100 years after Hybern
The life of a bastard it's difficult. Add more problems when it comes to a half fae bastard born in Graysen´s Town. A non required daughter. Her mother loved her the best she could, keeping her blood status as a heavily guarded secret.
It wasn´t until she had reached 40 years that the accusations of the neighbors started to gain weight. Meanwhile the females born in her same year changed with every season and brought children. Her skin glowed intact as her 20th birthday.
It was winter solstice. One of the grandchildren of Graysen himself left his steed outside her door. With him a group of hateful neighbors. The first thing she saw were his eyes, like a storm filled with pride and wits.
"Enyd, Daughter of Arwen. You have been accused of being a half breed" the group responded in approval behind him "nevertheless it wouldn't be fair of us to assume so".
She let out her breath and took a step forward. Ready to tell her best excuse. She had never wed, her mother lived a long life and it was only a natural thing for her to look that young.
Then the first ash arrow hit her. An unnatural pain filled her, as if something was burning inside of her. She fell to her knees.
"This was your trial" She remembered his name. Anthony, Thomas Ambrose´s son. The other two arrows followed. At some point they tied her into a carriage, letting her be displayed and dragging her through the streets "the treaty forbids us to kill fae, nothing is said about their bastards" he moved closer to her "but we have mercy. If you are strong enough you will be able to cross into eternal spring lands".
As the carriage moved faster. People threw her stones amongst other things.
But someone had given her a new chance to live.
At the age of 90 she was as lost as the morning her wounds closed enough. Looking at both sides of the street of that little village. Almost a replica of hers, but with immortals of different shades and characteristics. With ever blooming flowers.
She had different types of jobs: at the stables, bakery´s, a couple pubs and noble fae houses. But in the end someone would ask for something she was not willing to give, pleasure.
The last thing she wanted was a child to live her destiny. She couldn't bear the thought of a small creature getting used to her life.
She could have saved a little fortune to improve during all those years. Yet somehow she managed to give most of her earnings to others. Starving children, females with thin cloaks, spring was no paradise for some. She would never forget the kindness that brought her back, so she would part every town with a few clothes and the white rose she was gifted.
As she made her way to the north the villages seemed less poor and the weather changed. The sun rose with more intensity and never ending prairies were visible. The Summer Court felt different, merrier, something she never felt in spring.
She made her way into an old noble that had required her assistance in the last town. Just below the border. He had seen the way she had been mistreated, he had smiled warmly and gave her a card with his address. He solicited a cook.
The house was really old. It was barely holding from the wind, as if it was a pride thing or magic perhaps. She barely dared to knock on the wooden door. Still she couldn't go back. She knocked three times, then a servant with a wrinkled face opened the door.
She once thought that faeries never got old. But she realized that was a privilege reserved for the powerful. Faeries grew older, slower than humans, but they did. It was High Fae that stayed fresh over the centuries.
"I´m here to see Master Lin. I come as the new cook". He studied her with a disgusted expression on his face. But finally he let her in.
It was other young fae who told her where everything was and where she could find the menu she had to cook. The beautiful features of the maid never focused on her, as if she was barely tolerable.
She covered her face behind a layer of golden hair. When she wasn't talking she kept her jaw tight.
"Dinner must be served at 7" She mumbled and left.
Enyd the list was simple enough rhubarb tart with cranberries, caramelized pork and peaches salad. Four portions each. She wondered who else would live in this house. Even though it was a small portion of food it still took her some time, she tied her hair and began to cook.
The dinner was ready at 6:30. She helped the other girl to set the table. At seven o'clock the butler, the fae girl and Lin stood at the table, the master of the house siling widely.
Up close she could sense Lin´s age, he was very old. Even if his face stayed fresh. His eyes were deep and kept close examination of everyone's moves. Always smiling but no genuine joy in him. There was something in his speech that made you want to agree to everything he said. He had long dark blue hair and his skin had a green tint.
"We welcome you, our dearest Enyd" he said her name slowly and looking her directly in the eyes. It made her almost uncomfortable, but she held the gaze "for this time only, we will share dinner at the same time. Let us rejoice for you are part of our family now".
The butler seemed highly disgusted at our masters speech and the warm words he said. Meanwhile the girl kept staring at the floor, her cheeks flushed.
Enyd thanked and smiled towards Lin. In any of the houses she had worked they have treated her that way, like she was an equal, not a lesser creature. It was the first time she dined at such a refined table.
She analyzed the room while eating. It was old yet elegant. Like it had lived better times, filled with light, not like it was today, working with the bare minimum of light.
Lin seemed a good master, he wouldn't be a problem for her. Her co-workers were different. She will try to get along with them, even if it was a superficial courtesy. Losing another job because of such things, maybe it was something in her blood. But she couldn't change who she was.
"I'm sure you think everything is ancient and dusty" Lin said.
"I wouldn't choose those words" Enyd replied.
"There's no need to be condescendant". He replied sternly "everything here is old. Well, but Lynette and you. Both bring life and beauty to this place". He turned to the girl and she looked at him with fear. "I have told you, dear, you are free to talk if you wish to.
"Yes, sir" she said, barely a whisper "I'm sure we´ll get along.
"That's much better" and he put an arm around her shoulder "Enyd, don´t worry too much about her lack of speech. As you´ve seen, she's very shy. I hope you can get her to articulate more words than the ones she already has in the entire evening".
"I'm sure she talks about what she believes is necessary" she had an urge to aid her. She was so small. "I will have to prove myself to be trustfull.
The master of the house let out a laugh, probably used to hear himself talk without a reply.
"I hope you do" he answered.