Go Down Deep

Fannon. Appears 25.

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averynye:

Oh how this sweet little fae reminded Avery so much of Tobias. He appeared so lost, clinging to the small things that appeared to mean something to him—which from what Avery could tell—was that little collection of plants in his arms, grown with a greater purpose in mind. “The forest is a dangerous place.” Avery warned. “Take care that you keep from harm. I’d like to see you come to the forts eager for companionship rather than coming in dire need for a healer.” Maybe…he would just have to keep an extra eye on him until that time came.

“Hm?” Avery asked, distracted. He’d been focusing on the images flashing briefly in the other fae’s mind that he’d very nearly missed the question. “Oh, Maeve? She is the Queen of the Winter Court, though I suppose such a thing is irrelevant since the alliance. Now both Queens rule equally, and they take council amongst themselves before decisions are made.” At least…some decisions.

Mackoy’s interest made Avery grin, and he merely shook his head at the questions. “If you wish to know more about Her Highness, it may be best to speak with her yourself. If you decide to join us, she would absolutely love to speak with you. She always takes interest in newcomers. Each fae contributes in the way that best fits them, and that is how we function so well altogether.” As for the specifics, Avery withheld them. His version of protecting involved eliminating threats, either by order of Maeve or by his own discretion, and it was never a clean process.

"I have never thought of companionship before" Cormac said with a good amount of emotion, he had always been on the r u n, and if not on the run; then with Aislinn in places that did not accept them for being together. Aislinn was his only constant companion and as Cormac thought he might not need more than one lifetime companion it did dawn on him that he did want companions as well. "You do not have to worry about healing. I can manage on my own." A small pout came to his lips as he looked down at the plants on his hand. Each and every medicine Cormac made was for the benefit of Aislinn and of himself physically but there would ~s u r e l y~ come a time that these would not be enough and it is possible they will need ~~~~~e x t e  n  s  i  v   e ~~~~~   care that only other's could bless them with.

"I do not know if you would know this Avery but what do the queen's decision on?" It doesn't seem like there would be much when in a forest but he has not seen the Forts, he has not seen what kind of kingdom it is, how big it is and if Cormac was lucky, how magnificent it could be in ways that he would have never dreamed about.

At Avery's idea of Cormac talking to the queen he shook his head with an firm no. "I do not think I can do such a thing so easily but I can visit the Forts, one way or another. After then maybe I shall find myseklf to be worthy an audience." A t r e m o r ran through Cormac, it was all so unreal; he and Aislinn could finally have a place to fill in, not just with a group of fae who were close-minded, not with any power hungry fae who only took them for the GLORY of using them for their own agenda but a place to call their own. A roof on top of their head will already be a blessing but for other fae kind? That was unimaginable.

He knew though, deep inside that this was only a starting emotion, it could be ever so possible that the fae would not appreciate Aislinn and her gifts, or that Aislinn herself might not feel very comfortable. He knew he had to thread slowly, slowly and surely.

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gabriel-enchanted:

Gabriel took half a dozen steps back once he was let go, blinking hard like that’d help regain his senses. Everything felt…off in a way he didn’t even know how to begin to describe. It was like in a far corner of his brain he was aware he was panicking and should be panicking, but the rest of his brain was dunked into some kind of thick syrup. Things were fuzzy, for lack of a better term. He could still hear and see the other but it was…weird. He caught apologize and trouble and then as quickly as the strange feeling had descended, it lifted.

This was not the afternoon he’d expected to have.

But still, he raised his eyes to the other and opened his mouth to speak before more questions came causing him to shut it again to listen. For a playful moment he waited to make sure he was done before backing up mentally. “I’m Gabriel and it’s ok. I’ve been there, skittish and paranoid and too-quick on the trigger - there’s no hard feelings.” It’d been a long time since someone had gotten the drop on him though, and now he was going to have to barter with Avery to let him start sparring again. Smart, this time. Ooo, or maybe he could get Anthony to do it.

Quickly averting his thoughts away from that train, he thought about groups of fae he saw everyday and had to give a little shrug. “I’m sorry. I live at the Forts — it’s a long story — and there’s all sorts of groupings all the time, but I don’t think they’re any that are necessarily distinctive. Are we talking male, female, non-binary? What makes up the group of four? Hair colors, age they appear to be, etc?”

Blinking, he ran a hand through his hair, mind now going a million miles a minute and he couldn’t not ask. Magick was his life’s passion. “What was that? I’ve never felt anything like it. It was like…I don’t even know how to describe it. Like you scrambled my brain or put it in a long syrupy tunnel or something? It’s crazy effective.”

He watched the enchanter un-interestedly as he scrambled back and blinked the effects of Cormac's magic away. It was not as strong as he intended to do but it primarily differs from everyone's perspective to the magic. "Don't fight it. It will wear off very soon." The statement was true as it is, although primarily dependent on the built and integrity of the victim, Cormac could no doubt twist his magic from a complete limp kind of sedation to a more aware one.

Cormac listened in on the other as he took notes in his head; one it was either this Gabriel was paranoid on his own or that he had been made paranoid by the forest. Two, he lived in the Forts; there seems to be an abundant amount of those living with the fae. Cormac shook his head and raised up a hand as it slowly w a v e d into the air as a sort of nevermind. "It is ok, they are just previous comrades who I do not exactly agree with. They are not very... friendly." The spacing on his words would not be lost to anyone; sure enough that he and the Equinox were sort of comrades but it does not mean that they shared their views or that they were actually prisoners.

