_Winter, 299 Years After Alexander's Landing. The Imperial Palace of the Dragon Keep, The Imperial Europan City of Alexandria, the Crownlands. Two days before the wedding of Crown Prince Xavier Drake of Europa and Princess Anastasia Romanov of the Rus and the 300th Anniversary of the Dragon King's Conquest of the Mainland._ There were as many dragons as they were clouds in the sky. Or at least, that is what it seemed to the citizens of Alexandria and their guests. The winged beasts flew into the city from all directions, dragons of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Great dark-scaled War Drakes rode by warriors flew alongside the more colorful mounts favored by the more idle nobility. Some had just one head while others had three. Some had great wicked horns while others had spiked clubs for tails. Still others were not fire drakes at all, and were instead frost dragons, lightning breathers, or thunder shouters. Any Draconalogist worth the name would have kept himself busy for days observing the sheer variety of dragondom on display. And there were Draconalogists and more. Everyone who was anyone in the Empire was flocking to the city and many more opportunistic, curious, or devious soul besides. High Lords and Ladies rode with their trains of knights and servants, turning the streets into an impromptu parade of banners and colors while ships as diverse as the dragons in the sky crowded into the harbors, though those sea-bound souls took care to avoid raising the ire of any sea serpent riding Dragon Lord. The streets were crowded with merchants hawking their wares, jugglers or acrobats demonstrating their skills, children running around in delight, mages casting harmless spells, warriors wooing maidens, clerics preaching sermons, and of course thieves working the crowds or women luring men into taverns. Lords and Ladies of all ranks flocked from every province in the Empire. Commoners cheered and applauded the arrivals of Duchess Snow White, Lady Cinderella, the Frog Lord, Lord Beast, the Sleeping Beauty, and countless more nobles and warriors of song and story. There were even more exotic visitors. Elves, Orcs, Trolls, Gnomes, Halflings, Goblins, and other nonhumans were common enough in Alexandria but the commoners and nobles of the city alike were used to peasant creatures not nobility. Orc Chiefs, Elf Nobles, Dwarf Lords, and the gentry of virtually every other Europan race were in evidence as well, drawing all sorts of attention. Colorfully and eccentrically dressed Magi of all disciplines and teachings mingled with the crowds some holding staves while others held wands or even broomsticks. Demigods of every Pantheon in the Empire walked the streets as well, obvious in their celestial radiance that bridged the divine and the mortal. Some even caught sight of the Fae. Ethereal beings of Summer or Winter who defied all description and were equal parts beautiful and foreboding. The Courts often kept to themselves but it seemed the marriage of the heirs to two Empires drew the attention of the Fae Queens. Foreign dignitaries and travelers from the Rus moved about freely in the city, along with those from the Imperium, the Emerald Land of Oz, the Queendom of Wonderland, the Arabian Sultanate, the Raj of the Indus, and many other faraway lands besides. With their people were their beasts. Griffons, pegasi, rocs, basilisks, and all manner of creature that flew, crawled, slithered, or ran could be seen. The air itself was crowded with the excited shouts, pleased chatter, lustful advances, snide jokes, enraged outbursts, formal declarations, and whispered secrets of more than a dozen tongues from more than a dozen peoples. Never before had there been so many foreigners in Alexandria and the city's trade boomed even as some eyed the outsiders suspiciously. The population of Alexandria was normally around a million but there was easily twice that many in the city now, with more to come. It was a historic time on many accounts. The upcoming marriage was the first bond of its kind between two powerful nations like Europa and the Rus and its leaders. There were to be tournaments, exhibitions, and competitions in the name of the union. Archers would decide the best shots, knights would ride to find the best jouster, singers would compete with their voices, painters would unveil their masterpieces, sculptors would present their gifts, and warriors would compete in the names of themselves, their families, or their paramours. And of course there would be trade deals to be made, diplomatic negotiations to discuss, and secrets to be traded. It would promise to be a very grand time and most likely a dangerous one as well. If it all went well, then Europa and the Rus would be united by blood in an event that all hailed as the precursor of a Golden Age for the Dragon Empire and the Rus. This is what drew hundreds of Dragon Lords and their mounts to the city. There were always at least a dozen dragons in the heart of the Empire but it was a very rare occasion when so many of the Dragonblood gathered in one place. Members of the royal family, its cadet branches, and its vassal houses took to the skies and delighted the masses while also making a formidable show of the power of House Drake and the Dragon Families. Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and all manner of relations to Emperor Conrad arrived by dragon, ship, or horse. House Drake was a very large and often times very divided clan, its associates even more so, but it seemed rivalries would be put aside for the marriage of the Dragon Prince to the Snowbird. Tsarina Vasilia and her entourage were already settled into the Dragon Keep. More guests would arrive as the wedding approached but the Supreme Ruler of the Rus had brought her family and the bride to be early in advance. Several other guests of note would be shown into the Keep as well, high clerics from various faiths, scholars from the universities, notable bards or artisans, mages from the Enchanter Colleges, storied knights, and high nobles were among the guest list and many others crowded the inns or personal homes of Alexandria's rich. They would come with gifts and well-wishes in order to secure favor or influence whatever form that influence may take. The Great Game was one all played, and the stakes could mean one's life. As some of our intrepid heroes, or villains whatever the case may be, approach the Keep they take note of its formidable yet majestic appearance. The City and the Keep started as a humble fort and adjoining village where Alexander made his landing. Now the Keep was a massive stone palace that could house thousands, with spires that reached hundreds of feet into the sky and strong fortifications on all sides. It was there that the dragons clustered the tightest, dozens of dragons roosted on the keep while others flew around in a circle. On top of the palace was a massive hundred-foot high statue of the Black Sun, Alexander's horned mount that let him conquer Europa. The statue is purported to be life-size though the beast itself died long ago. The Keep is surrounded by water on three sides, and the Royal Fleet with it's red sails and fiery flags number in the dozens of ships around the palace. The Personal emblem of Lord Admiral Donovan Drake, Conrad's Cousin and Master of the Fleets, dotted the largest vessel, the emblem depicted Dragon crashing through a wave and breathing fire onto a hapless ship. A gargantuan five-decked ship bristling with cannons and large enough to house Donavon's mount Wavebreaker and named _Alexander's Trident_, cut a formidable figure on the water. It seemed Donovan had taken time from his conquest of the Neverlands to attend the wedding. The road to the keep was lined with Palace Guardsmen, men and women armed with fine arms and finer armor all gold-tinted with flame patterns. Several heralds bore the standards of the Emperor and other notable Royals while others flew the colors of House Roe or House Solis and other Great Houses to acknowledge their visitors. The majestic visage of the firebird, the prized royal visage of the Rus, was flown on the castle walls right next to the demon-horned dragon of Drake. The Keep itself is dark grey in tint and the effort of decades of labor. Alexander's son had been the one to see it finished and it was said the castle was filled with numerous secret passageways and underground chambers, the location of which were said to be lost when the Cruel Dragon slew all the workers and architects. Nonetheless hundreds of trebuchets, ballista, cannons, and other weapons lined the numerous battlements manned by House Drake's men-at-arms. The Keep had never fallen to attack by an outside invader and for good reason. The stone of the Keep was enchanted by the strongest court mages and there were innumerable slits and murder holes for defenders to fire from. Gargoyles posed on various points on the keep but they were by no means mere ornamentation. Come nightfall the statues came alive, and an army of ferociously loyal and intelligent beasts came alive to help defend the Keep. Between them, the Dragons, the court mages, the royal fleet, the defenders, and any number of more secretive defenses, it was a wonder why any had ever tried to take the Keep. The train of guests pass by the massive gates and are eventually led inside the palace and into the Great Hall. The Hall is decorated with banners of various houses and filled with several of the guests of the wedding. Skulls of famous dragons adorn the walls which reach high above to a ceiling painted with a dramatized mural of dragons warring with gods and monsters. The skull