A Cold Summer, A Warm Winter [darkangel76 x Chammy]

[Chamorus the Cat]

She traveled through a rainbow, light and color scintillating and flowing around her as she felt herself pulled by a bright light. At first, it was too difficult to see, spots blurring her vision. The first step onto solid ground was a stumble. As her vision cleared, it was obvious that she was no longer in a realm she belonged; the sky was divided like a compass. Two quadrants of a a comforting, crisp blue; a quadrant the sapphire color of the Summer sky; and a quadrant the dreary gray of the Winter sky. In each slice of the sky sat its own sun. She couldn't tell herself why, but the woman knew that it was morning still, that the four stars would converge - directly overhead - at midday.

As overwhelming as the sky was, the outlandish people were even more startling. Each was a head taller than your average human male, wearing helms shaped in the likeness of a dragon's head and face. Each was adorned with a peacock's share of feathers that dragged along the stone; as flimsy as they looked, she could sometimes here the scrape of metal on rock as they moved. She'd even seen the blacksmith of her town cut to ribbons with a whip of the outlanders' strange headdress. Each carried a strange sort of mancatcher, a polearm meant to trap and guide cattle in her world. Here, she was the cattle being forced about.

She was pushed towards a building, a tall tower, away from the slit that parted her world from this one. She was one of many that were driven towards the pearl tower. One of the beings was there upon a dais. Despite the way he was outnumbered, he stood proudly atop the herd of humanity, his golden armor shimmering in the light that was amplified through the crystal windows. He did not wear the alien helm of the others; his was a crown and headdress of white gold and fur that trailed down to his calves. He yelled a word, but somehow, every person in the room understood, despite their differing nationalities. Just two syllables but an entire idea formed in their collective minds at the utterance of that ancestral word. "Silence, cattle! You are but sow waiting for the plate, lest we deem otherwise!"

This, of course, caused an outcry. The elven creature slammed the staff he wielded into the dais and an arc of electrical current ran through the masses, sending each and every one of the humans to their knees, painfully.

The woman was beginning to understand, now. Captured in the night! Stolen away! Possibly to be eaten by the tall humanoids! She had crossed over to the Faerie Realm!

 

[darkangel76]

The trip had been quick, a mere blur in time as she'd passed from her own world into this strange one where the inhabitants were ominously beautiful. She felt the otherworldly push driving her forward to a fate unknown, a fate that seemed to rest in the hands of these strange people. Their faces were almost angelic, chiseled beauty as they stared cold and hard at her and those about her as they swarmed en masse in what seemed to be a prison. She heard the one standing above in all his glory shout down as he caused an arc of electricity to sweep over them all. Without being able to resist, her knees buckled and wobbled, giving way until she fell to the ground with a hard thud.

"Ooof," she groaned, her hands extending outward to recover and regain balance. On all fours, she looked up through a cascade of brown waves that had fallen in front of her face and over her shoulders. Oh, that face, that haughty, angelic face. He was smiling down at them all as they knelt and groveled before them.

She twisted her head, peering out at the others like herself. They were all on the ground—some crying, some hyperventilating. The sight was surreal as her own panic began to set in, the reality that she was no longer home and probably never would be again. Just what did these beings want? These Elven-like beings of old? If they were the creatures of Faerie stories then... where was their sense of chivalry and duty? Oh, the stories had all been wrong! So very wrong indeed!

