Juniper and the Vermilion Court

ncient Galweni legends tell of Juniper, a young girl of the Dagnir Sen who grew too close to the Autumn Fae of the Unseelie Courts, losing herself and destroying her family in the process.
Amongst the northern valleys of crystalline light
Lay the home of Lord Galwen and his wife.
6 daughters they had, each strong and free,
Though none as bright-eyed as young Juniper could be.

Wearing dresses of indigo and blue
She danced to a tune that nobody else knew.
Under Vermilion leaves of red maple trees
The Fae cheered her on with laughs and glee.

Mist shining, colours refracting
A dazzling display for all to behold.

The Autumn Queen watched with eyes of cold amber
As young Juniper pleaded to join the glamour;

To sing and make happy with the Unseelie, unbound
by a world that would see her wed and gowned.
To sit next to the Vermilion Queen crowned
and live this new life that she had found.

The Autumn Queen considered this strange request
"A price you must pay, at our behest.
6 years you may stay with the Vermilion Crown
But that which will be taken is equally profound."

Young Juniper revelled in an eternity of Autumn
Without thought for her family nor mortem.

Lord Galwen searched for his missing daughter day and night
The last of his kin who was still of this life.

With hammer and torch his men laid waste to the forest,
Mist and waterfalls clouded with soot and sawdust.
The Autumn Court weeping tears of sap Vermilion
And naive young Juniper painted as this story's villain.