⇨ THE SUMMER COURT

[ringleaders]

Who: Everyone in the Summer Maiden's entourage.
When: Day 129 - Day 131 (Subjectively experienced as only one day.)
Where: The Summer Court
What: The Summer Maiden returns to the Summer Court for the first time in eons, leading a posse of carnival workers and Summer Fae. The Summer Queen has initiated a peaceful Elysium for discussions to take place, with dozens of the Court in attendance, but the true tone of the negotiations has yet to be unearthed.
Warnings: Fae being bitches.

SUNSET OF AN ERA↴ The phase shift takes few minutes to complete, when it's time. The Summer Maiden gathers everyone together - her guard of Summerland Fae, and her carnival wards - and activates the spell to bring them to the Summer Court. It's been planned with the Summer Queen, she says, and they should have her cooperation. Nothing has been settled in terms of negotiations, but at the very least, the Queen was not willing to shut down the opportunity to see her daughter for the first time eons, along with her lesser children, Ignatius and Gild. The Summer Maiden has recommended that everyone dress formally and conduct themselves with respect, but she is not forcing anyone to do so. It simply seems like the best way to make an impression. When they arrive in the Summer Court, they are in a courtyard. The Maiden's light magic fades and they will see themselves in a garden of alien trees, with golden towers rising up around them in all directions. Two Summer Court fae are waiting for them at an ornate gate, but it isn't until the Summer Maiden has claimed her role as an adjudicator or the present Elysium that she breaks the barrier surrounding her party. She tells everyone that it is safe to go forth but to be cautious. There is no way of knowing what direction negotiations will take. The guard leads them in, and they will find themselves in a spacious and life-filled throne room, with massive trees that function and supporting pillars and the throne itself. A variety of True Fae that the carnival has never seen before are scattered around the room, waiting with a thick air of tension. As the Summer Maiden leads them in, she will announce herself to the Queen, and claim all those present as under her protection. The introductions are brief, and after the Maiden is done, the Queen will ask to speak with her privately. There is a clear nervousness beneath the Queen's veneer of control. As the Maiden joins her at the throne to speak about personal matters, everyone else is free to explore the throne room and mingle - if they dare. ► STICKING OUT: There are some notable reactions going on as the Maiden's entourage arrives. In general, the Court Fae respond strongly to Ignatius's presence - both the fact that he's turned up as an ally to the Maiden, and his curious magical transformation. Ignatius, for his part, holds back and tries to keep to himself, looking like he's trying to hide a significant amount of stress. To the Gilded Mark, there is a particular note of resentment, which she mostly seems to ignore and focuses on staying close to the carnival folk. The Starlight, the Whirling Rainbow, and a few other Summerland Fae have come along, and they all hold back as the Summer Maiden discusses things with the Queen privately. In general, the Court Fae eye the carnival with a mixture of curiousity and disgust. ► TOUGH CROWD: There are dozens of Summer Court Fae here that no one will have seen before. They mill about the room as if this is an uncomfortable formal engagement, eyeing up the Maiden's entourage an gossiping with one another. The opinions they hold of the situation vary wildly - some seem more of the attitude that the Court would be better off if the Summer Maiden were to die and be replaced, where others are openly optimistic and excited about the potential of reparations being made. You are free to make up/NPC any of these fae as long as they aren't doing anything radical, like trying to break the Elysium. Some of them will treat the visitors as threats, while others may even attempt to ask them questions about the situation. ► ACCOMMODATIONS: There is food and drink provided while negotiations endure. Normally you may want to be cautious about accepting this kind of thing, but given that it's part of Elysium, they are obligated to not harm any of those present. So, if you want, you will be able to enjoy faerie ales and other luxury foods that have the capability of being distractingly tantalizing to mortals with low self control. If you need some space, you are free to go back out to the courtyard where you arrived. There are few fae out there, but it is still covered by the Elysium. Take some time to settle in - this could take a while, and there's sure to be drama before it's over. Later on, there will be public discussion.

Comments

[kingsroads]

Strange can only stop and stare as the normally taciturn magician lets it all out. He can honestly say that he hadn't really thought about Childermass's life back in England. Of course they would listen to him because he was smart, he was a magician, he knew more about magic than all the other new magicians. It never occurred to Strange, in all of his one track mind, that something like 'class' and 'birth status' would get in the way of things.

And he still remains quiet as Childermass continues to yell and berate him. Because the problem is, he does care for a few people here. But he knows that as soon as he vocalizes the one who he cares about the most, that'll get into yet another fight and yet another shouting match. Because it's Ignatius. He honestly and truly cares about Ignatius and that's just a recipe for more fighting.