"That was my magic as fae." Cormac said simply without adding TOO much information about himself. "Most people find it hard to understand when they fight it and I do not blame them as when tensions r i s e, my magic has to fight back enough to push those tensions down." It sometimes caused a toll in those unfortunate enough to be under his powers. "But if you were already at a moderate or neutral emotion, it will not hurt as much." Phrasing it like that, Cormac slowly realized how harmful his magic actually was when with the wrong hands, it could cause a good amount of pain and imbalance in a person, like a push and pull of emotions; one hand wanted to get free from the tranquil while the other hand pushes it down to submission.

"I have not... fully mastered it" It was a half /lie, he knew there was a certain ca p a b i l i t y he could do, the Equinox was a testament of that. But it was also ha  ~   lf truth because there was still so much more to learn. "Gabriel. I am sorry to have caused you anguish. But I have to keep myself safe as right now I travel alone. Would you mind sharing with me what you know of Arain?"  

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Fancing Meeting You

Closed (Vampire: @erasmusrowe)

Cormac had found himself looking towards a peculiar house in the middle of the forest. He knew that there was something fishy going on in the house but did not take too much mind to it. He knew to keep his   d i s t a n c e   and not create much of a fuss or a concrete opinion on it for that matter. But curiousness still peaked in him and he wondered what was inside. What he knew of; there were humans and there were vampiresco-existing in such a smalluniverse that it was unbelievable how there has been no slaughter happening.  He found himself continuously w a n d e r i n g, eventually he came up to the idea that maybe they were prisoners or some type of mind control or the like that could create submission against a certain specie. Vampires were one of them that had fallen. This did not sit right with him and even he himself chastised his ever so wondering mind that seem TOO active for it’s own good. TOO active for his whole body if one would be truthful. --- And it was with this wondering that Cormac did not expect someone watching / following him from behind. “Hello may I help you?” A serene look from the fae came as he turned around and his eyes met very distinctive colored rim ones.

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Secret Valentine's! A pot of aloe vera appears by your doorstep 💕

A dumbfounded Cormac lifted up the offensive vase that he accidentally hit his toe on. He looked left and right and around to see if there was anyone who had begun watching his every move and he had felt it quite disturbing. Nevertheless the plant had a good scent. Aloe. Aloe was very medicinal. 

He hefted the plant once again and with the nail of his pinky he drew a small line vertically and let the aloe pool on his finger. Taking a taste out of the aloe a smile grazed his face. “Thank you” he said to no one and anyone in particular. This aloe would save him much time in his everyday plant works.

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How do you usually use your magick?

It does not need words but it uses up a lot of internal energy.I use if for Aislinn, for myself and for tending to wounds and pains to all living beings.On a harsher note, one I am not proud of--- I use it to create a false sense of security and passiveness for victims to be caught unawares or feel euphoric in a daze. I use it to gain trust, to learn secrets, to lower inhibitions in a more calming way.Everything is peaceful, it is not joyful but it is peaceful. I suppose this is how most people would like to die. Without pain and at peace.

--For how it is used--It is a passive ability that starts from within me calming and sedating me.This makes me vulnerable to danger but on the other hand this also makes me quite impervious to pain.I will die if I am not healed but as I do not feel the pain from the numbness my mind can survive longer, though I could die if I do not hurry to replenish health soon.

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Would you rather sweat profusely or have insatiable dry-mouth?

I would prefer to sweat profusely. It detoxifies.The dry mouth would make me rather... uncomfortable and very irritable I assume.

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twinunhinged:

Aislinn felt a wave of nerves running through the pit of her stomach and swimming outwards until it CRAWLED through the surface of her skin. Eager to  ｈｉｄｅ  such sensations if at all possible. She did not need him feeling the need to magick her even as the chills on her arms appeared in the form of insects of varying sizes, the convincing illusion prompting her to shift rather uncomfortably in her place beside her brother. She knew well that he would WIN their debate and they would soon be a part of the alliance along with the rest of them. She wanted so badly to argue until her voice was HOARSE, but instead resigned herself with a small nod.

❝If in danger, we will align ourselves elsewhere… There are few places to run with the forest closed off as it is, but there are many packed into this small place, many who are enemies to one another. If we make an enemy… Then we only need to join with theirs.❞ She noticed his glazed expression and found herself reaching over to  ｂｒｕｓｈ  his hand with her own in an attempt to ground him in the moment while she continued to battle her own demons.

❝Do you truly believe that this is the best course of action for us? What if we find our parents… then what? Do we forgive them for abandoning us? Leaving so that troupe? Do we pretend that we are simply one happy 𝓯𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝔂?❞ The word itself caused her voice to catch in her throat as if she’d swallowed an entire knife. 

Aislinn found herself watching him as he moved to sit close by her side. She always found comfort in the presence of her brother when her own mind only brought turmoil. She found her own mind pulled back to reality, the SCREAMS in her ears quieting as if his mere touch muted them. ❝Are you threatening to drug, me, Cor?❞ She smirked before shaking her head. 

❝It has been rather complicated.❞ She swallowed. ❝The vampire… We’ve met once before… It was during our time with Equinox. He tried to bite me, but I held him off with my MAGICK… Then we met here. We spoke at length… We are more alike than expected… both cursed by a toxic CRAVING that will haunt us… I allowed him to feed if he allowed me to project my magick onto him… He has since become rather ｉｍｐｏｒｔａｎｔ to me. He even helped me out of trouble once.❞

Cormac gave a grateful smile at her actions towards him, it calmed him down, it did of course give him a jolt of surprise but at least he was used enough to her magic that it did not give him a scare like those who would be first time victims.