of the Black Sun smiled at the head of the hall above the Burned Throne. The Black Sun's maw was wide enough for a half-dozen horses to ride in abreast and it was said the Throne was formed by the Black Sun's flame crystallized by magic. The Hall was large enough for hundreds of occupants. Emperor Conrad was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Lady Marshall Evelyn Bluefire. Instead the throne was empty and Crown Prince Xavier Drake, Empress Annabelle Charming his mother, Grand Duke Luthor his uncle, Lord Admiral Donovan, the Queen Dowager his grandmother, Xavier's siblings, and other relatives were socializing with guests while the Prince was flanked by the elite white-armored knights of the Royal Guardians including Lord Commander Crow and Sir Maxwell the Daring. Notably absent was Anthony Drake the Dragonknight of the Guardians, Conrad's Cousin, and widely renowned as the greatest knight in the realm wielder of Inferno and rider of Sunburst. Tsarina Vasilia and her brother-in-law Ivan Tsarverich had approached the throne and were engaged in conversation with Empress Annabelle while the prince and princess to be engaged where amicably speaking with one another. The two had not seen one another before the engagement but it seemed as if they were already off to a good start. Both were youths with sterling reputations and the future of their union seemed bright. Various other nobles, generals, scholars, and mages were engaged in their own conversations about a variety of topics and the Royal Herald proclaimed the arrival of each significant dignitary to the Hall. Snow White, Cinderella, the Sleeping Beauty, Lord Beast, and others were among those in the Hall and it was a opportune time to make connections among the Court. Grand Duke Luthor also allowed a line of supplicants to submit requests to the Throne. As Vice Regent it was his right in Conrad's absence to hear such pleas. A few esteemed merchants had been allowed to bring their best wares into the hall for browsing and they had the best in items martial, magical, and otherwise. A few knights presided over the singing of other knights into the jousts and other warriors into the melee competitions as well as competitions of archery and other feats of athleticism. Everything save the joust was open to all. Singers and musicians played a few songs while a clerk was signing in performers into the competitions between performing artists and cataloging submissions by artisans to be displayed in the wedding itself. Several scholars and mages were looking for new students to their colleges as well as trying to secure donations to their institutions while a court mage demonstrated a few tricks to appreciative onlookers and another was signing on entrants to the magical display competitions. It was said particularly well performing competitors in any of the competitions would win quite a hefty purse as well as prestige and possibly royal employment. The wedding was in two days and other parts of the palace were bustling with servants getting things in order. The massive courtyard near the hall was filled with visiting warriors sparring with each-other while the great library was full of secrets to be found by scholars and mages. The palace itself had countless rooms to be discovered and the city outside held promise of great adventure and peril for those who went looking. Meanwhile across the kingdom other heroes and villains were approaching peril. _On Approach to Redwood Valley, the realm of Lord Colin Charming, former holding of House Roe, the Rhinelands_ Emperor Conrad, Grand Duchess Evelyn, and Sir Anthony were in the skies. Conrad's dragon Brightfire, was in the lead flanked by the smaller but faster Sunburst and the formidable cobalt scaled Blue Star. Behind them was an army of two thousand including men of House Drake and House Charming with others from other houses and independent mercenaries. A scant week before the wedding, Duke Cullen of House Charming has received word that the holding of his brother Colin had been usurped by a pretender named Trast. Trast had been a commoner but somehow he had gained weapons of vast destruction. Details were vague but survivors reported monstrous creatures, dark magic, and the death of Colin, his daughter, and the entire household. Now Redwood Valley was said to be in chaos as Trast lay in his stolen castle and the Valley was besieged by monstrosities and opportunistic bandits that raided the defenseless and starving commoners. Duke Cullen had been terribly enraged by the news of the death of his brother and niece and, as father to the Empress, demanded the throne's help in bringing order to the region. Lady Marshall Evelyn had volunteered to lead a force and Conrad, never a renowned fighter, had surprised all when he elected to step in himself. They had