The Abyss

part 1

I had broken the treaty between the Sidhe and Sluagh because I had entered their territory uninvited. Now I knelt in front of the Seelie Court, awaiting my punishment. The Faerie Queen titled her head at me, staring into my face but never meeting my eyes. I wanted desperately to look away but it would mean dishonor. She stepped toward me and placed her pale hand on my face, forcing me to look completely at her. The iris in her eyes was a deep golden color, so beautiful with her porcelain skin. I was slipping into her glamour and I couldnt stop, she was so strong. "Laila.. Do you realize the danger you have put us in?" she softly said to me. I opened my mouth to answer her but she silenced me with a wave of her hand.

The large doors across the court opened and gasps erupted through the room. My skin was burning, but full of fear I dared to look to see who had came in. "Faerie Queen," Cade screamed, "You must punish her!" She turned to him and nodded, "I know Cade, but you are Unseelie, she violated your law, my hands are clean." I felt myself shriek before I realized what I had done. Everyone watched as Cade came my way. Quickly I scrambled to my feet and began to run. "Laila, dear, you know running gets you no where with me," He grabbed my arm and slung me to the ground. "Faerie Queen, she has no power?" he asked. I watched her head drop in disgusts, "no." He snickered and grabbed my hair, jerking me up and sitting me on my knees. Softly he touched my wings, then stepped away. "Her wings. I want them"

"Mother no!" I screamed. She looked at me with pity in her eyes, but her face was fixed. "Laila, you are in the hands of the Unseelie Court now, I cannot protect you. Cade, do as you wish but I cannot watch." My mother nodded at her guards and was taken away. "mother..." I said, barely a whisper. "She left you Laila, she cant do what a true ruler should. Let this be a lesson to everyone," he stepped behind me and grabbed one of my wings. I heard the blade unsheathe and the tears begin to pour down my face. "Dont mess with the Unseelie Court!" he hissed. The blade tore through me, separating the upper and lower wing and slicing through the membrane. Pain erupted through me, but he didnt stop. Placing his foot on my back he grabbed both pieces of my wings and kicked me forward ripping them from my back.

part 2

The other fairies gasped, turning their heads, afraid to watch anymore. The agonizing pain swept over me again. Cade stepped away, my wings in his arms, "We will go now," he spoke to his guards. Silently they walked away leaving me there to drown in my sorrows. The court yard began to empty and once the silence crept in I heard someone walking toward me. My mothers familiar scent rose around me then her white fur coat was laid over me. She slid her small arms under my body and lifted me, taking me with her. "Laila, im sorry.." her voice seemed so distant. "Put me down mother," I whispered. She shook her head and continued to walk. We went down the long corridor, guards kept continuous eyes on us. Then I heard the door open and we were back outside. Slowly she set me on the ground and stepped back, pulling her coat with her. "Laila, You have put me in a tough spot. Today you made me weak in front of our kind. I cannot have that.. Im sorry. From this day you are forbidden to step foot on Seelie grounds. Please do not come back daughter, they will kill you." She looked at me and all I could do was turn away. A small breath escaped her, I had dishonored my mother. Without saying goodbye she went back inside, closing the door behind her, locks sliding into place.

Guards surrounded me, "Princess Laila, you must leave." I couldnt move, they grabbed my arms and began to drag me. Screaming, I kicked my legs and tried to pull them down, but I was useless against them. They pulled me to the gate and pushed me outside of it, then quickly closed it back. Fear consumed me. I had never been outside the gates of Faery.

I took a few steps, dirt crunched beneath me. The weather was different here, the air felt heavy, harder to inhale. Walking down the beaten path I made my way to the edge of the forest and looked inside. The earthy, pine smell eased into my lungs and called me inside. Stepping through the brush I stared up into the trees, shades of light glittered through the leaves, dancing as the wind blew. I came across a small creek and crouched down, letting the cool water soak my hands then i gathered some and lifted my hands to my mouth. I began to drink, realizing how thirsty I was. Small noises came from my left, branches cracking. I knelt closer to the ground and scanned the area for a hiding place. Slowly creeping across the marshy grass I hid under a fallen tree. The rotting wood was damp against my skin, causing me to pull away slightly. I glanced around it and watched a small deer step into the open. Taking a few cautious steps it lowered its head to the creek. I watched it in awe.

