A/N: Below is a lovely, absolutely random collection of bits and pieces from the past, with some more recent than others. The first two have song lyrics at the start, while the rest don't, because why not?

~~ Aspen ~~

Go home to nothing or stay out for more?
Give in to someone or lock down my door?
Or drown all my shadows, drown them like before?
I'm drowning shadows once more.

Wandering the streets of the Towns, Aspen debated whether to stay out for longer, or head back to the forest that the Hunt dwelled in. He had already had an encounter with an older, half-faerie, but it had left him feeling unsatisfied. It was rare for him to receive any compliments as of late, and everything was rushed and messy and disappointing.

He had been stuck in a cycle. He did his assignments, then he went to the Towns, then he trained some people and ordered them around, before spending more time in the Towns. He was growing tired of it, and it felt sometimes like the constant tick of a clock was spurring him on, with each hour being a new activity. If he did not stay busy, then his thoughts would catch up to him, and he worried that he'd grow bored and discontent.

He shied away from the thought of going back to nothing at the Hunt. He was lonely without company, and while it sounded pathetic, it was true. Strangely, it was as if he didn't want to be left with only himself as company.

His thoughts drifted to Caspian, but he shook his head slightly. He had been bothering him too much lately, and he didn't want the other faerie to grow tired of his company or to get annoyed with him.

He couldn't rely on anyone, and-… and he did have things, didn't he? He was well liked – mostly – and he was pretty and he held power, and he could break the rules.

Fixing his hair quickly, from where it had grown ruffled from earlier, he started down another street, keeping an eye out for some new company. Perhaps he wouldn't head back after all. And if he couldn't find anyone, then he'd wander the whole night. Moving was always better than pausing.

…But sometimes, he still wondered if there was anything else. Something new, which could break his cycle and occupy his time.

What a strange thought that was.

~~ Layla ~~

You say you love me, I say you crazy
We're nothing more than friends
You're not my lover, more like a brother
I known you since we were like ten, yeah.

Don't mess it up, talking that shit
Only gonna push me away, that's it!
When you say you love me, that make me crazy
Here we go again.

Grabbing her books from her locker, Layla stuffed them in her bag, before slinging it over one shoulder. Another day of school was done, and she started down the hallway towards the doors, smiling just slightly when she sensed her best friend at her side, as usual. "Hey Jason, where are we heading this arvo?" she asked, glancing at him sidelong. His blonde hair fell in his face, and she resisted the urge to laugh, having told him many times that he may as well just cut it.

Their friend group often met up after school, and she went whenever she wasn't rostered on to work. They were a - she liked to think 'cool,' although it was probably more 'odd' – close-knit group, made up of some skaters, some gamers, and a couple of daredevils. She was the only girl, but she'd never minded, or even thought about it much.

Jason had been her best friend since preschool, and they rarely went anywhere without the other. The group had just expanded from there, and she got on well with majority of the rest of the guys.

"The other guys are thinking of going to the skate park. Sound good?" he replied, and she nodded.

"Yeah, anywhere but here sounds good, right about now." She didn't have a skateboard herself – she'd never be able to afford it - so she just shared Jason's.

"Cool," Jason replied, flashing her a smile.

He seemed… off though, a little nervous as he fidgeted, and she frowned slightly. She'd been noticing it more and more lately. "What is it? Would you hurry up and spit it out?" she joked, trying to ease the mood.

"Layla, I-…" Turning to her, he caught her arm, stopping her, and she paused, staring.

"What?" she said quickly, deciding he was definitely acting strange.

"Do you want to go to the movies sometime? Just the two of us, I mean." He inhaled, avoiding eye contact, and she laughed in response.

"What, you don't think you'll be able to drag the other guys to your likely shitty movie choice?" she snorted, rolling her eyes. "We go to the movies all the time. You don't need to act so serious."

"It's not that," he protested, inhaling hurriedly. "I like you, Layla. Like really like you. Do you want to go out in that way? A date, I mean."

Recoiling, as she pulled her arm away, and wondering if she'd heard right, she just stared for a moment. "A date?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Please tell me this is a joke or a dare, and we can move on."

"I meant it," Jason replied, looking a little downcast. "Don't you like me at all? Even a little? Everyone always says we'd make a good couple. You know that."

Of course, she'd heard people said that, but they'd always laughed it off – together. She'd thought he was one of the only people that saw her as more than just a girl, and she couldn't help but feel disappointed, as if she'd been let down. "So? You know I'm not interested in that," she retorted, growing a little defensive. She didn't mean to be harsh, but sometimes she couldn't help it. "We're just friends. Jeez, I've known you since preschool. You're like my brother. I thought you knew that."

