New College

“Quadrupedal, cloven hoofed, one main sucker-mouth but I think it had others on its body too. Hell of a lot of tentacles.” Mehdi shudders. “Wrong all over.”

"The Dark Young," the Queen intones, nodding sagely, "a fell omen indeed. What became of it?"

Daxon fights his own nature to avoid fading completely into the shadows as Mehdi swears his oath and pours out the story of the strange felines. His mouth becomes dry and his heart races as his friend describes the Black Goat. What's happening to me? I saw terrors in Arcadia and the Hedge! Why is this affecting me so?

“They… actually I don’t know.” he admits. “We barely escaped with our lives. You know what that thing was? ”

"Perhaps," the Queen muses. "If this is indeed the work of the Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand Young, then it stands to reason that the horror that you describe was one of her Dark Young. Such aberrations are covered in ropy tentacles and puckered maws."

“Well,” he starts, trying to swallow down the memories brought up by the Queen’s apt description. “I guess it’s really a good thing that these cats are around. If I learn anything else from them I’ll be sure to report back to you. Other than this Alice girl that’s all I have to report on for now. If I may ask… if she comes looking for me again, what would you suggest I do?”

"Run," the Queen advises Mehdi with a gleaming grin. "Or fight. Do not go out alone. We are stronger in numbers."

With this sentiment, Mehdi glances at Daxon. ”Right. Thank you.” he says with a bow to the Queen before turning fully to Daxon. “I should get back to Liam.”

"Beware the dance of withering leaves,"   the Autumn Queen intones as Mehdi turns to leave, " for within their twirl lies the unravelling of destinies."

Daxon bows and murmurs, "My Queen..."  and backs away from the throne to ease back into the crowd.

Mehdi hurries back the way they came, leaving the drifting autumn leaves and lilting music behind as they emerge from Fairy Hill.  “That wasn’t so bad.” he comments to Daxon before pulling out his phone and calling Liam.

Liam answers quickly, the sounds from the bar can still be heard in the background. "Where did you go? That girl got away, through the toilets so look out."

“New College.” Mehdi replies. “Figured she wouldn’t have the balls to chase us to the Autumn Court’s doorstep. Sorry about all the mess, did you guys get to finish your show? If so we should meet back at the Hollow asap.” 

"Yes, I'm finished here, you probably shouldn't show up again here tonight though. I'll make my own way to your flat."

Julian M. said: Mehdi hurries back the way they came, leaving the drifting autumn leaves and lilting music behind as they emerge from Fairy Hill.  “That wasn’t so bad.” he comments to Daxon before pulling out his phone and calling Liam. "I think she liked you,"  he murmurs as Mehdi dials. "And she likes your connections more."  He listens, wincing a little. After Mehdi rings off, he says, "But I'm not sure she'll like that. Did they already know of the Court?"

“Yeeeeah, we had a run in with the Queen herself awhile back. Liam and some of his friends were feeding on a fresher party here at New College. Told her it wouldn’t happen again.” he shrugs and continues walking back towards where they left Jetty waiting. [continued in The Hedge]