Help from the OtherSide

9. Reliving the Past

"Not the happiest memory of your species, but I will let you in on the story that dates back to many centuries. . ." Frioren seated himself on a stereotypical red and white polka dotted mushroom cap that looked comfortable. 

Personally, my neck was hurting from the all looking down. 

Without thinking much I sat on the ground beside the mushroom, such that Frioren and his pointy cap were in my eye level.
He looked a little taken aback, like I was supposed to wait for his permission or something.

Well, if my feet start blistering not amount of apologies can save it.

Following my lead, the rest of them sat  beside friendly looking pixies. Once everyone were seated, the pixies silently watched Frioren for any signs of discomfort.
 He nodded and they humbly sat on whatever remaining space we  could spare. I rested my elbows on my knees waiting for him to narrate.

"If everyone is ready, I shall begin." He voiced out to the entire room.

"Yes master." They echoed.

Master. . . ?

"It all occurred in the 1400-1500's,  when we used to live like a big family. By everyone, I mean pixies, nymphs, elves, stone trolls, lycanthropes and whatever else exists.

 During those days a dryad noticed a Human male, who always came to take shelter under her trees after a long day of work.
 The Man wasn't aware of this, but the nymph had grown fond of watching the him go about doing human-y things at leisure, because living by yourself in a forest can get lonely.

 She was unable to contain her feelings for the Man even though her sisters advised her against it. Then one fine day, the nymph made up her mind and revealed her true form to him. Naturally the Man was apprehensive at first, but slowly they both fell in love to an extent where they couldn't live without seeing each other every day--"

" That's so sweet!"

"Yikes."

"Simp."

 Team each gave their reactions, beginning with Yumiko and ending on Grant. Liam and I shared a glance hoping the pixie leader wouldn't regret his decision of hosting us.

".  .  . Yes.  As sweet as it sounded, it didn't last long. More of his people began wondering as to where this Man used to go everyday after work, until one of them followed him and the entire existence of our kind was revealed.
Of course; the good people swore to keep their promises but a few went and told their King of the creatures that existed in these woods.
As expected, Humans surrendered to their primal nature of deceit and destruction." Frioren got a faraway look in his eyes. 

"But, why did they have to destroy everything? What  was the reason?" Liam voiced confidently.

"The reason was we decided not to sell ourselves. The emperor wanted our magical abilities to help him conquer and assure a guaranteed win for all his unnecessary wars.

 Initially some of us happily obliged, but later when he saw the extent of victories he could get from our powers, he began forcing the creatures against their will. Any accumulation of magic against the will of the donor will result not only in death of the donor,  but also tragedy on the one who forces it." He paused to take a breath.