Escaping the Concrete Jungle

[Durion Caranthir]

January 23, 2019 - 10pm

 

He had changed since leaving ARMA headquarters. Favoring something with more movement, the elven hair had been pulled back at the top into a long braid over the open rest, elven ears proudly on display. Shirt was fitted until his hips where it split open in the front and descended to his ankles, the black lace layer allowing the crimson silk beneath to play peak-a-boo through the ebony shadows. Beneath the cascade of the shirt was black jeans that flowed over the thick soled boots that gave him a bit more height.

 

He had been crawling out of his skin in the hotel. Kashmir had chosen one that was fancy and even their fae director was all giddy over the massive bubble tub. But the elf CEO of NARWA couldn’t stand the plasticity of it all. Surrounded by all the concrete and stone he felt disconnected from nature in a disconcerting way that only natural born elves and fae could understand. It had been Kashmir's suggestion to take a walk in central park to calm before sleep.

 

As he sat perched in an oddly curved tree along a now overgrown path he was struck at how even nature within this city felt contrived. Blanketed in snow now it still seemed that everything was forced into place between bridges and monuments. There was some satisfaction that nature was fighting to overtake the structures that had survived the blending of worlds. But the satisfaction was tempered by the clear signs that someone was trying to tame nature still, cutting it back to allow for perky "jogging" trails and other nonsense that seemed to make humans feel "closer" to nature.

 

Ridiculously unaware creatures.

 

Humans sculpted through nature, around it. They didn’t understand what it was to truly "sculpt" nature. Right hand danced off to his side, glide of long fingers fluidly dancing in the air before the pearlescent blue glean rolled off his skin. The light glistened like fairy dust on the air, wisps pouring like honey off his fingertips into the two trees across from him. Despite their winter coat, the trunks seemed to grow, bending to some picture only the elf could see until they had entwined themselves into an oddly sculptural knot.

 

Smirk ghosted on his lips, flush of crimson beginning to stain his ears as the cold nipped even at elven flesh. THAT was how one sculpted nature.

[Ishsa Nestra]

Ishsa danced and ran through the snow. One action blended into the next, as she twirled and whirled to the blissful song surging from her spirit. Thin arms thrown out wide, the Fae opened herself to the perfect winter evening. Two squirrels had joined in, and run alongside her ever changing steps. They frolicked, as she did, with abandon and mirth. The little rodents chased each other through the Fae’s steps, and past her feet to climb a tree, only to race back down the trunk once more. Ishsa laughed with them, for they shared in the elation of the moment. Across the field she leapt, with feet bare and dainty, though Ishsa was not cold even as the snow crunched underfoot. The Fae’s pale hair and skin disappeared against the snow white background, but the blood red of her lips and the crimson flowers she had stolen to adorn her hair stood out prominently. Her wings fanned out behind her, delicate and fine in the dim nighttime light. They beat gently, opening and expanding to a rhythm only the Fae could hear.

The squirrels soon wandered off to bed for the night and Ishsa slowed to lazily circle upon a man-made path. She danced beneath a bridge where there was less snow and more shadow to play with before she emerged out the other side. An impulsive spin brought white hair flying to stick to her face as she laughed. This was faultless night! This was a—

Magic!

Immediately Ishsa stopped mid twirl, though the light dress she wore continued in its circular path around her frame a moment longer. Magic was in the air! Ishsa smelled it! She purred. Body still and silent, the dance was forgotten as suddenly feral eyes searched while her senses expanded outward. Before her was the knotted tree. Slowly the Fae approached it. Small hands reached towards the bark and felt the undulating currents beneath her palms. The tree had been magicked! Simplicity had been transformed. “Ohhh!” Ishsa exclaimed as residual waves of mana lapped against her awareness. Color and sensation permeated her fingers as they lightly caressed the bark and she brought her forehead to rest against the trunk and closed her eyes. Only a moment passed before she turned; eyes wide as her gaze shifted across the path. A man was there! Sitting in that other tree! The magick user… the scent of magic clung to him. Her arm circled the knotted tree as she studied him. Friend or foe? Her eyes narrowed; she did not yet know. Skittish and curious both, it was a battle to remain still and neither flee nor approach with her own magicks. But Ishsa was a proud creature, and her head held high with a wild edge to her gaze.

“You worked this wood…” she hadn’t let go of the trunk, but her grasp was lighter now, as if she might push off any second. “I smell it still.” And she knew, from ancient memory what he was, even if she had not met one of his kind before. Memory tugged, pulled from that faraway, dreamlike place. “Elf…” she breathed the name upon the cool air and made it real in her mind. Yet it remained to be seen if she would scamper away or stay.

[Durion Caranthir]

The flutter of wings caught sensitive ears, tips dipping slightly. Cerulean blues snapped up as he remained still perched in his tree watching the display as she came under the bridge. Fae…. interesting.

 

Odd to find one in such a human city. He should get Enalari. The director of his coffee division had a soft spot for other fae, she was forever bringing strays home. But as this one was drawn to his handiwork there was something off about her. Expressive ears tipped backwards as thick lashes narrowed when she got closer. She was a bit tall for a fae glamour, but that was not what was itching at the back of his skull. Fae were like elves, they reeked of old magic. But this one smelled…. new.

 

He watched her curiously. Kashmir had told him about these. Humans that somehow when the worlds crossed got touched by fae magic, stealing what did not belong to them. According to the Iron Elf, they gradually began to forget they used to be human. Perhaps that was the only way they could cope with the knowledge they were less than the real thing. Cascade of ebony silk shifted on his shoulders as head tilted, still silently observing. Boots pulled up onto the branch so his arms could drape over his knees, aloof as he watched her worship his parlor trick. She was simple, like a real fae.

 

"You worked this wood… I smell it still."

 

[durion]Maara ten tye..[/durion]

 

The melodic language tripped from his tongue carelessly. Full well knowing she wouldn’t understand the mildly condescending words as his chin rested on his propped up hand watching her from his perch above.

 

"Elf…"

 

[durion]..imposter.[/durion]

 

His retort came with a faint sparkle of amusement in cerulean irises.