gathered other nobles and hired on several sellswords to put down the rebellion, even emissaries from the various visiting parties allotted token men to the sortie. It was one of the only Imperial Operations involving soldiers from so many other lands. Among those to fight were Prince Charming, Sir Wilhelm Roe who was Evelyn's brother-in-law, and Sir David Beast the oldest Son of Lord Beast. The scouts had reported many stories true. The forests were largely aflame, the rivers were choked with bodies of the dead, and the air was clogged by ash from burned villages. The chaos and destruction wrought by Trast had attracted Ghouls, Bandits, Witches, and even Werewolves and Vampires and other dark beings or criminals. All of Colin's men were either dead or fled and Trast held Castle Redwood with his peasant army of malcontents, content to leave the Valley to burn. There was no sign of the supposed weapons and there were around five thousand of the rabble camped outside or in the castle. Conrad and his relations were to go with Duke Cullen and attack Castle Redwood with the main force of 1,500 men. The Castle was a sturdy one but it was widely believed that with three of the greatest Dragons living it should be no contest even if they were outnumbered by the bandit lord and his men. They would liberate the Castle, look for survivors of House Charming, and capture or kill Trast. Prince Charming was to take Sir Wilhelm, Sir David, and the rest of their forces to clear the main village near the largest river as well as the nearby farms and forest of monsters and bandits and relieve the commoners. If Charming begrudged his considerable martial talents being wasted on such an assignment he gave no notice. Instead he lead his forces to the outskirts of the village. The men and women found themselves on a hill looking down across the fields to the village. It was a large town, with almost three thousand commoners living there. Or at least there had been. Several buildings burned and there people were being murdered in the roads while others desperately locked themselves inside their homes. Trast cared nothing for the people and was letting thugs have the run of the town. Several nearby farms were also destroyed and it was said that the nearby forest is where people were being preyed on by werewolves and ghouls. It was said that a Vampire family and a witch coven had taken over significant portions of the village. Prince Charming on his horse spoke briefly with Wilhelm and David before addressing the assembled men, "Our assignment is simple. Bring order to Redwood Village and stop this madness. Spare the innocents but leave none who raise arms against us alive. Sir David will lead a sortie of a hundred men into the forest to clear the wood of monsters while Wilhelm will lead fifty men to secure the surrounding farmlands. I will lead the remainder to eliminate the bandits as well as the reported Vampire and Witch enclaves. But we don't know what we can really expect to see and I want all to be at the utmost alertness. There may yet be worse things about." And so the force was split into three, and our heroes among them to their assignments. David lead his men into the forest, he dismounted as he changed into a seven-foot tall furry beast. All in his bloodline had the ability and he was the perfect man to sniff out supposed werewolves and other monsters. David crouched to the ground and sniffed, "Follow me. I have a strange scent." He cautiously advanced into the too dark and too quiet forest where the sun was blocked by the tall trees. Wilhelm and his force saw nothing at first only death and destruction. Bodies and burnt crops were the norm as they passed the first few farms. However they soon came upon a large country manor that seemed to be mostly untouched. But there were no souls in sight. Wilhelm grunted and pointed out a dozen men to investigate before riding off to other farms. The men he sent saw a great house belonging to some wealthy merchant but utterly devoid of anything to suggest living. Everything was completely untouched. That's when they heard the soft sobbing which seemed to come from up the stairs. Prince Charming and his forces were mounted overlooking the village. There was a large gang of thugs in the road, wantonly burning and beating and raping. Screams and shouts echoed across to the men and women and Charming grimaced before drawing his sword. He shouted, **"FOR COLIN!!!"** and charged on his warhorse into the village with his men. They immediately laid into the bandits and thugs and left many dead before them but there were many more to go. As they waded through the road, a small chapel was newly aflame and screams could be heard inside while nearby an inn held a gang of bowmen who started letting arrows fly at the king's men. The battle was begun.

