[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/A0ETWbS.png[/img][/center] [sub]banner credit to [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/users/hellis]Hellis[/url][/sub] [center][h1]Featuring… [@fdeviant] as Puck[/h1] [hr][/center] [b]Time: Early Evening - Present Day Location: Odette’s Hotel Room - Las Vegas, Nevada[/b] The Ambassador primped in the hotel’s small vanity mirror harsh fluorescent light revealing the dark circles beneath her cover up, pulling and tousling strands of blue hair. Having all but recovered from the trip into Gwyneth Owens world she had discussed in length the results of the meeting with her partner Bach and the ever present mercury golem; Mandate. With the contract in mind, freshly pulled apart to protect not only themselves but their interests The Ambassador felt ready to face Puck, once again. “[color=thistle]Mandate I will need you to remain quiet during the summoning and negotiations. Similar to how things were with Queen Titania. Puck will be different but he is just as dangerous.[/color]” Odette addressed Mandate smiling reassuringly through the mirror. “[color=darkseagreen]I feel like it would be best to wait the day, sleep on what we know.[/color]” Bach cautioned as he took some chalk to begin drawing protective warding circles. He removed some of the decorative hotel paintings from the wall clearing the space for a door. Pulling what he knew to summon Puck, Robin Goodfellow, from a memory long ago. He was cagey about how he came to know it. Earth Fey were famous for their long and accurate memories. “[color=thistle]I trust that it isn’t an easy task for Gwyneth to contact anyone outside of her items but at the moment we have the element of surprise, catching Puck off guard would give us more ground to stand on. I do not think he [i]can[/i] be truly surprised but we shall hope for the best.[/color]” Odette reasoned patting a little lip colour with the tip of her ring finger along her bottom lip. “[color=thistle]We have been playing at this rather fast and loose, something I am not comfortable with. However,[/color]” She puckered, “[color=thistle]We cannot miss the opportunities as they come.[/color]” Bach nodded from the floor, “[color=darkseagreen]Agreed.[/color]” Odette strode across the floor having found no time to change her clothes. Pastel pink pants, sheer white blouse with gold trims at her collar and sleeve cuffs. She wore a white cropped top beneath the blouse. She bent at the knee her hand pressing onto the floor, magic from the Arcane Stream flowing through her powering the wards Bach drew. The caution well placed after their last meeting. Bach was on his knees drawing the outline of Puck’s door within the circle of wards. The simple drawing of an imp’s head began to form with every stroke, thorns forming around the imp’s horned head. When the imp’s head was complete, his fingers hardened into thick bark carving along the lines into the wood floors. Odette finished the wards as he picked up the chalk again. She joined him in carving the lines he completed, using raw energy along her fingers for precision. Bach pulled lengths of red fabric from his sleeve, seemingly appearing from nowhere. Odette passed him her purse as she carved. He dug deep, an assortment of sounds as his elbow disappeared into the purse. He asked Odette where the bowl was and she replied with some vague hand gestures, noting it was in between the scales and last year’s summer collection of sunglasses. He grumbled about the organization before finally pulling a [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c8/b4/61/c8b461069c44fdbf8f5c6de10b2531fc--paganism-altars.jpg]pewter bowl[/url] from the purse. He placed the bowl at the crown of the imp’s head, tying the red fabric around the bowl. From within his jacket he made a pained face a sharp snap he freed a few branches of Yew, from another pocket he removed a cloth bag of wormwood sprinkling it over the bundle. Odette finished carving and with a whispered fire spell the wood caught, the smell of wormwood was pungent leaving a bitter note on their tongues. “[color=thistle]What else do we need?[/color]” Bach replied pulling out their strongest vintage of port, “[color=darkseagreen]Strong spirits or fresh cream fills the bowl.[/color]” Odette snorted, “[color=thistle]He would laugh if it was fresh cream from us.[/color]” “[color=darkseagreen]My thoughts exactly.