[ WP ] The Winter Court wait for the final red leaf to fall .

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 The fine ladies of the court entered into the ballroom to the sound of brassy trumpets and thunderous drums as a thousand gaily colored birds soared through the air in flocks of emerald and ruby and sapphire. They were clad in shimmering gowns that caught the light with crowns of wild flowers on their fair heads as they stepped into the lofty space, the trunks of ancient trees forming the pillars which held up canopy of silk. A herald spoke up from his balcony, his voice carrying over the entire room without shouting. 
 
 `` The Ladies of the Winter Court.'' 
 
 The three score or so maidens parted like a branching brook, forming two lines some twenty feet apart. Each column turned to face the other with heads bowed, all eyes focused on the entrance they came from. 
 
 First came her guardians, elves clad in armor imbued with ancient wards and bearing blessed blades of mirror smooth steel. Their faces hidden behind featureless masks they lead the way, a silent threat to all. Next came her Chosen Handmaidens in their dresses of pure white, each bearing a symbol of their Lady's power; her scepter, crown and globe on pillows of the softest down. Again the trumpets sounded and the drums crashed as the herald once again raised his voice. 
 
 `` The High Queen Elara!'' 
 
 Caradoc turned away from the spectacle, his frown deepening as the cheers echoed deafeningly through the hall. He was a rung less dressed than those around him, his flying leathers covered with dust, the silk of his neckcloth stained with sweat. His grime caked boots left prints on the marble stone as he strode back through the crowds and away from the shining woman in silver. A hand caught his arm and made him halt. 
 
 `` You're not going to stay for the Last Leaf?'' 
 
 That was Kai the Tall who spoke, the larger elf a good head taller than those around him. Caradoc shook his head and shrugged his arm free. 
 
 `` No. Why should I? I've seen it fall a two hundred times; I think I'll survive another year without it.'' 
 
 `` And what about Elara? I know she was hoping to see you,'' Kai said. 
 
 `` And for what? Maybe a dance and a few words of longing and regret? Perhaps a passionate kiss and no more? I'll pass. I only came to deliver some letters to General Longleaf. I'm heading back to my post as soon as Zephyrus is done feeding.'' 
 
 Kai the Tall shook his head at his friend's words, his heart heavy with sadness. 
 
 `` You can not hide your feelings for her.'' 
 
 Caradoc was already turning away into the crowd as he spoke. 
 
 `` No, but I can run away from them.'' 
 

