As those that are arrayed before her offer their formalities, the Winter Queen remains stiff, rigid, her eyes barely moving to follow what is happening below, but undoubtedly settling on Judal longest.  

"How very...disappointing."  She says upon hearing Riair's introduction of the Bard.  He gaze lingers there awhile before she finally addresses Lelith.  "Why are you here?  Aside from offering the pleasantries that are my right.  As you can see, I am quite busy, and my court is full."  

She raises her hands, motioning around the empty room...

Lelith met her grandmother's gaze, her demeanor composed. "We used the Amulet of Planes to planeshift back home and then planeshift again to another location on Hyboria," she explained, "to cut down on our travel time. During our journey, I took this opportunity to return to the Winter Court after so long."

Her voice carried a hint of nostalgia and longing as she continued, "I wanted to see the Winter Court again and reconnect with my home. As my grand-mother, you, my sisters, and the Winter Court hold a special place in my heart. I have come seeking support and guidance."

Lelith paused, measuring her words carefully before continuing, "The challenges we face beyond the Feywild are formidable, and my companions and I need assistance from the Winter Court. We have encountered powerful foes and dire circumstances that threaten not only Hyboria but the stability of other planes as well. The Calamity is unlikely to stop at Hyboria."

She emphasized her plea, hoping to stir something in the Winter Queen's heart, empathy was too much to ask for, she could settle for self-interest. "As your grand-daughter, I beseech you to consider aiding us in our quest to protect the balance of the realms and preserve the harmony of the Feywild."

"Ah, doing something just to do it.  Quaint, and unnecessary."  The Winter Queen says.  If the expression that dances across her lips is a smile, it's a slight one.  "What aid is it you are seeking, then?  The Winter Court has little desire to be directly involved in a war, so I do ask that you keep your requests simple."  

     Judal observes this all silently, as he was instructed but also just as it seems wise.  He is not above a little fun and games just to be a bother or to amuse himself but he is not so foolish as to not know there are times when one simply must control themselves...

     When the Winter Queen inquires what aid is being sought Judal cannot help but let his mind race for a moment.  It is said in some corners that the Fae Queens are all but all powerful, within their own rules and boundaries at least.  Judal wasn't sure he bought all that but he recently saw the Tarrasque in action... He couldn't help but wonder if an angered Winter Queen would be any less destructive.  His mind raced with ideas of what he could possibly ask for but, if his eyes are able to catch those of Lelith, they do the best to convey the negative, that he wishes nothing of this great, powerful but ultimately cold queen.

Malenia remains stoic, almost statuesue towards the rear. Her keen emerald eyes watching every movement this....Queen made. Still grappling with her decision to forgo the code in which she had known for....what must have been decades in favor of crafting a new path, a new way. This new Code was still bothering her, She knew what she wanted out of the outcome but she did not want it to be Inherently good or evil either. Unlike the Darkside and Light, This gray area would encompass all. As is the Force, The force is all things.

"......And I am the Force...." In a barely audible whisper, a revelation set over her as her eyes fixed onto the queen. Power need not consume one, nor change them if tempered with Humility and compassion. Power only binds you if you do not have the serenity to see beyond it. The brass fingers of her prosthesis grinded together as she contemplated this new idea, This direction. Wholly unaware of her surroundings and the current circumstance.....Until the rather sanrky undertone of this Supposed Queen pulled her from her thoughts. 

Pushing her cloak off her shoulders, and dropping her hood. The Summer Eladrin stood within the Winters Court, Without fear or shame. Master Qui-Gonn had set her on this path, and she now believed she had found her Way. Of course she was not beyond worldly desires, When The Winter Queen offered her aid. The first thing that came into Malenia's still mind was the very vivid image of the large Bird the soldiers outside the court used as a mount. How she desired to feel that strange sense of freedom again.....Yet being upon a mount in the midst of combat could be with its disadvantages.....perhaps there was something else. Something smaller......Maybe a way for her to step off the air itself? 

With a knowing smile, Lelith briefly glanced back at her companions, silently conveying a sense of 'I know what you're thinking' before returning her focus to the Winter Queen. Taking a deep breath, she spoke with a blend of respect and determination.

