inadequate or just plain suspicious." Catalina could agree about one thing, they needed to be ready for conflict. "Except our fae have no powers to fight. You might even have a better chance defending yourself than that tall glass of nothing you keep around as your guard does defending you." She had nothing against the Illyrian himself but their whole purpose was that they could fight better than anyone but now they didn't even have that.
The garden path stretched ahead of them. He followed because it was easier than refusing, and because Catalina had always walked like she expected the world to rearrange itself behind her. What would he be under guard for? Her question landed neatly, like a stone dropped into still water. Renatus watched the ripples spread and said nothing for a moment too long. Not because he doubted Regulo's guilt, he'd accepted that... however much it gutted him. But guilt and abandonment were two different things.
"He confessed to a killing, Catalina." His voice was quiet, not accusatory. Tired. "I'm not asking what he's under guard for. I'm asking if he was alone." He stopped walking, and the sudden stillness of his body was a punctuation mark, a period at the end of a sentence he was finished softening. "I know you prefer to manage everything like a household inventory. I've always admired that about you, truly... but Regulo is not a line item. He is our brother." Renatus watched Catalina's face, searching for something he wasn't sure existed.
"You should want to be there for him," he said, and the edge in his voice dulled to something quieter. "The way you'd want someone to be there for you, if you were the one standing in that corridor with blood on your hands. Unless you think you'd never end up there. Or perhaps you think you're above that?"
How could Renatus just talk about this in the middle of a hallway in an unfamiliar castle? Her blood boiled and not from the lava usually running through it. She stopped on her steps and turned around to face him, coat flying dramatically behind her as she did. She almost made him trip against her. Then, she started making him walk backwards, cornering him. "I'm going to say this just one time and I hope, for our own good Renatus, that I don't have to repeat myself." It felt almost like she just grew a head taller over him. "Regulo protected his court and his sister. It was a honorable act. I've done nothing but protect him ever since that happened." Her brother had some nerve coming at her for this when he disappeared for so many years.
"The last thing I need from you right now, Renatus, is you telling me how to do my job and how to be a good sister." Catalina let out an exhale and composed herself, pulling back from him. She stood tall and turned back around on her way to the Autumn quarters, "Now, where were we? Ah, yes, your chambers. I hope your wife find the arrangements suitable as well."
everyone does things differently. she’d taken to making her own tea at one point, finding the action calming, when she needed it. something she had control over when everything seemed out of control. it had been something she’d started doing after her parents had passed. “i have no control over what is going on right now. i have control over how the tea is made, what goes into it, how strong or weak. something to have control over while we regain control of our country.” but she does remember catalina drinking tea when visiting dawn, had chosen a spiced tea that she remembers drinking while visiting the autumn court, that she’d found. it seemed that at the very least, there seemed to have been a few familiarities here. she sets the tray down, pouring a cup for each of them and .
“i have seen a few witches, a few cauldron made.” she shrugs. “but considering what’s happening, i don’t think they’re involved in whatever the asteri are doing.” the threats are tiring, but perhaps it’s better, give them a chance to solve this, rather than them jumping in to immediately end the courts. “yes, i agree with you,” she nods. virgil was always nearby, and she needed to discuss things further with juliana, elian, and tarik. but she knows they’re concerned. “i have wanted everyone to work together since we became aware we were trapped in the winter court. we’re more likely to succeed with more of us working together. especially against this new enemy. and after winter and summer already chose to stand alone…” she wonders if they’ll change their minds now that the asteri are revealed. she wonders what everyone else thinks about them right now. “whether everyone fully trusts each other needs to be set aside. we all have the same goals. get home alive. get rid of the threat to our lands. if they threaten one court, they threaten all of us. we could easily enough end up in any court, in the same amount of danger, if the asteri can take our powers and keep us here like this.”
Cauldron made and witches retaining their powers was exactly the same information Catalina had collected through this past month as well so there was nothing new there. "I wouldn't be so sure about anyone anymore. There must be somefae among us that know a lot more than they are saying." If she was Zaina, she would even doubt herself in this situation. A murder in her court, in her own inner circle and she can still conjure her fire power? It was awfully suspicious. But the fact that she hasn't raised too many alarms makes her think she's doing a good job at keeping up the united Autumn front.
