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The High King of Spring offers the Mantle of Spring Knight to Angel. Meanwhile, Cordelia seems intent on snaring Spring prince, Leif, for her own ends.
9/5/2016 8:30 PM
Hyperion Hotel, San Francisco
The lights are on, illuminating the area.
The California-Spanish building known as the Hyperion Hotel was built in the 20s. Through the cast iron gates from the sidewalk is a small front courtyard with a rectangular fountain and a mythological figure holding a bowl from which water flows. Greenery frames the walls and a large set of glass double doors open into a high ceilinged lobby. Dark red carpet descends the four steps to the lobby floor and climb the two sets of stairways that lead to the second floor. The green marble floors are accented with wavy red inserts, as are the walls have a complimentary red border running their length. A set of doors identical to those of the entrance lead to a small enclosed garden.
Cream-colored pillars line two sides of the room, holding up the second-floor balconies that look out onto the lobby and creating arches. Underneath one of them is a large plate glass window that looks into the hotel office - now used as the office and nerve center of Angel Investigations. Nearby, there's a wraparound counter with dark wood paneling and a top the same color as the floor. Behind it are filing cabinets and a pair of desks pushed together. A navy blue circular couch harkening back to a 50s design sits near the back of the lobby. A large wooden, glass-doored cabinet pushed up against the wall holds a large assortment of weapons.
Outside, it's raining hard and the winds are strong.
Angel's cleaned up some paperwork that had to be signed here and there...and he's looking decidedly broody. But the things he broods about NOW are very different then the things he brooded about back in the past. No. This is a very different brood then the one he's used to doing.
Faith, coming in from outside, tugging off her motorcycle helmet and grumbling something about the shenanigans of junior Slayers. Yeah, apparently she's teaching again. The dark haired woman glances around, then spots Angel and heads over to him.
If the shenanigans of Junior Slayers are bad, one should see what the Head Slayer's shenanigans can do. "Hey, Faith." Pause, "Things...didn't go so well after you left." It looks like there's a long story there, and Angel doesn't like it at all.
Faith Lehane sighs. "Let me guess. Buffy postured, pack alpha postured back and I need to either knock some heads together or talk people down." Grumble. She's put a lot of effort into good relations with the pack.
Angel nods once. "Got it in one. There was no stopping the unpleasantness. Even when I tried to focus on the tactics side of the conversation, she was pretty much lost to it. I think they're still mostly okay with me, but Buffy herself didn't put her best foot forward."
"Are you sure that wasn't 'Buffy put her best foot forward'?" A familiar voice rings out from the doorway. Cordy's back from her shopping trip, an armload full of groceries in a couple of reusable shopping bags. "I picked up some things. Don't worry! We are not out of that instant coffee you like. Plus! I picked up more salt, after that whole Gourmand Ghost disaster. Hey Faith."
Cordelia offers a perhaps surprisingly genuine smile to Faith and Angel both, then makes her way into the front office to unload her bags. It's like there's something slightly different about her today.
A grumble, "I shouldn't have left, but May ran into a Lkra demon. I had to find her, then find a witch to get her...well, you know." She glances at Cordelia. "Apparently I'm now the diplomatic one. Maybe we should send you next time." Regardless of any personal feelings, Faith knows Cordelia is pretty good at diplomacy.
Angel has to agree. "Buffy...must be more stressed then I ever realized. Derek wasn't wrong when he said she should take a vacation, but there's no time to give her one." Brood. "Well, I did manage to pull something about Mountain Ash out of the actual planning part, and when used correctly, it creates a line Glory can't cross. If she can be boxed into a 'summoning area' after Lydia summons her, we could probably hit her with something big before she manages to get out. Something mundane and big." Because big mundane things care not a whit about mountain ash.
"I'm game! We can make it a road trip. We'll be the next Thelma and Louise." Cordy calls from the fridge, then walks back with one bag unloaded and the other sitting on the desk. She crouches under the desk and pulls out a book, then holds it out over the desktop, waving it lightly in Angel's direction. "Here. You're supposed to read through it, but I want it back. It's the Unseelie Accords. My future husband dropped by with a very generous gift from his people."
Then Cordy seems to return to the previous suggestion, looking over at Faith. "I mean like...the partying and making out with Brad Pitt part. Not so much the killing people part. I mean, I guess we could kill some evil people, but I am so not up to being chased by the pol--" And then she just freezes, with her mouth open, and slooooowly closes it. "Sorry."
"...Angel, are we sure Cordelia is okay?" This doesn't seem right. Talking about future husbands, and treating Faith as if...well, nothing bad ever happened between them. Faith really thinks they need to check Cordy for hexes!
Angel is meanwhile reading the accords...and when he gets to the hospitality part, he just plain WINCES. "Well, it's a good thing Buffy hasn't actually signed this yet, or she'd have violated every provision of the guest side of hospitality imaginable." But he suspected that's why it's come to him. "Then again, neither have the rest of us, and I'd bet this got into your hands because the Courts would like us to join as freeholders. I'll have to make sure it's not retroactive, or Buffy's going to get in way too much trouble." And then...he does note Cordy's reconciliation with Faith. If forgiveness has truly been given to Faith, he's okay with that. "It might be a side effect of being restored to normal by Castiel."
