Lotus City
Waxing Cresent Moon, 7th Bright Lunar Fortnight
NRE 1084 (New Revival Era)
Her grandma was transferred to Imperial Hospital via airlift. Her vitals were stable and was in coma for straight 24 hours. Her mother was going nuts in another company but was still helpless.
Finishing the procedure through Ambit, she collapsed after going home. Her uniform was all sweaty. Her body was so sticky and smelly. She went to take a long shower and load the reality.
Her grandma was in coma.
Her mom was abroad.
Now her grandma who was in coma was also going abroad.
She is alone here.
Sob.
How powerless she felt after thinking it through. She felt like a pawn standing there. Useless. Hitting the head on the pillow she passed out immediately. The taut nerves settled down after being on stand by for more than 24 hours.
She was in a forest. A very dense, filled with humid air. Tall trees stood around her, making her feel cautious. The sun was still over the horizon. Her walk made clear noise in this silent jungle. The fog was surrounding her unknowingly. She was still figuring out her position. After walking for couple of hours she hit the wall.
No.
It was a vine curtain.
She moved the vines aside and entered the curtain. The place was very dark. Fortunately some fireflies were dancing inside. She walked ahead cautiously. She felt lucky that she was wearing her school uniform shoes, chunky, flat and comfortable. There she saw a ray of light. It was getting bigger and bigger.
That was another curtain of vines. The world outside was completely different from the other side. It was like a private garden and cottage. A lady in green dress was spraying water to the plants in the garden. The atmosphere was not at all silent. It was noisy with chirping of birds and chattering of insects. The lady in green dress was humming some music with sweet voice.
She stepped in.
The world and noise stood still.
The lady broke the silence first.
"Ah. You're finally here." Finally Amaara could see her face. She was a beautiful brunette. Her green eyes were bewitching and playful. Sparks of life flew around her. She really looked like her grandma.
"Who are you?" Amaara questioned with caution.
"Ah. Look at you child. You saw my face, and still couldn't recognise me! How did I raise you for 18 years."
Amaara was still suspicious. Looking at her funny cynical appearance the lady was helpless. She flicked her on the forehead.
"You... Little smelly duck. You are still like a blind duck. Nodding and nodding without understanding anything. How many times do I have to tell you, that pay attention to surroundings. Do not flutter around like a stupid bird...(umph)"
The lady was shocked by the girl's excitement. Amaara hugged her grandma.
"Grandma..." Amaara choked out.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm so pathetic. I couldn't save you. I couldn't recognise you. Grandma... I'm so sorry. (sob)" She broke down completely. The lady holding her was emotional too. She caressed the girl's hair gently.
"Oh, sweetheart. Come on... Calm down, honey." She tried to calm her down. But it did no avail. The emotions which were suppressed till now, broke out completely. It took Amaara long time before she stopped crying. The lady could do nothing but let her sob quietly before she spoke.
"Okay. Look at these... Aren't they beautiful?"
Amaara finally noticed the wings on her back. They were semi-transparent and colourless. But the contours and texture of the feathers were outstanding. There were countless stars sparkling and shimmering. They looked heavenly. She tried to touch the wing. They trembling sensing her touch. She wiped her tear-stained face with the sleeves of her navy blazer.
"What... What's going on, grandma?" Amaara was stumped. This was a dream. She knew this was a dream. But...
"Well. Have you heard fairytales? Let me tell you a real fairytale." The lady smiled and led her into the garden.
"My name, which you know already, is Ella Derya Numen. The only daughter of Queen Panacea Michaela and King Sol Oberon Alastor. We are fae people. Or fairies, you would like to call."
"Wait. I remember that your hometown is in Candentia. I heard a rumor that it's called home of elves. Is it realated to you?" Amaara asked as she sat comfortably on the soft grass.
"We are not elves, they have pointed ears and they resided in rainforests of Fabula centuries ago. Also their lifespan is not as long as ours. We have wings and humanoid appearance. But we also have a tree of life. Unlike elves, it is not attached to our life and spirit. He is an independent deity, whom we call Arbor. Elves are born on the tree of life as fruits. But we are normal. The difference is that, we have tiny cluster of wings on our back, when we are born. Yes. They are part of our body. They cannot be retracted until our adulthood."
"Well, that's not much of a hurdle, is it?" Amaara asked curiously as she was stuck in tye concept of human adulthood.
"It is actually, sweetheart. We have to pass a century to reach the adulthood. Though that would be difficult for a large number of fae people. If you want longevity and abilities, you have to survive. Which many fae people find hard to do so, and live an ordinary fae life before submitting to the fate before Arbor. That is not the concept of life for fae people." Ella corrected her with a chuckle while looking at her granddaughter's disbelieving expressions.
"What? How can you not survive? You are basically living in your own world. How could they not survive?" Amaara's eyes were round as she questioned.
"Fae people are known for their mischievousness, impatience and moody nature. They like new things. We are not contented with comfortable life of our own world. Some people give into their temptations. They would want to look at the world. Roam the new places. But they are too weak to handle the blow of the cruelty of that world. Either they end up wounded or betrayed for their innocence. There are some who like to hold in their impulse. And they are very few. They lead the life of success, power and longevity. Which is the true might of a fae." Ella looked at the thoughtful appearance of her granddaughter.
"Do you have abilities?" Amaara asked curiously.
"Fae people live in their own world. Detached from the outside. On the first experience of flying the elders of the family would take the children to worship Arbor. He will grant them with blessings. That blessing would lead them to have abilities. There are different types of abilities. Mine is summoning. Beast affinity. You know, how the animals around me would be so calm and obey everything I say? That's how." Ella smiled smugly at Amaara whose face was incredulous with her eyebrows up high to her forehead.