Silver escorts the Hare to speak with Lord Grey II

Characters in this scene: Hare, Silver, Lord Grey II, Jacob

Setting Location: The Grove of Nameless Stars

Hare — 02/25/2021

The Hare waits in front of an old EXXON gas station. The moon and the stars shine brightly, their light easily piercing through the few clouds lazing about the sky. He's about average height and lanky, with a thick nest of brown curls atop his head. He's wearing a stark white mask, the markings indicate a sleeping hare. He has a small bag with him, and to the Sight, he seems surrounded by ambient spirits.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

Silver wanders by; its been perhaps twenty minutes since the texts. Today she's dressed in a green dress with silver spirals, hair drawn back in an auburn braid. She's wearing grey leather gloves that go up to the elbow. She looks like a young woman dressed for a party, save for a waist-bag belted at her waist. "You who I'm looking for?"

Hare — 02/25/2021

"Yeah," he says, confident, "Did you want to deal now or later. I'd prefer we leave now, but if you want payment up front..."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

Silver raises an eyebrow. "I understand you're in a hurry, but... you're a new practitioner, so as a kindness, fair warning. An unclear deal with the Fae-inclined? Is *incredibly* dangerous."

You notice as she approaches a little skittering in the surrounding area, and you spot a rat eyeing her.

Hare — 02/25/2021

"The warning is appreciated," he says, his voice weak and tired, like he'd been screaming - or crying, "But I've been practicing for eight years. While I'm no expert with the Fae, I have my own defenses. If you have more to add to what I should look out for...," he shrugs, before going through his bag - revealing a pomegranate. "Eat half of this, at your home or a safe place of your choosing. There are twelve seeds in total and it's best to eat half. Then, when you need to go back, eat the other half. You'll either be shown the way home or a path you hadn't notice will open for you." He says, offering her the fruit. "And your curse? I'd need more detail before I offer you anything useful." He notices the rat, but doesn't seem too worried - or concerned that it isn't anything but what it seems. A few of the ambient spirits drift towards it, curious.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

Silver gestures irritably at the rat. "Half-fulfilled Famine curse. Any time I try to eat the buggers try to eat it first, or knock over my drink, or in general mess with my day. I *can* eat, so its not that major an issue, but I don't appreciate being followed by rats all the time." Silver reaches out and plucks up the pomegranate. *After* taking it, she says, "In return for this escape route, I will guide you to the grove of nameless stars, on the border of Spring, and engage in a good-faith attempt to ensure your safe and timely exit from it with the one you wish to leave with, who you've called Jacob Robinson."

Hare — 02/25/2021

"Thank you," he says, visibly relieved - "I -- depending on how this goes, I could offer you a way around your curse, I think. I'd have to measure it, just to make sure, but a place where you could eat in peace could be doable. There might even be ways to break it, if it's weak enough." "Ok, so where do we go?"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

"We're invited, aren't we?" Silver reached out a gloved hand. "Just grasp my hand."

Hare — 02/25/2021

The Hare grabs it.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

Silver tugged, stepped, and turned, and they were no longer in dry Texas.

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

Silver and The Hare find themselves standing on a patch of grass just along a path leading to a dense outcropping of trees. Silver can recognize this as the grove under nameless stars; the path leads directly to the same place where Silver first visited. Of note, there are *not* dozens of twinkling spots in the air outside of the grove.

Hare — 02/25/2021

"Where do we go?" The Hare asks, now *pulling* on Silver's hand, desperate to move forward - to move anywhere.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

"Patience. Stay close." Silver doesn't let go of Hare's hand, walking down the pathway. She glances sideways, and there's a flicker of sadness in her expression, but its gone soon enough. "Please try and keep your emotions in hand - I've offered good faith assistance, but clear desperation is most likely going to make things worse for you, and there's only so much I can do about that."

Hare — 02/25/2021

The Hare sobers, albeit still tense. He doesn't let go of Silver's hand, following after her down the path.

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

Silver and The Hare spot the Fae Noble himself, who Silver immediately recognizes. He awaits, standing in the shade of two trees, patiently watching the two approach. Lord Grey is wearing a prim suit made of Night, blending him in with the darkness of the grove beyond.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

Grey, presumably, can catch a glimpse underneath the thick Glamours which she's cloaked herself in and see the more metaphorical scars lingering on her; the sliced familial Connection, the drained Self, the rat-curse in the surrounding forest, a hint of blood ingested and blood shed. Her gloves were recently broken and mended, her defensive obscuring Implement. "Lord Grey of the Grove of Nameless Stars, we bid you greetings. I imagine you know why we're here?"

Hare — 02/25/2021

The Hare says nothing, but watches.

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

Lord Grey raises an eyebrow, taking in Silver's appearance for a moment before examining The Hare. "Greetings, Silver, it is good that you are back. You are the Practitioner known as The Hare? Is there another name you wish to be known by, or that one may call you?"

