(no subject)

[moonlight_revels]

In a wood that is both more tenebrous and luminous than woods are wont to be, there is a copse where the trees huddle close together, whispering secrets each to each. There hang thick tendrils of ivy and honeysuckle, mingling their scent with the crisping night air, and the grass is soft and dewy underfoot.

The Queen of the Fairies, proud Titania, stands waiting in the moonlight.

She does not particularly like to be kept waiting.

Comments

[moonlight_revels]

"I last met him there," she demurs.

"And he said then that he would stay. 'Tis seven years now since that time, and I believe him there still, skulking like an exile."

[midsummer_npcs]

"Coward," Hellebore murmurs, eyes bright.

"It is past time he should have returned."

Not that he should have left in the first place, although Hellebore was never all that distressed by his absence.

[moonlight_revels]

"I have a task for you, if you will mark."

[midsummer_npcs]

"Always, Lady."

Particularly if it is of the nature he suspects.

[moonlight_revels]

She smiles slightly.

"It is better if this matter were dealt with delicately, by those who know him best-- yet know my will as well. I entrust his return to you, Hellebore."

She winds tapered fingers through her long hair.

"I must needs be gone some time; mayhap to India. I shan't be overlong."

[midsummer_npcs]

Hellebore would laugh if he were the type - instead, he only smiles his pleasure.

"I shall have this matter settled, and await your return with all possible speed, my Queen," he says.

[moonlight_revels]

"Wonderful."

Titania's fingers twirl and wind, sunk in the glossy dark of her hair; when at last she lifts her hands away, she has in them a single, long strand twisted into a coil.

"Persuade him if you can. Matters are different now, are they not, now that we are united? There is no need any longer for enmity or flight."

[midsummer_npcs]

"Oh, of a certainty, Lady," Hellebore smiles, teeth flashing very white in the soft gloom of the forest.

...

Curses.

[moonlight_revels]

On the whole, Titania could have fared worse when it comes to lieutenants.

Hellebore's placement in her court is calculated, of course, but he does so well.

"Take this token for your task," she says, extending one luminous arm to proffer the strand of hair.

"I trust it shall be useful in my absence."

[midsummer_npcs]

Hellebore raises both hands to accept the gift with reverence and not a little cupidity, eyes agleam.

"I am most honoured, my Queen," he says.

Useful indeed.

[moonlight_revels]

Her lips draw up into a smile.

"I have no doubt your work will please me well."

And if not, well--

Hellebore doesn't want to think about if not, we're sure.

Negative thinking never got anybody anywhere.

"To your task, then," the queen concludes.

"I'll away before the dawn."

[midsummer_npcs]

"Ay, Lady. I am quite determined that it shall."

And the odds have just recently narrowed.

Considerably.