Ailsa Mac Alistair

~ Ailsa - 70 - Faerie ~ honey heals aches, coating them with sweetness and warmth... a lot like love

[what-ailsa]

cassiusreyes

While he had been inside with Aiden looking for the other Mac Alistairs, they decided to break up in order to cover more ground. After all, they had to find three other Mac Alistairs and if they were apart then Aiden wouldn’t scorn him for keeping a weather eye out for Giselle. Who were the fae without a High Queen, surely they could not return under the rule of Kael. It was only to benefit the good of the people. As he was helping another fae in his search, he suddenly heard her voice, much softer and much more welcoming than her brothers. “I am the Prince Consort of the High Queen, I am accompanying her,” he responded, though his response seemed so rehearsed as he had been using it all night. “Giselle is a force to be reckoned with, I assure you she is much safer on her own than being safe guarded. I obtained no injuries,” he spoke before giving her a once over. “Your brother, he is looking for you, we were looking for you. Come with me, I can protect you until we get to him.”

Ailsa was temporarily thrown off by Cassius’s formality, but then he was speaking of Giselle and she seemed to forget it. “Yes, she is...” she sighed. “I just wish I was at her side.” Or any of her sibling’s sides, just as long as she wasn’t alone.

But she wasn’t alone any longer. She was with Cassius and they could find the others. “Wait, have you seen Kirk or Aiden? Ailsa’s siblings were all goliaths in a fight, but would they be any match on their own against a pack of werewolves? Her stomach twisted at the thought.  “Do you know where he still is?”

[what-ailsa]

giselleendiron

She’s exceptionally soft in Alisa’s presence, the girl’s voice lulling her into a sense of comfort and security. The opium of the High Court is what she calls her every time something dizzyingly sweet falls from Alisa’s rosebud lips and trickles into Giselle’s ears. There’s a disarming innocence about her, the same kind that Giselle so cruelly sought to tear away from Sophia. “Everything is fine, Alisa. I just wanted to ask something of you.” Giselle starts, her queenly posture remaining entirely unaltered as she stands before the young fae. She’s hesitant to ask, not because she doesn’t trust Alisa, but because she’s not willing to place the girl in harm’s way. Simply knowing that Alisa was fluttering around the Vampire’s court alone has her feeling rather uneasy. “The winds are starting to change for us here. I do not doubt that my speech will quell much of the pain and anger of courts’ but I fear that my past choices could potentially lead to civil unrest and I should like to prevent such hardships if it is at all possible.” Soft palms reach out to take up Alisa’s in their grip. “In an attempt to stay on top of things, I was wondering if you might like to be my eyes and ears here at court? You needn’t do much besides follow the flow of certain conversations from certain courtiers and then report your findings back to me.” Giselle knows that no one would ever suspect Alisa to be a fly on the wall with her glassy doe eyes and kind words for all. There is no better spy than one that can exist out in the open.

“I don’t think you should worry much.” Ailsa said it on instinct. She wanted to soften tempers and anxieties, but she immediately regretted doing so. Giselle was a great queen in Ailsa’s mind at least, but the unrest created by her ousting of Kael was no secret to anyone. Even Ailsa could see how some faeries may connect the dots between the Queen’s rule and the chaos at the Beaumont wedding.

But then Giselle took her hands and her mind quieted for a breath. Her jaw dropped as the Queen asked her question. Ailsa gaped at Giselle, brow furrowed, until it crossed her mind how unattractive it must be. She pressed her lips together. “Are you sure?" She could feel the lines of worry still pressing into her face, an expression of the doubt replaying the question in her head, Why me? “Not that I am questioning your judgement, but...” she stopped herself, the words unable to reach her lips.

[what-ailsa]

lips like honey // a mix for ailsa mac alistair

Hunger, Florence + the Machine || Would That I, Hozier || South, Hippo Campus || The River, Cat Clyde || Follow Your Fire, Kodaline || The Girl, City and Colors ||  In the Long Run, The Staves || Golden Embers, Mandolin Orange || I’ll Still Have Me, CYN ||  Words, Gregory Alan Isakov

Link

[what-ailsa]

talviste

“Ailsa and Aiden? That’s cute.” He chuckled, the fact that they’re twins making it better. “I haven’t met the others, but it must’ve been cool growing up and having each other.” The names wouldn’t be ones he’d forget, especially with the link to the High Court. He must be talking to someone important. Remy didn’t know first hand, though it sounded like it must be wonderful sights. “Is it always what you wanted to do? I mean…if you don’t mind me asking?” He didn’t want to be disrespectful somehow, even though Ailsa didn’t make him feel uneasy. For all he knew, she may not have had much choice in the matter. “We bumped into each other, sort of like you and I, I guess.”

