A maleficent time (Open)

Darkness touched down upon this world today but it came in softer hues and less ferocity then normal, today was not one subjugated to a test of power but rather subtle plays. His intent remained for his own ends but that didn't mean he would need to harm this world just yet, simply watching the knots in fates plans would be enough to string this puzzle together. He appeared in a shroud of shadows and formed his body's legendary beauty and powerfully frame that stood just as tall humanoid male with glowing radiant hair, normally blonde he choose instead to darken his golden locks into a ebony shine instead. His skin also was much fairer then his common tan with scars running down face and neck with the image of whip lashes just lightly masking his natural charm. Attire ranged from tattered brown broken leather strung together in light armour. Some fancy purple colours and wispy cape were added for some personal flare.

His style change was not uncommon as many people changed their clothing for a new day and Lenneth's personal reason was not hard to believe giving his deceiving nature and going entering enemy territory. Light would always be his mortal enemy but it had its uses when the times were right.

The day seemed quite bright with the skies entirely blue with only a few puffy spots blotching out the unity, very lovely. Len had to adjust his eyes first, shielding them with a black cast shadow from his fingers before moving on past woods into view of the human city's gates along the roads. Slowly he moved past the watch towers eyeing the guards with a greeting glace and stopping at their questions that were asked. A tale of passing by with limited resources was sufficient enough to let him in no further questions asked and with directions to the local inn following his steps to boot.

The town itself was lovely with heart activity, many different ones of ages and strengths as a flourishing hub of life reminding him of other world's and their larger towns like this, older stone marks with modest design incorporated with hand made love and the people wondering on foot and more practically threads rather then refined moral high brow. They seemed much happier here then in port royal, less drunks for sure.

What he didn't expect to run into touched briefly on his knee before it flew away apologizing in magical dust, a smaller humanoid playing along some children. Smaller sized and flying? It was some sort of magic for sure but interacting with the normal population, it was rather remarkable of seeing them together. For a moment while seeing the kids and smaller human run off in fun Lenny just had to watch blinking in disbelief as others too this as normal. Taking that into notice this world felt like it had quite an abundance of magical energies, among the land on the people here this place was brimming. It was unlike many worlds the dark king had visited before, science seemed to root itself strongly among the normal sized humans. Such a thing might prove his investigation more dangerous then excepted, he wouldn't be able to power through this comfortable.

A few hours wondering without direction and overhearing what gossip and commits the people took most of Lenneth's day as the sun burned the sky orange and yellow, the starts just peeking out from the night's heels. He found himself within the inn that was recommended upon his arrival, renting lower end room for free with a simple charming smile that disarmed the owner's thoughts of business towards him. Dinner called the guests down to the hall with food given based on the coins paid. Lenny found his simple bread and soup with a cup of water was enough to continue his guise without question as tales of the hunt and fantastic stories also filled this room of great deeds, one such was from a intoxicated stranger stressing how he saw a cow larger then the moon or how no monster could compete to a women's wrath or so how the fisher man and his crew spoke of. But what did catch a thought for the La Vaeas among the ramble of self stroking wet dreams was the comparison to an event that sounded similar to what he was looking for, a tale of twenty two years ago of horrid shadow like beings that where of frightening ability and numbers. A swarm of demons they said that which had never been seen among any human or fey whatever that term was about, maybe it was the smaller sized humans with wings he say scattered around? Or that strange living tree handing out fruits with a female.


Content with filtering only what he needed the group he focused on offered little other then that, raging on the rest of their fantasy before meeting Len's cold shoulder and back to his meal. Thinking alone it seemed reasonable that such a time was not easily forgotten in the sands of time though likely filtered with too much imagination as time moved on. He'd need to find a more reliable source of information, royalty often had their hand in making history.

But question gave to rose suspicious, most of which might hinder Lenneth and his goals more then he would like to pay. He would need a reason and a back story to cover his trails and with the level of magical might this world had shown a simple Illusion or mental suggestion would not likely go unnoticed safely. Hmm the heartless allowed his thoughts to consume this question while the last bits of foot and drink vanish as did he into the comfort of a bed for night's call.

In the morning, a good deal before lunch but at the double digit mark of time Lenny had made his way to were the local ruling class was said to reside. A castle most attractive and grand marked the way, leading him to its steps as he questioned this to a guard regarding his business.

“Greetings sirs, is the King or Queen available for an audience? I have business with them that might need their attention if they aren't too busy of course”

The castle had changed much since the war twenty years ago, and was once again the pride of the Enchanted Dominion, representing the beauty and grace of the world's heart. The cracks that had one crawled across the white bricks had been flawlessly removed, and was now home to curtains of ivy blossoming with reds, blues, and purples. The fallen towers had been rebuilt taller and better than before, each one containing a magical blue crystal that was used by the castle's magi for scrying across the kingdom. Peering beyond the gate, Lenneth would have been able to see a lovely courtyard filled with forest and fauna. Everything about this land, from its architecture, people, and lifestyle, was a perfect blend of the labors of man, fae, and nature. It was a difficult feat, and troubles still arose now and again, but the world's denizens, so different and magnificent in their own ways, had finally found harmony under the guidance of Faye and the four great houses.

The guards looked up at Lenneth, their hoods showing just enough to reveal that they weren't sirs at all, but women. Two decades ago, such a thing would have been impossible. Since Faye's ascent to the throne, however, equality between the genders was one of her main priorities and so many of her soldiers were mixture of both male and female, human and fae. The guards didn't seem upset about this mix up though. They dealt with it on a daily basis, even after all the changes the kingdom had seen. Judging by their cloth and chainmail armor, the two guards were both battle-mages, former students of the magic academy that had been established.

Giving the man a once over, the guard closet to him spoke. "Business concerning what?"

