"Knowing that they're no bright and that they don't kill women and children does comfort me a little, though the brain washing part doesn't seem pleasant..." she remarked with a peculiar expression keen to never find out how goblins did so and to what purpose. "I can see that they must be quite annoying." she said light heartedly. "But it should be fine for the time being, with Sable losing reign they must have lost a good deal of influence and power." She reasoned. 

"An alcoholic beverage that prevents fertility, believe it or not it's usually the other way around back where I came from." Alynia pointed out quite amused. "But I agree, it would be best not to have any little Oberrons for the time being." she teased smiling at the idea. "The sooner I get the drink the better."

"Hm I wouldn't have taken you as someone who gets power from slain hearts" she commented with interest. "But what ever works, though I think there's better luck in the blessing, orb, or artifact." Alynia didn't speak for a moment.

  "I wish there was some more ways I could help this place recover..." she mused thoughtfully. "Other than providing you energy because in some cases I think that doing so benefits me more than you." Alynia added with a chuckle, but she meant what she said. Though back in her own realm she had never been so much of a environmentalist since she's lived in a modern city for the good majority of her life.  Seeing that she loved someone who was, she thought it would be best to pursue his interests. But more importantly seeing how magical the place really was she was very motivated to take action. She smiled gleefully at the thought of getting a glimpse of the forest as it usually was. "Oh good, then I'll wait for the day we can visit Avalon together." she responded with enthusiasm. 

After that they walked with silence, both of them observing the gnomes that walked around them chattering in their own dialect. Alynia looked Oberron for a moment as he glanced around understanding that he didn't like what he saw. She tilted her head with interest as he released her hand.

It had seemed that virtually everyone stopped in Oberron's presence to kneel and listen to what he had to say. Alynia felt flustered standing beside him in front of so many bowed heads. She tucked her hands politely in her lap trying to look pleasant. "Maybe one day I'll get used to you being a king." she muttered under her breath so only Oberron could hear. 

She couldn't understand anything Oberron was saying, but it was evident that the gnomes did as they listened with their undivided attention. Alynia took this time to admire Oberron's widely received respect. As it seemed he directed his flow of words to her, Alynia have a nervous smile still confused as they applauded. But the next part she thought she understood. She watched with a sincere smile, knowing she was seeing something great, as women began to lift their veils. Alynia clapped along with the rest of the gnomes with a kind hearted expression. A celebration broke out almost immediately as music rang and folk began to dance. 

Alynia's hand snaked its way back into Oberron's as if she didn't like to be separated. She kisses him innocently on the cheek, this action seemed to make the gnomes happy. "How noble." she whispered to him admiringly before the two of them were surrounded by well wishers. 

Alynia was nervous but happy as many people began to speak to her at once. "Thank you, thank you, and I'll certainly try..." she repeated    smiling while nodding occasionally. 

"I don't know if a translated would make it better or worse." Alynia admitted still a bit stunned as the last of the festive gnomes left them to sing, dance, and cheer. "You did a good thing." she told him. Her smile beaming, her eyes filled with admiration. "How do you say thank you in Fey?" 

"Oh, they kill women and children, it's only goblin women and children they save and they kill the older kids that might harbor thoughts of revenge I thought Sable was giving the means of brainwashing other tribes. Even without her they're still a large tribe and I already suspect that there will be trouble with them in the future though without Sable for support they should be easy to deal with.

"The drink is common enough, I figured it would be something that you - that we - would be interested in. The last thing we would want would be a half-fey that resents being of both worlds so to speak. Puck would hate him since he'll knock him out of the throne, and he might hate his mixed ancestory. Then again he could not mind things so much."

He shook his head, smiling. "The heart of storms is not an actual heart but an artifact that imparts a fair amount of power to the owner, I will not bore you with all the details but it was of my making long ago and thus it was named for me just as the orb of storms was named for me in a way."

He came to smile then looked at her with a shake of his head. "I beg to differ. While you may seem like you're getting all the benefits I got my kingdom back and bested Sable after our first encounter and our second my magical power was nearly depleted and you easily managed to restore it. Do not overlook these things. Besides," he brought her hand up to his lips kissing the back of it. "I find our encounters just as magical in other ways."

He found himself nodding, Avalon was worth the visit to see the majesty of the forest alone. He would certain have to take her one day though now he looked up the gnomish village with disdain. His memory of the place had been much different and why were all the women and some of the female children wearing veils now? He assumed that there was something that they wouldn't have wanted seen.

As Alynia spoke he smiled at her, accepted her kiss, smiled at her then looked at some of the gnomes as they wandered here and there in festive cheer. It ook him a simple divination to learn what the problem was though he was able to deduce what the problem had been. He then used a mass illusion to restore their looks, the scars were still there though hidden from them. Healing them would take divine magic, powerful divine magic, and his magic was arcane only the learned kind where with the divine magic you became a vessel of the deities to invoke their spells.

