Polite Introductions

This was incredible and a little scary but mostly exciting. Marianne was finally in the Dark Forest without needing to be afraid and even though she was a little apprehensive when she made it to the border there was no way she would let that stop her. Romulus and Remus were friendly and helpful as they guided her, Sunny, and the two pack-dragonflies through the mysterious land. They made sure to point out things to be avoided, like the flytraps that had a tendency to mistake a fae for a fly, and what was harmless despite appearances, like the ferns that furled suddenly at a slight touch. They even warned that the king was in a bad mood but she wished they kept that to themselves as Sunny keeps muttering that he is going to die.

The skull entrance doesn't help the elf's mood in the slightest as their guides lead them into its mouth to land in the courtyard but even she has to admit that it is a little intimidating to be the object of so many goblins' attention as curious eyes look from every floor level.

"You're here! I hope you had a good journey," Griselda greets, grabbing the fairy's hand and pulling her further into the castle.

"It was alright. When does his majesty want to start the treaty discussions," Marianne asks?

"That can wait until tomorrow. First, I'll take you to meet Bog and then I'll show you around since you're going to be living here," Griselda explains before giving orders for the luggage to be taken to the prepared rooms. "I'm afraid we don't really have guest accommodations that are befitting your rank that also have an available room beside it, so I put the two of you in the royal wing in Bog's old room. The playroom was easy enough to convert into a bedroom for your friend and since they're connected that will give your people the added assurance that you're not unprotected."

Marianne holds back a snort at the thought of Sunny protecting her. If anything, she was going to have to protect him from his own imagination as he jumps and screams from the sudden appearance of a white imp. The imp laughs merrily as Sunny grabs his chest and pants.

"Imp, remember what you were told," Griselda growls!

Imp stands tall with his ears back, looking very repentant, and crosses his heart with his finger before nodding. The queen mother glares at him a little longer before ushering the newcomers into the throne room.

"Imp is going to be your guide," Griselda comments to Sunny. "There isn't anyone who knows their way better through the Dark Forest than him. He's in a lot a trouble at the moment, though, so if he misbehaves then report it immediately and he'll be dealt with."

"As I'll deal with you, if you step out of line," the dark figure on the throne growls.

"Bog," Griselda warns!

Bog looks to his mother slightly before returning his attention to the intruders and standing up. The elf was easy to intimidate and cowers immediately under his gaze but the fairy, after a momentary widening of her eyes at his figure, calmly crosses her arms and returns his glare. His lips twitch, this might prove to be interesting after all. In retrospect, maybe it wasn't a good idea to fly down in front of her in an attempt to intimidate her and neither was it a good idea to say what he did in the way that he did it.

"While you're in my lands, you will obey my laws or you will become my permanent guests in my dungeon. Got it, princess," Bog growls, his face inches from the glaring princess' face?

"Your mother gave permission," was his only warning before pain erupts in his face and his head snaps to the side.

Ignoring all the gasps from his subjects, Bog gingerly touches his jaw to make sure it's still intact before anger replaces shock and he brings his staff down hard. The sound of colliding metal echoes in the throne room as the fairy brings her sword up to block. Why didn't he notice the sword at her hip? Well, too late now, there was no way that he was losing to a fairy. She started it, so Mother couldn't yell at him for misbehaving.

Marianne pushes the king off balance before taking a swing at his middle, the lanky figure barely avoiding it before trying to deliver his own blow but her wings lift her out of the way before giving her extra momentum on her next attack. Each attack proves futile as Bog either avoids or blocks it and though she's frustrated at her ineffectual attempts, Marianne can't help but smile as she manages to block or avoid his own attacks. This was kind of fun.

Bog barely holds back his laughter as he flies after his opponent. This was fun. It's been a long time since he's sparred with anyone with wings or even an opponent who was an even semi-challenge. Maybe this month wasn't going to be a complete waste of time. Although, the healers might not be appreciative of the increased workload. He resists rubbing his throbbing chest from the princess' kick when he temporarily manages to disarm her. Apparently, her legs were as strong as her arms and her skill was good too, as she retrieves her sword without looking.

"You fight well...for a fairy," Bog remarks, pushing their faces close.

"Wish I could say the same for you," Marianne comments, pushing him away.

"What do you mean by that," Bog questions, blocking another attack from her?

"I don't know. I was expecting...more," Marianne teases, twirling around in a flurry of wings.

Bog blushes at the unexpectedly seductive manner before charging again. He wasn't going to lose! He didn't care how hard he was pushing himself even as he struggles to catch his breath after a few more minutes. At least she was in the same condition, Bog notes as they fall to the ground nearly exhausted. They glare at each other as they barely keep to their feet and Bog is stunned when the fairy manages to raise her sword again.

"Marianne, peace treaty," Sunny reminds!