#xander 02

[virxfortiis]

❝Was that your intention from the beginning?❞  He asked the other, a small smile upon his face. What on earth he was up to, he didn’t know, but he trusted the other enough to know that he could rely on him no matter what it was.

@elymeps | start;

[thiskryptonite]

Faerielands

Tagging: Aria Fawn, Alexander “Vitalis” Drakos, August Knight

Timeframe: January 13th - January 19th, 2019

Location: Ashbourne, The Otherworld, Faerielands

Notes: Sarau Event, as awarded for completion of task: nostalgia. August receives an invitation to attend a Sarau hosted by High Queen Nymphadora of the Faerielands. August was permitted to bring a +1 and so he opted to bring Aria while Xander escorted them from Ashbourne, through the Otherworld, and into the Faerielands within. 

August

August had spent the last twenty-four hours preparing, the High Queen had not given him much notice, and no small part of August couldn’t help but feel that the court had decided to do so intentionally. There were a million questions that ran through his mind, though what he should wear was least among them. The Otherworld was dangerous, more so even than Ashbourne, and at the heart of it all, sat the Unseen Realm. A place where, as far as he was aware, few witches had ever been brought to before. Arrogance would’ve liked him to believe that he’d earned such an honor, but Aria had been quick to remind him that there were several other witches that were much more highly esteemed. He’d done a job for a Fae before, in what now felt like another life, but August could not see how the two might be related. What could he possibly offer a Queen?

It was a serious question, he’d asked around and apparently it was customary to offer her something. He did not know what an Earthborn-Fae Queen might desire, but he’d rooted around special through his belongings to find something that was by no means commonplace. His hands closed around the jar as it thumped lightly, a black cloth was draped over and sealed beneath the lid, but there was a warmth that came through the glass still. To say it was taboo would be an understatement, and parting with it was not something August enjoyed doing, but if his offering did not make him suffer in some way, somehow, he doubted it would do very well to appease the High Queen. He’d chosen simple attire for the ceremony, August was an undertaker and truthfully, he didn’t own anything that would come close to the likely impossible standards of such a race, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t at least willing to put in some effort. He even shaved. August tucked the bell jar into the breast pocket of his jacket, it rested over his own heart, the offbeat, rhythmic thumping so close to his own was off-putting at first, but he acclimated quickly. He’d left the funeral home early and was leaving now from his apartment, dusk was approaching, and August needed to make sure he met up with Xander and Aria before they headed into the woods together. August positioned himself near the edge of the wood, in the clearest path to the Sacred Tree and shot an updated text to Xander and Aria about where he was waiting. Dusk was still half an hour away, but August could feel himself tensing and relaxing reflexively. He was nervous, he never got nervous.

Xander

Xander had taken his sweet, sweet time to pick out what he was going to bring for the faerie queen. He'd given her many gifts over the centuries he'd been alive, but he always fell back on the golden and jeweled treasures from the ancient world. Humans had made many, many wonderful things. And he'd met so many witches who had gifted him with different objects as well. However, the treasures of Egypt and Greece looked splendid in the faerie realm, and he was always one who drifted towards the glitter and shine of earthly treasures. That didn't mean, however, that he didn't know when to part with them. He'd been going to the Otherworld anyway, but it'd been centuries since he'd taken someone like August along – let alone whoever he was bringing. The faerie hardly looked out for anyone but himself, and it was rare that he even cared for a human's wellbeing. Witches were different, maybe. "August – what did you bring for the Queen?" he asked curiously, walking up in a simple jeans and t-shirt combo. In a moment, however, it shimmered into a black suit, the lapels dusted with what looked like glitter because of course he had to shine. "And who did you decide to drag along to the orgy? I hope they know what they're getting into."