[Ishsa Nestra]

“Maara ten tye…” he said, and the words were like a song, the melody of leaves rested in green syllables. Ishsa did not know the words, though she liked the way they sounded. Maara ten tye. If she wished she might make her own music from such sounds. But she knew the next word the elf spoke, “Imposter.” The word burrowed in her ear like an accusation. The Fae disliked it, though she did not know why he spoke it. Prettily, her head cocked to the side and white hair drifted over a shoulder. This elf was impossible to understand! Thoughtfully her wings opened and her brow furrowed, as if she gave the single word all her attention. But she had not used Glamour to hide or embellish herself; she was the same as always. Ishsa the Fae of the Wood. Could he not tell? What did an Elf see? She knew not. Once she had read of Elves in books, long ago, in the time Before. And now it was the time After. Nothing was the same, not even her scant rememberings.

Ishsa watched the Elf watch her. She was silent, yet the current of life ran ever thunderous through her veins, feral and willful. With a vigilant gaze the Fae saw his confidence, the easy way in which he moved and rested within the tree. For certain, he was no man, for no Human sat as comfortably as he did there. He was like her, but different. His clothes were fine cut with lace and crimson, intricately made. Did he think her less than he? The Fae smiled, it was a simple expression, but her eyes filled with wicked spirit. The Elf toyed with her and played a Game; she didn’t know which one – it didn’t matter. She would play along! With an arm draped around the knotted tree, her voice rose to sing, the teasing, lilting notes like birdsong,


“Maara ten tye. Maara ten tye,
Moon awaken and Sun pass by,
Imposter, says He from crook and crossed knee,
Yet, He is far from Home.

“Maara ten tye. Maara ten tye,
Whisper Wind and great Birch sigh,
Mislaid, He belongs Here not,
This Wood is not thy Home.”


A pink tongue darted out to lick at rosy lips, and then retreated once more as light laughter took its place. Ishsa did not know where the Elf hailed from, but his Home was not here. This Wood was hers! And she was no imposter in it!
 

[Durion Caranthir]

Ghosts of confusion clearly flitted over her expression at his accusation. It tickled his mirth, grin lingering on cool lips as the crystalline eyes impishly watched her in the light of the moon. Her random shift to song and teasing didn’t seem to surprise the man perched comfortably in the tree.

 

Whereas a human might be annoyed by her shift from confusion and annoyance to confident taunts trying to get the upper hand on them. The elf was merely amused. This was not his first fae. His first human walking as a fae, yes, but not his first fae.

 

"….This Wood is not thy Home.”

 

[durion]… more mine than thyne….. [/durion]

 

He taunted right back at her rhyme. Chuckle rippled like a harp over the night air as he hopped down from his perch, the drape of ebony covered crimson fabric fluttering down behind him before swaying around his calves. Boots struck the cracked pavement with an eerie quiet as the ebony wash of hair rippled down his back to settle down to his hips. Hands clasped behind his back, the grin lingered as he was suddenly there beside her, leaning down so lips came close to her ear as he made the whispered accusation again.

 

[durion]….human masquerading as a fae thing.[/durion]

 

Standing upright again his steps moved on the path with a lightness. He was far more at home teasing the creatures of the wood than in the concrete prison of the city. His mood was surprisingly lightened from where it had begun the evening.

[Ishsa Nestra]

“Vranyo lies!” The words burst out as Fae indignation flared. He thought the Wood his? A petulant stomp of Ishsa’s foot caused the lace-edged hem of her dress to jump, while deep brown eyes flashed at the offense. The Elf lied! She would scare trust him! Even out of the tree. Even with his hands behind his back! Ishsa would not! Already he was too near with his breath upon her skin, his voice so soft in her ear. The sudden intimacy was a surprise, and it replaced the Fae’s growing wrath with a newly found interest that bade her listen to his wicked words, “Human masquerading as a fae thing.”

“So speaks the Elf that reeks of Human scent…“ The retort was smugly spoken as the man walked away. She took a step after and her voice rose easily to carry as she teased, “I was Human Before, but you might be becoming one now, surrounded as you are by them. I wonder, which one is the more shameful thing?” A long, pale finger tapped her chin dramatically, as the Fae pretended to ponder this question. But it was impossible for the girl to remain still for long, and with an expression that sparkled like star-shine, Ishsa danced delightedly to the Elf’s side. Moonlight played along her form, dotted with tree shadow that highlighted her ethereal movements. She hurried, lest he get away too soon; he had roused her curiosity and an Elf in the Park made for a delightful change!

Earnestly, the Fae sniffed at the Elf and wrinkled her nose, “You live there, with them. Outside the Wood.” Lazily her thin arm lifted and her fingers swept around in a circular motion to indicate the immense City that surrounded the Park. The direction mattered little, for in her mind there was only the Wood and Outside the Wood - even if the Outside glittered seductively and called her name. She didn’t live there!

Triggered by the Elf’s accusations, snippets of images ran through her mind, a desk with papers and columns upon columns of numbers, a brown haired girl with soft features in a mirror, two old people that scolded and bickered in an outdated pink kitchen. And fear! There was fear and sadness! Nights so dark her spirit was crushed between rock and leaf, and the frantic battle to keep the Human girl within safe, but all and everything had slipped away into the mysterious and mystical Wood. The allure of Humanity never ended – Ishsa yearned for it still! But the power of the Fae psyche was beyond anything she might have imagined. Within every moment, Ishsa was consumed.

To make those memories return was not a fun Game! This Elf was cruel! With distrust Ishsa watched him. But he appeared neither concerned nor suspicious himself. It seemed he only took a pleasant nighttime stroll through the Park. He was not what he seemed! He held Secrets! The desire to learn them beat an ever-faster rhythm through Fae veins. She would know his Secrets! Leaning in, her voice lowered soft as silk, “You, I have not seen before. You have no Tree, nor Circle in this Wood. I would have known. You belong elsewhere... Why have you come?”

[Durion Caranthir]

Her outburst only drew bell-like laughter from his chest. Fae were fun things. Their emotions ran hot and cold with the flick of a word. They also didn’t tend to hold grudges because the offense, so long as it was not considered monolithic, was quickly forgotten.

 

“So speaks the Elf that reeks of Human scent…“

 

[durion]…now who lies?[/durion]

 

The chuckle taunted her, the elf not taking the taunt. An elf that spent his life buried in the wilderness of South America with fae as companion smelled more like fae and magic than human, a fact he was very aware of.

 

“I was Human Before, but you might be becoming one now, surrounded as you are by them. I wonder, which one is the more shameful thing?”

 

Laughter came again, skittering off the cold air like soft chimes on the winds. His foul "city" mood having finally evaporated.

