The wizard opens his eyes and rises from his sitting position, having finished attuning to the Amulet of the Planes. "Gather around now. I hope you are rested and prepared, as I have instructed, as it is time to begin our journey into the Feywild. Lelith, assist me with the activation of the amulet, as you are both familiar with the device and our destination. We are headed into Winter."
The wondrous item glows with faint light as the spellwork within activates, with Riair at the helm. With a successful use of the amulet, Riair whisks the party away with Plane Shift, seeking to take them to a place well known to the courtier: the Rimecrystal Palace of the Winter Court.
While waiting for the attunement to occur Judal keeps an eye out for threats, but also ritually casts Magic Mouth several times.
The first is on a wee, tiny, unobtrusive little bit of rock. The enchantment is set to recite the thrilling tale of chaos and adventure that took place at this site, on this day… A tale of how Judal and his wayward elves encountered and slew the many headed Hydra named Kaoshuvuden, a creature the rival to Tiamat themself! The tale is thrilling, enthralling and has a few comedic elements most due to the slapstick antics of the unnamed elves. ((Performance - 13. It’s not Judal’s best story, mainly due to his worry the elves would overheat the ritual… This goes off each time a sentient being wanders within 30 feet, so long as Judal is not nearby.))
The second is cast upon the shiniest rock Judal can find, the enchantment set to go off once when that female Goliath is nearby and changes to whenever she touches the stone after the first time she does. This is a bit of a love poem. It talks of two very different people kept apart due to the machinations of fate… and elves. It is sweet, sappy stuff, the kind of thing chicks really dig. ((Performance: 15. Judal is still too worried about the elves overhearing his farces to really give it his all…)) This shiny stone he leaves atop a bigger rock, he wants this one found.
Finally, upon a boulder or other huge piece that will not be moved any time soon, Judal leaves a message for Ereni and Joy. Judal curses Ereni for leaving them with no warning and for not realizing we’d have stuck with her and helped her with whatever she needed. Judal advises that she is always welcome back and he hopes their paths cross again soon. And once he wraps up that emotional goodbye and tells Ereni of their short term travel plans in a desperate hope she returns and can catch up, Judal will then address Joy. He assures her that she is a good girl. The bestest girl! And he tells her to take care of Ereni… “everyone needs someone they can count on besides them. You be that for her, you hear?? And remind her to give you belly ribs from me…” ((Performance: 25. (Accidentally rolled persuasion instead, deducted the difference.) Yeah, that’s more like it, Judal thinks. It always works better when what you are saying is true and for all to hear…))
With that done Judal will just keep watch, snack lightly on trail mix, and wait for the next grand adventure to begin…
“Wait, did I hear something about time running differently..,” But it was too late, the amulet was already glowing and whisking Judal and the rest away…
Judal is successful in his casting on the rocks. Someday, years later, the rock, still reciting with magic mouth, with the love poem on it would sport a single carving...
My heart is so full of you I can no longer call it my own
And below it, a name...
Barbaraian Alyn & The Unknown Bard
Attunement to the amulet allows Riair to open the door from the tops of the Goron Range in Hyboria to a beautiful winter forest outside the walls of a frost covered citadel. Trees with white, glittering trunks and leaves of blue and shimmering ice create a picturesque landscape around the walls of the city while a sun crusted snow breaks beneath booted feet. Wind crawls over them like the fingers of a long frozen ghost, chilling those who weren't as used to such environs to the bone.
Balls of light dance too and fro behind them in the woods as fey creatures run about their daily business, and guards walk their posts along the tops of the walls. It's clear they haven't been spotted yet, though the guards do conduct themselves with formidable bearing as they walk their posts.
Lelith's voice carried a serious tone as she laid out the rules of engagement within the Feywild. "We have arrived. It is crucial that you refrain from speaking unless directly addressed. Minimizing mistakes is essential. Do not accept any gifts. Do not disclose your full name, and it would be best to avoid granting yourself any titles. In this forest, beyond the boundaries of normative space, words hold power. Therefore, it is advisable to speak sparingly and be mindful of what you reveal."
