Elemental Witch: Child of the Earth (Part I)

Hide Her Wings

Sencha shivered as the elders took his daughter from his arms; fighting every urge swelling within him to grab her back. It had only been five months, raising the child with the help of some others, but he had become more attached to the little winged imp than he would ever care to admit. Already she was showing personality and strength. Though the elder council had given him some allowances at the beginning, it was time to turn Veranandein, or Verana as he had taken to call her, over to the rest of the Feysha.

"Your part in this is done for now," the old man murmured softly, having stepped in front of him and blocked his view of the infant, "your paths diverge."

"She's different.." Sencha offered weakly, as he forced himself to meet the other's eyes, watching the Elder for a long moment, before rolling his shoulders in a gentle shrug.

"Yes. We have a way to hide the wings. It is stronger magic than we are used to, but it will not harm her." The Elder's voice was still soft, gentle, "this time, the raising of a child by the whole community, goes by quicker than you realize. You are a teacher, Senchalneeria. You will be with her again. You just need patience."

Sencha shook his head at that, letting out a slow breath, "no. For the first time in my life, what I need is faith. I feel as if I do not believe in the power of the Council, to see my path. Her Path."

"Son. Your faith is as strong as it ever has been." His father murmured firmly, pulling him into a hard hug and holding him tightly, "this Path, it is a continuation of mine own. And hers will branch out from yours. We're all connected, by blood, by purpose, by who we are. This is how the story is meant to go. Remember your faith, for it will be tested. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. Remember that, always. She needs your strength, that is how you show your love."

Sencha hugged his father for a moment more, and when he finally stepped back, he saw himself looking in to the ageless eyes of his elder once more, nodding formally, "Hide her wings, but she will fly eventually. "