The Isle of Tir Na Nog

The princess watched Violet as she freed the woman. The grin that spread across the sage’s lips. Alis watched Rhaenerys with soft hues. She glanced to Violet as the woman agreed with her. A relieved sigh came from the pixie and she smiled. The princess listened to Violet. She was empowered by the woman. Such a brave being was before her. She reached forward and carefully released the leather straps. One by one. It wasn’t like the princess to trust easily. Especially a human. She’d been told time and time again that humans were evil. That if she ever encountered a human to run the opposite direction. But this human had saved her kind. The world even. She couldn’t hate this human. She owed so much to her. She had suffered for 250 years just for the Fae to survive.

Alis grinned as she watched the princess overwhelmed with the emotion. With purpose instead of anger. “Yes. Yes we are!” She flew before the princess. “Right, Rhae?” She asked.

Rhaenerys smirked to the pixie slightly, “Yes.” She nodded as she looked to the sage. “I will reunite you with your companions...and we shall discuss what has been happening...” She searched the hues of the woman. “The Gods...yes...so far...Allymys...she is the one that showed me the horrible future...and Maeve.” She nodded. “But you spoke of the Goddess Wrynn...” She pondered this a long moment. She then grinned. “Maeve is a very kind Goddess. She saved my life.” She spoke as she led her from the room.

Alis flew through the air swiftly. She glanced back to the sage with a smile upon her lips. She flew to her and fluttered for a moment. “I remember the day you locked him away. The way that the world shook from such power.” She spoke as her wings beat so rapidly that they were nearly invisible.

“What have you done with Lyra and Violet?” Ainsley’s voice could be heard from the open door across the hall.

“Hold still.” Rhaenerys could be heard speaking to the Captain.

“What are you doing?” He questioned as he struggled against the straps.

Alis grabbed a hold of Violet’s tunic and tugged her forward. “No need to be worried. Violet is right here.” She spoke in a cheery voice as she pulled forward. Though her tugging would not have done much for moving Violet. But it was the thought that counted.

“Violet...” Ainsley looked to the bracelets about her wrists that glowed. He looked down to his wrists as his bracelets fell away as the princess touched them. She removed the straps. He stood and shifted slightly as he rubbed at his wrists. “What is going on?” He questioned. He looked to Violet. He knew that she must have said something to the princess to make her do this. Some form of persuasion.

Rhaenerys drew in a breath. “There is much more at work here than a few humans invading Tir Na Nog. That is what is going on.” The princess spoke with a raised brow. “Now I will take you to Lyra. She...” She looked to the two. “She has her wings back now. She is complete again.” She spoke before she walked off down the hallway.

Ainsley looked to Violet. He stepped forward and looked her over in a concerned manner. “You’re alright.” He gave a warm smile.

“She’s not going to wait for you two.” Alis spoke as she buzzed back into the room. “Rhae isn’t used to waiting, she is a princess after all.” The pixie giggled lightly. She then rushed off to catch back up with the princess.

**

“No...no no...” Lyra choked slightly as the emotions swelled within her. As the goddess cupped her cheek she released a long breath as the overwhelming calm encased her body. She gazed to the cup of glowing water and took it into her hands shakily. She sipped from it as she listened to the Goddess speak. A soft smile curved up her lips. She had always been mighty for her size. At least that is what Ainsley spoke of her as. “You knew?” She breathed. All those years that she had been forced to endure such pain….such agony.

“You...gave so much for me to become whole, Goddess.” She breathed, her voice shook slightly. She gazed to her and shook her head slightly. “I had no idea that the pain that I was going through...that chaos...it was because I was….Lost...without wings...” Her voice was soft as she recalled the horrible pains that she’d drowned out for the past 10 years.

Maeve began to question her then. She asked of her past and the Fae tilted her head slightly as she set the chalice down on the bedside table. She scrunched her brows together as her mind fought through the muddied memories of her past. “Chosen?” She questioned, her stormy hues locked upon the Goddess then. Her lips parted as the woman spoke it. She would bring the Fae Freedom. Her breath hitched as she took in the gravity of what she truly was. Though before she could reply to the Goddess the doors opened. The smile that Maeve gave her caused Lyra to smile back. Her wings filled with a beautiful glow. “They...” She turned as the group walked through the door. “Captain!” Lyra grinned as she rushed forward. Her wings fluttered about and this caused her to lift slightly before she collided with him.

Ainsley wrapped his arms around the Lost Fae, a chuckle came from him. “I’m glad you’re alright, Lyra.” He spoke with a warm smile. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his neck. Her spirits were high, she was more energetic than usual. Thanks to the waters that Maeve gave her. He released her and gazed to the Goddess at the back of the room.

Rhaenerys looked to Lyra. “You seem in higher spirits.” She smirked slightly. She remembered the explosive power of the Lost Fae when she had awakened within the pools.