She paused for a moment. "I would strongly prefer not to find myself in a position where I have to rescue you from the consequences of unintentionally surrendering your soul or identity to someone in this realm."
Shaking her head, Lelith took the lead, striding forward towards the guards stationed at the entrance. Her features remained uncovered. The surroundings unfolded like a picturesque tableau—a forest adorned with trees boasting white, glittering trunks, their leaves shimmering in shades of blue and ice. The sound of snow crunching beneath booted feet punctuated the scene, while a biting wind swept through, leaving an icy chill in its wake. The plane was always bathed in the ethereal twilight of the setting or perhaps rising sun, casting a mystical glow upon the enchanting landscape.
"Hmm?" Judal vocalized distractedly having just surreptitiously dropped a small white stone and then tried to bury it a bit with a movement of his foot.
"Oh yeah," he agrees with Lelith. "Of course. Only common sense, really..."
Judal looks around, his mouth open a bit in awe and wonder at being in a new world. He has been a few places in his time but her has never been any place like this. The beautiful landscape and views in shades of whites and light blues - No warm colors at all but the pure brilliance and spectacular use of the lack of color was simply awe inspiring. Judal shivers in the cold and pulls his dark cloak tighter around him, considering for a moment getting lost in it's folds... But no, not just to escape a little chill, surely... Perhaps he'll cats Heat Metal on his half plate if the temperatures get too desperate, but that in itself could be tricky.
"By the way," Judal asks as he shakes himself out of his revelry a moment or three after Lelith has already taken the lead and started striding off. "Anything I should know about this place? Anything I should be cautious of or such?"
Riair is content to bask in the feeling of being home, his native plane being a rather more comfortable place than Hyboria. He allows Lelith to take the lead on talking with the guards, her being of greater status than him.
To Judal, he simply gives a bit of advice. "I shall only recommend that you speak less. Words are easily twisted against you in the Feywild, and few are as gentle as Lelith or I."
During the Attunement process, Malenia keeps a fair distance from the newcomer and ever so slightly points the brass index finger of her prosthetic towards Judal. Casting Message
"There has been alot of new faces recently, I trust you. You lept from a Roc with me. Keep a wary eye on theses two." She indicates towards her fellow Eladrins.
The still frame of the quiet jedi remains statuesque as she gazes on the marvels of the Feywild, lost in its colours and spelndor. Far more than the dull greens and browns she had grown to know and cherish. A certain part of her soul tickled in anticipation, excitement as she drank in this Plane of existence. A world for which she was born, but never knew. Breaking only from her stupor once Lelith began to indicate certain aspects to this beautiful world.
She couldnt help but stifle a chuckle once the mention of revealing a name was made. "Not speaking unless spoken too shouldnt be an Issue." Malenia, afterall being perhaps the most quiet member of the Answer. "All of that sounds perfectly reasonable and very much in my power to follow, Of course I will follow your lead here Lelith......I must say.....This place is far more beautiful than I could've imagined."Her gaze lingers from the Winter Eladrin, back to the frozen and pearlescent landscape. Marveling at its beauty.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Malenia - [Monk - Way of the Jedi] - Auryn: Princess of Destiny
Lelith returned Malenia's look with a warm and geniune smile that reached her eyes. "It is, isn't it? I've been called crazy and eccentric even by Fey standards for visiting Hyboria so much to protect its natural wonders... It has its own charms which I believe you know of. The Feywild still remains quite special and irreplaceable."
Lelith paused for a few moments before continuing, "when we can spare the time I'll take you to the Summer Court. If you feel the Winter Court to be breathetaking, imagine how the Court you are attuned to would be like!"
(On mobile, not at home, without my laptop and no access to Discord so quality will drop until I get back and I can't format my text for some reason.
EDIT: Post formatted after getting access to my laptop again)
"Honestly no clue about the two new ones, figured you must understand what they're on about?" Judal says in response to Malenia's Message. "Taking my cues from you..."
In the more here and now, Judal just listens... Taking the warning of not talking excessively to heart. For now. Maybe...