"Eh, I just really...you know, holding a grudge is more trouble than it's worth. I got a paid vacation out of it, Faith isn't trying to kill us anymore, whatever. My next goal is to get her to stop wearing jean jackets." Cordy waves a hand as if just discussing something like renovating the basement. "I think the point was that you're holding a fairy weapon or something? Something like that. Maybe? Anyway, there's a lot to think about. I need to give you a crash course on fairy lore, now that I think of it. Anybody want coffee or tea?"
Uh huh. Far too sudden. Maybe it is Castiel, but...Faith's not going to trust Cordelia's sudden desire to like her again. "I am not going to stop wearing jean jackets," she says, simply. "But I'll take more information about fairies." Because, well, always useful to know.
There's no rustle no sound not even to the most sensitive of senses. But suddenly there is a table fully set up with tea and 5 cups. Lief is sitting at on a chair sipping his tea and says, "The point, is that Manners and hospitality are very important to fae. They are the most basic symbol of being civilized, whether or not you're a member, if you want to be viewed favorably by the courts and other Powers its best to follow them. " He inclines his head politely, "I was sent this time. To request permission for formal entry for the spring court. Someone would very much like to meet you n person." Typical Lief didn't specify which one he was talking to. Also he didn't ask for permission to enter himself since Cordelia had definitely initiated courting, which includes an open invitation.
Angel...sighed. "I'm aware of that. I tried to talk about respecting each other. It didn't go anywhere. Must've been too little too late." The vampiric courts have their own political rules and such, and he had to navigate THAT mess for close to 3 centuries as the Order of Aurelius till he got redeemed and jumped teams. In Angel's defense, previous meetings with the pack WERE much more respectful, when it was just him and Faith. Or him and Dawn, even. Still, he heads over to Leif's conjured table, and sits down with the proper grace of a 289 year old. "Your Highness, if I may ask who's coming? Part of proper respect is knowing which title to use."
Faith Lehane reaches for a weapon when the table appears. Then relaxes as she realizes what it is, weapon half drawn. "You startled me," she informs Leif. Don't sneak up on warriors. It's a quick way to get stabbed or shot.
"We'll talk." Cordelia nods to herself, moving off to start mixing herself one of her new iced coffee experiments. She hasn't given up that easily. "I mean, you can take any style and give it a focus. Sure, maybe you end up rocking early 90s pop lesbian, but there are worse styles."
Before Cordy can get any farther than setting out a glass for herself, that familiar voice rings out from the lobby. Her eyes go wide, and she can't help but grin to herself. He's back! That's practically a commitment. "Leif?" Peeking out over the front desk, she looks over and waves a hand with significant enthusiasm, even though she tries to hold herself back. "I'll be right there!"
Naturally, Cordelia has brought a number of more "going out" styles to just have at the hotel, in case she doesn't want to swing by her apartment but still wants to be able to go out somewhere and respect herself. Maybe the others there can just go in whatever they're wearing. Not Cordelia Chase! Plucking one of the padded hangers from where it's hanging, she ducks into Angel's office and shuts it up like a vault.
Before Leif can answer Angel's question, there is a sound like thunder from the front door. At might be alarming, if not for the fact that it quickly becomes clear that someone... is knocking. There is a sudden rush of wind, then, and the doors are flung open, filling the room with the scents of spring--new growth, budding flowers, and restless beasts. Occupying the space beyond the doors, but making no move to cross the threshold, stands a man--tall, but not exceptionally so, and broad of shoulder, but with a build more sinewy than brawny. Dressed in clothing that might be leather and might be some exotic form of plant life, he is resplendent in green and brown, with a cloak falling from his shoulders that might have been woven from the blooming canopy of a forest. A silver circlet rests upon his weathered brow, and his iron gray hair flows long, braided both at his temples and his beard. A massive sword is slung across his back, and perhaps most obviously of all, his entire left arm seems to be made of intricately worked silver. When he speaks, it is a voice weathered with age but ringing with sonorous power.
"Blessings upon all who abide within," he booms out at them, "for at the cusp of Autumn, Spring has come. Let it be known that I, Nuada Airgetlam, King of Tides and High Lord of Spring, come in peace and friendship, and I would ask leave to enter this holdfast."
Leif was sighing, as one who was part human he could understand the reaction to what humans called 'Making an overly dramatic entrance.' He does however stand up and give the proper bow, that who is one of his court and a relation, but still of great respect. Then again with the aura of a king of Faerie, many mortals and immortals alike have an urge to genuflect the first time they feel it. HE certainly did when he was at court the first time. He doesn't speak as words seem unnessecary from him at this moment and after the proper bow gestures an invitation to his Ultimate Grandfather, to sit at the table he had provided.
