Quiet Laughter

They were given feathery leather masks as they entered the grand ballroom. Danu’s was the color of peacock feather that shimmered coordinating colors of her gown. Pearl like beads lined the edges and dangled down the sides.

Tighe’s mask was the shade of sapphires rimmed with alternating aquamarine and lavender jewels. When he placed it over his face, Danu cooed and commented how much it brought out his eyes. Tighe simply sighed looking down at his lavender tights and pale teal tunic. Like everyone else, Tighe deposited his shoes at the door and walked around bare foot.

Once Danu placed her mask on, they continued into the room hand in hand. They walked passed many familiar faces, those who featured in epic battles whose name were equal to the word legendary.

“Ah I see my brother, Dagda has arrived.” Danu commented pointing at a slender man leaning
against the wall, holding a cauldron near the buffet table.

“The mortals must be in a time of peace if him and his everlasting food cauldron were able to arrive.”

Tighe silently nodded more than a little aware that Dagda arriving at any other party was a sign of doom.

“Oh look dear, the shape shifters are putting on a little play. Oh there's Mongan, we really must say hi to him before he changes form again." said Danu before jerking Tighe along after her to a group of shape changers and specifically one in particular.

He was a wiry fellow, all legs and almost no torso to speak of. His straw colored hair cast shadows over his obsidian like eyes. He was dressed in green tights and a maroon tunic of velvet. On his large and droopy feet he wore soft leather bindings.

“Mongan, you ruffian.” Danu cried with a playful smack to his arm. “You told me you weren’t able to come and after all my work to keep the nectar flowing.”

“Ah Danu, you know how us Unseelie are.” the man replied. “Unpredictable, chaotic and worth having at parties.”

“Always.” Danu said with a laugh. Mongan chuckled as well until he noticed Tighe.

“Now this is a surprise.” He murmured. “Don’t tell me this is..”

“Heilyn’s grandson, little Tighe.” Danu answered proudly.

“Sharla always did make pretty babies. Mongan said in a low revenant voice. Abruptly he nearly shouted “So, what have you been up to, boy?”

Tighe ducked his head and moved closer to Danu. The older woman noted this reaction and filed it away to examine later.

“He’s been with me” Danu exclaimed just as loud as the man. “We had some Lolita’s Cherry…among other things” she added with a secret little smile.

Tighe caught the angry look Mongan the Unseelie king sent the former queen of the Seelie. It sent shivers down his spine. He went to back away and ended up bumping into someone. When Tighe turned around to apologize, he gasped.

Cool navy colored eyes framed by waist long glossy black hair. The stranger’s wore a short sleeve blood red gambeson that shimmered like the stars. Beneath he wore a black long sleeved shirt.
His pants were skin tight leather that laced up both sides and tucked into a pair of black polished boots.

And tall! The man had to be a good six foot if not more.

“I’m sorry.” Tighe squeaked trying not to hurt himself while he looked up at the now strangely smiling man. “I-I was…” The man cut him off.

“Would you do me the honor of a dance?”

“O--ok.” Tighe replied automatically without a thought of danger. The man took one of his hands delicately and led Tighe onto the dance floor.

The musicians immediately began playing a slow dance tune the moment Karnik stepped onto the dance floor. Everyone present was sent into an uneasy silence.

When the mysterious man pulled Tighe against his body, the young Fae blushed but did not attempt to be free… which made the man smile ominously.

“What name does my little sprite respond to?” he asked taking one of Tighe’s hands and placed it onto his shoulder with a kiss.

“T-Tighe.”

“What a lovely name you have, little sprite.” The man replied with another spooky smile.

“I am Karnik.”