"Your Majesty, I come before you not only as your grand-daughter but also as a loyal subject of the Winter Court," Lelith began, her voice unwavering. "In the face of daunting challenges that lie beyond the borders of the Feywild, I seek your patronage and support, that of the Winter Court, to ensure my safety and the safety of my companions. I wish to receive these items so I may give them, in my name, to my companions."

Her eyes remained locked on the Winter Queen's. "I humbly request the boon of an Oathbow for myself and your patronage, a weapon that would serve as a symbol of my loyalty to our court and my commitment to protect the balance of the realms. With your patronage as well, I could face our enemies with courage and faith, knowing that the Winter Court stands by my side."

Lelith turned her attention to her escort, Riair, standing steadfastly beside her. "Sir Riair, who has guided me through perilous paths and offered his unwavering support as my guard, seeks a Staff of Power. I believe that such an artifact would amplify his abilities and make him an even greater asset in our journey."

She then shifted her gaze to the Summer Eladrin, "Malenia, a valued friend and ally, seeks a Kocra—a majestic creature. Her affinity with the natural world is undeniable, and I ask that you consider gifting her with one of these magnificent beings, for it would deepen her bond with the Feywild which has been unfortunately torn away from. Additionally, she seeks a sturdy Dragonhide Belt, a vital tool for her survival in the treacherous realms we must traverse."

Lelith's appeal held the weight of her commitment to her cause.

Persuasion Roll: 9 + 10 = 19

     "It is chaos in the world," Judal says absently, all but unaware that he is even speaking.  "A war has broken out the likes of which has never been seen.  A war not for land or power, not of life and death, but a war of existence itself..."

     "I’ve been born in peace time," Judal continues, picking up some steam.  "I haven’t been where you’ve been. I haven’t seen what you’ve seen. But what is going on now there?  In the world I am from?  It seems like end of days stuff to me.  Like the literal end of days, of time, of everything...  It's real =fire and brimstone coming down from the skies kind of shit.  Rivers and seas boiling… Dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!” 

     Judal pauses and looks around and blanches.  "Apologies, my queen," Judal says with fear and respect while bowing once more.  "It's just that the enormity of it all has overtaken me.  Surely one so great as yourself understands that if one such as I...  A lowly discarded heir to a throne most wish to forget... If I would speak up here in these grand and glorious halls, in the presence of the terrible magnificence that is yourself... Surely I must believe the reality ending seriousness of what I say," Judal says with all the respect he can muster.

     "Of course I am but a mere mortal and thus concerned with mortal things.  Yet, my queen, allow me to humbly ask...  Will this end at the walls of mortality?  Or will this dark danger just grow more powerful, more bold, more hungry?"

     "I am sure you are prepared for such an eventuality.  I am sure one as great and powerful as yourself need not even prepare..." Judal says, wary of laying it on thick but what does he have to lose?  "But why should you need spend a moment of thought about the oncoming storm?  Better to have others deal with it for you, is it not?  I'm just a mortal, I know nothing of the minds of faerie or their queens...  But dealing with problems yourself just seems so...  mundane.  Normal.  And you, my queen, are not normal..."

     "If a few minor trinkets dropped into the hands of others could eliminate the possibility?  And if they fail, what have you lost?  Nothing for that is all they are to one as beyond greatness as yourself.  And if they do not lose, what do you gain?  Well surely it will be recognized that it was your largess that enable such small creatures to achieve such large victories..."

     "A bow and some slight recognition for one," Judal continues, indicating Lelith with a sleight wave of his hand.  

     "A staff with just the smallest dollop of your power for another," Judal says nodding to Riair.

     "A spare mount and a belt to enable her to control it... Perhaps a pair of slippers which would allow her to dance upon the air itself while she strikes down your enemies?" Judal looks to Malenia to see if he had that right.  "Imagine how one could crow and lord it over those of Summer if it was Winter gave their pawn the tools they needed?"

     "And... perhaps... An Ioun Stone of leadership.  The Star Card from the Deck of Many Things.  A Tome of Leadership and Influence.  And you know, I did always want to be the leader of the pack... Of Blink Dogs, perhaps.  Or Hell Hounds?  Displacer beasts...  Now that would be something!"  Judal pauses and then laughs while shaking his head.

