A consistent swooshing sound of gliding wings was all she heard during her flight. It almost put her frantic mind in a sort of tranquil state. She knew a part of her was astray or perhaps even mad from isolation for taking refuge in such a sound.
After some time she felt the sudden jolt of her cage landing. The thorny door then opened and for a second Gerda was panic-stricken about stepping out. She couldn't scrape off her unusual skittish emotions. It had been months since she endured the presence of others.
She was put at ease when she noticed Celtra patiently waiting outside for her with two guards. Gerda nervously walked out and was taken aback by her surroundings. There were creatures of all kinds in what appeared to be a village. The buildings and homes varied depending on the creature. Some lived in trees while others preferred cottages. It reminded her of what Ulstead was except this was much more mystical and fey-like.
"Shortly after your imprisonment, my people reclaimed what was once theirs before humans forced them into hiding. We now have markets, homes, and means of travel. Trade between the humans has been a peaceful transition and both kingdoms have benefited largely from it." Celtra explained with a smile on her face.
Gerda was in awe at what she was seeing before her. Never had she thought such notions would be possible or could exist. She assumed the fey creatures would forever be primitive beings. However, they managed to catch up with the humans under a short period of time. Of course, she would never admit such a thought out loud. She was far too prideful to acknowledge their impossible fast advancements.
"Come. I will show you around until we reach our destination." Celtra said, gesturing for Gerda to follow.
Gerda silently followed next to Celtra with her hands tightly clasped together at her waist. She was still trapped in a state of astonishment and shock as they walked into the village. She noticed many fairies trying to sell products and food at market stands while others strolled about minding their business. Not a single one seemed to notice her, which made her wonder if it was common for humans to visit.
"Do humans come here often? They all seem so at ease with my presence." Gerda asked as she walked through the streets next to Celtra.
"Actually quite often. After trade began many humans would come here for business while others frequently visited because they love the culture and beauty we have to offer." Celtra proudly said as they headed towards a large building made of stone and vines.
Gerda noticed many horned children with small wings flying around or sitting in the grass playing. She assumed this was the destination they were heading to judging by the children's appearance. She felt somewhat nervous when some of the children began whispering and staring at her.
"Does my presence bother them?" Gerda asked in a small voice.
"No, they actually find you beautiful. I believe the color of your hair captivates them." Celtra said as she smiled at the curious children.
"Is red hair rare? I don't understand what's so beautiful about my hair when it's such a undesirable trait for humans. My hair goes against our beauty standards." Gerda mumbled recalling how unattractive her vivid hair color was to the men in Ulstead.
"Such a color doesn't exist with my people, at least not your specific shade. It resembles fire when in the sun." Celtra informed as they now stood in front of a large, wide wooden door.
With a single push the wooden doors opened revealing a massive hall that appeared large enough to fit hundreds of fey. Gerda followed behind Celtra and was a bit puzzled when there were stairs that led down onto the main floor. She imagined perhaps it was there for creatures who were unable to fly and depended on walking just like her. Unless humans had frequently visited the hall too.
She went up to the balustrade and looked down at all the fey who gathered below either conversing or lounging around waiting for whatever news was to be announced today. The hall consisted a range of different creatures that populated the Moors. She took notice of the winged dark fey whom she had grown accustomed to seeing due to her time spent around their kind.
"This special announcement must be important for so many fairies to be gathered in one setting. Let's find a spot while we wait for the arrival of our leader." Celtra announced, causing Gerda to suddenly pale.
It had been many months since she seen Borra and their last interaction was a disaster. She remembered how repulsed he was with her and was not looking forward to facing him again. Gerda had also managed to anger him during the last gathering which resulted with her being humiliated and nearly killed in front of his people. Perhaps she could completely avoid him and hide somewhere within the crowd.
Gerda silently followed behind Celtra trying to keep her head down as they maneuvered through the medley of fairies. Despite her attempt of keeping a low profile, she noticed several of Celtra's people turning to study her and whisper which in turn fueled her anxiety.