So instead of answering Childermass's question, he changes the subject and clarifies a point. "I'm sorry I didn't see all of this before now. Though I must clarify: I only see the members of the carnival who refuse to make an attempt to change things as cowards. By that metric, since I plan to leave this place at the first opportunity I can get, I'm the biggest coward of us all."

[atouts]

A longer, even louder fight, at that, and one that really shouldn't be had in the Summer Court. That Strange threw everyone else away for a scrap of respect from someone who kidnapped him is not a concept Childermass can ever grasp, nor does he want to. If anything, it stands are further proof that Strange never actually cared for him in the first place, that it's all so superficial.

Not that what Strange says instead makes him any less displeased.

"If that's your attempt at being humble, it's a poor one. Everyone is going through with this farce because they do want to change things and you're no different."

[kingsroads]

"It's not being humble. It's simply bringing you up to speed on what I plan to do." Because he just had this fight with Yuya, he wants to make certain Childermass is on the same page. Granted, he suspects Childermass knew this already but then again, he suspected Yuya knew it already as well and look how that ended.

"You think too little of yourself. People will listen to you—and not just because you have the book of the Raven King. They will listen to you because you have experience. They may scoff at you at first, but the moment you melt into the shadows or knock off their hat with a gust of wind, any true magician will sit down and listen to you. Whether people like it or not, magic was given to all of England."

And if they persist in trying to limit magic based on class, race, gender, and the like...well, Strange was going to return to England at some point. Perhaps he still had a little bit of weight and reputation that he could throw around to change that.

[atouts]

It'll be a long fight uphill for it, though, that much he knows. That Childermass can throw faerie magic around, well, he isn't even sure if he wants people to know the extent of his ability. In any case, Strange reiterating that he's going to do something arrests his attention for now.

"What you plan to do?" He doesn't understand, which shows as the anger writ across his face fades to worry, yet again, for the other magician planning something hare-brained. "What do you plan to do? Surely you're not leaving. We can't get home without help."

[kingsroads]

"I thought you weren't my friend," Strange gently teases, as he looks over at Childermass. "That expression of yours says otherwise."

Because that's worry, plain and simple. And why would Childermass worry about someone he doesn't care about? Still, Strange isn't going to let the moment of teasing linger too long. He's going to answer Childermass's question: he's not a complete dick, just like, 65% of one.

"As for your question, I do not know yet. Just that if the opportunity to return to England presents itself and it looks trustworthy enough, I shall take it."

That caveat is very important, considering that Strange knows Childermass doesn't trust any fae in the room (while Strange himself fully trusts only one or two of them.)

[atouts]

"I'm angry with you. That doesn't mean I want you to vanish into thin air one day or run off and die," Childermass says back far less gently. Though if that's all, it's straightforward enough that he'll relax some. "So you want to go home but don't have a way yet. I'm not sure if that's meant to surprise me. Most of the carnival must feel that way these days."

[kingsroads]

"I want to go home even if it means abandoning the Ringmaster or the rest of the carnival," Strange clarifies. Because that's the problem: most of the carnival doesn't feel that way. And he's already gotten into a few fights just by vocalizing that.

"Her disappearance is the only thing holding all of us together...and I don't think most of the carnival has even contemplated the idea of what happens if we fail." Based on his tone of voice and worried frown, Strange has.

[atouts]

"We die," Childermass states directly enough. He has thought of it and he's well aware of what might happen in the Wyldlands. While he does feel a sense of loyalty to the Ringmaster, he's no fool. It won't stop him from going, but...

He walks back to Strange, closing the distance again if only so they can speak in quieter tones.

"If things fall out poorly here, you could ask the Maiden to find our England for you. Possibly even the Starlight. She may have ideas." And happens to be the one other of the fae he doesn't distrust so deeply. "No one is obligated to risk their life, Strange. Of all the ideas to be angry with you about, that isn't one of them."

[kingsroads]

"Thank you," he murmurs, just as quiet. When Strange pulls away from Childermass, he's got a gentle smile on his face. Moments like this are why, no matter what the other magician might say, Strange will continue to call him a friend no matter what.

"I know you must think I've gone mad again. But before we fall into endless negotiations, may I try to break the spell over your memory one last time?"

After all, who knows if he'll get another chance.

[atouts]

Childermass isn't so sure he wants to know anymore but... Strange things it happened. Lambert thinks it happened. It may very well be that it did and he should know, for certain, just how loyal he should be to England and the Raven King at all. So, even though it takes a moment of thought, he nods.

"You may. I already agreed to let you try, didn't I? And you are so set on it..."