"Let us hope not to be in danger." he said even though he knew it was near to impossible. "Closed space..." Cormac breathed, remembering a certain memory as he had a box of plants with him and an enchanter whom he had been quite improper to. "I am afraid Aislinn but if I were entirely honest then yes, even if I would like to adhere to what you want which is to not align with any fae, I believe it is easier to hide with a group of fae than us alone. We stay here --- in this forest trapped. What if they come? What if the Equinox comes to find us here? They shall be trapped too... and --- and it will be harder for us to hide with only the two of us." The breath Cormac released was heavyand filled with fear and tightening. "If we do make it to the fae, we could learn to enhance our glamour, live wiht others and hide within faces of our kinds. It will not be easy but it is a step forward."

Cormac ~smiled ~then, a trying smile that was f i l l e d   with encouragement that hopefully moved Aislinn as much as he tried to move himself. "We might even find those who would understand of our plight, and would protect us if need be." The time to make friends was little the Equinox may know where they are and that would make their little romp through the hopefully safe forest come to and end." Cormac pushed aside the thoughts that could no doubt mean they might make friends that they would hurt if the Equinox did come but with the little time they had to themselves, Cormac hoped that he and Aislinn would have enough fight in themselves to not fall prey again.

He tried to envelop her in a hug, a try, if it came to a worse feeling he would use his magic on her to calm her down --- but for now he would let the fears catch up to them and let the unwanted feelings come out. "I would not do it unless it was dire Ais." he laughed together with her, knowing she needed him as he needed her.

Parents... their ~~u n k n o w n~~. It did no good to always hide what they feared. "We find our parents Aislinn... we find them, we learn of the why. If we forgive them, then that is for our betterment, if we become a family, that is a bonus. You and I are already family and whether or not we find out parents --- we will always be family."

The vampire again sent c h i l l s in Cormac's nerves, waking him up almost instantly. Bites. Cravings. Feeding. "Is he young or old?" he asked with a tic in his cheek. "That is a very intimate gesture, are you sure you are not under his compulsion?" It was every bit of tone an older brother would use to chastise a younger sibling. "Important?" the coldness in his blood tightened. He was not Aislinn's father to have these feelings but it was not like he didn't play as such when the time came, it was always only the two of them.

"I would like to meet them." he said after a moment of pure quiet and internal rage. He could not promise he would be cordial, maybe the tranquil magic he had was a gift. If it came to be he could calm himself well enough to meet this... v a m p i r e that seemed to hold control over his sister.

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gabriel-enchanted:

Should was enough. Gabriel nodded briefly, intending to finish up pleasantries and be on his way but the man was looking at him strange. It made his guard fly back up as he found himself being examined. What the fuck was this? He took a step back as the other put the box down but it wasn’t enough and within a second, the guy’s hands were on his ears and something was spreading through him dulling his panic. Still, he poured what he had left into trapping some air and shoving it all at once towards the fae, attempting to get the hands off of him and stop whatever paralyzing feeling was spreading through him without hurting anyone.

“No. I’m an Enchanter.” he got out as his head began to spin. “Please let go of me.” His first instinct was to lash out, survival above all, but he was trying to reason with himself. This guy was alone out in the forest, guards even higher than Gabe’s, and paranoid to boot. “Are you in some kind of trouble? I can try to help.” Though, the fuzzier his head got the harder it’d be to access magick but he’d try. 

gabriel-enchanted:

Should was enough. Gabriel nodded briefly, intending to finish up pleasantries and be on his way but the man was looking at him strange. It made his guard fly back up as he found himself being examined. What the fuck was this? He took a step back as the other put the box down but it wasn’t enough and within a second, the guy’s hands were on his ears and something was spreading through him dulling his panic. Still, he poured what he had left into trapping some air and shoving it all at once towards the fae, attempting to get the hands off of him and stop whatever paralyzing feeling was spreading through him without hurting anyone.

“No. I’m an Enchanter.” he got out as his head began to spin. “Please let go of me.” His first instinct was to lash out, survival above all, but he was trying to reason with himself. This guy was alone out in the forest, guards even higher than Gabe’s, and paranoid to boot. “Are you in some kind of trouble? I can try to help.” Though, the fuzzier his head got the harder it’d be to access magick but he’d try. 

Cormac had let go at the words of that he was an enchanter. Enchanter... human with magic. Respectable for this kind --- this one. The fae did not find it in himself to apologize as he had never been fit to be graced with a welcoming 'I accept' from anyone before. Not when his powers were then used as a stepping stone for a higher kind of sin and wrong doing.

A wring in his insides as if his stomach was turning made Cormac knit his eyebrows in an ever so tight spot. "I..." he started, why would he not say sorry? This was a first, he was out of the Equinox, his sorry would m e a n something if it came to it... why should he be afraid? It is with the enchanter's words that his defense backed down. "I apolo--- apologize." he said, the words straining to be let out. Yet even so, there was an ethereal feeling of relief that he had finally been able to say and mean it as such. There were no spits on his face and no lashes from others. His magic was to calm, to contain and they were used as tools of madmen... thought never to say sorry for the actions as he would be worthless --- but not now, not anymore.

"I am always in trouble." he breathed out almost checking his back as if there were those who would come and lay a hand on him and his sister, as if they were never safe. A chill went towards Cormac at this knowledge. They were able to escape the Equinox--- yes... but if the Equinox suddenly followed them? Then what then? They were all trapped. "I hope Arain is big enough to hide in."

Cormac sent a magical wave out of him and towards both of them without any human touch. The touch earlier was only to feel the tips of the ears, this time that magic was done to calm the senses, for him mostly and then to remove whatever it was that he instilled into the other. They would both be able to think clearly now.

