"It's a long story that I'd rather not relive, now if you'll excuse me I think I'd like to catch up on some much-needed rest." She states, standing and walking away. She lays on her side, curling up in the blanket.

Puck was silent for a moment. "You know," he said finally, "I dont have to take you back to the Summer Court. If you want, I can take you back to the mortal world. If you really want to go home."

She stays silent for a moment before answering. "I'll think about it."

A shadow appeared in the doorway and Ash walked in. He was silhouetted against the night sky, the flowers casting his features in a pale glow. His hair was slightly damp, and his clothes were mended, whether through glamour or something else it was impossible to tell. "Oh, hey, Prince," he drawled, completely unconcerned. "I forgot you were here. Sorry 'bout that."

"I want you gone by morning," Ash said in cold, clipped tones, sweeping around the campfire. "I want you out of my territory, you and Claire both. According to the law, I could kill you where you stand for trespassing. If I see either of you in Tir Na Nog again, I won't be so lenient."

"No worries, I'm heading back to the Summer Court anyways." She mutters, her back turned towards him where she lays.

Ash began moving the piles the dead Iron fey and dumping them outside. He worked quickly and silently, not looking at either of them, almost feverish in his desire to get them out. When the bodies were cleared away, he grabbed the bottle of wine from the trunk and retired to a far corner, brooding into the glass. His entire posture screamed, "leave me the hell alone".

Puck told Claire to come and sit by him. "The fire will be warmer than..." He trailed off, not sure how over Ash Claire was.

She reluctantly moves next to him, silent as she stares at the flames.

Puck had always been there: safe, reliable, protective. He was part of her Court, so there was no stupid law to get in the way. Ash was gone; he had already made up his mind. Why not try with Puck? He put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. How could Ash do this to her? What a jerk. He was tempted to tell Claire he told her so, but he resisted. Instead, he asked, "So. Machina. How'd that go?"

She quickly ducked under his arm, moving away so he couldn't touch her. "Sorry, Puck. I really just want to go to sleep." She mutters, looking at him apologetically before turning on he side and closing her eyes. She didn't feel like explaining anything, she didn't even feel like talking with nyone. She just wanted to leave, not see the one person she couldn't have.

Puck left her alone after that.

Later that night, the room was bathed in hazy starlight. The flowers had opened completely and were glowing as if tiny moons nestled between the petals, throwing back the darkness. Ethereal moths and ghostly butterflies flitted over the carpet, delicate wings reflecting the light as they floated between blooms. Puck was fast asleep.