Act 2 Part 2

Arthur was still searching the moor. He was getting worried now as the night began to close in. Despite the fact that Iain was his love rival, he was also his brother and so Arthur couldn't help but fear for his safety. He ran into the meadow that Iain and Sylphide had been dancing in mere moments before. His eyes caught on something sparkling in the grass. He picked it up and saw that it was Iain's sgain dubh that must have fallen when he was dancing. Arthur could tell that it was Iains as it held the Kirkland family crest on its sheath.

Arthur heard a rustling behind him and spun to face the source. Lukas stood before him, his face not betraying any emotion. His eyes flickered to the sgain dubh and to Arthur. Both of them where interesting to watch. They both tried to hide their feelings behind a mask and both delighted in magic. It had been the magic that had drawn them together. There were so many similarities between the two that many assumed they were related.

"Lukas I have found Iain's knife. I should show it to Francis and the others." Arthur explained taking a few steps forward

"Why? " Lukas asked

"Because they are searching for him! Francis will be so relieved and we could use this to help us find him. I know just the spell." Arthur said

"I thought you loved Francis?" Lukas replied bluntly blockings Arthur's way

"I do." Arthur responded

"Then don't show it to anyone. Do you really think it is a good idea to let your brother marry Francis when he loves that fairy more? It would only end up hurting Francis if they were to marry." Lukas explained

"Then what should I do?" Arthur asked his mask slipping and his desperation showed on his face

"Don't tell anyone. Ask Francis to marry you instead. " Lukas said

Arthur looked at the little knife in his hand. He only had a few seconds to reach a decision as more rustling of grass and leaves could be heard. Both Lukas and Arthur turned in the direction of the noise. They saw an exhausted Francis approaching them. Arthur quickly hid the knife.

"Francis, are you ok? Come sit down!" Arthur said in concern leading him unknowingly to the rock where Iain had sat resting previously

"Oui Azzur. It looks like zere iz not going to be a wedding. Iain 'as eloped with some woman." Francis sighed dejectedly

"Yes her name is Sylphide." Lukas offered unhelpfully

Arthur gave Lukas a shut up now look, and Lukas just shrugged. Francis seemed to have been done with crying. He was accepting this all very well. Suspiciously well. Lukas slid something into Arthurs hand and left the couple alone. Arthur watched the shadows swallow his friend. He opened his hand to see a beautiful engagement ring. He took a deep breath and stood in front of Francis. Francis looked up at him and smiled when he saw Arthurs blush.

"You 'ave always looked adorable when you are embarrassed." Francis flirted

" And you have always looked beautiful. Francis marry me, I am the Kirkland brother that is meant for you." Arthur asked tenderly

Francis paused. He was sincerely considering the proposal. Francis and Arthur thought back to the magical evenings they had spent together under the stars. The sweet tokens of affection they had left each other. The only reason that Francis had ended up engaged to Iain was because Iain had officially asked Francis out first.

As Francis thought about the two brothers he couldn't help but compare them. Even though before this day Arthur had never confessed to Francis the proof of his love, his love was much more present than Iains. When he had been sick Arthur had stayed, cared for, and comforted Francis. If Francis ever needed anything, Arthur was there for him. Iain had just given him hollow words.

"Oui Azzur I will marry you." Francis replied

Francis and Arthur embraced. Arthur kissed Francis, and the two rushed off towards the castle to announce the news to the remaining guests.

On a hill, just outside the castle, stood Iain who was waiting for Sylphide. He heard footsteps approaching him, crunching on the gravel. He turned expecting the sweet face of his darling Sylphide but instead saw Lukas.

"Whit do ye want? Ah am noo goin tae marry Francis." Huffed Iain

"No I didn't think you where. " Lukas answered

He stood beside Iain, aware that he was making the eldest Kirkland brother uncomfortable. The two had spent much of their childhood arguing. Now that they were fully grown they had merely accepted each other into their lives. It was no big secret that Arthur and Lukas where friends and that Lukas would always choose Arthur above Iain.

"You really like that fairy don't you?" Lukas asked

"Her name is Sylphide." Snapped Iain answering the question

"I know. You Kirkland's have known the fae since you where children. Do you think it wise to love one? Can you trust her not to leave your side and fly away? Why would she be interested in a human?" Lukas asked slyly

Iain didn't answer. He glanced at Lukas and then went back to scanning the horizon for Sylphide. Lukas had a point. She was immortal, she could tire of him anytime. He loved her, and he couldn't bear the thought of her just flying away from him.

"I have the solution for you." Lukas told him handing him the silver scarf

"A scarf?" Iain asked doubtfully

"Yes. Place it over her shoulders and wings and she will never fly away from you." Lukas told him

Iain took it gleefully from Lukas. He examined it and saw that it flawless and of the finest quality. He couldn't wait to give it to Sylphide. He looked up to thank Lukas but he was no were to be seen. Instead it was a smiling Sylphide who was by his side.

"Sylphide! Ah have a gift for ye." Iain announced proudly holding up the scarf

"It's beautiful Iain!" said Sylphide

Sylphide stroked the scarf. It felt as smooth as the lake surface on a sunny summer day. The colour was of the moons light. She couldn't help but love it. She was sure the other fae would be jealous.

"Let me put it on ye." Iain offered sweetly

"Yes of course!" Sylphide said to Iain to enthralled with the scarf to think clearly

Iain placed it around her shoulder s and over her wings. Suddenly her eyes widened with surprise but her face still held a smile. Iain at first thought nothing of it as he embraced her, pulling the scarf tighter over her wings. When she didn't return the hug Iain pulled back but still held her as she had suddenly gone limp in his arms. He looked at her, her face had gone pale and her eyes had glazed over. He quickly placed her on the ground and called her name praying for some response. As he did so the scarf slipped from her figure. He gasped when he noticed her wings had fallen off.

Iain screamed her name in distress; tears began to flow down his face. Iains cries of sorrow over his deceased love where drowned out as a loud crowd of cheering people walked along the path behind him. It was a large wedding party, all congratulating Francis and Arthur who had just married. The happy couple looked delighted and only had eyes for each other. Their friends had convinced them to marry that day after hearing of the engagement, all pointing out that everyone was gathered anyway.

Lukas watched the two couples from a torrent of the castle. The other Nordic witches where with him watching as well. One witch with spiked blonde hair who was one of the taller leant closer to Lukas.

"I didn't know you where such a hopeless romantic. " He teased

"Shut up idiot. " Lukas responded and left to congratulate his dear friend Arthur.

This story was based on the ballet La Sylphide by August Bournonville that premiered in 1832. The ending is a bit more tragic, as both James and the Sylphide ( she was a Sylph not a fairy, so Sylphide is not her name) die. But Gurn, who is James's friend not brother, does end up marrying James's fiancée. I really hope that if you enjoyed this story you will watch the original. It's not the most performed ballet, but if you do have the opportunity I hope you will watch it live.

I have always wanted to put dance into a fanfic but have never figured out how to do so. I hope that this will work.

Cast:

James= Iain Kirkland. I don't wasn't to call him James, because my brother has that name and I do not want Scotland to share that name

Effie= Francis Bonnefoy

Gurn= Arthur Kirkland

La Sylphide= random fae

Madge/witch= Lukas Bondevik