Alis fluttered over to the goddess. “Maeve!” She smiled as she looked to her. “The mage...” She glanced to Violet. “That’s the mage that stopped the horrible puppet of the king from destroying the tree...she gave us our chance to live. That’s Violet Llane.” She spoked as she landed upon the end of the bed and looked to the group.

Lyra’s wings fluttered slightly against her back and then relaxed. “Violet, you’re okay….” She tilted her head slightly. “Something...is different...” She reached and touched the bracelet upon Violet’s wrist.

“Wait!” Rhaenerys called out and lunged forward as the Lost Fae touched the shackle. But it was too late. A burst of power came from the bracelet which threw Lyra back. She slammed into Ainsley whom held his ground as he took several steps back to hold onto the Fae. The princess rushed forward and looked to Lyra as a giggle came from the Fae. She let out a breath. “Don’t...touch those...” She glanced to Violet. “Are you alright?” She questioned then as she looked her over for any injuries. Only Rhaenerys could remove the shackles. They were bound with her blood.

Alis stood at the end of the bed, her eyes looked about between the group. She looked to the silent goddess, her brows tugged together. Maeve did not have the warm gentle smile that she held before. She looked stoic. Cold. Like a piece chiseled from stone. Why? The Pixie followed the gaze of the Goddess to Violet. The sage. Her brows rose slightly. What was it that caused such a change in the Goddess?

Lyra beamed as she looked to Violet. She looked to their hands as the woman grasped a hold of her, a light giggle came from her. The Fae’s hands were warm with life. There would be more change the woman spoke. The Lost Fae was then thrown back against Ainsley. She gazed to Violet with a giggle as she pulled herself from the Captain’s grasp. Her stormy hues looked to the princess whom had warned her. She grinned, a playful look in her eyes. A true freedom about her presence. She gazed to Violet as she spoke of the shackles. “The shackles are...like my wings.” She smirked. “You’ve less pain in your eyes.” She touched Violet’s shoulder as she moved around her. Her eyes looked to the goddess. Her brows tugged together to the cold stare that the woman gave. The caring woman was gone it seemed. Her smile fell as she gazed to the woman.

Rhaenerys watched the interaction between Violet and Maeve. Her wings slack against her back, she gazed to Alis whom had a curious look about her eyes. The way that Maeve interacted with Violet was much different than the way she cared for the princess...or even the Lost Fae. The princess took a slight step forward. “Yes, of course. Thank you, Maeve.” She spoke with a soft smile upon her lips. Then the splash of water resounded through the room. Alis glanced to the princess, a look of understanding seemed to settle between the two. Without a spoken word.

The princess turned her hues to Violet. “You...are not free.” She spoke, she gave a weak smile. “You will not be allowed to walk about the city without a Fae to guide you. For now, that is me. I will carry such a burden. But do not think that I fully trust you.” She paused a moment as she listened to the woman vow her fealty to her. Her breath caught in her chest as this human bowed before her. Her brows tugged together. The future queen of the Free Fae People. Her lips pressed together. She bit at her lower lip slightly. It was exactly what she wanted for her people.

“Oh get up Violet. You’re making a scene out of things.” Lyra giggled as she stepped forward and pulled the woman to her feet. The fiery haired fae smiled brightly. “We were brought here. By you. By the captain. By fate itself!” She grinned as she hugged Violet’s arm that she held. She then laughed lightly. Her wings fluttered about upon her back with the emotions that surged through her. “This world, this life. It was meant for us all to be united as one. You must trust them. If even a little, princess.” She took a step forward and gazed into the princess’ hues. “You trusted me enough.” Her smile fell slightly. “You took me to a very sacred place, full of magic. A place that no human would ever go. But you trusted me not to harm you.” She tilted her head. “But I did.” A laugh then. “It wasn’t on purpose mind you.” She hummed lightly to herself as her wings relaxed again. “Oh a balcony.” She spoke as she nearly danced her way to the balcony of the princess’ room.

Rhaenerys stared after the Fae. This was a much, much different Lost Fae than she had been before. She bit her lip slightly. The princess gazed about the group. Alis fluttered about, she flew before the princess and looked to her, her arms crossed over her chest a moment. A sigh came from the pixie. “We shall show you to the great dining hall of the castle.” Alis spoke with a smile. “With all of this adventuring, you three must be hungry.” The pixie nodded to the princess then. “Besides, you must be exhausted...” She glanced to Lyra whom stood upon the balcony in the gentle breeze. The city could be viewed below. It was absolutely stunning. The buildings had gorgeous architecture that rivaled even that of the elves. It was clear that the city had flourished in the past 250 years.

Ainsley stepped forward. He glanced to Violet for a moment and gave a gentle smile. He then looked passed the princess toward Lyra whom was humming a tune. His brow raised slightly, he’d never heard her sing anything other than Sea Shanties. “What is that…?” He questioned as he stared to her back, the beautiful wings upon Lyra’s back glowed from her magic.