"Siri um radna," Oberron spoke, "it's the closet term out there. And now I think I am done here, unless there was something you wished to do."

Alynia repeated his words with poor but acceptable pronunciation and laughed at her own attempt. “I’ll learn it one day.” She promised Oberron smiling sheepishly. Alynia followed the king’s glance to watch the gnomes dance and play. It was really a merry sight making Alynia feel light hearted and warm. “Well, I was thinking we could go visit Corwin before heading back. Even though spending time alone with you is above amazing...” She leaned into him lovingly. “We shouldn’t be gone from your post for too long before they come looking for you again, and besides even if you might think it’s tedious I’m interested in what your duties actually are besides pleasing me and causing miracles.” She stated pressing up to kiss him again.

She paused watching the gnomes with interest. They were dancing to a lively tune played on wood made fiddles, pipes, and drums. The dance that seemed to go along with it was a bit complicated, but it was repetitive. Alynia smiled as the dancers moved along with the music. She would be sad to leave too soon. “But before we go, let’s have a drink to celebrate. Maybe we could find a bottle of something we could bring Corwin as a token of appreciation.” She suggested watching a few gnomes roll out a few barrels of what she assumed to be alcohol.

She didn’t really allow Oberron to respond before excitedly pulling him into the lively crowd. Holding his hand tightly, she tugged him along with almost child like excitement. As soon as they neared the area where they were pouring drinks mugs of something foamy was shoved into their hands by an eager to please gnome. “Elf made!” He exclaimed advertised their drink to the English speaking queen. Alynia though a bit taken back from surprise chirped a thank you. She looked at Oberron with beaming eyes before raising the small mug to her lips taking a tentative sip. She choked a bit at the strong taste, but after adjusting to it she found it quite likable.

If there was a way to describe it she would say that it tasted like summer. A bit tea like without the taste of the alcohol with a bit of sharp fruit cutting through her taste buds. Smacking her lips experimentally she smiled. “It’s good.” She remarked happily taking another sip. “Wait wait, this one is better.” Another gnome suggested replacing her previous drink with another mug. Alynia shrugged and raised the new drink to her mouth. She had seemed to have walked into an accidental wine tasting. "Could we try a few before we go?" She asked Oberron sweetly.

Oberron's lips moved against her own, his tongue sliding effortlessly against her own as he embraced her, holding her close to him as he did so, delighting in the warmth of his body against hers. When there lips at last parted he was gazing into her eyes, evidence of his own arousal poking against her belly though he had not acknowledged it. His hands held her hips and he nodded.

"Of course ... I would enjoy seeing Corwin again. There is no rush back though I am fairly confident that Puck would not look for me if I were to disappear since he has so much to loose if he did find me, others may come though so I guess we shouldn't delay for long as much as I would love to."

He glanced around then looking at the path she had took from Corwin's place, deducing it was the one she had used to get here he stepped to her side, took her hand in his and began walking in that direction asking how far it was from here, deducing whether or not walking the Shadow again would be necessary though it did not appear so.

"I have no doubt that you will get the phrase correct, right now I admit that it does sound funny but in time all things." His eyes followed her own watching the barrels being rolled out. He wondered then grinned. "You certainly know leprechauns, they enjoy a good drink, wines but harder liquors as well." He stopped moving to the path heading towards some merry makers. "And they'll have mead here, it is common enough ..."

Of course he had explained all this after being tugged closer to a pair of gnomes working on some barrels, he saw that their where other drinks as well, nodded when she thanked the gnome and told her it was much better, though more musical and less flat from the diaphram. He laughed and so did the gnomes as she choked a little at the strong but pleasant taste.

"Do not partake of any Gogondy if it is offered. It is a rather potent gnomish drink that puts most other species into a slumber for about a decade. It sort of suspends them in animation, most fey are affected by it too other than gnomes and leprechauns who have a stomach for strong drinks."

Now Oberron wasn't aware of her weakness towards alcohol, and since drinking was common amongst the fey he thought little of it either so when she asked and looked upon him so sweetly with those eyes of hers he nodded indicating that they could stay a bit longer.

This was all new to her so he figured that she'd want to experiment with it all, besides Kim and Arn wouldn't be back until morning he guessed and thus they had time to spare as it was early evening now.

"Fey spirits won't cause you to suffer from hangovers ... that is a realm for dwarven beverages that are often cruder on the palate but much, much stronger."

Alynia was not trying to tease nor tempt. In fact, even though feeling sparks fly and the stirrings down below as his tounge skimmed between her lips, didn't realize her husbands even larger growing arousal. "Your getting very good at that." she remarked smiling understanding that French kissing was not something Fey were used to.

