Five CounselorsThe Five Counselors of the Faerie QueenWith any monarchy, there is the hustle and bustle of courtly life. Nobles and peasants alike beg for favors, scheme and politically maneuver to gain the upper hand. Such is the case within the Fae Courts. In the First Age, the king and queen each had five people who were their closest advisers, confidants and some say even lovers. Of the guardsmen of the king, almost nothing is known about. Of the counselors to the queen, the ramifications of actions have rippled through the ages. The Counselors of the Beloved Queen In the First Age, Queen Mab was loved by all and she in turn loved everyone. Caught up in the hectic maneuverings of court, she sought solace with five people who eventually became her Counselors. These five individuals eventually became to embody the elements of the fae (earth, water, fire, sky and space). The Counselor of Water and Sky - The Defender and Handmaiden: The First Age Counselor of Water and Sky was a fae elf named Nimbus, thought to be the precursor to the insectafae Bouquet D'Amandes and eventually Queen Nimbus Borealis Bouquet, the current queen. Quick to anger and distrustful of magic, Nimbus was a stalwart defender of the queen and those in need. Despite her lack of patience, she adored Queen Mab. The Counselor of Sky and Space - The Dreamer and Entertainer: The First Age Counselor of Sky and Space was a Deep Fae called Masks. As mentioned in the previous section, the Deep Fae are powerful and alien creatures capable of destroying or harming others merely by speaking. His story is as strange as the Deep Fae themselves. On a beautiful, sunny day in the First Age of Fae, the King and Queen danced in the middle of a hedge maze. They danced to music coming from instruments which were playing themselves. Their dancing was rhythmic, a work of art. They finally slowed and bowed/curtsied to each other, and the music ended. They affectionately embraced, but as they were about to leave, Queen Mab said that they should have one more song, to thank the Cnuic na Sidhe (the Deep Fae). As this final song ended, a doorway appeared which the King and Queen stepped through, and as they did, Mab sighed out to the air, "I wish you could be with me forever." This echoed, through Sky and Space, to the being which would become known as Masks. Merging stars together, the clothing which came to be identified as Masks formed, and danced out of its previous home and into Faerie, becoming a counselor. The Counselor of Space and Fire - The Mage: The First Age Counselor of Space and Fire was a fae elf by the name of Rosetta. A master of the arcane arts, Rosetta pioneered new forms of magic within Fae. Though history is unclear on the gender of the Mage, Rosetta is often referred to as a "he". It is not uncommon for some fae creatures to change or lack genders if appropriate which may be why Rosetta was sometimes referred to as a "she". Rosetta had just witnessed the death of his dearest friend Berkano, a hill giant, by his master. Rosetta’s master had changed the great creature into a rune to be used in magic rituals. Enraged at the death of his friend, Rosetta killed his master and lay crying in both rage and grief. It happened that Queen Mab heard his cries and with a wave of her hand cleared the field of all scenes of the battle. She dried Rosetta’s tears and offered her hand to him. He then joined her per her request. The Counselor of Fire and Earth - The Druid: The First Age Counselor of Fire and Earth was a human called Rel, who was one of the previous incarnations of the man Laird Sir Rel Zhirah of Rua Thar Cinn in Chimeron. A giant of a man with a great crown of antlers, Rel was the master of the forests and wild places within the Realms. His story is of nature and magic. An enormous procession of the fae were traveling through Rel’s forests. Lead by a white stag, all manners of faeries, from gnomes to elves to pixies to trolls, and even the King and Queen and all the Dukes and Duchesses were there. Two elves attended Mab, Nimbus and Rosetta. Following behind the fae, a handful of human hunters with bows attempted to reach the white stag. They began firing on the faeries, hitting Nimbus in the back and injuring several others. As the fae began to react, the forest did as well, grabbing the humans and preventing them from escaping or continuing their attack. Rosetta came forth to confront the humans, declaring that they slew his lady's love, Nimbus, and he would destroy them for it. Rel, appearing as a true druid, stepped out of the forest and spoke for peace. He offered to right the wrong so that the humans would not be slain for their folly. While the elves agreed, Rosetta cast a spell turning the humans into rabbits for until the next full moon. “As they were the hunters, so shall they the hunted be.” This angered Rel but he still offered his help, raising Nimbus from the dead. As the Queen rejoiced, Rosetta asked Rel his name. He answered that his name was as long as the trees, but when Rosetta asked the stars the trees answered "Rel". The