It doesn't take much walking for the rest of the party to figure out what Lelith and Riair already know; this isn't some random forest. It's a park. A park inside a city that is more massive than anything they've ever seen before. It makes Hyrule look like a hovel.
It also doesn't take long for the cavalry to arrive. Literally. Eight Elven warriors arrive within minutes mounted on the back of huge Kocras, huge, snow white birds with feathers that slowly shimmer from white to pink to blue and back to white and all colors in between. There are a mixture of specialties on the back of the birds; there's clearly two mages, four archers, and two close range fighters armed with glaives, though no one is immediately hostile.
"Sir Riair?" One of the lead riders says, holding tight to the reins of his bird. "Is that...Lady Lelith, Princess of the Winter Court? Sir? What is this?"
Nothing. Judal holds up a finger as if he is about to make a point (no, not middle one!) but then remembers that it may be best to let the others do the talking. He pulls his finger back, gives the worries an "oops" kind of grin, and then steps back to where he was.
"Ah, greetings. It's good to see that the guard of our fine court is ever so vigilant. This little group of ours is simply accompanying the princess on a visit home."
"I must say, visiting the Prime Material really makes one appreciate the beauty and elegance of the Feywild. A rather boorish land. Now, unless there is some pressing security issue, I think it would behoove you to escort the princess and her retinue as we proceed."
The Guards exchange glances, and then silent communications to one another, an exchange of slight shrugs and nods and this and that. Finally the lead Guard makes a few motions with his hand, and the retinue forms a wedge around the band.
Maleniakeeps to the back, pulling the hood of her cloak over her head and covering her distinctly elven features as best she can. Although her emerald eyes do linger on the magnificent birds the guards of this....park came in on. Marveling at their plummage and stoic nature, Never had she been interested in caring for a pet or a mount yet these Birds had her reconsidering that.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Malenia - [Monk - Way of the Jedi] - Auryn: Princess of Destiny
With a sense of purpose, Lelith took the lead, stepping forward with poise and confidence. The retinue followed in her wake as they ventured deeper into the ethereal twilight toward the gate of the Winter Court's palace. Lelith's heart swelled with a sense of both responsibility and pride as she led her companions into this enigmatic realm. It was always good to be able to show-off your home to your companions.
Judal follows. And observes. He observes the guards and the birds and the surroundings. Perhaps most importantly he observes his companions and how the react and interact with everything else. Including each other. He barely knew Malenia to begin with and these two new additions have come in and whisked them away to a whole new reality barely minutes after making one another’s acquaintance.
Judal was keeping his mouth shut and on his best behavior because he’s heard stories of faerie land and it seemed the wisest course. He’s also doing it to try and evaluate the new comers and figure out just how much he can trust them…
The guards led the band through the frozen forest of the winter court, through the almost crystalline buildings of the town surrounding the keep, and then to the radiance of the Winter Court's stronghold itself. They were led on through the inner gates and portcullis of the keep, down streets that were waved in amethyst crystal, before ascending the turquoise steps of into the inner sanctum of the seat of power.
Walls of ice and crystal form the primary building blocks of the castle; too opaque to see through, but enough that the cold white light of the sun can shine through as they continue on toward the throne room...where sitting upon the throne is the Winter Queen herself, an older, more matronly version of Lelith, adorned with all the body language pleasantries...or lack there of...
Riair steps up and bows deeply, in a manner showing great respect, then moves to introduce the group, "Your Royal Majesty, I wish to present Her Royal Highness, Princess Lelith, and her two companions, Judal the Sladdbarn, also known as the Disappointment, the Gauntlet of Galladoorn, the Grim Knight of Guilder, the Favorite Brother and The Forgotten Relation, as well as the one simply known as Melania. They have recently become the princess's traveling companions." He pronounces the names and titles of Judal with perfection, exactly coping the inflections of his introduction.
