A little bit of a quick update this go round-enjoy!

"His face was like the autumn sky, overcast one moment and bright the next."
― Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness

Eren followed quietly behind Levi and Hange as they spoke to one another in whispers, allowing them both to have much needed time to catch up. It had been well over a hundred years in Fae time since Levi had the chance to talk with his old friend, to reminisce over simpler times. He did his best not to eavesdrop, understanding the gravity of this moment. Levi was finally able to ask about those he had left behind, remembering friends who he had loved enough to sacrifice his freedom for.

It was important for him to know that they had lived long lives, that his decision hadn't been one made in vain. However, he could pick up on Hange's hesitance, how the Fae Queen shook her head and said very calmly, "once we return to Shiganshina, I have something to show you. For now, we have other things we need to discuss."

Levi wasn't happy about it, but he acquiesced, falling silent as he led Hange through the gate and into the heart of the Winter Court. A few Fae looked up; brows furrowed slightly when they noticed that the Summer Queen was amongst them.

Levi's aura once again shifted, taking on one of authority and coolness, as though he were daring them to question his motives. On the way here Eren had mentioned his fear of the other Fae finding them out, knowing that Hange and Levi had ahold of their emotions. She quelled his fear by telling him it wasn't uncommon for a Fae King and Queens to visit one another. Everyone knew that Queen Petra and King Erwin paid visits to one another quite often. Although King Levi had never been known for being the most social, it's not as though it should cause any alarm that she would want to come to speak with him. Especially given the recent events in Shiganshina.

And that was another topic altogether. There was a gnawing worry in the pit of Eren's gut as he imagined the carnage that was going on while he was safe and sound, not a hair on his head harmed. He swore he could hear the screams in the distance as the hounds ripped and tore the villagers to shreds, people who he had known his entire life gone in an instant, as though they had never existed at all.

It's true that Eren didn't fear death, knew full well that it was a natural part of things, the next journey in life that all must undergo. That didn't mean he didn't fear what came before death. The feeling of utter loneliness knowing it was a path one must walk alone, the life being sucked out of them as they were tossed into a dark void, walking the beaten road before coming to what lay beyond.

Death was supposed to be a peaceful process, coming to take you away after you'd lived a long and fulfilling life. The promise of what came next allowing for those ready to go to not be gripped by a need to fight against the sensation. That is not what Shiganshina would experience. Those eighteen people would be full of terror and agony, their souls fighting against the reaper, demanding that they are given more time before departing.

"Eren, are you okay?"

Levi's worried voice ripped Eren from the images his head was conjuring up and it was only then that he realized he had been crying. He swiftly wiped his tears away, not wanting to be an inconvenience as he knew they had a plan to come up with. There was nothing he could do about what was happening to the village, instead, his focus needed to be on getting him and Levi out of here. On finding a way to thwart the Autumn King, no matter how impossible it might seem.

"I-I'm fine. Just overthinking as always. Don't make a big deal out of it, please. I can see that you want to, but we have other Fae watching and more important tasks to focus on. I'll be okay."

Levi pursed his lips and gave Eren a long and hard look, one that let him know he wasn't getting out of this so easily. They'd be talking about it later once they were alone in his room and away from the prying eyes and ears of the Winter Court.

The Fae King led them up to a different room on the top floor, one that Eren had never noticed before. It was through another one of those magical doors that could only be opened with Levi's blood along with an indiscernible chant, yawning wide to display a small cozy chamber filled with a long mahogany wooden table surrounded by six seats and a fireplace that Levi had roaring to life with the snap of his fingers.

Eren headed towards the French style windows that gave him a gorgeous view of the land of the Winter Court, vast and full of pine trees stretching their branches towards the constantly overcast sky. The Fae below walked around, chattering and smirking, plotting what sort of mischief they might get into next without a care in the world. For a moment, Eren wished to be like that. To have no worries, no fear of death or losing someone you loved. But then, he thought better of it. What a sad life it would be to live without ever having the chance to be loved and loved in turn.