[kingsroads]

"As I said, this will be the last time." Strange takes a step or so back, just so that Childermass can get a better look at him. "Because I want to try something different. The Silver Mirror can show the truth. I cannot commandeer the magic like Syrlya or Steven could commandeer the Blue Rose, but I know what the magic feels like. Perhaps if I reach for that while casting the dispelling incantation, the magic of the Mirror will boost my magic, thereby making this work more effectively."

There's a pause, before Strange admits, "Of course, based on my experiences in Eden, you will need to look into the Mirror while I cast. I realize this is awkward at best, but would you mind staring directly into my eyes while I cast the dispelling incantation?"

Strange has a whole theory about why his eyes in general but he has a sneaky suspicion that Childermass doesn't want to listen to him ramble about magic.

[atouts]

"If you really think that will help."

Perhaps not right this minute but all their arguments haven't changed Childermass's own interest in magic. Another time. If there is, indeed, ever another time. At the very least, he doesn't seem skeptical about using the Mirror's power to show the truth. It makes enough sense, knowing what the Miracle was originally for.

Even if staring deeply into Jonathan Strange's eyes isn't really something he wants to do. He will, though, pursing his lips against any complaint about having to do so.

[kingsroads]

"I do," Strange nods. "Now, stand still and focus on my eyes."

And he proceeds to stare at Childermass in return. Strange murmurs the incantation. It's a constant stream of muttering under his breath as his third eye flares to life and he feels that familiar tug of magic, the thing he pieced out the last time. Once he finds that magic, he snuffs out his flames and holds tight to the familiar feel, trying to tease it out and hold onto (what he hopes) is the magic of the Silver Mirror in his chest all the while. It only takes a few seconds of creepy staring but hot damn is it some creepy staring.

Of course, Strange isn't going to bank entirely on the Silver Mirror method, not when he suspects it would work best if wrapped fully around his own magic. So once he's magically held onto what he hopes is the magic blocking Childermass's memory, Strange mentally gives it a tug as he finishes the incantation and leans in to give Childermass a kiss to serve as a back-up trigger for the spell at the same time.

Unfortunately, if Childermass has been staying still and focusing on Strange's eyes, this means that the kiss is landing maybe on the lips, maybe somewhere in the vicinity of Childermass's chin. Totally dignified.

[atouts]

One thing Strange really does need to work on is making all of his new magic less creepy. Unfortunately, Childermass isn't going to have the chance to critique him on that today, even if the fact that the other magician leans forward and kisses him straight on the lips is, in its own right, horrifying. Logically, he's aware that's how the spell works. Realistically, this is not how he anticipated today going.

The only silver lining here is for Strange and that's because, with the Silver Mirror's power backing him up, even just a little, he's able to pull apart the magic keeping the bizarre encounter with the Raven King apart from the rest of Childermass's memories. It's more like an alteration, events changed to remove that giant, important detail, which had left the man confused at why he'd been aiming his pistol at empty space.

Rather than shove Strange off or, you know, punch him, he's left staggering, which breaks eye contact but it isn't really needed now. He lurches forward to grab onto Strange's shoulders, just to keep himself from collapsing to the ground right there and then. It's a jarring feeling, suddenly having a memory back that he can't rationalize away anymore.

Upsetting, too.

"He... So he was there? He was there..."

[kingsroads]

Strange doesn't move. Instead, he lets Childermass grab onto his shoulders and moves his arms to help support him and keep him upright. He should be triumphant and gloating about this. After all, he did break a spell placed on Childermass by the Raven King, something that is more terrifying the more Strange thinks about it. But that's just it: he broke a spell placed on Childermass by the Raven King. And though Strange wishes he had an answer as to why the man would do something like that, the fact of the matter is he doesn't.

"I know you might not come back to England," Strange murmurs, because this isn't the sort of thing one screams to a courtyard. "If you do not, I understand. But I shall still try my hardest to find the man again and learn why he did this."

Because as he told Lambert all those weeks ago, this is unfair. If anyone deserves the memory of even just seeing the Raven King, it is Childermass.

[atouts]

So much going through his mind, every answer he could give to that, every reason he could just start yelling and causing a scene, or perhaps just break down and cry, but the first thing he hangs onto is that he needs to sit down. He really needs to sit down.

"Bench," is how that request comes out as. Not very sharp but he's not feeling that way right now. He can pry a hand off of Strange's shoulder to wave towards some ridiculously ornate (also golden) bench to one side of the courtyard. "I need to sit down. This is..." That trails off into a sad laugh. "He's never coming back, is he? Not for good. Not ever."