Taking in the sights the castle was of a lovely taste to see, the builders and crafts certain did their work in presenting this place with a acts of love of their work and had some keen choices that made this place more memorable. Upon further inspection of his surroundings though Lenny had noticed the two guards and their true selves outside the title he just referred them to, pulling back just a little while lamenting to himself on his misplay there. They didn't feel like their were internally insulted and weren't giving much retorted to it either, thankfully the dark king could ease himself a bit but reminded himself of playing with more accurate on point calls.

“Business concerning the safety of your lands from forces that are far reaching past your domains”

Despite their reactions Lenny had to consider just what entailed gaining an audience with royalty here, this world seemed to more driven with established belief systems rather then directly controlling their people for their own benefit. Which always felt like a taste of faith for the rulers and protectors hoping never to find their charges holding up a sword to their necks one day for a mistake that might have not even been their fault. As they guards seemed to pondered Lenneth's own mind raced with ideas to present a more of an appealing case for them and their monarch to start trusting him with their resources for this investigation. It might even require some information he would rather keep to himself but who knew where fate's hand would land. It was clear that others already started to understanding the heartless and the darkness itself to draw upon its boundless powers as with the disturbances across the world as of late.

The battle-mages shared a look, before the one closet to Len nodded. A a blue light manifested into the palm of her hand taking the form of a lovely butterfly. "Your name?" she would ask the mysterious man. Bringing the winged insect close to her lips, she whispered something to it before flicking her wrist and letting the summoned creature take flight, disappearing through the bundle of large thorn branches that made up the majority of the magic gate. The same butterfly returned a few minutes later, landing on the guard's shoulder near her ear.

"Aye." she replied and the butterfly vanished in a blue mist.  

Both of the mages faced the gate and began speaking a cryptic incantation. Their hands glowed with magic, swirling above their heads in a hypnotic dance as it embraced the archway, leaving a rain of shimmering blue light in its wake. The large briars that warded the entrance groaned in protest as they began to move, sprouting with tiny red blooms to express its displeasure. Within a  few moments, the mages had created a safe passageway leading straight into the thicket of the courtyard. "You may enter. The castle steward shall escort you to the throne room." the guard would gesture for Lenneth to walk through.

Once he entered, the thorns would shift back into their proper place, making a sound that almost sounded like a sigh of relief. There waiting for him at the center of the seemingly untamed garden was a small woman, her bright red hair braided into twin tails and bundled up against her ears. A yellow pointed hat adorned her head with a matching ruffled dress, decorated with many tiny bows. There was a very cheerful vibe to the young woman as if it took all her might not to bounce around on her feet constantly. "Ah! You must be our guest." she would spin about on her heels, revealing the small wings on her back as she skipped towards the castle. "If you would just follow me, young sir. I shall lead you to her majesty.~" clasping her hands behind her, she would spin back to face Lenneth as she began walking backwards, successfully stepping around and over every tiny obstacle on the forest path. "The news you bring sounds quite concerning. Oh, and I'm Poppy by the way. The castle steward."

The fairy brought the Heartless to a set of marble steps leading up to a large imposing iron door inscribed with golden vines and leaves. Removing a wand from her pocket, Poppy tapped the door three times and it slowly opened. "Queen Faye is always happy to meet with her subjects or otherworldly visitors, but please keep these rules in mind. Conduct yourself respectably before her majesty, and be sure to keep your questions to the point and give straight answers." she suddenly spoke in a hushed tone. "Trust me, if I didn't put these rules in place, she would sit for hours listening to one person until she fainted from exhaustion." she let out a nervous chuckle. "She is very devoted... so we must look out for her, you understand. Do you have any questions before we enter?"

Magic in its glory and being freely shown to him, quite a rare sight and something Lenny was not use to among these radiant worlds of light. It was enchanting to witness such a different take on his most gift talents and arts being so embedded with society it was like currency for them.v

“My name is Sitri” answering back as one of his names given by others for identification. Labels seemed to be important to people that weren't connected with every fibre of their being,  though this one he claimed Len liked just a little less then what his birth one was but it was certainly one of his favourites.  

The castle open itself like a growing flower bloom with its deadly thorns, reviling the path towards their inner sanctum  for him to greet this ruler,whom ever it was. “Thank you” Len politely spoke as he walked past the guards in appreciation for their efforts. Looking back the way sealed itself back up with its magics of plant life by foot, keeping in mind just how large those gates truly were and his exit points.  

Another female broke through into sight soon after, this one of crimson hair, really long hair at that apparently. Lenny somewhat sighed at this site of this, he had hoped this entire kingdom wasn't ruled by an all female cast of members like some fable amazonian society, that would be truly be dreadfully to endure and likely tests his level of patience to the brink, he was not overly found to the opposing sex and much rather preferred the strength and power of the males gender. Still he had to play that part for the time being despite any internal  discomforts with this thought that he would keep to himself. “Of course, Thank you” replying with a painted on smile of white

The decor matched the exterior well in theme, very nature based archetype in play with the whole magical atmosphere as well, he felt this place was more like a magical forest then a human castle to be sure. Then again maybe everyone here was a Fae or fairy whatever they called each other, quite an interesting bunch of somebodies. Humans not being the dominating race among these worlds now that was a rare sight to behold.  

“Very Nice to meet you Miss Poppy”

At the mention of the title of Queen Lenneth had to mentally resisted himself from rolling his eyes in disbelief, the place was just crawling with wenches it seemed unfortunately, deep breaths holding his tension down and suck it up is what he told himself to keep it together. The steward then explained the proceedings quickly before they reached the main chamber, nodding at each period break before he too spoke in a matching tone.