"I am Cormac, despite what I look like I have always been on my toes and so again I ask for your forgiveness." he said as he took the plants back in his arms. "Tell me enchanter, if you please - have you seen a group of four fae around here? Or anything that seemed as if they were a group." Cormac knew there were the Forts but it would seem unlikely that four adult fae would group themselves and be a part of the courts when they were usually just with each other.

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averynye:

Avery wanted to playfully chide that you couldn’t judge a book by its cover, but better he be looked upon as someone harmless and even incapable. He’d much rather be underestimated than under suspicion, and so, he merely smiled as he was quite blatantly looked up and down as if there might be some visible hint to what he was capable of. Avery was not overly muscular, and he was not full of brunt strength, in fact, he would likely lose in some physical competition that would rely on strength alone. What he did have was skill and speed making him a demon in a knife fight and a force to be reckoned with in terms of tactical combat, but again, better to be thought of as much less.

Avery could see the wheels turning, and he was listening closely, gathering what information he could from his telepathy. “Your place is where you make it.” Avery replied. “Imagine the Courts do not exist because, I suppose technically, they no longer do. I have a lovely Seelie that stays in my company, so we all mingle, though those off the prior Courts tend to stay close simply because of familial ties and established friendships. You’re always welcome to spend a few nights with me, if you’d like to experience it all first hand. Mind you, I have a few others that stay in my company that are not fae, but are under my protection regardless.”

His voice was full of fondness as he spoke of those few under his roof, and he paused a moment to think to himself of something he could do for one of them in particular before continuing. “I can show you around, perhaps introduce you to a few people. I’m sure Maeve would take an interest in you as well. She’s always pleased to see new faces filing in.”

Cormac usually had many thoughts but due to his sedated nature most of it were hard for even he or those of mind magic. He was not uncontrollable per se, he was also not immune but if anyone were to look i n t o his mind they would only see the immediate thoughts he had and maybe a l i t t l efurther. More --- such as in this case his mind was in the plants and to make them into a cure for someone and the trip to the market place and his thoughts about it were easily enough accessible--- more~~~ which included his ever uncomfortable thoughts with regards to his past, the troupe, Aislinn and the finding of their parents was deep in slumber that even he would believe that they were in the subconscious. Any deep thoughts would be met by a blanket of foggy cloud, obscure and puzzling.

It was not a defense, because even Cormac had a hard time trying to remember the past. All he knew was that he had goals pinned in his head, but the memories of them were as obscure as they came. In this case, the fae would know that he was not really Mackoy in name but it would be a nickname.

"I wish to have a place." Cormac said with finality. "I do not wish to go place to place with people owning me." the words were sad, clipped,disturbing in their message. Even though the troupe were kind to him, they were not kind to Aislinn and within the Equinox, despite their high regard to Aislinn's abilities they were acknowledging yes, welcoming maybe but they were far from anything friendly or positive in their treatment to the twins. "Thank you for your invitation, I might take up on it when the time comes. For now I shall want to slowly find myself first in this Forest as I know very little about it." He was new, the entrance in the cairn, the wisp, someone together with him yet grainy and almost non-existent would be seen by a mind accessing fae.

"Who is Maeve?" Cormac asked, better to be sure "is she one of your protectees? Can you tell me more about them?" Cormac asked, a whim, a question. "What do they do and how do you protect them?" Granted he and Aislinn were protected, but if this one fae could protect what seem to be many... then as long as there were no strings attached like the ones in the past then maybe it was worth a shot?

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micahtabor:

Micah felt a number of things as he watched the strange fae running towards him- or, rather, towards the log. Irritation and bewilderment were amongst the strongest, and perhaps there was a tiny bit of distant, faint amusement… or maybe scorn would be a more accurate word to use. Maybe there would have been some confusion, but in this bloody forest, he was hardly surprised by some lunatic losing his shit over a log.

The kid had picked the wrong night to bother him, though.

Micah watched as he knelt, messed with his stupid log and spouted some garbage. Wishing the mushrooms beneath it a good sleep and then implying he was uncivilized for kicking it, telling him what he should and shouldn’t be doing, and really, Micah didn’t need to take this from him. Some whiny child attempting to boss him around was only the frosting on his day, his week, his month. 

“Oh,” he asked, faking surprise. “I’m sorry, you didn’t want me to kick your little log?“ He paused, and then laughed. “My bad. Here, is this better?” Wordlessly and without ever taking his eyes off of the idiot child, he flicked his wrist, and the log the ground around it burnt to a crisp, courtesy of a quick, raging flame that died off as quickly as it had come, leaving behind nothing but ashes and a dark circle on the ground.

“Oh, no,” Micah grinned, “I’m having a fantastic evening, thanks.”

He stared at the burning log, a pit of anger rose from him. THAT was for Aislinn. Cormac had done every day to create a calming potion and wares for his sister. He had no ways to create them with preservatives and so he worked day and night and again to create more.

This pompous piece of obnoxious man in front of him --- enchanter from the way their magic manifested, decided to become some high and mightyhuman who seemed to belittle the strength that came within one who was BORN of magic. Cormac took a deep breath as he stared at the remnants of the burning wood.