Peering up at the abnormal sky, she felt her tummy twist into knots, bile rising as her mouth suddenly tasted of metal. Dry heaving, she doubled over, salty tears flowing from dark eyes.

~~~

Meanwhile where the sky was still blue and the sun shone a golden yellow, Caelyn sat next to a babbling brook. Her bared feet flirted with the cool water as it ran over them while she absently threw pebbles as the cresting waves. Smiling, she let out a soft sigh and finally laid back against the cool, green grass of the bank, taking in the lush scents of the air. It was the perfect summer day, much like they all were within the Faerie Realm. As she slowly exhaled, she perked up suddenly realizing that more humans had come through the portal, had entered the realm.

Caelyn's heart wept for the poor creatures, so helpless upon their arrival. Some of the Fae could be so cruel. Biting down on her lip, she sat up and brought her knees to her chest and finally stood up. Smoothing out the filmy white of her skirt, she began to walk to where she could view the Towers, her blonde curls flowing behind her as she did, her thoughts swirling, pondering whether she dare go and comfort the poor creatures who'd entered such a strange place.

 

[Chamorus the Cat]

Caelyn only had to offer a thought when she stood at the base of the tower. Two pair of wings, made of nothing more than a fae energy, lifted her to the landing where the other fae were bidding on the new human slaves. A stocky male, stripped of every scrap of garment, went to an eager looking countess of the Fall Court. An underling took the male by a silver chain; the stupid look on his face signaled a complete inability to fight back, as soon as the loop went around his neck. He plodded after the Fall servant, away from the building to wherever he would be stored for a time.

The was a voice, startlingly close to Caelyn; the man dressed in flowing black robes had just appeared next to her. "Countess Caelyn, isn't it?" He was nearly a head taller than Caelyn, his face the same ageless face of the nigh-immortal faery. Where others had a bit of color to them, he was nearly as pale as her dress. His eyes were a gray-blue. If ever it was obvious to anyone, he was a Winter Court count. Possibly even a prince. "As I understand it, you've been able to look at a slave and tell how... resolute they are. How hard they will be before they come to heel." Well, word certainly got around fast. "I was hoping you could do me the favor." His eyes roamed her body, possessively, before turning to the center of the room. Another human was lifted through the opening, a magic field placed underneath them to stand upon. If the human were to try and attack one of the fae, they simply dropped them back into the room below, atop their fellow humans. It usually decided things quickly.

"Next up for auction," the auctioneer began.

"The problem is, she must be... pretty. Not in the fae sense of reasoning, no. But attractive enough not to be an eyesore. And most absolutely, it must be female," he reiterated. How imposing of him; he hadn't even offered his name.

 

[darkangel76]

It was the first time Caelyn had ventured to the central isle, her blue eyes going wide at the sights they were beholding and drinking in. Often times in days long past, she'd wanted to go. But fear had always held her back. She could see the way the other Fae carried on and laughed and teased the poor human souls as they'd entered their Realm through the portal, dropping into a prison and facing a fate unknown. She'd heard rumors and whispers amongst the other Summer Fae of how the other faeries from the other seasonal realms could be—even some from her own beloved island, but they tended to keep quiet, to keep low and hidden from prying eyes—and it pained her to know such cruelties existed amongst her kind.

With damp eyes, Caelyn walked lightly along a path that led toward where the humans were being held for auction. She felt her heart twist as the reality of all those rumors past suddenly became true. So many humans being shoved and prodded, poked and mocked. The Elves were looking down upon them all with those beautiful faces, their grins full of menace and malice as they needlessly frightened them all. It was abhorrent what they were doing, mean, sadistic and cruel. Absently, she began to rub her arms as if staving off a sudden chill. Shivering slightly, her blue eye flitted down only to see goose bumps forming on her fair flesh.

Just then, Caelyn heard a silky voice, rich in its tones as it filled her ears. Going still, she felt a shudder traipse along her spine and slowly she turned around. As she did so, her mouth went dry. In vain, she darted out the tip of her tongue to moisten her full pink lips. Looking up at the source of the voice—a male faerie, clearly of the Winter Realm—she blinked and nodded. She found it difficult to hold his gaze, a strange knot forming in her tummy as her muscles tensed and tightened. Unsure of what to do, never having encountered a Winter Faerie and a bit unnerved that this one knew her name, she merely curtsied, her eyes shifting to look at the ground beneath her feet.

"Y-yes," Caelyn stammered, her voice soft and melodic. "I am." She bit down on her lower lip, teeth scraping flesh, as she continued to stare at the ground.

Caelyn rose back up, her head nodded slightly. She felt small in this Winter Faerie's shadow. 'Was that merely their way or just this one's?' she wondered to herself. Perhaps he knew this was her first time to the central isle and it was a means of initiation. Either way, she could feel her muscles continuing to tense, her body rigid as she stood there and listened. Finally, after he gave her his request, her nose crinkled and she could feel her heart grow heavier.

Daring to look up into the fierce eyes of this bold Winter Faerie, Caelyn felt her breath catch in her throat. He was scrutinizing her every movement, his eyes searching for... something, his eyes seeing what seemed to be everything. Swallowing hard, she again licked her lips and did her best to find her voice.

"Well," Caelyn began, her blue eyes darting to the side, catching sight of a pretty dark-haired girl who seemed terrified, in need of care and affection. "I suppose I can do you the favor," she offered, her heart pounding fast and hard. Tucking a blonde curl behind an ear, she turned to face the humans, her eyes focusing on the one dark-haired girl once more. "She needs care and attention," she spoke, though as she did, a part of her wondered if she was condemning the poor girl to a worse fate than being in the prison.

