by A V Awenna
***
Madryn had arrived at Luta’s wearing an ill-fitting assortment of clothes, a scruffy pair of boots, and with her squeaky clean hair frizzing around her face. Madryn’s mother had decided to send all Madryn’s clothes to the laundry at once - a less-than-subtle way of ensuring Madryn didn’t go to the celebration. In too-short trousers and a tunic more suited to gardening than a formal occasion, she looked like the lowest placed thing you could imagine, and could barely bring herself to leave the house. Just to be sure her wayward daughter was not seen in good company that night, Madryn’s mother had kept her busy with various trivial tasks until the hour of gathering had struck. Elfish gatherings started punctually, and even in her most formal attire with hair appropriately pinned and styled, no elf would consider arriving late. But Madryn knew something her mother didn’t. The evening would start with an informal hour before the celebration proper began. There was just enough time…
As soon as she was out of her mother’s sight, Madryn had dismissed her lantern-bearer, grabbed the lantern herself, and raced to Luta’s house, to beg her friend for help. Quickly Luta found three formal gowns in her wardrobe. The first was the gown Luta had worn to her own citizenship ceremony, a few years before. The style was perfect – very formal, in Madryn’s typical drab colours, but Luta was much taller and wider than Madryn, and the full length skirt and sleeves would have been impossible to manage.
The second dress was a better fit, and also properly muted in its colours, but with its high frilled collar and lacy cuffs it was far too frivolous for that night’s event.
‘Or there’s this one,’ Luta said, offering a third dress, a simple style with a high collar which fastened diagonally across the chest. ‘I wore it when I was 14, but it’s quite formal. It looks like it would fit, and the colour would suit your hair.’
‘It’s so bright!’ Madryn despaired. ‘Is there nothing else?’
‘Nothing clean, no,’ Luta replied. ‘And this one will be quick to put on. I can put your hair into a chaplet while you’re doing up the frogging.’
Was this really such a good idea, Madryn wondered. The deep blue-green of the dress flattered her colouring, that was true. But she was used to Light of Truth’s drab colours – more to the point, people were used to seeing her in beige. Being seen at a formal gathering in a different style, and accepting an honour from her political enemies was all too much. Her courage failed her. This was a ridiculous idea. She didn’t want to be honoured by Tefyn – not enough to make a show of herself, and get a beating from her mother. She was deciding how to explain to Luta, when her friend held Madryn’s sash against the dress, and commented that the colours clashed.
‘It’s such a shame,’ Luta said, ‘now you’ve broken it in. It shows off the blood really well. But you can’t wear these together.’ It was true - the sash was palest cream, the dress a vibrant blue-green. Elfish fashion only accepted subtle differences in colour.
It would have raised Madryn’s status to wear a broken-in sash at a formal occasion. Madryn, though, knew whose blood was on her sash. The wretched exile who had showed her the shabby truth behind Hafren’s dazzle. She realised how much courage it would take the fairy to walk among elves who despised him, with so few allies there. And decided she would go, even if she did look like a low-placed clerk. If Blackbird had the courage, so did she.
But she wouldn’t wear the sash with his blood on it. She couldn’t go ‘unsashed’. Tefyn had stopped wearing his sash when he married Pefryn, but few others had followed suit, and ‘unsashed’ still meant a weak, ineffective character. Luta was looking for the sash which had been made for the dress, and located it at the back of the wardrobe. She fastened it across Madryn’s shoulders. The baker’s clock, which was always a few minutes fast, began to strike the hour.
‘There,’ said Luta. ‘You look fine. Low-placed, I’ll grant you, and no-one will have seen you in teal before, but that’s hardly going to create Dahzen, is it?’
‘What about shoes?’ Madryn whined. ‘I can’t go to a formal do in these old boots.’
‘Mine are all far too big. It’s a long gown,’ Luta comforted. ‘Just don’t move about too much and hope no-one notices.’
They walked together to the City Lodge, just around the corner from Luta’s house. Madryn was edgy as a wren, and her courage would have failed her without Luta there. But the doors of the Lodge were still open, and the guards saluted as they approached.