"Eren, come sit down with us."

He turned and took a seat next to Levi who was sitting across from a vibrating Hange, the Fae Queen eager to reveal to them whatever information made it necessary for her to pay a visit in the flesh. As soon as Eren was sitting down, Levi reached over and grasped his hand, interlocking their fingers and giving a gentle squeeze of reassurance.

"Okay, Hange. We're ready to listen," Levi said solemnly.

Hange clasped her hands on the table in front of her and leaned over, glasses sliding slightly down her nose as wicked gleam flashed in her eyes.

"I've found someone from the Autumn Court who can help us get in. He's waiting for us in the neutral zone, as I didn't think it would be wise to bring him anywhere near here."

Levi looked incredulous as he shifted in his seat, mulling the information over silently. Eren didn't dare reply, knowing that what was being discussed currently was a bit out of his realm. Though they would ultimately make the decision together, it was best to allow Levi to ask the questions.

"I spent a long time in the Autumn Court and never came across a Fae who seemed as though they would be willing to go against King Erwin. I'm not sure how popular he is, however, I never heard whispers of usurping him. Who is this Fae?"

Hange leaned back in her chair, a Cheshire grin spreading across her face.

"Ah! That's because this Fae only recently returned to the Autumn Court after being gone for a very, very, long time. His name is Zeke and he is far older than any of us. He's been around for near one thousand years. Oh! Don't look at me that way, Levi. I wouldn't have believed it myself if he hadn't linked minds and shown me. It's the truth. It'd be best for you both to hear it from his mouth, rather than mine, though. Will you come with me to go meet him?"

Levi chewed on his bottom lip and turned to Eren, raising a brow in silent question.

"I think we should go with Hange and meet him. It's not like we have many other choices, at this point. Someone intimate with the Autumn Court would be a good ally to have. After all, we are running out of time."

Levi nodded his head and then looked to Hange, bowing slightly in acquiescence as well as in apology. Eren knew it must be hard for the Fae King, as there was a point in his life where he would have trusted his friend with everything and second-guessing her decisions had to have made him feel terrible. However, it had been too many years that he'd had to fend for himself and he was no longer used to getting help. It made sense that he would be wary.

"I must warn you both before we go that Zeke is rather...eccentric. Please don't be offended by anything he says, he doesn't do it to be harmful it's just his personality."

"Fucking fantastic. You calling someone else eccentric means we are in for a hell of a treat. Come, let's get this over with."

They all stood up in unison and Levi led them to the room he'd kept Historia in so that they could use the secret tunnel, not wanting any Fae to attempt to trail them. While it wasn't likely, they couldn't take any chances. Everything was barreling together, the chess pieces getting knocked down until only a few were left along with their queens.

"Is there a doorway in your realm anywhere that can take us to the neutral territory, or do we need to call our stags?" Hange asked once they emerged from the underground, brushing the snow off of her pants.

"There is a doorway. Best to use it rather than our stags, we don't want to draw too much attention."

Hange nodded and Levi moved ahead, making sure to place Eren between the two as they trekked away from the path and deep into the woods. The trees reached their branches out, touching their King as he passed, whispering secrets in his ear. Levi tilted his head, silver eyes gleaming to the point where they appeared to be glowing. He spoked back to them, again in that Fae language which sounded so ancient that Eren could practically feel the intensity of it, his body weighed down with time.

He watched in awe as the trees parted and the snow beneath their feet began to glow blue, a path stretching out ahead pointing them towards a lonesome set of willow trees. Unlike the pair of willow trees back in Shiganshina's forest, this pair had drooping branches teeming with silver leaves. They glowed, full of so much magic that Eren could feel it even from a far distance.

"I'll go first, that way he knows everything is okay," Hange said, waiting for Levi to nod in agreement before stepping in between the two willows and disappearing.