~~~

The dark-haired girl found herself slowly being pulled up from the ground, her body seemingly light as she lifted away. Whimpering, trembling, she feared for her future and suddenly felt the panic rise with more of a vengeance than before. As she was set down upon a sheet of energy, her senses reeling, her balance off, her dark eyes focused on everything about her and she saw the pretty blonde point in her direction. There was a tall, handsome, albeit rather pale man standing next to her. Rasping for breath, she wondered if one of them had done something, bid on her. From what she'd gathered the others were being 'purchased' by these beautiful people... though for what purpose, she wasn't sure. But from the look of the two, she hoped her future wouldn't be too grim.

 

[Chamorus the Cat]

"Care and attention?" he asked. It was almost as if she'd answered anything - except - the question he'd posed to her. His face was unreadable, as most nobles were, running his hand down a long beard. It reminded her of the ever-amorous satyr that called the Summer Realms home. Honestly, if there was something that could detract from the realm of her birth, it was the fact that there were enough rutting beastmen to make traveling far too... interesting... for a lone rider. "I wanted to know how strong she was. The will. Ego." He stared at the dark-haired human. "Hm... I suppose she has nice dugs, for such a lowly creature," he pondered aloud, a slim finger brushing along his lower lip. He raised his hand to bid on her.

"I'll trust your judgement," his voice purred. "Caelyn, if a gentleman were to court you, what family would he seek?" Ah, nobles. Filling the air with hot noise. All he wanted was her last name, that of her father, or that of her husband. Fae marriages were not the same as those the humans shared; no, adultery was fairly commonplace, especially when males used the affections of a woman to vex one another. Then, it was just a matter of time until the female grew bored or one of the males drew a sword. Sex, violence, and worse; how far the fae had fallen. But this prince seemed to revel in it. The smile he wore when he thought she wasn't looking.

She knew then that she'd doomed a mortal.

His hand raised again to counter-bid. There were a few other princes that seemed antagonistic towards our fair prince. They wished to annoy the Winter Court prince. Calm and collected, he never once let the others see a shred of suffering; he couldn't allow it. His hand slowly rose and fell, often rising at the last moment of the counter-bid. The war continued, until he had offered five-hundred of his house to join the ranks of the navy. Chaos had to be held at bay, and what a way to do so, idling away while sending others to their likely deaths. No one raised a hand. Even if the thought crossed Caelyn's mind, he seemed to lock her with an icy stare whenever she dared to counter his bids.

He won the bid. He stepped forward, turning sharply on a heel to face her. He bent at the waist in a bow, arm folding over his midsection. "My lady," he excused himself, eager to examine his prize in the dark of a holding cell.

~

It was a short walk to the cell. It was warmly lit, a crystal hanging from the ceiling, spinning slowly. The yellow-orange light was emanating from this warped diamond shard. Here, the human waited, until a black-robed faerie entered the room. The door closed, the green ivy knitting back together across the frames of the door. The pale elf grinned; it wasn't a very promising sight.

"Welcome, little one... We have much work to do..."

 

[darkangel76]

Caelyn suddenly felt warm, her skin heated as she looked up at the Winter Fae looming above. His shadowy gaze seemed to scrutinize her every detail, making her nervous as she stood there. Looking away, her blue eyes found those of the dark-eyed girl who'd been hoisted up for the bidding. She could see the fear etched in the lines of her pretty face. Oh how she hoped she was as strong as she appeared for she'd done her a great disservice. Only there was no way to right what had been done. Or... was there?

Biting down on her lower lip, Caelyn dared to look up into the Winter Fae's face, his fine features stark against the bright light of the sky. "Court me?" she mumbled, her face feeling warmer. Just then, she reached up and touched her face, her fingertips all but burning as they made contact with her flushed skin. "I..." she stammered. "I'm from the House of Conley," she then stated with a furrowed brow. Crinkling her nose, she felt her tummy tighten as an uneasy knot began to form.