Queen thanked Rel, kissing him, and offered him the chance to live in Faerie for seven years to see if he would wish to remain or return to his forest. Rosetta pointed out that they could bring the forest into Fae, and as he discussed this Rel stood in a daze, murmuring that he had been kissed by a goddess, by nature herself. Rel was lead off with the faeries, and did choose to stay, becoming one of the counselors. The Counselor of Earth and Water - The Inventor: The First Age Counselor of Earth and Water was a human by the name of Gwydion, who was a previous incarnation of the man Prince Sir Gideon of Coventry. His story is a sad one. Gwydion grew up among humans, many years ago. These humans were worshipers of Aurora, narrow-minded and superstitious . They believed that anything they did not understand was evil and the work of demons. This included magic, and faeries, or anyone with pointed ears, were considered to be demonic. Gwydion was raised this way, until one day when he heard beautiful singing coming from a lake. Looking closely while staying hidden, he saw a group of elves, and was struck by their wondrous appearance. Several other humans also saw the elves and attacked them, which Gwydion tried to prevent. He was knocked unconscious, and was woken by one of the elves kissing him. They took him to Faerie, where he was torn between how wonderful it appeared and the teachings he knew which told him that he was among demons. Although he felt as though he was in Paradise, he sought a way out, but was unable to go. Eventually, the King and Queen saw his distress and allowed him to leave. On returning to the mortal realm it was seven years later. Gwydion's village knew he had been changed(having given him up for dead). They suspected evil, and with a neighboring village chased him out with cries of witchcraft. Gwydion spent his remaining years on the mortal plane shunned, miserable, and alone. He always regretted his decision to leave Faerie, and missed the Queen. After many years, Gwydion left his land on a ship, looking for work. A storm with a large waterspout appeared out of nowhere, tossing the ship to and fro, which caused the old man and others to be tossed overboard. The storm quickly vanished as soon as it had appeared. While the others were recovered, Gwydion's body was never seen again. Fae reclaimed him, and he lived out his life as one of Queen Mab's counselors. Of the First Age and the Counselors As favored advisors to the queen, the counselors were gifted items of power as courtly gifts as well as making gifts for each other. Rosetta crafted each counselor a wand. Gwydion crafted a fine weapon for his comrades. Masks created a Place where each could dwell and crafted mirror gateways to link all of them. It is unknown what gifts Nimbus and Rel crafted. Though not part of the “five” gifts from the fellow counselors, there are other gifts that were given to the counselors. Chalices were commissioned to be made by Rosetta and were produced by his students known as the Black Star Guild. Faerie itself granted a servant to each of the counselors. Cirrus belonged to Nimbus before it was sent away in disgrace. A kitsune called Harlest was a companion to Masks. Rosetta had a changeling called Domino. Rel’s servant was a creature called Bumblebee (affectionately known as B.B for it dressed in yellow and black and loved honey). Gwydion’s companion was an old fae sea elf who’s name has been lost to time. As well as the bonds of companionship with each other, the counselors bonded to the Deep Fae as well. As mentioned above, the bonds with the Deep Fae are very powerful and very rare things. Masks who was a mere part of the actual Deep Fae bonded to himself. Niall was bonded to Nimbus. When Nimbus died, Niall’s tears remained which exist in the form of a buckler and sword. Rel bonded to a Deep Fae known as Tá an crann speisialta, or simply Tree as Rel called it. Gwydion did not have a true bond like the others, but tamed a giant squid and sought friendship with it. There was no Deep Fae who wished to bond to Rosetta though the mage himself greatly desired a bond. He desperately worked to attract or seek one of the Deep Fae and eventually was answered. The thing that answered was indeed an alien creature, but not a Deep Fae, though Rosetta was tricked into thinking so. This alien creature was some sort of eldritch being from far away and unknown in power. The interactions of the counselors with each other varied and were very dynamic in nature. Rosetta and Nimbus were pulled out together, so they have that in common. For a long time it was just the two of them, including Masks on occasion. Rosetta, at first, was ecstatic about human interaction with the mortal realms. As such, when Gwydion went away the first time, his heart was broken that he chose not to stay. Rosetta latched onto Rel shortly after the Hunt and he had moved every bit of Rel’s forest to Faerie, as promised. The two were inseparable for a time. Gwydion returned, but Rosetta had grown in power and ego or attitude. Because of that