1 Month Prior; The Human Realms

Lucien strode quickly down the marble hall, still unsure why he had been urgently summoned by Jurian. The reanimated former wraith spent most of his days traveling, and his nights arguing with Vassa, the firebird queen. At one point the relationship between the three of them had developed into a kindred bond, but after a time Lucien had begun to feel out of place even amongst the "exiles". He knew something was off, but could not quite place his finger on it, as though he was missing critical information that was right in front of him.

Everything had changed in these last two and a half years; his life was drastically different since the days of serving at his former Lord…and friend's court. Frustration followed him easily, although he spent a lot of his time traveling also, looking for information and aiming to become a bridge between the different courts and peoples. Despite his nagging sense of annoyance, he had begun to embrace the old nickname of Fox that was given to him, seeing as he indeed played the role well.

He had been his former Lord's emissary and right hand; however, he now had the complete discretion and freedom to make his own decisions and roamed where he pleased. A large part of him still did not like to dwell much on his old friend, Tamlin. He had heard the rumors that Tamlin was but a shred of his former self, the news of the birth of the heir to the Night Court had been the final straw in him spiraling off of the edge. Lucien, however, had been openly joyous in hearing the news of the prince's birth. He knew all Feyre had suffered, and as much as he still hated to admit it after years of conditioned thought, Rhysand was a good male and deserved the happiness of a beautiful mate and son as well.

Pulling himself out of the thoughts of his last encounter with Tamlin, Lucien entered the drawing room of the newly refurbished mansion to find Jurian and a young woman seated there. He felt his russet eye widen reflexively as he drunk in the sight of her. Her head was thrown back and her striking laughter echoed around the room. Uncharacteristically of Lucien's normal mannerism, he was at a stark loss for words, and stumbled, actually stumbled over the threshold. As his blood heated and his heart pounded embarrassingly quick, he felt the twinge in the mating bond, reminding him that beautiful Elain was his mate for life. However, even this could not bring him to tear his eyes from the young woman's laughing form.

The sheer white gossamer dress that wrapped around her body was draped to the floor, accentuating every inch of her curvy frame, and served to highlight her golden colored skin perfectly. Her long black hair was twined into a large braid which rested on top of her head like a crown, and magnificent golden jewelry inlaid with glittering fine stones nestled on her fingers and arms. He could just make out the outline of a small golden sun at the base of her throat as she pivoted to him. At his foolish entrance, her piercing golden eyes met his own, the playful laughter still illuminating her feline eyes.

Rising elegantly from her seat, she continued to smile as she approached him and tipped her head respectfully to him. "Lucien, well you do look dashing might I say". Her voice was the light of dawn as it streamed into a chill room, flooding his blood with warmth. He finally uprooted his tongue from the roof of his mouth long enough to thank her.

Although he felt the warmth and divine light literally radiating from her as she stepped closer, he could sense something deeper under that. Something that stirred in his core, as though his very nerves were warning him of a dangerous and powerful creature to be on guard of. Even her steps were precise, silent but she walked with the air of royalty. Finally prying his eyes off of her advancing form, he quickly looked to Jurian for some type of explanation as to who this woman was. She might be someone from the day court, with her appearance of gossamer and glowing caramel skin, but then what business would she have here in the mortal realms, and with Lucien of all people. Jurian however read the question in Lucien's eyes and simply lifted a shoulder in a silent shrug, confusion and what seemed like awe etched on his own features as his eyes flitted back to her retreating figure.

As if she read Lucien's confusion, she stopped and shook her head. "My apologies, I forget my manners so quickly. My name is Celeste and I did not think how odd this might be for you."

"No…. uhm, Lady Celeste." Lucien paused as he had no idea what formal title to address her by. "No need for apologies, I am honestly just confused as to what this urgent meeting was called for. Are you an emissary from the Day, or Dawn Court? I had planned to travel there soon but did not realize anything urgent was happening. Anything I can assist you with, I will try my best"

Her striking laughter echoed around the vast room once more, causing even more confusion between Lucien and Jurian as they shared yet another perplexed glance.