The princess glanced to the captain, her brows scrunched together slightly. “It’s a Fae Lullaby….” She spoke and then shook her head slightly. “We should go. Alis, will you get...um….”

“Lyra.” Alis spoke with a bright smile. “I’ll get her.” She flew off to the balcony and landed next to the Fae. She gazed to her as she continued to sing the sweet lullaby. There were no words. Just the simple tune of the song. The pixie began to sing it with her as she sat down on the railing. The two gazed over the beautiful Fae city.

The princess turned and cleared her throat slightly. “Come on, Alis will bring her.” She spoke as she stepped from her room. She led the two down the halls. A few of the guards paused slightly and gazed to the two humans with fearful hues. The castle held beautiful architecture. There were statues of the gods and goddesses. Statues of past kings and queens. Artwork hung within the halls. Beautifully hand painted pieces of the Fae during different points of time. The colors were vibrant within the pieces.

Ainsley paused before a piece where the a single Fae stood before a ship. The woman had the same wings as the princess. Her hand was extended forward toward a man, and his hand was clasped within hers. Friendship. He searched over the painting. The background looked to be the other continent. A landmark that looked familiar to him from the Crescent Bay.

Rhaenerys paused a moment and looked back to him. “That was my grandmother.” She spoke as she came to his side. She pointed to the painting. “This man, he was of the Draegon line. He helped free many of the Fae. He helped many cross the seas and come to Tir Na Nog to escape. I cannot remember his name...” She paused for a long moment.

“Marvin Draegon.” Ainsley spoke his eyes watched her. “My great grandfather.” He pressed his lips together.

The princess drew in a breath, her expression changed to curiosity. A laugh then came from her. “And you came to the island to collect a Fae?” She questioned. A scoff came from her lips. “How he must roll in his grave.” She turned and walked down the hallway again.

Ainsley grit his teeth slightly as he walked after the Fae Princess. “I had no choice. I did not want to do this.” He spoke as he followed her. He looked to Violet for help as a sigh escaped his lips.

The princess did not respond to him, she merely glanced to him with her purple hues. Her eyes stayed on him a long moment before she turned and pushed the door open to a large dining hall. It was gorgeous. The light of the sun filtered in through the beautiful stained glass windows. She walked to a rounded table and took a seat at it. Fae servants came forth and poured tea for the three. She lifted the mug of steaming hot tea to her lips as she looked back and forth between the two. “So tell me what you know of the state of your continent.” She spoke.

Ainsley drew in a breath. Of course she would want information. He pressed his lips together as he then looked to Violet for a long moment. He searched in his jacket pocket and pulled out the letter from the king. The ink had bled from the waters of the ocean, but it was still legible. He pushed it across the table to the princess. “The king requested that I bring him a Fae.” He spoke. “Violet and I had tossed an idea around of using Shade Flower on the Fae...to poison anyone whom would drink her blood.”

The princess tilted her head slightly, her fingers curled around the heat of the mug. “I see...” She spoke and then turned her attention to Violet for a moment before she settled back in on Ainsley. “Where is it that you found Lyra?” She questioned then.

Ainsley sipped from the mug of tea and wrinkled his nose slightly. It was thick. A strange substance. Something he was not accustomed to. Perhaps a tea that only existed upon the Isles of Tir Na Nog. He set the mug down. “I found her 10 years ago on the shores of the small city of Eivendale. She was broken...it looked as though the very waters of the sea had ripped her to shreds. I couldn’t leave her there.” He spoke and then shook his head slightly. “Tell me...Violet said that your wings...the more vibrant the more powerful...her wings...”

“She’s quite special.” The princess cut him off, her purple hues locked upon him. “More than I imagine you could possibly understand in this moment. More than even I understand. There is more at play here than I even realized.” A sigh came from her. She looked to Violet. “Tell me sage...what do you know about this King? His forces. His plans?” She settled in on the woman.

**

Allymys stood before a large building within the beautiful rolling green plains. It had a huge sculpture of Delvant that sat within a chair at the top of the stairs. The courthouse of the Gods. The Goddess walked up the stairs, a tail of darkness seemed to follow her within the bright light of the court. She gazed about with her dark eyes as she pushed open one of the huge heavy doors. The was tiny compared to some of the gods. A true Fae.

She walked down the long hallway and paused a moment. She felt...something. Her head tilted slightly. She had come to the halls to approach Delvant about the state of the Fae. She had pleaded her cause before, and ultimately it caused her to give her wings to protect the Fae. It caused her to give into the darkness and release a piece of herself in order to save and preserve them. She held her hand up to push the door just as it opened. A woman stood before her with silvery hair, dressed in black. The woman smirked to Allymys her silvery hues stared to her. “Come to see Delvant?” She questioned, a wicked smile curved up her lips.



“Tarla...” Allymys spoke and glanced over the woman. This was the Goddess of trickery. She had been known to cause chaos upon the earth before. She did things out of fun, rather than spite.

