Author's Notes:

CAUTION: There are minor spoilers for another story below.

I was not planning to reveal Ditto's identity in this story, but then I had an idea a few days ago and decided to incorporate it. Following is one more brief glimpse into the True Fae as they launch two of the most terrifying enemies known to Changeling kind: The implacable, powerful, and heartless residents of Arcadia known as the Huntsmen.

Out at the farthest known edges of Arcadia, well beyond the hustle and bustle of the omnipresent, ever-overlapping Stories of the Gentry, dwell at ancient species. The Fae know little of them, these strange peoples hidden in the mists and brambles and burrows, who are rumoured to have already inhabited the land before the Fair Folk arrived on its shores. They exist at the edges, always awaiting their Masters' orders.

On this day, two have need of them. One, mounted upon a great horse and holding the weapons pursuant to the sport, follows the dogs as they sniff out for him that which he seeks. The other, visible only from the edge of the eye and never adopting the same appearance twice, flits between shadow and light to locate that which will recover what is lost.

A sky coloured in the blood of clashing goblin hordes lights their search. Far away can be heard the armies of The General completing the next scene of a Story designed to take one of Runner Under the Spinning Star's many Titles. Perhaps The General will soon claim Empress of the Crimson Circle, or perhaps they will grow bored of that Story and join The Bogeyman's current Story instead.

At last the dogs stumble upon what is sought. With howling bays not unlike human screams, they call their Master's attention. The mighty steed carries its Lord to the uncovered burrow, and down descends a god of Arcadia to grasp at the hidden thing and bring it into the light.

"I dispatch you as my servant to bring to me that which I love and have lost. Take this Name that you may find what I desire. Go, my Huntsman, and return to this place only when you carry with you my lost servant: Pinkie Pie."

The other watches as the new Huntsman bows to its Master, its once-glowing heart now held in The Hunter's hand. The Huntsman departs Arcadia at once to seek out and return the requested servant.

At that moment, the other feels something move in the shadow alongside and seizes upon it. The being pulled into the light will suffice for the task. As before, out comes its heart to be replaced by a Name.

"You who dwelt here before my Name existed and who will be here when I am no more, hear my command: Gone from my side is a servant I loved. Seek without rest until you return to me the one whose Name I speak: Adagio Dazzle."

The new Huntsman bows before departing Arcadia. Only a short wait remains now until The Faceless will once again be able to embrace that lost servant and continue the Story the servant's departure interrupted.

The two look at one another. They have no overlapping Stories at this time and therefore have no pre-defined Roles to fulfil. They choose to exchange stories as they travel back to their Demesnes.

"Have you heard of The Bogeyman's lost Title?" asks The Faceless.

"The one that released The Bogeyman's servants?" replies The Hunter. "I have heard of it."

"According to Chronicler of Leaves, that Title is now unclaimed."

"Unclaimed, yes, but it has Contracted itself to a servant of the Supernal. Only The Bogeyman may take it back."

"Then I shall wait until The Bogeyman does and then involve The Bogeyman in a story to claim that Title for myself. It is only fitting I be Defiler of Innocence."

"Would you be willing to assist me in claiming Weaver of Lilac in exchange for my assistance to you against The Bogeyman?"

"I agree to the Contract as stated."

They part ways to prepare for their next Stories. Huntsmen do not grow tired and always desire the return of their hearts. The wait for their wayward servants to be brought home will be short.