[kingsroads]

Bench? What the hell does he—oh, bench. As Childermass waves towards the bench, Strange understands. He's not entirely sure just how stable Childermass is on his feet right now, so he still remains close to the man, letting him hold onto Strange or use him for as much leverage as needed, as Strange starts to guide Childermass towards the bench.

And then Childermass vocalizes that worry. And how Strange wants to say that he's being ridiculous, of course the Raven King would be coming back, Strange saw him and remembered it, after all. But then again, had the carnival not happened, it's not like Strange would have the opportunity to tell the rest of England that he saw the Raven King.

He falters for a moment before admitting, "I don't know."

[atouts]

"Nor do I," Childermass says with a sigh as they reach the bench. While he did need help to get there, he can take over and get himself seated just fine. It mostly entails slumping down on it, as if suddenly exhausted. Even if the revelation alone wasn't overwhelming, he's never exactly gotten on well with magic not his own. There's already a headache budding its way up through his skull from it.

He remains slumped over where he sat, head bowed and propping himself up with elbows on his knees.

"I... I am still going back," he finally assures Strange of that. "I decided that before. What else would I even do? That's my only purpose, isn't it? Why should a king want to associate with a servant, anyhow. That's how it's always been. So long as I get the job done."

[kingsroads]

While Childermass is responding with a depressive episode, the more Strange thinks on this and dwells on Childermass's situation, the angrier he becomes. How dare the Raven King treat Childermass this way! He deserved better!

"Stop with that talk of being a servant," Strange says, even though it's technically true. "Would the Raven King trust any random servant of his with his book? Of course not! It ended up in your lap, ergo you're more than just a servant to him, ergo you deserve so much better than what you've been given."

[atouts]

"He certainly trusted a drunk with it," Childermass scoffs, thoughts briefly going to Vinculus. Another poor madman who deserved better, perhaps, though he still made it seem so simple, as if it never bothered him. He gives his head a shake and straightens up, looking at Strange again.

"But we'll never know, will we? He's gone again, taking everything he knew with him apart from whatever he wrote over that damnable prophecy of his."

[kingsroads]

"I could always try to summon him again," Strange points out, with a little frown. "I've gotten stronger since the last time."

He says that, despite the fact that they both know the truth. Summoning doesn't necessarily mean answering. But this is Strange desperately trying to find an answer and trying to find something he can do about this.

"Though you're right. Until we find him again, we'll never know."

[atouts]

There isn't a whole lot Strange can do to make this right. They've both been dragged out to sea by John Uskglass and his prophecy, it seems. Though it's on that note that Childermass breathes out a sigh and slumps again, this time back against the bench.

"It's fine," he says, sounding very much like it is absolutely not fine. "You can't fix everything, Strange. It isn't even a problem of your own making." For once, shocking as that is to all. "Assuming I'm not eaten by Wyld fae, who knows. Could be I live long enough to ask him myself one day... or punch him. Perhaps both."

[kingsroads]

"Yes, but I want to fix this!" Strange snaps. There's no anger in his voice, just sheer desperation and annoyance at the whole situation. "You deserve better than what life has given you. What's the use of my magic if I can't give that to you?"

Then again, it's not like he could break the curse by himself. Or leave this place. Or do much of anything that's been useful to the carnival lately. The flames of his hair briefly flare up in annoyance before settling back down to their normal, matchstick sized level.

[atouts]

"Well, everyone deserves better, don't they, Mr. Strange?" Childermass replies to that after a long pause where he just looks at Strange, a bit startled now at the outburst. He gestures towards the other side of the bench. "Sit down."

If he'll even take orders like that from anyone anymore. Regardless, he'll try to carry on.

"I didn't tell you how steep a hill I have ahead of me because I thought I deserved better. From the Raven King, perhaps, and that is... difficult. It is. But I am the man I am because of what I've survived. Most of it without magic, you know. My earliest inkling that I even had magic was my cards and those certainly didn't find me work or fill my plate."

[kingsroads]

Strange looks over at Childermass...and does take a seat, sitting down on the other side of his fellow magician. He's listening, though there is a bit of a small frown on Strange's face. He's only just now piecing out just how difficult Childermass's life must have been, thanks to this conversation as well as Childermass's earlier outburst at him.

A part of Strange wants to point out that really, how on Earth was he supposed to know what Childermass survived, the man never talked about himself. But, then again, Strange never asked.

"Everyone deserves better but not everyone has been put through as much hardship as you have," Strange counters, frowning a little. He's trying to temper his mood but it's obvious that this whole Raven King business (and Childermass's reaction to it) still rubs him the wrong way. "Admittedly, a fair amount of that is my fault, and I truly am sorry for making your life more difficult, whether intentionally or not."