Looking embarrassed, Jason turned away. "I gotta go. See you later, I guess," he said, before starting away to the doors before she could even say anything in reply.

Watching him go, Layla pushed away the lingering guilty feeling. She shouldn't have to feel bad for stating the truth.

Deep down though, she couldn't help but worry that their friendship might never be quite the same.

~~ Steff & Loki ~~

Hearing the Institute doors creak open, and a loud curse, Steff's fingers hovered anxiously over the page of her book. It was never good when Loki came home in a bad mood, although this time it sounded different to the others. It almost sounded like he was in pain.

There was a hiss of an inhale, and another curse, before she set her book down and got up quickly, walking to the doorway to see what was wrong. Her eyes widened when her gaze was quickly drawn to the blood on Loki's leather jacket, as he struggled to pull it over his injured arm. She froze for a moment, before turning away, intending to get some medical supplies.

Seeing her move away, he sounded annoyed. "Get me a stele," he ordered, and she bristled at his tone.

"I would have helped you without you ordering me to," she sighed, before starting away to the medic room, and he followed behind her. She did not bother to ask how he'd been injured – he was never inclined to answer such questions.

As he sat on the bed, she drew some things out of the drawer, before her fingers closed around a stele. She inhaled, not having used one in a long time.

Walking back over to him, he reached for the stele with his uninjured arm, but she kept a hold of it, instead pressing it to his skin, just above the bloody gash. Not liking to see anyone injured, she didn't look at the injury too hard.

Hesitating, she tried to picture the iratze in her mind, knowing she had drawn it in the past.

"Do you even know how to draw it?" he snapped, and she flinched, although she could hear the pain in his voice, and she steadied her hand.

"Yes, I do," she replied simply, and she drew it carefully, taking longer than most would, although she wanted to do it right. Her hair fell over her eyes as she leaned forward, concentrating, and she could feel his gaze on her.

Finally finishing, she stepped back to look at the completed Rune, noting the way his shoulders relaxed a little. "Let me clean it up for you."

He remained silent as she picked up a cloth, wetting it, before moving back to him to wipe away the blood. His teeth were gritted, and she tried to be careful as she finished cleaning it.

Some might have asked why she would help him, but he was her brother. There was no way that she could not help, if he needed it. She refused to turn into someone else, not wanting to lose her compassion. Besides, their parents were out at some party, like they often were, so there was no one else around to help.

Bandaging it quickly, for good measure, she met his eyes, finally. The brown was darker than usual, in tiredness. "Is that better?" she asked, tentatively.

"Better," he agreed, and she gave just the hint of a smile, before turning away, and letting the silence once again fall over the room.

~~ Caspian ~~

Finally moving away from his usual spot at the lake, Caspian started to the edge of base, watching the faeries there, from the midst of the trees. He felt no inclination to join in their activities, instead silently watching and judging them.

Some faeries milled around, while others followed orders from the supervisors, whether it be collecting supplies, or going off to training. His gaze paused however, on a familiar figure. It was undoubtedly Aspen, as he could easily tell even from a distance, by his black hair, the hint of wings hidden under his cloak, and the way he held himself.

He watched as Aspen whispered something in a faerie's ear, before leaning forward to subtly brush his lips against his. Anyone else would have missed it, if they weren't paying attention to them, and Caspian narrowed his eyes, instinctively. It had not been long since he'd stumbled upon Aspen kissing Zander, and now this too?

He wanted to turn away, but he suddenly felt frozen in place, unable to look away as they laughed, before Aspen took his hand, and led him away.

Finally wrenching his gaze away, Caspian started back into the trees, his mood turning sour. He could not say why, only that he had this annoying feeling that he couldn't quite place. He hated the way it felt, but it was not something he could help, and there was an unpleasant prickle somewhere in his chest.

It was unlike him, and he exhaled loudly, shaking his head. Why should he care who Aspen went off with? It should have nothing to do with him, but yet, it felt strangely like it did.

Pushing all thoughts of Aspen away abruptly, he decided to find someone to spar against. Or make someone, if no one wanted to. Fighting was in his blood, and it left no room for doubt or strange feelings that he couldn't quite name.

The familiarity was almost a comfort.

~~ Jai & Finn ~~

Trudging back to his apartment, Jai sighed, unable to lift himself from his dispirited mood. After a job interview with a warlock at a shop, he wondered why he'd bothered in the first place. Many were biased against faeries these days, and the conversations left him feeling worthless. Worst of all, he dreaded telling Finn that he'd failed yet again to pick up a job. He was sure that if Finn lost his job, he'd easily find another within a week. Finn was just lucky like that, and he seemed to know the right people.

