Fiachra
The hours after Belenus’s departure were quiet and filled with too many conflicting thoughts. It didn’t feel like a return to normalcy, rather there was an air of waiting and a kind of displacement that infiltrated his mind. Remembering Belenus’s heirloom in his pocket, he retreated into his room for privacy, knowing Brunaidh nor anyone else would intrude as long as he was there. He sat at his desk chair propping his feet up on the window seat and took the brooch out to study.
It was made of elegant silver metalwork in a penannular design, an open circle with an attached pin across the diameter. The body of the brooch looked like a crescent moon with delicate scrollwork and the tips capped in gold. The pin was fastened to the moon with a septagram. He turned it around in his hand, tilting it in different directions to catch the light and showing different details as he did. A soft feeling like a hum began to pulse through his fingers as he examined it and the longer he held it the more noticeable the feeling became. It was disconcerting in its unfamiliarity.
From the way the brooch reacted to physical touch it obviously contained magic, but what was the question. Despite feeling unnerved, he continued to hold it and closed his eyes to better perceive its energetic aspects.
An impression of feelings and images formed in his mind that created a phantom picture of an innumerable number of elves. The clearest and most prevalent face was one he recognized as Belenus. From there he could discern familial similarities to a point, until faces shifted too much and became too faint. He could practically trace the lineage of elves that carried it, imbuing pieces of themselves over a great many millennia to create something powerful. The brooch seemed to reach out to him and he hastily put it down before it connected. He had no desire to impart any piece of himself in an object, especially when he had no place to.
He looked out the window to clear his mind, wondering how much time had passed. From what he could tell from his position, there was plenty of light left in the day. He stood, stretching his legs by walking around the room looking for something to contain the brooch. After some tests and searching, he was pleased to find a black drawstring pouch of a slightly bigger size that the fabric wouldn’t be pierced through. He nestled it carefully in a desk drawer out of sight.
With nothing better to do, he left the room and wandered through the hall. He passed by the spare bedroom and found the door open with Brunaidh inside gathering bedding into her small arms. When she noticed him, her expression brightened from focus to friendly and he returned it in kind, while stepping out of her way. She traipsed past, overburdened with blankets.
He wondered briefly if he would be able to detect Belenus’s scent if he held the blankets as closely as Brunaidh did and what scent that would be. The intrusive thought halted his tracks, abashed, he stood beside the doorway long after Brunaidh left. He only found the will to move after pushing the thought away and focusing instead on how to spend the rest of the day. He meandered downstairs into the main sitting room, pausing once more. He remained standing about, contemplating various pastimes until Brunaidh walked by, stopping upon seeing him and approaching with a stern frown.
“You’re not one to stand around and do nothing, go do something with your time. Go outside before you distract me from cleaning.” She put her hands on her hips and stared him down despite being at most half his size and looking up.
He laughed, finally coming back to himself. “Alright, you have a point, this isn’t like me at all. I’ll be in my atelier if you need me.” He left Brunaidh to her work and she seemed satisfied.
Before leaving the house another plan formed and he detoured to the kitchen. It was empty but showed signs of recent activity with various foods and spices lined up along the counter in preparation for the next meal. He took no interest, walking past all of it into the pantry for the store of honey. Only a single jar remained, full enough for a batch of honey cakes with little excess to remain. A trip to procure more would be necessary within the week.
He set the jar and the rest of the ingredients on a counter clear of anything else. It had been a while since he made them and felt it would be greatly appreciated amongst the fae who helped tend his grounds if he offered them a batch. It was fortunate their good favor was easy to tend with kindness and a simple routine bake.
He spared no expense of effort for each cake to be perfect, offering anything less would be unforgivable. It took a couple of hours, but it was well worth it by the exceptionally delicious aroma that filled the kitchen.
As always, he was gratified to have made an extra for himself to test quality. He waited just long enough for his cake to cool before savoring it in a few bites. The others were divvied up into separate cloth bundles, minus two plated nicely next to the food preparations for Brunaidh to find when she entered the kitchen presumably soon.
He left through the nearest door that passed by the herb garden, taking the quickest route to the greenhouse. The sky was clouding over ominously, giving way to a sense of apprehension to be caught outside and chance the cakes being left unclaimed. He called to Enaid, a nymph who maintained the greenhouse and gardens, leaving a cake bundle for her on a table outside of the greenhouse. He then called for Phouka, the beast fae who resided in the stable, leaving his bundle on a low branch outside the door. Both were whisked off quickly after a glance to the dark sky. Satisfied, he sought refuge in the atelier, setting the final bundle inside for Gronw, who would surely come by nightfall.
It wasn’t but a few minutes after shutting the door that the beginning patters of rain could be heard and seen spattering on the windows, quickly increasing in intensity. He spared a moment to enjoy the sound in combination with the dim room before lighting a lantern, he could see well enough without it but it was too inconvenient a strain when it came to fine-tuned work.