Europa Wilderness, the road to Alexandria The cold breath of winter found its way weaving across the land into the hood of a cloaked traveler. The traveler felt the nipping wind bite at his face as it burrowed its' way down his neck to his toes and shivered softly as he snapped the reins with a short flick of his wrists. Slowly the beaten carriage crawled along the well-worn path, an old carriage road situated precariously next to a drop off and a steeply sloped hill. Located at the bottom of the hill was a well visible lake, frozen partly in a visually appealing jagged-like pattern, like the jaws of some great beast. Parting his gaze from the lake, the traveler looked ahead of him to see the thin pass begin to widen into a wider, stone cobble road. He was but a few days from the city and he could already hear in the distance the commotion of people and the noises of majestic creatures. A soft laugh escaped his lips, his breath like a puff of smoke in the cool air. It had been a long while since he had begun his journey and it amused him to think that there was still even more for him to see, and such an event as a royal wedding would undoubtedly hold lucrative business opportunities for him to hold of. The varied wares and trinkets he had acquired over his travels would hopefully sell to the myriad of consumers in Alexandria, though, it was definite there would be fierce trade competition within the streets and he knew that he needed connections as soon as he arrived as well as an enforcer or bodyguard of some type. To set up shop in such a big stage without friends or protection was an amateur move and such actions were only ways to lose money. Outside Dragon Keep, Marketplace After the long debacle of navigating his carriage through the heavily packed streets for hours, Orpheus had finally situated himself comfortably in a marketplace within sight of Dragon Keep. The structure was towering and held a certain depressing visage over the lower people, or at least that is what Orpheus saw, not the common opinion of the people standing around him, ogling the majestic features of the building. All he could imagine was the backs of the common people it was built on when he observed the structure, and looking around him, they all seemed oblivious to their backs being used. With a sigh Orpheus returned back to what he had been doing before he had been distracted by his ideals, something he found distracted him more than often. After conversing with a wide amount of merchants traders, Orpheus began to hear about some kind of bard competition within the Keep. An interesting idea, and there could be things to be gained from joining such a contest. Should he join and place well, he would have the chance to have his name known throughout some areas of the city. Having a name was a double edged blade, there came influence and bigger opportunities, but there was also higher risk involved. Misfortunes were common in these times and envy and greed had seen many along his travels to meet these stripes of bad luck. Though risky Orpheus decided he did not come to this city to lurk around as a market rat this time as he had done so far up until he had arrived in Alexandria, he would use his time here to seek his ambitions and take risks. He took time to barter with the other stands near him and get to know the flow of gold within the city. A polite face and well-kept manners were enough to squeeze information on the more skilled producers of goods in the city from the more naive traders, but it required a little bit of gold from Orpheus’s own pocket to learn the markets from the older more grizzled merchants. He visited various places after locking down his carriage and paying off a less than ambitious fruit stand owner to watch his wares in his absence. One of his first destinations was the blacksmiths’ forges, an already crowded destination by many all seeking to place orders from the metal workers. This day, orpheus was satisfied in merely introducing himself to the smiths and getting to know their skill levels and quality of their work. Orpheus leaned back in his stool against a barrel behind the table of his market stand and sighed, usually these times behind his own stand were the only brief moments of true relaxation he ever got, and even then it wasn’t complete rest. He kept a sharp eye open on his wares as he relaxed, making sure no open handed thieves took advantage of his relaxing. His wares had accumulated over time from just instruments of the musical arts to instruments of all shapes and sizes. He had anything the eye fancied, trinkets, jewelry, books, and weapons, all from the lands he had travelled before arriving in Alexandria. He had found there was more gold to be made from a wide variety of goods rather than focusing on one specific type of product without being the producer of such goods. He displayed the few weapons he had gathered more prominently to the passing viewer, there was also a combat tournament going on in celebration of the royal marriage and it was in Orpheus’s hopes that some of the prospective contestants would be perusing the markets in search of a good blade to suit their needs in the upcoming competition.

Agafor was headed straight for the capitol city of Europa to see the royal wedding between the royal families of the Rus and Europa. He wasn't going to celebrate the marriage, he was going to find the opportunity to gain more power and let himself become known to the foreign kingdom that he was a powerful warlock and that it was always more beneficial to be on his good side and not be his enemy. The trip was long and not a luxury, but luxuries were not something he always got especially since he was mostly a wanderer. he eventually got the city and he walked through the outskirts of the city and wondered how he would get into the palace to see the wedding since this country was different than his and no one would really know him. he decided that he would need to find the royal family of the Rus and hope that they would let him see the wedding, after all he was a son of Chernobog.

