NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE INSANE: Outcast001 wrote this beautiful piece for me, and it would be criminal not to show it off. I am only responsible for some minor grammatical changes, so be sure to go to their page and tell them how much you like it.

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Willow groaned as she woke, a dull throbbing in her head matched by her heartbeat. Her body was sore, and for a moment, she forgets why.

Then the memories return to her quick and coarse, the fight with a new type of enemy, a band of sorcerers who were members of a dark cult. Brooklyn and her being separated from the others during the fight, her pushing Brooklyn out of the way of a powerful blast, then... nothing. Her mind can't recall what happened next, which means she had been knocked unconscious. Opening her eyes, slowly because she knew from experience that her eyes would be sensitive to light right now, and found herself in a small space that was entirely foreign to her.

Panic seized her for a moment, before she shoved it away with a forceful shake of her head and a deep, calming breath. She needed a clear mind if she was to handle this. Checking her body, and finding herself still in gargoyle form, for any chains or markers of imprisonment. Finding none, Willow looked about the space she had found herself in. It was small, but not cramped or uncomfortable, it was more akin to an alcove. A little niche for privacy, or to just escape from the world by tucking yourself in a corner. She was resting on a long Victorian chaise lounge, the padding worn and comfortable and the cushions were plush and well cared for. The alcove was tucked in a corner, the wood and stone walls gave a warm and calm feeling, and the high windows let in the soft moonlight. Curtains in a soft lavender color were hung up as make-shift walls and, no doubt, as the entryway to this little hidey-hole. With her enhanced night vision, she could see what looked like basil had been embroidered into the curtains, the herbs flowers blooming about the hemming. Looking down, Willow also saw that the cushions and lounge had been engraved or embroidered with lavender and violets.

Huh, strange. She had a vague understanding that these flowers meant peace or protection, maybe both. Standing slowly, testing her legs as she went. They were sore, and her body ached as though she had spent too many hours flying with a heavy load, but beyond that and a vague sense of weariness born from oversleeping after a long days (or nights) work.

Peeking through the curtains, careful not to make any noise because she could be in enemy territory, any thought of a sneaky escape or any possible trap left her mind as she stared at the space before her.
The room was... monolithic. Truly, this room could give some of Xanatos's larger rooms a run for their money. Towering walls a mix of stone and wood, windows were everywhere in an almost haphazard pattern. Some tall and arched gracefully, some small and oddly shaped, some high, others low, some scattered and clustered, others singular and almost lonely looking. The entire ceiling was made of glass, and again there didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason. Some places were paneled neatly, others looked like they belonged in pubs or churches, with the stained glass or little diamond shaped clusters of glass, one section was one giant slate of either glass or some crystal, and Willow was momentarily worried that it would collapse at any moment because she could see no support structure.

Then there was the interior of the room. It's like someone had put everything tropical and green and colorful, all of nature in its richness and lushness, into one room. Towering trees, a mix of ancient forest and eons-old jungle, the floor was grass and moss and flowers, fungus and shrubs and bushes, streams and ponds weaved and dotted, some large others small, and from what she could see the towering flora was much the same. She could see well-worn paths, and actual dirt was packed in the grass rimmed paths, padded down from walking feet and time. The young girl could also see peeks of what looked like old paths, repairing themselves now that they weren't being used anymore. Again there was no real pattern or order to it, and it honestly looked wild. For a moment Willow would think she was in a forest or jungle somewhere, only to see stone or woodwork or even metalwork that was clearly man-made. She felt like her world was tilting and then snapping back into reality repeatedly.
It was confusing and huge and wild, chaotic and probably dangerous, but it was so, so beautiful and she felt wonder and peace. She could explore this place and get lost, yet somehow always find her way back if she so wanted.