Her smile tightened, the clumsy combination of her practiced politeness and genuine snarkiness reserved for Aiden’s worst moments. She supposed that the fact Remy knew Aiden was coloring her perception of him.

She thought for a moment before she answered.  “I love being able to serve my court and my family. “ Part of her wanted to be honest, to bare all of how small the world can feel in the High Court, but she hardly knew Remy.. “My mother worked very hard to get her children into the positions we hold in the courts and I’m grateful to her.”

“So you must be who he goes and sees when he disappears,” she said quickly, changing the subject. “I hope you too aren’t getting into too much trouble.”

[what-ailsa]

aidenmacalistair

Aiden only had his weapon out to deflect any attacks. With Ailsa by his side, he did not want to engage in any battles, in fear of her being pushed to aside and getting lost in the fray. He still needed to find Sorcha, but he, and as much as he hated it, could probably rely on Kirk to do it. “I was in the Wilde, nearby,” Aiden said, searching to his left and right before crossing a hall, his twin in tow. “I heard the screams turn into howling. I barely remembered the wedding.” A red flush went over his cheeks, angry at himself for not being here, but he could not turn back time and she was fine. “Can you run?”

Ailsa squeezed Aiden’s hand tighter. Had he been alone when everything started? She hadn’t been with her family, nor really any faeries, but she had been in a crowd at least. Aiden was always the bravest of them, but she couldn’t see anyway that he wouldn’t be scared. “Yes, of course.” Ailsa scooped up a handful of her skirt, now more than a bit torn and dirty, and lifted it out of the way of her feet. Moving closer, she whispered, “If I never have to see another vampire or werewolf, I would be a happy faerie.” She tried to add a laugh, but it came across a little short and watery.

[what-ailsa]

gabrielvbeaumont

“I’m grateful to hear it,” Gabriel said, shocked to find that his words were genuine. He had only just managed to secure an alliance with the Faerie Court; if he lost it to the humans or wolves of all creatures, he would be enraged. And to upset a Fae family as vast and powerful as the Mac Alistairs was…dangerous, to say the least.

“I plan on hosting a vigil for the fallen–you and your family are, of course, more than welcome to attend,” Gabriel managed in what he hoped was a placating tone. “Is there anything I can do for you today, Mademoiselle Mac Alistair?”

“Thank you, my family would love to be there in support.” Ailsa’s mind rushed through the undoubted joy her mother would here when Ailsa told her that she had secured her family’s invitation directly from the vampire king. Her mother would say something about how important relationships are. Or something.... Ailsa added.

“No, sir... Though, I suppose if you have a moment, maybe I could ask you a question,” she added before she was able to offer it much thought. Her heart still felt like it was up in her throat, forcing every breath to be a struggle. “What’s going to happen between the werewolves and vampires?” She let the question hang in the air, immediately regretting her decision.

[what-ailsa]

aidenmacalistair

“Me? Hurt? Are you sure you’re talking to your brother?” His smile, as cocky as it was, was done so to reassure his twin. He had no idea what she had been through tonight, mentally cursing himself for not seeing this coming. Of course there would be some kind of issue. It was the night of a full fucking moon and the vampires were gathered. Even drunk Aiden should have anticipated this. He could have saved Ailsa from ever being here. He would have gone to the High Court. He would have done anything to protect her.

Aiden put his hands on her shoulder, searching for any injuries before locking eyes. It was a trick he learned ages ago to help calm his twin, even if she learned to calm down on her own. Fighting and violence aside, none of it would matter if Ailsa could not move due to her anxiety. She didn’t have to say anything. Aiden just knew. It was a twin thing. “Let’s get you home, okay? Stay close. Do not let go of my hand, promise?”

“You are insufferable,” she laughed weakly, wiping her eyes. “But you’re okay, so that’s alright.” Ailsa saw the same need to be the hero, to never be weak in Aiden that she saw in Kirk. She would never say it, not with how those two got along like a forest on fire, but she could feel it in her core. It was the same spot where she felt all of those twin-senses, like when Aiden was hurting or in trouble.

After a slow breath, she took his hand and squeezed. “I would never dream of it.” She knew that she would be alright. Aiden was around, so there was no way it couldn’t be. “Where were you? Did you see the fighting?”

[what-ailsa]

talviste

He shyly bit his lip when she laughed, not knowing if it was directed at him. His head tilted curiously to the side. “You have more than one?” Being an only child made him wonder what having siblings was like. A big family must be fun, or at least there were people to turn to. He liked to think he would take the bickering with a brother or sister over being alone. “Aiden.” His eyes flicked to Ailsa’s hands then, wondering if she had any abilities as well. “Sounds like you’re a busy person. How is it—the High Court?” As much as he wanted to travel, he didn’t think it was likely he’d go there. No, Remy would rather explore beyond Candoris, if he ever lived long enough to be free of this place.