"Well even still, there is atleast time." Alynia's eyes were scanning the foriegn drinks. "I actually didn't know that about leprechauns." she said honestly. "I had always assumed all men enjoyed fine liquor." Alynia had only planned to sample wines with the logic that if folk smaller than her could bear such drinks why couldn't she? Of course this was the way it worked back in her realm, but she learned that this was not the case in this one. But now that she was already here, Alynia didnt want to pull back. She told herself to be careful
with making sure not to touch anything too strong. "No gogondy." Alynia repeated agreeing that it would be wise not to fall into a centuries slumber.

Alynia laughed sheepishly slighted embarrassed as she put back the drink she correctly deemed a bit too strong for her. "Something lighter for the lady." the gnome observed good heartedly. "And we're looking for something for a friend" Alynia added after letting the strong taste subside. "Very well... And anything for you today, your highness?" he responded casually directing Oberron prepared to pour him anything he wished.

The gnomes hummed to himself as he carefully poured a few more small mugs of various colored liquor infront of Alynia taking into consideration her species as well as he alcohol tolerance. She selected a mug bringing it up to her nose to inhale the more floral nutty aroma. "None of which are gorgondy." he assured Oberron kindly ."So what is your friend? Fey, human, gnome..." the tender inquired. "Leprechaun." Alynia chirped before raising the mug to her lips taking a dainty sip so to not choke. The shop keeper nodded, and excused himself. The liquid was smooth and tart, a tangy with earthy flavored and just a hint of honeysuckle and cherry was cut through nicely with the alcohol content. "Mmm, this is good." she remarked holding up her cup to Oberron wanting him to try.

The gnome returned with some unopened bottles of liquor, each one appeared very elegant, and presented them infront of Oberron seemingly recognizing that he was the one with the experience in selecting drinks. "These are popular among leprechauns. Any of them suit your friend?" he asked observing the response of his costumors. Alynia didn't bother to try and read the bottles, knowing they were written in a language she didn't understand. Instead she happily picked up another mug thinking that this should be her last one as head was feeling a bit flighty.

"I have an excellent teacher," he responded with a smile and while one could take that one of two ways he was not insulting about it, as if she were with plenty of others or did this sort of thing often. He knew the truth of the matter and implied that she was a natural at this. He also knew that she wasn't trying to deliberately tease him either, she simply had that effect on him.

"No Gogondy. At these gnomish bouts of mirth it is just a matter of time that someone breaks it out and it's often when the gnomes are too drunk to realize it's effects on non natives. Of course some clans can revive people, most gnomes are good at illusions too so the fact that this clan wasn't using them even after Sable's demise tell me that they are one of the few clans lacking in magic and I doubt they could revive you, I could with a little effort of course but it's taxing.

"Now you could have fooled me about leprechauns if you didn't admit to it." He considered for a moment, smiled and nodded pointing out one drink amongst the many for her not to try, at least not yet. "You will find that ... well, don't try that one either. It's not gnomish but elvish in nature but well, it is ... you'll find out in time."

Oberron thought for a second. "Why, yes good sir. Sprite Spirits. I've actually been dying for some for decades now but I suppose you don't have any." Oberron was pleasntly surprised that they had some and he got himself some, took a sip and had a delighted look on his features as he let the liquid roll over his tongue. He took another sip then looked back at her with his purple eyes.

He sampled the drink with a sip, smacked his lips a few times then handed her back the goblet. "Yes an excellent brew distilled by pixies, their found of honeysuckle in their drinks."

But as the bottles were presented to him Oberron studied each carefully and considered the leprechaun in question. His selection seemed unusual as the gnomish asked him about the selection again but Oberron assured him that their friend like the harder stuff, the more unusual the better.

Something was said about it being an ale of satyr's distilled beneath the light of the full moon and mixed with the tears of dryads. A magical drink at that, borderline dwarvish in the fact that it was strong and the effects couldn't be easily dealt with unless a dwarf, satyr or leprechaun.

Alynia furrowed cutely curious of the effects of the drink Oberron motioned to but she decided she would brig up he subject later. She tilted her head, it didn't look like anything special besides a simple white wine which of course only hieghtened her interest. If he said she was going to know sooner or later Alynia saw no need to ask now when he was unwilling to tell her.

Wisely, she decided to place her self declared final drink down. There were still two mugs left but she knew it was best to resist temptation. The gnome noting that she seemed to be finished whisked the glasses away. "They were delicious, thank you." she commented. Only the tiny bit of slurred speech was evident but Alynia was sure it was nothing she needed to worry about. She really only had a sip or two from four or five wines.

Alynia peered at Oberrons selection, he had chosen the most simplistic of the ones the shop keeper showed. It had a peculiarly lovely amber quality to it. Guessing that this one had much more magical qualities han any of those she tasted she was interested in what it tasted like, but she knew it wasnt the right time to bring that up either. "Enough alcohol for me today. Don't let me drink more." she directed at Oberron. "I get drunk a bit easier than I like."

