The Last Faerie Tale: Legacy of a Name

Kinsever

Night of Souls, Autumn's Reign, ~11,000 B.C.E.

The wrath of a Faerie King was not to be suffered softly.

Tension knotted my stomach as Arawn glared at me with unparalled intensity. As a Hunter I was accustomed to many things in life, yet nothing perturbed me half as much as he did. One second felt like a thousand seasons under his watch. Our eye-locked eternity finally came to an end when She-Who-Wanders stepped before me and averted his gaze away. Winter was already providing solace for me.

"He's of our court now, let him go, Arawn.
Queen Mab does not seek to rattle your brawn."

I was being protected. I would owe a debt for this. But it was a debt I would pay. Despite his threats and power, I knew what I had to do.

"Do not think this gives you resolution;
Only death is peace, a last solution.
Leave now, take thyselves.
But stay shall my Elves.
The path you tread begets desolation,
Walk it, free of Elves, in isolation."

Arawn phrased that firmly, but there was no mistaking his words; he was letting me go. Satisfied with his words, a smirk returned to She-Who-Wanders' face. She spoke softly to me as She brushed past me.

"We shall be going, then," She said casually as She made her way across the area.

My feet remained planted in place. I would not be intimidated. I would not leave yet.

She-Who-Wanders turned her head her ever so slightly. For a brief moment, I caught a silvery glimpse of light flash from under her hood where her eyes should be. They gazed past me, however, and instead at Arawn. Only a Hunter's eye like my own would have caught it. But I am certain Arawn noticed, and She meant for him to see.

"Heed your actions carefully, champion Elf. Lord Arawn is an intricate being. Like Autumn, he is complex and ever changing. He is as eternal as the infinite Annwyn. He is a Fae who understands this world far better than your mind could comprehend. Remember that autumn is a forgiving and pleasant season at first, but always carries forth the chilling bite of winter. It would be rational to accept his offer before you anger him further. Winter will only do so much to preserve your life."

Her back may have been to me, but I could tell that She was not smiling. This was the most earnest She had been with me. However, I remained steadfast in my conviction. I was not a rational Elf.

"No," I declared.

There was confusion among the Woodborn. She-Who-Wanders stopped in place but did not turn around. The raven flew off her shoulder to a perch above my head, scrupulously assessing me. Emboldened, I spoke even louder this time.

"I do not accept that. The Woodborn are fools, but they are earnest, unlike you, Arawn. They deserve better."

Arawn's brow furrowed and I could see him tightening the clutch on his staff.

"I am not the first to forsake Autumn. I am not the first to explore the courts and see where I truly belong. I am not the first one to wonder about the capacity of their magic! But you would have us stand by ancient edicts and be herded like prey! How can you be an agent of change, while you perpetuate stagnation? I will take any of my kin who are wise enough to follow me!" I told him, enraged.