The Halfling (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 15

Someone comes and gets me early. Too early. I've gotten used to sleeping in, and not going to school. Of course it's Iclyn again, nobody else seems to come near me besides the servant. 

After I'm bathed, they dress me more elegantly then they ever had before. Forget just the corset, this time it's a corset plus another undergarment (it's white, in case you wanted to know) and then a dress and then an overskirt and then a cloak and then a necklace and a belt. Of course, my hair is done. 

This dress is silver and pale blue, and it looks like frost. It slightly hitches up in the corner to show my woven branch prisoners cuff. My cloak is white as snow, and the shoes they put me in are white as well. 

My hair is put up and in a bun, taming it. The spiral antlers are polished and they attach a sort of sparkling silver veil to them. 

I wonder why they always put me in these wintry colors, but I don't complain. They actually look rather nice on me. 

They lead me back to my cage, and I sigh of relief. Well. As much as I can sigh in this corset. At least there are no experiments planned for today. 

I sit down on my bed and Iclyn gives me a disgusted look. For the first time today, she speaks.
"Stand up, human. If you must sit, sit in a chair." Her voice is laced with poison, and her eyes glitter with ice. 

I stand as slowly as I can, in an effort to defy her. The corset makes it difficult, as it's not designed to have me bent over. 

Suddenly, I hear a commotion coming closer. I feel the first gusts, and am glad for my cloak. Another gust persists, and I feel myself start to shiver. I hold still, and feel the chills pass. The commotion grows ever louder, sounding like a mix of animal and human noises. Then I see the crowd. This crowd comes around the bend and enters the courtyard where the nightly feasts are held. I am shocked. This many people never came to the feasts. I suppose they must have separate feasting days. 

But why are they here? It's early, and they're so... Excited. Suddenly, I see a higher figure in the crowd. This figure sits on a steed of some kind, as they look like they're sitting. 

Then they come up right to Iclyn. This steed is a reindeer, bedecked in winter finery. This person? A boy, obviously. The significance he holds is demonstrated when Iclyn curtsies to him. Bows! She, the icy cold one, curtsies! She's the daughter of the Queen... So who is this?!

"Greetings brother. I am glad you are well." She says, her head still inclined. 

"Greetings sister. I am well. Who is this?" He asks, his head slightly inclining to me.

"This," she says with a snarl, "Is one human that the glorious Queen, may she live for eternity, has brought here and transformed." Her tone makes it clear she disproves of these actions, and wishes me gone.

"I see. Well, I assume there's four? I'll go visit them on the way. What is this one called?" He says offhandedly.

"I've never bothered to ask," Iclyn says, obviously confused was to why he wants to know. 

"My name is Wren." I say clearly. Iclyn  shoots me an annoyed and slightly scared look. 

"Hello Wren. I look forward to overseeing your development." He says, finally turning to look at me. I see the change in his eyes the moment they meet mine. They go from being cold and regal, perfect for talking to Iclyn; to sympathetic and hurt, as if to say he's on my side. I'm sure to keep my expression perfectly level and defiant, making sure Iclyn doesn't see his momentary kindness. I nod slightly, acknowledging him. 

"I'll be moving on now." he says, and just like that, he's gone. I curse myself, as I realize, I still don't know his name.