Angel seems to realize what he's in the presence of. "Your gracious majesty, it is an honor to receive your presence, please, enter." Angel's pulling lines like that straight out of a bygone century. With little else to revert to, even Angel automatically is using, well, mortal ettiquette, and hoped it was correct. Angel also genuflects...but he does so as a Knight might do. In a fuedal system, Champions like him are basically Knights. And he does have the title, though he received it from a different source.
Faith Lehane actually curtseys. It's not a very good curtsey - Faith doesn't exactly practice showing respect to people. Equals, sure, but kings? Nah, Faith has little experience with kings. And...she's letting Angel do the talking for right now.
Cordelia's ability to dress herself almost falls within the "quick change artist" realm. When has basic black not worked? And she's in a really gorgeous Little Black Dress now. It could function for formal events or just dancing! Not too sexy, but certainly not a conservative style. She fluffs her hair in its pert curls, glancing in the mirror and giving one last touch to her lip gloss.
By the time the office is opened up and Cordy steps out, just in time to witness the arrival of the King of Tides himself. She pauses to just sort of...gaze at him, expression -- if being honest -- more stunned than when she saw Leif for the first time. She takes in a sharp breath, as if a cold wind had just smashed into her, or she had only just felt ice-cold spray on the shore leap up to touch her face. It takes her a moment, but she continues out of the office and, heels clicking softly, hurries over to join the rest, executing a rather good curtsey.
"Welcome, Lord of Spring. It's our honor and our pleasure to have you." Cordelia bows her head, hair tumbling around her face before she straightens, reaching up to try and casually urge it back into place. She has been a princess, she has read these sorts of things, but she may have just exhausted all of her ready things to say to a royal guest. So instead, she just makes something up that sounds reasonable. "Could we offer you some...uh, refreshments? We have tea, coffee, and juice. And doughnuts! They're really tasty, these little, um, rings of sweet dough." She can't be sure they have doughnuts in Fairy Land. It definitely was not mentioned in her studies.
Inclining head and shoulders in a return gesture of respect, Nuada then strides into the room, going first to Leif, whom he claps gently on the shoulder. "Rise, child," he says, and there's amusement in his tone. "You think me overly grand, I perceive. I am glad of your respect, all the same, and in truth, I confess that such grandeur can swiftly become tedious. Were I home at Cnoc na Teamhrach, I would as likely be keeping company with hounds as courtiers."
He moves on, then, to stand before Angel. His manner remains good-humored, yet there's a very serious respect about his eyes as he regards the kneeling champion. "Rise, sir, for you are as yet no vassal of mine, and I would ask no man to kneel in his own hall. Still, I must say that your courtesy speaks well of you--and it is kindly received."
To Faith, he offers a deep nod. "Warrior and Slayer, you do credit to your station. Many have been the rumors of your fierce dedication, even in the face of great struggle. Ah, but if you were more suited to my house, I might have great use for one such as you... but even a fairy king must respect a prior claim." He doesn't explain that cryptic statement, instead moving on to Cordelia.
A broad smile crosses his craggy face as he regards her, extending a hand. "And so you are the one who would court a scion of my line. A princess already, and a woman of many mysteries, I perceive. You would do us great credit as a lady of the Spring Court."
Turning again, he takes a seat at the table and says, "I would be well pleased to partake of coffee and doughnuts--for yes, even in Faerie we know of such delights. I thank you most heartfully for your hospitable welcome, and if I may, I would ask that we leave formalities aside, now, that we may speak of weighty matters. At council of war, deeds far outweigh titles."
Leif sits at the table and rolls his eyes at his grandfather who well knows that his tastes lie elsewhere. He does so very quickly however, as to not be disrespectful. His mind is not on the meeting now but is on various ways of discouraging the advances, of the beautiful oracle, and princess. Hrm or maybe not there are spells that would make Cordelia fit his own tastes... NOT THE TIME LEIF. HE quickly goes back to being, the properly attentive herald and link between mortal and fae.
Angel rises, then, and rejoins his place at one end of the table...being as it's 'his home', he figures he's going to be on the opposite end of the table from his majesty. At least that's the way things were done back on earth...the king's at one end, and the owner of the home at the other. He once again hopes that's the case here. "As you say, your majesty." And then he'll let things proceed. Because there's probably a good deal of things to be discussed. "I would hear what you would say concerning the current crises." While he knows of one, Angel's guessing there's another. Glory doesn't seem like quite enough to bring such a being out for a meeting, even with a Champion like himelf.
Well, duh. She's a Slayer. She already has a job...and Faith, of course, puts nothing more to the cryptic comment than that. She smiles. "Thank you for the compliment, your..." And then behind him. "Excuse me. The door." They do not need a customer showing up right now. A glance at Angel. "Let me take care of that." And she's quietly on her feet and moving to deflect whoever it is...and leaving poor Angel to deal with Faerie kings. Oh well.
Cordelia dips her head again, smiling openly and easily. A Faerie King! She's making coffee and getting doughnuts for a Faerie King! She hurries back to the front office -- it's a skill to run in heels, especially ones as high as these, and even more especially not stumbling or wobbling -- and busies herself preparing the refreshments she offered. The door! But Faith is on it. Good.
