Our routine remains the same for a while. We train all day and then go our separate ways, barely talking. Neither of us sure what to do or how to act. However, I very well know that if I do not make an appearance in town shortly that people will get suspicious.

I decided this morning that I would make a trip into Kai, to check how things are going and get Isaac some clothes before our journey.

Walking out to the kitchen Isaac is where he always is, seated at the bench waiting for me to get up and tell him to start training.

'Good morning', I greet him. 'Morning' he replies before his hazel eyes fall on me, taking in the elegant dress I chose this morning, that hugs my curvy yet petite frame. "This is different" he states, raising a blonde eyebrow at me. "Actually this is what I normally wear, training has been a sparse thing up until recent events", at this Isaac's face falls and he quickly looks away and I hurry on. "I need to go into town today, before people start to get suspicious and so I can get you clothes before we start our journey".
"What journey?" He questions and I mentally scold myself for not having told him.
"Sorry I had assumed you had heard the oracle's prophecy",
"I did, I just didn't know it concerned me" he trails off. "Wait, the oracle stated there would be three of us, who is the third" his expression changes, becoming guarded but I brush it off. "You will find out soon," I state. In all honesty, I hadn't known until last night, until I had a dream. My dream confirmed two things, the first being that we will leave when the full moon arrives, by then I should know where we are headed. The second being, who third member of our party is, a faery with leaf green eyes and a confident smile.

We are silent as we walk into Kai, neither of us really knows how to break the silence. I decide to try, "do you remember much about your home?" Probably not the best question, but as we enter the clearing where Isaac appeared all those years ago the thought leaped into my mind. Isaac's face fell at my question and his body slumped when he recognised where we were.
"Yeah my memories are all that has gotten me through the past few years",
"do you miss it" I question, my curiosity getting the better of me.
"Honestly no, not anymore. Life there was horrible, the world was dying even then, people were driven insane around me, I didn't know why I wasn't affected then but now I assume it's the fae in me" he offers me a small smile letting me know he is okay and I can I feel myself returning his smile. "Hey Elaina" he turns to me,
"yes?"
"Would you be able to show me how to use my powers? To discover who I am?" He quickly looks away, embarrassed. We have stopped walking and I turn my body towards him.
"I'm sure there is something we can do" I offer him the same smile he gave me earlier only to feel my heart leap when he returns it. With a quick laugh I take off at a jog "come on fae" I offer him a sly smile as he follows. We run until we reach the edge Kai, and then slow to a walk. We walk in silence again, but this time it is comfortable as I let him take everything in; from the simple houses with their thatched roves to the exotic herb and flower beds; most faeries have a real knack for plants. Kai is one of the less magical towns in Faery, due to how close it is to the hedge and the gate that divides the two worlds.

I decide to visit Freya first, with her ability to calm the mind she is exactly what I need right now. That and the fact that I pray she has some knowledge of where this quest of ours will begin. As I weave my way through the chaotic maze that is Kai I can feel Isaac becoming increasingly quiet and uncomfortable. This is when I begin to hear the foul whispers and hateful glares the other faeries cast his way. Scorning myself once again for my stupidity I reach for Isaac's hand and drag him down a lane way of sorts that flows around and in between the houses; the perfect way to stay out of sight of most of Kai. There hadn't been any other fae in this small border town for more than two centuries, let alone a Halfling who is quite obviously half human due to his lack of luminescent skin or sharp, almost predatory features.

Not all Faeries have wings, only the women and they are more of a symbolic thing than anything, used to glide or hover more than actually fly and to allow  show the area where a flower will grow during certain times of the year. This flower will grow below the woman's wings on her lower back, each flower, just like each set of wings is different for every faery, when the flower does grow is can be pollinated by the pollen that forms on the men's hands. This is how we faeries reproduce, sex is just for fun. A seed will form and can be planted in the growing field, the seed will grow and then bloom and a faery is born. Despite having grown my own wings; larger than normal and the colour of a new moon, I have never flowered, a fact I have kept to myself.

At least Isaac doesn't need to worry about his lack of wings so he doesn't completely stand out there. Resurfacing from my mental ramble I realise we have reached the back entrance to Freya's cosy cottage, built into the hillside. When I look over to Isaac he is still standing awkwardly and staring at his feet as if they are the most fascinating thing in Faery or on earth. Realising I still held his hand I hastily pulled away, refusing to acknowledge the feeling growing in my chest. Choosing to push the matter to the back of my mind until a later date I knock on the dark earthen wood door that is half concealed by a variety of overgrown vines and grasses from the hill surrounding. With a wave of my hand and a tuff of magic the plants retract from the door just as I hear a bolt slide and the door swings open to reveal Freya and, standing behind her, closer to the centre of the home is none other than Verum. Well, I didn't expect that.