"That is quite amusing that you believe me to be from either Court. I do have to say they are such straightforward people within the Day Court so I can see why you may assume that. Their taste in clothing is also very appealing to me" She motioned to her lavish frame and her golden eyes twinkled as she looked Lucien up and down. "However, I am from neither Court, nor in a matter of speaking is it of any real consequence to discuss myself. I have come here to speak to you in matters concerning a war that is coming. Those human Queens do not know what they have unearthed when they decided to use the objects of the Dread Trove. Although the items have been reclaimed, there is far greater danger that looms in the future."

Her delicate features finally became sober as she strode back to the table and chairs, she had gotten up from, gesturing both Lucien and Jurian to sit down. "I know you two both travel the lands and speak to people of the different Courts. This is the time where divisions have to be forgotten in order to stop the dangers to come. The Courts need to be a united front. With the king of Hybern gone, he still leaves behind many who seek to destroy what they believe is the all-encompassing freedom and troves within Prythian. They despise the cold and arid landscape of Hybern and believe they rightfully deserve this land. Discord is also being sown within the main land; Vallahan, Montesre and Rask have all been promised treasures and riches beyond your imagination in working with and to free…Koschei The Deathless." A rippling cloud of coldness engulfed the room and Celeste's eyes flashed menacingly, causing Lucien to shift in his seat.

"If Koschei is to become free of his prison…" She trailed off, as a shudder went through her body. Her eyes had shifted, becoming glassy and far away as though she was looking at something he could not see. "You cannot understand the wrath and evil that would be wrought. He cannot be killed, even by magical Cauldron made items. He is not of this World." She stopped then, looking meaningfully at Lucien now. Her stare was unnerving, and he forced himself not to squirm in his seat again.

A barrage of emotions and questions flooded Lucien as he absorbed the information that he was just given. This was critical in the work that Jurian and himself have been doing, but how would this woman know this. She had deigned to reveal any information about herself, but he felt a coldness in his bones at her words, knew that they were true and was awed at all the things she knew. Lucien wondered if she was a Seer. He himself only knew about the Dread Trove after the items had all been magicked away to remote locations, spelled heavily with Rhysand and Helion's magic. Who was she to know this information… maybe she was one of Rhysand's Court members? But that could not be as he himself had spent weeks at Rhysand's Court and would surely remember meeting someone like herself.

He could feel his thoughts growing out of control with unanswered questions, but he drew a deep breath, forcing himself to focus on the most important information that was given. He had to get into contact with Rhysand and the other High Lords. She had proclaimed that all Courts needed to work together, and in the face of a threat this large, an emergency counsel needed to be held. He could see Jurian was thinking the same thing, and with only a quick nod to Lucien and a bow to Celeste, Jurian was on his feet and headed out the door to begin notifying the High Lords.

"This…this is quite valuable information you have given to us lady Celeste. We are appreciative of your assistance in preparing us for what might come. Jurian and I will sound the alarm for emergency counsel with the High Lords." Lucien leaned back, sighing deeply through his nose as he rubbed at his temples where a dull throbbing was beginning. "We might run into a problem with one of the Lords though. The…the High Lord of Spring is no longer coherent. He is a Beast now, utterly and completely beyond reason. Even I, his former emissary and…friend was unable to get through to him the last time I went to Spring Court. The Court itself is in ruins from his own hands, his remaining people who have not fled, live in fear of him. No, I do not see him assisting with the other High Lords even considering the severity of the circumstances, unfortunately. A Beast roams those lands now. No one goes to the Spring Court unless they have a death wish."

Celeste however, smiled. The faraway look had left her eyes, and a softness once more radiated from her. "High Lord Tamlin is of no consequence. I myself will speak to him. Do not fret dear Lucien. Your friend shall be returned to you. A Lord shall be returned to his people and lands". She rose as if to depart, but Lucien rose quickly himself. "Lady Celeste, you cannot go there. Tamlin is not himself! He would rip you apart and not have the care or conscience to stop himself.

Celeste's eyes twinkled playfully as she nodded her head to him "Lucien, my dear, I would love to see you stop me." A blinding light seared the room, forcing Lucien to throw an arm over his face. When the light subdued, he gingerly put his arm down. He spun around, confused and apprehensive as he realized he was left standing alone in the room. Celeste's laughing words were still ringing in his ears.

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