Nuada gives Faith a nod as she departs, and then he turns to Angel, an air of coming down to business settling upon him. "Leif is a prince of my court, as he may have told you," the fairy king says, speaking slowly and simply. "And I must first address what he has told me, that he has concerns about some of your close associates. The matter, last night..." He pauses, shaking his head, and attains a sad expression. "That was unwisely done. Werewolves are much less formal than we fae, yet their pride is no less." Then, raising both thick, gray eyebrows, he says, "Yet I think you and I both know that the young are often brash. I want no quarrel with you, nor your beloved, but I would offer friendly warning: If she is to venture further into our world, she must learn its ways." He waves a hand, then, as if dismissing the entire matter. "Like as not, I say nothing that you have not already considered, but it must be said--and so it has been. That, though, is not why I have come. Word of your struggles has reached my ear, as has your desire for the means to confront them."
Leif looks surprised that the King actually took his observations to heart. He was a very young scion, as fae go. And he often thought his job for the court was just to get him out from underfoot, and that the elders thought him to brash. Beyond that he simple nods and plays a good and respectful guest.
Angel winced a little, "I understand, your majesty. I'll see to it she reads the Accords. Speaking of which, the Watcher's Council must've seen them already. Have they actually signed on as a group?" Because if they have, Buffy might ALREADY be under the Accords by virtue of Giles as the 'freeholder', which is going to make this even worse then it was. Angel tries to figure out how to get her out of the mess as best he can...recently reunited, he doesn't want to lose her less then a month in. And he's very well aware exactly that could happen. "She is a great warrior in her own right, one of the best, even, but often overconfident because of what she has accomplished. She just hasn't acknowledged what everyone around her accomplished too." That 'amateur hour' quote still ringing in his ears. "I do search for such means, though it's been pointed out to me that I technically have what I need to confront this one. His highness graciously obtained and then loaned us the Hammer as a result of the troll's insult to Faith." Which...makes his mind whirl with possible consequences again as he realizes the insult offered to the wolves could cause other things then the obvious.
It takes Cordelia a short time to get the coffee brewing. She has at least learned how to do that ably, which is largely because they can now afford to buy coffee enough that they don't have to reuse the same grounds more than once day in a row. She takes a plate and arranges the doughnuts in what she hopes is an appealing enough design. It's not high art, but it's pretty.
Once the coffee is done, Cordy takes the plate and the cups, pouring up the pot of coffee into a more portable (and nicer) pot, setting it all on the cart she had to clear off. They'd just taken it from the kitchen and used it as a catch-all. She'll stack it again later with the odds and ends that were on it. With as much grace and poise as possible for someone pushing a cart of coffee and doughnuts, Cordelia conducts the food and drink over to where the others are waiting. Leif was kind enough to bring the tea, but now there's a variety! People can choose whatever they'd prefer most. She offers him a tentatively puckish grin before turning back to Angel and the king, pouring up a cup and picking it up to offer it over to Nuada.
It says "#1 Dad!" on it, which is fairly odd since no one at Angel Investigations is remotely a father.
"Angel tries very hard, your highness." Cordelia speaks in a way that sounds much more controlled, much more refined, to those familiar to her usual tone. "He's just a little, um, perhaps..." She purses her lips, pausing for a moment. "The word in our realm is 'whipped'." Then she's smiling again, a little optimistically to Nuada, hoping he understands.
Nuada glances to Leif, cracking a small smile, as apparently he anticipated that surprise and isn't above showing his unpredictability. His manner sobers as he looks back to Angel, and he nods. "As yet, the Watchers Council has withheld themselves from the Accords, while others, such as the Witches' Council and each of the Vampire Courts, have become signatories. Were you or your group to sign, you might have as many enemies as allies amongst us... but, of course, that is largely the purpose behind them." He lingers on watching Angel for a moment, as though mulling matters over, and then of course Cordelia returns.
The king's eyes light up when he sees the cup, and he breaks into a hearty boom of laughter. "Ha! I wonder if my children would agree with such a bold claim. I daresay Oberon himself would be jealous." He gratefully accepts coffee and a doughnut, taking a hearty bite and washing it down with a swig of the steaming brew. "Splendid!" he pronounces, and he looks an aside at Cordelia, leaning over to murmur, "We say it a bit differently, but I believe I do know of what you speak." Winking, he adds, "Still, there are greater failings."
As he settles in with his cup, Nuada's manner again turns serious. "Before I come to my point, I would see us stand on even terms. You and yours have indirectly helped to provide information that has proved of interest to me, and so I will share a portion of what I have learned. It concerns the daemon goddess, Glorificus--for it seems that Queen Mab has taken a deep personal interest in your dealings."
Leif has never witnessed any of the High Sidhe much less the greater interacting with mortals before, and he finds the change, unpredictable. Not that one should ever assume that one knows the mind of the Fae. He listens with interest, though largely keeps to himself as he is here as an intemediary. His eyes widen though when Queen Mab is mentioned. Among all the titled Fae The winter queen's reputation is the most well known. And her being envolved makes things a lot more complicated, and also explains to Leif why he's here in the first place. If The winter court is making an unpredictable move, then the other courts must watch. That almost makes him speak up but he quickly remember his manners and closes his mouth again, eyes narrowing with interest, and his usual bewildered visage is gone for the moment.