Arain was a beautiful place with ugly people who were not worth HIS time. Whoever this enchanter was seemed to place himself on a pedestal with his actions of uncaring acts and to a complete stranger nonetheless.. A ~serene~ smile on Cormac as looked back at the man and he shrugged. If it came to battle Cormac had faced groups and even communities of others. One of which was memorable enough to bring tears in his eyes when the Equinox had threatened to hurt Aislinn if Cormac did not fully s t r e t c h his p o w e r s to make a whole village fall asleep in a span of a few minutes. Families lay in slumber as guards tried to arrest the lone fae who seemed to be doing something strange... of course the guards, of whatever magic they were were not able to stop the foggy feeling in their heads and the ultimate falling asleep of their body before the whole effect took over. Effortlessly bringing the Equinox easy to plunder and rage as they saw fit. It helped that Cormac was a strong fae, he did not get hurt easily as because he was too numb to feel the pain. But he did bleed and it was usually the problem as he bled and hurt sometimes without knowing. Usually he was lucky enough to able to treat himself in time before his body fell.

The smell of burning plants and wood was already in the AIR. Cormac let them both inhale as much of the victory and defeat that there could be with it’s burning scent.. "You will not have as much of a fantastic evening if you stay here enchanter." Cormac said with his hand hidden in his pants pocket uncharacteristically opening and closing his fists. "The mushrooms are poisonous when burned and it's smoke mixes with the wind. I have no doubt you shall live with your so-called magic. I shall take my leave and hope you do not do anything so... frighteningly stupid when the time comes."

The smell was already getting into Cormac but he kept his numbness and sedateness to a steady control. He needed to leave and as he knew he was f a r   ~~   a w a y enough and not seen by the enchanter he jogged away. Now was not the time to fight, but when it came to it, the man would find himself flat on his face until the next moon came. Lucky for whoever victim it would be, Cormac was not vengeful lest their face be beaten bloody while sleeping.

Cowardly maybe. But that was his power, he would work with them as he was gifted with.

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bloodkept:

          “Don’t worry, my dude! Nothing can kill you here, well other than over dosage I guess but that’ll take a long time before it’s actually over dosage,” true though—the ones that can actually inflict harm are hidden away in his storage, so not to confuse others with what’s healing and what’s not. Seeing the enthusiasm and spark in the other’s eyes, Shizuo could not help but feel double the enjoyment. “Well, I think what you got makes you euphoric—which is well, might as well be working on you already.” A sheepish grin as he ponders what sort of ingredients he used, so far there was no actual animal in the process when he made that, “Just some vervain, apricots and peppermint—aaand a tinge of honey and a sweet spell,” an index finger brought up to his lips as if it were hushed, well not like anyone would understand his language, it seemed there were no other Chinese or Japanese native around in the first place.

          A fae…? He felt an absolute sense of euphoria, his heart was literally beating—as if trembling and aching to be set free from the cages he’s set upon himself. Could it be that this man was his new lord and savior? He had literally flicked the cross he bears, the cross that carries an unyielding loneliness and self hatred. “… yes, together!” a chuckle as he could literally see the pointed ears, “Well, a secret or not—it’s safe with me, unfortunately yes, your pointed ears are showing, dear friend.” A pause as there’s casual tenderness in his eyes. How careless was he? Nevertheless, it adds to the charm.

          “I am Shizuo Inoue, Shi, in short—in case you find it hard to pronounce, what’s yours?” He reaches his hand out for a handshake towards the man who was sitting in front of his stall, “How about we go hunting for ingredient and create one now?” A tug of his lips in a smirk, he’s never had a partner to find ingredients—well, his way of defining ingredients weren’t exactly on the morally upright boundary.

Cormac only half listened to the enchanter's words, letting himself be ~lost~ by the potions, taking each scent part by part, piece by piece until he had been able to categorize each plant... and was that an animal[?] used. Hmmmm... apricots and honey. A sweet spell, it tasted like something... something that Cormac could not say and yet it was on the tip of his tongue, something amazing and yet he couldn't think with all the fog in his head, a light fog, lifting him up to the clouds.

---Together, the other man says. Together with what again? Cormac tried to think of what it was he had said to elicit a response that regarded togetherness. His togetherness was supposed to only be with Aislinn--- secret, ears, pointed. Hmmm that made sense, why did he hide the fact he was fae of course? He did have pointed ears. Foolish him. Foolish him just like the Equinox would say. What a ~~F O O L~~ of him.

The reminiscing of the short high was not overly fun, as when it ended; all the wrong things came back to him. He shook his head and took a sniff of the vial he held it had a sweet taste, now it felt slightly bitter. "Shizoo" Cormac blinked, seeing that it felt wrong on his tongue. "Sorry... Shizu--oh. Shi." Cormac did not know if this was from the wooziness he felt or that he really couldn't pronounce the foreign name properly. He took the handshake and stood up as he patted his backside for any stray dirt. "My--my na- My name is Cor- Cor." he said stuttering just a little bit. He did not notice he did not finish his name at the mention of Cor. "That potion is good but maybe it was too... strong for me." Cormac said as he tried to brush his lack of speaking ability off. It was not strong per se but it was definitely a kick in his usually sleeping system.

"Now? Are you not still open for selling?" he wondered. "Where do you usually make? I have no place except for the usual rudimentary tools. All that I make are for easy and quick consummation given that I do not have the correct ingredients to preserve."

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wanderessiums:

Woah there, buddy. They were not one to voice their thoughts but sometimes expressions give in–the moment this man’s reached for their ears, their eyebrows arched and the moment he stopped his hands from going any further, they could not help but notice the magick seeping through vibrations and in its faintest form. “I guess…?” Despite the rather dumbfounded expression, the casual smile broke through their mien: this man was a rather peculiar, friendly fae. Probably smoked too much or been high on something, not that they’re against it. They did not recognize him, if this man was a fae then shouldn’t they be living in the forts? They were quite certain that they knew of all the names and faces of the fae in that particular loaction, not unless he was a solitary fae.