Lelith motioned for the others to wait and not advance further before going up the steps and knelt before the throne at the Winter Queen's feet, her movements graceful and deliberate. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice carrying a weight of reverence, "it is an honor to be in your presence once again. I have returned briefly to the Winter Court to pay my respects and to seek your counsel." Her words were measured, chosen with care to convey her loyalty.
"As a Princess of the Feywild and of the Winter Court, I have been guided by your wisdom and strength, and I am forever grateful for the lessons you have imparted to me. Your leadership has shaped me into the Eladrin I am today, and I carry the values of the Winter Court with me in all that I do."
Lelith lifted her gaze to meet the Winter Queen's eyes, her own filled with determination and pride. "I have brought with me companions from beyond the borders of our realm, each of whom I trust implicitly. They stand as witnesses to the greatness of the Winter Court and the strength of our people. In their presence, I am reminded of the duty I hold as a Princess—to protect and uphold the legacy of our court, even beyond the boundaries of the Feywild."
Lelith, without turning to the others, projected her thoughts telepathically to them, urging them to follow suit. 'Prostrate yourselves and greet her as either Your Majesty or the Winter Queen and nothing else,' she silently instructed, knowing the importance of showing proper respect to the Winter Queen. At least if they wanted to leave this throne room alive.
Judal has spent time at court in Galladoorn, Florin and Guilder.He wasn’t a regular, thankfully, but often enough to know that while every court has its own customs and practices, respect and courtesy were demanded by all.Any temptation Judal has to bring levity or anything less than strict formality to the proceedings ends upon his first glimpse of the Winter Queen.
Judal bows his head when Riair names him, then inwardly cringes when he goes on to use all the titles and devices he has picked up along the way.Was it not Lelith who cautioned them not to adopt any names or titles out of an abundance of caution?Still, surely he cannot be blamed for what others anoint unto him?
Head still bowed, Judal listens as Lelith addresses the Winter Queen.As she instructs, Judal drops to one knee out of respect for the power whose presence he is in.
If this were a human kingdom…but it is not.Judal draws upon all his training of courtly manners and etiquette and acts accordingly.
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The wizard opens his eyes and rises from his sitting position, having finished attuning to the Amulet of the Planes. "Gather around now. I hope you are rested and prepared, as I have instructed, as it is time to begin our journey into the Feywild. Lelith, assist me with the activation of the amulet, as you are both familiar with the device and our destination. We are headed into Winter."
The wondrous item glows with faint light as the spellwork within activates, with Riair at the helm. With a successful use of the amulet, Riair whisks the party away with Plane Shift, seeking to take them to a place well known to the courtier: the Rimecrystal Palace of the Winter Court.
While waiting for the attunement to occur Judal keeps an eye out for threats, but also ritually casts Magic Mouth several times.
The first is on a wee, tiny, unobtrusive little bit of rock. The enchantment is set to recite the thrilling tale of chaos and adventure that took place at this site, on this day… A tale of how Judal and his wayward elves encountered and slew the many headed Hydra named Kaoshuvuden, a creature the rival to Tiamat themself! The tale is thrilling, enthralling and has a few comedic elements most due to the slapstick antics of the unnamed elves. ((Performance - 13. It’s not Judal’s best story, mainly due to his worry the elves would overheat the ritual… This goes off each time a sentient being wanders within 30 feet, so long as Judal is not nearby.))
The second is cast upon the shiniest rock Judal can find, the enchantment set to go off once when that female Goliath is nearby and changes to whenever she touches the stone after the first time she does. This is a bit of a love poem. It talks of two very different people kept apart due to the machinations of fate… and elves. It is sweet, sappy stuff, the kind of thing chicks really dig. ((Performance: 15. Judal is still too worried about the elves overhearing his farces to really give it his all…)) This shiny stone he leaves atop a bigger rock, he wants this one found.