"I don't blame them Zaina. I'm only here because I've known you for a long time. Ever since I became High Lady of Autumn and we've formed a great alliance through the years, otherwise—" Catalina clicked her tongue, shaking her head. Zaina and Catalina are not friends. Catalina doesn't have friends, but she does consider the fae an equal. "Unless there's a court that have known all along and led us all into this. We could have ended in any court but we didn't, we ended up in this court that no one knew about. I think Starlight and the Asteri are connected in a way. If they are aware of it or even an accomplice, I don't know yet." It was a hunch she had even though the information was scarce.
not being able to shield… it’s making her jittery. she can’t hear the thoughts of the fae around who seem to shout their thoughts, but she also can’t just knock on the shields of those she’s close to to make silent comments to them. she’d been raised to be the high lady, had spent her childhood learning everything she could, had learned to fight after her kidnapping, but she’d never considered not having her powers. although her daemati power was more of a loss than anything. she hopes they will come back before anything happens, if only for the healing. but she can do enough with knives and archery that she’ll have to get by for now.
she’d just have to discuss new plans regarding their defences with her court.
her mother would have been appalled to see her daughter carrying and serving her own tea. call it ensuring the pastries and tea weren’t poisoned, if she made it herself, if anything. not that poisoning them made sense in the schemes that seemed to be going on. she settles on the sofa after setting down the tray, pouring them both a cup before she leans back. “it’s a small piece of familiarity. i know it’s odd to have a high lady serving her own tea.” as open as she is to hearing out starlight, to trying to build friendships with the other courts, she’d rather not have their servants in her space. but she smirks a little when the high lady winks, “of course you do. you’re resilient. i expect nothing less.” she hums, “i’ve seen a few that appear to.” she shrugs. she doesn’t specify where, or that she isn’t sure about her own court — not that dawn does not have other ways of defence, considering their main powers tended to be healing and their offense tended to be physical rather than through abilities.
Catalina looked at the tray and back at Zaina with a practiced, hollowed smile. "It's most unfamiliar to me but please." She waved at the small table in front of the arm chairs and allowed Zaina the tray there. As a matter of fact, Catalina did like tea. Spiced with a hint of cinnamon or cardamom was her favorite but any other tea would do.
She hummed at hearing that there are some faes who kept their powers and wondered, "Who? A specific court or just— random fae?" Her hand waved in the air as she asked so. Catalina assumed there might be other witches that could tap in their outside power but was there others? Although at this point, it didn't matter as much anymore after the reveal. They had more pressing matters to worry about. "All these ominous voices really, they have not impressed me. I'm a little tired by the theatrics." Whoever the Asteri were, they were just cowards in her eyes. When she had an issue with someone like her poor late husband she just dealt with him instead of making threats. "I do think we need to reinforce our protection. Perhaps get our all of our commanders together because I fear we are in danger." Catalina suggested, eyeing around for Omar and Kenna who were close by.
Régulo pushed back a strand of hair, wiping his face while he was at it. He stared at the wallpaper pattern while he did his best to sort out his thoughts.
"As far as the other courts know, I was responsible for my brother in law's unfortunate demise" It was all to protect Catalina's reputation and the autumn court, of course. Régulo was the youngest and technically had the least amount of responsibility. "After the succession of murders there have been whispers of our court being involved" Specifically, of Régulo being involved.
He looked down and shifted his feet. "I am also nervous about either of us becoming a target." Nobody would miss a former murderer if the current killer was going for numbers alone. "I just.... don't want to bring any more attention to ourselves"
Catalina watched her brother with concern about his worries. He should be proud of taking that blame, hold his head high, not squirm like a coward. Ailins weren't cowards. She took a moment as she paced around the room while he talked and once he was done, she strode towards him. "Régulo," Her stern tone vibrated around the room. "Not only you defended your court, your defended your High Lady. Your sister." That was not the truth but it was what everyfae was to believe. "Don't let anyfae give you looks. You hear me?" Hearing that anyone would doubt the Autumn court about the murders made her blood boil. She snarled. "They do not want me to come across said whispers, I can assure you."
