"And It Is A Tragedy It Did Not Become A More Regular Occurrence," Robin Said With An Exaggerated Sigh

zahryaofspring​:

✿*° ‘° ･

He understands after hearing Robin’s words why so many of the fey struggled to accept his viewpoints on their lessers. They probably thought like her, drawing distinctions between insignificant lifeforms. There were allies and special considerations, dangers and risks. How burdensome it must be to place more stock in those beneath them. If only they could see them as Zahrya had for nearly a thousand years, nothing more than puddles of viscera between Asterion’s jaws. The lessons his warder taught him still rang true today: mortals would only ever be violent creatures, and sometimes the only answer to their violence was violence of your own. “The blessed children can have a chance to return to us, but those who don’t take our side deserve their fate. We’ve been at war since before I was born, it’s due time we bring it to a close.” What more was there to say? Clearly he was the only Chancellor who understood loyalty. He made a vow to Titania and he would enact her will even if he had to go about it alone. He was done with these games of politics and passivity. He was a force of nature, now more than ever. If he’d acted on his own sooner, then surely many of the cruel fates the eladrin faced recently would’ve been avoided. “I will not be defined by cowardice. If you are content being afraid of your inferiors, then I will let you rot like the leaves in autumn. Destroying the Eye, destroying the Asphodel, destroying the realm, it’s all the same. We should only worry about protecting those who stand with us. I have no love to spare for those who’d do us harm, either through action or inaction.”

@thegoodfellow​

...

“Do tell me more about this war of yours, this war that Titania did not acknowledge, this war that you seem so sure we are fighting when few others are,” she insists in an attempt to understand the man’s motivations, voice soft as she tilts her head to observe the Spring Chancellor with consideration. “Perhaps it is my age, but I had the understanding that the Eye did not become a more overt threat until recently, and that the only war the fey truly worried about for as long as you have been alive was the inevitable fight against the drows?” The Spring Chancellor had always fascinated her, the oddness of his actions clear even when compared to other’s his age. Fen’harel, Laer, Revas, her parents, they all comported themselves rather differently than the Chancellor before her, and while she understands that she is in dire need to begin separating herself from her own affections towards humanity, she is always surprised at Zahrya’s rancor for the species Titania helped create as he worships the former Queen. “You call it cowardice, but you are wrong, Chancellor,” she offers, words firm. “Destruction is not a domain usually associated to Spring, thus you must fail to understand that not being wary of your enemies will bring your downfall. It’s those who are not wary of the storm that are struck by lightning, and overconfidence is dangerous when dealing with the creature’s whose creation Titania blessed.”

TATI GABRIELLE ph. Jack Waterlot for Numéro Netherlands (March 2022)

TATI GABRIELLE ph. Ben Cope for Galore Magazine (May 2023)

zahryaofspring​:

✿*ﾟ ‘ﾟ･

Dislike for mortals? A hundred, even a thousand years ago, the notion might’ve made Zahrya chuckle. After all, it made no sense to harbor negative emotions for creatures so far beneath him. Pity sure, but blatant dislike? He could’ve denounced the idea completely once, but truth is fluid and the mouth of his changeling remains open unspeaking for he can tell no lies.

“Until they are reminded of their place, the denizens of this realm should not expect any love from me. Either we can wait for that, or we can remind them ourselves.” When the changeling finally vocalizes Zahrya’s words, it comes out as a gravelly hiss. The vines wrapped around its body sharpen to points unintentionally and the air around him seems to vibrate, signs of the Chancellor’s agitation. “The old ways have gotten us this far. Abandoning them purely because they conflict with the state of this realm would be foolish.”

Though he calms himself as he pilots the changeling closer to Robin’s face. “What I desire most is the safety and longevity of our people. Anything more is a distraction. Duty and desire are one for me, I would gladly give my life to fulfill both.” It may not be what she wants to hear, but it’s his truth. If Titania asked him to fall on his sword right then he would without question. “You raise excellent points, but my knowledge and wisdom can be passed on. Perhaps flesh pleasures can help bring about an heir for my court, but I worry how I’d nurture the blossom properly outside of the maze…” 

...