Quickly covering my shock I ask Freya if we could come in a sly smile tainting my lips. As she steps aside I notice Verum's hand lower from the hilt of his sword that protrudes from beneath his coat. Deciding not to comment I walk past him towards the centre of the house, a comfortable space with bare earth floors; just like all faery homes, that allows for easy access to earth magic that fuels all faeries, a stone fire place that is still glowing faintly due to the lingering fact that despite the warming spring days the nights can still be harshly cold. Sweeping the room with a glance it can be seen that everything is simple; a few chairs with fading green fabric, most likely from the time of the Dividing when the gates between realms were sealed, flowers and vines grow up the walls and across some of the furniture and a woven basket overhead holds a witch light, casting light over the cosy space. Ever since the humans and fae went their separate ways and Earth was hidden from the faery world and vice versa, we faeries have avoided anything invented by humans as much as we can; choosing to keep things simple. However this was long before my time, perhaps half a millennia, maybe more. Nevertheless human creations were never meant to last that long, so many of them have, just like humans, been lost to time itself.

Besides, magic is easier.

"Elaina, to what do we owe this pleasure?" Verum asks, sounding generally curious, if not slightly hostile but that isn't unusual. "We have come seeking knowledge about this quest we are destined to embark on" I reply flippantly, gesturing between Isaac and I, causing both Freya and Verum to turn to Isaac and stare, slack jawed.

Dammit.

"Ahem" I clear my throat, hoping to jolt them from their trance that is obviously starting to unnerve Isaac and even myself. My sudden noise causes both of the older faeries to snap their heads in my direction.

"How did you..." Freya trails off, her usual composure flustered and jittery.
"How did I what?" I reply, biting my tongue to prevent the hostility I can feel rising in my chest to consume my words.
"She is wondering how you were able to heal him as well as you have in the time you had" Verum answers, having restored his blank façade.
"Magic" I reply simply, shrugging my shoulders, not sure that I should be revealing exactly what happened. Verum seems to accept my answer and gradually Freya composes herself as well, yet remains sceptical.

"I also require a rejuvenating spell please Freya, you are the only one in Kai that has such developed skills in that area" I glance pleadingly at Freya, letting my glamour drop to reveal pale and bruised skin and tattered wings, Isaac draws in a shocked breathe, strange I had only opened my magic towards Freya meaning she should be the only one able to see past the glamour, oh well just another matter for later. With a swift nod the beautiful fae hurries away, leaving Verum to tell us all he knows of our quest.

Once verum has told us the details of our quest though decidedly too few for my liking; journey to the other side of Faery, find a way to conquer the darkness, return home. Simple, straight forward.

Ha, not.

After Freya has finished her spell and Isaac has quit gawking at the more, although not fully rejuvenated me, we took our leave. Fae can survive on human food and most choose to however magic requires more power than human food can provide that is why those using magic regularly must turn to blood, but for Isaacs sake I had deterred from that possibility. Before departing Freya casts a little magic over Isaac "it will make you appear more faery, for a little while" she gave him a comforting smile, "you need to feed more Eliana" she warns "you will burnout if you don't have blood" with this Isaac shifts uncomfortably.
"I will see what I can do" I offer her what I hope is a comforting smile.
"Stay aware Elaina, not all fae are a kind as faeries. Try to discover your full power, something tells me you aren't completely faery" Verum says behind us, with that I close the door to Freya's cottage for what I pray is not the last time. Oh goddess, please let them all stay safe. With that we disappear into the calm night that has settles on Kai.

Isaac and I collect supplies for our journey including clothes for Isaac, for a couple of hours after leaving Freya's place, while the town is quiet, before removing two horses from the village stable that Verum had arranged for us and returning home.

