Sir Floppington, the soulful hound arrives, following Rowenova.

The last two weeks have been one of reparations and making amends. To the Lodge of Petrichor and Brigida, of whiche veryone except Mirk seems to have been banned. For how long, it's uncertain. The Keatons have been apologized to and the little goat when last everyone knew, was flourishing and bleating it's blessed little head off.

The Irong guard had been interesting. They had been out to fetch the wagon, the wheel repaired so that it could be brought back and the horse was eventually found and none the worse for wear. Sheepish wine drinkers had been glared at and then sighed. The vast majority are nobles after all. Swift found herself perhaps eyeballed a little harder, not just because she's a grayhope but because, it would seem, she was the one that actually stole the wagon. But a few thousand silver in fines seems to make the Iron Guard satisfied with those reparations.

But that leaves the Unicorns. There is, after all, a Unicorn that has been left a little bruised and with a bad haircut. But letters from Monique to Symonesse, respectful ones one might add, were answered and this night, this night with moonlight filtering down, everyone is gathered in the gray forest. Duke, Lady, Lord, Commoner and Queen. Will the Unicorn come? What of the other few that were scared off? Can they actually do right by the poor beast? -Did- Lord Mirk bring the finest Equerry in all of Arvum?

For once, Monique has eschewed all her dragonweep and finery. There only thing the Minx wears is a simple golden chain around her ankle, mostly obscured by the pale silk of her gown. If there are daggers, they too are hidden. Her crimson hair is loose and shining, but unadorned, and the Greenmarch herself wears an expression that's as close to contrition as it ever has been, as they wait to see if the unicorn will grant them an audience. To Symonesse, the Minx of the Marches murmurs, "Is there a language they prefer spoken, Your Majesty? We know it's not Cardian, at least."

Mirk is here, comfortable despite the advancing winter, his fireweave cloak draped about his shoulders. He's holding himself easily, as if the graze along his ribs isn't troubling him, though it isn't quite healed yet. There's no equerry in sight, though there is a pouch at his belt, one hand remaining near it. He shoots Monique a glance, a hint of a frown creasing his forehead, but he doesn't comment. For now, he's holding his tongue, which just might be an improvement over last time.

Swift is there, curious and bright-eyed, excited as this means not only will she have met a unicorn, but now she will meet the QUEEN! And the Queen is a Nox'alfar! So many firsts! She has a small basket with her, inside is an offering for the unicorn if it deigns to meet with them. A cream that helps to bring extra shine to the hair.. or in this case, the coat and mane. In the hopes that the unicorn may yet forgive them their misdeeds against it. She sticks close to Monique and Ansel, offering a respectful curtsy to the Queen, giving a small nod to Mirk as he joins them.

The Queen of the Compact is only seen in the nighttime, usually by candlelight or torchlight if she is seen at all, which is rarely considering the hours that she keeps. Yet, here in the moonlight, it becomes apparent that -this- is her element. Her opalline skin shimmers and seems to glow under the moon. Symonesse's golden eyes, as sunny as the rest of her is hued in moonlight, cease in their looking around her to focus on Monique. She gives the Minx a brilliant smile and says, "They prefer Nox'alfar, generally. At least when they speak with me. I am not sure what they speak when they converse with each other. It feels a little intrusive to ask." She glances to Mirk and Swift, her sunny smile still in place. She leans in to peek into the basket that Swift carries and nods her approval.

Ansel checked perception at difficulty 20, rolling 11 higher.

Symonesse checked perception at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Swift checked perception at difficulty 20, rolling 31 higher.

Monique checked perception at difficulty 20, rolling 3 higher.

Clad in simple finery, Ansel is standing with the main group, his gaze playing about the area with a critical eye, as if expecting something to suddenly appear. But, nothing does and as such, his gaze returns his companions and then to the Queen, to whom he's giving an respectful incline of his head to. As conversation turns to matters of language, the Duke is quiet, hands shifting to clasp behind his back to clasp together. He's got no offering for the unicorn, alas, either.

