Shapeshifter, Fae and other Inconveniences

Chapter 5

"Thana wait for me!" giggling I ran after my big sister trying to catch the hem of her flowing dress. Thana was three years older than I was and she technically wasn't my biological sister but since both of us had been taking in by the same three witches we had been growing up along side each other. The small clearing we lived on consisted of three small wooden cabins and additionally a barn in which a few chickens and some goats lived in. 

Thana had always been my big idol whom I looked up to in nearly every way. She had beautiful long straight black hair which always flowed around her delicate shoulders reflecting purple when hit by the sun from the right angle. Her eyes where of a deep rich brown framed by thick long lashes very much in contrast to her rather pale skin tone. Once I had turned 15, I shot up in height overtaking her by at least 4 inches back than I was suddenly the one looking down to her. Thana understood me like no other we could share thoughts with only a glance or a cheeky smile.

But most importantly she was like me a part of the shifter species. And not only that Thana was a rare hybrid the only I had ever heard of beside myself. Though we were not of the same shifter form, but it didn't matter to any of us. It was a once in a million chance that a hybrid was ever born, and it was even more unlike for us to met one another and have the luck to grow up alongside each other.

Watching my younger self run after my sister a warm feeling spread trough my chest. The scenery was dipped in a golden evening light rich green flora and fauna everywhere around. An elderly woman stepped out the wooden house Thana and I were playing Infront of. She was dressed in a red cotton dress patched up here and there with a long brown braid hanging of her shoulder. On her hips she carried a basket full of freshly harvested vegetables. A smile painted small wrinkles onto her face bevor it was replaced by a mildly serious expression. "Girls, I'll say it one more time stop playing around and help me with dinner!" she tried to lecture the two of us. Followed by laughter the children reluctantly entered the house right after her.

Taking in the previously calm childhood scene I continued gazing towards the clearing pondering on the good times back then. Suddenly I noticed a slight shift in the atmosphere the light was overtaken by a creeping darkness and a cold shiver made its way up my spine the hair on my nape stood straight. The silhouette of a medium-large animal scurried past the cabin. 

Realization dawned on me I wanted to scream warnings for I knew what was about to come but my voice remained mute I couldn't move my limbs I was glued to the floor forced to rewatch the nightmare. Not a moment later dark clothed figures followed I could see my foster mother getting dragged out the house accompanied by my big sister. Tears started filling my eyes blurring my vision I did not want to see their pained expressions the all-consuming fear disfiguring their faces. Reliving that dreadful horrible night.

I felt guilt turning my head away and closing my eyes in front of the scene. Then darkness enveloped me. My sisters agonizing screams were replaced with my own thoughts shouting back at me blaming me.

Everything they said It was all the truth I had never been grateful enough for the luck I had been blessed with. Taking everything for granted I had never lingered in the moment never had I realized how peaceful and happy my life had been never had I taken my time to engrave these blissful moments into my memory. Never had I been grateful enough until everything was ripped away from me leaving me with a gawking open wound in which only crumps of few hazy golden memories remained.

Blinking rapidly, I tried to get rid of the tears that were blocking my vision. Sniffling I rubbed my nose dragging my hands down my wet puffy cheeks. Breathing in mouldy air deep into my lungs I tried to dissolve the remaining pictures of my nightmare floating in my head. I calmingly reassured myself that I was not near the clearing I was not near these demons they couldn't know my location.

I was safe now here in this... Wait, where am I?

Slowly sitting up I took in my surroundings I was situated on a stray bed covered with a fray washed out slim blanket. On the wall to my opposite stood a bucket most likely serving as a toilet. All around me where brownish sand walls only to my left was the wall disrupted by a wooden door which let in light shining through some cell rods. So apparently another prison. Remembering the night bevor, I must now be stuck inside a Fae Fortress. At least It wasn't freezing cold in here. 

Looking to my right I noticed another small bucket filled with clean water. Jumping up I instantly drowned half my face in it filling my dry mouth with water and gulping the water down greedily. A soothing felling filled my throat my tail unconsciously swished from left to right. Never bevor had I been so happy about simple water bevor. Closing my eyes I took some water into my hands and splashed my face with it. It made me feel refreshed a little, clearing my mind giving me room to think. 

"Wow, you acted like you were on the brink of death just now! So dramatic!" Startled by the laughing voice I jumped up taking a defence position growling at whoever surprised me while I was preoccupied refiling my water supplies. "Woah, woah relax little cat I'm just hear to check on you." The Fae I recognised as Faolyn grinned at me through the small door window. "I see you are finally up joining us from the dead." He took the time to laugh about his joke. Raising my eyebrows I merely reacted with a disapproving look. "I'll be right back with some dinner maybe I'll be able to gain your favour this way." Not waiting for an answer his grinning face disappeared from the window.

A few moments later a heavenly smell hit my nostrils joined by his footsteps. Opening a small hatch, a plate full of steaming soup and some bread was pushed inside. Water filled my mouth accompanied by my stomach betraying me with a hungry growl. Still, I was reluctant to accept the meal which I feared would come with a twist. Faolyn hadn't left but continued observing me with a curious glance. I was scared that he would do something if I were to close the distance.

 "Come on I promise its not poisoned." He said with an inviting tone. Taking another look at the alluring soup I gave into my needs quickly jumping forward and grabbing the soup. Stuffing my mouth with bread a feeling of bliss coursed through me I couldn't care less that Faolyn was still observing me. "After you finish, we would like you to answer us some questions. The fae added after some time waiting for a reaction from my side. 

Ignoring him I merely turned my body away preoccupied with the meal which in my opinion served as an answer enough. Sighing I heard him walk away with a chuckle. Having to deal with new problems was the furthest thing on my mind. For now, I simply wanted to savour this small moment of Bliss for myself to remember.