Finally, upon a boulder or other huge piece that will not be moved any time soon, Judal leaves a message for Ereni and Joy. Judal curses Ereni for leaving them with no warning and for not realizing we’d have stuck with her and helped her with whatever she needed. Judal advises that she is always welcome back and he hopes their paths cross again soon. And once he wraps up that emotional goodbye and tells Ereni of their short term travel plans in a desperate hope she returns and can catch up, Judal will then address Joy. He assures her that she is a good girl. The bestest girl! And he tells her to take care of Ereni… “everyone needs someone they can count on besides them. You be that for her, you hear?? And remind her to give you belly ribs from me…” ((Performance: 25. (Accidentally rolled persuasion instead, deducted the difference.) Yeah, that’s more like it, Judal thinks. It always works better when what you are saying is true and for all to hear…))
With that done Judal will just keep watch, snack lightly on trail mix, and wait for the next grand adventure to begin…
“Wait, did I hear something about time running differently..,” But it was too late, the amulet was already glowing and whisking Judal and the rest away…
Judal is successful in his casting on the rocks. Someday, years later, the rock, still reciting with magic mouth, with the love poem on it would sport a single carving...
My heart is so full of you I can no longer call it my own
And below it, a name...
Barbaraian Alyn & The Unknown Bard
Attunement to the amulet allows Riair to open the door from the tops of the Goron Range in Hyboria to a beautiful winter forest outside the walls of a frost covered citadel. Trees with white, glittering trunks and leaves of blue and shimmering ice create a picturesque landscape around the walls of the city while a sun crusted snow breaks beneath booted feet. Wind crawls over them like the fingers of a long frozen ghost, chilling those who weren't as used to such environs to the bone.
Balls of light dance too and fro behind them in the woods as fey creatures run about their daily business, and guards walk their posts along the tops of the walls. It's clear they haven't been spotted yet, though the guards do conduct themselves with formidable bearing as they walk their posts.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Lelith's voice carried a serious tone as she laid out the rules of engagement within the Feywild. "We have arrived. It is crucial that you refrain from speaking unless directly addressed. Minimizing mistakes is essential. Do not accept any gifts. Do not disclose your full name, and it would be best to avoid granting yourself any titles. In this forest, beyond the boundaries of normative space, words hold power. Therefore, it is advisable to speak sparingly and be mindful of what you reveal."
She paused for a moment. "I would strongly prefer not to find myself in a position where I have to rescue you from the consequences of unintentionally surrendering your soul or identity to someone in this realm."
Shaking her head, Lelith took the lead, striding forward towards the guards stationed at the entrance. Her features remained uncovered. The surroundings unfolded like a picturesque tableau—a forest adorned with trees boasting white, glittering trunks, their leaves shimmering in shades of blue and ice. The sound of snow crunching beneath booted feet punctuated the scene, while a biting wind swept through, leaving an icy chill in its wake. The plane was always bathed in the ethereal twilight of the setting or perhaps rising sun, casting a mystical glow upon the enchanting landscape.
"Hmm?" Judal vocalized distractedly having just surreptitiously dropped a small white stone and then tried to bury it a bit with a movement of his foot.
"Oh yeah," he agrees with Lelith. "Of course. Only common sense, really..."
Judal looks around, his mouth open a bit in awe and wonder at being in a new world. He has been a few places in his time but her has never been any place like this. The beautiful landscape and views in shades of whites and light blues - No warm colors at all but the pure brilliance and spectacular use of the lack of color was simply awe inspiring. Judal shivers in the cold and pulls his dark cloak tighter around him, considering for a moment getting lost in it's folds... But no, not just to escape a little chill, surely... Perhaps he'll cats Heat Metal on his half plate if the temperatures get too desperate, but that in itself could be tricky.
"By the way," Judal asks as he shakes himself out of his revelry a moment or three after Lelith has already taken the lead and started striding off. "Anything I should know about this place? Anything I should be cautious of or such?"
"Oh, we're moving! Ok..."
Riair is content to bask in the feeling of being home, his native plane being a rather more comfortable place than Hyboria. He allows Lelith to take the lead on talking with the guards, her being of greater status than him.
To Judal, he simply gives a bit of advice. "I shall only recommend that you speak less. Words are easily twisted against you in the Feywild, and few are as gentle as Lelith or I."