Mirk checked perception at difficulty 20, rolling 9 lower.

For all intents and purposes, to Mirk, it's a lovely night in the woods, and Symonesse is a breathtaking sight to the Northerner and seems to perhaps, be just a little distracting.

Drawing in a quick breath, Swift straightens up and darts a glance towards the Queen both nervous and excited. She shifts her grip on the basket and breathes out, "They're so beautiful..." Because seriously, you could roll a unicorn in mud and it would still looking gorgeous. Offering a faint smile to Symonesse for the approving nod.

Focused on the guidance of the Queen, it's easy for Monique to miss the presence in the woods. There's a little shift of her backpack, and she nods her crimson head to Symonesse. "The last thing I want to do is intrude further," she says with a wry smile, turning to squint into the woods, trying to follow Swift's line of sight. "Gods and spirits, Swift, I can barely even see it. Can I borrow your eyes?" she teases, but her voice is quiet in this space.

Mirk eyes Symonesse in turn, and then opens the pouch to reveal an entire pouch full of sugar cubes. "Advice from my equerry," he explains. "She'll be along to see them soon enough. But I'll defer communication to others, then. I confess that I don't speak a word of Nox'alfar." He doesn't sound apologetic about it, either. He closes the pouch, and the conversation from the others draws his attention. He tries to follow their gaze, but he isn't seeing it, at least at first. "Where?"

Symonesse glances into the pouch and laughs a little with a nod, "That should help in making amends..." She trails off and looks away from the others. Her eyes gaze out over the field, head tilted a little. A slow smile curves her lips, but she says nothing for the moment as she just stands there with that distracted look upon her face. Then, she blinks and glances over to Swift, murmuring, "Make sure to let them know that. They are terrible vain and -love- compliments."

Catching sight of movement to the the side, Ansel's gaze is turning in that direction and for a moment, he's simply taking in the sight, only to then offer, "You're not wrong, Swift. They truly are marvelous." A little shake of his head and a wrinkle of his nose and he's looking towards Mirk, only to point over in the direction of the underbrush, where the unicorns are moving. Then, he's looking to Monique, to give a nod of his head in agreement at the notion of not wanting to intrude further.

Everyone can finally see them as Swift does. No hiding behind broken wagons, hiding up in tree's or showing them their back as they run around in a desperate attempt to not be impaled. Unicorns, after all, are not something to be trifled with. Or harnessed up to a wagon. A lesson that everyone here has managed to learn.

And from the canopy of trees to this little glade they amble in. It's clear who the are going to, the Queen of the Compact, as they come from that side of the glade. Just as Symonesse gleams and shimmers, these three have their very own presence within this space of the forest and command the awe. And there, the back right of the trio, missing that chunk of mane that Sebastian still possesses, is the one that they had a run in with. They'd look like horses, simple horses, save for that horn.

But it's to in front of Symonesse that they stop, gathering about the woman like she's a long lost friend, somene adored and beloved. Lips move and teeth catch on sleeves in motions of affection to the woman and soft whickers as they rub muzzles against her gently enough to not knock her over. The rest of them, however, that one specific Unicorn throws what everyone is sure, is a glare. But at least he's not charging.

That they're not being impaled on sight gives Monique a momentary relief, though there's still a tension in the Minx's shoulders that speaks to fight or flight being present. But it's stayed for now at the sense of awe, at the nearness to magic. When finally it becomes impossible not to breathe, the Greenmarch exhales and looks to the Queen, defering to her the chance to speak first.

Swift doesn't intrude on the greeting between beast and elf, letting the unicorns have their moment with the Queen while they stand to the side. Still, she's prepared with her offering, and apology, most especially to the one that they personally offended. Her eyes still continue to be drawn to the unicorns, however, unable to keep herself from looking at them with the Queen in awe.