"We're going at the same time," Levi spoke quietly as he turned to Eren and grabbed his hand.

Eren looked down at the Fae King, searching his face and finding that there was still a layer of mistrust present. The taller man smiled in reassurance and squeezed Levi's hand tightly as they stepped forward, a moment later finding themselves in a land full of gold.

It was unlike anything he'd ever seen, which seemed to be a common occurrence in the Fae realm, but this was...this was phenomenal. The tree trunks were of the richest rosewood, their leaves bright and yellow, glowing as the sunset-hued sky bathed them in orange and red. The sun hung low in the sky, creating a warm atmosphere that Eren felt he could have easily lived in forever.

And the smells...everything stunk of life. So vibrant and rich. He itched to just lay on the golden grass beneath his feet and soak it all in.

"What is this place?" he breathed out, so taken by the scenery that he had yet to take notice of the Fae standing next to Hange just a few feet away.

"This is An Réimse Órga, the neutral realm. Seasons do not exist here, and it is always bathed by the sunset hanging overhead. No one reigns over this realm; thus, when we step foot here our powers are rendered useless."

Levi's voice was strained as he spoke, eyes staring straight ahead with so much ferocity behind them that Eren felt himself trembling. He hadn't felt this fearful of the Fae King since when they had first met and he was immediately enchanted by his power and beauty, it was a strange sensation.

Eren placed his hand on Levi's back in an attempt to get him to relax as he turned his eyes towards the Fae that had now taken a few steps towards them. He had short blond hair that was parted in the center, eyes as blue as the sky on a summer day with an odd spark in them, round silver glasses, and a goatee. He was a bit taller than Eren and was decked out in loose grey pants, long black boots that ended a bit below his knees, and a cropped sleeveless black leather shirt that had an interesting crosshatched pattern going across the torso.

His skin was akin to the leaves on the trees and he appeared to have a glowing aura surrounding him, shimmering every time he made any sort of movement. Eren was curious as to why a Fae would choose such a look for themselves. Sure, Hange had glasses but that was because she'd had them as a human and had picked to leave them there even once she didn't need them anymore.

What struck him as even odder, however, were the hundreds of scars that littered the Fae's body. All Fae could heal themselves, even if it was from an iron weapon, as long as the wound wasn't too deadly. Which meant that it was an active decision on his part to allow the scars to stay.

"Ah! The infamous Winter Fae King and his human lover have finally graced me with their presence. I wasn't sure if you'd come," Zeke's voice tinkled as he spoke, reminding Eren of the melody of a flute. It had a rhythmic sound to it, as though he was speaking in tandem with Shakespearean poetry. And, as he spoke, he made an odd movement. Taking his finger and flicking the tip of his ear with it.

"I only came here because I trust Hange and she said you are willing to help us. Why?" Levi quipped back; fists clenched at his sides in irritation.

"Straight to business, are we? I was hoping we could chat a bit beforehand, get to know one another. Oooooh! You're a nasty one, can smell the stench of your annoyance from over here. Okay, I get it." Zeke laughed when Levi took a step towards him and the trees shook as though they were laughing along with him. He raised his hands in the air in surrender while Hange looked at Eren and Levi apologetically.

"I want to help you because King Erwin is exactly what a Fae shouldn't be. You know, back when I was born the Fae were in touch with their emotions. Not to the extent that humans are, we never let them rule us. However, we were able to experience joy and laughter. Love. Sadness. Protectiveness. And, most importantly, curiosity.

It is that curiosity that drove me to leave the Autumn Court the year I had turned three hundred. I wanted to know what existed in the depths of our realm which no Fae had ever explored. So, I left the autumn realm and went on a long journey full of adventure and knowledge. I had no idea that while I was gone the Fae had turned against their emotions, locking them away and tossing them to the side.

