The Wild Hunt

The Wild Hunt - Part 1

The night was unnaturally still; no mammals scurrying in the brush, no birds singing amongst the trees. It was as if all the world was holding its breath, waiting for danger to pass. Much like an animal trembles before a predator, hoping not to be discovered as they passed.

A sound that was barely a whisper breaks through the silence. It was like a soft sigh, a gentle murmur. The source of the sound was high above, riding through the night sky on four beautiful yet frightening black horses. Their coats were like an abyss, sucking in any light that dared to shine on them as they gracefully ran.

And their riders were just as dazzling. From them a thick mist formed, emulating the heavens as soft light is seen shining through the dense black. It was as if they were trailing stars through the sky and creating their own constellations. The lead rider slowly starts to drift downwards and the other three follow suit until they land at a small hillock overlooking a lake.

They all dismount and each had their hoods pulled up, casting their face in shadow. And their attire was all black, a single white star on their chest emanating a faint glow. The lead rider pulls his hood down, revealing a black haired male with dull silver eyes, his frame well muscled with a tapered waist.

Slowly this male walks to the peak of the hillock, where a single headstone rested. It was smooth and flawless, the stone made of white marble with pale golden veins delicately lining through it. He kneels in front of it while the other three riders stay back. This was his private moment, the one time their leader showed weakness. They would not rob him of that.

Many knew this band of riders as the Wild Hunt, fearsome fae who served under the Unseelie Queen. Reverence and fear constantly accompanied their name when it was spoken aloud, and none more so that their leader. He was the Gabriel, chosen by the queen herself. Those who were close to him knew the man as Howl, the younger brother of their regent.

Howl was staring at the headstone with a sad smile, tears welling in his eyes yet refusing to fall as he whispers, "Hello, Sura....it's been another year now. It's odd, isn't it? I still look for you whenever I turn my head, as if you will still be waiting for me.." He had to stop speaking as his voice cracks and Howl lowers his head, trying to compose himself.

After a moment or two he clears his throat and continues, "I knew I would out live you, of course. You were human, and that was what I loved most about you. But if I could just...if I could give my life for yours I..." Howl then breaks, silent sobs forcing his body to shake as he tightens his hands into fists.

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(I swore I posted this short story a lo time ago DX anyways sorry about that! Please enjoy the first part and if you like it lmk by giving some hearts or comments. I'll post part 2 shortly.)