They simply kept quiet, not only did this person speak so high but their… hobbies? The wondered what magick they had. Perhaps healing? Considering these herbs smelt of ever so familiar potions. The moment he said 'peace’, Lorien could not help but feel intrigued by the idea, “Peace—like internal peace or external peace?” Did that make sense?

Alas, the moment they had uttered those words, the receiver of the messages seemed out of reach. They could literally see the way their pupils had dilated as they no longer had eye contact, gaze straying away and looking at the sky at the distance. Not that it mattered if his words were processed or not, too often he would speak so softly their words cannot be heard and they’ve grown to accept that some find it difficult to converse with them. The moment he had awoken from his quick daydream, they gave a little smile, “Yeah, sure. I’m not busy—” a pause, technically thy were alone in their room but they still lived amongst the other fae, a shrug as they emitted an inaudible noise, “Ah, pretty much kind of alone.”

“Do you…,” they still tried to compose the right words in their head, “Do you live around here?” eyes widened at a sudden (forgotten) realization, “Oh—damn, sorry. I forgot to introduce myself, hello, I’m Lorien.” and now they wondered if their name would ever ring a bell, often not but they still liked to wonder.

A tinysmile was plastered on Cormac's face, peaceful and kind like a soft breeze. He did not mind that the other did not seem to understand him but at the try of a question, Cormac nodded his head in affirmation. "For both. It is peaceful to me to garden as it is peaceful to---" he a l m o s t ~~s l i p  p   e    d ~~but he did not and as his gaze from peaceful suddenly turned to concern as he flicked the the tips of the plants "to drink from their properties."

"Is it difficult? To be alone in the forest?" he asked in wonder, to think of the pros and cons before his and Aislinn's inevitable talk with regards to the fae and the forts. If this one was not of the fae in the forts then there would no doubt be valuable information to be had if they lived outside of the norm yet inside of a single forest.

"No. Well technically, yes I do. I did not originate here as I have just come in when I followed a wisp." the omitting of his sister came in naturally when he had to always make sure others would not harm her nor be known of her presence. "I am called Cormac, greetings Lorien." A small bow of greeting before Cormac stood straight and head off towards the lake." Cormac was at E A S E to telling this stranger his name, he said he lived kind of alone, it could mean he was with someone he did not wish to mention... not exactly one of the fae in the Forts.

‘Cormac’ was also one of the only things he has that would remind him of his and Aislinn's parents. Their NAMES Apart from that they knew of nothing else, Cormac would hold that name towards him. unless otherwise important.

[kolyaivanov-deactivated20211220]

open starter: prompt- being clumsy.

Micah’s not exactly certain what time it is, but it’s late enough that the forest is quiet and the sky is dark, the snow glowing an otherwordly white beneath the light of the moon and stars. He could have cast a warming charm, easy, but something about the crisp air in his lungs and against his skin has him feeling refreshed, his mind cleared of the negativity that’s been haunting it as of late. It’s a welcome feeling, and he’s warm enough thanks to his jacket and, fine, maybe a little alcohol. Not much, just enough to have him pleasantly buzzed, shoulders losing their tension. The only thing that could have made it more perfect was a cigarette.

He should know by now that appreciating or enjoying anything is the quickest way to ruin it. Maybe it’s the dark, maybe it’s the wine, maybe it’s the way he’s distracted staring at the sky instead of watching where he’s walking, maybe it’s just bad luck but next thing Micah knows he’s letting a surprised noise- one that is by no means a squawk- and falling flat on his face.

And not only is it embarassing (because he is decidedly not some toddling infant that hasn’t fully figured out how his damned legs work) it’s cold and wet and his pants are ripped at his knee, which is stinging and definitely dripping blood. He scrambles to his feet as quickly as he can, a disgruntled hmph leaving his mouth as he tugs at his jacket, smoothing out the fabric and adjusting it so that it’s draping the way it’s supposed to be, dusting disgusting, filthy snow off of himself and hissing a string of irritated swears. “Gods curse this primitive fucking forest-” He aimed a kick at the log that had tripped him- “So uncivilized.”

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“No stop!” Cormac had rarely any need to show emotion but at this specific moment he could not help but break out into a small sweat as he r a c e d  towards the unfamiliar man and the log that he was about to kick. “Please do not kick the log.” The fae said as he quickly --- and gingerly knelt at the front of the log, fronting the human. With slow, careful gestures Cormad lifted the log to reveal a group of tightly clumped mushrooms. A smile and a relieved sigh ~e s c a p    e   d~ his lips at his luck. The rough movement of the log would no doubt disturb their growth and may possibly kill them.  It took many moons for Cormac to find a log that size, that old, and that specific kind of wood to properly grow his mushrooms in the cold. It would be disheartening if he found them dead otherwise. The fae understood that anything could happen in the forest and that accidents happen but how many people do you see in the act of KICKING DEAD tree trunks?  He did not take notice of the other’s earlier words deciding that he was in no position to create a ruckus or disagree with a complete stranger.  As Cormac waved his hand lightly on top of the plants, caressing them but actually unleashing a few of his calming magic for the plants to feel safe again--- the fae placed the log back on top. “Sleep and grow well.” A murmur of words before he stood up to address the other. “You should not be kicking anything. Kicking is very uncivilized.” Cormac’s unfeeling (but not really) eyes bore down on the others. He did not ~really care~ what other people do but it was true. Cormac was not borne into luxury or society but he knew log kicking was NOT for the proper mannered.  “Are you perhaps having a bad day?” A question then, a question, a second though, an idea that maybe Cormac should not judge on the spot.

