by Gavin Green
***
In the center of a vast, grassy plain was a small, abrupt hill. The top of the low hill was formed flat. That circular level border was ringed by large white trees with vibrant foliage, a variety never seen in the mundane realm of humans. The turquoise sky above was dotted with puffy pastel clouds that continuously changed into recognizable shapes as they floated by. Light breezes carried whispers of lost melodies and sighing dreams.
This was one of the refuges within the extensive Lore holdings that belonged to Saraid, and where she currently made her comfort.
A group of low-caste nymphs attended to their Lady while she reclined in a large, ornate wooden chair, pillowed with bound moonlight. The nymph servants were no taller than four feet, garbed in green tunics and boots, and all with very long pointed ears. They scurried about as they saw to their Lady's whims.
The wooden goblet in Saraid's small hand was again refilled with berry wine. A young nymph stood immobile to the side of her chair, holding a thin stone platter filled with sweet fruits. Wisps danced up in the boughs of the trees, as much for their own entertainment as for hers. For all of Saraid's distant yet lovely havens, nothing compared to the comforts of home.
Saraid casually sat up straighter when her senses were alerted to a visitor on her holdings. As with most fae of worth, she was attuned to her lands, and instinctively knew when a creature not of her house would travel onto it. Before long, a male pixie arrived and stopped to bow at the edge of the ring of trees. He remained hovering with his beetle wings a blur, waiting for her allowance to let him enter the plateau of beatific shade.
Saraid saw the two scrolls the messenger carried and allowed him to come forward. She paused as she looked for a place to set the goblet, and called one of her servants near and simply touched her forehead. Victim to her Lady's gift of transformation, the nymph immediately turned into a toadstool. Saraid set her drink on its cap, retrieved the scrolls, and gave a nod of dismissal to the pixie.
Both messages were from Devlin. The first was a missive to the Circle members that were in session for his quest; an update report. The other was addressed to her personally. Perhaps that second note held something significant, or at least entertaining. Saraid mused that the arrogant Fair hadn't gotten himself expelled or killed yet, which was well enough. Still, there was time yet for the winds to change direction.
Circle Missive
Magistrate Devlin Ryder
Area of Ballaghadaere, Eire
Duty of rectification for breaches of Enigma, and naming of suspects
Search continuing for informed humans Cora McCarthy, Kate McCarthy - others possible
Inquiries ongoing - List of current suspects as follows:
Aldritch of the Old Wood, dryad elder; affiliation to quest unclear
Enochia of Eight (Eversight), Drommen elder; prime suspect, still investigating
Kazimir of the Callous Ruin, morpher; affiliation to quest unclear
Lorcan, redcap; prime suspect, yet to be questioned
Will continue to follow the decree of the Circle of Prudence in given mission - more reports to follow
Saraid smiled at the list of suspects. Enochia was only known well in certain circles, but most likely the most powerful fae listed. At a close second was Aldritch; his renown and respect was widespread. Saraid was party to the coronation of Kazimir's title; not many fae who weren't considered elders received that honor. The morpher was feared in battle, a vigorous lover if she remembered correctly, but otherwise useless. Any of those three deserved their proper due, but it was doubtful that Devlin would respect their earned stations. His chances for success, and survival, had just lowered.
Milady Saraid, the second note began…
As of yet, there are only a few topics to mention, but quite interesting nonetheless.
It seems the area of Ballaghadaere is a 'thin place', and has drawn numerous fae, including three elders. I must admit, this quest is a departure from my experience thus far. With few facts, and the number of elusive fae to question, my inquiries will keep me away for longer than first assumed.
From my initial meeting with the elder Enochia, I believe there are deep machinations in play about this area. I have yet to discover the focus of these schemes or who the plotters are, but that is merely an eventuality.
The targets - the McCarthy women - have yet to be placed, so I will soon be using Verden tactics to derive their locations. I would command the local fae to give the information I seek, but they either simply don't know or are currently evading me. Never fear, I shall not be denied.
There is one last topic, and perhaps the most intriguing. There is a human named Jane McCarthy, I assume related to the McCarthy targets. She supposedly has a gift; she can create small spaces in the ether. The origin of this information came from a morpher named Gideon, although I gleaned it from the simple mind of the one called Kazimir. To my knowledge on this matter, there has of yet been no breach of our laws. I am curious as to the implications, and would value your wisdom on this subject.
Should you tire from your glens and valleys, milady, then you are welcome to visit me during my quest. I am sure I could make your time well spent. Soon enough, I shall have the grand holdings I deserve and we can continue our courtship formally.
Truly,
Devlin
Saraid was already aware of the draw about that village, but nothing else in that area had the specific beauties that drew her interest. As for machinations... Of course there were; not even elders were needed for fae games to be played. With Devlin's apparent naiveté, that place was going to swallow him whole. The thought was not troubling. Saraid only cared about further information before the foolish Fair magistrate was expelled back to the Lore, or done away with permanently.
The idea of a human with a gift was intriguing enough, but that she could create room within the ether led to interesting possibilities. Saraid would have to examine that personally; if it was worth coveting, then she alone would possess it. As Devlin had written, it was merely an eventuality.
