Step into an otherworldly ball where the fey courts gather at a critical moment in their history. The once-chaotic conflict between the courts is on the verge of change, as the rulers contemplate a truce that would redirect their bloodlust from each other to the mortal realm. Prince Aelion of the Eternal Edict has proposed this controversial alliance to Queen Nythra of the Voidbound, hoping to give his court time to recover from years of relentless attacks.
The fey have long lived in the shadows of the mortal world, their presence hidden behind the veil of glamour, only revealing themselves when it suits their purposes. Among these ancient courts, none has stirred such fear and chaos as the Court of the Voidbound. Known for their insatiable bloodlust, they have waged endless skirmishes upon the other fey courts, but their most relentless attacks have always been directed at the Court of Eternal Edict.
Now, with his court weary and vulnerable, Prince Aelion, Argent Oath, has taken a bold and dangerous step. He has approached Queen Nythra, the Shadowed Sovereign, ruler of the Voidbound, with an audacious proposal—a truce. For the next six months, the Voidbound would redirect their bloodlust towards mortals, granting the Court of Eternal Edict the time they so desperately need to recover and gather their strength. In exchange, Queen Nythra would be granted free rein over mortal realms, unchallenged by the other courts.
To formalize this fragile peace, a grand ball has been called—a gathering of all the fey courts to celebrate the proposed truce and cast their votes on its acceptance. Prince Aelion and Queen Nythra are the hosts, with the prince protected by his steadfast guardian, Lady Valeria, the Stalwart Blade. The event is to be a display of fey elegance and power, but beneath the shimmering glamour, tension brews.
As the ball unfolds, the fate of both mortal and fey realms hangs in the balance, with every whispered conversation and veiled smile concealing the true stakes of this night.
The fey reveled in a night of enchantment, indulging in exquisite food, lively dancing, and endless merriment. Yet, beneath the splendor, Prince Aelion's impassioned pleas to save his court went unanswered. When the time came to cast their votes, the fey chose his sister’s path—rejecting the truce and sealing the court’s fate.
What that fate will be remains shrouded in uncertainty, but already, blood flows freely as the Court of the Voidbound resumes its assault on the Eternal Edict. With the truce shattered, the next step falls to Princess Aeryn—to attempt what her brother could not. She seeks not just peace, but unity, forging an alliance between all four courts, a feat not seen in centuries. Whether the courts will stand together or fall further into division remains to be seen.
With the ball drawing to a close and Fey parting ways once more, Prince Aelion looked about the venue where the ball had been held. His failure will cost his court more lives without the reprieve he sought. A thought crossed his mind though… Since his sister wished for a truce between all four courts, she shall have it. He would take up the mantle of gaining a truce with the other courts. He would no longer stand on the battlefield and watch his court die around him. No… That would be her duty now. Sir Caelen did swear his loyalty to him after all. He will make sure that the Princess stays out of harm's way, but still let her see the error of her blind mercy for the humans she holds so dear.
Feeling gleeful after her victory over her brother, Princess Aeryn took one last stroll through the gardens. She looked about at the dazzling little lights and the near-empty basket of “blessings” she had handed out throughout the evening. Her dear brother would have to see her as his better. This facade of a truce with the Voidbound would have done more harm than good. If humanity realised the games the fey played with them, or even worse, the torture they would suffer under the Voidbound… It would unbalance the very nature of things. Sir Caelen was still there with her, and some of the court also stood with her. This will be her time to bring change to the order of the Eternal Edict. One that leads to a better future of peace between the courts.
A smile lingered on Queen Nythra’s face as she swept through the halls of her palace. The Prince of the Eternal Edict had tried his best to give his people a reprieve, but his sister seems to have had other plans. Tomorrow would bring more fighting, the same boring old clash of swords and magic between the two courts. Queen Nythra came to a halt at a window peering out over her domain. It would have been something new for her court to have had full reign over what to do with the mortals. But why not now in any case? The Eternal Edict cannot stop them. Veil and Verdance would not interfere. No… They are all too weak and caught up in the politics of what is, instead of what could be… Let’s stir some chaos and enjoy the mortal realm for a bit. Queen Nythra thought about what her father might have done in this situation and started to laugh, shrugging off the thought. He is long gone… Long live the Queen!