“I’d say he’s a bit busy right now.” She grinned, “But he may see you.” She reached and caressed Allymys’ jaw. “Hm. This isn’t about your Fae is it? He just threw Zenvar into jail for his meddling with the mortals.” She grinned. “You wouldn’t want to end up the same now would you?”

Allymys drew in a breath as she stared to the woman. The God of the Sea...was imprisoned? Her brows pulled together tightly. “He summoned me actually.” She lied.

A look of jealousy came over Tarla’s expression. “Oh really? You?” A laugh came from her lips. “He’s mine...” She grasped at Allymys’ tunic and then smirked. “You’d never entertain him quite like I do.” She winked before she walked off. “Don’t end up in the dungeons now, Allymys. I’d miss you at the council meetings.” She waved over her shoulder as she walked off.

Allymys drew in a long breath. She stared to the door that led into the King of God’s office. Her lips parted a moment. What was she doing? She shook her head slightly and stepped forward into the office. “My king.” She spoke and lowered herself to one knee as she bowed her head. “I have come to you for guidance, as you have done in the past so well for me.” She stood, her black hues looked to him. “I have seen a horrible future for this world that we preside over. We cannot simply sit back now, my king. We must do something or this world with cease to exist. If it does not exist. Then do we continue our existence? Without those that pray to us. What are we?” She spoke in a wise voice as she stepped forward. She glanced about the office. A chair was knocked over, a few papers pushed upon the floor. Oh she knew exactly what Tarla had been doing with the King of Gods. The Goddess of Trickery had been known to use the more powerful Gods to get what she wanted before. What game was she playing now? The succubus that she was...Tarla brought upon many horrible things to the world before. She only wondered what the trickster planned now.

**

A warmth filled the bubble that Maeve floated within. Before her fire swirled to life and as it faded away Aeryvar float before her. His glowing red eyes gazed to her. “Maeve.” He spoke his voice powerful. He reached forward and cupped her cheek. He sucked in a breath. He had been within the court when Zenvar was sentenced. “Your father is in danger.” He spoke the words. It felt like a hammer that landed upon the head of a nail as he spoke. He allowed his hand to fall away from her. “Delvant has brought down the hammer of judgement upon him...he has been placed into the Pit...and the Council is to convene upon his crimes...” Aeryvar shook his head slightly. “I do not know what our King of Gods is playing at. But something is terribly wrong, Maeve.” He pressed his lips together as he watched her carefully.

The God drew in a breath, “It seems much is to change in our future. Here and within the realm of Gods.” He added as he crossed his arms over his bare chiseled chest. He pressed his lips into a flat line as he seemed to think. “I am not a fan of your father and the actions he has taken, or lack of actions at times. But, he does not deserve...to rot away within the confines of the pits.” Aeryvar nodded slightly. “I want to help you, Maeve. I owe you this.” He took both of her hands into his, a soft smile upon his lips then.

Aeryvar searched over Maeve’s black locks as it fell into her hues. His expression had softened as he saw the wince of her expression. The way she tripped back from him caused the God to take a step forward, but he stopped himself. He stood and stared to her with his red hues. “I’m not certain what the King is aiming to do, Maeve.” The god spoke as he shook his head slightly. “There are many things at play here. I know that you can feel it as well...” A sigh came from his lips as he listened to her. She wouldn’t back down.

He shifted slightly as he searched over the goddess and her features. His red hues looked to her hand as it fell upon his arm. His lips parted slightly to her warm touch. He gazed back to her. “If anyone dares to stand up against Delvant they may as well sign their own incarceration writ.” He spoke as he gazed into her eyes. He tilted his head as she spoke more. Power in numbers. It was something that could work. Possibly. He drew in a breath as he heard the pitch change in her voice. As her hand slipped away from him a breath left the god. He could still feel the warmth of her touch dance about his skin. She asked for his guidance.

Aeryvar pressed his lips together as he seemed to think. “There are few options.” He spoke. “But, backing down is not an option. The Fae need you. They need us.” He finally took his steps forward. He placed a hand upon her shoulder and gently turned Maeve around. “This world would crumble without the magic that the fae possess. If the humans destroy them...” He shook his head. “Life would become out of balance. Chaos would ensue. There is a delicate balance to this world. It is the whole reason that I saved Lyra.” He placed his hands over hers that fidgeted. The God gazed to Maeve for a long moment. “So we find Gods and Goddess’ that agree. We save your father...and we afford more help with preventing the destruction of this world. I’ve seen the terrible visions that Allymys has had.”

The God sighed softly as he seemed to think. “Even if Delvant does not agree. I will not stop. I owe this to you, Maeve. I will aid you until the bitter end if that is what it takes.” His voice was full of a serious tone as he gazed into her eyes.