Aria

Lately, Aria rarely attended parties . Her wardrobe had old, worn dresses that probably didn’t even fit her anymore. Otherwise she might have not even bothered commissioning something new from Kolya. Even now as she looked herself over in the mirror, she would have taken the thing off and resolved to wear something old and worn that she was comfortable with if not for the fact she was seeing the one and only High Queen in the Faerielands. The dress was high quality and gorgeous, very suitable for a royal faerie audience, there was no doubt about that… but it was not at all Aria’s style. It was far too much for her tastes, even if it might appeal to fae folk. Aria frowned at her reflection as she turned on the spot to see all sides of it. Well, this was it. With a quick goodbye to her Familiar and a dagger strapped to her thigh underneath the dress, Aria left her home and made towards the meeting spot. The dress wasn’t exactly uncomfortable, Kolya had made sure of that, but it felt uncomfortable to know she had something like that on herself. So as she caught sight of August in the distance and his friend, she could only feel her tension rise. To make matters worse, she walked up just in time to hear something about an orgy. “Excuse me?” Aria asked, raising a brow and waiting for the man to turn. “Did you say orgy? Because I did not sign up for that.” She turned her sights to give August a look.

August

August was pleased to see Xander, and then Aria following a short distance behind him. The fae’s attire seemed boring but was typically deceptive as he all but shimmered into a black suit, it wasn’t anything wholly extravagant and absently August let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He just wanted to make a good impression, and Aria was all but gliding as she walked, August could guess who the tastemaker was behind her attire, but he wouldn’t comment. He looked up at Xander’s question and a small smirk pulled at the corner of his lips, though he supposed that his friend would know best. “I took a guess – I wasn’t really sure what she’d be into, but,” he withdrew the jar from his jacket, there was a light red glow from beneath the black drape, it shimmered with an ethereal light as well when he lifted the drape. “Heart of the beast, still beating.” As if on cue he heard Aria start objecting almost immediately, “Ariana Fawn, a fellow witch.” August said evenly, not at all certain if the two of them had any sort of history together already or not. “Relax, I’m pretty sure the orgy isn’t mandatory.” He was pretty sure, anyways. They started into the forest, headed for the Sacred Tree. His attention directed between the two of them, “did you two also bring an offering for the High Queen?”

Xander

Xander huffed out a laugh, glancing at Aria, "Sometimes they're optional." He was mostly joking. Mostly. The fae hummed a little bit, nodding towards Aria, "Call me Xander. I'm your tour guide for the next few hours – so, anyway, now that we're all happy and together, can we get going?" He glanced back at the offering August had mentioned, and he gave a small smile, "She'll like that. She appreciates things that are difficult to part with – shows you mean it." The air fae turned towards the tree, taking it in before he reached out, the Hidden Gateway clear to him as day. "I brought something a little holder than I am. I always bring jewelry; something pure gold with lapis lazuli." He turned back towards his two companions, taking in a breath, "Ground rules for the Otherworld. Don't touch anything, it might bite back. I wish I could say I was kidding, but honestly, who knows what'll happen to you two if you lose me. So don't lose me, got it? And no, I don't want to hold your hand, August. So if you can follow these simple rules, are we ready to go?"(edited)

Aria

Aria glared at August. “You didn’t tell me to bring anything!” Muttering unintelligibly to herself, she put out her hand and then worded a conjuring spell. A moment later, a tiny jewelry box appeared on her palm. “I told you to do your research, August and tell me.” She started to take off the large pearl ring was wearing, one ocean pearl nestled into the gold circle around her finger with intricate swirling patterns. “Now my most expensive, antique ring will have to do.” She grumbled as she placed it into the jewelry box and shut it. Aria knew she should have done her own research but with getting a dress appropriate for the hugely important event ready, there’d been hardly enough time to read on the Otherworld, let alone the High Queen. She looked up at the stranger and sighed. “It’s Aria,” she said, correcting August. “Pleasure.” Aria didn’t seem all too excited about meeting Xander but that had more to do with the stress of doing something she’d never done before. Passing this up would be passing up the opportunity of a lifetime when one wasn’t a fae. But Aria couldn’t help the bad feeling in the pit of her stomach that she didn’t know enough of what she was getting herself into. “Ready as I’ll ever be. Lead the way.”(edited)