“Understood, is there any other polite conduct I should be aware of before speaking with her Majesty? Like not looking her in the eyes when talking or always speaking in the third person or rhyming meter? I have often found royalty to have their own preferred mannerisms when interacting those of lower rankings”  

Poppy shook her head smiling sweetly. If only she knew she was standing before a Seeker of Darkness... "Nope! Just speak to her as you would normally. Our queen is of the common people, you know, and proudly so! We've had some subjects believe they have to be so fancy with their speech and mannerism. It's not necessary. Her majesty deals with that enough with the nobles and their cryptic double meaning words. Especially Lord Ve'monté... and how he practically speaks in horrible poetry, b-but you didn't hear that from me! Hahaha~" she waved her hand, trying to stifle her need for gossip. "Simple conversation is a luxury."

After passing through the foray, a veil of flowers and vines parted to reveal the chamber within. Much of the castle had been completly renovated since Faye had taken command, very different from the original plain and strict decor of the former ruling family. Though she held the late King Stephen in high regard for his intelligence and gentle hand, the sorceress knew it was time for change, and her seat of power reflected such. The throne room kept to its medieval style, donning an interesting mixture of dark purples and warm colors, an array of a violet touched sunset. Several banners bearing the emblem of the Enchanted Dominion hung from the ceiling, held in placed by the twisted vines that flickered with magical light. Stained glass windows portraying heroes and creatures of legend welcomed sunlight into the room, the greatest of these resting on the far wall above the throne in the shape of a dragon. Marble columns resembling trees lined the walls, growing leaves, blooms, and even fruit (though you wouldn't want to eat it) from its branches. Out of all the magical creations, it was the enchanted waterway running down the center of the room that was the queen's favorite. Just like a pleasant forest brook, it was full of lovely little fish, stones, and river grass swaying in the dance of the currents. Regardless of size or weight, a person would not sink, and it would feel no different than walking on solid ground.

The throne itself was a magnificent display of leaves and marble, resting firmly upon a massive lilypad. It was here that a woman bearing a crown of white gold and pearls waited. There were no wings to speak of that could be seen, and she did look very much human until one took notice of the subtle point of her ears, a feature that gave insight into her mixed fae heritage. A modest gown of ivory covered her curvy form, accented with a pattern of gold and pale yellow. Matching gloves covered her hands with each fingertip bearing a sharp metal nail. It was a grand dress indeed even if it was simple by noble standards. The high collars and puffy sleeves that highborn women wore were nice for events and such, but the queen much preferred ruling in comfort and practicality than just style--not that fashion wasn't important to her, of course. Many of the styles sweeping the Enchanted Dominion were inspired by her own labors. Her skills as a seamstress was unmatched, and the majority of her clothes were of her own creation, current attire included.

At the queen's side stood the first man that Len would see inside the castle. Garbed in dark blue armor and a spear in his hand, was the sorceress's faithful dragoon. The majority of his face was concealed, hidden behind a wrym like helm that allowed his blonde locks to caress down his back. Many found the strong male an intimidating sight to behold and was the subject of much gossip in the kingdom. It wasn't everyday a descendant from a centuries dead noble house rose to such prominence, after all. He watched Len very carefully as he entered the room, practically burning a hole into him as he did every person that came across his lady's path.

The castle steward would stop once she reached the lilypad and curtsy. "May I present to you, her majesty, Queen Faye.~"

The dark haired woman stifled a laugh, shaking her head and muttering something about over dramatic formalities before turning her full attention to Lenneth. "Welcome, Sitri." Faye spoke, her voice ringing with the strength of her light filled heart. One that depicted kindness and wisdom. "I have been informed that you bring grave tidings to my kingdom." she leaned forward, a concerned expression drawn on her face. "On what grounds do you make these claims?"

Speaking to her as if she were a common person off the streets huh? This world kept throwing wrenches in Len's studies about somebody cultures, breaking all kinds of barriers of social norms. It would take a little while to adjust with how thoroughly his had to dictate just understanding their need for moral codes and behavior to be accepted or should he just be more like himself when speaking to his kin these were the questions.

“Understood I shall do my best though its highly irregularly I have to admit”

Entering the room he was bombered with textures and scenes from a magical fairy tale of wonder and nature, the likes of which almost mirrored when Lenny saw in his own lands in some twisted dark world poetic sense. A place untouched by the greed of humanity one of just the gentle soothing darkness that blanketed a kindness of sweet love to its children. Thinking on that made the dark king appreciate the creative choices here more and his homeland.


Maybe he'd design something similar for his dark gardens back home when he returned in a few days, wouldn't be a bad idea considering how inspirational this throne room was. There as they came to the sit of power of this land did Lenny came face to face with the ruler of such an unorthodox world, the Lady Faye. When he first laid eyes on her Len's concerns further deepened as did his body tensed, he could not defy his sense to this she was a women of vast magical power and in her own right a terrifying force alone to come across in this foreign land. Exposing himself like this out of the open may only trigger a negative connections in the future should they paths cross again on the battle flied.  But it was too late to reevaluate this encounter, he'd best just play it up for the time being, likely she would undoubted notice him as well.

To her side another boar themselves present, a figure clad in head to toe in armour and the image of a ancient reptile of great power and from the looks of it the person appeared to be male but otherwise it was difficult to tell. He held a similar appearances to the stain glasses around them giving him the image of importance in some contexts. If it was a guy Lenny would be much more relaxed in knowing this kingdom wasn't entirely cursed.

Lenneth then stood still once the steward stopped her own movements, offering at least this show of respect as he lowered his arm to stomach level then bowing his head down for a couple of breaths while first appearing in her presence.

“Many thanks your Majesty for your generosity for seeing me this day, it is an honour to be in your presence”

He stood again soon after with excellent body posture and  with little fear of his versions of truths being shown 'before this strange and dangerous individual.