While Rey had contacted him a while ago, he never said anything about Queen Mab being particularly interested in his team. "If her majesty has taken an interest in me, I would wish understand what we have done that sparked such interest." He REALLY hopes it's not Buffy's recent doing, which indicate negative interest from the Queen. Even dark interest from the Queen. Hopefully it's something nobler, like the world saving they've done. "And I welcome all information that may help us guard the Key from Glorificus. Knowledge is a greater power then any weapon."
Cordelia is surprised at first at Nuada's reaction, although she quickly recognizes the cup. That wasn't actually intentional, but she'll laugh it off and play it up as if it were, because it seems to be something good. Positive moves in conversation with royalty! "We also have other fun ones!" She shows the kitten with the "Hang in there!" and the "I hate Mondays" one. "You can take one with you as a souvenir, if you want to!" Honestly, she can't think of many other things they could even offer. Maybe a fixture from the lobby.
Clearly relieved that the king understands what she said, Cordelia's smile relaxes slightly, more naturally. Once she pours Angel a cup and makes sure he gets it, she looks around to find the tea Leif manifested with and takes up a cup herself, moving to join him. She demurely seats herself beside him, taking great care to sit like a lady. "Nice to see you again," she murmurs very quietly to him, not wanting to interrupt or be impolite to the other, more important, conversation being had. And, still one of the more knowledgeable of lore in attendance, she keeps her ears pricked to take in whatever information Nuada is willing to impart.
Nuada seems to find Cordelia's presence particularly cheering, perhaps due to the way it so overtly reflects attention to hospitality, but he's also quite happy to leave her and Leif to their exchange. Of course Nuada well knows that Leif isn't the sort to take interest in women, but that doesn't mean there isn't an interesting friendship--or useful lessons--in the offing. However, Angel retains most of his attention. "My dear boy," he says, his tone genuinely paternal rather than patronizing, "every one of the fairy courts watches you. As we number amongst the Powers, we always keep a watch on Champions. No, I'm afraid what I mean is much more greatly unsettling. It seems that Mab has taken personal interest in the doings of Glorificus, though she has taken no steps to thwart her. This is cause for great concern amongst the Courts, but it remains too little to act upon. In such matters, we are heavily bound." He pauses a moment, almost coyly, to give Angel a cagey look. "However, such is not always the case for our Earthly agents."
Leif actually speaks up at the words from the fae king, "That's one of the reasons I'm here. As a Scion I am of both worlds, and the limitations are less restrictive on me." He doesn't say much more though he suddenly looks at Angel then at his grandsire, and a brow actually arches. Its clear Leif has an inkling why the great lord is here. Or at least thinks he does. To Cordelia he almost absently hands her a very fancy cup or tea that he'd gathered and brewed himself. He did enter here without an invitation because of her so its only polite to give her attention.
Angel listens for a while...thinks about that, and considers how badly beings like the one in front of him outranks something like Glory, and, "Glory's being played. Whatever she's planning on doing is something her Majesty must want to see happen." Well, he has Rey's phone number. "I'll have to contact Sir Rey immediately. He'll want to be part of this, and considering the time, his powers should be coming to their peak very soon, if they haven't already." As for being an Earthly Agent, "I would be happy to assist your Majesty as I can." He isn't committing to being an exclusive agent, just to being what a Champion is, a servant of all life in the world.
Handed another cup, Cordelia is momentarily confused. She figures, quickly enough, that he's offering her a cup because that's the procedure to be polite: one always offers another their drink. It's like pouring your own sake in Japan! So she just trades cups with Leif. That's filed away in her mind, in case it comes up again. She doesn't say anything else, but it's clear enough that she's pleased at the company. Who knew something as cool as this would happen? She didn't even see it in a vision! She takes her cup and sips from it silently.
Nuada regards Angel gravely, his expression betraying nothing, for several long moments. Then, very deliberately, he speaks, "If what you have suggested is true, then it could explain Mab's doings in Beacon Hills. I know not why she would choose an agent such as Glorificus, but the truth must be discovered. To that end, I have heard you seek a weapon capable of harming the daemon goddess." He reaches behind him, then, and withdraws the two-handed sword he'd been wearing on his back, scabbard and all, to lay it across the table. Sliding it slightly toward Angel, he says, "Behold, Caladbolg, younger brother to my own sword, Claiomh Solais--The Sword of Light. This blade has never known defeat in battle, and it sings with the power of spring when wielded. I would offer to let you carry it in battle--but there is, I fear, a significant 'catch.'"
Leif clamps his mouth shut, this is one of those things where a wrong word from him could land him is serious hot water. So instead he blinks realizing that Coredlia had just offered him her cup... He sniffs the content and looks at her with the same look he had when he'd discovered the confusion that is double baked bread. Perhaps this is a custom on earth that he didn't know about... he he drinks from it does it mean they're betrothed? Or if he doesn't drink from it does it mean a grave insult... Suddenly he's faced with a danger far greater than Glorificus.
