The door creaked as the flaxen-haired elf opened it. Figures, she thought. I’ll have to get some oil.
The little house was rather bare. Clean, whitewashed walls contrasted nicely with the grey stone floor. Large, clear windows looked out onto the village green and vibrant flower patches adjacent. Inside, simple wooden furniture was complemented by natural linens, cottons and wools. A large crocheted golden rug was arranged attractively by the hearth, and on the small kitchen table someone had left a bundle of dried lavender in an empty glass milk bottle, by way of welcome.
Faerynne walked over to it, and inhaled deeply, the calming scent settling her nerves from the morning’s altercation.
I wonder who left that here. I should thank them.
Setting down her lyre in the corner of the room, Faerynne thought of what it had taken to get here. Being chased like a frightened blackbird onto the roof of the inn, her hide being saved by the pretty woman with eyes like the ocean… I‘ve gotta get a grip, she thought.
The innkeeper had pointed her in the direction of purple-eyed elf who sold her the little abode without much difficulty. After escorting her to the house, he quickly vanished, leaving her to her own good company.
Then, there was a knock on the door. Smoothing her dress over her knees, Faerynne answered with as cheery a smile as she could muster. Hopefully not an angry mob come to chase the sorceress out of the village proper, she thought.
Peering up at her was the flame-haired girl from the day before. Now, Faerynne smiled more broadly, opening the door more ajar to let her see inside.
“What do you think?” Faerynne asked, quietly.
“Needs more unicorns” was the child’s blunt reply.
Ah. Fair enough.
Chuckling, Faerynne peered around to see if she could spot the girl’s guardian. Sure enough, a round-faced elf came huffing and puffing into view. She had a mass of flame-red curls which tumbled into her face as she ran, from which Faerynne gathered that she may be a relative of the girl.
“Laewyn! How many times have I told you not to run off like that!?”
Looking up at the flaxen-haired elf standing in the doorway, the round-faced woman bobbed a small curtsey.
“Many apologies for the intrusion, Lae-Lae tends to wander off in a world of her own.”
She smiled wanly at Faerynne, and gathered the girl close to her hip.
“You’re new to FIG, yes? I’m Karolwen, and this is my daughter Lae-Lae. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”
Faerynne smiled brightly and dipped into a small curtsey.
“Faerynne. The pleasure is mine and, please, it is no intrusion.”
Karolwen smiled and, when she did, little dimples showed in her cheeks. Waving goodbye, the mother and daughter left Faerynne alone again with her thoughts.
No sooner had the elf closed her door and taken a breath, there was a sharp rapping at the door. Smiling, Faerynne answered, expecting to see Lae-Lae and her mother once more. She was therefore unpleasantly surprised to see the turquoise-clad constable on her doorstep.
“Sorceress.” He doffed his cap.
“Constable.” She crossed her arms protectively in front of her chest.
“Your presence is required at the north village gate tomorrow at sunrise. Don’t be late.”
With that, he turned on his heel and left as swiftly as he had come.
Fuck’s sake.
Groaning, Faerynne shut the door and collapsed into a conveniently placed wooden chair.
I suppose it was inevitable. They said ‘sorcerers particularly wanted’ on the advertisement for this village, after all.
Maybe I should’ve tried to hide my powers? No, it would have been worse for me if they found out I had been concealing things… this is just the way of it.
Stretching out her long limbs, the elf stared absent-mindedly out of the window. The sun was an orange orb, setting in the darkening sky. Swirls of pink and red clouds followed it down into the horizon, chased by the dark blue of gloamingtide, sprinkled with stars.
I hope moving here wasn’t a mistake.
Night inevitably drew in. Outside the little abode, a rabbit looked up at bright windows, illuminated from within by flickering candles.
Faerynne brushed out her long blonde hair with a wooden comb. Her simple white nightgown was loose and free-flowing, touching the floor in length. Gathering up the hem of her dress, she climbed into bed, worn out from the exertions of the day. Her mind, full of apprehensive thoughts regarding the coming morning, gradually quietened, and the sweet balm of sleep soothed her into oblivion.
Dawn broke across the island of World’s Edge, covering the land in a silvery light. Large clouds passed by, thick and grey in their aspect, and the occasional chirps of birdsong could be heard.
Faerynne trudged reluctantly towards the north village gate. There, the constable stood, turquoise uniform gleaming obnoxiously in the pale sunlight.
What a prick.
Arranging her features into as fake a smile as she could muster, Faerynne bobbed a curtsey, in a semblance of civility. This was reciprocated by a curt nod, and another doff of the cap.
“Wait here. I’ll fetch the others” he declared, marching off into the distance.
Faerynne watched his retreating figure. Wonder who they are, she thought to herself.
Shortly, the constable returned with two other elves in tow. As they drew closer, Faerynne tried to keep a neutral expression, but failed miserably when she saw the ocean-eyed woman from the day before approaching.
Of course. The only way this could be made any worse.
Sighing quietly, she began to tie back her hair, readying herself for flight.
Let’s get this over with.
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