The night was late and the moon was high when we returned home. Thankfully magic has kept the house warm in our absence. After the horses are settled in the stable Isaac and I set ourselves down in the space in front of the fire, seeking warmth.
"Why didn't you tell me you needed blood" I look over at Isaac to see that his eyes are cast deep into the fire as he questions me,
"the matter seemed inappropriate to speak to you of" I reply matter-of-factly, unsure of where this is going.
"I saw the state you were in before that Faery used magic on you and even now I know you are not at your full potential, you could have destroyed yourself Eliana, all because of the amount of magic you used to heal me" he pauses momentarily, turning to face me "take whatever you need from me, I owe you my life, should you need to feed take my blood" he states, offering his wrist where his pulse beats wildly. His statement shocks me, I have never before had to feed on another magical being, frantically shaking my head I decline.
"I am okay now thank you""okay" he retracts his arm, those eyes of his glinting with what almost seems to be disappointment "just promise that if you feel weak you will feed from me", never intending to need his services I agree. "Good" Isaac nods, rising gracefully thanks to Freya's magic "I think we should call it a night, it's getting late" "yes, of course" I reply, rising to my feet "uhm, are you okay sleeping out here still? I mean if you want I can make you something more comfortable than the chair or you are welcome to share with me..." I allow myself to trail off, well done Eliana, ramble like a fool. I didn't know I was staring at the floor until I feel a cool hand raise my chin until my eyes meet his, and within an instant I am lost and that feeling from earlier spreads across my chest. "I think you should be saving your power" he whispers, with a hint of laughter in his voice "but my muscles have had enough of sleeping in that damned chair, do you mind if I share with you? Even if it is only for the night?" "I wouldn't offer if it wasn't okay" I blush deeply, understanding the intimacy laced into my words. He nods at my comment, drops his hand from where it had found the back of my neck and puts some space between us. Taking that as my cue to go to bed I lead the way down the hallway and into my room. Once there I gesture to the bed "make yourself comfortable" before retreating into the bathroom. I quickly rinse my face and send a silent prayer to the goddess please not let this be a mistake, then return to the bedroom to find the Halfling curled up shirtless, beneath my covers, a soft snore escaping his lips. With a silent laugh I decide that perhaps this isn't going to be so awkward after all, before climbing in beside him although as far away as possible and allowing sleep and evidently, dreams, to claim me.

The next few days are spent resting, training and planning. Isaac has been staying in my room although every night has passed the same as the first; he falls asleep before I even make it to bed and I am woken before him by dreams. Well, one dream; of feathers and hazel eyes and a fiery feeling in my chest. Seemingly so short but undeniably draining, so much so that I am forced to hide my state from Isaac, for fear of his promise. Isaac still holds the glow and grace of a faery, honestly I'm a tiny bit surprised at how well he responded to Freya's magic, perhaps there is more to him than there seems, but none of his own, not yet. We agreed that until he was physically strong enough to withstand the effect, magic was postponed. However at the rate he is progressing he will possess more physical and mental strength than most of the adults of Kai. We would need to work on his magic tomorrow, as we will leave Kai in three days' time. I plan on addressing Zavier today I am just unsure of when to go and where I would find him. A swift knock on the door suggests that I won't have to try and find him; he found me. And Isaac. Great, this is going to be fun to explain I think sourly as I leave Isaac in the kitchen to open the door.

Sure enough as I pull the wooden door open, there stands no other than the mischievous faery I grew up with, but something is wrong he seems on edge, unsettled. When he sees me he calms a bit before rushing to me and pulling me into a bone crushing hug.

"Eliana" he breathes raggedly into my hair "I wasn't sure what had happened to you, the other night I started having these dreams and I hadn't seen you since the day by the waterfall, I was so worried" the words just came tumbling out, no pause, no sarcasm.

Wow that has to be a first... Poor timing for cynicism Elaina.

"Wait what dream?" I query, knowing Isaac had been having dreams too although we never spoke of it.

"It is hard to explain" he paused taking a moment to think, "you and I and some stranger were in a forest and then suddenly lightning strikes you and just like that you are gone, there is nothing either of us can do, everything after that is just a blur of light" he shrugs as if now he knows I am safe, the dream is no big deal. But I know better than to underestimate the power of dreams.

"Is this the same one you have been having the last few nights?" I spin on Isaac, knowing he was standing in the hall behind me, he nods slightly.

"You are the stranger in my dream" Zave states incredulously, distrust and a tint of emotion lacing his voice. I don't believe in coincidence, and the fact these two have been having the same dream is an omen, although good or bad, I am unsure.

"Zavier, this is Isaac I think you need to come inside". I open the door for him and we all move down to the main room, before taking a seat and filling Zavier in on all that has happened and everything that is going to. As we speak I take note of the way the two men behave; sideways glances almost trying not to look at each other, fidgeting in their seats, legs crossing then uncrossing almost as if something is moving beneath their skin and their eyes darker than usual.

Is it anger? Hatred? Or something, else?