“Up here, kid.” The rebel leader lounged against the arm of the formidable tree, one leg hanging off the edge. His back pressed against the bark, as he allowed the leaves to cast a shade over him. The journey to the Spring Court was more favorable than others, with its proximity to Cloverwood Forest being of great convenience. Granted, the forest was home to many threatening creature. But Santiago had studied their habits enough, to manage coming and going as needed. In this case, the pre-arranged meeting with the young Matheus Murtaugh. The young rebel was immersed in the Spring Court as a stablehand. A discreet assignment, meant to bring him closer to the High Fae’s. Should he succeed, a great honor to both himself and his father. But Santiago cared little for honor or pride. Matheus, as he’d learned throughout the years, was a great many things. A caring boy, an instinctive person... But this was a dangerous game. One that, in Santiago’s opinion, he was ill-suited or prepared for. Never the less, he agreed to the elder Murtaugh’s plan. Leadership, he was beginning to learn, was never a one-way street.

Still, he fretted, and insisted on meetings such as these. A way to learn what Matheus knew, while simultaneously keeping a watchful eye. With a friendly smile, he pushes himself off the branch, swinging down until his feet hit the grass. He surveys Matheus with a warm chuckle, lightly poking his side. “What? They don’t feed you here?” He kids, yet his voice revealed an open concern. “How are you fairing? Have they laid a hand on you?”