"I know." The sudden voice had Willow jumping with a surprised yelp, and she whirled to see a redheaded girl (or woman? She couldn't place the age, exactly) with tanned skin and freckles over her nose and cheeks, even some on her shoulders and arms. She was taller than Willow, easily, by a good head and a few inches, taller than Elisa easily. Probably taller than most guys, actually. She was wearing a gypsy skirt dyed red and brown hues, yellow and orange patterns of animals dancing around and a spiraling dance. A dark green blouse that looked more suited to a medieval peasant, long open sleeves and lace-up straps up the front. The clothing looked well used and well kept, expertly done repairs stitched in the fabric. Her bright red hair was tied back in a long braid, but two smaller ones framed her face, going down to her waist along with the larger braid going down her back. Her feet were bare, and dirty, but the girl (woman?) either didn't notice or didn't care. Her eyes were amber, like warmed honey on a sunny day, and was filled with kindness and mirth, and Willow could see the familiar sparkle of mischief and playful delight a mile away. She had seen it often enough with, not only the Fae Folk, but so many people (good and bad) that she had met.

Willow took all this in within seconds. Overall, stepping back to put distance between her and the stranger, the new arrival looked like a nature spirit who had taken human form, only to get the era wrong. But she looked comfortable, ethereal even, standing with a weaved basket against her hip and an understanding smile on her lips.

She did not, however, look to be a threat. Willow didn't feel anything amiss, no underlying malicious intent or anything that felt inherently wrong. Though the stranger was obviously fit and could be a challenge in a fight, but if Willow remained a Gargoyle, she should be able to beat this stranger if she attacks.

"It can be a bit overwhelming. I build this place and sometimes I get awestruck by it all" She let out a light, cheery laugh, apparently unaware, or simply uncaring, of Willow's wariness and defensive position. Walking over to a small stream nearby, the strange woman (girl-woman?) knelt at the edge and brought out something that looked like blue breadcrumbs, and lightly dusted the water with it. Small silver fish darted up and quickly devoured the little morsels, they seemed to glow for a moment before the light faded and they darted away just as fast up and down the stream.

"What was that?" Willow asked, curiosity getting the best of her. She stepped towards the stream, still keeping a distance between the stranger and herself, and looked in the stream. The silver fish seemed as busy as bees, darting this way and that to random things, or things she couldn't see, for only a moment before running off again.

"Silver darts, rare little fresh water fish. Most believe their extinct, and its safer if people believe that." The stranger replied, her voice light and chipper, like she didn't have a care in the world. "They are closely aligned with Marina Mystic Energy, or water magic for simpler terms. They're my helpers, keeping the waterways pure and making sure everything is as it should be where it needs to be. I feed them and they help me, and they're quite content to have a safe haven and not be hunted for food or magic" the female explained freely, as though speaking of magical fish was just a normal subject, like the weather.

"Oh." Was all Willow could say to that. Her blue eyes trailing over the pathways and waterways. If she strained her ears, she's pretty sure she could hear a waterwheel turning over the sounds of birds, animals, insects and the rustling of treetops from the wind. How there was wind indoors with no apparent technology visible, she didn't know, and Willow was pretty good at spotting high-tech machinery. Hidden or not.

"How are you, by the way?" the woman asked, and the human-turned-gargoyle looked over to find that the stranger had gotten close without her noticing. Not invading her space or threateningly close, but close enough to be considered polite for conversation. Jumping back, startled, Willow put the stream between her and the ethereal woman. This place just made her feel so at ease, she kept forgetting she was in unknown territory with an unknown woman, both of which could be hostile even if they seemed anything but.

"I- um... I'm fine" She said eventually, unsure how to react to the casual question.
"You sure? You took quite the blow" The amber-eyed stranger tilted her head, her beaded braids swinging with the motion, and said beads clicked against each other. Strange, Willow didn't notice them before. It was like, at first glance, she was a simple woman not worthy of any notice (even though she was very beautiful with or without that ethereal aura), but the more you looked the intricate she seemed. Or the more she revealed to you.