In the marketplace, Baleno caught sight of many merchants hawking weapons and armor for the upcoming grand tourney. Countless stalls were crowded with both the humblest and grandest of arms and armor. Both High Lords and lowly sellswords perused the goods on display. Some Merchants were honest and displayed quality wares while others were bare faced swindlers pushing defective products. It was yet another potentially lethal game in Alexandria but one every warrior had to play to find his or her weapon. Several lordly heralds shouted into the crowd encouraging peasants and knights to pledge service to this lord or that lord. Lady Marshall Evelyn may have been forming an Imperial Army but every family and guild was still hiring hands to swing swords. It would be reliable income for a vagabond fighter. One of House Charming's recruiters caught eye of the sellsword and called out, "You look like a tough one! Why not enter the service of the Princes of Charming? It'll be a bed, hot food, and girls to warm ya at night! Or boys if you prefer" several soldiers had a laugh at that. Meanwhile as Orpheus was peddling his own goods not far from Baleno, a tall knight in grey plate with white armor and a frozen heart on his chest stepped in front of the bard. It was none other than Sir Donald Hart, Snow White's Champion the uplifted huntsman. He had been well rewarded for betraying Lady Snow's mother the Witch-Queen of the Winter lands. Besides entering the nobility, it is said Sir Hart was with Lady Snow at all times. Even in the bedchamber. Though these rumors also state that one of the seven Dwarf Lords visits her each day of the week and that the rivalry with her sister Lady Rose is actually a lover's tiff. The bearded and dark-eyed knight looked over the goods and said, "I need a good axe Hellan. And a few daggers if you have to sell." Meanwhile near the inns, two different Faeborn chanced meetings with their own respective courts. Or perhaps it was not chance at all. As Tori walked through the city, a long haired and pointy-eared visage came into view. The Lord was flanked by Elven knights in glimmering scale plate. The Elf had unnaturally deep blue eyes and pale skin, his hair was silky and seemed to glisten in the sun as his bright eyes caught sight of her. The Elf cocked his head and said, "I see part of Summer in you girl. A summer light I used to know.... ah. You are Lady Freestone's daughter." The Elf bowed his head and smiled, "Lord Lucien Greenleaf of the Everforest Kingdom. I knew your mother but I never saw you. Until now." Lucien chuckled, "Why is the daughter of Freestone strolling through the streets like a commoner and not a noble? Surely you'd much rather be in the company of your kin in the Summer Court and Elf Houses?" It was likely Lucien knew all about Tori's story but lords, especially Fae, loved their games. Nikolai felt a chill on the air and watched as frost suddenly appeared on every surface near and the commoners began streaming away. A deep sonorous chuckle edged with ice sounded, "Ah. Mab's champion. And here I thought perhaps you would be seeing the Milliner." It was the Snow Queen, Viona, one of Mab's most powerful vassals. With her was a train of Winter Fae, Snow Elves, and other creatures of the dark and cold. The spritely Jack Frost hovered over the Snow Queen's shoulder. The Snow Queen chuckled once more and sat next to Nikolai, the chair coated with sleet instantly, "I don't see how you can abide simply sitting among the mortals. So boring. Seducing and entrapping is so much more amusing." Viona leaned back and said, "Honestly Sir Nikolai. It is quite rude of you to not escort your lady into the Keep. Mab desires for us to introduce ourselves to the mortal royals and so we must. I would have you accompany me in case some mortal needs killing." Fae law prohibited a Fae from directly killing a mortal free from Fae hold but there were ways to skirt those rules. Meanwhile as Agafor entered the keep a Herald from Rus called out, "Agafor, High Warlock, and Son of the Dark One!" Several Rus Lords and Rus Demigods inclined their heads while other mages began muttering behind their hands. Imperium, Celt, and Nord demigods regarded him coolly while the Guardians fingered their blades. Tsarina Vasilia called to Agafor,"Ah the son of the dark one. It's been to long Agafor. Tell me, have you come to offer your services as my vassal or is this purely a well-wishing venture." Vasilia smiled while Ivan stared the demigod down with the knights of Dawn, Day, and Night behind him.