I caught a stench in the air. My eyes shot in the direction it floated from as soon as the steps started. Leaves crunched softly, but loud enough for me. The tiny deer had no idea what was coming. A creature came from the trees, lowering himself closer to the ground and crouching in position. Withdrawing an arrow from his back he pulled back his bow and waited. Muscles rippled in his arms and his eyes focused on the deer. A lump grew in my throat.. He was going to kill it. My nostrils began to flare, my jaw was clenched now. Creeping he came much closer to me, sunlight hit his face revealing his markings and pitch black eyes. I lowered myself some and watched him. Setting his stance he took a deep breath and prepared to release the arrow. Jerking up I screamed and ran toward him, his arrow flew missing its target and he turned to me. Dropping his bow he grabbed my arms and slung me over him, pinning me to the ground. "What is wrong with you!" he yelled at me. I slammed my legs against him screaming, "you're a murderer!" I narrowed my eyes at him and he pulled back some smiling. His eyebrow raised and he let go of my arms. Then stood up and put a hand out, "my lady, im not a murderer, its life." I stared at his hand then rolled over and pushed myself up. "Or do it yourself." He picked his bow up and walked over to the tree and ripped his arrow from it. "Could have killed you and ate you instead," he scowled. I brought my hand over my mouth and shook with disgust, "you are sick." He looked at me and we just stood there a moment. His skin was much darker than mine and it became amusing to me. Grinning he said, "you have no idea what I am do you?" I found myself laughing, but shook my head no.

part 3

He told me he was an elf and that his name was Fendewen. He kept most of his life to himself but said where he came from. I looked up into the trees and realized darkness was beginning to fall. "So i guess this is goodbye?" I asked him. He nodded and began to walk away. My heart was hammering against my chest, i had never been in the dark. Losing sight of him I started to go my own way. Sunset had drained out of the sky overhead, casting the woods in shadows. Small branches cracked under my feet. I heard the loud beating of wings and looked over head to see a large hunting bird swoop down, its disappearance was followed by the cry of its prey caught in its talons. The dryness in my throat started to return, my breaths were louder now. Twisting and jumping at every unfamiliar sound now I started running, my hands stretched out. My head was jerked back and I started to scream, reaching up to pull away but realizing no one was behind me and it was a tree caught in my hair. I stopped a second to pull myself together. Trying to slow my breathing. "You are an interesting creature."

I yelped turning around and slipped on the wet leaves. Small pain shot through my legs as I fell. My hands scraping the ground. Looking up I could barely see him but I knew who it was, "Fendewen.. please help me" I whispered. Stepping over he pulled me up, "You arent too good in the woods, are you headed somewhere" he asked. I just shook my head and tried to wipe my knees off, my hands burning from the cuts. Letting out a small breath he told me to follow him. I smiled and happily trailed behind him. Feeling much safer now I was at ease and we quickly exited the thick forest and entered a smaller wood. "You can stay here for the night, its safer" he said. I stopped walking and looked up at the moon shining through the lattice of leaves, stars were everywhere. Wind slipped through the trees, a fresh scent of rich earth made me smile again. "You might want to follow me," I glanced over at him and laughed. But started his way. Leading me to a tree he stopped and looked at me. We stood there for what seemed forever and he nodded for me to look up.

The first thing i noticed was wooden planks, then I saw it as a whole. Taking a few steps back I tried to make out more of it. A few feet above us were small boards nailed to the tree trunk and that led to the planks. "You have a tree house?" I asked him. He shook his head, "no its just for when im here, lets go up." He moved away some then ran toward the tree. His foot hit the trunk and he made his way up, running a few steps then reaching up to grab one of the boards. His legs dropped and he was still a moment, but he lifted himself and reached up to grab the next board until he was up enough to put his feet on the bottom one. "All you have to do," he said. I watched him climb then push against the planks above him. A slight creaking sound came then the hatch opened and he disappeared inside. Looking back at the tree I stepped back some and measured the jump i had to take. This was crazy. Running toward the tree I thought of everything that could go wrong, but my feet hit and I scaled up, it was so natural. I jumped and my fingers gripped the board tightly, but as my body dropped I realized I could not hold on. My muscles started to twitch when I tried pulling myself up. I heard his laughter above me and looked up at him. His face was at the opening, "this is sad" he said. I growled at him and turned back to try and regain control of myself. He kept mocking me and I felt the anger building up. Slowly I lifted myself and grabbed the next board, rocking some I made it to the next one, I kept going until my feet were up. Looking up I laughed at him then quickly climbed up. He put his hand out as I reached the door but I lifted myself up and sat on the edge of the opening, my legs hanging down. The boards creaked beneath us as he showed me around. He had supplies stacked up, lots of rope. There was a part of the tree in the room, a hole in it with a funnel that ran into a bucket. The sweet smell of tree sap was everywhere. As we walked by I dipped my finger in it and licked it off, my body tingling with excitement. The wind blew through a small window and i walked over to look out of it. Through the trees I could see a lake, i had to go there. I turned back to him, he gave me a small smile. "Thank you," i said. He pointed to a hammock made from vine and leaves. "Thats where I sleep but you can have it." I nodded and watched his disappear through the hatch again. I watched him through the window until he vanished.