The shop keeper chuckled. "Make sure to watch over her." he suggested. "Now will this be all for you two?" he asked handing the bottle over the counter to Oberron. Alynia looked thoughtful for a moment, "Wait, wasn't there.. Mead?" she said a bit uncertainly looking up at Oberrkn wondering if she had remembered correctly. It seemed that she had since the gnome nodded giving them both a knowing, amused grin. Even though Alynia was the one who brought it up she still flustered slightly. Burying her face into Oberron's arm as the shop keeper went to get the drink. "I had only thought of the name, it was him who reminded me what it did." she muttered.

After a brief moment of waiting, the gnome came back with a medium square shaped bottle with a light honey colored liquid in it. "Here you go." he stated handing it to her. "..Thank you." she muttered renewing a blush. "How much will this be?" she asked changing the subject on her mind.

It may not have been an unwillingness to tell her but an unwillingness to tell her in front of their gnome hosts for whatever reason. He did not that her eyes lingered on the wine for a bit longer and he watched her for a moment. He had not felt as if she would disobey and try some of it, but he could sense her curiousity about the drink and noted that he would soon have to tell her about it.

Most people who had not known her might have missed the slur, but not Oberron seeing that he was fairly observant and had spent a good while amongst her these last few days. He noted that she was tipsy, at least a little but still had the good sense in her not to tempt fate. She was wise indeed, she was wise in the past wanting one thing but refraining because it was wiser to do another, the marks of a good queen. He smiled at that as he regarded her. "Your so much bigger than the fey ... well most fey ... and to thing that such drinks would already have an effect, be fortunate that you took heed and did not drink that wine." His eyes flickered to it before it was cleaned up, then back to her.

"Oh but you must have at least one more. Corwin will assist and open this bottle. Nurse the glass or he will keep refilling it. I doubt the bottle will survive the evening. Satyr's Juice is quite strong and magical ..." he paused and thought for a second. "If Corwin has company then don't drink it. Leprechauns are immune to the effects but too much stirs up amorous feelings. A glass or two you should be fine, but it is strong liquor, stronger than any you tried this evening. It is a saytr's drink, as evident by the effects. Corwin will behave himself, especially if he knows that your his queen.

The gnome grinned at the plus at the mention of mead. He knew what one of the after effects were though knowing fey fertility rates he had thought it odd that a newly joined couple would need it though he suppposed that one could never be too safe. Yet most unions ushered in children but obviously they did not want any, at least for a week.

The shopkeeper insisted that it was all free of charge for what Oberron did for them already, Oberron waved it off and insisted he would pay. Long story short Oberron won out, he was king and the gnome knew better not to press the issue to much. Oberron paid the gnome in a few platnium coins, evidently some of the stuff she sampled had been pricy or maybe the magical drink, either way Oberron didn't seem too worried about the money though, he took the coins out of an extradimension space from one of the pouches he wore, didn't care about the change which had the shopkeeper wide eyed.

"You have made your queen most happy today, that alone is well worth it." He looked at Alynia then handing her the bottle of mead as he took up the other bottle. "Ok, perhaps two more drinks today," he mused grinning at her as he took her hand again as they began to walk off he heading back towards that path he was nearing earlier.

Alynia had a pleasant shade of pink on her cheeks as she heard Oberron and the shop owner discuss payment. She watched Oberron hand over a few coins, and only then realized due to the gnome’s expression that she might’ve been pushing a bit with the budget. It was understandable; Alynia had never had the environment where she had to worry over prices and costs of things. Though it was a bad habit, she was lucky that currently it appeared that she needed not to worry about money. Her eyes adverted shyly as Oberron mentioned the worth of her joy. Alynia pondered briefly on how she won the love of someone so great. The disbelief was no longer there, instead replaced was feelings of pure gratitude and hope he’d never think otherwise of her. She was very thankful to the gnome; bowing her head politely each time the store keeper wished them luck on their journey.

She thought about their upcoming visit to Corwin as she walked peacefully besides Oberron. “I don’t see the harm in trying some of whatever you bought, if it is only us three.” She smiled guiltily understanding what he meant by saying two drinks. Alynia nodded timidly in agreement before letting her mind drift to the forbidden drink from earlier still pondering over its purpose but her curiosity wandered quickly to different subjects. Her mind felt light and free, not drunk enough to feel a buzz. Just enough so to feel a bit careless. A slimmer of anticipation stirred within her as she fully recognized Oberron’s plans for tonight.

One hand grasped the honey mead, the other was slipped into Oberron’s warm palm as she walked along beside him tilting her head up to watch the sky. It was early evening so the sky was still blue, but slowly darkening. The sun just a bit above the horizon, it’s yellow rays swallowed up by the blue sky from above. “This is the first real sunset we’ve seen together while not in prison.” She commented casually. It really wasn’t a big deal but it made Alynia think of new beginnings, such a positive message the sky gave her.