[/color]” He smiled impishly uncorking the bottle with his teeth he filled the deep bowl to the rim. Then quickly stepped back beside her they shared one silent look then both bowed at the waist. A low rumbled filled the room as all the light began to fade, shadows falling from the walls onto the floor around the summoning circle. Smoke from the twigs fused with the darkness, falling embers casting their ethereal glow onto Puck’s sigil, the glyph slowly livening with hellish light. The shadows and poison fumes grew into a man-sized mass atop the circle. Without warning, the dark conglomeration was engulfed in flames, swirling in a hot gust of air the filled the room. As the flames spiralized upwards, the figure of a man was slowly revealed; tall and sleek, clad in a dark suit, skin pale and basked in a strange glow, hair short but wild, cut almost boyishly, face handsome and brooding with sharp features, and dark, curved antlers protruding from his head. Before addressing his supplicants, Puck leaned down and gingerly grasped the bowl of port, taking a large sip that was more of a gulp, downing the bowl’s contents with ease. There was a hint of surprise in his dark eyes. [color=a52a2a][b]”French port?”[/b][/color] his voice echoed through the room, a mid-toned voice with subtle hints of an old accent accompanied by a dark reverb. [color=a52a2a][b]”Such a treat. I haven’t tested any French delicacies in, what has it been? Over 200 years?”[/b][/color] He turned to Odette and Bach, bowing to each in a similar fashion. As he stood, his face was immediately painted with his signature impish grin. [color=a52a2a][b]”A two-fold surprise, it seems! To what do I owe this honor, Lady Ambassador?”[/b][/color] He seemed quite jovial despite his present company. [i][color=thistle]And the game beings…[/color][/i] The Ambassador straightened slowly leveling her gaze comfortably upon Puck. For months his prophecy had been a driving force to solve what seemed like at the beginning an impossible puzzle. Now she stood before him much like other powerful Fey, with the answers. “[color=thistle]An old barrel of French port for one we knew would appreciate it. It has been some time since we last crossed paths, today is for a rather special occasion.[/color]” She smiled a little impish herself, his was infectious. “[color=thistle]I am absolutely [i]pleased[/i] you are here to share in this… accomplishment.[/color]” Puck raised a brow but maintained his grin. [color=a52a2a][b]”Accomplishment? Whatever could you mean? I suppose the recollection of this little ritual is somewhat of an accomplishment. Honestly, which of you pulled this one out of a hat?”[/b][/color] He gestured to both Bach and Odette jokingly. [color=a52a2a][b]”No one’s gone through the trouble of conjuring me up like this since ol’ William passed.”[/b][/color] Then it hit him. There was an unmistakeable air of confidence around Odette separate from her normal sense of arrogance. Puck could feel it emanating from her, but he couldn’t quite place it. It was familiar, in any case. Bach replied, “[color=darkseagreen]We do nod at tradition occasionally. My memory is sharp.[/color]” He tapped the side of head bark fingers making a thunk noise against his own horns. “[color=thistle]We know to celebrate a simple summoning would be a waste of both of our time’s. No, today we summoned you here to negotiate and draft a contract.[/color]” Her grin grew wide, icy cold blue eyes locking onto Puck’s watching for his reaction. “[color=thistle]On behalf of a mutual friend, Gwyneth Owens.[/color]” Puck looked at her for a moment, arm raised and hand on his chin, mind racing. How came she to know that name, and so soon? Puck knew that his prophecy some months ago would have eaten at her, but he didn’t imagine she’d be so efficient in producing relevant information pertaining to his portents. But after another moment of consideration, it all made sense. The air around Odette, it was that same old magic that surrounded Marie, the same obscurity that shielded Puck from pursuing Gwyneth’s history. Odette knew something Puck didn’t which ate at him, but more than aggravation, he felt intrigue. Standing straight, Puck folded his arms, his face becoming neutral. [color=a52a2a][b]”I see,”[/b][/color] his voice lowered, less joyous than before but now quite inquisitive. [color=a52a2a][b]”So you’ve unravelled the mystery, have you? Then I must congratulate you a second time. It is as I said three months ago, you are quite something, Lady Ambassador. Would you do me the honor of telling me a little about our mutual friend?”