"Uh... Yeah. A bit sore, but- wait!" Willow shook her head, and pointed at the stranger, "How did you find me? Where are my friends? And why don't you seem all that surprised I'm a Gargoyle!?" She finished the last question with a shout. The woman blinked owlishly at her for a moment, her head tilting again.

"So that's what you're called. Nealon said something about a third race, but he couldn't remember what your kind were called. He believes you're all but extinct" The stranger shrugged and adjusted her basket against her hip, seemingly unconcerned to rush, perfectly happy to answer Willows questions in her own time no matter the demands made. "Well, first questions first I suppose" The stranger sent a humored smile towards the shorter girl. And Willow wondered how someone could have such open expressions, such an easy to read face, yet reveal so little at the same time. It's like reading a book, but not understanding the meaning of the words, the profanity or the message hidden in them.

It was infuriating, humbling, and a little bit terrifying all in one. To feel so safe yet so helpless in the face of this... this being.

"I found you during the battle. Dreadfully inconvenient, you know, I'm gathering plants for transfer to my sanctuary, talking with spirits and the like, feeling nature and magic. You know, the usual. And this fight breaks out." The redhead rolled her eyes, exasperated with the notion, as though it happens all the time and is just inconvenient to her daily activities. "I'm skirting around the edges, trying to avoid that blasted cult of shadow hugging braggarts because I am not getting dragged into another war with them- Ahem, anyway. Then I see you and the beaked red one fighting one of the higher ranked little buggers, and I admit you held your own valiantly. And when you leaped to save your friend..." the stranger shrugged, "Well, one good act deserves another in turn. Your friend tried to go to you, but the sorcerer kept him busy. I was able to get you here and heal you."

Some birds flew by, and the stranger reached into her basket. Some green and white breadcrumbs appeared in her hand this time, and she tossed it up like confetti. The birds ate every crumb before any could touch the earth. Turning back to Willow, the stranger smiled easily and gestured for her to follow. Together they walked along the dirt trodden path, keeping to the relatively open 'meadow' area they were in instead of going into the forest/jungle/wooded area that was nearby.

"As to where your friends are" the woman shrugged again, "I have no idea. But no words of death flowed on the wind, and I sensed no soul claimed in the area when I visited. So your friends are alive, injured probably, but alive nonetheless." The girl sent a mysterious, knowing smile over Willow's way.

"And why I'm not surprised by your form... well, Nealon mentioned your kind of course. Though he did say something was funny about your aura, you seemed almost human and yet you clearly were not. Some strong magic runs through you, and has merged with your soul. To be parted from it, and it from you, would part your very soul and most likely lead to your death" the woman blinked, and shook her head.

"Sorry. Tangents. A bad habit of mine" The woman paused to share another batch of odd-colored crumbs with some animals. Crickets this time. "Anyway, even if Nealon didn't know what you were... or were not, I have seen many a strange being wander through the world..." the stranger let out a soft laugh, "Little phases me now"

Willow stared in amazement at everything this person just said, and belatedly realized the woman had a vague Australian-Scottish accent. Again another detail newly revealed.

"Whose, ah- Nealon?" She questioned, unsure if she pronounced the name right. By the amused look she received, probably not.

"Don't fuss, nobody but he and I can speak his name truly. Part of the gig, really"

"...What gig?" Willow asked suspiciously.

"Being a Familiar gig" A deep resonating voice spoke behind her. Like many different men, with many different accents, speaking all at once. Some wavering and rising, changing constantly. Distorted and whispering. Deep as the ocean and filled with magic and knowledge and power unfathomable, and more dangerous than any predator. Like a force of nature had taken up a corporeal form and decided to speak, but unsure of which voice to use, so it simply sued all of them.

Turning, Willow came face to face with a black and grey wolf the size of a bear was right behind her, its violet eyes staring at her like it wasn't sure whether she was food or friend and was toying with the idea. That or it was just messing with her for fun and didn't really care either way. Willow was of no threat to this creature, so there was no real need to measure her.