Symonesse's smile as the unicorns approach is nothing short of utterly delighted. There might even be a few tears in her eyes as she steps forward and properly greets each member of the trio with strokes, snuzzles, and a few whispers words before she says louder, "Hello, my darlings." She speaks in Arvani to them, mostly for the sake of her human company, as the Queen runs her fingers through one of the nearest unicorn's mane. "I have heard there was trouble. Well, my loves, my friends here are very sorry and have come to apologize properly." She gives the one that glares a Look and says firmly, but sweetly, in gentle admonishment, "None of that. They want to show how sorry they are. Really, darling. Holding grudges is terribly uncouth of us, isn't it?"

Mirk turns towards the bush as the unicorns emerge, finally seeing it like the others did. He smiles slightly to see the unicorns being so affectionate with the Queen, affected by their presence even despite the circumstances of the meeting. It lasts only a moment or two, before his expression is one of stern stoicism once more. He dips his head in respect, more formal than a nod and less elaborate than a full bow. He still doesn't say a word, at least not yet.

Symonesse checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 15, rolling 50 higher.

There's just the faintest little intake of air as the unicorns finally emerge from the brush to reveal themselves and Ansel is watching as they approach, taking in the way that they approach the Queen to show their affection to her. But his gaze comes to settle upon the one that seemingly glares upon the group and the Duke can't help but incline his head a touch towards the creature, as if offering a silent sign of respect .. and apology.

She is their long lost love. That much is plain to see and in as much as she showers them with affection, they shower her in return and her soft words and careful admonition of He Who Glares is met with for a very brief flash of annoyance but even that is soothed away. The one who has those fingers brush through their mane closes thier eyes and stretches forward as if seeking attention at one spot just at the back of the jaw. There's a huff from He Who Glares and then one by one they turn, though sticking close to Symonesse. As if as one, they wait for that apology. The wonders that the Queen can work. Would this have been possible without her?

With one hand on one of the trio of unicorns, Symonesse reaches out for Swift, drawing her and her basket forward. To the unicorn, she murmurs, "This is a friend of mine and she is here to apologize. She also brought a gift for you and I am sure that you will like her just as much as I do." She places Swift's hand on the unicorn's mane and gives her an encouraging smile. Then, she grabs Mirk and Moniqu's hands in a familiar way and tugs them toward the second of the trio, saying to the unicorn, "These are more very sorry friends of mine. This one has a pouch of treats and Lady Monique is full of very exciting stories to tell you. Did you know that she is known as the Minx of the Marches?" One Mirk and Monique are close to Unicorn #2, it seems that only Mr. Glare and Ansel are left. With an encouraging little cluck of her tongue, she brings Ansel close and whispers to Mr. Glare, "I know you are -very- angry, but this one has told me -personally- how sorry he is and how he wants to make sure that you know it. He also thinks you are gorgeous and is willing to go on -at length- about all your best features." She gives Ansel a beaming, encouraging smile and then steps back to watch, a satisfied grin on her face.

Swift steps forward after the Queen has greeted the unicorns, dipping deep into a curtsy before them. Upon rising, she looks at each individual unicorn, though her gaze lingers on the one most offended. "I am personally very, very sorry for any pain or anguish that our idiocy caused you. You are all of you magnificent, even with a missing lock of mane, you are beyond compare," she looks particularly towards the last one for that. "But what we did was wrong, and stupid, and I can only hope that this will begin to mend the rift we have caused." Turning towards the one with its missing hair, she holds out the basket, "I have spent the last few weeks gathering the ingredients to create this for you. A cream to be applied to mane and coat that will make it shine like the moon itself. I chose the best blooms I could find to scent it with.. heliotrope and jasmine from the south, moonflower from the far North, and kahili ginger that grows only in the southmost of the Isles. I would be honored to apply it myself, or to give it to someone else of your choosing to have it applied." She offers a tremulous and contrite smile towards the unicorn, darting a grateful look to Symonesse.