[/b][/color] Puck would discover what he could before acknowledging the contract request. Above all this was still an exchange, a bargain had not yet been met. Despite Odette having knowledge Puck lacked, he still had notary power. She had his undivided interest. “[color=thistle]I really must [i]thank you[/i] for that prophecy, Mister Goodfellow. You gave me just the right clues to puzzle it out, it was a simple matter of following where they led. A piece of cake, really.[/color]” She couldn’t help to gloat. It was months of work. Reaching into her purse she revealed the small trunk with Gwyneth’s Sight opening it to show the coins. “[color=thistle]I know that Madame Owens is explicitly tied to the White Witch. I spoke with her directly through one of her mysterious items, as she is in spirit she cannot complete any physical forms of a contract. Madame Owens suggested to bring the negotiations to you because the White Witch, Madame Owens reincarnation, is under your care.[/color]” “[color=thistle]I’ve learned much of Madame Owens, she is a rather old soul. Revealed certain truths, even learned a little about you, Mister Goodfellow.[/color]” She added her grin creeping down into a serious line. “[color=thistle]We intend to negotiate an alliance.[/color]” “[color=thistle]I can sense where these other items are and I sense one has arrived to Las Vegas. The one I imagine White Witch has for herself.[/color]” [color=a52a2a][i]So the rumors were true . . .[/i][/color] Puck thought to himself, recalling old tales from Gwyneth’s time. She possessed more power than he knew, able to not only divide herself among multiple items, but to grant one such as Odette her own Sight even when her power is split in two halves. Not only that, but Gwyneth had actually asked for Odette’s help, forge an alliance even. What was he to do? If Puck agreed to draft a contract for Odette and Gwyneth, and sign in Gwyneth’s stead, his fears of losing Marie may be realized. On the other hand, if this contract were formed and Odette offered her aid, then Marie, and consequently Gwyneth, would get exactly what she wants. And though it pained him to admit, Puck desperately wanted to see this story unfold. Puck chuckled, eyes closed. [color=a52a2a][b]”You place me in a very interesting position, Lady Ambassador. Truly, you believe that you have bested me, gone to every imaginable length to undo whatever ills you believe I have cooked up for you. And this is a most enticing offer, I will admit. Perhaps I shall agree to your contract, but first, what exactly do you think you’ve learned?”[/b][/color] Puck looked Odette in the eyes, faithful grin returning. [color=a52a2a][b]”What know you of I or the web I weave? What know you of the intricate threads I gifted you upon our last meeting?”[/b][/color] Odette maintained her confidence, unwavering. He was grasping at straws, from where he stood and his role to play today he really held no more power than he did when he stepped through the summoning door. As Odette liked to believe, and she did. “[color=thistle]I know that I am an unpredictable element in your web. You expect me to act as a fly struggling in the threads while I move as a spider myself.[/color]” She rolled her shoulders so easily, shrugging not breaking eye contact snapping the trunk shut. “[color=thistle]I learned that you are tied to the Witch-Father Bucca. The resemblance is unmistakable now that I see. I know you would not like me to play the part of a villain wrenching the White Witch’s world upside down when these problems can be solved by peaceful means.[/color]” “[color=thistle]You and I are capable of understanding that much.[/color]” Puck laughed again, this one a little more audible. [color=a52a2a][b]”Found out that bit of trivia, did you? It isn’t some secret truth I keep hidden out of resentment or necessity. The Bucca and I are brothers, yes. He and I are but two of five in total.”