**

Allymys watched as the King of Gods fumbled with his belt like a young teenager that a parent had walked in on. She raised a brow slightly. Allymys was pint sized compared to Delvant. She was just under five foot tall. Though she did not shy away from the God as most did. Allymys had a strength about her that most did not hold around their King. He began to speak. Disregarding her words. Tossing her aside easily like an unwanted toy. The Goddess grit her teeth slightly. There was nothing she could say to him. He didn’t want to hear her words. “No, my king. Of course not.” She replied, a defeated tone in her voice.

Her brows furrowed as she bit the inside of her cheek. She wanted to say so many things. To spew words of hatred to her king. But she did not. She knew better. She could not help if she too was within the pit. “I will return if there is any trouble with the Tree of Life, my king.” She spoke as she turned and stepped from his room. As soon as the door shut behind her she heard a giggle. Allymys’ dark hues shot to Tarla whom leaned against the wall with a smug smirk upon her lips.

“I knew he didn’t summon you. He never liked you, Allymys.” Tarla laughed as she grinned and stepped forward. “Don’t worry though. There’s plenty that I’ve planned in my next act.” She clapped her hands and disappeared into a puff of smoke.

Allymys coughed and stepped back from the smoke. Her hands balled into fists. She grit her teeth slightly. The goddess turned and quickly walked from the great castle of the king.

**

The princess was settled in, her purple hues gazed to Violet as the woman cleared her throat. “The means of many of the humans to gain power is quite dangerous. Don’t you think?” She commented. “The thought of killing someone to drink their blood. It is an atrocity. How that ever came about.” She shook her head slightly. She fell quiet then and listened as the sage spoke. She gave a nod and a slight smile. “I am glad that you both never intended on truly following what the king has asked of you. It would certainly spell the end of our people. We have grown. But we are nothing of what we once were.” Her voice was soft. “Our population was quite small when my people managed to escape to the island...it is only by the graces of the gods that we were protected for all these years.”

She leaned back in her chair slightly. The princess didn’t touch the food at all. Though she sipped from a mug of tea. She glanced to the captain whom ate some of the fruits and cheeses now that the attention was not completely upon him. “Our city is inland enough that cannons and ballistas cannot touch us. We are nearly in the center of the island.” Rhaenerys spoke as she looked back to the sage. She tilted her head slightly at the mention of the Circle of Mages. “They would be on the side of my people?” She questioned curiously. The princess hadn’t thought of this possibility. Of a people that would work with them aside from the elves. She hadn’t thought of any other allies.

“His son seems to have a good head upon his shoulders.” Ainsley spoke up. “I’ve only met the boy a few times. Perhaps he would be a good replacement so long as we do not fuel him with hatred.” He shrugged and then popped a grape into his mouth. “If we can find a way to show the people that the fae are not the problem...then perhaps...they will help us.”

Footsteps clicked into the room. King Aeromer walked into the room. He gazed to his daughter and then to the two that sat across from her at the table. His brows furrowed slightly as he sat down. His hues settled in upon Violet. Slowly a smile split his lips. “You’re still alive. It is good to see you Violet.” He chuckled a moment. “Perhaps there is hope for our people yet.” He looked to his daughter. “Are these the only survivors from that ship?” He questioned curiously.

Rhaenerys shook her head. “No father. There was a Lost Fae among them as well.” She replied and then looked to Violet. “If we are speaking of strategy and preparations. Perhaps we should prepare the people. Do you believe that the king will send his own ships to the island? Surely our storms will protect us. The barrier that Allymys formed years ago will protect us from his ships….won’t they?” She questioned her voice a bit worried. If the human king did send his soldiers...would they be able to fight back? Many of the Fae that made up the small population were young. They’d never fought in a war. Those that did were not much for fighting anymore. Even her father. She didn’t want to see him fight in a war.

Aeryvar have a weak smile to Maeve’s words. He’d nearly forgotten that she was not truly a Goddess. With the power that she displayed, it was a shame that she was born of a God and a mortal. Perhaps one day she could be granted access to the realm of the Gods. The next part seemed to take the God by surprise. He watched with his ruby hues as Maeve closed the distance between them and she leaned forward. Once again she lifted his mask, just enough to plant a soft kiss upon his cheek. His eyes watched her all the while. He could count on one hand those that had been bold enough to do such a thing. His muscles tensed slightly as she’d done this. His breath seemed to catch on something within his chest. “A risk I am willing to take.” Aeryvar smirked to her as he saw the redness spread across her cheeks like wildfire. He could feel a heat rise in his own cheeks, though it was hidden behind the golden mask. “I will return when I can.” He spoke before he disappeared into a flurry of flames.