 

[durion]… you dwell in your lies, fae-like thing. You are the one that surrounds yourself with them in this meek little wood at the center of concrete filth. I am merely passing through. I surround myself with the euphoria of nature farther than the eye can see.[/durion]

 

That she continued to follow and skitter near him was not a surprise. He had a skill for taunting and teasing the fae, eliciting curiosity.

 

“You live there, with them. Outside the Wood.”

 

Blue eyes sparkled in the glisten of moonlight as the laughter continued, body pivoting around to face her, draped tails of his shirt swirling their crimson shadows as he continued to move, now walking backwards.

 

[durion]This is no wood. It is a manicured aquarium the human's have made, only their pets live within it. I live where water falls from enormous mountainsides, where creeks flow free and wild through the ground and above it. Where I live, the animals of the wood roam free, unhindered by fences and concrete sidewalks and no human lights mar the view of the stars in the sky.[/durion]

 

Hands remained clasped behind his back as he wandered the path into the more overgrown part of her "wood". Grinning as she tried to figure out where he came from.

 

[durion]….far from here. Across vast lands and an ocean where humans were wiped out and no longer taint the land. That is where I am from.[/durion]

[Ishsa Nestra]

Through her ears and aura his laughter rang; it was not an evil or bitter sound and it caused no alarm or warning in its easy timber. The sound soothed the Fae’s chaotic thoughts and momentarily kept the girl from spiriting away in annoyance or deciding upon a worse action. Until he said she lied...

 

“You have not eyes to see! Or sense to smell! Bahhh!” Intricate wings beat a furious pace as Ishsa’s body turned this and that way, uncertain which direction to face in her vexation. “No lies pass this tongue!” She hissed at the Elf’s accusation, for he did carry a hundred scents upon him! Smells of nature and magick both were there, foreign and odd to the newly made Fae. But layered upon those was something Ishsa knew intimately – the odors of New York City. The dead air of buildings, food vendors, and Humans in the crowded street, all this was subtly marked upon him. Yet he refused to see it! “Stubborn Elf!” She declared into the night.

 

She would listen no more! His continued teasing bordered upon insult! Angrily and with a loud trill in her throat, Ishsa flitted away from the path into tree shadow to lose herself within the quiet safety of snow covered rock and icy tree. She muttered as she fumed and fluttered. The Fae was not used to insult! She whispered to the trees her query, should she kill the Elf? He would be forever part of this Wood if she did… Her fingers caressed one of the daggers tied to her thigh, and blood pulsed more swiftly through her veins. His words did not leave her mind. Meek little wood… Meek little wood…

 

Ire ignited, thoughts of murder vanished as the Fae burst back through the brush to confront her tormentor. Snow fell from dead leaves and saplings bent away in Ishsa’s wake as white hair streamed behind her. Straight to the Elf she strode, but once before him, she did not stop. Her feet circled around the otherworldly creature while her wings beat the air with foul temper. A violent finger pointed at him, as she spoke, “Ishsa is no Human’s pet! Ishsa is free!” The circling began to slow. “And you are wrong! It is not small and minor here. It is a large space. Not meek! It journeys from 59th all the way to 110th!” The numbers appeared from lost memory but the Fae did not notice. And while it was true, some places within the Park were overcrowded; there were others that were desolate and forgotten. These were her favorite places; like fairy tales from olden times. And the Fae admired fairy tales very much. His world sounded like that, or a faraway dream. Even as Ishsa wondered if it were true, her mind knew it was, but the Fae could scarcely imagine such a large expanse of nature. The Park had been her home for too long, Humans overran it by day and the sounds of traffic permeated the night. Her gaze rose upwards to the stars, but the darkened sky was woefully unfilled; the lights of the city were too near. A world devoid of Humans but with waterfalls so immense was difficult to contemplate.

 

“That is where you are from… yet you are here in my Wood and not in that distant place.” Her steps stopped upon the pathway, near his side. “You are here, in this meek, man-made Wood… not there.” Her voice trilled upwards, “Not there! In your magical land! Can you not see? You have given it up… for this?” Her arms spread wide and a smile appeared at the corners of her mouth, only to grow wider in evident pleasure with herself. “There matters not…“ An index finger, touched feather-lite upon his arm. “…you abandoned euphoria.”

[Durion Caranthir]

Her instant reaction to being called a liar only lifted the melodic chuckle further. Fae were often so easy to torment and they rarely held a deep grudge which made them entertaining.

"Stubborn Elf!"

Grin widened, easy expression tickled by her accusation because though she was wrong in this instance, he could definitely be stubborn. The Iron Elf would attest to his boss's insane plans that he would stick to even when failures littered the road to success.

Her escape only magnified the sprinkle of skittering chimes into the air, laughter billowing up in his chest without mercy. Steps were light in the snow as he continued his little jaunt around the worn out path of the human's park. His forward motion did not stop when she came crashing back out of hiding to confront him, forcing her to move with him if she wished to keep circling.

" Not meek! It journeys from 59th all the way to 110th!"

Ebony brow quirked elegantly over the sparkle of blue orbs.

[durion]….59th all the way to 110th??? Exactly what sort of fae measures their domain in human barriers?[/durion]

Hands remained clasped behind his back as he continued to stroll, unfazed by her tirade. On the contrary the elf was in high spirits and well recovered from his concrete jungle funk.

“That is where you are from… yet you are here in my Wood and not in that distant place. Not there! In your magical land! Can you not see? You have given it up… for this? There matters not…you abandoned euphoria.”

This time the laughter exploded loud from the lanky form, thrown back head tossing the ebony waterfall behind his hips as he turned to smirk at her presumptuous smile at him, so convinced she had won this argument.

[durion]… I fly back home in the morning silly un-fae. I am here only on business. My vast territory gives me wondrous things the humans cannot get so they seek me out to barter. I come here to their wasteland to do so because I don’t want their corruption to set foot in my sovereign domain.[/durion]

Eyes lifted to the night sky, he still didn’t like what stared back at him on this world, the star patterns still felt foreign, but he liked them even less here where half the stars could not be seen for all the pierce of artificial fluorescence. Quiet words were more to himself than her.

[durion]… I do not know how you stand it….[/durion]

[Ishsa Nestra]

Ishsa did not know why he laughed as he did. Yet, instead of being offended she was draw to his mirth, and the water-like shifting of his black hair. Even as he teased her, he was a jovial man, and to the Fae, that was most pleasing. Easily, she followed his steps, first at his side, then circling behind or in front of him. Never did she hold the same position for long; for she walked where she would, not following any course that could be predetermined.

“…what sort of Fae measures their domain in human barriers?”