[/b][/color] Puck could feel the wards placed around the room, some to keep Odette safe, unlike the last time they met, some perhaps to keep him confined to his summoning area. He had no desire to cause Odette harm, so he very gently began to pace about the sigil until he felt enough give to pace around the room, speaking as he walked. [color=a52a2a][b]”I am often questioned about my true nature. Am I fey, demon, or some other spirit? The truth is, I cannot say. My brothers and I have lived far longer than these titles. Honestly, I don’t think any of us really mind. A label makes things easier, creates expectations.” “I am Robin Goodfellow, as you know, a trickster by trade and so called a faerie, sometimes a lesser demon. My brother, Herne or Herne the Hunter, as you may know him, shares the fey title. He and I look much alike. More man than beast. Then there is the Bucca, or Witch-Father, a being blessed with ancient knowledge, grand initiator of witches, the Devil of many folktales, though not the same devil of biblical origin. Then there’s Leonard, head like a goat with three horns. He lives mostly in Germany and deals with witches there. Finally, there is the Leshy, a forest spirit of Slavic folktales, perhaps the most wild of us all.”[/b][/color] Puck leaned against a wall, pausing for a moment as he turned his attention back to Odette. [color=a52a2a][b]”We are the Pwca, The Imps, whatever name you’d like to know us by. Our bond is no secret, merely a fact that has been dismissed or forgotten, or perhaps was never known to begin with. Either way, I grant you this knowledge freely because it does you no great service to know it.”[/b][/color] He moved again, pulling the chair from desk behind him and placing it at the center of the summoning circle, taking a seat and crossing his legs, one arm resting on his leg, the other placed on his chin as he leaned forward. [color=a52a2a][b]”And as for your part in the White Witch’s story, you misunderstand. You mistakenly believe that I have cast you as some villain, that you are the antagonist of her story by my decree. This, Lady Ambassador, is simply not true. You yourself have met with the witch, Gwyneth Owens, you have agreed to forge an alliance, and whether she knows it or not, you will be giving the White Witch exactly what she wants. How, then, could you be the villain, how could this not end peacefully?”[/b][/color] He looked in her eyes as he slumped back in his chair. Watching Puck pace outside the wards she turned a terrible glare onto Bach, her grip on his arm was tighter than a shackle. He shrugged sheepishly, he believed Puck would have respected the lines they drew. He had, to a degree. Bach whispered as Puck began his little story, “[color=darkseagreen]Apologies, My Lady.[/color]” She forced her irritation away to listen. Learning more seemed to dismantle some of the mysteries surrounding Puck for centuries, but really it opened him up to a slew of new questions. A veil she felt she wouldn’t be able to peek behind, not today. It meant she had no real way to defend herself. She thought for a moment watching him sit back inside the circle, his body language was that of ease. While a knot was developing between her shoulder blades, the self imposed tension. “[color=thistle]You were angry when you gave me the prophecy. White Witch will be angry when we meet again, I have no doubts. As for Madame Owens…[/color]” Odette paused for a few moments, picking her words carefully. “[color=thistle]We have similar goals, neither of us need the other as an obstacle. I understand far more than what I say.[/color]” “[color=thistle]Self preservation is certainly where this need to negotiate is borne from but it has evolved from that.[/color]” Sincerity, something she would be capable of feeling when having a conversation with Puck. “[color=thistle]Anger either from an Imp or a Witch is something I can deal with. So, Puck. What do you want? Drafting a contract is a service, what do you want in return?[/color]” Puck exhaled audibly, turning his head up in thought. He twiddled his fingers and thumbs, sharp claws scraping against one another. What did he want? There were any number of favors he could ask of Odette, but what did she really have to offer? Finally, he decided on his terms and looked her in the eye once more. [color=a52a2a][b]”This is a story I wish to see play out, so I will draft your contract and sign on Gwyneth’s behalf. But in return, I must request two things. The first: you must disclose to me what you have learned of Gwyneth. It is unlikely that I shall provide this information to the White Witch, but it is something I wish to know as an onlooker.”