Standing in front of him, Catalina grabbed his face and made him look her in the eyes, "Tell me who has been talking shit behind out backs." Catalina rarely cursed or lost her temper. She was cold and calculating but never violent, at least not in public. But this hit a nerve. "I won't let anyone slander your name Régulo, believe me. What you did was a noble act." She wasn't talking about the murder, of course she wasn't. They both knew it had been her. But he offered to take the blame for her and now he needed to stick to it. She had pardoned him, there was nothing else to say. "I'm ready to take full responsibility for my actions but it will cost us now, Régulo so I need to know that I can trust you. That you won't back out now. And I will keep my promise and protect you."
☆ﾟ*·ﾟIMPRESSING HER HIGH Lady was really all that Kenna thrived for whenever around her. She wanted to prove to her that she could be not only good at her job, but incredibly resourceful. Her skills were undeniable, some that others craved, and because of her size, she was able to slip in and out of places unnoticed. But it was obvious that she wasn't as dark and cunning as her High Lady. It wasn't that she didn't want to, simply that Kenna believed there should be some grain of love in every action you did. She would never tell her that, and in fact, did want to learn how to hold back her emotions and intentions as well as Catalina.
Nodding, Kenna would do anything she asked, even if it meant staying in the same room as the Commander of Armies. They were close enough and had spent enough time together that it wasn't too much of an issue. Kenna had more of an issue with always being on call, not allowing for any personal time within her job. She wouldn't say this or intend to show it, but falling in love did make her job a little bit more difficult. "Of course, Milady. Omar and I will discuss the arrangements and ensure we're always ready should. you need us."
A soft smile was given to her, as the cookies had become somewhat of a comfort for the second in command. They were always warm and satisfying after a stressful day. "Thank you. I appreciate it." In her head, she'd been continuing to go over the layout of the Stellaria, hoping that she could finally put it all together, but it was really quite a bit of a maze to her. She was snapped out of her head by Catalina's comment. It caused her to immediately tense up. Her eyes drifted right over, trying to remain as calm and collected as possible. "I have located the other courts, even Day's, simply in case you may like to discuss matters with them." Not mentioning Jamie was the best thing she could do, making sure that everything was based around the court and not her forbidden love. "I did run into the High Lady of Day, Talia, and she would like to meet with you, as with the other High Rulers to gather information."
"It is important to me that you are both comfortable and that the arrangements are good enough for the both of you." It sounded almost like Catalina cared about them and in a way, she actually did care about Kenna and Omar, perhaps even more than she let on. "I need you rested and sharp should anything happen. We are on high alert here in unknown territories. I've heard of other courts losing faes in Winter. A tragedy I won't let happen to us. To you." Another reason why Catalina wanted them both close. She was far more powerful than she let on but having a sharp, competent, excellent army, made the court look even stronger than fae knowing about her own powers. Image was everything to Catalina.
The High Lady watched the subtle shift in Kenna's demeanor when the Day court was mention and how she cleverly avoided mentioning their commander. "I know the High Lady is rather— green in her ruling. They lost their second in command back in Winter." Catalina clicked her tongue disapprovingly, then look over at Kenna. Still here. Still standing. "I was thinking about sending our emissary to arrange a meeting but perhaps you and I can go see her since you have already spoken to her. I hear her sibling is the commander now. You know them, don't you? Jamie Vanderbilt. I have seen you make their acquaintance." She mentioned so Kenna didn't forget that Catalina had eyes and ears everywhere. Nothing got past her easily.
the high lady of dawn strolls through the corridors to the autumn court’s suite. to anyone who didn’t know them, they might have thought she belonged exactly there. the only odd thing is she’s dressed in clothes fancier than what a servant would wear, and she’s carrying a tray of food and tea. underneath it all, she’s scared. the lack of power is unnerving. being cut off from her daemati abilities is unnerving as well, even if at the very least, her being unable to shield her court or use the abilities means others won’t either, based on the others not seeming to have any power either.