The room looked in order minus a few obvious jars missing, but looks could be deceiving and it proved true upon taking closer stock of missing supplies. To gain ground on what needed to be replaced, he wrote out a list marking priority and where each ingredient could be found. A considerable number of those items were collected by Belenus and it was apparent he had a good eye, choosing materials that were particularly difficult to get ahold of.
He had a feeling at the time that it would have been wiser to only let Belenus take a portion of each selection rather than the whole stock, but he had been too agitated to think clearly. Understanding the full situation now caused his thoughts to twist in guilt with a sickening feeling seeping in. He couldn’t fault Belenus for his reaction and for taking advantage of his offer. His temper had been misplaced from the beginning and he had pushed too far. There was no way to undo his actions, the most he could wish for was a way to offset them somehow.
The list in his hands sparked an idea for an apology. He would spend his time gathering materials that could be of specific use to Belenus to gift him upon his return visit. He collected his writing materials and the lantern over to his research nook before selecting a few books that would likely catch Belenus’s interest, including the volume he had browsed when here. He settled into a plush chair that inhabited a large component of the research nook, arranging everything in hand on small tables around him.
The comfort of the chair and the steady sound of rain beyond the walls beckoned his full attention. He closed his eyes for a long moment, relishing the sound, soothed and relaxed within that short span ready to delve full force into research.
By hours end, he had a list several pages long and neatly organized by what could be gathered, hunted, and traded. The most efficient start would be to trade with Aerona, who lived closest. He would see what she had in store in addition to their usual barter for honey. Afterward, he would go through the list and procure as much as possible before Belenus returned. However, first, he needed to craft salves and elixirs for Aerona.
Brunaidh came in and interrupted his scheming, insisting he eat dinner and refused to bring it to him on grounds that he had to take a break. Eventually, he complied realizing how stiff his muscles had become from spending all day cooped up in a chair. After that realization, Brunaidh didn’t have to cajole him further to keep up meals. He balanced his time wisely with routine patrols for a chance to exercise and a change of pace from long hours toiling in the atelier. The pattern continued tirelessly for days until he felt satisfied that everything was prepared to make the trip.
On the day of travel, Fiachra summoned Phouka to call upon the nearby dire wolf pack and request Caomh to ride. Of all the wolves, Caomh was the most agreeable and socialized. Fiachra interacted with the nearest wolf pack generations before Caomh’s litter, always with a mind to have a mount as needed if agreed upon. While he awaited their return, he spent the day preparing for travel, packing light to suit Caomh’s limitations. It wasn’t until evening that Phouka returned with Caomh in tow.
The two together were an interesting sight. Phouka was taller than the other fae of his house with a muscular pear-shaped body and horse ears that stood well above a wild mane of hair. He was almost as inky dark as Caomh, who trailed behind and towered above Phouka like a nightmarish shadow. Phouka led Caomh to the stable to be readied and cued Fiachra to fasten his summer cloak, light and oiled to protect against rain.
The last of the sun dipped out of sight and the lanterns were lit when Caomh emerged from the stable ready. The fae of the household gathered, even Gronw appeared from the edges of the forest, to bade Fiachra well on his travel. He mounted the black beast wrapping his arms around part of Caomh’s thick neck and holding onto the long silky black fur, nudging him as a signal to run. Caomh lopped out of the clearing of his house and into the dense woods, picking up speed with ease and grace.
They travelled through the night at a hard and fast pace, that with any other beast, would take longer than a day and a half to reach Aerona. Their mutual keen eyesight kept navigation smooth. They flew across the winding paths dodging around trees and over streams effortlessly with barely any noise, passing through the forest in large bounds as the night passed. The stretch between Fiachra and Aerona’s respective grounds was a quiet one, with wildlife that seldom hunted anything as large as them.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
They slowed to look for a suitable place to call a den when the forest turned misty and blue with the hint of dawn light. Caomh settled for a copse of trees with low branches weighted with layers of moss that bowed to create a cave-like canopy. It made for a nice illusion to act as night and conceal their presence. Caomh stood patiently in the shadows waiting to settle for sleep until after Fiachra freed him of the pack holster. Caomh snuffled around the canopy ground until he established his space by pawing a clear spot and circling. Fiachra left him to his customs and stretched out the beginnings of soreness, but as tired as he was, he couldn’t relax until running a perimeter check around the surrounding area.
He ate while Caomh slept, propping himself against his pack, using it as a pillow, and listening to the world around him. Numerous species of birds were in spirited song of their own languages combining harmoniously. Occasionally, small creatures would rustle and pass nearby, but none passed within the copse presumably picking up on Caomh’s scent. There was an overall sense of subtle fullness of life in the forest that filled him with contentment. Eventually, the sounds blended and droned into the background. He lulled into a half-awake half dreamlike state until finally, he curled up against the makeshift pillow sleeping under his cloak.