After walking a bit in comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s company, Alynia sighed. Ducking her head humbly before she spoke up, “I’m sorry if it the wine was expensive. I didn’t really think about it when I rushed in.” She admitted feeling a bit obligated to say such. Even if money didn’t matter, she felt a little guilty.

As they walked hand in hand down the steadily increasing overgrown path, Alynia began to recognize the landscape. They drew closer and closer, Oberron slightly leading, to where Alynia recalled where Corwin lived. She glanced up at him with interest wondering if he was excited to be seeing his leprechaun friend again after all these years.

As they walked hand in hand Alynia's words stirred him from whatever thoughts he was having, whatever they were he had been grinnning slightly and she had to wonder if he was recounting plans for tonight or not. He glanced up at the sky, then nodded in agreement with her, it was their first sunset though with all the trees getting a good vantage point to watch it from.

"So it is. I will have to take ou to the land the vantage point for watching it is much better than here. I know there is a lot to indoctrine you in with and a lot to do but you'll have the time to experience it."

But as she turned her attention to apologizing about the wine and the expense he laughed, briefly before he caught it and tried to choke it down. He shook his head slightly as he gazed at her. "Dearest Alynia, I am Oberron, king of the fey. I have no need to be concerned with wealth, it is such a trival thing. Besides, I insisted that I pay, he was all to happy to give us the spirits free of charge but I simply could not take them in good conscience. The old me, Oberron of the Storms perhaps but he died long ago at Sable's hands. It is tough keeping such mind sets when your are brought so low.

"Did you enjoy trying new things? Did you not have fun? Then that is all that mattered. If for whatever reason the drinks where to costly I would have steered you away from them or tempered you to select the cheaper choices. The only thing I had you refrain from was the elven wine and that was because ... well that affects humans and most fey the same way ... it is an aphrodisiac that makes you loose control. I merely saved you the embarrassment of throwing yourself at myself and the gnomes. They would know that I would know what it was and it was a test of sorts ... not to have you, but a test for me. Had I allowed you to drink it they would have assumed that you were fair game, that they could have dalliances with you without my ire.

"We fey are different in many ways to humans but I have a better understanding of human affairs, not perfect and some things till confuse me a little but I assumed that such a state wouldn't have been to your liking. If I am wrong of course, and I'm assuming I'm not, we can always collect some on the way back. I hope that explains a little, but Alynia, you are a queen now, do not trouble yourself with money or expense of matters."

When they drew closer to the area, she noted that Oberron seemed withdrawn, rapt in though and while she might have guessed what he was thinking of he paused, look to the tiny cavern as she pointed it out and squeezed her hand a little.

With each step they took the terrain about them grew larger, nay they were growing smaller until they were a fraction of their size by the time they stood outside that cave. She could see the little end table, just barely as it was tucked out of sight for the most part. It did not take her long to realize that she had shrunk again at Oberron's will.

He called something out in the fey dialect then proceeded into the cave hand in hand with her.

Alynia smiled exasperated as he floundered away her apologies. As sincere as they were, she was more relieved that he truly did not mind. She sighed and smiled. "Yes it was fun, and delicious..." but her expression changed into something more of confused as she heard Oberron finally explain the drink. Furrowing her eyebrows at the thought of accidently drinking an aphrodisiac at such a time... She shuddered and shook her head with incredulity. "Yes, you were very right to keep that liquid away from me." she said sincerely. "Goodness, I wouldve never guessed such a custom... I forget that marriage was a looser term for you Fey." Alynia stated still a bit startled processing the information.

"If my conscience allows it, then I wont bring ithe subject of money up again" Alynia told him playfully. "I really don't think you understand the words 'not to spoil me'. But I won't complain." she stated laughing good heartedly. Listening to his suggestion Alynka frowned with a cute pout. "of course you are wrong! Now what would you have done if I insisted in going back to have a taste?" she teased, though of course she would never do such. "I thought I made it plenty clear, you're the only man I am willing to give myself to." She leaned into Oberron letting out a blissful sigh as if demonstrating her content.

As they walked Alynia noticed the grass grow taller and taller around her the closer they got to then entranc, but she was much more concerned with Oberron's quietness. She sincerely hoped that it was nothing wrong. She squeezed his hand back smiling up at him comfortingly, trying to ease him of whatever stress he was feeling if at all. Fir all Alynia knew it could be excitement. Her eyes twinkled as she heard him speak some Fey words before they walked in.

