Chapter Text
The day started with you seated on the ground by your mother’s feet stitching the holes in your pa’s trousers. Your mother has been busy sorting through the fruits and vegetation your older siblings have collected in the forest. She was muttering under her breath, explaining mostly to herself how to stretch the food for the next couple of days until the weather cleared up. The forest was not a safe place to hunt or scavenge with how branches thicken upward and intermingle into itself wildly, almost creating a dark sphere. It was called the dark forest for a reason. It was only acceptable to enter when the day was sunny and the visitors had an oil lamp and lint.
Not only that, they’d have to worry about the creatures hiding in the dark. Not long ago, old man Jacobi was attacked in the dark forest by some ‘creatures’. Albeit everyone comprehended without saying that faes certainly attacked him. There were no monsters in that forest that could cut as cleanly as a sharpened sword. But of course, it was merely a thought everyone left unsaid. The war was brewing on the horizon and being an isolated village in Briar Valley left the humans with no other options than to nod and accept their fate.
Normally life was peaceful as the village was on the border, yes but the opposite side of the human kingdom warring with Briar. There was only the occasional guard duty of passing fae. They came every fortnight and stayed for exactly one week until the sun's first wink before vanishing back home. Today begins the next rotation of newly minted guards. Or so should have been the case.
When the horn sounded on the arrival of the faes, mothers quickly ushered their young ones into their homes. You were no exception. Your mother’s breath hitched at the horn cutting through the idyllic atmosphere before frowning. She gazed at you with a solemn expression before prompting you back into the house.
“Don’t you think I am old enough?” You pouted, bunching the clothing into your lap.
“Not with that attitude, young lady,” your mother scowled, “I don't need you and your mouth causing any more issues. You’ve already vexed the Parkinson family, I’ve already a mind full of just putting you to work at the Madams.”
You huffed but relented to your mother’s demand. She’s already grown frustrated with how much you have changed in the last month after the accident. You were no longer the quiet and thoughtful child she raised. The once angelic, sweet smile that graced your face was left with muted eyes, furrowed brows, and a semi-permanent frown. It certainly didn’t help that you’ve now resisted helping other villagers with their menial tasks. You didn’t regret those actions though. You’ve seen the villagers neglect their duties to gossip and drink, leaving tasks to your former self. Therefore, no, you had no sympathy toward them.
Your mother, however, was an exception. She was hardworking and loving to her family. While she was rough with her scowling, you can see her love through her actions.
“But Mama, it wasn’t my fault!” you scowled at the thought of that brat. They were just a bit younger than you but a complete nuisance to your everyday life. The older boy had somehow got it into his head that he’d marry you.
Hell no.
You’ve outright told him he’d have a better chance of getting a punch to the face than marriage with you then proceeded to punch him to emphasize your thoughts. If there were ever a chance of marriage talks coming up with your parents, you’d flee the village. Just thinking of him irked your sensibilities. Stomping into the shared room, you see your older sister brushing her hair and your younger sister babbling at the ceiling. Upon meeting the former gaze, she stared angrily back before resuming her task.
Another reason why you didn’t want to go inside the house.
“Mandy, you can’t stay mad at me forever,” you zoomed onto baby Cass who grabbed her feet, still babbling in her baby speech.
“I am not,” Mandy started frustrated before exhaling, “Mad, but I am disappointed in you.” Gag-worthy performance on the disappointed mom look. Raising an eyebrow, you decided to play along.
“Oh really?”
“Yes! Do you understand how it affects our reputation? We will not be able to find suitable suitors if you keep up this behavior.” With that said, she slammed her brush onto the bed before storming out of the room with Cass.
Not mad, huh?
You turned your gaze towards the window and couldn’t help the twisted feeling in your chest. Despite your sister’s belief, you understood her concerns and the rest of your family. You were almost a different person than the lovable child you used to be. However, you couldn’t help it. Had it not been for the dreams that revealed themselves to you when you lay unconscious, maybe you wouldn’t have changed. Yet it has and you don’t think you could just go back to pretending.
“This is dumb,” you grumbled before climbing out the window.
Despite the village's concerns, you doubt the fae soldier would do anything towards the young children and women of the village. They portrayed themselves as cavalier and utterly disinterested in humans. You can’t discount that they’re mostly good but you can see that the fae holds onto certain principles.
For example, old man Jacobi being attacked weeks prior? Without confirming it, he was most definitely attacked in the dark forest. He wailed about the unjust attack but never confirmed what attacked him. Most people sympathize with the old man. You, however, called bullshit on the situation albeit mentally. Old man Jacobi was a speciesist. He used to be more subtle in his snide comments, but he’s been on a downward trot since the local eatery introduced mead. He’s been drinking day in and day out without a break. You just know Jacobi probably met the faes and picked a fight with them while inebriated.
And because of his dumbass action, you and every unmarried girl and child were locked up for one week biweekly. It halted a lot of responsibilities and with winter looming, it would impact you all heavily. The only silver lining before possible starvation and death was the free time it gave you. With you and your sisters confined, your parents were left to pick up the slack. Additionally, your sister does not want to spend time with you as well as hauling Cass around, you were left to yourself the majority of the time.
And you certainly weren’t going to stay inside willingly.
So here you were in the meadow not too far from the village. It was an open area and certainly, the villagers could see you in the distance if they looked carefully. But you kept your head down and back on the ground. Many times you caught yourself napping and today wouldn’t be any different. Or so you thought.
“Hmmm?” the voice distorted and dulled by your tired brain. You groaned and turned trying to hide from whoever invaded your sleep. “What’s a human girl doing out here?”
“Trying to sleep,” you answered sitting up. You groggily rubbed your eyes before looking at the killer of sleep. Upon gazing at him, you blinked repeatedly. The man stood leaning almost down at you, with an ever-mischievous smile and curious eyes. He was undoubtedly one of the most handsome men you’d ever seen. He was, however, a rather famous face, despite your first meeting. Your cheeks burned as his smile grew at your obvious staring.
Coughing, you swiftly turned your gaze elsewhere, “I apologize Sir Vanrouge for my rude response, I had mistaken you for my acquaintances. ” Your body transited from sitting to almost bowing.
“A rather plucky human,” he voiced, ignoring her apology. “Most humans have locked up their children when my men pass through.” You remained kneeling in front of him and kept your mouth shut. No matter how much your brain answered the man, you couldn’t afford to offend a fae, nevertheless a royal one.
“Tell me, human, what stops me from spiriting you away from your beloved home?”
“Then what, my lord?”
“Hmm?”
Licking your bottom lip, you glanced up at the lieutenant. “Once you spirit me away, what will you do with me?”
The male blinked almost surprised at your question before grinning, “I wonder that as well myself little one.”
Puzzlingly you made it home safely.
Hours have passed and despite it being bright and sunny when you spoke to the fae, it was completely dark upon arriving at your doorsteps. The fae had promptly escorted you until you were two houses away. He had expressed no goodbyes and simply faded into glassy lights in the night sky. You were almost disappointed at the lack of response but continued on home.
While the fae may have not done anything to you, your parents punished you upon your arrival.