The tone bordered on insult once more, but the question remained and Ishsa’s pace slowed. The threat of memory was pushed away quickly, forcefully. She wished not to dwell on what she once was! But what sort of Fae did he mean? It was a riddle, and riddles were like Games. Games with Words. Were there different kinds of Fae? There were others like her within the Wood, she knew, but Ishsa had remained isolated from them. It was an unconscious action, for to join them was to take another step away from the human within she both loved and loathed. But now that he had asked the question, she wished to know as well. What kind of Fae was she? Ishsa recognized there was more to his query than the measurements he found fault with… though anyone could see where the Park ended and began, from the low stone wall and across the Lawn and Meadow to end at Cliff and Meer. But he hadn’t asked that.

What kind of Fae was she?

How this Elf complicated things! The answer was prosto, simple. “Why, Fae like me! That live here, in the Rambling. This kind,” she said pointing to herself proudly, her chin lifted haughtily.” The Elf couldn’t deny this, it was another Truth. “What kind of Fae reside in your Wood? Do they not know their boundaries?” Like most Fae, she thought herself smarter than most. And she nodded, and flitted past the Elf to walk in front of him, though she turned back often, delighted to have solved that puzzle.

Turning upon her heel, the Fae twirled towards him, her dress spun and lovely features suddenly turned to serious, “Leaving?!” Here was a new and interesting Elf in the Park and already he was lost to her before the Moon had even set, her voice sounded hurt, “You have only just arrived!” Her arms crossed dramatically, “Unfair!” she declared before she grew sullen and uncommunicative as she pondered this disappointing turn of events. “But what is there? Trees and silence and water that falls? How can that be enough? There are no Humans to tease or play with… you said so yourself they were not there.” She forced boredom into her voice and looked away in feigned disinterest. “It sounds very dull… terribly tedious. I do not know how you stand it.”

She searched the blue eyes for sign of treachery and saw none. “Are you truly going?” Her own eyes rose to the stars, very few twinkled in the semi-dark. But most of the Hunter’s were there; the others though were lost and didn’t show well, scattered and lonely as they were. There was no issue in her mind, this is how it was. The Elf was a picky creature! “You can see more in the Lake, they hide there,” she offered, thinking of the sparkling reflections. “You know not this Wood! You judge too quickly! Have you not seen the fog over the meadow, or the paper whirlwind that collects in the low ravine? You have not heard the sighs in the thickets. You know not all!” She said, even though she could tell he thought he did. “And you have not seen magical Endr--” But the words stopped suddenly. No! She would not tell the Elf of her Tree!

Even as he was wrong, the Fae did not wish see him leave so soon. Ishsa’s voice grew low with bitterness, and she refused to look at him, “If you despise this City and Humans so, you would not come to share your treasures. Perhaps you are their pet; perhaps you do their bidding… and come when they call.” Her face rose questioningly to his, and her tone became softer, “Must you truly go..?”

 

[Durion Caranthir]

She moved with the erratic misdirection of a trueborn fae. Iron Elf seemed to be onto something, did seem they lost their humanity with their stolen heritage.

 

Her insistence she was her own kind of fae only drew a parental shake of his head, grin still ghosting over his lips. She had a childlike nature that he wondered if it was born of her human side or the fae turning. Perhaps because she had only been Fae a few years, the conversion started from the beginning of a Fae's life. They mentally aged slowly. Intriguing.

 

"What kind of Fae reside in your Wood? Do they not know their boundaries?"

 

Hands folded behind his back were kept warm by the thick layer of ebony silk that waterfalled to his hips. Cerulean orbs flicked to the sky, frowning again at the lack of stars that could be seen through the fluorescent light haze of the city.

 

[durion]…many kinds of Fae live in my Wood. Nymphs….Puca…..Sidhe….. there are even Kelpie living in my rivers.[/durion]

 

Head tilted, elongated ears expressive as a dark brow lifted at her, the humor still ghosting in his expression.

 

[durion]….and they know no boundaries. They roam as far as the eye can see and then roam beyond that.[/durion]

 

The city made him homesick. It was time this excursion to conduct business with the humans was over. Left ear flicked as a flake of snow iced the tip. He wasn’t a fan of the cold here either.

 

"Leaving? You have only just arrived! Unfair!"

 

Typical Fae. They wanted one to leave their space but then sulked when they lost the playmate.

 

"But what is there? Trees and silence and water that falls? How can that be enough? There are no Humans to tease or play with… you said so yourself they were not there. It sounds very dull… terribly tedious. I do not know how you stand it."

 

Words were quiet, more to himself than the false Fae.

 

[durion]…. You wouldn’t understand….couldn't understand.[/durion]

 

Natural born Fae understood his longing for the wilderness, for the sound of wildlife, for the rush of winds through nothing but leaves and branches, for the night sky that blazed with stars so bright it dwarfed any unnatural light on the ground. They, like him, had a need to be fierce and free.

 

He only half listened to her attempt to insult him. Her slip about something "magical" only drew a faint lift of his brow.

 

[durion]…magic is half dead here. [/durion]

 

Head shook as he frowned at the concrete "fence" that surrounded her park.

 

[durion]… humans talk about it being so "prevalent" now…. They don’t know what it is to live in a world that breathes and sighs magic.[/durion]

 

"Must you truly go..?”

 

Head shook again, a shudder running up his spine.

 

[durion]…. I definitely cannot stay.[/durion]

 

Blue lights flicked her way.

 

[durion]…..if you are truly fae…. you should not either…[/durion]

[Ishsa Nestra]

She listened. So many kinds of Fae the Elf named! So many… Ishsa did not know the differences between them, and to remember from Before was too great a task in this moment. The memories were just below the surface of her mind, and that they were there was sufficient enough for her. But still Ishsa did not understand, not completely. This Wood where Ishsa was truly born was all she could fathom or deem important.

“I would not like to share my Wood with so many others.” She had been solitary since her changing; no longer did she know what it meant to be part of a community or to share a space, even a large one with others of her kind. The thought irritated and made the Fae defensive and protective over what she felt was hers. And with so many creatures come together beneath his canopy of trees, there were bound to be rules. For rules Ishsa did remember. Rules and guidelines! Timeclocks and dress codes! Transit schedules and the loud screeching brakes below the surface in the dank subway tunnels that smelled of urine! Thin arms folded across her chest as if to protect herself from such horrors.