Quickly climbing down the hatch I glanced around to try and decide which way was the lake. Glancing the way Fendewen had went I turned and ran toward the water. The leaves crunched under me as I hopped over a fallen log then pushed myself through the bushes at the edge of the tree line. Stepping through I stopped and looked at the water. Slowly I move toward it, looking around the clearing to make sure its safe. Sitting on the bank I stretch my legs and dip my toes into the motionless water watching it create small ripples. I smile to myself then stand up. Reaching back i pull the silken ribbon from my clothes, carefully unweaving it until the back comes open. Pulling my arms inside I peel back the top of my dress and let it fall to the ground, the dark green cloth pooling at my feet. I step out of my dress and walk across the field, pulling flowers from the ground. Carefully I begin to braid my golden hair, weaving the flowers into it. I pulled the braid over my shoulder letting it fall against my chest then went back to the water. A breeze pushed through the trees, rubbing the silky grass against my bare legs. Slowly I stepped into the pond, the cold water slipped over my skin and mud squished between my toes when i touched the bottom. Moving deeper into the water until it rose above my hips I slid my hand across the waters surface. Frogs croaked in the distance. I looked up at the moon and saw the water lit up around me, taking a breath I closed my eyes and let myself sink.

Fendewens View
I knew she wouldnt stay in the tree. I watched her try and sneak out, she looked directly at me but had no idea I was there. She disappeared into the trees and I knew where she was going, I went there often. When I went back to the tree later she wasnt there. To give her time I started to create another hammock. With rope laid across the floor I weaved the vines through, but I couldnt make myself concentrate. Standing up I rubbed my hand on the back of my neck and walked over to the window glancing out to the lake to see if I could see her. But I didnt. Growing impatient I climbed back down the ladder to go find her. Tracking her movement in the woods I laughed to myself at how sloppy she was with tracks. Stepping over a log I went to the edge of the bushes where her tracks disappeared. Pulling them aside I looked out into the meadow. Creeping out I stepped where the fallen grass was. The sweet sound of humming floated in the air, small splashing sounds followed. Curiosity erupted through me as I edged closer to the noises. The moonlight hit her, surrounding the water around. Her hair wet in braids stuck to her back now. Her back.. Narrowing my eyes as she turned I caught a glimpse of torn tissue scars down her back. Opening my mouth to say something, but only closing it, unable to speak. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, then turned and went back to the tree.

Lailas View
I felt so good on the way back to the tree, I even skipped a little. When I got back inside the home Fendewen was sitting against the wall, his head leaned back, eyes closed. I looked around, seeing that he was building another hammock. Quietly as I could I knelt above it and started weaving it for him. Focused and moving quickly, I was almost done when I noticed he had moved. Glancing up at him, our eyes met but now there was something darker in his. The look on his face made me nervous, my heartbeat was roaring in my ears, then he spoke, "so you're a fairy?"

part 4

My lips trembled as I tried to speak, but couldnt. He stood up and looked at me, "you werent going to tell me were you?" I just turned my head away, letting my hair fall to cover my face. He took a step toward me but turned away and headed down the hatch. My eyes were wet and my body had started to shake but I couldnt just let him leave. Quickly I scrambled to my feet and followed him. "Little girl go away,'' he said to me. I stopped walking, "Im sorry okay I just didnt know how to tell you." A light rain had started to pick up and I held my hands over my head, "please dont leave me here," I whispered. Quickly he turned and walked back to me stopping inches from my face, his eyes staring into mine. The dark that clouded in them sent shivers through my body. "Laila, I slaughter things like you." I stepped back and stared at him, "why havent you killed me yet then?" His hands clenched at his sides and slowly he smiled, "sloppy as you are, no need to waste energy, you will get yourself killed." Anger exploded through me and I shoved him back, "I will not!" I screamed. He grabbed my wrists and pushed my arms back, "never touch me." I smiled at him the poked my finger against his chest, "or what?" His eyes moved down to my hand then back to my face. Suddenly he had my arm and his heel slammed into the back of my leg bringing me to my knees. Pinning my arm painfully behind me he leaned down next to my ear and whispered, "you have no training Laila, you have no chance against me."