"Jalapeña!" she swore, stumbling back

"Nealon" The stranger spoke, identifying the giant wolf. "Don't scare our guest" The scolding was halfhearted. Like she had told them something similar a hundred times before but had long since given up the endeavor of having the wolf actually listen to her on the matter.

"Not my fault she's easily startled" He defended, sitting back on his haunches.

"Says the giant wolf. If the roles were reversed I know you would have scuttled for shelter quick as lightning"

Nealon, despite being in wolf form, managed to look offended at the words. "I would not!" He proclaimed, looking over the gargoyle to glare at his mistress.

"No?" The woman challenged. And Willow had a vague impression she had been forgotten in the bantering, and that this was not a rare occurrence for the pair.

"No." He stated firmly, his voice fluctuating like a radio with a bad signal, "I would turn into something bigger and scarier" He countered smugly.

"Why go through the trouble? Just show them some of your baby pictures, they'll be frightened plenty."

"Hey!" Came the indignant reply, followed by melodious laughter from the stranger. The wolf turned its eyes to Willow. "Don't listen to Alliana, she sprouts lies of my beauty! I was adorable as a babe, and my handsomeness only grew with time! Like fine wine"

"What?" The stranger, Alliana, stepped next to Willow with a grin on her face. "Kept in a dark cellar for several years, never to be seen?" That brought a laugh out of the pair, who were clearly accustomed to the playful prodding, if the back and forth bantering was anything to go by. And it did draw a giggle out of Willow, which got their attention.

"She laughs!" Alliana cried joyously, dramatically throwing her hands up to the sky. "Praise the gods! It's a miracle! I thought you would never relax"

"It's only been a few minutes since I woke up" Willow pointed out cheekily, and Nealon chuffed out a laugh at the surprised look on Alliana's face. The girl blushed and turned away, coughing awkwardly into her fist. She had forgotten about the time.

"Yes, well. Time seems to drag on when your conversation partner seems determined not to trust you"

"You're a stranger. Didn't your parents teach you 'Stranger Danger' at all?"

"How are you to make friends then?"

"That- ah... huh" Willow paused, thinking about it for a moment. "Fair point" She conceded, and laughed when Alliana licked her thumb and drew a line in the air like she was scaring a tally.

"Point for me" She said cheerily. Then paused, "Ah, but now that you are healed, I imagine you would like to return to your family." The redhead gave a knowing, yet kind look to Willow.

Surprised by the sudden turn, though not really, she was beginning to pick up that Alliana was kind of like this room. Wild and chaotic, dangerous, but not necessarily hostile or malicious. Free and kind, peaceful and strange all in one and yet so much more than mere words can describe. She moves to her own beat, her own rhythm, and Willow found she quite liked that about this new person.

Perhaps, even, a new friend.

"Yes" She said after a moment to recover, excitement and worry clouding her tone. "They must be so worried! I hope they're alright..."

Alliana waved her concerns away, "As I said, no tragedy reached my ears during your stay. You're friends are well, so don't worry too much" She patted Willow on the head lightly, "Nealon will show you out. I must tend to the Haven. Thank you for your company, and I hope you and your friends will visit" And with that parting, walked towards the forest, only to shimmer and seemingly disappear from sight in a glimmer of moonlight.

"Dramatic and cryptic, as always" Nealon rolled his eyes before gesturing for Willow to follow as he stood. "Don't mind her. She's so in touch with the world, she's out of focus with it. She's usually not so... shifting, I suppose, but she does get like that. Worse even, when she delves into her mind and soul, since she is so entwined with the magics and energies of the realms, sometimes it can take weeks, months, to coax her back to the real world. Back into her body and consciousness" He spoke freely as he walked, guiding her towards a set of huge glass French doors that looked slightly Gothic in a fairy way. Oddly enough.

"She's a sorceress?" Willow asked, alarm building. Her Clan had not had good experiences with them, nor with any of those who studied magic in general. They had all learned to be wary of magic and its practitioners, even if occasionally that rotten tree bore sweet fruits like her powers.