“i don’t need help,” she says, when someone does stop her and offer, when she slips into the common room, considering she’s always been small. zaina looks around, crossing the room to where she sees @highladycatalina. “catalina,” she inclines her head in a slight bow respectfully. “i thought we could have tea. i was wondering, do you still have any of your powers?”
It was a hard blunt strike, losing her daemati powers but one she recovered from swiftly and with some help from a different source of magic. Ever since she was little, reading and learning everything she could so when the time came, she was the best possible ruler, Catalina had wondered what would happen if she ever lost her powers and found among ancient books, a way to conjure magic without them. That's how she taught herself witchcraft and perfected it through the years,
Right now, it came in handy and was the one that was going to protect herself and her court.
When she heard Lady Zaina approach her in the common area, the High Lady turned and bowed back at her, waving at a sofa nearby. She definitely thought that the act of carrying around a tray with tea was beneath her but she was not going to comment on her counter part from Dawn's doing and followed after her to sit beside her. For a moment, Catalina wondered if she should tell Zaina the whole truth, perhaps not it great detail. "I'm afraid our fire powers and Mother's habilites are gone at the moment." She lent in with a smirk. "Although I do have a trick or two up my sleeve." Catalina winked before pulling back. "It seems it has happened through all the courts. Do you know of anyone who still has them?"
She was efficient. She was always efficient. Renatus remembered a time when that efficiency had felt like reliability, like the steady hand of an older sister who would manage the world so he wouldn't have to. Now it just felt like a wall, perfectly constructed, with no doors.
"That's kind of you." The words left him automatically, the muscle memory of centuries of courtly politeness. "I'll find it myself, I think. I'd rather not pull you away from your schedule." A pause. He almost left it there. Almost took the escape she was offering on a platter: a room, a door, distance. But Regulo's name hung in the air between them, and he couldn't let it drop. Not yet.
"You said he's been accommodated. Is he..." He hesitated, choosing his words the way he chose his instruments. "I haven't seen him since before Winter. Is he under guard, or has his situation... changed, now that we've been winnowed to a court that shouldn't exist?"
"Please," Catalina stepped aside, facing Autumn's quarters' way for him to follow her. "This is on my list of things to do at the moment so it's not trouble. I want to see that everyone knows where they're staying to get that out of the way so, if you could." Yes, she was going to micromanage every single detail and everything was meant to be done her way. She was always like that, even as a child. No fuss, just assertiveness. Catalina started walking and looking at Renatus so he'd follow her. "The chambers are meant for you and your wife, of course."
At his question about Régulo, Catalina frowned, looking down and slightly over her shoulder at him, then up at his face. "Under guard? Régulo? What would he be under guard for?" Surely he couldn't be asking about the Lord's tragic passing. It had all been explained, Régulo protected her or at least that was the official story. And in here, at a strange court and under siege, they must maintain a united front so whatever happened in Autumn, stayed behind in their court. At least for her.
☆ﾟ*·ﾟVIKRAM KNEW THAT his personality could put off most fae. He often thought about things differently than others. His entire world was based in one of books, stories, and history. So when he thought about logical things, he often asked many questions, curious about what others thought of it. But it was often that he simply watched and listened, rather than asking himself. Looking up at the person near him, Vikram recognized her. She was the High Lady of the Autumn Court. He knew who everyone was, and that was simply because it was who he was. Vikram had a running list, carefully color coded in his small room. He knew who did what and what they were like. It was for both him and his wife. As she spoke, he watched her. "Not all of them can be dead. The colors tell us that. Different colors show different ages of stars." Vikram had spent his entire life in the Spring Court, and the skies were different. "It's very different here, almost like the stars shine brighter and create more. I am simply curious about the difference in skies of all courts. Aren't you?"