Hmmm. He'd have to consider the deal VERY carefully, particularly considering he already has the Hammer and Buffy has her Scythe. Then again, if he took such an offer, he'd be wielding that, the Hammer would pass to Buffy, and Faith'd have the Scythe. "I would know all terms and conditions for useage, and how long such a weapon may be used for. My life in particular, doesn't end unless I get killed." Angel's immortal, after all, and indefinite terms can be a VERY long time for an immortal like him.
Cordelia glances over to Leif as she lowers her own cup. Funny, he's not drinking. Is there a reason he isn't drinking? She didn't drink hers wrong, did she? Oh god, she thinks, she's done something weird. She got it wrong! Maybe it's not the custom she thinks it is! Maybe she did it wrong! She tries to keep a brave face. But then...then something's definitely wrong. Something's very wrong. Something's more than wrong, it's--
Cordy takes in a sharp gasp, her eyes going wide. The cup in her hands tumbles to the floor, spilling its contents all over, but fortunately not in her lap or on the couch. Small blessings.
Even if the gifts lingering from her time as twice-blessed have made Cordelia more resistant to the formerly painful effects of the visions, more able to convey a coherent message, this is clearly just too much for her. Suddenly she's stiff-limbed, and then she's screaming outright, thrashing and utterly unable to perceive her surroundings. She's completely immersed in the vision. "No. NO!!"
Nuada had been about to explain the proposition, when Cordelia was struck with a timely (or poorly timed?) vision. The fae king rises swiftly to his feet, moving around the table to touch a hand to her shoulder, and instantly she will feel a surge of renewed strength and vitality to resist the pain of it, a soothing spiritual balm for her mind and soul. Nuada waits for the moment to fade, then asks in a low, gruff voice, "What did you see, child? I cannot believe this timing was accidental."
Leif was saved from his dilema by her having a vision. He holds her and an instinct to make sure he's okay. He doesn't have any particular gifts in healing, though he would have tried were t not for the king. He does give the King a look because while not precisely one of the powers, he's probably the closest that will be seen on the mortal realm. Or atleast that's Leif's impression. The fact that the King seemed to no know it was coming... is a Concern.
There are no accidents, and Angel also swiftly moves to Cordy...though with a Fae King and a Fae Prince in competition, his vampiric speed just isn't up to snuff, and fast as he arrives, he's definitely there last. Deciding this is important, well, His Majesty already asked the question on his mind...
The kindness from Nuada enables Cordy to summon at least a modicum of strength to face whatever she's experiencing in the vision, but it's not exaggeration to say that it is beyond the comprehension of most. Even with her great gifts, it takes her a moment before she can even speak, once the vision's gone. Her hand remains on Nuada's arm, having reached out to the only touch she felt, the only anchor to the world she could register, as she catches her breath.
Cordelia blinks her eyes a couple of tears rolling down her cheeks, breath slowing back to a controlled, more relaxed state. She shivers once, hard and bodily, but pushes it back to take a deep breath and then sigh.
"A door opened. A giant tree...huge tree...and then it all exploded. Everything exploded. Infinite fear and suffering." She looks up, first to Angel, then to the king. "Forever and ever."
"The Nemeton," Nuada says, and it doesn't sound like a guess. "Then at least part of what we have heard is true. That's the real threat, and she does not mean merely to rupture the dimensions. She plans to destroy everything." He helps Cordelia back into her seat, then looks to Angel. "Which brings me back to my offer. Take up the blade, and accept the mantle of Spring Knight. It has been long years since I last named a personal Champion, but as you are already well proven in such a role, I have no qualms offering you this now. The caveats are these: The Spring Knight must abide by the Accords. The Spring Knight must maintain the honor of the Spring Court. The Spring Knight must serve when called." He pauses a moment, then adds, "Out of respect, I will add one amendment to the terms: I will never ask you to complete any task fundamentally objectionable to you. To serve with honor, you must also serve with conviction. Caladbolg is powerful, indeed, but when wielded at my behest, it will become as powerful a weapon as you have ever encountered."
Leif vanishes even before his King can speak. Granted he would know if anything had happened to the Nemeton, but keeping watch on it is one of his duties. He's only gone for a moment, and he's back before the offer is finished, he speaks softly, "I checked the wards, My Lord. All are in place still, ours the other courts and my personal ones. She hasn't been there yet, nor has anyone who meant ill." Granted she might be able to bypass said wards, but its very unlikely. As always there's no pretty effect when Leif vanishes or reappears he's simple gone one minute there the next.
