It was lost to none that April’s court fell on the day set aside by most for shenanigans and tomfoolery. The few Kithain who had remained within the Grace Lands for the last year cautioned against planning any sort of courtly fun and games; last year, many found closely guarded secrets revealed by an unknown source, after the Boggan’s candy-filled eggs took an unscheduled trip through the Dreaming, courtesy of one helpful fairy peacat. Heeding the warnings, many were more cautious than usual, as they arrived at Caer Graceland. They were doubly wary when they entered the Freehold, and were greeted by an imposing Spirit full Undertaker regalia, dark rock opera music blaring all around him.
Those established in the Duchy took immediate note of the many new- and in some cases famous- faces, offering the newcomers booming welcomes, while later talking behind their hands about what trouble such an influx of new blood might cause to the barely-settled social dynamics of the Duchy. Some of the Kithain, including Celeste, Calluna, and Bobbish, were carrying about clipboards, and seemed to be rating the court’s attendees in some manner. The only response to their inquiries, however, was a smirk and deflection.
The Selkie Nicholas, though hobbled and humbled by a brazen stair earlier in the month, took swift and expert charge of the Seelie Court proceedings. Between his quiet, yet forceful genteel manner, and the imposing presences of Duke Eranos ap Eiluned and his officers, Nicholas ran the opening court proceedings with more nobility and precision than the Seelie had ‘ere seen during their turns at rule. The many new faces of the Seelie Court introduced themselves: Whiskey, a Piskey famous nationwide in mortal circles as the bassist for the classic Country cover band, the Barbwire Hoppers; and an exceptionally chill and friendly Satyr named, aptly enough, Thomas the Friendly. Unseelie Envoy and Knight of Daireann, Calluna the Daring, introduced her court’s new faces, as well: Kpop idol Joluen Ceilia, cold as ice Piskey and Countess of House Variach, famous the world over; and the friendly Satyr Thomas’s companion, Zosia, a Sluagh.
It seemed Zosia and Thomas had traveled to the Grace Lands at the suggestion of the ruler of the Duchy of Appalachia, seeking assistance, and fleeing some sort of danger. Curiosity had the court hanging on every whispered word, but Lady Calluna- perhaps wary after so many courts had devolved into lengthy back and forths over personal problems- suggested that was a matter for after court, promising the Sluagh that her and her companion’s concerns would receive full attention later in the evening. From there, Nicholas moved the court forward, declaring at first that he believed there were no grievances to be heard, but upon closer examination of his ledger, noted a name, which he rather confusedly announced- Dr Oliva Havesham.
At the utterance of the name, a woman glimmered into view, obviously not a Kithain, but so dripping in enchantment that it was impossible to tell if she were Kinain, or merely a pet enchanted mortal. Otherworldly beautiful, and yet exceptionally intimidating in appearance, the doctor declared herself to be speaking on behalf of her patron, declaring the Kithain of Memphis in violation of the rule of demesne, in their unauthorized forays into St. Jude Hospital and its closed studies. More, the doctor declared that the nosey Kithain had actually done harm to the children under her care. When accusations of the ravaging of children began to fly, the doctor vehemently denied such horrors, producing a glittering token bearing the symbol of House Liam- whose members place human life so high that they are Dreaming-forbidden from ravaging even in dire need. Advisor Wish-or-Will of House Gwydion declared the doctor’s words to be truth, even if he, himself, seemed ill-convinced of his own proclamation.
Court was called with the doctor announcing that she would be available for the next fifteen minutes to those who might wish to “discuss” these matters. She was immediately cornered by a mob of angry Kithain, all quite convinced that their feelings on the matter superceded any facts the doctor may bring to the table. Ser Locke ap Eiluned, in the capacity of the Court’s Sergeant-at-Arms, extradited the doctor from the mob before someone erred and violated the rules of hospitality, sweeping her and Duke Eranos away to privacy so that the situation could be discussed. While the details of what was discussed were kept secret from the Court at large, it became known via whisper network that Ser Jeni Skullkrusher ap Fiona had been tasked with being the Court’s liaison to the hospital, until the situation was settled.
Meanwhile, some of the Kithain, angry at having been cheated of a chance at violence, decided to perform some friendly duels as a way to let off some steam. Sir Garrick continued to bring honor to House Dougal, winning yet another match versus the bewinged Baroness of House Scathach, Ezra, though the Nocker certainly took a fair amount of knocks from the rowdy Sidhe. The facts surrounding Zosia and Thomas’s troubles were made known, and the pair were swiftly embraced by the court at large, with Zosia finding a fast and ready home with the city’s growing Sluagh population, despite being the only Unseelie member of her Kith. The Piskeys Whiskey and Zima got into a row; it seems the two were rivals, or perhaps former friends. Whiskey had some harsh words and a hard right hook for Zima, and eventually the two took the disagreement outside into the night, a thing that many thought was a very good idea.
Narrator Voice: This was actually a very bad idea.
Zima, in a fit of paranoid frenzy, called upon the Dreaming to “give him all of Whiskey’s weapons,” Unleashing the wild powers of Legerdemain upon the Autumn World. Dancing lights formed of raw Glamour raced and twisted across the grounds of Graceland, drawing the eyes of mortal guests and guards, who watched the display in enchanted awe. The Dreaming, in an exceptionally detailed interpretation of the Piskey’s commands, stipped Whiskey down to the skin, leaving the country music star naked and shivering in the cool Memphis night. Eranos, Bobbish, Amaya, and many others pooled resources to create a fast cover story of a special effects test for an upcoming music festival gone wrong, narrowly avoiding police presence and media problems
It seemed that Zima would not the only Kithain to identify as a problem during the night, however. Many fae complained of treasured possessions going missing, including Curious bear, and Garrick’s hammer. Rixon and the new Nocker Johns decided to have a Nocker-off, slipped through the Freehold’s portal without permission, and then let fly with some hastily-constructed explosives. Rixon, for his part made sure that his flashbag wouldn’t harm any creatures, but Johns seemed to take great glee in tossing his directly toward the tree inhabited by the Spirit’s pet fairy peacat. The resulting damage brought the wrath of both Nicholas and Calluna down upon the two Nocker’s heads. Meanwhile, Doctor Smith apparently succumbed to the drums in his head, fainting and requiring aide. Rumors began to circulate about someone stalking Curious- and about the real reason why Nicholas may have begun to start visiting the Grace Land Freehold.
Shortly before the evening’s close, Garrick’s hammer was found by Lady Calluna. Some back and forth between the Boggan and the Nocker began that ended in harsh words, as it seemed the Daireaan Knight was demanding payment before returning Garrick’s property to him. Regardless of if the wordplay was intended to be in good fun, the Nocker’s temper got the best of him, and he ended the evening down a bit in standing- at least in the eyes of those who were aligned with Calluna.
Duke Eranos and Guardian Herald Nicholas- who was declared by Ser Bobbish must hereafter be known as the Mischievous- made quick and concise work of the evening’s closing ceremonies. The Liege declared that those who had erred and so threatened the Duchy with rash actions would be assigned quests of atonement, and both Nicholas and Calluna levied negative status to Zima and Rixon in turn. Count Judas Embershade found himself painted with the same brush as Zima, learning first hand the perils of taking responsibility for a vassal in Fae society. The evening ended on happy note, however. Ser Jeni was declared Dauntless for her service to the Duchy, and Duke Eranos elevated Bobbish to the rank of Baron, taking him on as a student of the mysteries of House Eiluned.
