Chapter 1
I observed a nearby fey dance across the pavement making fun of an unseeing human. The human had dapple colored hair that curled around his ears. He looked young, unprepared for the world that was laid out ahead of him. His amber gaze was set on the path in front, and I watched as he passed a boy on a bicycle. Returning my gaze towards the road of my own, I stepped up on the curb, and grinned at a Shadow's court faery. My curiosity set ablaze when the Raven-child stopped to glare at me. Her feathers, as hair, sprawled down her back in neat trail. In my head, she was hideously gorgeous. Her ears were pointed, and her teeth were curved in tiny jagged marks. She had plump sugar plum cheeks, and inky wild curls, which glinted blonde in the light, all made of feathers. Although she her appearance was of a small six year old, she was most likely older then I. I wasn't quite prepared for Raven-child to take a step, and when she did so, I gave her a twisted smile in warning. Instantly she withdrew her ground and gave me a threatening look, such a deathly stare for her young body. I glimpsed over her attire. She wore a black laced dress one would don a doll in. Her socks were frilled and her side hat carried large ruffles of ebony ribbon. I wanted to reach out to hold each object, to feel the silk cloth in my hand, the softness brushing against my palm. My eyes flickered back to meet hers. She however was looking elsewhere. Her watch was locked on my body, absorbing every detail her mind allowed. I twitched my pinkie finger to catch her attention. Her eyes were very astute. Instantly, her gawking bunged. She squared her shoulders and glowered fiercely in my direction, her tiny fists clamped together. I raised an eyebrow, and motioned her to get closer, eager to study her movements. She obeyed, attempting to hide her inquisitiveness.
She dipped her curly head in greetings, and waited quietly for my response.
"Raven-Child" My voice trilled, as I called her by her species, not bothering to bow. I had an oddity. Without warning to her, I reached out to place my fingertips upon her frost bitten cheeks. She shivered unpleasantly as I paused to let her read my thoughts. The purple-black glitter that glistened off the right side of her face turned deep cobalt. She didn't take my opinions well.
"I do not have the mind of a petite child," she growled softly, as the baby feathers arising on the back of her neck bristled. "My mind develops, as yours does. It has already matured." Her voice was high in pitch, silvery and honey like. I removed my touch and let my hand fall limply to my side.
"Dear one, I do beg for your pardon. I am simply interested" I smiled, allowing her mind to cogitate a question.
"What is your court?" She pondered allowed, her eye tight, still wary. A smile still plastered to my face, I responded truthfully, "I do not have one my darling. I am a recluse." She whipped backwards, putting distance between us as probing faery's passed, and they're heads turned to gape at me. Deciding rather if her wonder was worth it or subtle, she fought between common sense and marvel. Marvel won as she inclined her position so it was ready to flee if I was lethal.
"So you're a hermit. What exactly is your kind?" Her tone raised an octave in question. I laughed my voice full of wine. I rested my hand on my hip, and let the other tap my lip thoughtfully.
"Hmmm," I thought aloud, "I am what you call…a prodigy." My grin grew more pronounced. Her mauve stained eyes widened in recognition. Her hand flew to her neck as she gasped. My eyes dilated while she staggered backwards, her gaze flickering for something to grasp onto. Once her balance was regained, she bowed in surrender.
"I am so sorry…I have treated you rudely. I beg your forgiveness." I sighed, and turned on my heels, suddenly board. "You have nothing to apologize for dear one, I am what your kind call 'a prodigy' it does not mean I am one." I cocked my head to the side to taste her confusion. It rolled off my tongue in waves.
"I have the same gifts as a prodigy, but I am not nearly as pure as one. I don't belong to a court, I am a hermit as you've said, and I don't follow your rules. I am different from what you and the rest of your creatures are" Panic, shock, fear, and wonderment peeled off her skin. The fragrance of fear was sweet, very sweet, but sorrowful. I sighed heavily and swayed in the opposite direction, leading myself away from the Raven-child. She did not follow me, and I was alone again.