Deep in the Horn Wald, the ancient lord feels the first breath of autumn in the air. His sigh ruffles through the great forest. There is hope. The lands of elves and men may yet be spared calamity from this tirelessly scorching summer.

Gloriana’s influence from across the veil burned fervently and without pity this year. The Summer Queen did not take the death of the Spring King graciously. After all the centuries of the Erlking's imprisonment, it was unlikely the mortals on Midholt understood the significance of the Lord of Larks' confinement to Glen Cumha. It is doubtful those here on the mortal side of the veil from the Feylands have any idea what their actions may have set in motion.

The balance of the Courts is now out of kilter. By destroying the travesty of what the Erlking had become, the mortals of Midholt have upset the balance of the Feylands. The Old One quietly rejoices at this potential. This death could be a wondrous thing, finally undoing the stagnant paralysis that has crippled the Gossamer Lands for centuries. The realm of the Swan Court has basked in the glory of an endless summer for ages, while the lands of the Court of Crows have been held in the unending fierceness of winter. The turning of the seasons has been stalled, replaced by the excesses of permanence.

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This ancient contract between the Queens has only persisted because of the Kings in Exile. Now, one of the thrones stands empty. The Woodland Watcher's thoughts grow grim as he ponders what Summer and Winter may undertake to preserve their perpetual reign.

Still, Autumn storms are due soon. The Old Wald Warden does not dare to encourage their arrival, even though their rains are badly needed. He is certain his existence is not far from the minds of Morrigu and Gloriana. Better to let them think he still sleeps.

He has come to cherish the beings and beasts in the forests of the Horn Wald. The guardian would be greatly saddened should any action of his summon the armies of the Fey to cross the veil. Let those here on Midholt have a few more years of peace before the inevitable tide of change that began this spring sweeps through both realms.