While Fae will forever be cruel, for it is in our nature to be so, to give up on experiencing life to its fullest? It baffled me. This realm has been so much different upon my return. There are a few, such as me, who have hold of their emotions. Those who embrace them wholeheartedly and without regret. But, the others? They are living lives that are meaningless. It has sapped the magic and energy from this land, it is no longer as vibrant as it once was.

Hange had been wandering An Réimse Órga a few days ago when we met and upon seeing her face, I immediately knew she was like me. After hearing her story, we concocted a plan. She has already chosen a Fae to succeed her, and that Fae has their emotions unlocked. You have chosen someone as well, haven't you?"

Eren's gaze shifted to Hange who was nodding to Levi as though to say; yes, he is telling you the truth. The Fae King sighed and rubbed his hand over his face, shoulders slumping in pure exhaustion as he answered.

"Yes, I have. She is unlike the others in my court. Her loyalty to me is what drove me to pick her as a Fae, and once I had recovered my emotions, I noticed other things. She has never shown an interest in being violent towards humans, on the contrary, she seems rather curious about them. I thought it would be a decent quality, a ruler who wouldn't tolerate Fae running rampant in the human realm. There will always be Fae who trick and mess with humans, and she won't stop it, but she won't let it become detrimental either."

Zeke nodded as he continued to speak, "Exactly! That's two Courts which will now have leaders who will be in tune with their emotions. That leaves me to take over the Autumn Court, my home. I have said it is in our nature to be cruel, however, King Erwin has gone past that. He has taken far too much and not given enough in return. There must always exist a balance, you see. I can smell the rot in the soil deep beneath the Earth. The land is weeping and if I don't act soon, the Autumn Court could crumble apart.

Queen Petra can be dealt with easily enough once there are three of us to conspire together. I'm not worried about her. King Erwin is our biggest adversary. I've been back in the Fae realm for a while now and was waiting for the chance to meet someone, it is fate that I crossed paths with Hange. It is fate that we all ended up together in this exact moment. I know where the page is hidden that you seek, I also know that the Autumn King will be going on a hunt tomorrow for a few hours.

I can sneak you both in and keep a lookout while you read over the page. You won't be able to take it with you, as he would notice straight away and come searching. But with you being a Fae now, you should be able to memorize all of the information. So, what do you think? Do we have a plan?"

Levi narrowed his eyes, still clearly skeptical. Eren felt the same, it all seemed too good to be true. He could feel how powerful Zeke was, even though they were in neutral territory. To have such a Fae on their side was...unimaginable. And then everything he'd said about Fae once having access to their emotions...none of their texts ever spoke of this.

He moved his hand up Levi's spine and traced a circle on it, his silent way of saying he agreed with the Fae King and wasn't sure if Zeke could be trusted. He was odd, his movement peculiar, and his aura uncanny. It was difficult for Eren to get a proper read on him. He didn't make him feel squirmy like some of the other Fae he'd run into, but he didn't make him feel safe like Hange and Levi did either.

"If you still don't believe me, allow me to show you."

Eren's hand clenched on the back of Levi's shirt tightly when he nodded in agreement, not wanting to let him go. The Fae King turned to him and wrapped his arms around his waist, hugging him tightly in reassurance.

"It's okay, Eren. I don't think he is going to hurt me. I need to see this to be sure. Go stand with Hange, it shouldn't take long."

Eren hugged him back tightly in return, chewing his bottom lip in worry. He didn't want to move away from him, but he had to trust that Levi knew what he was doing. So, with a heavy heart, he walked away to stand by Hange who wrapped her arm around his shoulders and squeezed.

"It will be okay, Eren. It may take a while, though. Zeke has lived for a long time and it will be hundreds of years of information for Levi to process. He'll want to ask questions as I did. Let's go sit down and rest. An Réimse Órga is good for revitalization."

Eren nodded and followed Hange to sit beneath a tree, leaning back against the trunk and closing his eyes. Everything was happening so fast. To think that tomorrow they would be infiltrating the Autumn Realm and getting the information that they needed, that in a few days' time Levi could be a human again.