Monique checked charm + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Monique steps forward as Symonesse takes her hand, nothing hesitant in her posture anymore. The first words the Greenmarch speaks to the unicorns are in Nox'alfar, and low, her own head bowed to the mythical creatures. And then, in Arvani, she says, "I do not know what to offer beyond my apology. You are already beautiful beyond measure. Your knowledge excedes my own. Your wisdom is limitless. And so I offer a standing boon. Anything within my power to grant you for this wrong that we have done, I offer it. And if it's stories you wish, I have plenty of those. I could tell you about the time Prince Tyrval helped us grow blood orchids to stop Braxxus the Bloodsniffer. Or the time when I stole military secrets from Telmar and had to spend the night hiding in a pig pen to keep from being found out." She beams brightly in Ansel's direction. "Or the time when I made a bet with The Leer, and that's a story that's not finished yet. But beyond any stories, I offer my boon, and my apology."

Mirk steps forwards, towards the unicorn indicated. "You all have my deepest apologies. I was rash in my attempts at diplomacy, motivated by the fear that someone may be injured or worse. That fear lead to an approach that was disrespectful. But First Children of the world are to be respected, and that means that I must rise to the obligation in the future. There will not be a repeat of that mistake." There's a note of awe in his voice, as he says 'First Children.' "You are ancient, and beautiful, and majestic. But that's all words. Words without actions are meaningless, so I brought a gift." He holds up the bag, reaching into it. He pulls out a single sugarcube, holds it up, shows the unicorn. Then, rather than presuming to offer it directly to the unicorn, he loosens the strings on the pouch as much as it will go, so the sugar cubes are all but spilling out, and sets it on the ground near the unicorn. Then he steps back, giving it the space to help itself to the gift on its own terms.

Mirk checked charm + animal ken at difficulty 15, rolling 28 higher.

Swift checked charm + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 34 higher.

Normally, there's be a quip from Ansel about saving the best for last, but in this instance, he's rather quiet. Subdued, even. Drawn forward by the Queen, he's offering her a smile and an incline of his head in thanks, only for his gaze to then turn towards Mr. Glare. And that horn. But he doesn't linger on the latter. Instead, he's focusing on the unicorn and he's offering the creature the same form of incline that he had given the Queen, "There are no words to express just how sorry that I am for the pain that we have caused. What we did .. was beyond reprehensible." The mention of the pig pen and secrets has him looking to Monique, a little shake of his head given before he's looking back over towards the unicorn in question, "You truly are majestic creatures. Beautiful beyond belief and you should be respected and worshipped. We failed in that and for that, I am sorry once again. If there is anything that I can do to right that wrong, and it is within my power, then I shall do so."

Ansel checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Everyone is trampled to death, and Symonesse jumps onto their back and they ride off into the woods.

Well no. The Queens assistance is clearly a good thing in this. No one gets trampled. The personal introductions to each does well to make the Unicorns more at ease. Swift's hand presses to solid flank and that unicorn listens. It truly listens to the young Grayhope as she apologizes and offers up the balms and mane ointments as well as their promise of gleaming hair and coat. The Unicorn dips a nose to the basket, trying to lift the wicker lid. If they speak, well, Swift can't hear it.

Monique and Mirk's hands are pressed gently to the second unicorn, who stands very proudly and clearly the tallest of the three. As Monique speaks her apologies and Mirk his, reveals that abundance of sugar, lips move and even before the man has a chance to put it down, the Unicorn is diving in and the Northerner is stuck holding that bag while someones lips and teeth start plucking out and crunching on those sugar cubes with abandon. A look - and a good one - to Monique and then to Symonesse at what's spoken in Nox'Alfar, but then back to crunch. One should probably be careful about their fingers. But it doesn't shy away.

It's the third one though, He Who Glares, that stands stiffly when Ansel's hand is pressed to him. Held held a little higher and seems the most reluctant to give. But the Dukes words are true, the vanity is stroked -just- so, and eventually he lowers his head and butts his head against Ansel's shoulder enough to not knock the man over but to at least make him have to take a step back. But then there's a jerk of it's head toward that basket of unicorn products and he looks to Symonesse. They all look to Symonesse.