The next moment he knew, he felt a heavy weight pressing on his chest and hot breath ruffling his hair. He didn’t recall falling asleep and had a few groggy minutes trying to orient himself all while being pinned under one of Caomh’s paws.
“I’m awake,” he croaked trying to brush Caomh away. The beast remained for a moment longer before releasing his paw and allowing him to sit up. He scratched behind Caomh’s ear, taking a few more minutes to become functional before a quick breakfast and preparing for the last leg of travel. Reaffixing the harness and pack went quickly and they set off at their usual rapid pace.
The bright light filtering down through the leaves darkened quickly, telling him roughly how long he had slept. It was disorienting disrupting his schedule to such an extreme degree so quickly. Unwittingly falling asleep in the day to wake to daylight only to see it set soon after. He tried to mentally brush it off and held to Caomh breathing in his musky scent, scanning the scenery rushing past as well as possible. He began to notice the trees thinning and it signaled that they were close to Aerona’s field. He nudged Caomh to slow down before they breached the tree line and find another spot for a break. It was still near black in the utter stillness of night, but morning was sure to be close.
He wasted as little time as possible and rested until the sun rose, feeling more capable to deal with the day this time. He found a nearby stream to quickly rinse before changing to fresh clothes and fixing his hair. He felt refreshed enough to be suitable company. Afterward, the two set out at a less tiring pace, arriving as planned around midmorning when Aerona was well awake.
They emerged into open space, revealing a remarkable and expansive field of flowers and fruit trees spanning all the way to the back of Aerona’s house. Some distance away, in-between them and the house was stationed a series of hives like a small city, which Caomh avoided with a wide berth. He scanned the area searching for Aerona as they approached her house, there was no one to ask, but he knew her well enough over the years to know she would be home at this hour.
When they reached her house he dismounted Caomh and carried his search on foot, passing through patches of color on the ground cast by single-paned stained glass windows inset in the house. There were a few buildings stationed around, all of them small and more compact in design and space than his grounds. One of the buildings had wide doors propped open with none other than Aerona inside. Her back was turned to him, long chestnut hair pulled into a high ponytail trailing down, long vests and tunics of yellows shifted with her movements as she drew a long blade down a slat of honeycomb.
“Good morrow, Aerona.” He called to alert her to his presence as he entered the doorway. She paused her task, turning gracefully, her face brightening into a warm smile with teeth flashing.
“Fiachra dear, it’s a pleasure to see you after a season’s absence. You look splendid this morning.”
“It’s a pleasure to see you as always.” He smiled in return; her warmth was infectious.
“I’m delighted you’ve come by. I’ll break here and prepare some refreshments for us.” Aerona’s hazel eyes shone brightly as she looked at him.
“I would love nothing more. I value the time you’ve taken to host me.” He inclined his head graciously and she led him back to her house welcoming him into the parlor.
It was something of a ritual to take tea here whenever they met and it was a perfect room to do so, bright from a colorful mosaic window with clear pieces of panes to peek at the flower field. He picked a plush sofa and made himself comfortable while she disappeared from the room to prepare tea and snacks. When she returned, she carried a gilded tray laden with simple pastries, a large ornately painted teapot, and matching cups. She set the tray on a table in front of him and sat across from him on another sofa.
“I picked a blend of hibiscus, rose, and a few types of wildflowers at their peak this season. I haven’t tried this one yet but I have a good feeling about it. Let me know what you think.”
“It has a pleasingly strong floral scent already; I look forward to trying it. While waiting, it’s occurred to me that I haven’t had any of your teas since autumn and it is long past time.” He sighed softly, making a mental note to visit more frequently.
Aerona filled both cups and they waited a moment to let them cool enough to drink. Fiachra held the cup close to his lips and let the fragrance fill his senses fully before taking a sip. The taste of fruit and floral was gentler than its scent promised but it was wonderfully sweet with a tart tinge. He savored the lingering warmth and flavor before speaking and Aerona looked to be doing the same.
“It’s a perfect accompaniment to summer, light and sweet. It stands on its own without the need for anything to be added.”
“Wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoy it; your praise is no small compliment.”
They paused further conversation to drink the tea while it was still hot and test its pairing with the sweet pastries. Aerona never let either of their cups become fully empty.
“Well, Fiachra, you’re not one for purposeless visits, am I right to say you have called upon me because you are low on honey?”
“Quite close, I just ran out this week and I want to see what more you may have at your disposal for trading.”
“Oh, you’ve waited longer than usual. Fortunately, I have a full order already bottled that will hold you over well and I will only ask for your usual payment. As for what else I have you are welcome to take a look and we can negotiate.”