It all looked familiar but at the same time so distant, as it she had seen everything a lifetime ago in some kind of memory or dream. Her eyes scanned the modestly furnished earthy home with the same interest she had the first time she was here. This time she found it delightful revisiting the past of really not too long ago. Out from another small door off to the side, Alynia assumed it was a kitchen of some sort, strides out the man they were here for. Same red beard, a pipe still hanging from his lips his eyes twinkled with a combination of joy and what Alynia assumed were his normal charm of mischievous. Now that she knew he was infact a leprechaun, she was able to pick out a few traits.

Corwin observed the two with interest and a smirk on his lips. There was a few moments of silence as Corwin observed them as if decided if they were real. His eyes wandered to their joined hands and smiled before speaking...

"As long as you enjoyed yourself then it was well worth the expense, Truth be told most things were of little consequence price wise. There were a few o the magical draughts which were more expensive then most but nothing too costly either, not that I would have minded if there were." He smiled at here. It had been mostly the fact that he was getting so much money by Oberrron, perhaps his long imprisonment made him forget the value of things while imprisoned. Of curse that was rather doubtful too ...

"Good, I assumed correctly. Things tend to be different between the fey and humans as far as mind sets go. I used some knowledge of your culture and had to make some assumptions based on what I knew and what I knew of you. There are some things I get wrong or that still confuse me, such as that thing you do with your tongue and mine, either I forgot the significance or never learned of it in the first place." He paused and grinned. "No, I guess not it just is so difficult not to praise you in someway. Unlike most fey I was given a small taste of mortality and thus know that it can be all over tomorrow so if I never say such things now they may never be said at all ... a morbid view point, but that is something I cannot help. I only assume as time goes on I will get better in this regard though I doubt more of the old Oberron will return, as I mentioned Sable killed him in a way."

The familiar leprechaun was sillent and went white, a brief grin touched his lips that he coul not help though he dropped to his knee ducking his head down low. "our majesty! Forgive me! I am weak!"

What was going on here? Not the mirthful reunion that Alynia would have thought. The leprechaun seemed cowed, there was a tremble in his words and his brow was close to the earth not looking up. Oberron gazed down at him, his visage a mix of ... well she was uncertain actually but it was as if she were gazing into a fierce storm at least for a moment, then the eye of it perhaps as those features went blank.

"What happened Corwin? We thought you we dead. You didn't succeed on your mission, did you even try?"

"Yes my highness. Tried and failed I nearly died in the attempt."

"So you thought it best to fake your death and hide out here? Your too close to the forest someone was bound to discover you eventually. You're flirting with danger but you probably guessed I was dying, the forest was dying and thus I had to be. If I died then you could come back eventually."

"No, my highness, I ... I was afraid ... I nearly lost my life once and did not wish to risk it again against Sable, forgive me my king."

Silence the Oberron commanded Corwin to rise in an awfully loud voice that boomed out and commanded authority, there were waves of force behind it too and she had never heard him this upset before, or displeased. He had stopped holding her hand though he gazed at her for a second before looking back at the leprechaun who was standind now with a bowed head.

The situation was unreal and as she debated saying something or just remaining silent weighed upon her for a moment. The leprechaun had saved her, yet he faked his own death and otherwise hid the truth from Oberron, in a way lying to him.

"You saved her?"

"Yes my king," Corwin's words were meek.

"And to think she told me of you. You have guessed that she is your queen now?"

"Yes, my king."

"well, my queen, your very first decision as a monarch. Shall I dispose of him in some interesting way or ..." he paused. glancing back at her. "Do we celebrate with drinks?" He held up the bottle he had, smirked and made her wonder if this was some sort of fey humor gone wrong or that the fey were so volitle when it came to emotions, a raging storm one moment then calmness the next. Still, they had bought the drinks before coming here so did Oberron indend for this all along or did he not care of the exspense of the ale he know held. In either case it seemed as if he had left matters up to her, seeing that Corwin did assist here at one stage. Or perhaps he had made another one of his educated guess and knew what she would decide, it was awfully tough to read the king, centuries of dealing with people in court made it easy to conceal his true thoughts it seemed.

"My queen?"

Alynia squeaked inaudibly with surprise as Corwin suddenly dropped to his knee. She watched her eyes a bit wide and a sympathetic but confused expression. Unused to seeing people humbling themselves like so, she turned her gaze up to look at her husband whose expression was so steadfast and firm she herself had to resist the instinct to cower too.

Alynia was silent as the leprechaun begged for forgiveness, unsure of what she should do. Oberron was upset, that much was obvious. She had never seen him this way and was concerned, worried, and also a bit scared. Silently she told herself to never draw the same wrath from him. Corwin too seemed to match her inner feelings in the open as he never lifted his head from starting at the floor he knelt on.

She looked from the kneeling leprechaun and timidly back to Oberron as they each spoke, slowly understanding the situation. Her eyes narrowed, she was truly thinking how someone could have made such an elaborate lie. Despite her moral disagreement, she felt a pang of accountability as she watched the story unfold before her eyes. Had she lead Oberron to someone who truly did not want to be found? The last thing she wanted was for Corwin to be hurt from her decisions. This guilt was much stronger than the feeling after spending a bit too much on wine. Thinking this, Alynia’s eyes wandered confused to the bottle still in Oberron’s hand.