Caelyn looked over to the dark-haired girl once again, a tiny gasp bubbling its way up as she watched the bidding begin. The Winter Fae seemed almost maliciously delighted in her choice and it only served to make her feel worse. Oh how naïve she was! She never should've come to the central isle! Glancing up at the sky, she wished she was back home in the Summer Realm, away from the chaos and the mayhem. Somehow, she had to set this right. Somehow she needed to make amends. As she listened to the bantering of bids, she knew what she needed to do. She needed to tend to these poor souls, to care for them since no one else would. It would be her new plight to look after them. She would visit them here on this central isle. Give them hope.

Just then, Caelyn snapped out of her small reverie, her blonde head turning to look at the Winter Fae standing so close. He'd won the girl she'd chosen and the fear she felt for her rose. She would right this wrong just like she'd right everything else. She would ask to visit the poor creature. Perhaps if this Winter Fae trusted her judgment in choosing her, surely he'd grant her the permission to request her company at least once, if not twice. It was the least she could do for the poor soul who'd unknowingly entered their realm and now ended up where she had.

Yes, Caelyn would see to that on the morrow. "Good day," she said softly, curtsying low as the Winter Fae excused himself. Once out of sight, she hurried back to her Summer Realm, her mind frantic as she busied herself to send word to the Elves of the central isle that she wished to visit the humans held captive there. Perhaps while there, she'd encounter the Winter Fae once again. If so, she'd make her request known. She could only hope he'd grant it.

~~~

The dark-haired girl waited in her cell, her heart pounding hard in her chest. Her skin was soaked with cold sweat as her nerves rose higher, threatening to swallow and consume. She felt sick, vile, like the world was about to end... or worse. Truly, things were not boding well. It was a gut feeling she couldn't shake since glancing over at the pale-faced man who'd locked eyes with her as he'd called out his bids. The grin on his face when all was said and done had said it all... that malevolence. There was nothing but hatred emanating from him, a blackness despite his fair features.

Just then, the door opened and a black robed faerie was escorted in by an Elf. The dark-haired girl swallowed hard, her mouth dry as she looked into his eyes. Oh yes, her world had been turned upside down, forever altered. As fear welled up inside her, she set her jaw, not wanting this being to see just how frightened she was.

 

[Chamorus the Cat]

The human had been stripped of her clothes and her nakedness was all the more felt now that he was in the room with her.

The winter fae began to take a leisurely stroll around the human. He placed a hand on the small of her back as he circled around her, letting his fingernails drag along the curvy dip between ribs and hips as he made his way to stand in front of her once again. His hand rested on her belly, then began to glide up her body, between her breasts; those long fingers danced over her collarbone and parted around her neck, so that his thumb held the opposite side of his fingers. He squeezed lightly, but not enough to choke. He dug his thumb into a pressure point beneath her jaw, using that to twist her about, to view her face from every angle. When her hair moved just so, he reached out to touch her exposed ear, pulling lightly on the lobe before tracing a finger along the helix; he seemed fascinated by the alien shape of it. To him, it would seem that it should be pointed; it was just more proof of how very lowly and animal-like humans had become.

His hand left her neck, fingernail trailing down the hollow of her throat; he placed a palm over breast and gave a testing squeeze. He moved his palm to the outside of the same breast, using his thumb to rub her nipple until the bud had tightened. His mask of uncaring broke, then. A sly smirk pulled his pale face apart, but it melted away slowly, like a spring thaw. Caelyn Conley was not the one standing before him and he nearly lashed out against the slave when he realized where his train of thought had taken him. He let go of emotion, slowly, willing it to dissipate once again, leaving him calm. His fingers continued their voyage, middle finger taking the lead of the expedition; his thumb rode through the dip of her navel as the hand moved between her legs. Any protest was silence as his free hand shot forward, lightning-quick, to grab her about the throat. This time, the squeeze was a fair bit tighter, just enough to slow her breathing, but it kept her mind occupied as he felt her, running his hands over her sex. Despite the pleasant feeling of his smooth fingers against her, it was not sexual; he was merely curious as to her condition. He pulled from her, sooner than she might expect.

His hand left her body and he made his circuit around to her backside. Fingers were now gliding from the curve between shoulder and neck, down her spine... The little dip at the very height of the cleavage where both buttocks came together. He gave a hidden smile; he'd touched her with the intent of raising gooseflesh and she hadn't disappointed. Both hands moved to touch those full hills of flesh, trailing down past them to the ticklish backs of her thighs. As the goosebumps rose even higher at that touch, he couldn't help but laugh. He pulled away from her and took three quick steps, turning on his heel to face her. He was wiping his hands on a handkerchief. "You're filthy..." he said, almost a growl.

"Hairy."

"Unkempt."

"Worst of all, uneducated." The way he said 'uneducated' made her think that he meant nothing like a boarding school...

His words were barbs and she couldn't, for the life of her, understand why they hurt so well. Each syllable in that alien-language (which she somehow understood perfectly) drove mental images into her mind of what she could be. Flawlessly milky skin, not a sag or wrinkle upon her, and her hair, beautiful with elven braiding. A drop of crimson. A taste of metal. But none of it made sense, coming into her consciousness so quickly that it was nearly painful.

