Snowstorms and Hazel Melodies

The Damned Bet

Stay close to people who feel like sunshine.
-Xan Oku

"Announcing the advisor to the High Lord and commander of the North East armies: Raina Zor".

A hushed air of surprise and interest rang through the throne hall of Kallias and Vivianne's Winter Court. A certain Night Court spymaster sat forward ever so slightly as his shadows merged with the darkness to investigate this new addition to Kallias' Court.

To the shadows' delight, who were forever connoisseurs of beauty and skill, was joyous to see the female behind the large ornate doors.

Raina Zor, known as Ice Silver to those who fear her, entered the hall, looking like the personification of snow and power itself. Hair that glowed silvery-blue coiling to rest at her broad warrior shoulders, dressed in a gown that resembled snowfall.

Her wings however, were nowhere to be seen and would not be seen tonight. Not around so many variables. She bowed deeply to the High Lords and Ladies of Winter and Night Court before taking her spot next to Vivianne.

Kallias nodded affectionately at the fae and his Lady grasped her hand, beaming. The guests to Winter Court, Inner Circle from the Court of Dreams looked upon her with bored yet polite expressions, letting no secret of emotions show. There were nevertheless, a major exception to that statement in the form of a strikingly stunning blonde in bold red attire and bolder lip stain: The Morrigan. Heavily contrasting to the rest of her Court, she was positively gleaming.

"Raina!", the ecstatic shrill call alerted everyone on the table including the one it was targeted towards.

"Mor, it's been so long since I've seen you", paired with a genuine smile before returning to the picture of polite expressionlessness.

The dining table used tonight was the rectangular, intimate and smaller one rather than the long, intimidatingly grand one used for major court dinners. The High Lord and High Lady of each of the two Courts present had a respective end of the table and three fae to accompany. Raina was situated between Viviane and the general commander of Night Court's army. The fearsome Illyrian warlord who had inclined his head as she sat. Opposite sat Kallias and Viv's second and third in command.

Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, seemed pleased at her arrival and introduced his Lady and Court; "Commander, this is the Night Court High Lady and my mate: Feyre Archeron. The Night Court's leader of guards: Cassian, our third in command: Morrigan, whom I seem you are well acquainted with" his friendly smile seemed to melt the icy shield of the Ice Silver for a microsecond, "And the spymaster: Azriel".

The Azriel in question was a being that Raina had well heard of, of his eloquence in fighting and of course, shadowsinging abilities. She had even heard claims of his beauty. However those claims did no justice to the latter rumour, his physical being was an otherworldly work of art. Dark, dark hair trickled down to and flirted with his eyelashes and those eyes, Rai almost tripped over air as she made contact with such warm hazel orbs that showed none of the cool distance the face it belonged to had. Shadows sat perched on his scalp, shoulder, in his ear as if whispering about her, and on those majestic Illyrian taloned wings. He was the most sublime and exquisitely gorgeous male she ever had the honour of setting her own opal eyes on.

Quickly gaining composure and poise she replied, most cordially, "It is an honour and a delight to finally meet and become acquainted with Night Court. Allow me to convey my apologies for my late arrival".
Vivi waved her friend's regret, "That one was really Kallias' fault. Situating a defense meeting so close to dinner".
The High Lord in question smiled fondly at his mate and inclined his head in sincere apology to his advisor.