[/b][/color] He waited for Odette to agree to the first term. Odette did the same as he did she stepped outside of the wards resentfully casting an eye at them as she grabbed a chair herself, she took a seat across from Puck. Her back straight as a board Bach handed her a notepad where he wrote down everything they discussed. “[color=thistle]Easy enough. I agree to the first terms. I remember all the details of her story, she went in depth with her life. A lonely existence for a wild spirit, she had much to say. Bach wrote down everything in this notebook, I can recite it all.[/color]” [color=thistle][i]A curious creature.[/i][/color] “[color=thistle]What is the second term?[/color]” She waited, folding her hands in her lap. Puck’s grin was dastardly and full. [color=a52a2a][b]”The second term: I ask that you would permit me to finish a thought I started three months ago. This wealth of new information seems to have cleared my vision, and you have my thanks for that.”[/b][/color] Her expression darkened considerably, “[color=thistle]If the point of the last prophecy was to frighten me then what is the point of this one? I have figured out the puzzle-![/color]” She nearly snapped then reined herself in when Bach gripped her shoulder. She took a deep breath, “[color=thistle]I am familiar with Fey games and this is [i]unnecessary[/i].[/color]” [color=a52a2a][b]”Is it unecessary? Have you truly completed the puzzle, or have you been putting the pieces exactly where they belong, seeing treacheries where they do not exist? You knew nothing of Gwyneth until you met her yourself, the rest of the world, even I, are not so fortunate. Her obscurity clouded my vision and I could only provide you with a mere [i]piece[/i] of the puzzle. It is not my fault if you chose to falsely interpret my words and chase a lie. But now that this obstacle has been removed, there remains several missing pieces.”[/b][/color] Puck folded his arms, waiting. Her hands gripped in her lap she replied dryly, “[color=thistle]And there is a price for every piece. Nothing is for free. I am well aware of how this works, Mister Goodfellow. You must be taking some level of satisfaction in this.[/color]” She stood to pace herself, brow furrowed she held her temples. She stopped at Mandate seeing her reflection in the golem’s shiny red eye, Mandate was wearing a frown. She commented, “[color=thistle]A price tag on my ability to sleep at night for an alliance with a powerful witch like Madame Owens.[/color]” Bach commented quietly as in a way of a joke, “[color=darkseagreen]My Lady needs her beauty sleep.[/color]” She glared at him for the second time today, a look filled to the brim with venom. “[color=darkseagreen]If not only for your [i]own[/i] sake.[/color]” He added not faltering under her glare. She stopped pacing then turned back to Puck, deciding what she already knew with absolute confidence. She paced to him and held out her hand. “[color=thistle]Whatever lies before me I will have the means to face it and best it.[/color]” “[color=thistle][i]Monsieur[/i] Goodfellow, we have a deal.[/color]” Puck stood, taking her hand in his. [color=a52a2a][b]”It seems we do. Now, if you’ll provide me with the terms of yours and Gwyneth’s alliance.”[/b][/color] Puck snapped his fingers, an old scroll, inkwell, and quill forming on the desk behind them, the quill hovering over the scroll ready to begin writing. Odette stood at his elbow dictating the terms. Noting the priority of Gwyneth Owens and The Ambassador not interfering with each other’s business and interests. No harm will be brought directly or indirectly against Gwyneth and The Ambassador, thirdly no harm will befall those connected with Gwyneth Owens or the Ambassador. Leaving a little fine print wiggle room, for what she officially dubbed it as Trials of the Fey for the White Witch to complete in the quest of collecting Gwyneth’s items. The contract noted the bargain in exchange for the signed and honoured negotiations The Ambassador would lend her aid, then set the trials. The quill faithfully copied down every bit of information spoken by Odette, word for word, leaving a space at the bottom for two signatures. Puck, having gained the power to enter Marie into contracts without her official consent from their original contract, signed his name at the bottom, nothing that it was signed in place of Gwyneth’s signature and applied only to Gwyneth. Odette read the contract over twice, Bach read it aloud as well. “[color=darkseagreen]Be sure to put your complete title, The Ambassador is too vague.[/color]” Odette tipped her head at that, “[color=thistle]You are right.[/color]” She corrected it to The Ambassador of the Fair Folk. “[color=thistle]Thank you, Bach.