During the Attunement process, Malenia keeps a fair distance from the newcomer and ever so slightly points the brass index finger of her prosthetic towards Judal. Casting Message
"There has been alot of new faces recently, I trust you. You lept from a Roc with me. Keep a wary eye on theses two." She indicates towards her fellow Eladrins.
The still frame of the quiet jedi remains statuesque as she gazes on the marvels of the Feywild, lost in its colours and spelndor. Far more than the dull greens and browns she had grown to know and cherish. A certain part of her soul tickled in anticipation, excitement as she drank in this Plane of existence. A world for which she was born, but never knew. Breaking only from her stupor once Lelith began to indicate certain aspects to this beautiful world.
She couldnt help but stifle a chuckle once the mention of revealing a name was made. "Not speaking unless spoken too shouldnt be an Issue." Malenia, afterall being perhaps the most quiet member of the Answer. "All of that sounds perfectly reasonable and very much in my power to follow, Of course I will follow your lead here Lelith......I must say.....This place is far more beautiful than I could've imagined." Her gaze lingers from the Winter Eladrin, back to the frozen and pearlescent landscape. Marveling at its beauty.
Malenia - [Monk - Way of the Jedi] - Auryn: Princess of Destiny
Lelith returned Malenia's look with a warm and geniune smile that reached her eyes. "It is, isn't it? I've been called crazy and eccentric even by Fey standards for visiting Hyboria so much to protect its natural wonders... It has its own charms which I believe you know of. The Feywild still remains quite special and irreplaceable."
Lelith paused for a few moments before continuing, "when we can spare the time I'll take you to the Summer Court. If you feel the Winter Court to be breathetaking, imagine how the Court you are attuned to would be like!"
(On mobile, not at home, without my laptop and no access to Discord so quality will drop until I get back and I can't format my text for some reason.
EDIT: Post formatted after getting access to my laptop again)
"Honestly no clue about the two new ones, figured you must understand what they're on about?" Judal says in response to Malenia's Message. "Taking my cues from you..."
In the more here and now, Judal just listens... Taking the warning of not talking excessively to heart. For now. Maybe...
It doesn't take much walking for the rest of the party to figure out what Lelith and Riair already know; this isn't some random forest. It's a park. A park inside a city that is more massive than anything they've ever seen before. It makes Hyrule look like a hovel.
It also doesn't take long for the cavalry to arrive. Literally. Eight Elven warriors arrive within minutes mounted on the back of huge Kocras, huge, snow white birds with feathers that slowly shimmer from white to pink to blue and back to white and all colors in between. There are a mixture of specialties on the back of the birds; there's clearly two mages, four archers, and two close range fighters armed with glaives, though no one is immediately hostile.
"Sir Riair?" One of the lead riders says, holding tight to the reins of his bird. "Is that...Lady Lelith, Princess of the Winter Court? Sir? What is this?"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Judal takes a step forward and says....
Nothing. Judal holds up a finger as if he is about to make a point (no, not middle one!) but then remembers that it may be best to let the others do the talking. He pulls his finger back, gives the worries an "oops" kind of grin, and then steps back to where he was.
"Ah, greetings. It's good to see that the guard of our fine court is ever so vigilant. This little group of ours is simply accompanying the princess on a visit home."
"I must say, visiting the Prime Material really makes one appreciate the beauty and elegance of the Feywild. A rather boorish land. Now, unless there is some pressing security issue, I think it would behoove you to escort the princess and her retinue as we proceed."
The Guards exchange glances, and then silent communications to one another, an exchange of slight shrugs and nods and this and that. Finally the lead Guard makes a few motions with his hand, and the retinue forms a wedge around the band.
"On your lead, then."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Malenia keeps to the back, pulling the hood of her cloak over her head and covering her distinctly elven features as best she can. Although her emerald eyes do linger on the magnificent birds the guards of this....park came in on. Marveling at their plummage and stoic nature, Never had she been interested in caring for a pet or a mount yet these Birds had her reconsidering that.