Annoyance sat at the back of Lady Valeria’s mind as she stood by Prince Aelion bidding the fey farewell after the ball. Her face showed no emotion, just a fake smile as she nodded to the fey passing by. The Princess could have voiced her thoughts rather than connived in the dark to turn the fey to her side. What is done, is done. Now she and the prince will most likely need to deal with the fallout of the result. The court will have to fight again tomorrow and Valeria will stand ready to slay more Voidbound. She only hopes that tonight will not unsettle the delicate balance between the rulers of the Eternal Edict and throw the court into chaos. Perhaps that is why Queen Nythra agreed to the idea of a truce. Lady Valeria pushed the thought away as the prince started to move once more. She was his protector and will ensure his safety. That was all she needed to think about right now.
A mixture of happiness and worriedness ran through Sir Caelen as he accompanied Princess Aeryn through the gardens. He was happy that his charge dared to step up and voice her opinions. The princess had persuaded a great deal of fey to her side, but at what cost? Prince Aelion was supposed to be a monster, wrathful and devoid of humanity, yet he gave him the choice to live. Caelen did not know what to make of it. Servitude under Aelion would be harsh, but the prince had him continue protecting the princess. The games the nobility played did not sit well with Caelen. He would keep his vow to serve as a knight should. He wondered about his error in allowing the Voidbound to influence his thoughts. Perhaps he needed to train more. A steel sentinel should not be so easily swayed.
The events of the evening played through Prince Lysander’s head. The Prince of the Eternal Edict had a good idea by trying to have the two courts have a truce. The only problem was that his sister had other ideas. Lysander felt the truce could have been a way to escape the false life he has to live. Perhaps it still could. He would speak to Prince Aelion one last time before the Prince departs and readies himself for war. Maybe even go with him to learn more about how the Eternal Edict functions when not confronted by the Voidbound’s constant pressure and chaotic fighting styles. His sister would not miss him, Lysander thought. She would be far too busy with her schemes to even realize he is gone.
A small smile sat on Mirelda’s face. The other fey so easily found and exchanged the gems from the forest with her. The magical gems that, once collected and consumed, would grant her even more power to wield moving forward. Power, after all, is what sets you apart from the riff raff of the courts trying to find their way in this wide, ever expanding world of politics and intrigue they built for themselves. She giggled as she twirled a gem between her fingers. Where shall I go next? What items shall we find to trade? What magically delicious delicacies await us at the next gathering? The anticipation of finding another source of power sent chills down her spine. She would trade items to the other fey as she always does, and continue the cycle set forth so long ago.
As he etched the last words of the grand tales he heard into his staff, Finnian smiled and looked up towards the stars in the night sky. What a chaotic display of the world of the courts, he thought to himself. He would never be bored with the tales he gathers from the fey that attend these luxurious events. For they bring with them the suspense, drama, comedy, and tell of a great story. He stared across the field to the other two from outside the court. With a gentle nod of his head, he bid them farewell. He knew he would see them again, just as he would see those from the courts. Stories will always be abundant, and he would gather them as he does. One cannot grow old if one does not grow compliant with the world around oneself, he thought to himself. The courts will give him some entertainment. This tale has only just begun, after all.
Yes! Magnificent twirl my dear! Let me capture that essence of pure delight as you spin… The evening gave Elowen so many great memories captured in time, slowly flowing back and forth as she watched the videos she had taken. The enjoyment and bliss of the people was rejuvenating. She giggled as she saw Finnian across the field bidding farewell. These events would bring together the most beautiful and dashing of fey, all ready to have a small piece of their essence captured for all eternity. She would capture it all. All the memories and stories in a visual display for all to see. She smiled once more, staring at the twirling fey captured in time on the display in her hand. Yes, my gorgeous fey! Twirl more!