She wasn't sure what their whispers were about but so far she didn't catch any hostility. After several long minutes of walking through the crowd they decided it would be best to wait standing against a wall that wasn't so crowded.
Gerda analyzed her surroundings and noticed a raised platform that looked somewhat like a stage where she assumed Borra and whoever else the fey were expecting would stand. Her eyes were captivated by the ethereal beauty the hall held as they roamed over the arched crystal ceiling and large illuminated windows that allowed light from outside to seep through.
The crystal ceiling was covered with thick intricate vines that had bizarre yellow glowing orbs attached to them. She wondered what type of magic was capable of creating such a glow. The windows themselves also looked like they were made of glass but the bluish glowing hue gave away that it was something much stronger than glass. So much change must've happened over the time span she spent locked away.
"It's all very beautiful isn't it? You'll be surprised at what our kind is capable of creating when given the freedom to gain access and knowledge of science and modern tools. Our previous leader lived and dreamed of such accomplishments." Celtra whispered when she noticed Gerda inspecting the hall.
"I would never know nor be a part of such innovations due to my current circumstances." Gerda blankly muttered, feeling a tug at her heart.
"I disagree. Weren't you an engineer of some sorts back when you were in service of the queen in Ulstead? Perhaps Borra may find some use of you if necessary." Celtra informed almost as if she was trying to comfort Gerda.
"I'm his prisoner. It's unlikely that he would even consider me for such tasks...he can't tolerate being around me. My presence alone sickens him." Gerda hissed with her eyes now fixated on her hands feeling troubled by the thought of returning to isolation.
"Sometimes fate has other plans even for those undeserving of fondness." Celtra commented, causing Gerda to glance up at her with confusion when she noticed the small smirk on Celtra's lips.
Gerda didn't respond but pondered over why Celtra at times made such statements. Why did she put effort into Gerda's appearance? What was the point of her wearing this dress and having her hair fixed in a way that brought out her features? Perhaps she had a hidden motive of her own and Gerda was simply a pawn in her plan.
Gerda was about to search for answers but the sudden change in the crowd stopped her. The chatter turned into voices of excitement when the sound of the large doors opening grabbed Gerda's attention. She quickly became wary almost sensing the ominous presence behind them.
She squinted her eyes in an attempt to make out the two shadowed figures at the entrance of the doors. Both figures had horns and a set of wings on them which meant they were dark fey. One specific figure looked familiar with its massive wings and long pointy horns that twisted upwards. The doors closed behind them revealing Borra and a ravishing woman who was most certainly Maleficent. They both stood proud next to each other at the top of the stairs overlooking the hall.
Gerda felt her heart speed up as she gazed up at the two unyielding creatures that both hated her equally. The sight of Borra brought back horrific memories of the times he snapped her bones and held her by the throat midair with the intent of dropping her to her death.
He now looked very much like a notable, confident ruler as he stared down at the crowd with a look of superiority. He undeniably grew into the role of being a leader. She paled at the thought of what he will do once he laid eyes on her.
Gerda found herself terrified at the possibility of being in his presence once again. The whole hall appeared swooned over the pair; especially over Maleficent who resembled a goddess with her unearthly beauty and hypnotizing smile. Her long black hair was almost like fine silk as it traveled down her perfect thin form. Despite her sharp features, she was capable of bringing any man to their knees both fey and human.
They then interlocked their arms and walked down the stairs creating more voices of excitement from the crowd. Gerda couldn't pull her eyes away from them as they both made their way through the now clear path before them. Her attention was drawn onto Borra as he proudly walked beside Maleficent.
As odd as it sounds, Gerda didn't find his appearance as repulsive like she once did when she first met him. She had grown use to his kind and their looks. Despite her newfound perspective on his appearance she was absolutely terrified of him.
"They look very fitting together, I'm surprised they're not yet a mated pair." Celtra lightly whispered to Gerda.
Gerda then turned to Celtra with a baffled expression as several questions ran through her mind. They certainly did look ideal together so it was a surprise that they weren't properly mated yet. Their ways were so different in contrast to humans. Usually those of high born status were arranged to be married.
