Petal hummed to herself as she walked through the forest, amazed at all the sights. She had heard many rumors of this special forest, and it was more than she could have dreamed of. It was absolutely beautiful. She had been to areas of beautiful natural landmarks, forests filled with unique plants and animals, but she had never seen anything like this. The world around her just seemed different. It was truly magical. She looked around, still uncertain if she was dreaming or not. Everything seemed so weirdly new that she wouldn't put it past herself to dream of something like this. She wasn't sure that her mind was this creative though. Shrugging, she continued on, wondering if she'd reach the great lake she'd heard of. From what she knew, you could apparently actually breath under its waters, which boggled her mind. She knew magic existed, but it was something new seeing a part of her world where it was this apparent.

In the center of the eastern portion of the forest, a group of fairies went about their business. Three played wind and string instruments, adding a soft, enchanting auditory element to the air. A few danced in front of a magnificent throne made of twisting blue bark and entwined with ivy. Upon this throne sat a man draped with elegant red cloak over one shoulder. The way his fairy armor adorned his arms, and his extravagant belt accentuated his bare chest. Long, white hair dipped just below the shoulder level, and a delicate golden crown sat upon his head.

Oberon gazed across his court with a bored sigh. Since Jade has managed to ellude his grasp once more, he had lost his play thing. Days of screaming had melted, obscuring further and further with the passage of time. Silver eyes deigned not the glancing of a small fairy as it dropped some sweet berries into his hand, magical fruit of the forest which tempt mortal visitors. She will return, they all do eventually. It was all a matter of time. Until he could find her once more, it has become a game of wait. A sinister smile spread across his face as a presence pressed against his senses. "A visitor approaches. Lead her astray. Bring her here."

Wherever the woman was, the fairies laid their traps well. In the distance, the giggles of children echoed softly off the path. "Come on" came a soft whisper, alluring and enchanting. Similar calls and the giggles continued, leading all the way to the fairy court should she follow.

Petal blinked as she heard a noise. It seemed…She wasn't sure, but it sounded like children. What were children doing out here in such a potentially dangerous place? Typically she likely would have thought of fairies, but for some odd reason, it seemed like her mind was a bit unfocused. Where as a moment ago she was appreciating the beauty of this all, now she couldn't help but feel compelled to follow those strange noises. She'd been warned not to go off path, but surely if someone was in trouble she had to help, right? She nodded to herself, now sure that this was the right decision. The lake could wait. It's not as if it was going anywhere. Although the sounds of children did disturb her, she did have to admit that the sounds were quite pleasant to the ear. Maybe there wasn't even any trouble waiting for her. Maybe there was a party? Her mind relaxed further as she began to walk down through the forest, her mind almost blank except for the chimes and calls echoing through her. It was an absolutely beautiful walk to her. The forest seemed even more striking and alluring than it had on the path, and every step she took she grew more confident and less wary. Surely this would be a wonderful time for her. Soon enough, she came upon a group of creatures, and her mind snapped out of some of her reverie. Were these…fairies? Why had she come here? Petal blinked, confused. Her eyes flicked over to what appeared to be a throne, adorned by a surprisingly regal man. What had she just walked into? 

Oberon watched her progress in his mind's eye with an ever growing sinister smile. Young, supple, fresh, she was easily lured into the trap as flies to honey. Every step she took, the tresspasser fell deeper into the spell, until she came into their circle. For now, the fairy king pressed his fingertips together as he sat back in an air of amusement. While she had all of their attention, one of the court fairies in an elegant dress made entirely of tulle walked up to her, giving a slight courtsey.

"Welcome to the Court of King Oberon. Won't you join us for some refreshments? Drink and food are provided in abundance. We also have beautiful music. Oh, you simply must hear the music!" As if on cue, the band resumed their playing. For the now, Oberon simply watched the little mouse that had wandered into his den. Most of the fairies began dancing, filling the area with twirling fabrics and glistening wings in the pale moonlight from above. Yet all of their attention was still upon her, their feet moving of their own accord.

Petal blinked as the music began playing. It was…enchanting…maybe she could stay a while…? No..No! She shook herself out of it before she fell into another trance. She'd heard plenty of stories of the trickery of the fae. She wouldn't be another victim. "To be quite honest…" Petal replied, glaring at the fairy, "I'd say the music is quite repetitive. Maybe a bit off-tune as well. You all need more practice!" She was lying of course, the music was practically perfect to the ears, but if she let her anxiety show, she'd be as dead in the water as she'd be if she just gave up. She needed to seem strong if she wished to get out. She also had heard stories of the…"refreshments." She certainly couldn't have any if she ever wished to leave, from what she knew. She looked past the court fairy towards the man on the throne, calling out, "Were you not good enough to make the band?" She didn't know exactly who that was, but she could feel his stare on her, and it crept her out. It would be best of her not to anger anyone of great power, but that was beyond her at that moment. To her, her sass was just a byproduct of her feelings of being entrapped. She was often like this in bad situations, and even though it usually made things worse, she simply couldn't help it.

Many of the fairies snickered at Petal's thrown insults to the musicians. Oberon himself simply cocked a single eyebrow. When she spoke up against the fairy king, everyone gasped as both music and dancers stopped. The king stood, the smirk on his face did nothing to lessen the menacing gait he took toward the intruder. Upon reaching her, he began a slow circle around her, inhaling her scent as he slowly contemplated the mortal child.

"Sweet, naive child," his voice was like water rolling over a large rock in a stream. "Do you not know who we are? More importantly, who I am?" He chuckled darkly as he continued his slow paced circle. Oberon stopped before her, a finger tilting her chin up to look him in the eye. "Please, I insist. Dance with me, and you may live to see another night." The way he said it made it clear that it was not open for debate, but that he was daring her to defy his demands.