And this Elf would have rules, Ishsa decided. He thought he knew best! He thought he knew better than she… But he did not! “Ishsa will do as she pleases!” the words, while not loud were forceful, almost venomous. Even as a part of her wondered what it might be like to roam as far as he proclaimed. What was a World with no boundaries?

Her voice softened, quietly she thought out loud, “They must be lonely - your many Fae. To leave their Trees and roam so far from sanctuary.” She looked upward, questioning, “What would cause a Fae to leave their Tree?” It was a melancholy thought and foreign. Ishsa’s face softened into innocence with sudden emotion. Tears came to her eyes, liquid and full. Endride was part of her; she could not imagine the pain of leaving Him or the agonizing hole it would leave in her soul. To travel so far was an unnatural thing for one so joined as she with Him. “We have the same heart, though He remains still and I do not,” she whispered.

…You wouldn’t understand… couldn’t understand.

The Elf did not like it here, Ishsa could not understand why. Growing silent she frowned. He had taken away her good cheer. She loathed the shadow that had descended upon her! Yet even so, she still could not remain still, and Ishsa moved slowly and sullenly as her head bowed and her fingers worked upon the hem of lace.

…magic is half dead here…

“No! Magick is not dead. You cannot see through your hatred of this place. Like the blind you speak of what is beyond your lost sense. Endride is here. He lives and breathes! Endride is Magick!” She turned her eyes from the Elf to ignore him sullenly. Her small hand brushed against the shift she wore and felt the bone dagger strapped there beneath. Reassuring, solid and violent.

I definitely cannot stay... if you are truly Fae… you should not either…

Lifting her eyes, she met his blues and held them for a lengthy time, far longer than a Human might have managed comfortably. Her gaze was both wild and innocent, young and aged both. A miasma of conflict and serenity lay and mingled within her spirit. “What manner of Fae leaves their Tree? What Elf leaves his Home?” Ishsa tried to understand. “You speak ill of Humans, yet you rush away as they do. Traveling! Can you not be content within your own domain, that you must speak ill of mine?” Thoughts were an emotional whirlwind, “Perhaps my Tree is grander than your boundless place for it has a greater hold...” And Ishsa turned away to look out into the night Wood, and was thankful for it.

[Durion Caranthir]

“I would not like to share my Wood with so many others.”

 

Brow quirked at her, the chuckle bubbling like fairy light from his lips.

 

[durion]…poor lonely thing.[/durion]

 

The elf enjoyed "company"….particularly of the female persuasion. He also reveled in the feel of fae and elf seeking refuge in his lands. He was finally respected the way he had always known he should be.

 

“Ishsa will do as she pleases!”

 

Chuckle softly continued to ripple.

 

[durion]…. that sounds more fae.[/durion]

 

“They must be lonely - your many Fae. To leave their Trees and roam so far from sanctuary.”

 

Head shook, smile lingering. She would never understand.

 

[durion]… it is all sanctuary in Megildur…. as far as the eye can see. [/durion]

 

Strides paused, the sky once more sought by the iridescent gaze. How could any magic thing stand living among the fluorescence that was the city of humans. He listened as she indignantly insisted that magic was not dead and of Endride which he could only assume was the tree she had spoke earlier of.  His gaze was bottomless as hers found him and refused to pull away.

 

"What manner of Fae leaves their Tree? What Elf leaves his Home? You speak ill of Humans, yet you rush away as they do. Traveling! Can you not be content within your own domain, that you must speak ill of mine?”

 

Head shook at her.

 

[durion]… you are a grounded fae-thing. Not all fae are tied to something as you are, silly sprite.[/durion]

 

Eyes found the sky again with a frown, he was missing home.

 

“Perhaps my Tree is grander than your boundless place for it has a greater hold...”

 

Head shook, a distance in the cerulean orbs as the ebony brows furled downward.

 

[durion]….you wouldn’t understand…..couldn't understand. You know nothing but this world.  It is small, confined, lacks the abyss of magic found elsewhere.[/durion]

 

For a split second, he was homesick for the world he was cut off from. But with remembering came the weight of anger for what had been his constant oppression there and the nostalgic moment was gone. Nostrils huffed softly,  the wind catching ebony silk to curl it around his hip as he paused to look at the fae-thing.

 

[durion]…it is not your fault. You do not know any better. You have always lived in a world where magic was stifled.  The jungle of human waste suppresses it here. South. In my territory. Magic flows freer, wilder. Runs through the rivers, feeds the trees.[/durion]

 

Frown marred the smooth brow as the ears tilted back in displeasure.

 

[durion]… time I got back.[/durion]

[Ishsa Nestra]

The Elf was like her, and yet he was not. There was similarity to be sure in the resemblance of energies that ran through them both. They belonged to nature, unlike the countless Humans that came and went alone or in groups past the stone entrances of the Park. But there were differences as well; this Elf was a prideful creature! Ishsa saw that clearly, so regally was he posed and dressed. With his quick words and wit, the Fae was forever on the defensive. He acted as a Ruler might, as if his place was to lead – even so far away from his home.

“…poor lonely thing.”

“I am lonely no longer!” Ishsa replied. In the early days of her transformation, she had felt that emotion and others as well. Lonely. Afraid. Lost. “I have much company and many playmates. The flowers tell their tales and the night toads too. Even the Humans prove interesting at times.” The Fae alternated often now between the need for solitude, hidden in the quiet of the trees, to being a social creature and needing interaction and unruly distraction. But she had spoken to none that were Fae-like or akin to this Elf.

“… it is all sanctuary in Megildur… as far as the eye can see.”

He smiled at her, as if she were a child. “How is such a feat possible?” She asked, then repeated, “Megildur.” The name was foreign upon her tongue and Ishsa tasted its sound. “It is an odd name.” And yet it wasn’t. The word suited someone like him, someone different. The Elf’s gaze found hers and did not pull away. Ishsa searched within the depths of those colorful eyes for a hint of the unknown world he spoke of so passionately. She believed him, even as she wished not to. Truth resided there; the Fae thought she could feel it and even trust it.

“…you wouldn’t understand… couldn’t understand. You know nothing but this world.”

“By your telling, I would not understand a simple moon cycle. But I know - more than you assume.” She had heard tales and whispering of that other world across the veil. It was a dream that stirred her idle moments with longing for something unattainable and unseen. That place resided within her core. “You… are from there, that other place.” It wasn’t a question, but the words were reaching, as if she might encounter the unseen, by speaking of it. Again the Fae was leery, yet she wasn’t sure why. She needed to hear, craved to know more of the veil-world for it called and called in the lonesome hours. A hand lifted as if to touch his arm, but fell instead at his next words.

