When the Blue Mist Falls

In Which She Departs

The night was vast, deep and heavy on the village of Brighton. Only the full moon, high in the night sky illuminated the field where the group was met. With their hoods pulled up, only shadows filled the spaces where their faces once were. Their identities just a disguise.

"Master, the archers are prepared," young Tika informed Master Brighton.

"Bring forth their leader!" Master Brighton declared to the hushing crowd. Slowly a path parted through the villagers as a cloaked figure broke through and confidently approached the eldest leader.

"Remove your hood, archer."

The archer made no effort to obey the request.

"Remove it, now!" Brighton spoke firmly, danger slipping through his words.

Slowly, the archer pulled the hood off of their head and met the wide eyed stare of Master Brighton. The anger was visibly rising in the elder's demeanor.

"Absolutely not!" He shouted, thunder rumbling with his words. The crowd cowered, all except the archer. It was as if she were a stone wall. Just her presence gave off vast dauntlessness. No hint of fear could be sensed as her gaze held his in a deep trance.

"You will not get in my way, Brighton Edgewell. For I am on a mission from Lady Mara, herself," She spoke with authority, which caused Brighton to become angry. No one could speak to him with such disrespect and defy his orders.

"You will get back to the village, at this instant. Do I make myself clear? Lady Mara would never choose someone like you and I will not let you even think about leaving. Go back now, Fauna! Let this be my only warning," Brighton was furious.

"You have no control over me. I will not allow you to think that you can command me when Lady Mara has granted me with this quest. I will not stay, father."

Gasps were sounded. No one had lived to say something or do something against the Master's will. And as for Lady Mara.. no one had received word from her in ages. Not since the fall of the Marrow Troops.

"Fauna, you will-"

"I will leave now, with my archers. Lady Mara is waiting for my quest to begin," Her will was strong. The moon cast an iridescent glow which made Fauna's appearance radiate with a deathly omen. She did not seem to be her normal self. It was almost like something had taken over. Her normal soft, sweet aura had been replaced with a courageous and unwavering will to succeed. Within seconds, blue mist fell upon the field and immediately, everyone fell to a knee and bowed.

Within seconds, the mist surrounded the Elder and fear struck him deep. He had heard about the mist all of his life but had never witnessed its empowering beauty in all of his eight centuries. He cowered as the voice filled his mind, oblivious to the crowd before him.

"Brighton Edgewell, you are a good master. But Empress Fauna is on a mission, sent solely by me, and if you get in the way or ever blaspheme my name again, I will not hesitate to strip you of your title and banish you to the Darklands." Lady Mara spoke only to Brighton and he understood her words loud and clear. As soon as the mist dissipated, the crowd rose to their feet wearing confused expressions. Not many of them had witnessed the Moon Goddess' mist before. It was alluring.

Brighton cleared his throat, "The archers will depart at the first-"

"We leave now," Fauna spoke to the crowd, "Our time has come! Follow me, archers, after you obtain your steeds. Bring me Feral." Fauna turned towards Brighton, who wore a grim face.

"Veki non, fadie."

With that said, she hoisted herself upon an eager looked Feral. She exchanged glances with her trusted right hand, Navi. With her union at her side, she tapped Feral with her heel and galloped towards the East, into the Darkenwood Forest.

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Thank you so much for reading! Let me know what you think and if you have any questions! :)

Veki non, fadie = Goodbye, father.

Thank you, my lovelies.

Mickey <3