Hare — 02/25/2021

"Hare is fine," he says, tense still, eyes searching for any sign of Jacob. He holds Silver's hand tighter.

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

"Very well, Hare then." Lord Grey gestures gently, turning deeper in to the grove. "Come. The Man you seek is this way."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

Silver holds Hare's hand, standing her ground. "I know it is a bit late for that, but... a statement that you intend us no harm, and will allow us exit in good time, would be well prior to continuing this discussion. We can make the same promises - but you need them from us rather less, Lord of the Grove."

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

Lord Grey pauses without looking back. "I do not intend harm for either of you, and will allow you to leave freely when you wish. A statement that you shall not take from the grove under nameless stars other than what you came for will be sufficient, in return."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

"I have no intention to take more than I am given, and for this visit, promise only to take what I am freely given." Silver glances to the Hare, stepping into motion. Lightly, "Granted, this is only *his* promise, and he has many who serve him who might do otherwise, but he is the Lord here."

Hare — 02/25/2021

"I already gave you a statement. Would you have me repeat it?" He says, following Silver.

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

"It would ease my ears to hear it." The fae noble resumes moving deeper into the grove. Crossing the treeline turns the bright sunny day of the the Fae Realm into a starry night, and the smells and sounds of revelry waft through the trees. Silver might notice that they are somewhat muted from the last time they were here, but Hare is surrounded by comforting smells and the sound of laughter, loving, and music. A warm wind rustles the leaves and carresses both Practitioners' skin. "You pulled this Man from the space between spaces, as I suggested?"

Hare — 02/25/2021

"I have no intention to take from you - I've only come to bring Jacob back home," he said. He watched as day turned to night, as stars blanketed the purple sky, pleasure subtle on the breeze. "I did as you advised." The Hare nods. "Where is he?"

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

The three come out from the trees into a large clearing, filled with dancing fae and a large bonfire. Houses of various designs and sometimes questionable building material encircle most of the clearing. Silver might notice a plinth being built in front of the mansion they last visited. Above, shooting stars regularly move across the sky, and occasionally dip down to dance with fae on the ground before leaping back up. Lord Grey points languidly across the clearing, to the side. "Last I knew, Seren and Daffodil took the Man to relax in the Springs."

Hare — 02/25/2021

The Hare watches as the stars fall to dance. "And will I need to deal with them? Or do they know that I've come to recover Jacob," he says, still close to Silver.

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

"I have made it known that fae were not to Deal with this Man. They would have no claim that I could not supercede. I suspect that they are simply enjoying their time with him, as..." Lord Grey pauses for half a second. "... as Pirta once did with Silver."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

Silver doesn't twitch. "I am sorry for your loss, Lord of the Grove," Silver tells Grey, studying him. "I rather liked Pirta. They seemed to be a fine member of this Realm."

Hare — 02/25/2021

The Hare, silent - and hand still holding on to Silver's - walks in the direction of the Springs.

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

The fae noble appears to be lost in thought for a moment, but falls into step with the pair rather than leading the way. He occasionally gestures to step around one thing or another; usually dancing fae or fae busy with love-making, though a couple of times an empty patch of ground that moments later a dazzling star dropped into to join the revelry. Circling the clearing, Lord Grey points down a mossy-stone paved path between buildings, and you hear the sounds of laughter and splashing ahead.

Hare — 02/25/2021

The Hare picks up the pace, nearly running, recognizing Jacob's voice.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

Silver allows the pace to pick up, but keeps it slowed down - though she has some trouble *making* the Hare slow down, which she conceals by not doing it too much.

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

The fae noble follows the two from behind, allowing them to bound ahead. They turn the corner to find Jacob lounging in a picturesque hot spring: steam wafts off of the surface of the water, carrying a thick soothing scent of flowers. Jacob is watching several fae play in the water, occasionally splashing out, and talking to the two fae settled close to him. Many fae in the water are watching a suite of dancers (mostly fae, two human). The two fae pressed Jacob's side are male and female respectively, inhumanly beautiful and glistening. They are quite obviously being flirtatious with the man, which is somewhat aided by their nudity. Jacob seems to be enjoying the attention and relaxation.

Hare — 02/25/2021

The Hare breaks from Silver's grasps, and runs into the Springs, reaching for Jacob. "Jacob! You're here!" He cries, holding the man, seemingly uncaring to the naked Fae besides him - ones Jacob seems *very* cognizant of. "What eager creatures here," Jacob says, his black hair heavy with Spring water, "And this one seems welcomingly familiar. Seren - what can you tell me of Hares?" "Jacob, stop, it's me," the Hare says, his own cloths soaked to transparency, "Jacob, we have to go - c'mon." "Why, Hare? The Springs are warm, pleasantly so. The night might be beautiful, but I should not wish to feel it's chill." He says, before turning to the two Fae. "Perhaps you could stay for a time? Tell us the story of how you came to know my name." The Hare turns to Lord Grey, "What did you do to him? How long has he been here?"