“…time I got back.”

“But you have till the sun rises! You said as much! Come! Come see my Wood, I will show you its wonders!” Ishsa grew animated, her eyes pleaded her cause. “There is always time for amusement … the time for talk and argument is past!” A small foot stepped back behind her, then the next. She was ready to move and meet new excitements.
 

[Durion Caranthir]

She was so easily taunted. Most fae were, but this one got defensive even quicker than the natural born he was more accustomed to. A side effect of having been human first perhaps. Perhaps that too was why she saw "company" in flowers and toads. Fae often communicate with nature. He did as well. But they also craved humanoid companionship, others they could torture with their silly games and lead astray in their woods.

 

[durion] … it is all sanctuary in Megildur… as far as the eye can see.[/durion]

 

"How is such a feat possible?......Megildur….. It is an odd name."

 

It didn’t roll naturally off her tongue. What elven word would. Humans were barbaric in their language. All hard consonants and spitting accents on the wrong letters.

 

[durion]…it is a powerful name. In a language out of reach to humans on this world.[/durion]

 

Haunting eyes again sought the mercilessly human sky before continuing.

 

[durion]Beleg ethraid was kinder down south. Pulled parts of other worlds here. Blessed this magically dead rock with a glimmer of what exists elsewhere.[/durion]

 

“By your telling, I would not understand a simple moon cycle."

 

The lyrical chuckle bubbled up once more, flitting like iridescent bubbles on the cold night air.

 

[durion]…you wouldn’t…. not what it really means across worlds within worlds. But that too is not your fault.[/durion]

 

“You… are from there, that other place.”

 

The laughter died almost instantly. Cerulean orbs haunting as dark lashes lowered to look up at the night sky once more. Nod only taunted at the depth of his secrets. As if on cue, the cold wind snapped violently around him, catching the cascade of ebony locks to lift the long strands in undulating curves around his shoulders and hips, an ethereal vision that whispered he didn’t belong here.

 

He was ready to be back in Megildur, back in a place that felt more of home. He was surprised when his assertion of such was met with such vehement resistance.

 

“But you have till the sun rises! You said as much! Come! Come see my Wood, I will show you its wonders!”

 

When she bubbled over like that she was much more a fae thing than a human thing. He was tempted to just capture her and take her home. Perhaps give her to Enalari as a gift. She would be so cute with a gilded collar on running naked through real fae-touched woods. She would understand real fae freedom and pleasure in a way this concrete lined prison never could bring out in her.

 

If he went back to that abominable hotel, he would never sleep anyway in the confines of their dead walls. With a little shrug he pivoted on a heel and with hands still clasped behind his back he followed her several excited steps.

 

[durion]….lead on little false-fae thing. I will see your great wood.[/durion]

 

The impish smile had returned behind the sparkle of mischievous blue orbs.

[Ishsa Nestra]

A language out of reach to humans…

I am not Human, Ishsa wished to say. But was she? Where was the line, had it been crossed too far already? The Fae did not know, nor did she know if humanity was something she wished to have back. Too many questions! It was not pleasurable to doubt, the questioning mind was an enemy to her nature. Why did he push her thoughts so? Listening, though not completely understanding, she heard the words, Beleg ethraid… It was another of his words, filled with unknown meaning. Silently, her mouth and pert lips pronounced it.

The Elf laughed again; Ishsa could not fault him, for the sound was merry in the cold air, like bubbles from childhood and beyond, or like dolphins that played with abandon. Worlds upon Worlds and moon cycles - all was Magick to the Fae. In her mind, she thought she understood, even though he thought not. They would never agree upon anything!

But he stopped when she mentioned the Other place, and searched the sky. As if he had lost his World there high above, as if it might be found within the stars that twinkled. His nod was not enough for her Fae heart, not enough of an answer. There had to be more! He would tell her… she would make him! The wind swirled, and Ishsa felt the sadness there in the moving air, magnified in his form as it blew. Once again he was somber. But then he was not. He changed and changed just like the wind as she watched him closely. What was an Elf really?

No matter! No matter! His Megildur was no match for her Wood. Megildur was not here! He knew not this place. He would see! She would be his guide and force him to appreciate truly her home! It was a task, so much like a Game and the Fae with a mischievous wiggle bid him to join her company of one. With a graceful, waving hand, she urged him to come along, to explore this World with open eyes.

[ishsa] This way! This, this way you will discover what is hidden to your hardened heart… [/ishsa]

And with the lightest of steps and the merriest of smiles, she leapt away from the path and skipped to disappear into the darkness of the trees. Her laughter could be heard ringing like tiny bells through the black, as she wove though the undergrowth. There was so much to show!

[Durion Caranthir]

His words continued to etch and roll around in her thoughts, it was clear the way she mimicked his language with moving lips and no sound. And in how she kept pressing forward to interrupt his attempt to retreat. Once he changed his mind however she lit up like what humans referred to as the Christmas tree.

 

She bounced and giggled like a fae-born sprite. He was again reminded that she should be kidnapped and taken down south, released into the wilds of Megildur. Left free to play with the sprites there, or the selkie. She would be fascinated likely by the selkie that played in the mountain rushing streams.

 

[ishsa] This way! This, this way you will discover what is hidden to your hardened heart…[/ishsa]

 

He chuckled to himself as she flitted into the wintery woods. Hands folded behind his back as he followed, the wind whipping the ebony silk around his shoulders as he hopped off the path. A fae was an easy thing to follow if one understood what they were and how to track their playful path.

 

Breath drew in and exhaled in wisps of curling white smoke as trees began to shift and weave behind him. His gift bled from his pores, sewing a basket weave of wood and root behind his path to discourage the mundane humans from following them into the depths of her wood.

 

He was in no mood to deal with the barbarians tonight.

[Ishsa Nestra]

Ishsa danced away into the woodlands, a free and independent creature. How could the Elf not love this place? With the saplings, the mossy rocks and skittering mice, it was forever enchanted in her eyes. When she twirled, she saw he followed, calm and serene behind her. Could she crack his sedate exterior?

His magical weaving of the trees behind, the Fae did not notice for she was intent upon her own thoughts and the cold wind that blew through her hair and furrowed her dress against her thighs. The snow had begun to fall again and Ishsa reveled in it, as if she pranced through colorful confetti instead of stark, bitter whiteness.