August

“Yeah, we should, I really don’t want to know what happens if we’re late.” Approval was a good sign, but he couldn’t be certain until he had presented it to the Queen herself. He tucked the jar away as Aria and Xander got acquainted. Not even Aria and Xander’s jabs could shake him, the excitement was buzzing under his skin like a sort of static. A current that was compelling him onwards, absently he had wondered if it was some work of the Otherworld, some assurance he’d make it there. August of course knew that wasn’t the case, he was a kid in a candy store and wordlessly he approved of Aria’s offering, even though it was never something she’d intended to give up. Maybe the High Queen would even recognize that. “Must’ve slipped my mind,” he breezed, though somewhere he was incredibly jealous at the addition of the golden laurel leaves to her attire, why didn’t I think of that? “Do you know any Fae?” “Super dangerous, don’t touch anything, got it,” August winked, eager to press through the portal and follow through to the Otherworld. Where Arachne called home, where there was still so much that he did not understand. The fae were trapped as well, there could be puzzle pieces hidden beneath the surface of this Sarau, and while he recognized that it was a party. A chill passed through the air as they went through the gateway, a fog rolled over the surroundings; so dense and thick that it could swallow any of them if they wandered more than a few feet from one another. August noted that even though Xander and Aria were only a couple feet from him, already their visage was distorted, grey and distant like a curtain was being drawn between them. They were in the woods, just as they’d been a moment ago, but their surroundings were distorted in a way, like he was looking at the Forest of Eyes as it was reflected in a shallow pond: far and reaching. Shadows crawled and played tricks of light, and August, was exhilarated.

Xander

Xander didn't comment on anything else, finding it amusing that August left out important details. He simply made his way forward, the old path familiar as it always had been. "I spent decades here at a time," he murmured, though he didn't care much if they weren't listening. The Otherworld was a lot to take in – and it was easy to get pulled astray by words and whispers of answers people didn't even know they were seeking. For the fae, however, it was almost just as much home as the faerielands were. "It's always spring in the realm of the fae. Constant wind, my favorite, and parties that last weeks. Sometimes it's hard to remember that there aren't very many of us still out there." Xander took in a deep breath, the winter chill hitting his arms, even as his eyes began to glow. His human form was still somewhat present, though his skin was slowly becoming iridescent. Glowing green eyes turned back towards August and Aria, "If you ever try to come here without one of us, you'll get pulled into that," he glanced back towards the fog and distorted vision of a forest. "You can say you have the most self-control out of everyone, but it'll still happen. You just need to hope you survive. Any questions? Hope you feel better about it."

Aria

“Just one,” she muttered in response to August’s question. But she didn’t elaborate. The prospect of venturing into the Otherworld had her feeling on edge. And it wasn’t all apprehension for the bad feeling she had. In fact, most of what she felt was pure excitement. It wasn’t everyday the daughter of Ashbourne got to venture outside the norms of town. Her skin tingled and her eyes were alight with attention and elation hidden well beneath her stern visage. Aria had no intention of making it easier for the group to lower their guard by seeming childishly excited. She kept that to herself as well as she could as she followed August and Xander into the gateway. As soon as they were through, Aria held her breath in amazement. The fog lingered between her fingers as she moved them and crept along the folds of her long dress like snakes. It was eerie but it was different. And different was always what she’d longed for. Aria listened to Xander, nodding vaguely afterwards and returning her gaze to her surroundings. “I’m not planning on getting lost or dying today,” she muttered softly. “And how exactly are we finding the place from here?” Part of her hoped there wasn’t too much walking involved. Her heels were higher and thinner than usual.(edited)

August

For a moment, August thought the shifting gray that has seeped between the three of them was altering his perception, while Aria appeared the same, it was Xander’s eyes as they pierced the gloom of the Otherworld that first caught his attention as he listened to the fae’s explanation, directing his question towards Xander, “so I take it you know the High Queen well, then?” He knew Aria had been concerned about the safety of this venture, and had mentioned bringing along a weapons - just in case. He was happy to see Stevros was not with her, August had no intention of having to summon his own familiar again so he had assumed Aria would have the foresight to leave her own on the other side. “Did you bring anything? You know, in case this goes south?” He didn’t think there was much they could bring that would be in any way effectual against the High Queen, but he was curious, just in case they did need to make a run for it. It was not news to anyone that the Otherworld was dangerous, at least not to him, his aunt, a conjurer like himself, had drilled the dangers of spirits and the other side into his head for years and years. “So it’s even worse somehow than the actual Forest of Eyes. Great.” He looked between the two of them, “we should keep moving, then.”