She was still distracted trying to organize her thoughts when Oberron called her. She quickly realized what he had said. Alynia stood there in a state of shock, he wanted her to decide? She blinked confused before speaking a bit nervous as Oberron glanced at her with a smirk only confusing her further. This was rather well thought out to be a joke... but Alynia didn’t rule out the possibility. She was very confused, and even more nervous as Corwin held a hopeful but sad glance up at her. She couldn’t meet eyes with either men instead stared timidly in any opposite direction. During the tense moment of silence Alynia was really debating what was going on rather than the fate of the green man.

“Not that I’m agreeing with what he did to you, but he did save me.” She started slowly referring to Corwin talking more directly with Oberron. “But, to dispose of him in intresti-“ She recited his words cutting off in horror. “…N-no!” she cried with disbelief. “Drinks, drinks of course!” She exclaimed the obvious. “What happened to you two is in the past, there’s no need to any kind of violence.” She said looking up at Oberron with wide eyes. “Corwin saved me when my innocence was threatened. And yes, he might’ve lied and faked his death but we are all alright now! That’s what matters, and if you ask me that causes for celebration!” She paused looking at the reactions of both men. “And certainly not any kind of disposal.” She added muttering.

Oberron looked at her as she decided, thoughts going through her mind. Was this a joke? A test? No things seemed far too cruel to be some sort of joke and the atmosphere here seemed downright hostile. But Oberron watched her mull it over, saw the fear of what was going on around her in her eyes, the concern that hung there.

He listen, shook his head slightly as if disproving, then looked down at Corwin for an uncomfortable moment. "Corwin ..." he paused, regarding the leprechaun for a moment. Ultimately he wound up wasting away in that castle for centuries, the forest nearly died, he nearly died all in part because the leprechaun lied and faked his own death. Portions of the forest healing would not be a clue, it denoted his health for sure but someone could be keeping him alive just a little or perhaps Puck managed to tap into the heart of storms somehow ... so obviously Oberron was displeased. Now the Oberron of old would have already taken care of the matter but the chief thing going for Corwin was after all that misery he was allowed to meet Alynia and that he did assit the queen. So he differed the matter to her knowing that his emotional state would play on whatever he chose to do, perhaps not death, the fey had a cruel side too when it came to curses.

"While every impulse in me wishes to do something horrible ..." the first image that poped into mind was King Midas and knowing the leprechaun's love of gold cursing him to forever turn to gold what he touched would be ironic "... your queen has choosen to spare you. You may thank her," to which Corwin was groveling at her feet in a most sincre manner relevied not to be dead or worse now.

"Most wise Alynia, most wise, what is done is done and we shall no longer let the past hold sway over us. Drinks all around!"

The three of them soon found themselves in a living room sitting near a fireplace that had a tiny flame dancing in it, well tiny if they were full size. "Remember what I said," Oberron reminded her in a whispered tone about the drink as he patted her thigh. Then he spoke louder so Corwin could here.

"First order of business and you handled yourself quiet well. Wouldn't you say so Corwin?"

"Yes, of course, her highness is most wise." The leprechaun was bowing to her again.

"What news in the last few centuries?"

"The goblins have managed to get bigger. There new chief Pog had just assailmalated the Scribe Seekers to the north and apparently he has his brother Zog going over magical tomes, I believe they were directed to act by Sable as the tomes pertained to the Heart of Storms and we both realize Sable was looking for a means of achieving it but could only take possession of it if you past, and at that naturally.

"More of your concern is ..." he paused as if he didn't want to be the bearer of bad news. "The Black Prince has returned. His minions walk the lands again and have even dared encroach on these forests a few times while Sable was in power. I know not what he's up to but it is never good. I did some looking into things -"

"Spying."

"Yes, and discovered he is in the mountains. Puck tried to engage him once but Cinder drove his forces back, the dragon is aligned with him and lead the troops against your son."

"He's back!" Oberron went wide eyed as if he was hearing a tale about a dead man! To "dead" people coming back to life, well in Corwin's case he did not actually die but the gist of the conversation she was picking up was that this Black Prince was dead or perhaps banished, though his return was a surprise. Oberron did not look pleased by this news, however, he took a sip of his drink, nodded thoughtfully. "The Black Prince ... and we just got rid of Sable too, well there's little for him to take at this stage so what's his game?"Oberron looked at her as she decided, thoughts going through her mind. Was this a joke? A test? No things seemed far too cruel to be some sort of joke and the atmosphere here seemed downright hostile. But Oberron watched her mull it over, saw the fear of what was going on around her in her eyes, the concern that hung there.