Tori wasn't surprised when she was approached by a Faeborn. She studied the elf, sure she had never come across him. Graunted, she had met a lot of Faeborn in her time in the Summer Court, and she hadn't spent a large amount of time there in anycase. Mostly, it had just been a learning experience rather then a social visit. it didn't surprise her that he knew who she was though. While she was training ner own senses, she hadn't been successful at being able to sense the magic and power inside others just yet. She wasn't aware that it was possible to determine which Court she was aligned with, nor had she been aware that hers reseambled her mothers. She curtsied as Lucien introduced himself, keeping her eyes on his, and not looking down nor away. She knew it was incredibly likely that Lucien knew her story, and was aware that the fact he asked was simply a game, she smiled. She had learned pretty quickly that the Fae enjoyed games, and enjoyed tricking or manipulating people. "yes, Lord Lucien, my mother wished me to be away from the Courts as I grew up. She thought that it was better for me to live with my father, and therefore be able to interact with humans more effectively then most Fae." She could play the word game as well. She had learned that quite quickly. She shrugged at his question about why she would be walking the streets like a commoner. she appeared thoughtful, as if it was a hard question to answer. "although my reasons are mostly personal, the easiest way to answer that is that I straddle both worlds. Human and Fae. I enjoy being in both words, and I decided that in order to maintain both aspects of my heritage, that by maintaining a commoner position in the human world, I can be more valuable to the Summer Court" she smiled, and gave a laugh, "I am sorry, Lord Lucien, I forgot my mannors. I should introduce myself properly. I am indeed my mothers Daughter. My name is Tori" she deliberately left off her last name, knowing that names, when spoken by the owner, were power.

While the processions of Alexandria roared behind him, Baleno was involved with a fine sword until the merchant told him its price. Gritting his teeth out of embarrassment of having to decline the purchase and disgust at how high he was charging, Baleno grudgingly placed the weapon back on its rack. It was a shame that such a glorious blade cost so much. He was sure that it would be put to proper use in his hands and not that of the aristocrat that could afford it. Baleno wished a good day to the merchant and turned to leave his stall. That was when he came face to face with his wishes. The recruiter's offer was like music to his ears, a mischievous smirk sculpting his lips. All he needed to peak his curiosity was the word prince. And to think that he didn't even have to go far to find a need for his services. There wasn't a chance in hell that Baleno would decline the offer. Before opening his mouth to accept, he shot his eyes back at the sword he was marveling. Blessed with another job it seemed, the coin that Baleno required to get the weapon was as far away from him as his feet were from his knees. Sure a bit of labor was required but it wasn't like Baleno couldn't cut his way to another payday. "I humbly accept the honor if it is to be mine," Baleno responded to the recruiter, tilting his torso in a slight bow of respect and gratefulness. "And I prefer women, thank you, " he sarcastically added with his own flavor of bold humor. While Baleno appreciated the offer he knew that no job came without competition. Even if he were to gain acceptance into the ranks of such high nobility, a service that carried more stability than any of his previous ventures, he knew that he would be fighting not only next to some fine warriors but against them for recognition. As a man who sought profession at every angle, Baleno was fully prepared to do what it took to stand apart from the rest. He had his invitation so now he needed to secure it. Already aware of the upcoming fighting competitions, his next move was to gain access to the Keep. Since he was a foreigner he wasn't formally acquainted with the social order of Alexandria. He didn't want to march straight in to the Keep yet without first obtaining clearance. "Excuse me, sir," he addressed the recruiter, "but I have also been led to believe that a tournament is coming up. Do you know for certain where I may enlist myself for such an event?" His aim was still to show what he was made of. He hadn't walked all the way from the Olympus Imperium just to become another grunt. He needed status to accompany his profit. Drawing the blood of others was the easiest way for him to obtain both.

A cold chill on his shoulder was nothing to a man who feels nothing but the icy grip of death constantly, though the chill was familiar. The Snow Queen was a frequent of Mab's "parties" and often seen consorting with her and the upper class of Winter Court. Viona apparently only recognized the champion as the champion, and not as someone she had met before. Fortunate, that means that he won't have to converse with her in the future. Unless some dire circumstance were to befall her or her posse. Viona is quite evidently the sort who enjoys manipulating people through clever wordplay, and Nikolai is quite aware of this sort of manipulation. As she attempted to ensnare his interests it was becoming abundantly clear that she at least knew how Nikolai felt about the lesser races. However, she was apparently unaware of his views on senseless violence. This would have visibly agitated the headless man, if his face was visible. Which it is not, as he is headless. "I am certain that your frigid escort serves as sufficient protection. Unless you believe he is some mere sprite, without the bite and vigor to engage in single combat." The head inside of his case smirked, the chain covering hid the emotion from the Snow Queen. "And that would be unseamly rude to your companion, wouldn't it, Lady Viona? You wouldn't want to offend him, to be sure."