Xander

Xander refrained from rolling his eyes, trying to remember that these two were basically toddlers to him at this point. Despite that, he didn’t really want anything to happen to them. “Aria, isn’t it? I recommend not attempting anything if this goes south. You’ll be horribly outnumbered, and useless against fae glamour that’ll make you spin your head. The queen is...close with all the fae. You learn the ways of tradition really early on, and it doesn’t change.” Xander’s eyes shifted from green to a bright blue, the blue iridescence settling into his skin and glimmering shirt. “You don’t understand that this is literally our world; you should only focus on what the queen wants from you.” The air fae took in a deep breath, a smirk tugging at his features, “We’re almost there. Any questions? Once we reach the palace, you’re going to be left to your own devices. Fae will stare, probably, so don’t get into anything you shouldn’t. And if you want in on an orgy, Aria, you only have to ask.”

Aria

“No, I didn’t,” she lied. Xander was not someone she trusted just yet. She looked over to August, wondering if maybe he would understand the subtle look she shot him that yes, she had brought something. But no, she didn’t trust their fae company enough to share she was willing to stab them if things got bad. Aria then looked over to Xander as he addressed her and tried not to roll her eyes. Maybe she’d be more tame when it came to having August with her, but she was not the docile type. If things went south, there would be no holding back with her once reason failed. She tried not to worry about it - reason rarely failed with her. Instead, she tried to focus on admiring all the beautiful colors that seemed to come out of Xander. It was like his own personal aurora and she wished, not for the first time, that she could take a picture of the view. “Good to know,” she muttered sarcastically. Aria nervously pulled a strand of hair behind her ear and inhaled deeply. Staring was something she was rather used to but staring by a bunch of shiny fae while she was wearing something so strange to her and in a place she had no confidence in was new. And some of her excitement gave way to a little more nerves once more.(edited)

August

He picked up on Aria’s cue, truthfully, he could have guessed that she had brought something. She was the one who had mentioned bringing along something for self-defense, just in case, and rarely had August known her to ever show up unprepared. With their exchange he hoped to provide a follow-up piece of information traded only through their eyes as Aria stated she hadn’t brought any such thing. She was probably right not to trust Xander, but when he’d needed answers and safe passage, it was the air fae who had provided. Just the same, he would not be caught unarmed, either. He couldn't help but wonder what Xander would do, though, in truth, August didn't need to ask. As he'd said, this was Xander's world, this was his home, and this Queen was a friend of his. “Never?” Came August’s question, never was a long time for tradition to remain unchanged, inflexible came to mind. He wondered if it was possible for the High Queen to be close with all the fae under such circumstance, as Xander had stated. “What happens to the fae who try to break or change tradition?” Rigid formality was not something he excelled at, quite the opposite, August had a habit of breaking such things. “Sounds charming,” August rolled his eyes, he was already ready to feel this warmth that Xander had mentioned, “I’m used to getting ogled by fae so shouldn’t be too far of a break from the norm,” August quipped, “seriously though, do you have any ideas why she might have summoned me? – Us?”

Xander

Xander only hummed, though he wasn’t ignorant. He chose not to ask what the look was for, as it was most likely none of his business. He laughed a little at her indignant attitude when she rolled her eyes, but he simply figured they’d learn the hard way if they didn’t believe what he said. “We’re not like that, August. I guess I worded that wrong. Tradition keeps us safe; what’s there to change? It’s not like we’re waging wars or doing something outside of tradition.” “Are you? Can’t say I’ve ever met a fae in the water wheel who was mildly interested in you when I’m standing right there,” the air fae’s smile was wicked as he teased August, managing to keep the air light despite the murky fog seemingly closing in around them. “We’re almost there. Stay close, and don’t stray from the path. It gets messier the closer we get,” he murmured, mostly unbothered. He worried for the humans, though. Voices and figures that offered answers were only false prophets, and well, the Otherworld was unforgiving. “Honestly, I don’t know. It’s not really any of my business, either. The high queen does everything for a reason. If she shares that with you, then let me know. You just owe me for getting you here safe in the first place. Anyone else might’ve just let you get lost,” he grinned. “The entrance is up ahead. You can call me Xander; here, I go by my given name, Vitalis. Don’t pick any flowers, also. They might kill you.”