Aeryvar appeared in the home of the Gods, Apeogarth. The God gazed up to the sky that was full of pinks and purples. The sun was rising upon the realm. He gazed to the pieces of the city that floated effortlessly above the others. The great castle of the King of the Gods could be seen in the distance, shrouded in mystery by the clouds of the sky. At the center of the city was a great tree. The tree of life. It was mirrored with the great tree of Teldrassil. It was the magic of both the realm of the mortals as well as the gods. He walked forward to the huge towering tree that was easily 300 feet in height. The huge limbs that were full of beautiful lush green leaves stretched out from the trunk. The area around the tree was filled with bright flowers. He stepped forward and placed his hand upon the thick bark of the tree, his ruby hues looked over the gentle ripples.

“What troubles you my son?” Wrynn stepped forward through the groves. Her beautiful golden dress trailed about behind her. She stepped forward as Aeryvar turned and gazed down to her. “Don’t lie and tell me that it’s nothing.” She smirked slightly before she tilted her head.

The God looked to his mother a long moment with his crimson hues before he allowed his hand to fall away from the trunk of the tree. “I’m worried of the state of the mortal realm mother.” He spoke his eyes watched her closely. “There is a great deal of chaos brewing and I fear that it is time for the gods to intervene, much as we have before. Without the gentle prod of the Gods the world can quickly spiral out of control.”

Wrynn reached forward and cupped the cheek of her son, her palm was warm against his skin. “There is much that is churning within that realm, my son. But it is not our role to intercept. We can guide. But we shall not meddle in the affairs of the mortals.” She gave a gentle smile. “But I do understand what you are speaking.” She drew in a breath as her hand fell away from him. “Delvant does not wish for us to interfere with the mortals.” She raised a brow slightly. “But that has not stopped us before. Has it?” She smiled to her son. “How is your Fae?” She questioned curiously. “I can feel her strength again. Though, it came at a great cost.” She tilted her head.

Aeryvar gave a weak smile, “I owe Maeve everything for saving her.” He spoke as he watched his mother.

Wrynn’s vibrant green hues seemed to light up, she grinned. “Hm, perhaps you do, my son.” She chuckled lightly. “So what is it that you plan to do then? Hm?” She crossed her arms over her chest and shifted her weight to one foot.

The God tilted his head slightly. He seemed to think his answer over. “I must find Gods and Goddesses that agree. We must save the Fae. If the human king gets what he intends, our tree.” He looked to the tree a long moment. “Our life will be gone. Extinguished with the lives of those that we are bound to preside over.”

“Spoken like a true God.” Wrynn placed a hand upon her son’s shoulder. “The Fae deserve our help over many of the others within the mortal realm. I do believe this. But what tells you of the destruction?” She questioned. “How are you so certain, my son?”

“Allymys.” He spoke, his eyes lifted from his mother as he felt the cold presence of the Goddess of Darkness. “She told me.” He spoke before he took a step forward. He watched as the Goddess walked toward the tree, she looked defeated. Even from a distance, he could see it in her posture.

Wrynn turned and looked to the Goddess. “Ah yes, the one that is cursed with such visions.” She spoke. “You know I will help you, my son.” Wrynn spoke with a soft smile. “Delvant does not understand what his actions cause at times.” A smirk then came from the goddess. “I will search for those that agree as well.” She spoke before she disappeared into a puff of glowing golden glitter that swirled about where she had once stood.

Aeryvar watched as Allymys walked right passed him. His red hues followed her as she stepped to the tree. She touched it with her hand and then leaned forward, her forehead pressed against the bark. He stepped forward to her and placed a hand upon her shoulder. Suddenly the world around him shifted and darkness surrounded him. “What are you doing?” Allymys’ voice echoed as the world around them began to flicker to life. They stood at the base of the great tree of Teldrassil. Smoke rose into the skies around them. Allymys glanced to Aryvar, her dark hues searched over him. “You don’t belong here.” She spoke with frustration in her tone.

Though the two did not have long to talk before a familiar figure walked forward from the city that was lit aflame. Lyra. She wore shackles upon her wrists, her upper arms were gripped on either side by human guards. She was shoved forward at the base of the tree. Her wings upon her back were torn and broken. She looked weak. Her body shuddered. “No...no what is this...this is different...” Allymys spoke, her tone a bit panicked.

“Do what the king has instructed you.” One of the guards prodded at Lyra with his foot.

Lyra shakily pushed herself to her feet. Her eyes...they were dull and without life. Her expression void. She stepped to the tree and placed her hands upon it. She began to speak the ancient words of the Fae. Her chest shuddered as she called upon her power. Slowly from her touch the bark of the tree began to die. The wilting of the tree spread upward like a disease. Lyra let out a whimper as she moved to pull her hands away but she was pressed back forward to finish the job. The limbs of the tree began to wilt, the leaves turned black. Her breathing quickened as the magic of the tree syphoned into a crystal orb that hung about her neck. It began to swirl with beautiful colors. The guards stepped forward and grabbed her once the deed was done. The fae collapsed into their grasp. “I’m sorry...I’m so sorry...” She whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks.

