Mortals were always strange creatures, but perhaps that is because I would see more than most would in their lifetimes. By comparison, perhaps they saw me something to be fearful of. Mistrusting even, given my small stature. Though I do not have the features or voice of a child, I am gravely aware that I am the size of most mortal children. Perhaps a design choice, so that we could use magic to the fullest potentials.
"Lady Belladonna, perhaps you should try this at a later date? It seems as though your presence would soothe those awaiting you."
It was still strange, hearing how different this voice was to my own ears. A lower pitch, something almost soothing to those that sought assistance in healing magicks. Despite being labeled a slave amidst my own kind, this mortal- no. My Queen, as she was now. She still deemed me capable enough, to serve as her Councillor of Magical Affairs.
"If this were to be done at this later date, then it will be delayed further and further still. Have you forgotten all the instances when we delayed your debut to the rest of the mortal world?"
A soft chuckle, a voice that held the same sweetness as the poison she was named after. Lady Belladonna was...an unusual mortal, to say the least. It was suspected amidst the court she held sway over, that her startling pale complexion was a result of the magicks she had at her disposal. Lavender orbs, with curls of ivory to decorate the curved visage. My Queen was a...mother, if I remember her terminology for it.
It only made sense that some of her muscle mass was balanced with signs of that peculiar stage of life.
"Be that as it may, my arrival to this world is less significant in nature."
Being eye to eye with Her, was something that still took adjusting to. With her assistance, the visage of my 'mortal' body was to be at her level.
'To hold your gaze when we speak with one another. You are still my equal, for you are not guilty the way your kin was in life.'
Her explanation still befuddles me, yet question her I do not. She has her reasons, however confusing they may be to me.
"Hmm…"
The chill in the air would cease, giving way to the frost covered garden. A sanctuary of sorts, created near the Healer's Tower. Where she permits that I tend to the needs of the more...frail, members of her family and castle. The layer of frost served to protect the flora of her little sanctuary, so that they would last a little more. With winter approaching, much of the flora and fauna of this plane have taken to preparing for the cold. Hibernation, a word shared in mortal terminology that I understood for once.
"Do you require assistance with the Little Rose, My Lady?"
The Little Rose, was one of those frailer members of the family. I was not allowed to compare her to who I once watched over, the Little Lily. But I was allowed to ensure her children that did remain, maintained a stable condition.
"Not where your abilities are concerned this time, Aoife. Unless you would care to show her how to use the mana in her body to heal herself?"
"My Lady- you are aware that she cannot do so, I would hope? When she attempted it under your watchful eye, she nearly set her arm ablaze."
Mentioning her child's early start in pyromancy, caused an unusual expression over her features. Not anger- but perhaps...regret?
"I did not mean-"
"Come, Aoife, dallying here any longer will upset that very council you wish for me to attend on time. Perhaps after this meeting of ours, you would actually listen to that order I gave you before. When it was just my family in our company, you do have the right to call me by my name. Mayhaps then, you would allow yourself a chance to simmer down."
As the soft click of elevated shoes resounding against the smooth stone of the garden, the more subdued tapping of leveled boots followed soon after.
"Even though you ask this of me, I cannot, My Lady. Surely your time prior with The Court Of Flowers, would serve as something to remember?"
In their eyes, I am not equal to Her. I never will be, though I never was to begin with.
"Oh, but I do remember. And eventually. You will follow commands you will come to loathe from me. Until that day arrives, however. Perhaps...Mistress Belladonna, if you must use a title then. Just as you, shall be Mistress Aoife. Or would you prefer Lady Cosmo, since that is your preferred flower from this world?"
"…Mistress Belladonna, may refer to me however she pleases."
What is this- warmth? Reaching a gloved hand to my face, even under the leather material the flesh almost feels...warm. Such a strange sensation, one to examine and study further another evening. There were far more important things to focus on for the time being, compared to a simple confusing feeling. The odd clicking sound from elevated soles, the soft tapping of leveled soles.
The mundane rhythm, yet almost harmonious with the gentle breeze of the autumn air. Experiencing these shifting seasons, yet another mortal experience that was new. Passing by the glass of windows, it was such a curious thing. Windows did not exist in The Court Of Flowers, rather openings for air to pass through freely. Seeing one's reflection was always unusual when it was not a watery surface, as I stopped to examine the mortal visage Mistress Belladonna created for me.