"No" He snarled, "And never say something like that about my mistress again" When he saw the fear in her eyes, he calmed. "Pardon, I did not mean to frighten. But to call My Lady such is a grave insult to her and myself. She is a Mage, I believe the more modern term is Wicca." He explained, his voice and tone infinitely softer and kinder, she could hear his sincerity and apology in the way he spoke.

"Like... a witch?" She asked, and got a chuffed laugh and a shake of his head.

"No child. A Mage focuses on balance and life. Where a sorcerer draws power from their mind, their knowledge, and bind the magic around them, forces the energies to do their bidding... A Mage uses their own energy, their spirit and soul, their very aura, to coax and guide the magics and energies. Let's them pass through her and her through them in equal measure, they see she does not mean them harm or to bind or enslave them. She can borrow power or use her own, though either has its own dangers. She herself, in a way, is a conductor, a magnet, for these powers and energies... It's hard to explain, even to one such as you. Lady Alliana is arguably one of the most powerful beings in all the realms known or otherwise, but she is also one of the most peaceful and benign. And there are many who would use her powers to their own means, who would hurt and kill her for her gifts"

"So I ask you, Willow, do not speak of this place to anyone. Not even your people, family or friends. You may bring them here, show them, but do not speak the words. Not even our names. Words are powerful things, names more so, and to use them could bring danger to Lady Alliana and all she has built, and all who shelter here and are under her care." He gave Willow a piercing look. "Know that this vow, should you make it, cannot be broken lightly. And to do so would bring wroth and ruin unto you and yours. This is not a threat, but a warning. My life's meaning is to keep my Mistress safe, so please understand I do not say these things unkindly"

Willow was at a loss for words. Her brain could barely process everything that's happening. But she felt the magic of this place, and the power of his words move around her. Her next words could mean life or death for not just Alliana, but her family as well.

"I swear. I won't speak of this, but I will show them" She promised, and felt a weight settle over her for a moment, before it fell away like water. She felt like she had passed some test, and by the look in her guide's eyes, she knew it to be true... to some extent.

Opening the doors, the life of Manhattan burst into existence. The smells, the sounds and sights. It's as though that, inside, is a whole other world. A secret place where it is least expected. And even now she was struggling to visualize this place in New York, and yet have no one notice it.

"Will I find this place again?" She asked, because it had to be hidden. No way could a place like this be smack dab in NY and not have some magic cloaking it, to protect all inside.

"Yes. With that oath, comes a special side effect. Think of this place, hold it in the forefront of your mind. Don't think of where it is, otherwise you will never find it, but picture what it is. What you've seen and felt" Nealon explained, and with a shake of his body, changed into a raven.

Willow tried to be surprised by the sudden shift, the change of form, but at this point she couldn't bring it in herself to do so. This was most likely due to her own ability to transform, but Willow had no doubt this will all catch up to her later. However that would have to wait, for now, her focus was getting home.

Spreading her wings, she jumped from the high balcony and caught an updraft. As she flew, Nealon flew beside her for a short time to ensure she was properly healed. Or that's what he told her, and she's not entirely sure that's the truth, but she's willing to accept it. It's clear he's not a threat, and trying to get answers from a being like him would be like trying to convince Matt to abandon his conspiracy theories.

"Well, you seem capable enough. Remember my warning, and your oath. I bid you a good night, Maiden." Before he flew off, he seemed to remember something. "Oh, and you should know you've been asleep for a week with Lady Alliana, so your family may be a bit... ah, exuberant in your return, fair warning!" And with that flew away with the twisting winds.

"Wait, what!?" She called back, incredulous that they would only tell her this NOW! But at the same time, she's not that surprised.

So, with a tired and exasperated sigh, and a slight smile, Willow turned for home and glided on the winds of budding autumn. No doubt the next few night are going to be rough, but to see her Clan, her family again, she would bear it and more.