“ Unfortunately I do your majesty. My proof is in fact is your own kindgom's history. I speak of the dark ones that pledged your lands years ago. I've been informed that your kingdom has dealt with other worlders, these dark ones are of the same foreign nature. I am unaware of your knowledge of them in extensive detail. I can say they are a force that is not so easily dealt with forever and like your lands before it they trouble many worlds in the vast echos of the outside. My intent is to stop them and safeguard the Realm. If you'll allow me I offer more insight behind my goals and purpose in visiting your kingdom”

A tap tap could be heard as Faye drummed her fingers against the armrest of her marble throne. As the man spoke, she took the time to assess him, and noticed how he tense he appeared. He was also strikingly handsome, sure, but otherwise seemed to be normal. Yet, she couldn't help but sense an aura of dark magic about him, and the way her castle steward stared at him with those big doe eyes only added to that observation. Perhaps a subtle hint of a charm spell then? It wouldn't be the first time a man had stood before her hoping to use such magic to gain sway. Such foolishness never got very far. Damian of house Rosmont still had his pig face and tail from trying such a low act. It was nonsense she would not put up with.

"You speak of the Heartless?" she asked, recognizing the description of the dark fiends and the chaos that had been brought about two decades ago.

Malazon, a seeker heartless that had organized their movements, had nearly decimated their world, playing upon the dark strings of men's hearts to fuel a civil war among the great houses. Had it not been for Marigold Darkson and her vast resources, the Enchanted Dominion may have fallen to darkness. Unfortunately, without the legendary keyblade, the Heartless lord could not truly been destroyed. The best solution they had at the time was to keep the dark elf contained and Faye continued to serve as his warden to this day, the monster that desired her heart above all others. Just thinking about him made the queen uneasy, but she pushed such nightmares away. Now was not the time.

The man next to her, Xander, spoke up. "They have been increasing in number as of late, my queen. My dragoons have slayed more than they can count this past week alone."

"Troubling news, indeed." the sorceress said, softly. Faye narrowed her eyes slightly when Sitri offered to explain his true reasoning for being there. Why did it suddenly feel like she was about to have a conversation with the devil? "Go on..."

Ahh this was good as the good knight brought up their most recent news Lenny's eyebrows rose a little as this peaked his curiosity a little more. It seemed they were more informed then he could figure, a lone world like this understanding the common label that was placed on them by the first ones to incurred the great darkness's wrath. This would work better to his advantage now with the apparent danger green lighted to their minds and with no interference on his own part, his natural charms would do just fine on their own.

Though Lenneth could feel little in way of either of them right then which seemed rather odd given his presences there, there might be some protections in mind given with how much magic was in this place. He paid the supernatural aspect of himself for a time not wanting to test something right now but if things didn't change soon more in his favour he'd understand why.

“Yes the heartless, you are more informed indeed. Many worlds I have visited have labelled them many things but that name is there most commonly used. Every world among the stars have their own patches of them, little isolated pockets that some that wonder too far alone. But as with your world many homes have seen much more numerous and active heartless these past few weeks then they have been in years by quite a margin, striking down whole towns and people without warning. Many worlds may or may not know of this but have not yet grasp with how much damage the dark ones can do yet.

Your world was one of the first one to be effected by such a scale of darkness spreading itself like this, the last known recorded eruption of a similar scale was in a world name twilight town. Why have the once child's tale known as the heartless come to be so progressive to your world and that of Twilight? I have arrived here and in your presence to seek out the answer and if possible ask for help in regarding this question. If we could understand  the circumstances of this it may lead to the cause of the Heartless activity and help us put an end to this threat to many”

Malazon had told the sorceress much about the Heartless and their objectives, albeit reluctantly. There's not much that can make a coy Heartless like the dark elf talk, but Faye had found that using light based magic did the trick. Perhaps Holy could not destroy the Seeker, but it sure could cause a dark being obscene amounts of pain, and it was enough to loosen his lips. The queen had no pity for the monster. He'd stay in that cell for all eternity, if she didn't get a Keyblade to obliterate him first. Just thinking about him made the woman ball her hands into fists. Even behind bars, he could still get under her skin with his snark and teasing remarks.

Finding her composure, she nodded to Sitri. "Yes. I too once traveled the worlds and witnessed such." she shared a glance with her knight at the mention of entire towns being decimated by the Heartless in other worlds and in recent time. That was most concerning, indeed. "Thankfully, we have suffered no casualties from the shadows yet."

"The mages and dragoons have done well to keep them herded away from the city." Xander said.

"For now..." Faye closed her eyes, crossing one leg over the other. "If what you say is true, Sitri, then I fear dark skies lie ahead."

The fae queen hoped that this was a simple spike in Heartless activity, something that would soon disperse in time. They had seen it before, however, learning that other worlds were having the same problem was not a good sign. When she had first taken the throne after the war, entire villages would come out to kill one measly shadow, armed to the teeth. Now, adolescents were brave enough to chuck rocks and sticks at the fiends.The fear had diminished rapidly over the years, and like Len said, the Heartless had become more of a scary bedtime story. That was starting to change, and her people needed to wake up. As much as she hated to revive that terror the darkness brought, it was that emotion that helped them survive.

Faye let out a quiet sigh, revealing those dark chocolate orbs once again. "As for the Enchanted Dominion and Twilight Town invasions, I believe I can offer some insight into their similarities." she held up one sharp tipped finger. "They were both organized by a greater Heartless. In Twilight Town, it was the masked assassin, Hayden; and in this kingdom, Malazon was the puppet master pulling the strings. Both of which have been taken care of." Faye leaned back in her throne, placing the tips of fingers together as she pondered. "Which begs to ask, what would stir the Heartless again? Has a new master rose to meet this dark calling or has the horde simply become restless after being inactive for so long?"