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

Lord Grey shrugs dismissively, meeting Hare's eyes. "I have done nothing to this Man. He has been in the grove under nameless stars for approximately four hours of Man's time, now."

Hare — 02/25/2021

"...and in your time?" The Hare's voice cracks at the end of their question.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

"Is there any price to taking him, or is it just persuading him to leave that's the issue?" Silver inquires.

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

"The same, Hare, we merely tend to mind our time by the turning of the stars, here." Lord Grey nods to Silver. "No price. I have no reason to keep or claim him. I merely wished to do the Practitioners of OMO a favor. Though..." he turns back to look at Jacob thoughtfully, "it appears that he has enjoyed his time here greatly."

Hare — 02/25/2021

The Hare whispers something soft to Jacob and the moon, hidden beyond the grand trees of the grove, brightens for a moment, if even that. Jacob's eyes flutter with sleep, before closing - his body slumping into the Hare's arms. "He did. That was more work that I'd hoped," he says, his tone a mixture of relief and annoyance. "You'll let us leave?"

lordgreyii — 02/25/2021

The fae noble takes in the scene and the magic performed then nods twice, once to Hare and once to Seren and Daffodil. The pair immediately help Hare out of the water, pulling Jacob out as well. "You may leave without trouble." Without a gesture, the water soaking Jacob sweeps off, leaving him as dry as if he had never gone in. "Do you require assistance carrying him?"

Hare — 02/25/2021

"No," the Hare said. Although Jacob was taller, magic could make him lighter under the twinkling lights of night, "I can carry him. It's the least I can do," he says, looking to Silver. "You can take us out?"

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

"Done it before, I imagine I can do it again." Silver inclines her head to Grey; "It's nice to see you again, Lord of a Spring Frontier." She heads back to the path, slowing her pace appropriately.

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

"Anywhere in particular I should drop you off, or just where I found you?" Silver asks idly.

Hare — 02/25/2021

"The gas station where you found me would work."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/25/2021

It's a slower path to leave, longer, winding through the Spring Paths, but Silver finds a mushroom circle and they step through, a short way away from the gas station in question. "I'll leave you be, you and your - friend?" Silver's tone is a clear question. "Unless you wish to discuss my curse, perhaps."

Hare — 02/25/2021

Back in Texas, ambient spirits begin to gather around the Hare once again. A few he directs towards Jacob, and they laze about him, offering warmth and comfort and pleasant dreams. "Boyfriend," he says, "I don't - he's changed. I don't know how, but his time *there*," the last word is spit, almost like a curse, "Did something," he sighs, "One more thing to fix, I guess." "But, yeah, your curse. As much detail as you can offer if you want to try for a cure. If not, I could offer you something that would establish a sanctuary of sorts. Enough of one where you could eat in peace."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/26/2021

“Black Dog got thrown at me. Getting away involved tearing them up. Not sure how they work, but I do know that it was due to the injury I dealt. My Implement -“ Silver raises her hands, the leather gloves fine make and with Silver knives at the wrist - “was designed to protect from claims upon Self, which alongside my partly Dark Fall nature let me partially escape its bounds.” Silver considers the Glamour-drowned. “I’ve been speaking with another Practitioner about treatments for Glamour addiction. They’re useless to me, but might be useful to you.”

Hare — 02/26/2021

"What do you know about the Black Dog?" He said, the Spirits gathering around Jacob, soothing him, "I don't really know that much about them aside for a few things. Their curses can be nasty, from what I've heard." He sighs, pulling a single envelope from his pocket. "Cinquefoil seeds. Plant them in whatever pattern works for you, but I was told a circle is best. Help them grow, take care of them, and they'll protect you against your curse. It isn't a cure, but a respite." "If you try to treat it as a cure, to forever hide away from the curse, the curse itself might change to mess with you from a different angle. The Cinquefoil won't. It'll only address the curse you grew it against."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/26/2021

“I’m pretty sure Black Dogs are Incarnations of War, but a... variant. Not sure about details.” Silver takes the seeds, holding them carefully. “Thank you. I understand; not a cure, but an easing. “I will say that there have been some... promising results if you keep the Glamour addicted far away from Glamour. We’ve been trying, well, replacing it with LSD.” Silver shrugs.

Hare — 02/26/2021

The Hare nods, "I'll be watching him more carefully. I might be able to offer him a different sort of respite," he sighs, "Fae magic complicates what I'd want to do - I doubt he'll see his time there as anything but a curse."

Silver Wolf of Blades — 02/26/2021

Silver inclines her head to the Hare. “I wish you well, and I’m glad you took my advice. I hope that this works out for you.” Silver is gone, as easy as that.