     "No, no.  I am sorry, my queen.  I am not so bold as to ask for anything for myself from one such as yourself.  It is too much.  Instead I say that whatever small part I play in the victory ahead, for I am sure victory shall be achieved...  Whatever part I play shall be done all on my own but I gift it to you.  A symbol of what mere mortals can do..."  Judal flashes his most brilliant smile, bows again, and steps back to his place still with head lowered.

The bright green eyes of Malenia sets onto Lelith, Her thin pale lips seperating just a bit as she wonder how in the Force's wisdom did Lelith know precisely what she was thinking. Feeling a little uneased by the winter eladrins Insight in her mind, The constant sound of brass grinding against brass becoming louder as a nervous tic developed. She was already uneasy in this foreign land, within these foreign walls. Now with tthe idea that perhaps Lelith knew more than she let on, Yet another realization dawned on her. Those same green hues flicking to Judal. Is it possible Lelith knew of Malenia's mistrust in both herself and Rrair? If so why didnt she voice it out loud? Perhaps she was just letting that mistrust sit in the hopes it would become trust, Or perhaps the Winter Eladrin had more elaborate schemes. 

Then Judal spoke, and again Malenia's concious burst out dozens of questions, How is it that these people could know just what she was thinking of? It was astounding and frightening at the same time. She always thought herself a stoic individual, Never showing any outward emotion barring the rare occurance she would smile. Yet now, Two of the newest members of the Answer could seemingly read her mind......The Answer. She got lost in a memory just for a moment when she recalled the very vivid image of the Krakens attack on Argos. Where the original members of the Answer had found eachother.....All that remained of those few were herself and.....Stasoyla. Despite the differences she had with the centaur, she regrets the way her selfishness had torn them apart. Since leaving her Home, She had known Stasoyla the longest. What she wouldnt give to hear a sorrowful poem composed by the centaur at least one more time.

"Your Royal Majesty, you have now heard of two... impassioned arguments. I now seek to offer a different perspective on the matter. As a matter of tradition, us fey have never been much for contact with the Prime Material Plane - that is to say, Hyboria. And there is certainly something to be said of that. Why should we noble beings degrade ourselves to the level of those feral creatures that have chosen to forsake their Court and home? It is certainly true that the Feywild is of infinitely greater sophistication and beauty than Hyboria, but there is a certain level of potential in the plane, ripe for extraction and exploitation."

"The long isolation of us fey have left us with a skewed perspective of the Prime Material. We seen it only through the lens of scholarship and scrying, and Isn't that terribly dull? Though I had only been on the plane for a short time before returning, I have already seen such interesting creatures. Goliaths and hydras and more! The beings of Hyboria have such strange and fascinating ideas. But that's certainly not the most interesting part. For they are not only divided, but manipulable. By inserting ourselves in the current conflict, we could gain more than a small amount of leverage among their ranks. They could be used, easily, as servants and as tools. I think that, despite their brutishness, we could use them to tip the scales in our conflict with the other courts. Wouldn't that be a proper coup?"

"So now I beseech you. Allow Her Royal Highness, the Princess, and I to act as vanguards, scouts, diplomats, and representatives. We serve Winter in all of its glory, and simply ask for this boon to better serve the interests of the Court."

"Your little friend is getting fidgety."  The Winter Queen observes of Malenia without even turning her attention to the Jedi.  The majority of her focus isn't even on Lelith; it's on Judal.  As the Bard makes his performance in the most open-mike-night almost-poetry-almost-song kind of way, she smiles.  It's tiny.  Slight.  Barely a curve.  She looks entertained like one of those snooty old women that show up at the circus and find only the monkey cute but, by the Goddesses, it's enough.  

The Winter Queen raises her hands and claps gently one time, and the whole room is suddenly alive with blue light as hundreds of courtiers materialize in blue-white magic around the small band.  The arrival of these new ethereal denizens wisps a cold wind through the room. and then one approaches the throne and kneels.  The rest continue to gossip amongst themselves.  Ethereal ladies fanning themselves with ornate silk fans, ethereal gentlemen murmuring to one another through bushy mustaches and being entirely too conscientious of how to hold their hats in their hands...