Hayden huh? That strange brother of his kin that appeared a while back in the realm and remained there unyielding to time's advance as he sat and focused himself without interruption. He had vanished for a time since the last time Lenny checked up and him but for his disappearance to be public knowledge was disturbing news to hear. Not to mention this new named fellow of Malazon another heartless commander it seemed but one that was outside Len's awareness thus far. Pounding on the subjects Lenny remained cold towards his facial expression while holding his chin with his left hand allowing many thoughts to flow through him about these revelations.

“Your forces are indeed mighty then, in the past worlds that have faces the heartless in such numbers have fallen to darkness, I applauded your kingdom's might. Darkness may fall upon this world again as  it will many at this rate your majesty”

What to do now, the question rang inside Lenneth's head while the rest of the information started to settle down with him. The odd heartless raising during the 20 year span of the past relived itself to be another of his stronger kinsmen trying to assert more power and giving in to their desires a little to fast too much it seemed. This also raised more concerns for Lenny in thinking how these somebodies dealt with them, Hayden at the very least was a being on quite a powerfully level to compete with, Malazon must have some capabilities for commanding an invasion as well. The keys were getting to be quite trouble some at this rate, he'd need to safeguard his people sooner then later.

The charm lord raised his head again after some quite intermissions between their conversations, brooding on this information while trying not to seemed to spaces out between breaths despite the circumstances.

“A new master would a troubling thought Queen Faye, the appearances of one was troubling enough thinking the shadows could evolve further beyond what we have come to understand, indeed the mention of another such as Malazon is already is trouble to hear outside of Hayden deeds. Is your knight or your Majesty the keyblader that dealt with this Malazon? Has then been any connections with the rest of us about what has been learned?”

The dark king already knew the answer to his first question as neither of their hearts held the power of the key, thankfully it would play its part well enough without reliving too much about himself that wasn't already throw away knowledge.

Alas, Faye did not have a Keyblade, though she desired one greatly to shield her people. If what Malazon told her was true, it was the only weapon that would ensure the safety of the world's heart. It had been the seeker's goal to discover the Keyhole and flood the Enchanted Dominion with darkness. By some miracle, he never was able to discover its whereabouts and had settled on giving the war torn world a slow death and merciless. Regardless, Keyblade or no, Faye would do anything to protect the Enchanted Dominion from returning to that dark past. Her battle-mages and dragoons had been instructed since the beginning to handle the Heartless on a large scale should it ever come to pass. They would not be unprepared, and with this news, they would remain alert.  

The queen chose her words carefully as she replied to Sitri's first question. "Nay, the key of light has remained beyond my grasp, but fear not. The Heartless Lord was brought low." the sorceress kept her words vague. There was no need to cause the man to panic or her people for that matter. She thought about her allies, the Darksons. Perhaps it would not hurt to inform them of the Heartless activity. Just in case. "Yes, I have shared what knowledge I have with other leaders, though it is not much. The Heartless may be base creatures, but their masters are certainly enigmas." the sorceress clasped her hands in her lap, holding back an agitated sight that threatened to crawl up her throat. All of this was such a nuisance. Must time always follow the same cycle of destruction? "Light cannot exist without darkness 'tis said. Easier it would be indeed if those of the dark kept to their realm, yet they continue to seek to devour everything." Faye flicked her wrist, a dramatic gesture to show her frustration with the dark beings. "If they are intent on dying, I will happily oblige."

Faye's words were vexing...brought him down without a keyblade huh? He wondered just what the queen meant by that, she might have killed the heartless lord and not known the blade's ability to truly kill such a beast or has devised a means much more sinister then death. Hmm might be a possibility this was not her own doing but she was already aware of just what a keyblade was and maybe she knew of its power against their kind. This was going to have be a gamble.

“I hope so your highness, if you destroyed his form without the power of the key then he would reform himself in due time, maybe be the cause of your world's current spike of turbulence. I do not doubt the power of your kingdom's good soldiers but I pray we can steam off the flood before it recklessly takes more of your people lives. Will you allow me to hear more about this man and how he came to possessive such dark powers? Or if you find yourself in need of time away from my company I'd like to talk to your sworn knights that fight the heartless and understand their perspectives of this and what they have witnessed. It may shed some light into their behavior”

This would not be easy but if he looked around this world maybe a slim chance he could feel just a hint the taint of that lord's essences scattered about or maybe his current influence if he still existed. It be hard to pull out residual memories out from the darkness of this world after so much time had layered on by time's grip but it was worth a try. Finding this baby brother could prove useful.

As the fairy queen spoke further about her inner thoughts about the heartless Lenny could only wonder further out from favour with his perceptive of her. Her comment only brought a deep sorrow to his dark heart, bring with them his own philosophies and desires for his people to simple exist as safely as they could be. He to wished for their addiction to end, to embrace the dark instead of seeking what the little thrills of light inside those hearts held and their addictive drug like effects they had for them just to feel its dim tingle of life again before fading off wanting more. But he wore his face with a cold stillness as she spoke.

When it came to the safety of the Enchanted Dominion, Faye was a vicious mother bear, and she would protect her home and it's people till her dying breath. Those of evil intent would be spared no mercy. Beings of light, darkness, or nothing-it didn't matter. As long as she was queen, she refused to let corruption seize her lands again. How many hearts had they claimed of her people in the past? She dare not even estimate a number. It was too painful.

Faye's face remained serious as she continued to listen to Sitri. The man was quite the curious sort. Perhaps too much. There was a bad feeling itching in the back of her mind when he asked to learn more of Malazon. She kept choosing her words carefully so as not to reveal too much. Of course, she could easily refuse to hold audience any longer, but that would only make matters worse. Appearances were important, and outright denial wold reveal more rather than playing along. It was as if this man had learned how to speak from the best of nobles.