Madryn barely heard Luta wish her well over the pounding of her heart, and she crossed the threshold into a room filled with polite conversation. The only people who met her eye as she entered were Blackbird and Demali, who were being ignored by most of the other guests. Madryn’s heart sank as she realised the human girl was wearing the same hairstyle and colours as she was. A steward led her to Tefyn who was standing beside his wife at the centre of the room. She joined a small knot of green in a sea of beige. But, she reminded herself grimly, she was already due the beating of her life. It was unlikely she could make things even worse. Maybe she should have stayed home – but it was too late to leave now. Good practice, she told herself, trying to breathe naturally. Good practice for dealing with hostile tribes.
Tefyn at least was friendly, thanking her for returning his tunic, and assuring her he did have a small honour for her. Pefryn, too, was gracious, and thanked her for taking the food to the fairies in prison. ‘Rest assured I will be investigating that prison,’ Tefyn told her. ‘I would be grateful if you would meet with me tomorrow to give me a report on the conditions.’
Madryn replied that she would be honoured, although she knew full well she was likely to be confined to her room on bread and water for several days.
A bell rang, and people began to drift out of the reception room towards the Hall of Honour. Madryn was about to follow them, but Pefryn put her hand on Madryn’s arm to stop her. ‘You’ll be sitting at the High Table tonight, as you’re due to be honoured, so we may as well go in last. You’ll be sitting beside me – I hope that’s alright.’
Sweet sunlight, what would her mother say when she discovered her disobedient daughter had sat next to the contagiously rebellious Lady of Annwn? So much for passing unnoticed – this news was bound to reach home before she did.
‘Don’t worry,’ Blackbird whispered, as the room emptied. ‘He won’t say too much about why you’re being honoured. Just accept it and say thanks.’
‘Oh, okay, thank you,’ Madryn said.
‘Not to me, to Tefyn.’
‘I know that! But thank you anyway, for persuading him to honour me.’
‘You deserve it. Good that you’re here, by the way. Interesting outfit.’
Madryn gave him a filthy look, and he giggled.
The reception room was now almost empty, and Tefyn gathered them all together and arranged them. Tefyn and Pefryn led the way, arm in arm, followed by Demali and Blackbird. Madryn was left to bring up the rear, feeling more horribly exposed than ever, as they walked through an archway and into the Hall of Honour.
The Hall of Honour was beautiful, yet homely, in the old Annwn style. Carved and painted wooden panels made up the walls, whilst simple, octagonal columns supported the vaulted roof. Hanging crystal chandeliers gave warmth and light, while twinkling multicoloured crystals on the tables gave an intimate feel. The tables were arranged so they faced a central stage where fairy performers were juggling and tumbling.
Madryn kept her head high and tried to look brave and dignified as she crossed the floor to the High Table, hoping everyone was too distracted by her plain hairstyle to notice the scuffed, shabby boots. As she took her seat, Madryn noticed Hafren with Lady Esmet. They turned their faces away – well, fine by her. Although she still believed in Light of Truth’s guiding principles, things she’d learned and seen that day had given her grave doubts regarding Hafren’s integrity. And Esmet was just a bitch!
Several
of Hafren’s followers were there, although she could see that Esmet was trying to keep them away from her husband. One of them whispered in her friend’s ear, her hand hiding her mouth, whilst they both looked directly at Madryn. It made no difference what they were saying, it was meant to hurt, and let her know she was no longer one of them. She turned away, focusing on the entertainment, and selecting dainties from the trays that were offered to her, although she was all of a fumble, and could barely get the food to her mouth, let alone chew and swallow.
At a signal from Tefyn, the entertainers finished their act and moved to the side of the hall. Chairs had been provided for them to stay and watch the ceremony. All of a sudden, Pefryn and Blackbird weren’t the only fairies in the room – the entertainers, and the waiters, who had put down their trays, were also included in the celebrations. A ripple of surprised murmurs ran from elf to elf. Madryn barely had time to take this in before Tefyn asked her to stand to be honoured.
Tefyn spoke briefly of Madryn’s courage and audacity in venturing to the human world – how long ago that seemed, she thought – and made suitably vague references to her dedication to justice and fairness in Annwn. He gave her a new wristlet with a spell engraved upon it, and promised to teach her how to use it.
She thanked him, with her head bowed, then sat back down, glad she didn’t have to do anything else for the rest of the evening.