Annoyed at himself for getting bogged down in such thoughts, he pulled the key out of his pocket, walking up the steps, before jiggling it around in the lock. Cursing silently when he had to try a few times, he finally managed to push it open, finding Finn sitting at the kitchen bench, and fishing around in the lolly jar. Jai immediately looked away from it, embarrassed. It was the emptiest it had ever been, with only a few lollies left, and he knew that was his fault.

"How'd it go?" Finn asked, spinning the chair around to flash him a grin. "You did great, right?"

In his shame and embarrassment in himself, something in him just seemed to snap. "Is that meant to be a joke, Finn?" he snapped, gritting his teeth. He threw his keys on the counter, where they spun across the surface, before falling to the ground. "Because I'm a fucking joke to them. I wish I was never born a fucking faerie. Better yet, I shouldn't have ever been born in the first place."

Finn gaped at him, his eyes wide, for he'd never heard Jai swear before, and it was rare that he ever lost his tempter or complained about anything. Hissing in a breath, Jai shook his head, walking over to slump down onto the couch.

Finn moved to sit down beside him, his fingers moving tentatively to curl around his arm. "It's their loss," Finn assured him, although Jai knew he was just trying to make him feel better. "You'll find the right job soon. Trust me."

Lowering his gaze and bowing his head, Jai stared at the ground, his voice lowering. "You shouldn't have to pay for everything here. The rent and the electricity – and you shouldn't have to steal food from the Institute. Don't you see? It's all my fault, Finn. You should go back to the Institute to live, and save your money. You don't have to waste it on me."

"Don't tell me what to do," Finn replied, a fond look in his eyes as he adjusted Jai's glasses, and pushed some hair behind his ear. "I can spend my money on whatever – or whoever - I like. Besides, I like it here. It's my home."

"Great home this is," Jai replied sarcastically, although Finn just hummed under his breath.

"Hmm, I think it's just fine," Finn said in response. Wrapping his arms around Jai, he drew him closer, allowing Jai to rest his head on his shoulder.

"… Sorry," Jai swallowed, the fight leaving his eyes, as the exhaustion settled there instead. "I don't mean to be like her." He knew that Finn would know exactly who he meant.

"You're nothing like her. Don't be silly, Jai," Finn replied, rolling his eyes, although he knew Jai couldn't see.

"I hope not," Jai whispered, staring at the wall as he closed off his thoughts, focusing instead on Finn's steady breathing, and the muted voices walking past down the street.

~~ Rose ~~

When she was six years old, Rose loved nothing more than when her mother sat her on her lap, and hummed, gently drawing a comb through her golden curls. It was always nice when she was doted on, and she giggled when her mother's hand brushed her cheek, tickling it.

"You look pretty with your curls, ma petite fleur," her mother sang, and Rose smiled. While faeries didn't need to know such mundane languages, her mother had always liked how the French language was often called 'the language of love.'

"Am I the prettiest faerie you know?" Rose asked, listening carefully and eagerly for her answer.

Her mother merely gave a slight, patient smile, brushing some hair from Rose's forehead. "You have Shadowhunter blood, which changes your features a little. So you will never look as perfect as a pure faerie. But you're the prettiest faerie with mixed blood that I know. That's the truth."

Rose nodded, although she pouted a little. "I wish I was a pure faerie."

"I know, my darling," her mother replied, letting her long gold hair fall back over her back. "But some things we cannot change." Resting her hand against Rose's shoulder, she turned slightly so they could look out the window, at the flowers in the garden. "It's a shame, because I know you'd love the Seelie Court. You wouldn't believe all the beautiful flowers and wonders there."

"It's not fair that we can't go back there. They're not very nice," Rose stated, her eyes focused on a small orange flower. She'd have to ask what it was called, she thought.

Her mother sighed, a little wistfully. "Shadowhunters aren't well liked there, and for good reason. I'd never be able to take you there."

"But you love me, right?" Rose chirped, wanting to draw her attention back to her. "I'm your favourite in the whole wide world?"

"Of course," Her smile returned, as she looked down at Rose. "I would not give up my home for any other reason than you, my love."

Rose buried her face in her chest, to hide her bashful smile. "Tell me again about the ancient wishing tree at the Seelie…"

~~ Ethos ~~

Without his job to do, Ethos found himself wandering through the trees, his pace slow and leisurely as he took in the scenery. He was glad in a way that it was ever changing, for he wondered if he would ever grow bored looking at the exact same things every day.