"My soldiers are well aware of how Heartless function, Sir Sitri. The forces have been trained how to fight the fiends to the best of their ability since I took the throne. We may not have a Keyblade, but we do what we can." she offered a gentle smile before going on. "As for Malazon's origins, I am afraid I know little. He was most likely a fae of a world long lost to the darkness. His appearance was much like that of a Dökkálfar, or dark elves as they are known in the common tongue." she shrugged, folding her arms over her chest. "To him, this world was a bed of roses and he wanted nothing more than to let it be consumed by weeds. With that said... to my knowledge, his only directive was to submerge the kingdom in absolute darkness. He nearly succeeded in causing this world to disappear. Had it not been for the efforts of the Darksons and myself, we would not be standing here today."

Hmm she seemed to be somewhat on the defensive right now, coming to her guards side with Lenneth not even provoking such an idea of her army's inability to defend the world. He merely suggested to save them from any sort of uneeded fighting if they could so, it would reduce the risk of her own many need to act in unfavorable means to their lives. So what was the cause of this aggressive statement, was his words taken as a small offensive or was this a slip from something else troubling her mind.   Peering into the unseen and feeling around the unseen webs Faye's emotional energies didn't reveal much either as they seemed just as confused as Lenny was at that moment, little means of uneasiness though it felt like.

“Indeed your Marjesty and they have done a remarkable job, your world is one of the most elegant one's I've seen in my travels. Such beauty would not last long if there weren't strong warriors protecting its borders”

The queen continued saying a name that Lenneth his heard whisper in the darkness from time to time but one that seemed to have its notoriety through the worlds itself. Darkons some sort of clans that has made its name known across the stars, a feat not easily achieved and not something to be done on by only one individual.They had to be powerfully yes as they did help this fairy take down a heartless lord. But that raised the question just how powerfully was this being that this ruler needed help, she felt quite almighty already though the feats of training were not impossible.    

With that thought and this one Lenny thought it best to conclude his first meeting with this Queen soon, their conversation was reaching it apex of usefully notes, appearing to be going around in formalities and unspoken twists in their words. Not giving an direct answer to if he could speak directly to her lesser willed servants for them to fall pray to his charms. And this dark lord, Malazon...interested the La Vaeas, a person from a different world? Yet with a name known to her own tongue hmm likely still part of this world but a kingdom familiar.

“I see Hmm there is much to consider now about these danger and for the uncertainty of the future of the worlds. I shall trouble you no more for this day Queen Faye, the hour grows late and we both will need our rest. Tomorrow I will begin continue my with my own duties. Thank you again your Majesty, perhaps I shall speak to you again in the future, I'd still would like the hear about the stories your Men have endured when they are able to spare a a tale one day. If you learn anything new to aid me in this quest or wish for my assistance then please feel free to summon me, I shall be resting in the Inn of the seven swans of your city for a few days before leaving your world. I shall take my leave.” Bowing in kind Lenny allowed a more cheery smile to break through that serious air between them as he stood back up, making eyes contact with her and right hand knight once more before turning towards the gates to the town.

If not interrupted further he would attempted to cross back out of the castle and move towards here he spoke of honestly. There would likely be some distrust between them now as a mere stranger walking into her world with duty in the name of good, it was not a story one would usually take a face value. She was free to think as she will. Lenny hoped her hidden agents would come to him in time to share more of this fine world's wealth of information up close and personal.

Faye gave a single nod of her head, slightly relieved. They were talking around in circles. It was something she hated to hear and even more to do herself, though she couldn't find much of an alternative in this situation aside from straight out lying. Malazon was a secret only known to her inner circle. A seeker of darkness imprisoned within her castle was the last thing her people needed to worry about.  

"If you feel the need, you may question my soldiers. A few frequent the taverns after dusk." there was no harm in letting him make his inquiries about town. Perhaps his good intent was genuine. It was better to be cautious than not at all, however. "I am sure they would be happy to give you a retelling of their encounters with Heartless. Some may be more grandeur than they actually were. Ale tends to make enemies of the past suddenly much larger than they originally were... so it would seem. Keep that in mind." the queen returned the smile, small and conservative. "Fare thee well, Sir Sitiri. Should you desire to speak with me again you need only ask."

Once the man made his leave, the sorceress leaned back against her throne and sighed. Poppy was still standing there with her clasped to her chest, fluttering her lashes as if their visitor was still there. Placing a hand to her temple, the redhead sighed. "My, my! What a handsome lad. The gossip will be flourishing through the streets about him."

"I do not doubt that." Xander shook his head, a light chuckle emerging from him. "I'm sure the maids would line up and lift their frocks if he all but asked it of them."

Faye did not engage in the jest, simply rising from her seat and stepping down onto the lilypad. There was no will in her to laugh. The threat of the Heartless weighed too heavily on her mind. Why was this happening again? Was it possible that Malazon was somehow involved? No, impossible. The fiend was contained. If he was part of the problem, why hadn't he done anything sooner? Was it possible that his prison had weakened and he had found someway to reach out to his dark siblings.

"My lady?" her dragoon held out a hand to her, concern seeped in his voice.

"Hm?" she blinked at him. "Forgive me, my mind was wandering."

"You must be tired." he offered his elbow to her.

"Yes, I could use some rest." she said, lacing her arm through his.

It was true that she was weary, but rest was not what she intended to do once she reached her chambers. After dismissing Xander for the night. she approached her bedside table, and removed a black gem from its drawer. The queen sat down on her feathery mattress and stared at the powerful creation in her hands. It had taken her years to complete the crystal, a fail-safe in the event that Marigolds device that held the Heartless Lord faltered or if she had transport him for any reason. Mayhaps she would have to use it soon.