Then something broke. He'd released her from the spell. She could move, she could speak, and she could think and feel for her own.

She suddenly felt, instead, a grogginess that quickly overwhelmed her. She stirred slightly during a bath, where they scrubbed her skin hard. She had the unfortunate luck to awake during what looked like a complex ritual; strips of guaze were held to her skin by some warm, alchemical regent, then yanked off, leaving pink skin behind. The same luck allowed her to pass out after only a few of those terrible seconds. She awoke to hands pulling on her hair as a pair of elven women worked a braided crown or circlet around her head, leaving much of her hair free to fall as it chose. When at last these sleeping spells had ended, she was lying down in a bed of silks. The room she was in rocked, tilting to and fro like an infant's bassinet.

On the deck of the Toralienellaron, a blackhawk-class elven ship, stood the Winter Court fae, staring out over the ocean, at the island in the distance that grew with every league they traveled. He re-read the missive that had arrived in the central isle; the fae maiden he had become so obsessed with had claimed herself as a champion of the humans. He couldn't help but laugh at the irony; below deck, he'd stolen away at least two-dozen of her wards.

~

When Caelyn of House Conley arrived at the expansive fields and manor of House Conley, it was but a day before a rider had caught up with her. The Autumn Court fae had presented Caelyn with a wrapped object. Unwrapping it, she'd find a thin longsword with a basket hilt, worked entirely with golden ithilmar and silver mithril, so that it was as light as a writing quill. Attached was a note, signed by a fae unknown to her or any of the fae she asked.

"To the Champion of the Lesser Races," it read.

Signed, Elethir of House Ryunne.

 

[darkangel76]

No matter how hard she tried, she was unable to move, her body frozen where she stood for any and all to judge and scrutinize. Her brown eyes widened in fear as the tall, pale Winter Fae approached, his shadow engulfing her lean and exposed body as his outstretched hand reached to touch her shivering flesh. A shudder ran along her spine as his nails dragged along her skin, goose bumps forming as a chill seeped into her bones. Cold... so cold. She longed for warmth, for the kiss of the sun's golden rays as his menacing eyes lingered and inspected.

There was a bitterness in those pools. She couldn't miss it as she dared to stare back. But it was impossible to hold his gaze and even less so as he grabbed her and prodded, forcing her head to lob from side to side as he further inspected her body. He probed and poked, leaving no crevice or fold overlooked. His touch was colder than any exam she'd received back home. Colder, more callous. There was almost a cruelness in the way his mouth twitched, his eyes glittered. It was... unnerving.

Swallowing hard, her dark eyes fluttered shut and she tried to remember her days back home—days that were simpler and far happier. But it was difficult to concentrate. She was unable to move and this pale being was touching her as if he owned her. Then again, in his eyes, he did. She couldn't contest that now that she was in his world. His hands fondled her fragile body, groping and manhandling her most intimate parts without any care or consideration to her feelings. It was clear her modesty and honor meant nothing and as tears pricked her eyes, he all but ignored it, moving along with his inspection as if nothing occurred at all.

As he neared the end of his inspection, his fingers began to dip lower along her body. She gasped slightly, but the sound was cut off as he pressed firmly against her throat. It wasn't hard, just enough to stifle the sound and cause her senses to go reeling. Her mind went murky with sensation as his fingers finished their inspection, arousing her just enough as he probed further. Her eyes watered and clamped shut and then it was over and all that remained were his words ringing in her ears and a groggy sensation that seemed to consume her entire body.

Blinking rapidly, she looked up at the Winter Fae, her thoughts suddenly those of confusion. What had just happened? What had he just done? And why was she suddenly understanding things she hadn't before? Everything was suddenly a whirl of murky thought blurred together and she could barely recall how she'd ended up where she was, just that she was there. As she tried to make sense of everything, she was suddenly tugged away by grabbing hands of Elven women, clearly those meant to prepare her for the one who'd claimed her as his own. The room spun as she moved, making her knees wobble and buckle. It was as if the floor were being pulled from beneath her feet. And oh how her head hurt. Unable to resist, she moved with the women, knowing she had no choice but to comply, no choice but to face this new existence set before her.

Upon waking later, she found herself almost afraid to open her eyes. There was cool fabric beneath her hands as if something lush and luxurious was caressing her palms. Slowly, she opened her eyes, turning her head slightly only to see that she was lying on a bed layered with sheets of silk. Swallowing, she dared to sit up. Only it was difficult. The groggy sensations she'd felt earlier after those cold inspections had been nothing compared to how she was feeling right then. Now. Now she felt like there were daggers stabbing through her eyes and into her skull. A pain so sharp and searing she had to touch her forehead to help gain her bearings. She heaved a tiny sigh just then and twisted to let her legs dangle over the edge of the bed. Her feet were bare and, with great hesitation, she slid over the bed's edge and landed onto the floor with a gentle thud. She grabbed the edge of the bed for balance, her sheer gown like liquid as it flowed over her body as she stood there taking in the sight of the room she was in.