"Eremorn," She says to the kneeling steward.  "Find the Quarter Master.  Bring out an Oathbow, a Staff of Power, one of those cheap little Dragonhide Belts, and a Kocra.  Is there anyone else in your circle that needs to be indebted to the Winter Court?  Is..."

She pauses and squints at Riair.  

"Is my assessment of the Prime Material really so dull, Riair?"  She says.  If their is ice in her normal inflection, this tone is the winds of a frozen hellscape...

Riair replies without missing a beat. "I could never claim to fathom the depths of your countless, multi-faceted consideration, Your Majesty, and as such I could never speak of your assessment." He bows deeply, performing a complicated court gesture that shows great respect. 

The Winter Queen's lips purse as she stares at Riair, then she moves on with her life.  

"And Eremorn, see if they have a Ioun Stone of Leadership while you're at it.  For the jester.  He pleases me."  

     Judal gives a fanciful bow with extra flourish.  “Oh, noble Winter Queen, your radiance surpasses the most shimmering snowflakes, and your wisdom is as profound as the icy depths,” Judal says as he drops to one knee and lowers his gaze respectfully. “I am but a humble knight, unworthy of such a divine offering from your majesty.”

     “Your grace and benevolence leave me awe-struck, and while your gift tempts my heart, I dare not accept it,” he continues, “for fear of overshadowing the brilliance of your realm with my mortal shortcomings and inability to take full advantage of your gifts. It is my fault, of course, for even mentioning the stone.  I’m afraid the stone would no more enhance my leadership than the most beautiful dress imaginable would enhance your beauty.  Once perfection has been achieved it cannot be improved upon…”

     “Your kingdom's splendor alone is a treasure beyond compare, and I find myself unwaveringly grateful to stand before you, basking in the glow of your eternal presence. It is with utmost reverence and respect that I must decline your generous gesture, cherishing instead the memory of this unforgettable encounter forever etched in my soul. I remain your loyal admirer, honored by this precious audience you have granted me,” Judal finishes, placing his hands over his heart and then opening them as if to show that he was giving the queen his heart.

((ioun doesn’t increase above 20 so Judal is good already…  no need to be tempted by Fey gifts!  And I cheated, used ChatGPT for bulk of the text above and edited it a bit to suit…))

Lelith nodded approvingly at Judal's words and his refusal. He did listen to her. She turned to the Winter Queen, "Dearest grandmother, may I have it then? I am sure Judal would love to offer it to the granddaughter of the queen he admires."

Judal opens his big fat mouth and snatches defeat from the jaws of victory.  The Winter Queen leans forward, and as she does, her spectral courtiers look horrified and scurry away from her presence, dissipating into fractal blocks before disappearing entirely.  Only the steward remains behind, and looks hesitantly from the Queen to Judal and back before considering what Lelith has said.  

"You would dare ask a gift from me and then not accept?"  She says, rising from her seat.  "In fact, you asked many things of me, and then will not accept?  What sort of attempt at abject offense is this, Judal the Disappointment?  Is this why you wear such a moniker?  And to think, you allowed me to like you." 

Her lips scrunch up.  The steward looks again from the Queen to Lelith, then scurries off to gather the supplies that he's been commanded to bring forth.  When he comes back, he's brought all of it, including the Ioun Stone. 

The continuous sound of brass grinding against itself persisted throughout the entire conversation, Of course at this point Malenia was deaf to it. The Summer Eladrins sharp features unflinching even during the outburst by the Queen. In fact she found a certain itch developing within her ankle, a need to move. Perhaps the courtyard where they had been met by the guards could prove to be an obstacle course of sorts for her, Enable her to scratch the itch without needing to face down mortal danger. 

 Finally the constant ring of brass came to a halt, her hand remained at her side as the brass index finger lifted to point towards Judal. Sending a very clear message to the chastised 'Jester' .

"it's likely best you remain quiet Judal, As was asked of us before we entered. Allow Lelith and Riair to speak on our behalf before you anger the Queen further." The tone in which the message was received sounded more like a Motherly figure talking down to a child who had spoken out of turn. 

      “Silence has never been my strong suit,” Judal thinks back to Malenia.  “Wish me luck…?”