He listen, shook his head slightly as if disproving, then looked down at Corwin for an uncomfortable moment. "Corwin ..." he paused, regarding the leprechaun for a moment. Ultimately he wound up wasting away in that castle for centuries, the forest nearly died, he nearly died all in part because the leprechaun lied and faked his own death. Portions of the forest healing would not be a clue, it denoted his health for sure but someone could be keeping him alive just a little or perhaps Puck managed to tap into the heart of storms somehow ... so obviously Oberron was displeased. Now the Oberron of old would have already taken care of the matter but the chief thing going for Corwin was after all that misery he was allowed to meet Alynia and that he did assit the queen. So he differed the matter to her knowing that his emotional state would play on whatever he chose to do, perhaps not death, the fey had a cruel side too when it came to curses.

"While every impulse in me wishes to do something horrible ..." the first image that poped into mind was King Midas and knowing the leprechaun's love of gold cursing him to forever turn to gold what he touched would be ironic "... your queen has choosen to spare you. You may thank her," to which Corwin was groveling at her feet in a most sincre manner relevied not to be dead or worse now.

"Most wise Alynia, most wise, what is done is done and we shall no longer let the past hold sway over us. Drinks all around!"

The three of them soon found themselves in a living room sitting near a fireplace that had a tiny flame dancing in it, well tiny if they were full size. "Remember what I said," Oberron reminded her in a whispered tone about the drink as he patted her thigh. Then he spoke louder so Corwin could here.

"First order of business and you handled yourself quiet well. Wouldn't you say so Corwin?"

"Yes, of course, her highness is most wise." The leprechaun was bowing to her again.

"What news in the last few centuries?"

"The goblins have managed to get bigger. There new chief Pog had just assailmalated the Scribe Seekers to the north and apparently he has his brother Zog going over magical tomes, I believe they were directed to act by Sable as the tomes pertained to the Heart of Storms and we both realize Sable was looking for a means of achieving it but could only take possession of it if you past, and at that naturally.

"More of your concern is ..." he paused as if he didn't want to be the bearer of bad news. "The Black Prince has returned. His minions walk the lands again and have even dared encroach on these forests a few times while Sable was in power. I know not what he's up to but it is never good. I did some looking into things -"

"Spying."

"Yes, and discovered he is in the mountains. Puck tried to engage him once but Cinder drove his forces back, the dragon is aligned with him and lead the troops against your son."

"He's back!" Oberron went wide eyed as if he was hearing a tale about a dead man! To "dead" people coming back to life, well in Corwin's case he did not actually die but the gist of the conversation she was picking up was that this Black Prince was dead or perhaps banished, though his return was a surprise. Oberron did not look pleased by this news, however, he took a sip of his drink, nodded thoughtfully. "The Black Prince ... and we just got rid of Sable too, well there's little for him to take at this stage so what's his game?"

Alynia was completely a taken back as Corwin groveled before her. Feeling flustered and honestly bit embarrassed she leaned down to speak comforting to the leprechaun. “No, please stand.” She told him in a gentle voice assisting him to an up right position. She smiled apologetically at Oberron fearing she might’ve been too kind as the man in green went off to find cups. She quickly gave him a peck on the cheek as to apologize, she had a feeling Oberron was still holding a bit of a grudge, but she didn’t find the words to say before Corwin returned.

They sat in the living room which was immensely cozy, with a comforting fire blazing away just hot enough so that the heat wasn’t stifling but pleasantly warm. Night was falling, and the dark chilly air outside drifted slightly into the cave only to get counteracted with the heat of the flame.

Alynia watched with interest as Corwin poured the drink they had brought into the wooden mugs. She nodded slightly at Oberron’s reminder and raised her cup to wet her lips out of politeness. Still she felt a bit shaky sitting next to Oberron, she had just witnessed a side of him she had never seen before. To be honest, it was a bit intimidating. Alynia decided to raise her glass again to take a small sip wanting to ease her nerves a bit. Who would’ve known her first major decision would be the fate of a fugitive. Letting the flavor of the drink roll around a bit in her mouth she found the flavor very smooth, earthy, and almost mint like qualities with only a hint of grapes typically used to make wine. Oberron was not kidding, the drink was strong, Alynia felt it burn slightly on the way down her throat. She was a bit amused watching the men sip it care freely. Taking another sip she set her cup down to listen to them discuss politics.

She smiled at Corwin’s compliments but turned her attention to the happenings around the kingdom. Understanding most of the conversation from what Oberron told her before, about the goblins and the dragon. But there were snip-its she didn’t quite understand. She waited for the right moment to speak up, “The Black Prince?” She interjected tilting her head with innocent curiosity. She risked taking a few more small sips from her drink which she found the more she had the more pleasant it was. Oberron had said that one or two glasses wouldn’t matter. “Who is he?”