~~~

Caelyn walked out into the gardens of her home in the Summer Realm, the sky a blazing blue overhead as the puffy clouds wisped by and the birds chirped their happy songs. The day was beautiful, full of warmth and laughter. The golden rays of the sun kissed her skin as she meandered the paths that wound through the endless mazes of flowers, drinking in their delicious scents and taking in their rich and glorious colors. She paused a moment to admire the peonies, a particularly fragrant flower. Their aroma was intoxicating, making her smile as she let the scent fill her nostrils.

As Caelyn continued her stroll, she could hear the thunderous stomp of horse hooves. Curious as to who might be calling upon her family's home, she left the gardens and headed for the fields surrounding them. She saw the rider approaching, he seemed to be carrying something that needed to be delivered and was surprised when it turned out that the parcel in hand was indeed meant for her. Biting down on her lower lip, she inspected the parcel, opening it with great care.

With delicate hands, Caelyn picked up the sword and looked at it quizzically. It was of fine make indeed and she wondered why someone would give her such a thing. She wasn't a fighter and had no idea how to wield such a weapon, though she could appreciate the craftsmanship of such a fine piece. Clearly much attention was paid when making this weapon. Though why someone would choose to give it to her as opposed to a worthy warrior? It made no sense. As she held it awkwardly in her hand, she then found the note that came along with the gift. Her blue eyes narrowed slightly as she read it, her lips mouthing the words over and over as she read it not once, but three times.

"Elethir?" Caelyn stated out loud. She crinkled her nose as her cheeks reddened. The name was unfamiliar, a complete unknown as she tried to figure out to whom it might belong. But as she tried to go over the various Houses her family was well acquainted with, she found that she was unable to recall the name. It was, in fact, unrecognizable. Feeling embarrassed, her cheeks reddened further, a sweeping heat tracing down the nape of her neck and across her bared chest. Looking up, then, at the rider, she gave him a nod and spoke, "You may tell Elethir of House Ryunne that I thank him for the gift." She curtsied out of respect and politeness, backing away after she did so.

Once standing upright, Caelyn felt herself wondering just who this Elethir might be. There were so many Fae her family had been acquainted with, though who might wish to send her something specifically? Perhaps her family had been speaking with Fae of other realms and they were merely reaching out. Turning her head, she glanced in the directions of the various islands, but her gaze lingered the longest on that of the Winter Realm. Its sky darkened with clouds of gray, a sun hidden from sight as the winds howled and the snow forever fell. A shiver ran along her spine as she stared, but the happy song of a bird broke her from the trance, bringing her back to the present. She looked down at the sword she held and pursed her lips.

"Well now," Caelyn whispered. "I suppose this means I ought to visit the humans tomorrow." Nodding, she set her jaw and turned on her heels, her mind made up that she'd go to the Center Isle the following day.