Angel is now given a massive offer. Even with a weapon in front of him, he is also concerned with other things. One does not make deals lightly with great lords such as this. "That sounds like a vision of Glory succeeding. But...wait, why isn't Winter trying to stop this? What Cordy's describing is not healthy for the world or anything in it." But then there's this brand new role being offered to him. "...It seems to me that such a role would tie my strength to the changing of the seasons. And the present crisis is likely to happen on or near the autumn equinox, which is when Spring would be weakest. Wouldn't I hinder myself, at least in the short run, in the coming battle?" Though Rey never said anything like that, it's logical considering the Seasonal way the Courts are set up. "And I can still be friends with Rey, right? He's been a loyal ally up till now." Hmmm. "Lastly, I would like some time to consider the offer. While there is an emergency coming, as far as I can tell, Knighthood is an Oath, and one doesn't make oaths lightly. Particularly with an indefinite term of service." Oaths tend to be forever, after all. He also wants to talk to those closest to him about it. And those who know it's like, such as Rey.
"Thank you." Even so upset and disturbed as she is, Cordelia tries to be as polite as possible to Nuada. She barely whispers it though, hit so hard by the vision and its experience. She thought that was over! Ever since the friendly, kinda cute-in-a-daddy-sorta-way angel Castiel helped her and Wyatt out, visions just became something she had, not something that smacked her in the face like a transcendental snow shovel.
She frowns a little at that mental image. Evidently she's spent way too much time in the Haight lately.
It just serves to strengthen Cordy's resolve: she could really use some...connection with someone else. But it's meaningless if there's nothing else to it. She'd settle for just having a set of strong arms around her, but it's not like she could get that at the moment. So she hugs herself and looks to the side, curling up slightly in her seat, going through the images that flashed before her again, trying to analyze them for deeper meaning that might be useful.
Nuada flashes a grim smile, nodding to Angel. "You are wise to ask such things. First, the power of the Knight does not wane with the season, only the power of the Court. So, while it is true that in Spring we could lend you greater strength, that does not mean we could lend you none, now. Further, Spring and Autumn do not rule, we watch those who do. As such, our power more often exists in Balance than does that of Summer and Winter. And finally, your own power will not be limited--only augmented. The Spring Mantle will grant you specific gifts, beyond those you already possess, so long as you stand in my service, which you may elect to leave honorably at any time. So long as you serve, you shall have the mantle, the sword, and my gratitude." He picks up the cup of tea, taking a sip, and adds more casually, "As for friendships, we encourage them. Autumn and Spring are brother courts, for we must both see that Summer and Winter do as they are meant to."
Glancing then to Leif, he says, "Good. Then we still have time. Now, please go and fetch the lady something--Earthly, of course--to ease her pain."
Looking back to Angel, he asks, "The question remains, would you serve me?"
Once again the young half blood was already working on it he had his arms around her and with a touch of his ring a new tea pot appeared the water already boiling, "This should help, nature has magic all of its own and doesn't need the hand of man nor fae to guide it." He offers her a new cup of tea this one steaming very lightly. His arms were around her comfortingly, a token of friendship at least. And there was something comforting about his very nature, a sense that he would always try to help anyone, and that slight sense of being more that only the fae can pull off as effortlessly as breating.
Angel was about to hug Cordy, but Leif beat him to the punch. "I get the idea it may not be the only alliance between my people and yours, as it goes." He'll still sneak a hug in on Cordy himelf once Leif lets go. She seemed to need one, and he has a very warm best friend type hug for her. One forged of countless nights spent together, trying to save the world and the people in it. But then there's the great big question. "There is one I wish to inform of this offer before I make any oaths." And...he pulls out a device and sends a text to a certain young lady. He kinda wishes he could have Faith in on it too, but Faith's busy dealing with that customer. And seems to have left with said customer at that. Well, that's business. "In every realm, it is unwise to make large decisions without informing one's significant other of such decisions first." After all, the King has a Queen. He probably understands how it goes. Besides, it's Buffy's pet peeve about him. He's trying to work on that.
Cordy tenses for a moment when she feels another touch, already half-lost in the bewildering, frightening imagery of the last vision. But once she realizes it's Leif being kind, she eases into it, accepting the cup and breathing in the aroma. "Thanks." She smiles again, eyes glistening and moist. "I've seen a lot of 'end of the world' scenarios, but...but not like this." She takes another deep breath of the tea, then lifts the cup to sip from it. "Mm. That's so good, Leif. What is it?" At this point, she really wouldn't be that surprised if he just showed up one day with chocolate, and she's pretty sure he leaves the toilet seat down even without being asked.
Then Angel gets his turn, and this is a little easier for Cordy to lean into. She hugs around him, careful not to spill her tea on him. "Thanks, Angel." It's just a little whisper between them, but she's sure he'll hear it.
Once Cordelia has composed herself a little more, she turns to Nuada. "Highness, I apologize if Angel has breached etiquette in any way." Even if her voice isn't as strong and sure as usual, she tries to put on a sure tone. "I respectfully offer my gratitude for your continued patience. And..." she pauses for a second, getting her wits back to collect, "in the meantime, if it can help the situation and avert what I saw in my vision, I offer myself until Angel makes his decision. I'm not really a fighter, but I'm a lot smarter than I look."