   “Tsk, tsk, tsk,” Judal tsks, growing more bold now that he’s seemingly in the queen’s bad graces now anyway.  “You’re not playing fair now, my dear Queen.  I had heard that those of the fae sort liked games and twisting things around, but I had also heard they were honorable and struck on technicalities.”

     “Did I hear wrong?” Judal asks, turning his head from person to person, directing the question to anyone at court willing to answer.

     “I confess..  I did list several things that could possibly interest me.  Things that perhaps could tempt me,” Judal continues.  “But I asked for nothing.”

     “I am not so bold as to ask for anything for myself from one such as yourself,” Judal says quoting himself in an exaggerated impersonation of his own voice.

     “If the fair Fae are honorable and noble and truthful…  if words matter, and matter precisely…  Then it is obvious to one and all, oh great and wonderful Queen, that I asked for nothing.  Hinted?  Insinuated?  Implied perhaps?  But technically..,  precisely… I did not.”

     Judal’s smile and laughs.  “You are teasing me!” He exclaims.  “I see it now!  One as magnificent and marvelous and magnanimous as yourself would never lie..,  and surely would never be wrong!  So it is a jest, this sudden hostility and accusation!  And a hilarious and brilliant one at that!  Oh my dear Queen, you are far more beautiful, intelligent, engrossing and engaging than any of us are worthy of!”

     Judal finished his defense with a very low and grandiose bow and a silent prayer that his performance worked…

Lelith's expression hardened as she recalled the moment when Judal had made a grave misstep, offering the Winter Queen a gift without comprehending the consequences. Beside the Winter Queen, her eyes narrowed with a disdainful sneer at the aforementioned man, but her sense of duty and responsibility compelled her to act with restraint. She had promised to keep her companions safe, and she could not let Judal suffer the full brunt of the Winter Queen's wrath.

With great reluctance, she took her grandmother's hand, attempting to appease her as she spoke with a mixture of apprehension and determination. "Your Majesty, I implore you to understand that he is but an ignorant mortal, unaware of the intricacies of our realm and the gravity of his actions. He knows not the consequences of his gift and its implications. However, he is willing to accept responsibility for his actions."

Lelith's telepathic communication with the party was swift and direct, her thoughts racing to convey the urgency of the situation. 'Judal, despite my instructions, you've entered a social contract with the Winter Queen by offering her a gift. Gifts in the Feywild are not merely physical; they can carry tremendous weight in their symbolism. You've inadvertently set yourself on a path of unending reciprocity, where the Winter Queen will bestow increasingly valuable gifts upon you, and you will be bound to reciprocate in kind.'

'This cycle of gift-giving can escalate to the point where you will lose everything, piece by piece,' she continued. 'Your possessions, your very essence—she can strip them away until there's nothing left of you. It would have been even worse if she had initiated the gift-giving, as she could set the price exorbitantly high from the beginning and strip everything away from you in one exchange.'

'You must find a way to compensate her for the breach of contract,' Lelith warned. 'Offer something of great value, something you hold dear, something that you would not part with under ordinary circumstances. Only then we can possibly resolve this situation. Do not try to lie, she will know.'

     Judal thinks loudly, for he’s new to this telepathy stuff, “If she thinks an Ioun Stone that doesn’t even help me is a reciprocal gift to me helping win a war in her name… a war that threatens my entire realm and perhaps one day hers as well, then she’s the one who is mistaken…”

     “And if she is going to invite me into her castle and then hold me to some intricately complex rules about gifts that she failed to explain or make sure I understood, then she best kill me now for if I am harmed by her bullshit in the least but make it home alive, it shall be my life’s work to compose song, poem and prose about what a poor host the Winter Queen is and her utter defiance of the Laws of Hospitality.”

     Outwardly Judal stays composed and wears a charming smile.

Lelith felt frustration well up inside her heart. All of her efforts were just made null, it felt like pouring water on sand, 'I can hear your thoughts, you damned oaf! You need not speak out loud."

In the most calming tone she could manage, she tried to explain, "Judal, the Winter Queen is under no obligation to explain. Denizens of other realms who venture in the Feywild do so at their own risk and most do their research. I've tried to explain as best as possible the rules but perhaps I was unclear. In which case, this is my fault."

"Please do not take to heart the ignorant words of this mortal, dearest grandmother," Lelith bowed deeply.