their relationship was kept professional. After the bonding to a ’Deep Fae’, Rosetta was sent visions of the coming darkness that sought to claim the courts. Rosetta read too much into those visions and his mind became addled by the manipulations of the eldritch creature as well as the Puck. Rosetta eventually turned on his fellow Counselors in order to save Mab. Rel equally loved and hated as hard as he could; he never held anything back, ever. Masks was Another Being, like Tree, but as he was a simple man Rel never mentioned it to anyone else. Rel did all he could to get Nimbus to let down her guard, but over time he gave up, citing her stubbornness and the elf being as unyielding as the rocks he walked on. Rel liked Gwydion but very much disliked his way of doing things. He also didn’t enjoy being blown up or shot at or scalded just for touching Gwydion’s inventions. As such, the two tended to keep their distance from each other. The one thing they both held in common was they both enjoyed hearty meals and there are tales that suggest eating contests between the two. Rel and Rosetta were extremely close, especially since their element of Fire over-lapped. These two were passionate, sharing much and giving up all they had for the other without question until the end. Rel did not expect Rosetta’s betrayal and for a long time was fooled into thinking it was Queen Mab herself who had done such a thing. Gwydion was the last to become a counselor, but his first trip into Fae was before Rel’s journey. He at first found Nimbus to be a creature of beauty and followed where she went without question. He never could think to really say anything in her presence until the offer of The Place came, which would become his tower. He fled around that time, after the King and Queen let him go. The second time, their relationship tended to be friendly, never romantic, and most times professional. Gwydion was constantly aggravated by Rel for the druid refused to learn how to read, and thus broke many things. The two could always bridge their differences with their love for hearty meals. Masks was ‘strange’ to Gwydion, but he never had time to explore it. Gwydion’s relationship with Rosetta was purely professional and cool. He was the second counselor to be removed; he was also led to believe it was done by Mab. Masks got along with everyone very well, one might say Rel the best from an outsider’s perspective, but maybe that’s how Rel liked to tell the story. It was Masks, however, that inadvertently helped to drive the wedges between the Counselors, especially Rosetta. Towards the end of the First Age, Nimbus grew distant from Masks, and kept it at arms’ length, shouldering her burdens alone. Rel still loved Masks, though he became more muted in its’ presence until Rel was betrayed by Rosetta. Gwydion became more spooked by Masks when he was startled out of a plan or schematic he was working on, but paid him not much more heed other than usual pleasantries. Rosetta accused Masks of outright spying and working with the darkness that the elf kept seeing in visions. Masks was the third counselor taken down by Rosetta. Nimbus was the lone wolf, duty above all else. She found Rel annoying as he made work play and play work . Nimbus herself felt she could never play, but allowed herself the rare smile at his antics. She was the quietest of the counselors save for Masks, who never spoke. She found more solace with Gwydion when he showed up the second time to stay for good, but was also broken-hearted when he left the first time. On his return, Nimbus treated him very coldly, but the two shortly reconciled and worked closely together. Nimbus saw Masks (at first) as the Counselors’ counselor as he tended to be the peace-maker. She and Rosetta were like any fae couple that waxed and waned. After the dismissal of Cirrus, however, Nimbus began to shut down all romantic and even friendly tendencies from Rosetta and never explained why. This sudden change wounded him very much She was the last to be taken out. The Purging and the Counselors It was said that “Queen Mab loved all, and was beloved by all”, but that is not true. One among the courts did not love Mab, or perhaps love eventually turned to jealousy. This person was a fae noble named Titania. She was jealous of the Queen's love for others and how others adored her. As the Purging rocked the plane of Fae, a plot began to form. It is unknown who instigated the betrayal, but Oberon, the Duke of Magic, and Titania worked together with a few chosen allies and numerous pawns. Why Oberon worked to help plot the downfall of CuChulain and Mab is unknown. It is speculated that Oberon wanted more decisive action taken against Wayland or he perhaps was jealous of CuChulain's power. In order to remove the King and Queen, their trusted advisers had to be taken care of. At this time, CuChulain secretly started to have their most faithful Dukes and Duchesses go to sleep in hidden locations so that they might be spared from the smith's wrath. The King and Queen also began work on five