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noemansland:

Noe stared at him with a scrutinizing gaze. He’d appeared to be completely checked out and she couldn’t help but wonder if he was on something. ❝I can’t have a single moment’s peace without some random magick walking through and making a complete ASS of themselves.❞ She tilted her bottle upwards only to find it ｅｍｐｔｙ.

                   The realization sent a wave of uncontrolled RAGE through the entirety of her conflicted being and she sent the empty bottle crashing into the hard surface of the nearest tree. It looked like she was going to have to take another trip to the marketplace even though she’d already been twice in the past twenty-four hours.

        ❝And this bloody forest doesn’t have          NEARLY enough rum for me to deal          with you fucks without running you          through with a sword.❞

Cormac continued to s t a r e, not even feeling a tiny bit miffed at the other's apparent distaste. "You are the ass. The complete ass." A tug on his lips, small and subtle... shone. "There is no more in that bottle and yet you try to drink from it." Joking or even saying the most proper things were not one of Cormac's strong point, they were definitely his sisters. Even though he was timid Cormac was not one to mince his words, tact or not.

"The tree is hurt." His eyes moved     f r o m    the... angry person.. then  towards the tree. "Animals could get hurt too." With again a lost gaze Cormac walked to where the tree was hit. He laid a palm on the tree trunk trying to speak to it as if telling the tree not to cry. The fae squatted as he picked up the b r o k e n pieces of the glass uncaring if he got hurt as he knew he would barely feel the nicks and superficial cuts.

"Swords would hurt. Please do not maim me.”  Cormac might  feel the initial TRAUMA of pain but even if he could stay calm at the worst of pain he did not like the discomfort it gave him. “Why do you not make your own?" An absent minded question --- (one of validity) came from him. "It is not very hard, the forest has everything one would need to make into rum." It might have seemed stupid or insane but if Cormac was good at one thing --- other than sleeping and relaxing... he was very good at improvising.

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bloodkept:

          It was as if stars shone in his eyes! Seeing how the other had removed one of the corks and smelt it, he could definitely tell that it was a success, their expression–and the way their eyes showed of emotion, there is never a way that the very mirrors to one’s true self shall lie. The flattering comment at first had made him crack a grin, teeth baring and eyes showing equal enthusiasm. Shizuo’s eyes were fixated on the other man, he didn’t care of what he had in display, no——he could always recreate them anytime and anywhere, it wasn’t that hard. But what was difficult is to see a man like this one. A subtle nod at their question, “Why yes, of course! Made with the finest and freshest ingredients along with some eastern spells, aha!” The faint foreshadowing of his fresh ingredients was definitely something, but who knew—what if they were just fresh greenery?

          He knows that the other man had probably placed the wrong cork on the bottles, but god could he even care about that right now? Heart pacing ( oh my god, is this real? ) it was like in those shoujo manga that the girls in his class would often describe where this sixteen year old protagonist would have their fateful meeting and have a flowery, kira-kira kind of background while some bishounen megane would pass by in their corporate suit. hands raise to clasp both of the other’s hands tightly, “Partners…. rivals——! I would gladly take either…!” They felt all their suppressed genuine enthusiasm that was locked away since birth have a sudden wave of happiness, “You…! Let’s create potions together!” he didn’t care if they’d be rivals, in fact—he’d enjoy a rival and a partner, to create and to always improve, he had always sought for someone to make him improve his passion more and more. He wondered, what sort of potions did this man do as well—was he an enchanter? or perhaps a different species?

Cormac had not really sensed the exuberance ~e m a n a t i n g~ from the other but he did notice that the other had seemed to perked up, something that Cormac had found himself lazily smiling at sellets joy while he still continued to feel jelly in his legs. No he was not dismissing the hype the other felt but it was just so that he himself could rarely feel the magic of crazy joy and jumping laughter. It was a rare feat for him, to find himself --- his body moving as his mind would want to.

"Finest... and freshest... Finest... and freshest..." Cormac had repeated the words... it sounded nice, a sound he would think of as friendly and... f... f fortunate...? That was an F right? A frown furrowed his brow as he was again lost in his own thoughts. The fae had already lifted the same vial to his lips but then decided to put it down and take another one, putting it almost on his lips before deciding to place it back and taking his time to choose on a product to test. It was probably a little while before he did get to choose (finally), a sparkling GREEN concoction. It looked minty. "I hope this is minty." He glanced at the other "I hope not to die, alright?" he jested, even though his face remained flat and impassive.

With a small gulp Cormac found himself smiling ~w i l d l y~. Teeth were out as his eyes enlarged, taking in the scene around him. "This tastes very good!" he cheered as he tried one more sip before feeling a little bit feint. His body was not used to being overworked, even at a simple act of showing joy. "What is in it? It tasted very nice but I do not think it is the potion for me." Again Cormac would have said it as impassive but for some reason the potion had made him chuckle, laugh even at his predicament.

"Yes! Let's create potions together!" The exuberance he felt (no doubt because of the other) seemed to SLAM into Cormac as he downed the whole vial. His whole body felt like he would fall and fall he did into an indian seat at the base of the vendor kiosk. "Do I still look like a fae?" A question tired, weary but still optimistic floated from him, aware and yet not caring that he had r e v e a l e d what he was.

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twinunhinged:

There was the look. She swallowed. Her brother so often had eyes that seemed almost glazed over as if his mind was elsewhere. While her own pupils were so often dilated. She’d hoped her unintentional comment on the vampires would have been able to float by him without a second thought. In hindsight, Aislinn realized that such hopes were foolish when applied to her conversations with her brother. 

