Of those exiled from the Courts of the Fey, perhaps the tale of Asímia is the most well-known. She came to #Auvia from the Winter Court at the turning of the seasons, found love with a traveller, and married him in the summer seven years later.
Their daughter Kosmi, half-fey and half-Auvian, was gifted with unusual magicks of her own: a deep connection to the natural elements of the world. Ever since, Kosmi's powers have passed down to the daughters of her line.
Of course, it's not just the people of #Auvia who make the journey to the Courts of the Fey. The reverse is also true. Inhabitants of the four moons often visit the world below, whether at the behest of their Court or for their own reasons. On occasion, they may be moved to enter a bargain for power, resulting in warlocks who borrow of their magicks.
There are even stories of some fey being sent to Auvia by their Kings, though they are often portrayed as outcasts.
The winter moon is the harshest, and it invariably shapes those who call it home. Creatures of the wild, half-beast and half-elemental, routinely plague the routes between the Winter Court and outlying settlements. Snow ranges from light drifts to full-force blizzards in a matter of hours. Clear skies are a rare occurrence.
The Winter Court and its people face many a challenge in their day-to-day lives, from weather to wildlife.
But they persist, somehow.
Few travel from #Auvia to the Winter Court, for not many are willing to brave the journey. Those who do take the risk, however, find themselves in a hauntingly beautiful place, shaped by the ethereal power of winter magicks and the fey who wield them.
Flutes, chimes, and sylvan choruses seem to be around every corner, even in places where silence would be expected. This music always sounds familiar, though if the songs have lyrics at all, it's hard to understand them.
Krýskhei, the Aide of Winter, is the artisan of the Court. Ce has a wide array of skills in the craftsfolk's arts, and jumps from one to another faster than the weather changes. Sometimes this means leaving half-finished projects in ceir wake, but ce always comes back to them when the mood strikes.
The Winter Palace, as well as the surrounding city, was the result of Krýskhei having a small decades-long obsession with shaping buildings out of snow and crystal.
Thélinoú, the Knight of Winter, serves as King Khionis's advisor. Bedecked in crystalline armour and often sporting a dour expression, she has the duty of providing a voice at court when her King requires a second opinion, and also of ensuring the winter moon's inhabitants have enough food and resources to get by. She handles trade requests and responses to petitioners.
Many address her with some amount of fear, even if Thélinoú will hear their case fairly.
Diápágo, the Prince of Winter, is always the first winter fey that a traveller from #Auvia will meet. Because they are the one digging you out of the snow and leading you to safety.
A jovial and pragmatic fey in equal measure, they are always curious about the world below and the people who live there. When meeting those who seek a boon from the fey, Diápágo may even forgo the tradition of bringing them to the palace and provide the wanderer their quest directly.
Párenómi, the Queen of Winter, serves as the head of the Court's military. Xe leads from the front, with a cadre of elites xe has handpicked spread across the winter moon's army following in xeir footsteps.
The more militaristic among the winter fey are trained to prepare for any eventuality, and rightly so, because their moon is perhaps the most dangerous to navigate and live upon. But thanks to Párenómi's rigorous training, the army suffers few casualties.
Khionis, the King of Winter, rules his Court from a palace made of solid snow and crystal atop a mountain sacred to the winter fey. He spends much of his time in meditation and only emerges from it when he feels the need. If, however, he is provoked into ending his meditations early, a temperamental side of the King shows itself.
Petitioners may find that Khionis greets them with a smile and a bow, or with spell and sword. But they cannot know until they speak.
Whether fey or Auvian, folk who cause mayhem and disruption for its own sake are unwelcome in the Autumn Court. But this doesn't mean that the Court lacks individuality and creativity. From artists to weavers, playwrights to performers, all manner of creative types can be found on the autumn moon.
Every year at the season's turning, the King hosts a week-long festival to celebrate the artistry of the people. Folk peruse, admire, and trade for pieces they love.
WriterRaven