The world around them faded away and Allymys stumbled back from the tree. She gasped as she stared to the bark, a black handprint remained upon the tree. An omen. She looked to Aeryvar. “I...I’ve done everything that I could to stop this...” She choked out. “I’ve saved the princess of the fae...but now I have condemned another...and it is so much worse.” She staggered.

Aeryvar stepped forward to steady her, his hands rest upon her shoulders. “Allymys. We will stop this. That will not happen.” He pressed his lips together. “We will keep it from happening.” He clenched his jaw slightly. “The alignment, the stars within the sky. We have some time. It looked to be nearly six months from now. We can stop it.” He assured her.

“But...Delvant...he...he does not wish to listen.” She had tears in her eyes. “He tried to blame me for creating these visions.” She drew in quick breaths. “He threw the God of the Sea in the Pit for interfering with the mortals!” Her voice cracked.

“He never listens.” Aeryvar smirked slightly. “That is and always will be how he is.” He continued to hold her steady. “So we find more to fight with us. If we have enough Gods that align with this. Enough that believe. Then he must listen.” He nodded to her before he released her shoulders. “Now we must figure out how the human king got his hands on Lyra...” He drew in a breath. The thought that Lyra could end up in such a state. It was against everything that he had done for her. Over 200 years of keeping her safe...and this would befall her? No. He couldn’t allow it. He wouldn’t.

**

The princess listened to Violet as she spoke, her brows tugged together slightly. Dark magic. She’d heard stories of the magic that the mages of the human king were capable years ago. Ainsley ate another piece of food and cleared his throat. “I’m certain he has scoured the lands for them. Offered them a great deal of money. He offered me 100,000 coin to get him a Fae. The King is not shy about his money. He is ruler of one of the most wealthy kingdoms on the continent.” He chimed in before he took another bite.

Rhaenerys sucked in a shaken breath, “We can only hope that since the king does not have a Fae...that his mages have not been able to drink the blood of a Fae. That magic was truly what began the spiral into chaos in the previous war. When his mages began to syphon my people for more and more power.” She bit at her lower lip. “What will he pursue...if he does not gain a Fae?” She questioned softly.

Though before she could respond her father had graced the table. The princess’ expression grew to be one of astonishment as the realization between her father and the sage took place. She grew silent. Her father knew this human from the war? “Well I’m glad you seem to know the Fae, Violet.” Ainsley spoke with a smile. At least they wouldn’t be getting killed anytime soon.

Aeromer looked to the Captain and gave a chuckle. “Ah yes, we know one another quite well. She was the only human besides Marvin Draegon that was invited to the isles.” He looked back to Violet. “I remember it quite well yes. You looked like you haven’t aged a day, Violet.” He raised a brow slightly. He shifted as he sat down across from her. The doors pushed open once again and in walked a beautiful Fae. She held light blonde hair and striking blue hues. This was the queen of the Fae...Lesayia...the woman that had once been married to Rhaedrin. Though arranged marriages were never one that brewed love. She had always had a love from his younger brother and the king and queen at the time had agreed to rule together, but they both agreed that they did not love one another.




“Violet?” Lesayia’s steps quickened. “Violet of the Vale?” A chuckle came from the Fae Queen. She rushed forward and wrapped her arms around the woman. A laugh came from her as she hugged her tightly. “Gods, you’re alive. After all this time?” She squeezed her a bit more. “You’re finally here.” She smiled as she pulled back and then looked to the king. “You did not tell me the ship held our friend.” She crossed her arms slightly. The queen held a personality much like her daughter. She had spunk to her.

Aeromer chuckled lightly. “I was not aware, my dear.” He motioned for her to sit and she took a seat next to Violet at the table. “We were just discussing this.” He grinned slightly.

**

Aeromer had returned the bow to Violet, a smile upon his lips. He glanced to Lesayia a moment before he looked to the sage once again. His brow tugged together as Rhaedrin spoke. He gave a slight nod. “The tree will not fall.” He spoke, confident. “I will cut down each and every soldier of that king if I have to. He will not take her from us.”

Lesayia drew in a breath as she looked to Rhaedrin. She stepped to his side and gave a soft smile before she nodded. “I will gather our people. They must evacuate in the event that the king’s mages cannot be held back, my king.” She didn’t call him her love, she never spoke an endearing word toward him. She then looked to Violet. “We will keep one ship. One last ship that will take us to the isles.” She then looked to Aeromer a long moment before she looked back to Violet. “I will fight as well.” She gave a soft smile. Her wings were a crisp white with golden edges. She held the ability to heal. She would be valuable in the fight against the king. As she had been in so many battles before.

“I will ready the guard.” Aeromer spoke, his eyes glanced to Lesayia. “The moment that we feel as though we cannot hold them back, you must get to the ship my queen.” He searched her hues carefully. He then looked to Violet and gave a weak smile. “I will alert everyone. We will meet you at the tree in an hour.” He spoke before he rushed from the room.

