In fairy lore there are stories told of changelings. These were often sick fairy children left in place when a human infant was taken. As time goes on the baby becomes ill and becomes thinner and thinner before dying.
My name is Afal Ablach and I was born in the year 537, on the very day that the mortally wounded Celtic King, Arthur was taken to be healed, to a place where there is ever sunlight and warm breezes, the land is lush with vegetation, and known far and wide for the beautiful apples that grow so abundantly.
New mothers who had yet to be churched were regarded as attractive to the fairies, and so in danger from their mischief. One night, the old village sorcerer was consulted to cast spells or practice his healing magic on a newly born enfant whose health was failing. The elderly mage sent his disciple, a young druid in his stead.
The enfant did not die, instead she began to thrive under the administrations of the druid. She grew strong in spirit, though she remained fragile in stature. Folks would say of the girl that she was a good daughter, respectful and obedient to her parents. That her heart was kind. This is what the villagers thought of the young girl.
As all girls do, she grew from a child into a young woman. Unlike most girls, the magic that awakened and grew strong was not like that of the other girls from her village. She was nothing like them, nothing like her parents, not even in looks. Her people were tall, dark and sturdy folk. She was fair, petite and slender to the point of frail. Her eyes were the shade of green that rivaled the forest lushness of the isle.
Not wanting to draw attention to herself she kept her secret hidden. But, you cannot always hide from others what you fear. The druid who nursed her to health sought her company one summers day, informing her of her true parentage. Of what she was and what it meant.
The young girl left her village that day. She had a quest of her own. One she meant to fulfill. You see, I am the changeling left by the fairies. Somewhere, in the Avalon forest, hidden from humans, they dwell in a secret place. I will find them and return the true daughter to the loving parents I had thought of as my own.
I swore to protect the vulnerable and bring justice to the wronged.