artifacts that would preserve their essences so that if they fell, they could be reborn again. Details about Rosetta’s involvement in the deaths of the other counselors are vague as are his actions on the night that the king and queen were slain. Rosetta was not told about any plot to kill the reigning monarchs until the end, and by that time it was told to him by Puck. Puck had become a confidant of Rosetta and the mage often came to him to vent and look for advice. He also was led to believe that Oberon wanted the King position, but there was no mention of Titania. Rosetta was told that Mab would stay, that she would still be Queen, alive, protected. Posing as Mab, he used the power of True Names to kill or seal away the other Counselors. Gwydion was condemned to stay in his tower as it fell into the sea. Rel was bound into Tree. Masks was not killed but rather sent away. Rosetta had thought that Nimbus was posing as the queen and was by the king’s side when he entered her Majesty’s chambers. In reality, Nimbus was not in the Great Hall posing as Mab but was in the monarchs’ chambers as well to catch Rosetta; the real Queen on that inauspicious day was with the King. When Nimbus revealed herself to Rosetta, he used the power of her True Name to command her to die, and so Nimbus was slain by her own sword. Rosetta raced to the Great Hall of the monarchs hoping to save the beloved queen. While Rosetta had his final interactions with the other counselors, Oberon opened the door to the King and Queen’s Great Hall letting in the Furies. CuChulain and Mab were struck down by Albion. While CuChulain was able to complete his artifacts so he might be reborn again, Mab was not. Rosetta was too late in trying to save Mab. He was “saved” (some say caught) by Puck, only to stand trial and be judged by Oberon for letting in the Furies and killing ‘our beloved former King and Queen, among countless other fae beings of noble standing’. Oberon cursed Rosetta and sent him into the Mysts where he could be forgotten. Bound to a cold iron chair, Rosetta was left in torment for all of eternity. With Cuchulain and Mab gone and all the loose ends taken care of, Oberon and Titania crowned themselves the new king and queen of Fae. Counselors of the False Queen Ever jealous of Mab, Titania sought to replicate her in many ways. If Mab had counselors, then Titania too would have them. Why Mab took counselors, no one knows. Perhaps it was out of need or desire. Titania took them to emulate Mab, but it is unknown if they had any purpose other than to have Titania feel more like her predecessor. Only three counselors of the False Queen were known at the time of this writing, and they are described below. The Counselor of Water and Sky - The Bard: Not much is known about this counselor save he was a male fae elf. He was given a cold iron flute to play his songs and the pain eventually drove him mad. He was killed at the command of Rel Zhirah at the Feast of Chimeron in 1010 and his flute taken from him. That weekend, many strange songs were found written along the roads of Chimeron and might be his work. The Counselor of Earth and Fire - The Devil: Chavala is a powerful devil hailing from the plane of Hell. After the many wars between Fae and Hell through the First Age, Fae finally lost. As part of the term of surrender, Fae agreed to pay a tithe to Hell every seven years. Chavala is the devil appointed to collect the tithe, and it is said she is incredibly fond of Orcus or works for him. The Counselor of Earth and Water - The Artisan and Inventress: This counselor is a young woman by the name of Leah (pronounced Lee) who was chosen by Titania for her creativity and talent when it came to drawing. She was kidnapped as a very young human girl and was forced to live her days in fear and very slowly, if ever, aging. When the Queen began to go crazy, this reflected in Leah and many of her sketches, drawings, and paintings became warped or twisted. She started using a lot of black ink and makes blots or messes in general. Since her interaction recently with the Realms, she has been re-named The Inventress, and as such is rising to the occasion though the new name has caused her to go mad. Her fortress lies in the In-Between, a place where those who miss crossing from the mortal Realms to other places, and become stuck. Hers can be found when one misses crossing into or back from Faerie. No further information has been found at the writing of this document. Counselors of the New Queen After the Rites of War when Oberon and Titania were defeated along with their loyal retainers, Nimbus Borealis Bouquet was named Queen of Fae with the aspect of Healing within Sacrifice. Shortly after her ascension, mortals and fae alike were drawn to the the queen’s side; the first steps of the pattern repeating. Soon those close to the queen found themselves on a path to become one of her counselors. Aisling the Storyteller The youngest child of Gerald Harden, Aisling died before her time due to illness. It is speculated that she lived during the early times