Ailsa’s smile stretched  wider, into a less practiced shape. "Aiden’s my twin! But there’s four of us in all with Kirk and Sorcha.“ The Mac Alistairs were part of a set, to their parents and the courts, incomplete if one was missing. That was particularly true for Aiden and Ailsa, who were always just that: Aiden and Ailsa.

“It’s alright.” She shrugged, which felt more casual than she usually allowed herself to be. “A lot of pageantry and meetings and all that, but there are some nice moments. The Apregnea Enclave is beautiful, the food is pretty fantastic, and there’s some good company.... Just gets stuffy after a while, I suppose.” Her head lilted to the side as she asked, “But how do you know Aiden?”

[what-ailsa]

kirkmaca

Kirk tucked Ailsa’s hair behind her ear and smiled. She was so good. Somehow, the managed to nicely bookend their siblings. The two wildest between them and them on either end, holding steady. “I hope you know proud of you I am,” he said quietly. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

Ailsa smiled. It was wide and toothy and earnest. Ailsa had worked hard to hide any negative emotions, but happiness and confidence were badges on her chest. “I would love to go home,” she sighed. She fell in step beside him. “We haven’t spoken much recently. What were you up to? Before the wedding.”

[musepirations]

character aesthetic: 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝓃 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑒

❝ she had lavender in her h a i r and { ROSES } on her cheek. ❞

[what-ailsa]

kirkmaca 

Kirk stepped out of the way and kept a hand on Ailsa’s arm like she might vanish if he didn’t. “I’m fine. I managed to find the Queen and get her out. She had ordered me to stay outside with the Court. I realize now that was a mistake. I’m sorry, I should have stayed with you. I didn’t get to protect you.”

Ailsa “No, it’s alright, Kirk. I’m alright. You did what you were asked to, what the queen asked you to.” She shook her head, a soft, understanding look on her face. She knew better than anyone. If Ailsa had been with the queen, if she had asked Ailsa to stay, she would have done the same. They both had responsibilities to her. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

[what-ailsa]

derrieuxmelanie

A gentle breeze brushed Melanie’s cheeks, the heady aroma of all the flowers in the garden reaching her, surrounding her very being. It filled Melanie with a sense of peace, a welcome feeling after all the stress she’s been under after the wedding. Trying to account for everyone under her estate and lands and making sure they weren’t among the fallen had taken a quite a bit out of her. Melanie shook her head, not wanting to continue down that path, after all she was here to deliver good news to the Queen. The breeze brushed by Melanie again, her head falling back so she could take a deeper breath. The earth was thriving and the flowers were blooming so beautifully. Melanie could expect nothing less when it comes to the high court. Queen Giselle’s gardens are the only ones that Melanie could concede to being a tad bit more extravagant and beautiful than her own back in the Spring Court. But only just a tad.  

Basking in the sun and enjoying the freshness from the air Melanie swayed in place, almost as if she were dancing. There waiting to be called upon by her majesty, a presence makes itself known. Turning towards the source of the delicate voice Melanie finds herself face to face with Alisa Alistair, the Queen’s lady in waiting. Melanie hadn’t had much exposure to the girl, other than seeing her at the beck and call of Giselle but she’s only ever heard good things of the girl. Melanie smiles at the young faerie, “Bonjour Ms Alistair, a pleasure to see that you are ok after everything. To answer your question, I’m always happy to be home. I don’t quite enjoy glamouring my wings just to blend in with the other species. What a pain.”  Melanie fluttered the giant pink shimmering wings that were nestled on her back as a demonstration. It was the thing she hated the most about leaving and why she preferred to stay within the seasonal courts as much as possible. “Anyways, the feeling of being home is so very welcome, especially after something as disgraceful as the latest event.” Melanie paused, tilting her head before questioning further. “If this is the closest thing to home. do you mind me asking what home is for you?

Ailsa admired Melanie’s wings, the way the light flickered off of them as if they were covered in diamond dust. “They’re very beautiful. They should never be hidden.”

“Likewise, Ms. Derrieux,” Ailsa nodded. “It’s a tragedy that any faeries were hurt, but we were fortunate that our losses were little compared to the vampires and werewolves.” Two sides, Ailsa thought, that had decided to drag her people into some shallow fight. She would never speak against the queen, but she more than once wondered why the queen would ever want to tie her people to any other species. The faeries survived alone for ages. Why did they need allies now?