Lenneth arrived back at his inn as the night took a hold of the skies above, darkening them into a softer shade that felt more like home then when he first arrived, a comforting sign to hold after the long escapade with the fairy queen. Crossing into the door as the inn keeper nodded and smiled with his room key in grip. The lively dinning place now stood still in silence, lit up with a small hue for the remaining lantern lights dimming their colours with the sounds of sleep echoing lightly in the snores of others above, that and some muffled pounding along the wood likely from some adults that found each other that night.

Happily nodding the dark haired beauty took the key into his own hand smiling as he left upstairs into the third floor of the inn towards his numbered door, twisting the key in the hole to open the door soon. His room was fairly spacious for the munny he didn't spend, his charms had their advantages when used correctly. It was of slightly larger then a moderately sized bed room, complete with a twin bed placed under the closed window, an empty chest that fit the room key just to the foot of the bed, a sink underneath a mirror just behind the door on the left where it opened and a table with a few accessories.

The room was also kinda filled with some decorations from plants to odd paintings to some things like soap and fabrics towels for the baths area behind the inn. It was a good set up for the remainder of his day, with some motion he locked the door behind him and studied the room a little. Taking in what he needed to memorize in case of an event while also scanning for any magical hints that may be enchanted in these walls or floors for surveillance, there were none thankfully.    

In a sign of ease his body finally could actually relax for a moment, mimicking even breaths that humans used to ease themselves, guess the motions worked as he felt some relief from it. He conjured a Neo-shadow heartless to his side, the dark creature just coming up around his upper quad twitching its body and slight motions as it did. It walked up to its master and hug the dark king's leg like a little puppy. That helped Lenny find peace as he layered below on his bed to reflect on the days actives. He petted the heartless while resting, placing in a claimer state while reaching out to the darkness of this world and hearing its thoughts and feeling its feels through him at the same time with his dark powers, reaching out to the heartless left behind in this world  and seeing their memories through their eyes while sorting them. Their were many voices of the heartless that answered, even the darkness itself of this world chained through Lenneth's reach as this world was indeed invested with those of the dark, more so then maybe that queen's notice went as they were much closer then one to expect to a safe human city. He did not command them to do anything but rather heard each of their own stories while resting himself, like reading a movie with the kiss of the nighttime.

From deep beneath the castle, an imprisoned seeker existed within his cell. No more no less. For so long he had been without the chaos he once commanded, that he no longer had the desire to take his elven form. There, he rested, nothing but a dark orb lying in the center of the Darkson device. He had been cut off from the darkness, from everything he was. For the past twenty years all he knew was hunger, and a burning hatred for the ones responsible for his capture. The current queen especially.

The people of this land: he wanted to butcher them all right before her in the most crude way imaginable until not a single one remained. Faye would be saved for last. He would subject her to every demeaning act he could think of, and break her will to live. Oh, how he wanted to rip her shining heart apart piece by piece, crushing it between his hands as the light faded from her eyes. But the dark elf wouldn't stop there. Oh no, he would not kill the woman, far from it. Death would be a mercy. She would be welcomed to the life of a Heartless, and her body cast aside to become one of those empty boring shells. If it were in his power, he would find both pieces of Faye and continue the torture for an eternity. Everyday, he played through his sadistic dream, each time being more grisly than the last. It was all he had now. If Lenneth listened closely, he may have been able to hear these distorted thoughts, and possibly vice versa.

As she slept, Faye caught glimpses of this in her nightmares. They were becoming worse. Ever since he touched her heart, they shared some kind of connection, and one that she despised. If only she had not been so reckless back then. That was her curse for coming so close to losing her heart. It was put to good purpose. Faye had deemed herself his warden, and constantly kept an eye on his emotions and the faint trickle of thoughts she could occasionally hear. Dusk fall was when he usually began to stir, and more than once he had kept her awake the entire night with his promises of misery. It was very difficult, but eventually she learned to block him from her thoughts to gain peace of mind. He seemed rather restless tonight however, and that only added to her suspicions. Was he involved or just throwing a tantrum? She prayed for the latter.

Ahh the darkness of this world was interesting, this realms minor flow of it was quite a bit different then the purity of the dark realm's just from feeling around this world and others during his travels. Lenneth wondered what twisted this darkness so much from what he knew it to be, the countless number of hearts must be effecting it as such with their properties. It felt much less clean to what Lenneth was used to if he wasn't control the shadows like a million million little minds trying to peck apart the greater whole to their whims. There wasn't much else that seemed out of place the heartless he could feel were rather causal in there in their lives, seeking hearts wondering closer to those darker chosen and overall the life of the darkness.

They were a lot more active here then he first thought and what the good queen and her minions reported to him or maybe they hadn't shown themselves quite yet. It was funny but they heartless themselves didn't seem to know why they felt much more railed then normally they were beings of pure instinct so this wouldn't be hard to accept as a reason.

Filtering them away as he only spent a a few moments within each answer to his call Lenny felt something else speaking, a different voice unlike the minor heartless that were in the numberless bracket and in fact very human like. It was strange and familiar call he could sense much like his own signature. Focusing further upon it while silence the other echoes the La Vaeas attempted to reach out to the separate consciousness while also concealing himself enough from a recognizable detection.        

The voice though was very faint, it might take whom ever it was to sense another powerfully force in the shifting reverberation in the darkness. If they saw the representation of Lenny they would only see a cloudy mist with no form or physical features, only a pale glow to their eyes, crimson and bright among the deep ebony.

"Darkness" Lenneth would say in their language, repeating it over and over again while reaching further into this outside force.

Straining to see through his own rage and despair, the Heartless Lord made out something beyond his dark prison, noticing a dim glow of eyes wrapped in a crimson mist. Was his mind deceiving him again? Another hallucination due to the lack of hearts he had consumed? It had to be. The cage that contained him had not weakened from what he could tell for he was still cut off from his brothers and sisters of the dark. And yet, he couldn't help but feel that this was real. He made out a chant, hazy and faint due to the power of the Darkson device. Was it possible that what he heard came from an individual strong enough to slide a hand through these crude iron bars? Malazon strained as hard as he was able, hoping that his thoughts could reach this unknown outsider.

