Page 17 of Within the Veil

I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow, but Jensi beats me to it.

"What do you mean? You know very well, now that you have your memory back, that is, that there is an order to things," Jensi speaks up, draining his third beer in one go before making another one appear in the empty bottle's place.

Hunter scoffs, the box dropping onto the prepping counter before facing us, looking at us each in the eye, before resting his hands on the kitchen island. "Yeah, I have my memories back, and now what? I remember exactly how we have spent centuries learning about one world and one system and then in just a few short years learn more about the mortal realm and magic users. And what did I learn during that time? That when shit needs to get done at a reasonable time, that politics is bullshit no matter where you are."

I survey the room, and with everyone's gaze almost laser-focused on Hunter, I look back at him and nod for him to continue, somewhat hesitantly, knowing that with even the slightest encouragement, Hunter can and will become uncontrollable. Like a bull with a flag. The true issue, if you can consider it one, is that he isn't wrong because while politics are important to any living system-- even animals at the top of the food chain default to the strongest leader--it can tie things up longer than necessary.

However, regarding the Fae, it wasn't simply a question of Kingdom versus Kingdom, or rather Court versus Court, Seelie versus Unseelie, because it is more complex than that. Because instead of just Seelie and Unseelie, woven within each Court, there are different societies, and then in that society? A hierarchy. Within that hierarchy? Factions and power structures. In every interaction with the Fae, you must consider the rules, values, and allegiances in play. Because in the end, although a species may fall within a particular court, it people may choose to remain neutral and withhold their power until the best political decision is made. The Selkies were notorious for this within my own Kingdom, but it was their choice. One simply learned to make better decisions in order to benefit as many of your people and alliances, but it is always easier said than done.

Hunter's eyes take on a slightly manic gleam as he pushes himself off the kitchen island, his chest thrusting out and his shirt straining against his increased muscle mass as his eyes flash from red back to their usual Grey. He closes his eyes briefly as Jensi and Luca both send him waves of calm, tampering down his waves of power.

With a slightly less animated tone, yet with the fire still burning bright in his eyes, Hunter continues, "I understand that diplomacy has its place, but we can't let the council's inaction put our people, our family, in danger. We need to act decisively and make the tough choices needed to ensure our safety and well-being. So fuck the politics, we need to focus on the overall impact right now. When you disarm someone in a war you don't worry about the steps to get there, you just knock the motherfucker out," Hunter punches his own hand. While we pause to consider his words he huffs a breath and strides over to the counter, reaching to snag some pepperoni off the chopping board. He could still eat meat and King as well, no need to deprive them. Still... hygiene. I spin quickly, grab a knife, and stab at his hand, but with a laugh, he jumps back, stuffing the stolen goods into his mouth. Asshole.

I push myself away from the counter and start to assemble the pizzas so that we could actually fuel the fire that was clearly burning through everyone's veins.

"Technically," I start, "that disarming thing, is called strategy and planning and we do plenty of that before an actual battle," I point out.

King sighs, "I mean, he has a point though Grayson. Can't disarm if you don't actually get to the point of battle."

Oberon pops into the room, his hair slicked back as if he just took a dip in the river, and judging by his dripping garments, he definitely did. We pause to stare at him questioningly.

"Ah," he sighs and dries himself, and leans against the kitchen wall. "I came to weigh in on the conversation I have been monitoring through our link. Quite fascinating, by the way. Anyways, I was a bit tied up, having to check in with one of my whisperers, which we will discuss later. Now, I can understand Hunter's need, that fire he has, I feel it within my own heart. I know you all do as well. You all know very well, I do not adhere to typical standards of...well anything really, however..."

I laugh at his casual words. Oberon has been breaking the mold far more than anyone has ever done in Faerie and if anyone is going to make a convincing argument that we needed to break the rules while still pretending that we were following them, it would be him.

He sends a wide smile in my direction before continuing with a wave of his hand into the air, " Politics, my brothers and sister, are the foundation of our Fae society. They're the very glue that holds us together. Without politics, we'd be nothing more than a chaotic, disorganized group of individuals, unable to accomplish anything meaningful. But with politics, we can achieve great things. We can establish alliances, build kingdoms, and wield power..."

Hunter growls, but Oberon tuts over him. "Ah, ah, ah, let me get to the point here Hunter."

Hunter rubs at his temples, "Well then get to it, you don't need to give a speech, you know very well talking doesn't get things done."

Oberon huffs, his lips curling, "There is always time for a well-placed dramatic speech. Heathen. Like I was saying, politics are messy but they are crucial. Every decision we make as individuals and every action we take impacts the larger fae community. And if we want to ensure that our community thrives, we must be mindful of those impacts. We must consider how our decisions and actions will invoke the sentiments of others and work together to find solutions that benefit us all."

He smiles and nods as if everything he said was just the answer we were hoping for. But...other than his word usage nagging something at the back of my mind...it wasn't clicking.

Hunter grunts, and starts to heat the pizzas with elemental fire, "I hope somewhere in that is fuck the rules. Fuck protocol. Fuck your sensibilities, sensitivities and propriety. Suit the fuck up and let's fuck shit up."

"I feel like this is the beginning of a very badly scripted movie," Ryder groaned, walking into the kitchen wearing green Armani combat leathers.

Or a really good one, I think to myself, ignoring his choice of gear.

With a sigh, Ryder magics himself a beer, leaning against the wall next to Oberon, "Also, someone, please. Translate the Oberon and give us something we can understand.

Zane clears his throat, dusting off his hands, a familiar light sparking in his gaze. As the self-imposed leader, his consistent need to problem solve was a bit maniacal. Although, useful seeing as he took it upon himself as a personal challenge to dissect Oberon's words most of the time. "Invoke," he hums with a slight furrow in his brow. "As in...The Right of Conquest?"

Oberon's lips quirk, and understanding dawns on our faces, well everyone except King.

I look at him, "according to Fae tradition, if a fae is able to conquer territory or land, they have the right to rule over it without interference from the council. We technically won the last battle, even if Hudon slipped into a coma, so by all circumstances, we defeated a rival fae faction. By that invocation, she can claim the 'Right of Conquest' and rule over that territory without interference from the council."

King frowns, rubbing his chin, "wouldn't that mean she can go after the court as a whole and not just the rebels?"

I shook my head, "Politics. Nici, is still in majority control even if its by usurping. Hudson, to be seen as a proper Queen, regardless of the fact that she is, has to take this battle to its end. To fully take control back, she has to show she can. Not just by a technicality."

He nods, "Okay, so then we have essentially become what you said earlier, a faction within a court of sorts? The Rebel Court. But... Even if that is the case, which is a mind fuck of its own, wouldn't her invoking that right be seen as overly aggressive? I can't imagine the other Seelie Fae would be willing to align themselves with Hudson if she follows in Nici's footsteps."

Remi nods, "He's not wrong. It is very similar to Nici's uprising, although she went for the murder approach rather than invocation," she scowls.

Oberon shrugs, "sure, Hudson would have to handle it very carefully and justify the need. But seeing as how we had traitors on the Council, I do not believe it will take much convincing. Also I can offer to make the announcement..."

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