“The Autumn Court,” Ailsa said automatically. She chuckled and gestured to herself, her long, fiery hair, the brown flecks in her eyes, the copper and and gold of her wings. Autumn was fused in every part of her being. There was not enough magic in Candoris to hide that.  “Not surprisingly, really. But it’s been a while since I’ve been there. Do you call the Apregnea Enclave home?”

[what-ailsa]

giselleendiron

This is what it feels like to hold the weight of worlds in the palm of such fragile hands. Pressure weighs down proud shoulders though her actions do little to betray her inner frustration. Regret burns just a harshly as salt in an open wound, but she knows that she must take it in stride as any decent ruler might. In truth, she owes a lofty debt to her childhood tutors for equipping her with enough oratory acumen to even be able to deliver such an announcement with as much grace and perfected skill as she intends. Her words hold weight, that much she’s certain. The address she makes tonight will undoubtedly silence the ever-wagging tongues of the members of her privy council and will perhaps even soothe the hearts of those who have lost their loved ones to the brutality that took place during the Beaumont wedding reception.

Outstretched arms are tended to by several of her attentive ladies in waiting as they place the finishing touches on her gown for the address. Dark brown irises fall softly on her chief lady in waiting, Alisa, as she informs her of the preparation for the gathering. “Thank you, Alisa.” Giselle dips her head in a motion of gratitude towards Alisa before stepping down a level from the dressing podium. “That is enough for now. You all may leave and join everyone in the throne room.” After a series of bows in unison, the multicolored wings of her ladies come fluttering past her and out of the door. “Except for you, Alisa. I was wondering if we speak briefly for a moment?”

Giselle was beautiful, Ailsa thought. Not that that was any new or surprising thought, but it always reminded her of how young the queen was and how together she needed to be. Giselle had people to lead, and -- as Ailsa reminded herself -- was scarcely older than herself. If Giselle could rule over the Autumn Court, than Ailsa would do anything to help her queen do so.

“Oh, of course, your highness,” Ailsa floated to a stop. She held her breath, working hard to not look nervous, and watched as the other ladies flitted out of the room. She was, as a standard, often nervous in her official capacity. It was a byproduct of her upbringing. However, she would do everything to push past any anxiety to help those that she cared about. “Is everything alright?”

[what-ailsa]

talviste

“I’m kidding.” He said when it looked like she took him seriously. Jeremy smiled warmly as she explained. He understood—as trapped as they all were in the same place, he still met new faces every day. “That has to be it. There are some great trails there.” When he wasn’t practicing with his sword or dagger, he was taking a walk to help map out the forest. It all still looked the same though, remaining a mass of wood and green easily waiting to confuse him. Ailas’s kindness was refreshing since it had been a long time since he met someone who expressed it so genuinely, that for a moment he almost doubted it to be true. “You don’t have to apologize. It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Jeremy—oh.” When she bowed, he was stuck about whether he was supposed to do the same. It would probably be the polite thing to do. Remy did so, mimicking what he had seen of people greeting someone of royalty. His face briefly warmed over how awkward he probably appeared. “I’ve met a Mac Alistair before.” He mused then, recognizing the name.

Ailsa breathed a laugh. It was to be polite mainly, but also served to hide her own slight embarrassment. “Of course, Jeremy,” Ailsa said resolutely, committing the name and face to memory. She was good with each, keeping a neat catalogue inside her head of everyone she met, but she still had to be intentional about it.

“You have?” Ailsa smiled. She hadn’t gotten to wander the forests of the Autumn Court in near ages, and the Wilde Woode in even longer. She had missed the quiet, the smell of centuries of life, the chance of adventure behind every tree. She hadn’t gotten to wander in a very long time. “Who? All of my siblings got out to the Woode far more often than I ever could, especially since I moved to the High Court.”

[what-ailsa]

if you could be any other species, what would you choose and why?

“Why would I want to be anything but a faerie? I suppose if I had to choose, one of the merfolk would be alright. A lot less drama than being human, vampire, or werewolf.”

[what-ailsa]

ROSALIND + ORSINO

What does your ideal day entail?

“In the High Court? One with only a few social engagements where I can just eat cake for dinner. One day, though, I hope I can just explore some city or forest on my own, then spend my evening with a book and someone I love, hopefully.”

If you could have any material thing in the world, what would it be?

“I would love a new dress! Particularly one that I can wear when I can just spend a day on my own in the Autumn Court.”

[what-ailsa]

CRESSIDA

What makes you feel trapped?

“Having to wake up everyday and serve the Court, always having to be the woman people want me to be... Well, I would certainly love a chance to breathe.”