“Fear is likely not going to remind them of their place, simply plant the seeds of spite on their hearts,” she says slowly, words measured so that he recognizes their weight. If there is anything she has learned on her PhD program is that mortals are petty, no matter how much they deny it. Show something to fear and they will seek to destroy it. The Eye proves to be a great example of that. “Please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the old ways meant for us to dazzle mortals with out feats not scare them?”

Robin is not sure, for she has heard her mother’s stories and she understands that at times her kind has done both, but it is worth asking, if merely to attempt to deescalate the situation. They are guests among the Pluto vampire’s, and bringing conflicts to their doors will only bring more trouble. Something the courts truly do not need.

“We are in troubling times, Chancellor. We cannot afford to lose our most powerful defenders and protectors with things as they are, and while it is noble that you would give your life to fulfill your duty, that is not what we need,” she begins, voice deliberate as she faces the Changeling with a mild expression. “We need leaders, and despite being able to pass on your knowledge and wisdom, leadership is a rather different skill, is it not?”

zahryaofspring​:

✿*° ‘° ･

“That’s your problem Robin. You draw lines and make distinctions that don’t matter. Humans, drow, the Eye, the Senate, it’s all a waste. They envy us all the same, they bleed all the same. When pounded beneath the heavy fists of a changeling, all those who would do us harm are nothing but runny puddles of mess. The war we fight is on our very divinity. Anyone who would have us live less than our truths or gifts is our enemy. The notion that we must play by rules created by inferiors is an affront to what we are. Spring wasn’t my only teacher, I had innumerable vile mortals seek me out as an innocent child just to do me harm. And though he never spoke Asterion taught me more about who I am than anyone else. Apparently, you still fail to grasp who you are.” How any eladrin could learn who they were without a changeling to guide them was beyond Zahrya, but that’s where he stood completely apart from his people. They didn’t know so they didn’t understand. The younger generation confused him as much as they saddened him. None had the vast fields and endless skies of the Labyrinth to express themselves freely. They were repressed and lost, so much so that when given a directive from Titania herself they dared to question the faith she placed in him. Absolutely pathetic. “My domain is whatever my sovereign demands. Her Majesty said we were to have no mercy for this realm. If that is something you’re too weak to bring to fruition, then that is your deficiency. I served the Queen for longer than you’ve drawn breath. I know who I am. Whether or not someone is prepared for the storm doesn’t matter, because a storm rips apart weak strongholds as easily as it decimates fortified structures. At least mine do, because I was born to be powerful. I’ll weep for the future of your court if inaction is all you have to offer them.” 

...

“Because life has meaning Zahrya!” Robin finally snaps, the hum of magic turning the air sweltering around them as she raises her chin to glare at the Spring Chancellor from where she sits on the ground. “Life has meaning, and so does it’s ending and ignoring this because you were isolated of the world it’s not the solution. Your lack of empathy and worthless sense of superiority is going to get us all killed if you keep underestimating those who act against us, and you can’t see it. It only takes one mistake for a fey to die, and many of our enemies known how to do just that. Your reckless ignorance of how the world works outside of your Court is shameful, ignorant and will bite you in the fucking ass if you keep going this way. “ There is a noise of frustration as she raises from her sitting position, flames flickering on her fingertips before she clenches her first and takes a deep breath. “I am well aware that I am young and I have not been train in my position, but I know who am I. I know that the whole cannot be judged by the actions of the few, because if they were we would be just like the exile that has joined hands with Asphodel. We would be just like Fen’harel, traitorous and willing to overthrow our rules for power. But we are not, and that alone shows me that you know nothing of people, that the only reason you received your role is because you are powerful but witless. The storm might destroy the fortress and it’s inhabitants, but by numbers alone there will always be more to replace them, more waiting on the shadows to strike when we grow tired. For fucks’ sake, think things strategically for once in your life,“ She hisses out, a ran running over her face as she speaks. She is committing a mistake, she is aware, but she has grown tired of being condescended merely for having a different set of ideals than Zahrya. There is no denying that eladrins are inherently superiors, no denying that they have every advantage. And yet, countless have fallen at the hands of the Eye, countless have been hunted by vampires, witches and humans alike. “If it were power alone that granted us safety, we would not have lost the Otherworld, and my Court would be without dangers because despite what your ignorance has led you to believe, old witless fool, I am powerful and I am acting. I am just not stupid enough to put a target in my back.”