❝I fear the alliance is just a show… A ruse meant to stay their hands until things move in favor of one or the other, until they know that they have the opportunity to gain some leeway with an attack.❞ In her heart, she knew her fears were also placed in the idea of being at the mercy of another demanding power. Within the troupe, she’d been told that her magick was wrong, with Equinox, she’d been USED as if her magick was a tool. For the first time, they controlled their own lives and she feared giving up any part of that. ❝We were lucky before…❞

Her voice trailed off, only to shoot back up to him in an instant at the mention of vampires once again. Teeth immediately went to bit DOWN upon her lip as if such a small action could keep the words behind her teeth from clawing their way into sound. ❝I have met them… one, in particular. And I feel it would be er… unfair to place judgement upon them so very quickly.❞

Cormac may have been uncharacteristically optimistic about the w h o l e Fort affair but even if they live in mostly negative surroundings --- where nurture had overcompensated for their lack of nature and their history. He could not deny to himself that the possibilities of being able to e x p a n d their horizon, find a niche, find more people --- yes to be hurt (again) but yes to being accepted. Him and his sisters benefit as a pair and as individuals.

"Then we must be more vigilant Aislinn. I do not deny the fact that we might be kept on our toes but as long as we do not show our hand on our abilities or that we have had experience with war of any kind then we might be able to slip unnoticed as..." A faraway look poised itself on his face as his eyes glazedover. "... as hopefully we get to learn of our parents...” said the drifting voice. “ I have met a fae who says he works in the courts. A redhead. I do not fully remember his name but he has told me that the Forts is a big place, there are houses, libraries---" his voice once again caught in his throat. Libraries. Records. Names. Parents. Maybe? Just maybe they can find a fae to help them.

The ~vampire~ was such a precarious subject he did not find any ill will for the other magics but there was a l w a y s a possibility to fall prey and he and Aislinn have been prey long enough to other fae it would be disheartening to fall pray to other magics as well.

Cormac’s terse look turned into a resigned smile as he stood up from his position and shuffled to sit beside Aislinn. Carefully he tucked a stray hair behind her ear, making sure to pinch the tips of her fae ears as he changed tactics on his reaction to the whole vampire episode.

"You purposely avoided my answer Ais." A grin s p r e a d on his lips, both trying to find amusement but also held a tinge of sadness. He could not deny that he wanted to be by her side for all of eternity, that a part of him believed that she needed him as he needed her for the sake of their magic and of course their familial connection but even so he could not be a guardian every morning and every evening and in between. "You know I am going to push you to an answer one way or another --- sooner or later --- for now what could you tell me?"

Cormac tried to be as encouraging as he can. Yes it is very possible she might not answer and that was alright but there would NEVER come a time that he would not show worry or concern for anything that would possibly happen.

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averynye:

Avery smiled brightly at the interest, and he would have to seriously think about how he had far too much fun finding these lost strays and bringing them in under his wing. “Avery.” He replied. “And yes, I do work there, protecting those in my Court and making sure that area of the forest stays safe for us.” 

Another glance at the box in the fae’s arms, and he found it all too perfect they had the same destination in mind. Plenty of time to talk, and perhaps a good enough shot at recruiting one more to his cause. “Walk with me.” Avery hummed as he adjusted his bag and started towards the marketplace once more. “The Forts, as we call them, is a village of sorts out in Northwest part of the forest. It’s well guarded, full of merry companionship and good food.” The merry part did in fact vary, as a good number of fae were quite hostile since the alliance, but it was true enough for most of the Seelie and therefore easy enough to use to portray something that would offer any lone fae a sense of belonging. “We also have a training area, library, really anything to cater to hobbies and improve skills. And best of all, the Courts are not separated, so everyone of fae blood belongs, even some without.” 

It was a good selling point, one that may not last after the humans and vampires were both removed as a threat, but it was strong enough for now. They needed help, in any shape or form they could get it.

Cormac's face lit up in a smile, a part of him did not understand why his face did so and yet there it was as he acknowledged the freckled redhead's name. "Some sort of guard? You do not look like a guard Avery." A questioning g l a n c e as his eyes l i n g e r e d towards the fae's face --- a look that went straight    d o w n    towards the other's feet.

He definitely DID wonder if Aislinn knew of the Forts. It sounded like a~ M A G I  C  A   L~ place, not that the forest was any different or that they as fae --- in the troupe were such...

                         but... to be in a place with SO MANY fae                                    to be in a a place WHERE HIDING can be forgotten                                    to be in a place that MAYBE they could be accepted

There was probably space in the Forts of the fae for that right? For two lone young fae's who have had little to call family except for just the ‘two’ of them. Cormac did definitely keep smiling as he walked companionably with the other. The marketplace  ~f~a~r~ from his mind at the thought of a bit of indulgence in his life. Cormac was very much deep into the euphoric feeling of belonging that most little critters found themselves absently swaying. Butterflies would flutter slowly as they laid on the flower petals, birds would stop chirping loudly but sang, trilled a soft, joyous note --- a group of fighting squirrels found themselves happily chattering as they flopped on one another.

Definitely Cormac was deep into his own little world as he imagined of the grand things to be. Avery... the fae did not lie but of course they could say otherwise. "How do ... I" he spoke of the words slowly, making sure not to slip about his companion "get into the courts? Even if there is a cordiality between the Summer and Winter courts, aren't there of different ... wings or corridors? Towns? For each? Do I have to choose my place as I enter the gates?" The curiosity engulfed him.