"A call from the endless dark..." his words could only come to Len in a broken whisper, if they reached him at all. "Speak." was all he was able to get out before he had to pull back. It took much energy to attempt such a communication with his power sealed away, but maybe he would still be able to hear a response.

As Lenny chanted the one he sought seemed to reply back in a quite whisper like reply, very slight and hard to break down but regardless it was clearly something of his kind. Hmm would this be a trick maybe not likely due to its nature. He would kept this simple though and not tax the poor creatures inability to emote properly from their distance in the shadows.

“La Vaeas” Lenny whispered back into the void of black of the heartless hive mind before slipping his conscious into a different route, taking this to a more physical means of communication as his body rested and safe under the care of his pet cuddle buddy.

Travelling through the ripples between the light and dark Lenneth's mind wondered into the shadows along the walls of the imprisoned heartless lord, taking the form of the same shape that etched itself into Malazon mind now taking it in on the physical plane. In this strange location hidden in a place only the fairy queen knew off, it was difficult to even make out the room's looks for some reason while adjust to this strange place, how the hell was this happening? What strange magic did this land have to corrupted the flow of darkness like this. Lenneth was unsure of where this location was only that this was the source of the silently reply to his summons. Len though had to be sure this was the one that called out to him, this odd figure and odd sensation built into the room.

“Darkness my friend?”

The unknown brother spoke back. La Vaeas, they said. It was a name he had heard before. Of that he was certain, though little else. In his freedom, he had been far too absorb in his own ambitions to acknowledge others seekers. There was power behind that voice, even when his prison made it difficult to hear. Interesting... had his normal mutterings somehow reached out to this being? Perhaps someone who was as powerful or more so than he once was had scryed through the world's darkness. The dark elf had once done so himself when he was able, whispering to the hearts of men their darkest desires. Watching those nobles fight in a senseless war was so entertaining. A memory of more pleasant times. Malazon could almost feel as if the speaker's presence was closer, and so when Len spoke again, he replied without straining this time, finding it easier to communicate.

"Darkness, indeed." he chuckled. Perhaps it was one of relief or maybe to hide the shame of his current state. "La Vaeas... a whisper on the wind... none have been able to hear me until now... time does not matter to the shadows, and yet I feel its weight upon me. Why do you reach out to me?"

Lenneth's shadowy form flickered moment to moment as he watched the young lord before him struggle with even trying to concentrate on him from a physical means at looking at him. This place was a marvel to behold indeed, the power of which was good to note even if a fallen sibling was the cost of such knowledge. So now what has come to bear? Looking down as his eyes of deep red light bright but hidden behind a sightless room he draw closer slowly to examine the stranger closely while attempting to peer deeper into its darkness. It was a natural one thus far as much as he could tell, created by other heartless at the very least but the rest he would seek with more consent rather then taking what he needed for the time.

“Curiosity Brother and it seems as luck has brought as together this day. Do you have a name? Your condition does not bode on healthy from my perceptive.”

Lenneth would take this cautiously, speaking too quickly to this trapped hound would not be simple either if he gave away too much information and would be at the mercy of his captives. This required an untainted mind, not tainted by the queen's prejudice to this man, even if he were a lesser one yes.

"A name? Ha..." the dark mass that was the Heartless Lord rippled as if he were about to his elven form, but retreated back into the mists of himself. "What is in a name that makes it so important? In this hell, it hardly matters. I am simply another Heartless, starved beyond all recognition. Hmm." Malazon paused for a moment. "If I were to be given a heart to feed upon, perhaps then I would have the strength to gather my thoughts and answer your questions."

It was a desperate attempt, but Malazon did not care. Too long he had been left to starve, unable to fade away into the abyss, forever contained in one single spot like a caged animal. At this point, he would do just about anything to get a heart to devour, but he was still a man of dignity. He'd try and be as classy as possible... at first. If he was denied, he would slowly reveal more feral thoughts to Lenneth. That is, if the La Vaeas could even dictate his whereabouts. The fairy queen had hid him well, but also kept him close by.

Lenny remained in a slight wonderment to this creature before him, a lesser heartless to be sure now as he was a starving willingness shadow of his former glory. He had never thought deeply about their kind when it came to the lack of means to the addiction that was hearts, the festering need to consume and hastening the ever expedition of darkness. And yet from a purely singular perceptive they offered no such nourishment to the heartless individual nor did their kind rely on any sort to began with. Hmmm was it due to the ability to regain one's humanity and self awareness did this being then slowly deteriorate back into the darkness from which formed it? Lacking that motivation and longing for that spark of life heartless provided just to remain aware of whom he was then, a will being brought down by withdraws now that was interesting to note.

Despite the vast knowledge the dark king held for their species this play was beyond his scoop to explore, this world has done him a favour in showing this experiment to him. Circling around as the shadow like form of Lenneth's consciousness shifted around with ease it would only keep on looking down upon this captive brother and drawn on his thoughts to understand.

“ A name, something to think about while holding on to yourself. Something to hold on to before the nothingness.”

Lenneth would also use his powers as he wondered around to remind the broken Heartless's body and mind of the sensations of a heart but providing nothing in the physical or energetic sense to him as Malazon's would tingle in pink magics. Just the feeling it consuming the tiny bit of light with an overwhelming rush of darkness with a temptation that he likely missed, something to hold for the time being. Lenny had already decide to do nothing worth wild for this captive, his existence proved to be too much of a gamble in light of his past history though if he was truly broken then that might be a gem to behold.