of civilization when the Benevolent Order of Wellmen actively combated the Infinite Dark. After her death, Aisling lingered for she had answered a call “made eons ago, across the Dreams, the Spirit World, Faerie, everywhere that Gaia touches, to see about being a Counselor”. She recounted that many beings were stunned and spooked by that call, but she was dead and had nothing to fear. However, she could not fulfill this task, for she was dead. Because of this fact, it is unknown if one who is undead can actually become a Counselor. As her role as a storyteller, Aisling became an enabler; someone to help those who sought to become counselors. She is not bound to this task and maintains that she can move on to the afterlife anytime she chooses, but will remain until counselors have been chosen. When someone chooses to embark on the path to become a counselor, it is Aisling they meet in dreams to help guide them on the proper path. Walking the Path of the Five To being walking the path to become a counselor, a few things need to happen. Either by desire, dreams, or a primal wish a person finds themselves in the Dreaming to begin their conversation with Aisling. Once that experience in the Dreaming ends, a desire to walk the path and become a counselor to the queen must be stated. It has been recommended that any who wish to serve the Queen of Fae should meet with her in person to discuss this. The queen may not be alone in this interview. Since this concerns all of Fae, others with a keen interest might like to hear the petitioner. As one walks the path to become a counselor, tasks may be given to the petitioner for a few reasons. One might be to let them express how they embody the idea of the counselor. Another might be a task or goal that should be accomplished. There may be multiple tasks of varying types, and all may differ depending on what path is being taken. Once one begins to walk the path of a counselor they never truly leave it unless drastic measures are taken. The theory behind this is to have a “back up” or another person ready to take the place should something ill befall one of the chosen counselors. To remove oneself from the path, the person would need to state their desire to withdraw and utilize the aid of a divine being or power to help them “be removed” from the path. Someone who undertakes this might find themselves beholden to said divine being or power for some time. Someone forcefully removed from the path can start path-walking again but may never walk the path they renounced. After walking the path, understanding the position of the counselor, a true counselor is chosen for each position from the requisite path walkers. Current Counselors and the Needs of the Queen Debate has been carried on on why the queen needs counselors. Some theories have been discussed but nothing concrete was offered. One prevailing thought: When one has the weight of existence on their shoulders, one needs others to share that weight at times. Nimbus needs a network to hold her steady because of her designation and aspect within Fae. With a group of confidants around her, the queen would be able to help hold back the Infinite Dark. She doesn’t have the luxury that Mab did, which is time and age. Bedlam will not wait for Faerie and thus Nimbus’s need is ever urgent. Some have spoken of a deadline of sorts looming near the Black and White that will take place in 1012, but nothing has been confirmed. Of those who walk the path to become a counselor, there are many. Each one is unique in their being and desire. At the time of writing this document, those who seek the position of counselor are listed below. Counselor of Fire and Space - the Mage Ged Loremipsum of Rua Thar Cinn, Chimeron Demetria Highwater of Rua Thar Cinn, Chimeron Atticus the Red of Pax Tharkus, Chimeron Valas Baneshot of Achoria, Blackwood Aven, Seelie Fae elf, loyal to Domino, Duke of Magic Darius, Acolyte of the Circle, Black Star Guild, Worshiper of Luna Counselor of Space and Sky - the Dreamer and Entertainer Johan del Var of Mythguard Tillion Bluemoon of Achoria, Blackwood Seitei Harlest of Kalithnos Phoenix-Rose Dawncry-Nosetti, of House Nosetti Gray, formerly from the Western Borderlands Aymise, Chimeron Militia Counselor of Sky and Water- the Defender Freesia Den’ier of Folkestone Magnus Heavyhammer of Folkestone Matiya of Folkestone PO of Blackwood Yume of Teng Hua Merrix of Mythguard Counselors of Water and Earth - the Inventor Gideon of Coventry Orado Morhen of the City of Ivory Shane Stillwater of Val Darra James Swift, from the Dark Isle Thanius, points unknown Counselor of Earth and Fire - the Druid Rel Zhirah of Rua Thar Cinn, Chimeron Janus Kil’tra of Rua Thar Cinn, Chimeron Riduku of Nature’s Kin Ryu, points unknown Oslem, former Black Star Guild of the Torch Sect, points unknown |
The Many Woven Branches
Created by Faelinn Shadowmoon (Leanne Micciche)
at 05-26-11 04:39 PM
Last Modified by Faelinn Shadowmoon (Leanne Micciche) at 05-26-11 04:39 PM
Last Modified by Faelinn Shadowmoon (Leanne Micciche) at 05-26-11 04:39 PM