Away from the path she led, and into the dark shadows where there were no lights beyond the moon and stars, yet always the reflected, twinkling lights of the City on the horizon could be discovered if one peeked through the tree branches or looked high above; there was no escaping the structures that surrounded the Park.

The Fae drew ahead where the Elf would not spot her, and camouflaged in the night, she cunningly flattened herself against a tree trunk. Back pressed into the rough bark, her soft skin felt the roughness scrape along her spine. It was a welcome feeling, one that made her feel alive with the prickling of splinters. Glowing mischief reflected in her eyes. She waited then, breath gentle as a fallen leaf, before the Fae dipped silent hands into the little snow drift at her feet and scooped up a good measure of snow. This she formed into a ball of packed coldness.

She counted silently. One. Two. Three. Four… Five… in her mind to wait for the Elf to draw near. The numbers were simple things compared to the innumerable figures she had once tallied upon endless days.

When Ishsa deemed him near and close enough, she stepped outwards suddenly and threw the snowball straight at him. As it flew through the air, soft particles of snow fell from it, as it raced in the dark towards him. And Ishsa laughed, a deep and throaty sound that lifted sleepy leaves while it lasted.
 

[Durion Caranthir]

Trees folded to elven will as his thick soled boots fell with near silence on the snow covered ground. He was a stark contrast in the winter wonderland. The ebony and crimson clothes fluttering beneath the jet black locks that snapdragoned out against the drifting flakes of snow. Winter appeared to shift and give him space, a fairytale sorcerer that enticed the very nature to yield.

 

As barren branches folded overhead into a cathedral arch, the vulgar structures of concrete and steel became less and less visible. A whisper of home in a world that felt sometimes so foreign still.

 

The fae was playing hide and seek. A popular party flavor of the fae-kind. Long ears flicked upward, listening to the soft scrunch of snow in delicate hands. A child's game.

 

Steps did not pause as left hand extended, fingers rolling open from his palm to let the soft glow of nature's elixir release into the tree near her. The branch folded back, waiting until she finally emerged with great glee at the thought of catching the elf unawares. Her missile came in his direction for only the briefest moment, left fingers snapping softly to release the curled branch. Like a bat keen on a ball, her projectile was struck by the wood, shattering and sprayed back at her.

 

Devil's grin slid his lips, cerulean orbs bright in the dappled moonlight that now spotted through the canopy he had created. He was no barbarian of this world. He knew fae… intimately. He was again tempted to kidnap the false-fae, drag it back to Meglidur and set it free with real children of the wood. See just how well she could adapt among the true-born. But fae were fickle creatures. There was a good chance she would be outcast by them. Hells…there was a selkie he was pretty sure might decide to disembowel the false-fae creature.

 

Still, be an interesting experiment.

 

[durion]…elves are not simpletons like the humans of this world silly fae-thing.[/durion]

[Ishsa Nestra]

A branch cracked against the Fae’s makeshift ball of snow and sent the icy projectile exploding back towards her. Snow fell in every direction as a shower of tiny crystals caught in the moonlight to scatter upon her face and the soft curve of neck and shoulders. A normal girl might have taken offense, but to Ishsa, who was friend to the elements, was only elated. Each seemingly magical fragment sparkled enticingly like a thousand diamonds. Upon her skin the coolness settled, but the Fae was not cold; this was only a new sensation to be embraced. Closing her eyes, she felt each droplet as it melted against her skin. With suddenness like a cat, her eyes opened and Ishsa exclaimed, [ishsa]Do it again! [/ishsa] The Elf’s grin she caught and returned. They were alone in the Wood, conspirators in this idle moment.

“…elves are not simpletons like the humans of this world silly fae-thing.”

Ishsa’s voice dropped lower and her tone changed, [ishsa]No. I can see that is not the case with you. Do it again. [/ishsa] But the words were now not carefree. They held the weight of a dare and a challenge. Dark eyes within her pale face regarded him with studied appraisal. He had twisted the trees upon their first meeting. And now she witnessed the canopy entwined above them. It enclosed, yet gave no feeling of claustrophobia, beautifully woven as it was of nature’s means. [ishsa]Ahhhhh[/ishsa] the sound was as delicate chimes in an ancient sacristy.

The Elf had power; the Fae could see his magicks were strong. [ishsa]What else do you know? [/ishsa] From behind the tree she stepped, no longer did she appear the innocent or carefree sprite, but something more. As if secrets and magical doings called forth a deeper and darker aspect of her personality. She would be powerful too! [ishsa]Show me more of your tricks… show me how to work them. [/ishsa]

[Durion Caranthir]

[durion]…elves are not simpletons like the humans of this world silly fae-thing.[/durion]

 

[ishsa]Do it again![/ishsa]

 

Ebony brow quirked upward over the cerulean orbs as he continued his stride, hands still casually clasped behind his back.

 

[durion]…nor am I a pet to be commanded.[/durion]

 

As she finally took notice of the interwoven canopy the elf merely smirked to himself. A parlor trick compared to the monumental architecture of his home in Megildur.

 

[ishsa]What else do you know?[/ishsa]

 

[durion]…child….far more than I would ever show you.[/durion]

 

While the head of NARWA was a bit of a show off, he was also an elf by nature, secretive and coveting of his power and gifts.

 

[ishsa] Show me more of your tricks… show me how to work them. [/ishsa]

 

The narrow of dark lashes was dangerous as he stared at the sprite.

 

[durion]….how very human of you…[/durion]

 

There was an unfriendly tone in the sneer as chin lifted ever so slightly studying her.

 

[durion]To assume power is yours to take and control. Seeking to claim the birthright of others.[/durion]

 

Nostrils snorted softly, suddenly acutely reminded that this fae was a human in disguise. What gave them the right to take what was the heritage of other worlds and creatures? It wasn’t enough that they had torn apart the fabric between worlds and stranded its people here, but they sought to rape their power as well.

 

Of course to condemn them was hypocritical on his part. It was being ripped from his world and dropped into this one that had finally given him a place in the world that suited the hierarchy he believed he deserved.

 

In his mind, the difference was he didn’t steal their heritage.

[Ishsa Nestra]

“How very human of you… To assume power is yours to take and control. Seeking to claim the birthright of others.”

The Fae felt no affront at the Elf’s words. Shame was a foreign emotion now; his insult merely amused her. That he would stretch her interest so far fascinated her. Danger dwelled in his eyes, control sat within his voice. She had offended his Elven sensibilities! The thought intoxicated!