Standing at the same height as She, perhaps we could masquerade as companions were it not for the differences in our stations.
Orbs similar to water followed the movements of gloved hands, with golden locks framing freckled features in what many mortals refer to as 'pixie hair' for how chaotic it always seemed. Subtle curvature, with more lean muscle mass comparable to the build one might find upon a dancer. Her build was the same as the frost magicks at her beck and call- soft; warm; soothing to be near and to gaze upon.
The mortal visage granted upon myself, so alike the storms I could summon to protect myself. Thin; sharp; exoctic in nature and demeanor amidst this land of gentle females and confusing males.
Due to the intimate understanding that I hold of the magicks in this plane. It puts me at odds, with these mortals. For they will always fear what they cannot understand.
"Lady Cosmo, is everything alright?"
That voice- Her voice snapped my thoughts to the present once more. The gaze of startled waters, met with subtle winds tinted by lavender petals.
"Of course, Mistress Belladonna- forgive me. I was lost in thoughts, but no more. Shall we?"
"…Aoife, it is alright to miss him. Even with the wrongs he committed, he was still your brother. You are allowed to feel sorrow for his passing. I do not expect you to ever truly forgive me, when you know it was my hand that took him from you. But do not let his last actions in life, ruin how you knew him from before."
Her footsteps continued, as my own soon followed hers. I think I understand now, why she gave me a visage in this manner. For I hated the eyes I shared with him, the gaze of rolling hills and emerald fields. His hair was what I was most fond of, with how alike it was to the very sun these mortals are graced with. We both had adored our little nature kisses in life- what mortals called freckles.
She combined the things I loved most about him, while hiding what I hated most about the both of us in return. She gave me something that I adored from the mortal world, to hide my darkness from the rest of her kind. For if they knew what I truly was. In a land where Fae in all varieties of life were hated by mortals.
There would be no mercy, for a cursed creature like me.
Conversations were something simple, they could lead to something important. Yet they could also just be a loop, a continuous motion that proved fruitless. This meeting proved to be a fruitless endeavor. At least, that is how Mistress Belladonna was acting.
"You have my gratitude for taking the time to convene here and speak with me on these matters. The fluctuating flow of arcane energy shall be handled delicately, so as not to upset the balance of the wild magicks that bleed over to our realm. With the assistance of everyone here, I believe we will be able to protect the most sensitive of our people from being too affected by these magicks."
Do they notice the way her voice shifts, that lower tone that makes itself present when exhausted? Ah, but not exhaustion- is that annoyance? Her left pinky was twitching more inwardly, as if to keep from tapping against something. To say that it was a blur of a moment after leaving the meeting hall...might be just a little bit of an exaggeration. Though it did feel as though time, and moments within time blended together.
"You are free to do as you wish for the rest of the day, Lady Cosmo. Take this evening to mourn, properly and safely. I do not know what it is about today that has put you in such a state. However, I have noticed that you have been out of it for three weeks of time. I insist that you grieve properly. Take care of yourself, my friend."
Mistress Belladonna...considers me a friend, to her? No, that does not sound right at all. I am less than she- and I always will be. Friends do not exist, when one is beneath the other in such a manner. So then why is she expressing this...concern?
Soft clicks of her feet carry her away from here. Dull thuds of my own feet, carry me to my haven. The frost that covered the garden, it still greets me with a subtle chill in the air. Yet...something is amiss, in this sanctuary that is frozen in time. Ah, there is the source of the difference.
Parts of the frost itself was enchanted- a touch from Mistress Belladonna. But what purpose would she have, within this haven of mine? This garden is lacking in exciting flora, as opposed to her own gardens. Perhaps it was too alive for her? No, no that did not sound right either.
Near the center of the small garden, was an orb of frost that was separated from the rest of the frost covered flora. The faint coloring that was visible from the outside, it showed a purple flower with unusual petals. The common name for this peculiar flower, shared its name with a part of most creatures' anatomy. Iris. And though it usually showed itself in a purple shade of some sort, it often was a more vibrant flower with a variety of colors it could display.
But why would this be here?
"…Mistress, thou art playing a cruel game here. Leaving within my haven, the flower that was His…"
I could not bear to hurt such a precious flower- not when it was one of the few that he took care of within our True Home. The frost magic shall stay- if only to protect something that would become his memorial. He will never be forgotten, even if I must stay in the care of his murderer. For that is the price I must pay, to keep his children alive. Even if they will never remember who their family is.