[/color]” “[color=darkseagreen]Of course, My Lady.[/color]” She took the quill dipping the ink, tapping off excess ink with a neatly intricate but unique flourish she signed the contract. With the last signature in place, the ink and quill vanished and the scroll rolled itself up, neatly sealed. Puck took it and placed it inside his suit jacket. [color=a52a2a][b]”Well, now that that’s done . . . I believe you have something for me?”[/b][/color] He gestured to Bach. Bach handed him the notebook. “[color=darkseagreen]My memory and recording is exact. My Lady recited everything they spoke of immediately after she woke up.[/color]” Odette nodded then took a deep breath in through her nose. “[color=thistle]Do you mind if we record this as well? Audio recording that is.[/color]” Puck took up the notebook and thumbed through it for a moment before tucking it away in his jacket along with the contract. He turned to Odette and smiled. [color=a52a2a][b]”Certainly, be my guest.”[/b][/color] He waited for her to hit record before he began. [color=a52a2a][b]”Sight . . . such woeful irony. The witch’s gift is yours to claim, a boon greater than you know, and yet one that will fail you time and again. Burned by witch’s fire, you stand ready in the garden to accept your paradise, not risen, but changed, changed as the cunning fire changes all. But even though the apple falls in your lap and the giantess gives her blessing, a serpent sneaks into your Eden and wraps itself round the Tree of Life. But this serpent does not tempt, no . . he hungers. When the veil was formed by the Spirit of Old, when the stars fell and soaked the Earth in their blood, he was among them, thirsting for new life. He whispers to you in sorrowful sleep, invites you into his bed. He does not turn you from salvation, that is not his aim. Indeed, ‘tis not holy waters which will save you from his torment, but cunning fire, the spark of a world long forgotten. Be swift, young Eve. Be not consumed by his lust, but ravaged by a flame that was. And the question is not whether you will be burned, but whether you will rise from the ashes . . . or will he?”[/b][/color] She pursed her lips and stopped the recording. She was quiet for some moments her head hung, “[color=thistle]I need to ask. Do- Do you believe in those stories of creation?[/color]” Odette did not expect an answer and she wondered why she asked Puck. In spite of her sincerity earlier there was really no room for it for creatures such as them. Puck knelt down, putting himself at Odette’s level. He looked her directly in the eyes, his cockiness and impish air gone. Instead, he bore a look of worry and wonder, though it was hard to tell which was more prominent. [color=a52a2a][b]”What we believe and what is do not always align. It is of little consequence what I believe. What happened in the beginning, mortals ask themselves all the time as if knowing will bring them peace, when in fact, the truth is far more complicated. Perhaps that story is true, but if so, it is one of many. Perhaps it is the most recent, perhaps it is the oldest, perhaps it is one beginning which led to another. Do not be concerned by uncertain beginnings. Look instead to a future you can change.”[/b][/color] Puck stood up, moving back to the summoning circle. He turned a final time to face Odette. [color=a52a2a][b]”I am not angry, Lady Ambassador. My words are not venom meant to poison, they are remedies to wounds not yet inflicted. I do not resent you . . . and neither does he. You displayed true cunning in your battle, he understands. Farewell.”[/b][/color] With far less flare, Puck simply vanished, no light, no wind, no ominous aura. Gone. She took a few unsteady steps away her expression screwed up and undecided. She held her phone to her chest. Bach’s expression was neutral and Odette had difficulty reading it unlike ever before. Her heart hammered, she told herself to expect this where Puck was involved and it wasn’t enough much like the wards. “[color=thistle]I am… I am going to start to analyze it.[/color]” She found her voice, “[color=thistle]I need some time alone.[/color]” Drawing herself up she strode past Bach and Mandate. Holding her chin high. Bach called after her, “[color=darkseagreen]My Lady, I see you brimming with emotion. Keep it under wraps, there is no room for [i]her[/i] to rear her ugly head.[/color]” Odette shut her eyes, she knew he was right. There was no luxury to be had here. “[color=thistle]Of course.[/color]”