Her eyes went blank at him trying to explain something so inconsequential to her and making a debate out of it but Catalina wasn't one to back away from a discussion. "Or temperature, actually. Not always age." She knew some faes underestimated her so she never passed an opportunity to show that she wasn't just mean, she also knew a thing or two. "I'm more interested in finding out who's behind all of—" She waved her hand. "This. Who's manipulating us and how to get back home. So, no I'm not interested in the sky. Here in Starlight or anywhere for that matter. Not when we're under threat." Oh to be just a consort and leaving all the hard work to your wife. Catalina thought to herself. She could never.
omar had vowed to stand by his high lady's side when she chose him to step up alongside her and her second. as intimidating as he still found her, and as silently questionable as he found a few of her tactics to be (even then he could argue that he trusted her regardless, having known how long she had prepared for this), their thoughts on the new court was one they shared, for the most part. he did't trust this new kingdom that had seemed to come out of nowhere, with all these strangers with unknown motives. as far as they were all aware, there was nothing left to trust anymore.
his large strides behind her have a bit of a nervousness to them as he looks around them, unsure of what to make of the palace that was essentially now his home for the time being. he silently nods once at her first request, ready to take the precautions necessary in this new, unusual place. "I'll see to it soon as possible, I've meant to speak to their commander as well to see what any information I can get from that. I do remember the emissary has settled at one of the inns so I can let him know you need a word. and yes of course, my lady, i intend to make sure you and our people stay protected, this place...unnerves me. let me know if there is anything else I should know of."
once he makes his way through, he starts doing a quick look through everything, counters, dressers, corners, under the beds, behind the curtains, and turns back to catalina once seemingly coming up short...at least for here. "it's clean. ready to move ahead whenever you are."
Arms around her chest in the common area of the Autumn quarters, Catalina waited impatiently for the chambers to be inspected by her trusted commander. She walked across the space towards the tall window overlooking the island and waited there. "Inform me when you've managed to speak to the Starlight commander and let me know what you found out. Do bother yourself with finding the Emissary, we can find a guard to fetch him for me." Omar wasn't her errands boy, he was a commander, that was a lesser task for him. When he came outside of the chambers, having inspected them, Catalina addressed his concerns, coming over to stand in front of him."It's good that this place unnerves you. Use that." She unwrapped one of her arms, her palm coming over Omar's chest, as if to say, trust your instinct. It was the same as hers after all. "It'll keep you sharp so we can find out who we can trust."
Catalina stepped back again, arms around her once more as she turned her back on him and closes her eyes to think of what's next. Surely not resting, even if the left over of the winnowing still vibrates through her body in an uncomfortable way, she was not going to stop now. There was much to do. "I think we should leave the palace for now. Everyone must be settling and conversing withing courts about next moves. It might do us some good to go out to see the town. Leave Kenna here guarding the quarters and leaving my brothers to settle." Catalina turned back around and faced Omar. "Shall we?"
Régulo stayed in the common area waiting for the Autumn Court quarters to be prepared and ready. He could feel it, everyone's stares and whispers. Though he knew that he was nowhere near powerful enough to pull off the stunt the perpetrator did, rumors still ran wild.
As far as the court knew, Régulo was already once a murderer.
"Yes, Catalina" Régulo said as he followed his sister. Despite everything the Ailin's have been through, Régulo still had the best in mind for all of his older siblings. No matter what that may be. "The High Lieges are still are suspicious. They've mostly moved on to more pressing matters" Like figuring out why all of them were in Starlight. He turned his back as they walked down the hallway to check that no one was listening. "I am sure you have plans here..." They were not back to the safety of the autumn court yet, but Régulo knew that his sister had some scheme.
The siblings walked through Sterallia and Catalina looked like she owned the palace and walked around with the confidence of someone who belonged anywhere she was. The Autumn quarters had a few chambers and a common area and Catalina guided Régulo to the room across from hers. Next to hers was Omar and Kenna's chambers and next to Régulo's was Renatus'.
With her arm, she indicated which room was his, the opened door awaited and she let him inside. "Suspicious?" She wondered once she followed him inside and closed the door behind them for privacy. "What about?" At the moment, Catalina wasn't worried about what anyfae had to say about what happened inside her court. There were more important things to worry about at the moment, just like Régulo said. "Plans? Protect us, firstly but please, do go on. I want to know what's been said." Catalina wasn't going to let idle whisper poison the reputation of the Autumn court. What was done to her late husband was for protection, no matter who faes thought did it. And that was the end of it.