He pushed my arm higher forcing a cry from me, "train me then!" He stopped and let go of me laughing. "What is so funny?" I asked. He just smiled and started to walk away. I watched his back disappear into the trees and I chased after him. He never stopped but started running instead. I could barely see anything, I had to listen for him. "Damn it Fendewen stop running!" I yelled. His laughter echoed through the trees, "silence!" he screamed back. Lightning flashed and I saw him standing still. I stopped running and leaned down, putting my hands on my knees trying to catch my breath. "I hope you're a fast learner Laila." I went to stand back up when a growl echoed around me. My heart was racing, my body felt paralyzed when I tried to move. Another growl ripped through the air causing me to jump. Looking back to where Fendewen was before, only to see nothing. He was gone. I took a deep breath trying to calm myself I looked around to see if anything was near me. I turned slowly and started running back the way we had came. Leaves fell in front of me and I heard the branch above crack. Quickly jumping forward I slid across the dirt as it slammed into the ground. My heartbeat now thrashing in my ears, I ran my hands over myself to make sure I was ok. Then I heard it again, its breath hot on the skin of my neck.

Screaming I scrambled away. Not looking back just running. Trees casts shadows everywhere making it almost impossible for me to see, overhanging limbs across the path hit me, then my foot caught a tree root and I went tumbling forward. Sliding across the ground I ended up on my back. I held my breath as the leaves cracked around me. Slowly turning my head to see what was making the noises, I tried to regain every bit of strength I had left in me to run. A large paw came through the moving bushes, it spread and large claws dug into the earth. Uncontrollably shaking I let out a small whimper and closed my eyes but the horrifying compulsion to look again refused to let me keep them closed. Slowly it appeared, stepping out completely. Its mouth partially opened, exposing its teeth, breaths fogging the cold air. My hands started to tremor as it came closer. I tried to move away, scooting across the ground, then pressing myself against the trunk of a tree. Growls rumbled in its throat, its eyes wild as it looked at me. Carefully it moved, turning its back on me. I edged myself away while i watched it. When it felt right I jumped up and started to run. A piercing scream came behind me and I looked back around to see the panther chasing me. Changing the way I was running I dove under low branches, quickly scrambling over the dirt. Limbs tore at my clothes, then finally I saw it. The tree. The cat came tearing through the path I had made and leaped toward me. Extending its leg, claws out, swiping the air near my face.

I ran harder than I had ever ran in my life toward the tree. Going up the truck and quickly trying to climb the boards. I couldnt get my feet on the bottom and I glanced down to see the panther crouched down preparing to jump. My feet hit the board and the cats paws grabbed onto the side of it, ripping it back from the tree. Losing my grip I kicked my feet against the tree trying to get high enough that it couldnt grab me. But I could feel it, the ache in my arms, causing my muscles to spasm. I took a breath and tried to pull myself up, the memory of Fendewen above me that day flashed through my mind. Fendewen.. Was he ok? My fingers popped and the wretched feeling of falling consumed me as i hit the ground. The air was knocked out of my lungs and as I rolled onto my side I saw the cat prowling around me. Its mouth peeled back as it hissed then slowly it crept toward me, pressing itself against the ground, its shoulders rippling under its fur, preparing to pounce.

As it came toward me I tried to cover my head, but it landed above my legs, pinning me to the ground. Coming closer until its breaths were burning my face it knelt down to my throat opening its mouth wider. I screamed and pushed at its chest but it didnt move. Balling up my fists I started hitting it, finally it stepped back growling and leapt over me. I rolled over shaking my head and trying to hold back my screams as I looked at the cat. Then everything seemed to stop.. A small movement made me look away. Stepping out from a tree he walked toward us, the panther stood still as he did. A small purring sound filled the air as he reached out to pet it. Then Fendewen looked my way with a smirk on his face, "Lesson one Laila, Silence is your friend."