Aria

Aria kept herself as close to August as she could without making it obvious the place was starting to chip away at her excitement and play around with nerves more and more. The fog didn’t bother her and neither did the new, strange scenery. Not even the shadows that lurked at the edges of her vision did too much too move her. It was really the voices. The whispers that were filling her ears. Aria did not have a great experience dealing with spirits and whispers when it they didn’t come from Stevros. She was getting wary that they’d get to her or to August before they arrived. Hearing that they almost arrived there quelled her growing worries just a little. “We’re going into the faerielands as the only witches, no defenses and no idea what they want with us… And all we have as backup is our sassy designated tour guide…” A pause. “Sounds great.” Aria smiled to herself and walked past the two boys, eager to get out of the fog and into the place they were meant to be in. Finally - a place unseen by her eyes. She made sure August was right by her before making her way through and finally taking in her new surroundings. Her breath hitched in her throat almost immediately. As long as there wasn’t any trouble for her or August, this was going to be amazing.

August

“I suppose that makes sense.” August didn't know enough about their cultures or their traditions really to comment, and truthfully, he didn’t need to know what happened to the fae who broke tradition, but rarely could a wheel spin eternally without ever needing a change. Still, the conversation was a good distraction from the spirits that attempted to ebb at his mind. He wasn’t unfamiliar. August had sent enough people to this place to know he needed to be mindful of what was and was not real. His mother screaming for help, then in another instant promising to tell him everything she’d kept from him. There was Cassandra in his peripherals, standing amidst the fog as she leaned languidly against a tree – she was beautiful, she’d always been beautiful, but her head was in the same mangled condition that he’d left it in when he buried her. There were others, but they were distant enough that he could block them out. His father hung with a broken neck, another face he was still trying to forget. More still of people whose names he’d never bothered to learn, faces he only recognized because they recognized him. Nearest the gate, however, there stood Lisa, and for a moment he faltered. He had not seen her die, had not known if he’d succeeded. He’d been too afraid to ever find out, his eyes fixed but he tried to shake her, though her lips never parted, her eyes never wavered, she spoke to him: foolish boy.

He kept his thoughts trained on Xander and Aria, though the Otherworld was beginning to take its toll. “How could anyone ever see past that big head of yours, Vitalis?” August quipped as he tested the Fae’s true name across his tongue, though a smile was pulling at the corner of his mouth. He could feel the warmth of the faerielands, and although he needed to walk right past his aunt lisa, he did not look twice. The faerielands were more than he had ever expected, flowers bloomed beautifully all around them, a magic nature almost calling to him. He suspected that to be their nature and could only imagine the agony that the no touching rule would put Aria through. August marveled at the architecture, the fountains, the stones, the trees, even the lushness of the grass. It had been years since he’d seen anything not draped in the dreary clouds of Ashbourne, dredged in death and misery, this place was bursting with life. He looked to Aria, fully aware that he was in the company of two people who liked to talk a lot, it was nice, although August was still unnerved he did his best not to show it. “Aria we should try and stick together if we can,” though already he had an urge to wander into the nearest well of wine he could find and drown himself(edited)

Xander

Xander paused at the threshold, watching August as carefully as he could. His shoulders eased their tension when the witch finally walked into the fae lands. He allowed himself a smile, though he still didn’t feel like he was home. They were all trapped here. One could throw in their everlasting paradise; the prison walls of Ashbourne were only hidden from view. “Maybe one day you’ll come back when we’re all free from this place.” Vitalis turned towards his company, “I know you both think yourselves all powerful and capable, but remember you’re in the presence of our high queen, and you can easily die here. So try not to cause too much trouble.” With that, Vitalis continued to walk, the iridescent faerie reflecting the same blue that littered the water nearby. Since air was his element, a silver glow finally took over his eyes, replacing the earlier blue. It was his true form, and the silver iridescence set in completely. As he walked towards the palace, he motioned to the doors, “This is the only way in or out, really. Don’t wander through the faerielands without someone else. It’s still dangerous - spirits are everywhere. Anyway, the queen will probably summon you. Or, there’ll be a line where you enter to give her your offering.” He turned to face Aria and August, silver glowing eyes shining with mirth, “Good luck. I have other people to see.”