She let Tefyn’s voice flow over her for a while. Tefyn would never match Hafren for oratory, let alone charisma. But he had got into the rhythm of his speech, and adopted a clear, steady voice which gave him some authority. He was telling the room of Blackbird’s courage, loyalty and dedication in lifting the spell which had disabled Tefyn. ‘It was a complex spell, requiring subtle interpretation. But, as you can all see, it has been lifted – and therefore the terms of the fairy Blackbird’s exile and loss of place have been revoked. You are all expecting me to return the fairy to his former place. However, as well as a debt of thanks, I owe this man a huge apology for doubting him. I can think of no better reward than bestowing full Citizenship upon him.’ Tefyn produced a crystal pendant from his robes – the symbol of Citizenship of Annwn.
Insanity! Madryn could hear her mother’s horrified voice. A fairy becoming a citizen? With a crystal? And she knew the affront would be taken out on her. But, oh, this was worth any beating. Madryn remembered her own citizenship ceremony – for such a high-born elf, citizenship had never been in doubt. But she’d still felt so proud as Tefyn had placed the crystal pendant around her neck, and as she’d gazed down upon it, the hall had filled with the sounds of chairs being pushed back, as everyone rose to salute her.
‘In accordance with the Citizenship ceremony,’ Tefyn said, ‘I ask all Citizens present to stand and salute our newest member.’
But there was only silence. Tefyn and Blackbird were the only ones standing, Tefyn with his fist against his shoulder in solitary salute. The moment stretched. The human girl was staring at Madryn, her face full of questions. It was unbearable. Everything went very far away, as if Madryn was outside herself. She heard the scrape of her chair, eyes locked with Demali, who also stood. Madryn brought her right fist to her left shoulder in an elfish salute, and Demali copied her. All Madryn could hear in the howling silence was her heart pounding in her chest. She daren’t even breathe. How long ’til Tefyn gave up and sat down?
Then another chair moved back, then another and another, punctuated by the soft thumps of salutes. Soon nearly everyone was on their feet – everyone except Hafren’s party, who were now Etwender. Madryn felt dizzy. She and Tefyn had achieved Dahzen – and a lifetime of being confined to her room couldn’t take that away from her.
Tefyn addressed Hafren. ‘I wouldn’t expect you to stand,’ he said. ‘I know your feelings. But I extend my thanks to all of you for your support.’ Gently placing his hand on Blackbird’s shoulder, he reseated him, and all followed suit until only Tefyn and Pefryn were standing. A hush fell over the hall as Tefyn took both Pefryn’s hands in his, and gazed into her eyes.
‘And now I make, not a gift, but a request. Pefryn, my beloved, my brave, beautiful and clever wife, will you forgive me for not trusting and believing in you, and the terrible violence I did. Will you accept me once more as your partner, and return to your place at the palace, as my wife, and Lady of Annwn?’
‘Of course,’ she managed, before going up on tiptoes to kiss him. Madryn had to bite her lip, and knew she wasn’t the only one who was moved. Even some of Hafren’s party looked misty eyed, although Hafren and Esmet were staring at their cutlery.
It took Tefyn a moment to compose himself, but, still holding Pefryn’s hand, he gestured towards Demi-Lee on the other side of him.
‘And now, the highlight of tonight’s celebrations. We welcome among us a guest from another world, from Terra, which some of you may have visited in the old days. The nixies brought her here, and she has settled in well. Earlier today I granted her freedom to visit us whenever she wishes – providing the nixies will bring her. But she is deserving of far greater honours, having successfully walked a very difficult walk today. So now I call on Lord Hafren, who challenged her to Walk the Walk, to give her the reward she has earned.’
Hafren approached Demi with all the dignity he could muster, although his scowl was worse than ever. I won, you lost, get over it, Demi thought. He placed the Prize on the High Table in front of her. Demi tried to look calm, but inside her heart was racing. What if the Prize didn’t unlock when Hafren spoke the spell?
‘So,’ Hafren sneered. ‘Earlier today our young guest went out to Walk the Walk, and returned with the Prize. An incredible achievement for one so inexperienced and new to magic, I‘m sure we agree.’ The emphasis on Demi’s youth and inexperience didn’t go unnoticed.
‘She has impressed so many people,’ Hafren continued. ‘It has been such a long time since anyone Walked the Walk, but I’m sure many of the older ones among us remember the procedure. All that now remains is for me to speak the spell which untangles the Prize, and present this young person with the crystal pendant, the mark of Citizenship, that lies within.’
