Every city has its own balance, and it's been like that for as long as anyone can remember. Cities grew up around the houses, their tendrils reaching deep and far. The balance between houses is just as precarious as the balance between the human and non-human worlds. Humans know they won't win against supernaturals, but supernaturals need humans to keep the peace in the long run.
Ray grew up learning the basics in school, but he didn't start learning about the important details until he joined the force. You don't give out your true name to trolls, you don't call fairies 'fairies', you don't eat what the fae offer you unless you want to stay in their realm forever.
And, if you want to get anything done with them, you'd best have some kind of title to speak of. After almost twenty years on the force, Ray has earned his. And as he happens to holds the precinct's most official title, he's the one given a fae case. By now, he knows how to request an audience.
Not just any bit of sparkly headgear counts as a crown, among fairies; the differences between circlets and diadems and tiaras are as elaborate and crucial to them as the differences between a duke a count. This one has a crown, branching golden tines spreading like antlers from his dark hair. And set in it like jewels are eyes, maybe a dozen of them. Some are yellow and slit-pupilled, one beady and black, some perturbingly, potentially human. They give Ray the distinct impression of actually looking at him.
Next to that, the red coat and high black boots are almost shockingly normal. The Prince of Eyes bows.
"Lacustrine House is always pleased to hear from a Baron of the Guard," he announces, which is not at all the same as How can I help you.
The Prince of Eyes is definitely the most highest-ranking fae Ray has ever
met. The crown freaks him out, but he knows most fae don't mind when
humans are intimidated. He looks at the crown, and then briefly at the
Prince - he's beautiful, making him starkly aware of his own gelled-up,
dyed hair, his bony shoulders, his old sports jacket.
No matter. He smiles pretty at the Prince, takes a knee. "I thank you for
inviting me, lord, and at such short notice."
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2021-02-06 09:44 pm (UTC)Every city has its own balance, and it's been like that for as long as anyone can remember. Cities grew up around the houses, their tendrils reaching deep and far. The balance between houses is just as precarious as the balance between the human and non-human worlds. Humans know they won't win against supernaturals, but supernaturals need humans to keep the peace in the long run.
Ray grew up learning the basics in school, but he didn't start learning about the important details until he joined the force. You don't give out your true name to trolls, you don't call fairies 'fairies', you don't eat what the fae offer you unless you want to stay in their realm forever.
And, if you want to get anything done with them, you'd best have some kind of title to speak of. After almost twenty years on the force, Ray has earned his. And as he happens to holds the precinct's most official title, he's the one given a fae case. By now, he knows how to request an audience.
no subject
Date: 2021-02-07 08:11 am (UTC)Not just any bit of sparkly headgear counts as a crown, among fairies; the differences between circlets and diadems and tiaras are as elaborate and crucial to them as the differences between a duke a count. This one has a crown, branching golden tines spreading like antlers from his dark hair. And set in it like jewels are eyes, maybe a dozen of them. Some are yellow and slit-pupilled, one beady and black, some perturbingly, potentially human. They give Ray the distinct impression of actually looking at him.
Next to that, the red coat and high black boots are almost shockingly normal. The Prince of Eyes bows.
"Lacustrine House is always pleased to hear from a Baron of the Guard," he announces, which is not at all the same as How can I help you.
no subject
Date: 2021-02-07 11:12 am (UTC)The Prince of Eyes is definitely the most highest-ranking fae Ray has ever met. The crown freaks him out, but he knows most fae don't mind when humans are intimidated. He looks at the crown, and then briefly at the Prince - he's beautiful, making him starkly aware of his own gelled-up, dyed hair, his bony shoulders, his old sports jacket.
No matter. He smiles pretty at the Prince, takes a knee. "I thank you for inviting me, lord, and at such short notice."