The queen gazed to Violet and then she looked to the king. “I’ll give you a moment.” She nodded and then nodded to Violet before she stepped from the room to aid those in preparing the ships. The queen made her way through the city and to the docks. “Marvin.” She spoke with a smile as she looked to the human that held a thick beard upon his jaw, he looked much like Ainsley did now. A striking resemblance. “Thank you for this.” She looked to the fleet.

Marvin nodded as he aided the Fae upon the ships. “Of course, my queen. We must get you to safety. This island, it will be safe. Your people to not deserve this fate.” He shook his head. He hated the king. He heard the cry of a baby from the deck. “Ah, you must excuse me. I’ve a little one to tend to.” He laughed as he ran up the plank to a beautiful woman that rocked a baby within her arms. She waved down to Lesayia with a warm smile before she slipped away into the captain’s chambers with Marvin.

Back within the city the hour had passed swiftly. The city was evacuating with ease. Their plan was working. It had been carefully implemented. They had waves of homes that would evacuate. Though an explosion sounded. Aeromer gazed from the hillside toward the edge of the city. The mages had arrives. The piles of troops swarmed forward into the city. Soon enough the clatter of swords and the scream of war filled the air.

Many stayed to defend their people. To defend their king. Aeromer flew forward as he sliced through the humans. Blood dripped from his blade as he cried out. He lifted his hand and sent a guard toppling back with a blast of magic. He was a formidable fighter. Something that he took pride in. Aeromer rushed forward. “Watch out!” He cried as he slammed against a knight that had his eyes set upon Violet. “Where is that damn court mage? You have to find him Violet!” He called out over the cries of war.

**

Lyra wandered through the halls of the castle. Her eyes gazed over the beautiful paintings and the sculptures. A history that she was never part of. A history that she was kept safely away from. Alis flew about beside her. “We should really get to the dining hall.” She spoke as she fluttered around before the Lost Fae.

Lyra looked to her and gave a chuckle, “Soon. I’ve never seen any of this before.” She pushed into the library. “There is so much that I’ve...yet to see. I feel...like a stranger here...yet...I belong..?” She raised a brow as she looked to the small pixie. She walked into the huge library and gazed about the books. A grin split her lips. “A war that my mother fought within.” She sighed softly. “That I couldn’t remember until...today...” Her brows tugged together.

A swirl of smoke appeared before the Fae. The silvery haired Goddess Tarla came into view. The woman smiled as she looked to Lyra. “Hello, young one.” She spoke as she stepped forward.

Alis tugged her brows together. “Lyra don’t talk to---….”

Tarla smacked the pixie out of the air. “Don’t listen to her.” She laughed and then grinned. “That pixie is afraid of everything.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “You my dear have quite a lot of power. Did you know that?” She asked. “You’ve a grand future before you.”

Lyra was captivated by the woman, the goddess. “Do you...know what it is that I am to do?” She asked softly.

“But of course, my dear.” Tarla grinned. “You will change this world as we know it. You’ve so much potential.”

Alis pushed herself up and gazed to the Goddess a long moment. She then looked to Lyra. She fluttered up and slipped between the two. She looked to Tarla with her arms crossed over her chest. “Leave her alone. She’s under the protection of Tir Na Nog.”

Tarla groaned slightly as she grasped Alis from the air. “Would you let me have a conversation little pix?” She spoke as she set her down and she snaked her arm around Lyra. “Come, let us talk. Hm?” A smokey like magic leaked from her touch to spread about Lyra’s skin. “There is a great thing that I am going to ask of you. You wouldn’t want to deny a Goddess of a request would you?” She asked and watched as Lyra shook her head as she looked to the woman, completely captivated.

Alis grit her teeth slightly. She flew from the room with speed and rushed through the castle. She made it to the heavy doors of the dining hall and pushed against them. She groaned as she fought against the weight of the door. It took several minutes but she was able to squeeze in. “Rhae!” She cried out. “Get Maeve!” She spoke with fear in her voice.

Rhaenerys looked away from the story that was being told. She tugged her brows together. “Alis. Where is Lyra?” She questioned as she slowly stood.

“There is a Goddess...I don’t recognize her...but...she feels...” Alis shook her head. “It isn’t good...I don’t know what she has planned!” She gripped onto Rhaenerys’ sleeve and tugged upon her. “She’s in the library...Rhae we need to get to her. She won’t listen to me!”

“Who is Lyra?” Lesayia questioned as she stood. She glanced to her daughter curiously.

“She is a lost fae.” Aeromer answers as he too stood. “A goddess?” He questioned as he looked to Alis. “With an interest in a Lost Fae?” His brows furrowed.

“Maeve...we need you.” Rhaenerys spoke as she rushed toward the door. “I’ll get her.” She spoke as she glanced over her shoulder to her father and mother. The princess then slipped into the hallway.

Ainsley stood to his feet. He looked to Violet. “I...have to help Lyra.” He spoke as he rushed off after the princess.