Malenia - [Monk - Way of the Jedi] - Auryn: Princess of Destiny
With a sense of purpose, Lelith took the lead, stepping forward with poise and confidence. The retinue followed in her wake as they ventured deeper into the ethereal twilight toward the gate of the Winter Court's palace. Lelith's heart swelled with a sense of both responsibility and pride as she led her companions into this enigmatic realm. It was always good to be able to show-off your home to your companions.
Judal follows. And observes. He observes the guards and the birds and the surroundings. Perhaps most importantly he observes his companions and how the react and interact with everything else. Including each other. He barely knew Malenia to begin with and these two new additions have come in and whisked them away to a whole new reality barely minutes after making one another’s acquaintance.
Judal was keeping his mouth shut and on his best behavior because he’s heard stories of faerie land and it seemed the wisest course. He’s also doing it to try and evaluate the new comers and figure out just how much he can trust them…
The guards led the band through the frozen forest of the winter court, through the almost crystalline buildings of the town surrounding the keep, and then to the radiance of the Winter Court's stronghold itself. They were led on through the inner gates and portcullis of the keep, down streets that were waved in amethyst crystal, before ascending the turquoise steps of into the inner sanctum of the seat of power.
Walls of ice and crystal form the primary building blocks of the castle; too opaque to see through, but enough that the cold white light of the sun can shine through as they continue on toward the throne room...where sitting upon the throne is the Winter Queen herself, an older, more matronly version of Lelith, adorned with all the body language pleasantries...or lack there of...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Riair steps up and bows deeply, in a manner showing great respect, then moves to introduce the group, "Your Royal Majesty, I wish to present Her Royal Highness, Princess Lelith, and her two companions, Judal the Sladdbarn, also known as the Disappointment, the Gauntlet of Galladoorn, the Grim Knight of Guilder, the Favorite Brother and The Forgotten Relation, as well as the one simply known as Melania. They have recently become the princess's traveling companions." He pronounces the names and titles of Judal with perfection, exactly coping the inflections of his introduction.
Lelith motioned for the others to wait and not advance further before going up the steps and knelt before the throne at the Winter Queen's feet, her movements graceful and deliberate. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice carrying a weight of reverence, "it is an honor to be in your presence once again. I have returned briefly to the Winter Court to pay my respects and to seek your counsel." Her words were measured, chosen with care to convey her loyalty.
"As a Princess of the Feywild and of the Winter Court, I have been guided by your wisdom and strength, and I am forever grateful for the lessons you have imparted to me. Your leadership has shaped me into the Eladrin I am today, and I carry the values of the Winter Court with me in all that I do."
Lelith lifted her gaze to meet the Winter Queen's eyes, her own filled with determination and pride. "I have brought with me companions from beyond the borders of our realm, each of whom I trust implicitly. They stand as witnesses to the greatness of the Winter Court and the strength of our people. In their presence, I am reminded of the duty I hold as a Princess—to protect and uphold the legacy of our court, even beyond the boundaries of the Feywild."
Lelith, without turning to the others, projected her thoughts telepathically to them, urging them to follow suit. 'Prostrate yourselves and greet her as either Your Majesty or the Winter Queen and nothing else,' she silently instructed, knowing the importance of showing proper respect to the Winter Queen. At least if they wanted to leave this throne room alive.
Judal has spent time at court in Galladoorn, Florin and Guilder. He wasn’t a regular, thankfully, but often enough to know that while every court has its own customs and practices, respect and courtesy were demanded by all. Any temptation Judal has to bring levity or anything less than strict formality to the proceedings ends upon his first glimpse of the Winter Queen.
Judal bows his head when Riair names him, then inwardly cringes when he goes on to use all the titles and devices he has picked up along the way. Was it not Lelith who cautioned them not to adopt any names or titles out of an abundance of caution? Still, surely he cannot be blamed for what others anoint unto him?
Head still bowed, Judal listens as Lelith addresses the Winter Queen. As she instructs, Judal drops to one knee out of respect for the power whose presence he is in.
If this were a human kingdom… but it is not. Judal draws upon all his training of courtly manners and etiquette and acts accordingly.