[imgleft]http://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/image ... uncert.png[/imgleft]The faerie tribe was at this point, fairly numerous, although Prickle had heard there were even more happy tidings. As was his way, he went to give congratulations and see if he could seek a favor from two bucks he thought might be in rare moods. And better now that they'd had time to settle. But they weren't the only ones with new souls to welcome into the new year.

Lackwit was arranging a celebratory play. They were well stocked, even with the unprecedented weather. Some had even braved the storm to make the trip to the Winter Market.

Prickle had sought word that he sought an audience, and the King's blessing, should he be able. A blessing from the Owl would suit him just as fine. He'd brought gifts, a couple of fine large fish, magicked up from the deep and cold river and packed in the snow.

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King was normally in very sour spirits, it was his nature, inclining everywhere wrathful and bitter for every sunny and bright disposition of his counterpart. This season though, he was bright and could even be hazarded as far as to be deemed downright merry.

He sat in his den, the cave of luminous mushrooms and pelts, but rather than reside alone, tiny creatures crawled across him and sought purchase on his fur for a snack.

"Hail." he said to Prickle, long before he should have by any rights spotted the Acha, and he turned his head to look at him.

"What do you seek?"

[imgleft]http://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/image ... uncert.png[/imgleft] "Hail!" Prickle said, and gave the watchful King a pretty bow. "A blessing, sire, for me and mine," Prickle said, "and well-wishes for you and yours. An auspicious season for little ones. The weather's in fine form, it's brought a blanket as a gift. But I'm not to be outdone. Two fish, for two sires."

Prickle was unseelie, sharp and teasing, and although rarely serious he lent the use of his natural weapons to Be Seeing You's forces, when called upon.

"My third clutch, if it pleases you. And due any day."

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It was the rarest thing of all to find King in such a giving sort of mood, and Prickle was fortunate. "It has been too long since I had small lives in my care."

He inclined his head towards Prickle, smiling.

"A problem I see that others do not suffer quite the same."

He uncrossed his hooves.

"Then step closer, faithful one." he said. "And receive the blessing of the Unseelie."

[imgleft]http://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/image ... uncert.png[/imgleft]"At your pleasure. I will mind my thorns. The MotherFather saw fit to give me more than the usual amount. No rival to your crown, but enough to give a dam pause!"

Prickle trotted forward, not too close, and admired the young princes.

They were all varied, healthy and fat from King's milk, none neglected.

"They suit you both," he said, strange pink eyes glittering. He had a sharp smile that matched the rest of him. "A handsome clutch."

Prickle inclined his head to King and Stalker in a low bow. "I've enjoyed being in your service."

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"Handsome I should /hope/." King laughed, but it was one of relief at the fact they'd come out whole and healthy, perhaps with more eyes than usual, but none of them at a significant detriment. "The MotherFather saw fit only to bless this time around, and I hope that I can pass that good fortune along to yours."

He lifted a hoof to place it on Prickle's forehead, indifferent to the thorns, respecting all of the darker elements of the swamp and those in it.

"Be blessed."