She glances down at her tea, then forces herself to lift her head again. "There's a girl who was some kind of magical key until a few months ago," she explains, voice faltering for a moment. "I thought I was going crazy when I met her and didn't remember her. I guess that was my gift. I was all...whatever, right? Buffy's long-lost sister who weirdly remembers me. I don't want...I don't want the world to end. I don't want...whatever that door was, to open." She breathes a shaky breath in, and then continues. "But I'll be damned if I'm going to let that girl die when I can do something -- or everything -- to stop it, sir."
Nuada looks between the others, then gives a firm nod. "I shall return in two days' time, then, to receive your answer. Until then, we will do what we can to learn more of this matter. Be well, Champion." He lifts the sword from the table, turns to give a nod to Leif, and then offers a polite bow to Cordelia. "Rest well, Seer, for I am certain your role in these plots is not yet ended." He turns, then, to depart. The doors sweep open, and the winds rise around him. "For now, I take my leave--but be of good cheer, my fellows. You are not alone in this."
Then, with little more than a change of the winds, the High Lord of Spring is gone.
Leif looks relieved to see his grand sire leave. He loves his family and his court, but he is more comfortable in the woods and away from the presence of the greater fae. He makes sure that Cordelia seems to be okay. He nods and looks to them both, "I'm afraid I must be away myself. If there is to be trouble at the Nemeton I must redouble my efforts." He touches his ring with his finger the traces a circle in the air. A small plain silver ring appears, which he gives to Cordelia. "If you need me for anything simply turn the ring and say my name. I make not promises, but I will do my best come to thee." He smiles again, then nods, "Champion take into consideration the burdens and virtues that the new title would include. Not to just you but to those close to you. The eyes of all Faerie would be upon you." He then bows and walks off, into the potted plant. Leaving them with brand new table and assorted teapots and cups.
Well, Angel bought himself time. He knew that it wasn't a good idea to jump into such things rashly. And yes, it'd bring the Fae in, prominently, into his new life. And yes, those burdens and virtues are EXACTLY why he asked for time. He knew that everyone had to be informed of the potential decision. He'd probably have Rey explain the fine print before he signed too. He knows the upsides and downsides best of everyone he knows. Turning to Cordelia, "It's a tempting offer. What do you think?"
Cordelia smiles back to Nuada and bows her head as low as she can. She watches him go and just kind of deflates in place, looking about like her summoned strength has left her all at once. But then Leif is going on his way, and then...she's getting a ring? OH SWEET MYSTERY OF LIFE AT LAST I'VE FOUND YOU! Her eyes widen slightly, and she takes the ring, looking down at it and immediately brightening up.
Cordy watches as he walks off, and she has to look down at the ring again, just to make sure it's actually there. She sets it gingerly on her thigh, before taking another sip of her drink. Reaching her now-free hand to her side, she just pats the cushion beside her, looking over at Angel. "Isn't he great? He even cleaned up before he left." That's always impressive. It wasn't even his mess! "Well...y'know, he did give you an out. It's really important to be careful with oaths. Got to be careful with the...Fair Folk." Just in case anyone's listening. "But this might be exactly what you were looking for. I'll be there for you. Whatever happens...I'm here for you."
Once Angel is close enough to, she leans against him. A few seconds later, she rests her head on his shoulder. "God, it's like Grand Central Station in here lately." Her breathing is gentle. She closes her eyes for just a moment. "I missed you. I'm glad you're here."
Angel lets Cordy lean on him, even wraps an arm around her. "He did. But this is something I need all of you to be behind before I accept it. It's going to bring a lot more guests our way...more of a central station then ever before. And it'll require everyone to learn new things, learn how to be careful with what you say before you say it, learn how to be polite with others, and more."
He nodded about oaths. "That's the thing. When I make an oath, it potentially really is forever. A mortal can always die of old age. Not an option for me. I really do need to contact Rey so I can get a detailed list of what the pros and cons are likely to be from someone living the equal opposite life of what's been offered to me." Hmmm.
With said arm around her, "I missed you too. And I wouldn't want to try doing all this without you."
"You can always step down," Cordelia points out, comfortable being so close. "Anyway, I've already done a lot of reading about this. I'll just open up the official Cordelia Chase Hyperion Finishing School!" That sounds more like herself. Certainly more energetic. She just needed a moment; now she's better than she was a little while before, and in a minute or two, she'll probably be operating on all oracular cylinders again.
A short time passes in silence. Cordelia lifts her head and stretches her back a little bit. "Okay. I vote we go to the Castro and you get us free drinks all night."
Angel nods once. "Yeah. He did go out of his way to point that out. That's important too. If something comes up that would make me unable to fulfill my obligations as Knight, I would want the ability to lay the sword down." It's a nice sword, to be sure, but there's so many things in life more important then a sword. One of them is leaning on him now, as it turns out. "And what's your plan for me getting you free drinks this time?"
"All I ever have to do is dress up like a bad bitch, and all you ever have to do is hang around me and undo another button on your shirt every hour or so." Cordelia finishes her tea and leans forward, gently, to set her cup down on the new table they have. She settles back next to Angel. "What was that one they kept sending you last time? Cosmotini? Like...cosmopolitan meets appletini. That was pretty good. I felt like I was a disco unicorn after that."