Ishsa poked further, [ishsa]The Elf… is afraid?[/ishsa] Through the dotted snow upon the ground, she moved in an intricate and elusive pattern as she mused. [ishsa]Is he fearful that one he deems Lessor might steal his Magicks?[/ishsa] She glanced pointedly at him and scoffed, [ishsa]Your birthright? As if such a dour and distant thing would interest me. [/ishsa] Fingers touched lightly upon her sternum, dotted upon the thin cloth as if she played a flute. Her voice fluttered dramatically, [ishsa]I am a lowly Fae, with nary a stitch to call my own, that I must steal thine inheritance to find completeness.[/ishsa]

A rhyme settled upon the Fae’s lips.

He thinks to trap me in his Stern
I shall never take a turn
Within that World that chokes with Rule
Who is Fae and who is Fool?

[ishsa]You do not play well with others. [/ishsa] Ishsa decided with a pure and pleasant laugh, as memories of boys that teased from school playgrounds, surfaced from far-off memory.

[ishsa]I claim nothing![/ishsa] Dark lashes dotted with fallen snow, closed then opened dramatically, [ishsa]Your Magicks bind and control. You hold on too tightly among the particles and pieces…[/ishsa] One small, pale hand made the tightest fist, until the Fae’s fingers spread open slowly as if an invisible bird had just flown away. [ishsa]Open yourself. You are not free. [/ishsa]
 

[Durion Caranthir]

[ishsa]The Elf…is afraid?[/ishsa]

 

Cerulean orbs rolled . Fae were the same. Natural born, human born…. they were all the same. They manipulated and coerced in an effort to get what they wanted.

 

It usually worked…. when it was not on someone that knew their nature as well as the master of Meglidur.

 

[ishsa]Is he fearful that one he deems Lessor might steal his Magicks?[/ishsa]

 

[durion]No… he is not of a mood to play magician for a child of Eve who doesn’t understand how magic exists and behaves.[/durion]

 

Tone dripped of an adult growing weary of an incessantly questioning child. The vibrant orbs rolling again as singsong rhymes slipped her lips. How very fae of her.

 

[ishsa]You do not play well with others. [/ishsa] [durion]I play just fine with those I like.[/durion]

 

His easy retort came as hands continued to remain calmly clasped behind his back, steps falling in silence on the snow. Somehow even toying with the fae his foul mood had returned. He hated this city, this world of the north that wreaked of earthborn. It was a necessary evil that he did business with this world, but if it had been entirely up to him, this half of the planet would have been wiped clean from its face with the blending of worlds.

 

[ishsa]Open yourself. You are not free.[/ishsa]

 

The laughter bubbled up with an almost wicked tone as the cerulean gaze flicked to her.

 

[durion]….claims the bird in a gilded cage. I am not the one so frightened to leave the dead walls within I live. I am not the one with vulgar chains around my heels begging to hear of the promised land but too frightened to step outside and look for myself. One cannot explain the light to a being that lives forever in the dark.[/durion]

[Ishsa Nestra]

“…he is not of a mood to play magician for a child of Eve who doesn’t understand how magic exists and behaves…. I play just fine with those I like.”

[ishsa]You do not like me?[/ishsa] The Fae taken by surprise, retorted in a whisper. Flippant as she was likely to be, her emotions stung when slighted. [ishsa]Are you certain this is true?[/ishsa] The question was earthy and lengthened, drawn out slowly. There was sorrow to her expression that had not been present a moment before. It was not often Ishsa was rebuked, and the action perplexed the Fae. With his cerulean gaze this Elf watched her, with such sharp words he spoke, but… but then bubbling laughter always followed. His ways were a puzzle and a confusion.

“…claims the bird in a gilded cage. I am not the one so frightened to leave the dead walls within I live. I am not the one with vulgar chains around my heels begging to hear of the Promised Land but too frightened to step outside and look for myself. One cannot explain the light to a being that lives forever in the dark.”

Lies! She was neither frightened nor caged. The whole of the Park was hers! All of it - excepting the areas that the grievously unnatural creatures had lay claim too. Those portions she dared not visit. But the rest were hers! Upon the Elf’s face, signs of leave taking had settled; no time remained for convincing this bolshie creature of truth! For when would another like him come to the Wood again with such extravagant tricks? Ishsa snorted, certainly not the Humans that came to race their little, painted boats upon the lake.

Starlight lit her eyes and moon-shimmer danced upon her skin, as Ishsa skirted the Elf. [ishsa]Then we must meet in the middle. You from your Light, I from Dark - in the Shadow lands of neither and both there lay enchantment.[/ishsa] With a twig, long and thin, Ishsa drew a Circle in the white snow between them. [ishsa]Step in. Step in… if you dare to leave your precious Light,[/ishsa] Ishsa dared. The Circle was simply a circle, but to the Fae it was full of deep and hidden meaning. Lightly she crossed the threshold, ever vigilant not to disturb the haphazardly drawn Circle.
 

[Durion Caranthir]

((ACK - so sorry! Missed that I still owed this post!))

 

[ishsa]You do not like me? Are you certain this is true?[/ishsa]

 

[durion]… silly human fae-thing. I neither like nor dislike you. You are at best… [/durion]

 

Cerulean orbs flicked over his shoulder back towards the break in the trees where the vile structures of the humans towered in angular disharmony, disgusted expression ghosting over his features.

 

[durion]…….a distraction at the moment.[/durion]

 

Cerulean orbs flicked to the flighty thing as she danced around once more.

 

[ishsa] Then we must meet in the middle. You from your Light, I from Dark - in the Shadow lands of neither and both there lay enchantment. [/ishsa]

 

Chuckle was dark as the orbs slid half closed her way, the look almost menacing.

 

[durion]…. to meet in the middle would assume we are somehow on equal footing you silly fae-thing. And the truth is far from it.[/durion]

 

He watched her push the stick through the snow and dirt, brow quirking as she made a circle.

 

[ishsa] Step in. Step in… if you dare to leave your precious Light.[/ishsa]

 

Dark chuckle bubbled up in his chest once more as head shook, the ebony silk behind his shoulders swaying on the cold wind.

 

[durion]… you show your ignorance child of Eve. No elf worth their ears would willingly walk into a fae-drawn circle….even a human-fae drawn one.[/durion]

 

Trees barren of leaves groaned in the shiver of night air as limbs bended unnaturally, crowding down around them in his own "circle" prison.

 

[durion]…do the simpleton humans so blindly play with your flights of fancy?[/durion]