Symonesse stands very still as they speak to the unicorns. Her head is slightly cocked to the side as if listening, a faint smile on her lips. Then, she shakes her head and says aloud, "Cardian wine? Oh, goodness. You three -know- how tricky and dangerous those dragons can be and these ones defenseless against it! Clearly, they didn't mean it. Look how remorseful they are. Go on, let them pamper you and make up for it. When was the last time you've been properly treated, hm?"

Swift eases open the lid to let the unicorn get at the pots of balm and conditioner. While she holds the basket for it, the hand pressed to it gently strokes along that proud neckline. "You truly are magnificent, all of you. I hope to see your coats gleam brighter than any diamond in Arvum.." its offered softly, before she quiets when the unicorns look to Symonesse. Her own amethyst gaze turns towards the Queen as well, smiling slightly.

Her apologies made, Monique contents herself with stroking the unicorn's mane and whispering sweet nothings and flattery, which is a subject she excels at. There's a grateful glance given to Symonesse, the look of a Minx at least a little in love.

When He Who Glares comes to bump his shoulder, Ansel is forced to take a slight step back from the impact of it and there's a smile on his lips. He does indeed whisper flattery to that particular unicorn, though his gaze shifts back over towards Symonesse, so that he might offer, "Thank you for everything tonight, Your Majesty."

Mirk chuckles, pleased by the reaction to his sugar cubes, and does watch his fingers to make sure that nothing is bitten accidentally in the exchange. He takes it as a sign to move in and show the unicorn some attention. "Thank you," he says to the unicorn. "And thank you, Your Highness." He looks as if he might say more for a moment, but lets it stand with those simple words.

Rinel slips quietly into the glade and watches from a distance. There's a soft smile on her lips as she leans on her cane and views the others touching the unicorns.

Defenseless indeed. A bottle of Cardian wine. Ther's a whicker of protest from one of the Unicorns, but as the group gathers around, unicorns take things with their mouths from what's been brought and dropped in hands, indications that they should be used now. Symonesse said to let themselves be pampered and so, they wish to be pampered. They look towards the edges where Rinel has appeared but makes no more to go to her. Just a lift and shake of their head before attention back to ther soon to be temporary equerries and swift products are met with sure whickers of approval at what's in it. The smell, everything. Should people choose to use them, they shift and move so that people can get around them, use the products on them.

And Symonesse manages to coax out the story and relays it. Of the night that unfolded that none of them who were there, can remember. Told first from the two who have both their manes intact, of that first visit. That they group had come out to the grove in search of Unicorns. That they had been wary to approach but it was the Lodge, and the grove of renewal. But then Swift, Ansel and Sebastian had tried to get a hold of them. Tried to ride them. This was not behavior they were used to at the Lodge and they had swiftly taken off back into the underbrush.

That is where the two UNicorn's tale ends but then it is He Who Glares who reveals the capstone for the night. Of the return of the five. In Aeterna dresses and wielding a small baby goat. He Who Glares had stuck around, not driven off like the others and the goat was a curiosity to it. Why did they have a goat. Monique had dangled the little goat in front and drew him toward the side of the Lodge, to the wagon where the others surprised him. Rinel directing from on top of the wagon, Swift at the ready with the harness. Ansel with the yoke and Sebastian grabbing at his mane to steady him.

This is not done. And so, He Who Glares had gotten angry and in the process of getting away, gored the yoke, gashed Ansel, knocked Swift and Sebastian to the side which in that process, broke and knocked out Swifts teeth and Sebastian pulled out hair. Rinel? Well, Rinel fell back into the wagon.

And as the tale filters through their ears, there's a fleeting sensation in the mind that this is true. This happened. That at least one more piece of that night has been resolved. Most of the night has been resolved. And when the tale is done, in this glade and with the moonlight filtering down, there are indeed, three unicorns gleaming in the moonlight like diamonds and it seems, that all has been forgiven.