Changing direction, he wasn't sure what made him do it, although he was content to let his feet lead him. His thoughts turned to the unusual Hunt faerie with the red hair, and he pondered him. Without thinking, his fingers reached for the leather necklace with the demon's tooth, under his clothes which he'd been given. Kellan seemed nothing like the Hunt's reputation, and that thought in itself was fascinating. In fact, in a place like the Seelie where it was hard to pick out sincerity from superficiality, Kellan was unique, and Ethos was often surprised at how truthfully he often spoke his mind. It was something which he himself struggled to do.

Kellan had once pondered aloud whether he was actually worthy to be in the Faerie, and the thought made Ethos shake his head. He had never met a faerie more deserving or moral.

It had been nice to be seen as more than a lowly worker – as more than his blood – and the days seemed to flow slower than before, now that his task was finished. He yearned for another job to fill his time, for he missed the conversations and company, even though he knew he shouldn't. It was unlike him to ponder so incessantly over another faerie, and it seemed his curiosity had run away with him.

Finally, he came to a stop, and tilted his head up, to see where his feet had led him, discovering the ancient wishing tree before him. It was said to be older than the Queen – although no one knew or cared how old exactly – and the rumours were that it granted the wishes it sees fit. Ethos had never made a wish before, not even when he was young, for he had never known what he would wish for. Besides, he was aware that wishes could be dangerous things. The wrong wish would be regretted later, and often, people had to pay for their wishes. Observing the tree for a long moment, he listened to the wind whistling past the branches, whispering of wishes made long ago.

Taking a few steps forward, he then rested a hand against the trunk of the tree, lightly. It hummed with a power that he could never understand, and he bowed his head to it, out of respect.

Then, he straightened, a wish suddenly coming to mind. Pondering it hesitantly, he wondered whether to make it. He did not normally dabble in such magics, but the wish would not go away, until it was drawn from his lips. Whispering the words of the wish, he watched the branches sway, and the leaves dance in reply.

He wondered, as he drew his hand back, whether his wish would be seen as worthy and be granted, or whether it would remain as a long-forgotten ornament on the wind.

~~ Kellan ~~

Standing in the clearing, Kellan watched as the other supervisors approached. A vote had been called, regarding his punishment – he guessed by Sol - and while he did not intend to vote himself, he supposed he should be there to see the result. Scanning the faeries, Kellan noted in disappointment that Aspen wasn't there, and he tried to ignore the feeling. It could be for a lot of reasons he knew – perhaps he was busy, or maybe he hadn't been invited in time. It just would have been nice to know there was someone on his side – or at the very least, someone who did not solely blame him.

Sol stepped forward, and the supervisors grew silent to listen. "Today we meet to decide whether Kellan will be punished," he started, glancing at Kellan for a moment, when he said his name. Kellan couldn't help but feel like he was on trial, and he lowered his gaze to the ground, making sure to keep his posture straight. "He has been away at the Seelie for an extended period, for an unknown reason," Sol continued. "He left without telling anyone of significance, and he cannot defend his actions. This will now be left in your hands. If punishment is chosen, it will be done at the next full moon."

A woven basket sat on a large rock, and Kellan turned his attention to it. On the grass beside it, there was two piles of stones. One pile held smooth, black stones, while the other had a collection of uneven, reddish-brown rocks. One an absolution, and the other a punishment.

A slim faerie called Oak, with wavy blonde hair, was the first to move forward. He picked up one of the reddish-brown rocks and cast it into the basket.

Kellan's expression remained unchanged as he watched, although his hand moved to clasp a pendant at his neck that wasn't there, before he returned it to his side. A saying came to mind, 'He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.' Something from his Shadowhunter days, perhaps? He couldn't be sure, but he pushed it aside before he could dwell on it for too long.

More faeries followed Oak, and the basket started to fill up with the same coloured rock, and it reminded him a little of the colour of blood. Maybe that was why it had been picked.

He did not blame them, for he gathered he had been away for a while, and his actions were undoubtedly confusing to them. Never had he wanted anyone to doubt his loyalty, and he could not help but think that perhaps he did deserve the punishment. Maybe it was a way to atone for his guilt.

Sol was last, and as he picked up the same rock as the others, he met Kellan's gaze, before dropping it in and sealing Kellan's fate.

Kellan gave a nod in acceptance, for there was no need to count the rocks. He did not think one single black one had been added. Even if Aspen had been there, he knew it wouldn't have made a difference.

If he needed to prove his allegiance… then prove it, he must.

A/N: This ended up being a really long chapter. Haha. There's some other scenes I have in mind, but I'll do them sometime in the future.

The song lyrics for Aspen's part are from Drowning Shadows by Sam Smith, and the lyrics at the start of Layla's part are from Friends by Marshmello and Anne-Marie.