who? @yaviefey​

where? near hell’s bell

“I am aware that the Faerie King’s Forest is not the same as the Courts, but you are missed Yavie.” The words are said simply as she comes to stand near her fellow autumn fey, looking around curiously as she tries to figure out if he has been staying nearby or not. “Additionally, I must apologize, I have not been a great friend for the last couple of months and I regret it. Let me make it up to you?”

TATI GABRIELLE ph. Alexandra Gavillet for Refinery29 (April 2019)

assanx​:

-

“Tuna.” Please. Assan said as he folded his hands behind his head and walked forward with Robin at his side, head tilted towards the sun. It was so warm in Italy, especially with summer just around the corner. That suited Assan’s temperament perfectly since he was most fond of sleeping outside, sometimes under the stars, sometimes in a cat nap somewhere on a rooftop. Occasionally he slipped into another’s home and snagged their couch or their bed. Dungeons & Dragons were fun, the tiefling was clearly the most superior choice - getting everyone together was a hassle though and Assan never had the motivation. That was on Robin and Rawlins’ shoulders. There was something bothering him and it wasn’t any human with a gun, he’d come to Rome for a reason but everything he thought of just felt like so much work. He looked towards Robin from the corner of his eye, “Salmon?” Are they making you nervous?

...

“I do have a rather time consuming job, you know,” Robin says dryly at Assan’s dismissal. Planning meet ups had fallen upon the cambion’s shoulder, at the end, as any free time that Robin found herself having was devoted to personal projects or meets up with those she cared for. On occasion, she would help Rawlins with organizing, but with the forest closing it’s borders, it would be impossible for her to host unless it is on her apartments within Rome and she would rather those remained secret to most aside of Assan and a few others. At least for now. She shares a brief look with Assan at his question and inclines her head ever so slightly. “I have never found pleasure on their presence, and their overt displays of power do not bode well for Rome, now that they have been foolish enough to work with them.”

wintersaurora​:

The private sitting room was the definition of cozy and elegant, but Aurora was tense, and less elegant as she slouched and chewed nervously at the fountain pen in her hand. She might’ve quickly fixed her posture if anyone else had come in, but anyone else knew better. Anyone else except their new Autumn Chancellor, and other select few. Aurora’s eyes flickered up, the pen still between her teeth as the other fey approached. “I wouldn’t speak so soon,” she muttered tiredly, putting down the pen. Jaded had the definition of how she felt most days now, in a cold and passive way that felt oddly similar yet completely different to the empty depression of her punishment days. “And while being a Chancellor is all encompassing responsibility, it’s likely never been as overwhelming as it is right now. You certainly have impeccable timing…” Aurora still wasn’t sure how to feel about it all - losing Fen’harel, gaining Robin. She hid her uncertainly by glancing back down at her papers. “I actually have quite a bit to talk to you about, now that you’re here…” But she waited, looking up to see if Robin had any pressing matters first.

...

“Even if you have reached the point where you have become jaded, it is still praise worthy that it took you this long,” she mentions, all but throwing herself on one of her seats in her most overdramatic faint. She falls sideways, and then she proceeds to arrange herself on a more comfortable position so that she overlooks Aurora as they speak. Sharp eyes notice the hints of nervousness found on her old friend, and she tries for levity, even knowing that she has to turn for seriousness in order to deal with whatever matters the Winter Chancellor had in mind. “Ah, yes. A perfect timing to deal with this all encompassing shit storm.”

Then she nods, a hum leaving her as she snaps a notebook and a pen into existence as she leans back, eyes serious as she looks back at the Chancellor.

“I was merely passing by to greet you and offer you a respite,” she says, tone softer as she looks back at the nervous chancellor. “But if you require my help, then I will do what I can.”