"They aren't a mated pair? I was under the impression for some time that he had taken a mate since he is a leader." Gerda said feeling surprised that Borra had no mate despite his position of being a leader to his people.
"Maleficent is a woman who can't be tamed. Rumor has it that Borra offered to have her as his mate to help lead his people beside him but she denied such an offer. She is a true queen of her own. Though it is said she had been spotted on several occasions visiting his castle and spending the night in his chambers." Celtra informed as her eyes followed them.
Gerda felt her cheeks blush, comprehending what Celtra meant when she said Maleficent stood many nights in Borra's chambers. Such a thought was something she felt uncomfortable knowing, especially since she was not experienced in that particular subject.
She quickly shifted her repugnant thoughts towards the news of his castle. Gerda always thought his kind were not advanced enough to build large structures. Evidently she was wrong judging by the construction and features of this place.
Her thoughts were paused when she noticed the menacing pair now standing on the raised platform with several other winged fey behind them. Gerda supposed they all held a position of power within Borra's circle. The room soon grew silent when Borra raised his hand and stared at the crowd with hard eyes.
"We are all here today to celebrate a new brighter future for our people. Our union between the humans grows stronger and we have been making progress with trade and developments in our kingdom. As you can clearly see around you, we are slowly but surely thriving as we find new methods to build and protect our lands." Borra said, gesturing to the windows and ceiling, earning a round of proud chants from the crowd.
"Despite it all I believe it's time we show our appreciation to the one who was behind it all. Without her help our people would still be living in fear and hiding in the shadows. We would be hunted down and perhaps driven into extinction by those who hated our very existence." Borra continued causing Gerda to feel somewhat self-conscious knowing she was part of those who hunted his kind down.
"With the help of Maleficent, this entire kingdom has prospered and our people thrive in freedom." Borra said nodding his head towards Maleficent.
The whole room was then filled with roars of cheers making Gerda feel misplaced. She glanced around her, noticing how much his people actually admired and glorified him. While the rest of the room was standing and praising him on, Gerda decided it would be best if she remained nonexistent and attempt to avoid catching attention. The room once again calmed down when Borra proceeded to speak again.
"Not only are we here to show our appreciation but we are also here to celebrate the birth of Queen Aurora's son. We will gladly welcome her son as one of our own and look forward to the bright future he will have." Borra said finishing off his speech as the crowds chants grew.
The platform then lowered itself onto the ground before disappearing beneath them into the marble floor. A large table formed in front of them supported with vines and pastel flowers caressing it. Small fairies brought out chairs for them to sit while others brought forth an abundance of food and drinks.
Music soon filled the room while fairies fluttered around carrying trays with drinks and appetizers. Gerda had no idea what to do with herself other than stand with her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She felt uncomfortable wondering if it would be best to to avoid any type of contact.
"I suppose now would be a good time for me to congratulate Maleficent on her wonderful news. This opens an opportunity for Borra to strengthen our kingdom now that Aurora successfully produced an heir with the prince." Celtra said with a bright smile on her face.
"I-I assume it would be but is it possible for me to wait here? I doubt my presence will be welcoming to...them." Gerda explained with her body already unsteady at the thought.
"I don't think that would be a good idea. Many of my people recognize you and I wouldn't want a repeat of what happened the last time you were left alone. Borra would surely be furious if I were to leave you unattended again." Celtra said with a frown.
"I understand." Gerda replied in a tight voice.
"Come, before the crowd grows thicker, there's already a line forming to greet them." Celtra insisted as she grabbed Gerda's wrist and maneuvered through the crowd of celebrating fey.
Gerda's body felt like ice as they made their way to the main section of the hall. It had been a while since she been around others and she was at her peak. She felt as if the room was closing in around her and breathing soon became impossible. Just as they reached the very end of the table she tried to focus on calming her rattled nerves. She lightly inhaled and exhaled while they patiently waited their turn greeting each member of Borra's circle.