“I wouldn’t come here without being prepared.” He smiled and Aerona returned it with a smile of her own.
“Once our tea is finished, we can go back outside to trade. But, enough of that for now, it’s very rare for you to seek trade beyond our usual. What news do you have? It’s been dull here since after spring.”
He paused, obscuring part of his face with the teacup while his mind raced on how much to share. Foremost on his mind was the peculiar incident of meeting Belenus. The sudden and brash intimate touch when Belenus studied his eyes. Worst of all the confrontation before parting. His thoughts rooted in that sense of guilt and he stalled further. “What happened in the spring?”
“Nothing terrible, but a minor illness spread through one of the villages and they required my care. It caused me to run low on my apothecary and your coming here solves any problem I might have encountered if another illness strikes.”
“Your human villages certainly keep you busy, always running into problems, and you say your life is dull?”
“You’re too hard on them Fiachra, they aren’t so bad, rather on the quiet side actually.”
“If you insist,” he laughed. “I’m content letting you deal with them all. I’ll happily supply you with anything you need, but that is as close as I get.”
“I’ll grant you that at least, you have always been good at keeping me well-stocked.” Her smile transformed into a speculative look as she eyed him shrewdly. “Which leads me back to my previous question, don’t think I haven’t noticed that you didn’t answer. Have you been misdirecting the conversation?”
He set his cup down and spread his hands out palm up in a show of nothing to hide. “Misdirecting? No, merely making good conversation.” Aerona’s expression held and his lips quirked into a playful smile. “I’m teasing of course. I do have some news for you, I recently caught an elven alchemist lurking on my grounds in the dead of night.”
“What? Of all the things to happen, that’s incredibly unusual.” Aerona’s shrewd expression was replaced with wide eyes as she leaned forward. “Tell me, what were they doing and what did you do?”
“I grazed him with an arrow upon discovering him sneaking about and attempting to steal from Enaid’s garden. We worked out a deal instead, for everything he has of mine, he will repay in alchemy.”
Aerona arched her brows inquisitively and he shrugged dismissively in response, not elaborating on how that came about. “That is a clever deal to work out or a foolish one.”
“Let’s stay with clever.”
“Right, clever then. I’m curious what you will get out of the deal and I would love for you to visit afterward. Keep me up to date on this one, write a letter if you must.” She stood and prodded him accusingly with a finger.
“Alright, alright, no need to guilt trip. I’ll keep you informed. If I didn’t know better, I’d accuse you of seeking gossip.” He took hold of her hand looking up at her amused before standing.
“You know well I don’t share secrets. I’ll hold you to your promise.” She gave a small laugh and separated to collect the tea tray. “I’m ready to see what you’ve brought with you this time if you are.”
“That I am. I’ll set everything out in your apothecary.”
He took the liberty of leading himself outside and found Caomh laying under a tree nearby looking up at him with observant yellow eyes and tongue lolling. He took the pack from him and carted it to the small building dedicated as an apothecary, unpacking all of the contents for Aerona, and setting every jar nicely on a free table. Salves for burns and numbing pain in one group separated from a tidy line of elixirs, each tailored to a common illness that humans tended to contract. When Aerona entered, her arms were encumbered with glass jars of amber honey. He jumped to help, taking jars as he could and placing them on the opposite side of the table.
“Thanks-”
Aerona’s words were drowned out by a commotion outside and Caomh’s chuffed bark. A frantic call rose over the muffled noise. “Someone! …Anyone here?”
Aerona looked at him, as startled as he by the unfamiliar voice. They set down the remaining jars in a rush and moved simultaneously to step outside, finding a thin human with short black hair on a horse near the house. The human was gasping for breath, trying and failing to speak. They clamored off of the horse with hands on their knees and taking deep breaths. Aerona and Fiachra rushed to the figure.
“What’s wrong?” Aerona prompted in common, coming to the stranger’s side.
“Need help… cave… nearby… ambush.”
“Where did you find this cave?” Aerona was visibly tense, a tight edge in her voice, but she waited for the human to explain.
“Across a ridge… there was a hill with an entrance…” The human’s eyes were panicked, flicking between the two of them.
“I know the location you are talking about,” Fiachra said. He watched Aerona look about for stored weaponry while he adjusted his and spared a glance to Caomh.
“We must hurry.” The human straightened and patted their horse trying to soothe it out of prancing impatiently.
“Fiachra,” Aerona looked to him, eyes level and meaningful, understanding flashed between them.
“I’m readily equipped. No worries Aerona, I can handle this on my own.” He called to Caomh who was at his side in a moment forcing the horse to rear and whinny, the human struggled but kept the horse from panicking completely. He strung his bow and slung it over his shoulder, mounting the wolf without effort. “Follow if you wish.” He directed to the stranger before Caomh broke into a full run.