Alarm bells were ringing inside Demi’s mind, and she daren’t look at Blackbird. Hafren spoke the words to unlock the Prize, which was now collapsing into a pile of shards. A crystal? Had it fallen out in that dark woodland, where even Blackbird, with his sharp fairy vision, had missed it? Demi knew there was no crystal within the prize – something Hafren was now making clear to everyone as he rummaged dramatically through the pieces on the table.
‘How strange,’ said Hafren, his voice light and whimsical. ‘There’s no crystal here. Yet I put one within the Prize this morning – I have witnesses. Can you explain this mystery?’ he asked Demi, his voice all concern. ‘How could a crystal vanish from within a locked Prize?’ He was leaning over her now, invading her space. ‘Could it be,’ he purred, ‘that you didn’t Walk the Walk at all? You merely hid out of sight for a few hours, whilst one of your associates procured a second hand Prize for you? These aren’t uncommon – many of our older citizens own one, and wouldn’t notice if it were borrowed for a few hours. Is that the explanation?’
The pressure was immense. Hafren was leaning over her, his breath on her face, staring at her. She remembered something Owina had said, ‘You know, you can walk out of there any time you choose.’ And she remembered some other advice, about taking a mental step back, and seeing things as they really were, not as others wanted you to see them. And when she did, she saw an arrogant bully trying to intimidate a tired young woman who was a long way from home. But who was he to lay down the law? She took a deep breath, stood up and met Hafren’s eyes. Although he was nearly seven feet tall, the High Table was on a raised dais, so he had to stand up too. That got him out of her personal space.
‘I did Walk the Walk,’ she said calmly. ‘Over the mountains, down the cliff face, along a rott
en walkway and through the swamp to the frozen waterfall. I went through the cave in the dark, and down that little railway in the mountain until I reached that desert place where I was almost burned alive. Of course, you’ve never been to any of those places, have you? I solved all the puzzles, survived all the ordeals, and collected all the items. After all that I was asked a question only an elf could answer. But I was given the Prize anyway, because somebody with that power thought I deserved it. However, the locking spell had been poorly cast, so when I walked through a dark woodland and tried to conjure some light, the Prize fell to pieces. I managed to put it back together, but in the dark I must have overlooked the crystal.’ Assuming it was there in the first place, she thought. She didn’t trust his witnesses as far as she could throw them. Her speech had gained a lot of sympathy, she could tell. Even if she had bent a few rules, the game was so twisted to begin with, who could blame her?
‘So,’ Hafren said. ‘Alone in the dark, you managed to reassemble the Prize and recast the locking spell. Even though you have never encountered such an object before, and as we all know, your magic skills are very basic. Would you care to show us how?’
Demi was prepared for this. There was only one thing to do – but who could tell how it would go down with an elfish audience. Smoothly she gathered up the pieces of the Prize, and dropped them into Blackbird’s outstretched hand. ‘Would you?’ she asked him. Within moments he had reassembled the Prize and recast the locking spell. Defiantly, she turned to meet Hafren’s gaze.
Two days ago she’d have been intimidated by the giant man with cold fury in his eyes. Two days ago she’d have run and hid. But she held his gaze, knowing that he had done all he could to destroy her – and failed. The stand-off was broken by Tefyn’s amused voice remarking, ‘Well, you did say nothing and nobody could help her. Obviously forgetting you’d designated my wife one of those and her cousin the other.’
There was laughter as the tension released, although Hafren looked ready to kill someone. ‘Then Nothing shall be your reward, and Nobody shall be your friend,’ he spat. Turning on his heel, he stormed out of the room, followed by his wife and retinue.
They weren’t quite out of earshot when the silence was broken by Demi-Lee’s voice, saying, ‘Well, that was a bit childish!’
She turned to Pefryn. ‘You’re not nothing anymore, and you were always everything to Tefyn. Bringing you back to him undid that curse. And I don’t know what I’d have done with you as a reward! But, Blackbird,’ she turned to her other side, ‘I always want you to be my friend, whatever happens.’
He hugged her briefly and said, ‘I’m sorry you didn’t get your crystal.’
‘It’s okay. I’ve got my own magic; I don’t need crystals. And the way we showed up Hafren was just brilliant!’