He could be going back home to Shiganshina with Eren.

Although he'd only been here for a few days, it felt as though it had been forever. Most humans who had visited the Fae realm would say the opposite, that time had no meaning here. That it flowed in such a way that it felt endless, full of possibility. You could be here for one hour and it was as though only a second had passed.

For Eren, though, he felt stretched thin. So much had happened to him in only a few short days. He'd found the love of his life, learned just how vicious the Fae could be, experienced pleasure and pain beyond imagination, failed to protect his village, and succeeded in protecting those he cared for the most. He was constantly stuck between feeling hopeless and hopeful, his mind teetering back and forth between the two like a seesaw.

He hugged his knees to his chest and leaned his head against them, letting out a long and drawn-out sigh. Focusing on the negatives would only cause his mind to spiral out of control. He'd been thrown into this entire mess with no proper training on how to deal with Fae, with no prior knowledge as to what the beings were like. Had spent his life wrapped up in his paintings and daydreaming of lands far away. He should be proud that he'd made it this far and he needed to remain optimistic. Levi needed him.

And he needed Levi. There was a sudden burning desire deep within him to be close to the Fae King, to have their bodies pressed together, moving in sync, allowing the world to drift away as they fell into one another. It had been a long day, from meeting and learning about Historia, to running into Ymir, to finding out that eighteen people in his beloved village must die and having to choose who would live, all culminating to a rendezvous with a mysterious Fae who was dangling salvation in their faces.

It was selfish of him to desire such a thing, he knew it was, but he couldn't be bothered to care. If his universe had the possibility of falling apart, he should be allowed this, at the very least.

Fingers running through his hair softly caused him to lift his head, eyes locking with those gorgeous silver pools that had taken his breath away from the moment he'd first looked into their depths. Levi looked tired, however, there was a calmness on his face that Eren had never seen before. One that let him know everything was going to be alright, that they had a way out of this, and his Fae King would be everything in his power to make it so.

"Tomorrow, when the sun is at its highest peak in the sky, I will go to the Autumn Court with Zeke. You should stay back, as well as Hange."

"No."

"Eren-"

"I said no, Levi. I am going with you. We're in this together, remember? Where you go, I go. Until the day that I die. I have listened to you since the moment you brought me here but not this time."

Levi pursed his lips but nodded, knowing he wasn't going to get any other answer out of Levi. Zeke looked somber behind him, no longer full of brightness as he had been earlier, more like an overcast sky instead. He nodded once to all of them before walked away and disappearing through the trees.

"Moblit and I are going with you as well, Levi. Don't bother arguing with me, either. We're going to keep a lookout with Zeke. We'll meet up here tomorrow."

She looked at both of them, her face stubborn and full of authority when she gazed at Levi and softening when her eyes met Eren's.

"Take tonight to relax, dear. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow," Hange said with a wink before she disappeared through the wooded lands as well.

Levi blinked and tilted his head to regard Eren quizzically as he stood up and stretched, groaning when his joints popped at the movement.

"I can feel the energy radiating off of you, love. What's wrong?"

Eren laughed and looked down at Levi through hooded eyes, a sudden heat pooling in his stomach as he thought of exactly what he wanted to spend his night doing. His desire to be intimate with Levi hadn't lessened since their first coupling, rather, it had increased tenfold. He wanted nothing more than to be wrapped up with his Fae in bed, to tune out the rest of the world and focus on nothing other than the way it felt when Levi moved deep inside him.

Knowing that tomorrow was going to be full of danger made the need even more potent, the air filling with the scent of arousal causing Levi's eyes to darken.

"You don't want to go back and relax, do you?"

"No. Make me forget about everything but you, Levi."

Levi grabbed Eren's hand and pulled him towards the doorway, towards the Winter Court, towards the place where they could fall together once more, towards him. The only place that Eren wanted to be for the rest of his life.