Into The Woods

[Aedon Durreah]

The moon was starting to slide down into the western sky and the valley nestled close to the mountain which surrounded the Freehold of Roses lay in blissful peace. Sitting on the roof Aedon breathed in deeply the fresh cool air, and listened to the sound a wolf calling to his mate.

Downstairs, Izznet rested after a long and emotionally charged evening. He knew well the effect his leaving would have on her, and had taken any steps he could to ease the sting, and leave her feeling a bit more secure.

He had spent the better part of the day getting his business in order, and seeing to it that any supplies needed in the Rest or the Bath House were purchased and placed in the cabinets. His last order of business was the standing harp Hun’ep had requested. Having searched Luna and other vendors known to him, he had given up, and headed back to Aegis.

As he passed the first buildings near the gate, he thought he could see a blur of movement, and then became keenly aware he was being followed. Reaching the Rest, he headed upstairs and inside. It was then that James popped out with his usual cheery aspect.

The pooka had been making the rounds that night. From chasing demons outside Wind, to Skara, The Rangers outpost and then returning to Yew he told quite a tale of his evening. Aedon was glad for the diversion from his work, and setting his work aside, turned to chat with James.

He told James of his tasks for the day and that the one thing he still needed he could not find. The moment he told James about the harp, he asked Aedon if he wanted him to get him one. He hardly had a chance to get a cheery “Yes please” out when James vanished in a haze of pooka dust only to return minutes later carrying in his hands a fine standing harp. Thanking him profusely, Aedon picked up the harp, bid James a good night, and headed to the Bath House.

Going to the top floor of the building, Aedon knocked once, and then entered. He found a good spot for the harp, and set it up, pulling a chair up to it. As he headed out and back towards the Tavern, he smiled to himself imagining the smile on Hun’ep’s face when she found his gift. His work done, he took the path to Aerlinnbar to spend a pleasant night in his bed before facing the road ahead.

They sat together in front of the fire, with her head soft on his shoulder and one hand resting lightly on his chest. He spoke lightly of all he had done that day, and listened as she recounted what she had done while he was in Aegis. The lanterns in the room were turned down low, and as night moved in the shadows on the wall deepened.

They sat for hours speaking in the soft whispers lovers so often resort to when time is short and one moment must do instead of hours. He could hear her heart beating against him as she leaned in closer sensing that the moments were becoming few and dear. Reaching her hand up, she caressed his cheek and traced the curve of his jaw line. He smiled expecting at any time to be called Beard Boy and hear her laughter ringing in his ear. But no words were uttered, and the silence in the room spoke to the pain each would feel at any time spent separated.

Looking down, he lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes before leaning down, kissing her softly. Resting his forehead against hers he vowed he would be away from her side no longer than what was needed to bring some measure of peace back into his mind. Nodding slowly she told him she just wanted what was best for him.

Taking her hand, he led her towards the bed, and lay down next to her. Turning to face her, he pulled her in close to him laughing as she crashed against him with a resounding thud. Smiling, he kissed her good night, and closed his eyes hearing her lean in and whisper, “I love you Chev.”

He tried to sleep, knowing well that there may be several nights to come when sleep would be a hard commodity to find. He did not wish to leave the bed, and thought that in better times he could be content to spend the rest of his days in peace in Aerlinnbar. But dark visions moved into his thoughts, and kept him from sleep. Slipping out of the bed he headed to the roof, and sat on the wooden bench before the soft fire that ever burned there.

He longed for the peace of the Freehold. To feel fully the warmth of the balefire and feel the thrum which accompanied the living flame. But he dare not live any closer than he did. This fire could propose a true danger to Izznet. And though there was a place for him within Grey Manor, he could not bring himself to spend this night apart for Izzy.

Heading back downstairs, Aedon slipped back between the sheets. He smiled as Izzy immediately rolled towards him, and snuggled against him. Brushing her hair softly off her face, Aedon rested his head on hers and closed his eyes.

Shadows danced across his mind. Darting figures in a deep green wood trailing laugher that seemed to beckon him forward. Moving lightly and trying to keep his eyes focused on the road Aedon moved further into Faerie. He knew that to lose the path could result in his becoming hopelessly lost with little chance of finding the way back.

James had warned him not to listen to the fairies within the woods. Most of them are quite mad. But there was magic in the songs they sang, and music in their laughter. Aedon just wanted to catch sight of them and see for himself what sort of fae could make such wonderful sounds. Just a few steps more would do he thought. Stretching out a bit, he looked down the tree lined lanes and saw only the sun cascading through the canopy. He was trying to get a view around this one bush which seemed to block a part of the path when he lost his footing, and tumbled down a hill, landing in a deep grassy gully.

Standing up, Aedon laughed and brushed himself off. Climbing back up the hill he looked around for the road, but it was no place to be seen. He could not have fallen that far, he thought. The road had been close at hand as he looked first down the lane. But all signs of the road were gone, the trees around him seemed far different than the ones he had stood near, and the joyous fairy songs turned slowly to laughter.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

Through the forest have I gone.
But Athenian found I none,
On whose eyes I might approve
This flower’s force in stirring love.

Night and silence!
Who is here?
Weeds of Athens he doth wear.
This is he, my master said,
Despisèd the Athenian maid.


Setting his book aside Aedon rubbed his eyes and looked around the spot in which he had made his camp. All around, trees gathered in close and at times it seemed as though they were leaning in, trying to read over his shoulder.

There brush was alive with sound, and as he sat straining his ears he could swear that he could even hear the caterpillars as the crawled through the leaf litter. Above him, the tree limbs played host to a multitude of shinning eyes which from time to time moved in closer, only to retreat further up a branch when Aedon lifted a lantern to see what the eyes belonged to. The night passed slowly, and he got little in the way of sleep. Each time his eyes closed for a moment he was suddenly aware of dozens of creatures standing around where he lay.

Dawn came, and with it Aedon had new hope that he might find the foot path, and either continue his journey, or turn towards where he assumed home might lie. Stowing his gear into his backpack, he hefted it on his shoulders, and started moving once more in the direction he last saw the road in.

Minutes turned to hours, and still there was no sign of the path. Frustrated, Aedon stood still on the grass looking all around him for some sign of what he sought. As he did, he started to hum a little walking song Sage had taught him. To his surprise, he heard the tune whistled back at him for a rather large bush that seemed to suddenly have blocked his path. Looking at it closely he said aloud;


“That is funny; I do not recall that bush being there.” It was then that the bush answered.

“That’s because I just got here!”


Stunned for a moment, Aedon took one step backwards and said.


“I must be asleep; bushes do not talk even in a fairy wood.”


“Of course they don’t” the bush reply. “That would be utterly ridiculous!”


It was at this point that a small rabbit hopped out from beneath the bush and looked up studying Aedon carefully.

“I take it you’re not from around here and judging by the smell of you I would say you are human adjacent.” The rabbit said as he sniffed the air.

“Um no, I am not of the forest, but I have many friends that frequent these woods. In fact it was James who suggested that I take a”

“Well why didn’t you say so in the first place?” the rabbit interrupted. "We’ve been expecting you, and you are quite late already. Have any carrots in that bag, or even whisky?” The creature asked.

Stunned silent by the rabbit seeming to have been expecting him, Aedon rooted around in his pouch, and pulling out a bottle of whiskey, opened and handed it down to him.
Taking the bottle, the small rabbit held it in furry paws, and tilting it up, took a long, deep drink of the spirits. Setting the bottle down, it looked up to Aedon and cocking his head to the side, continued to talk.

“Why are you in the deep woods, don’t you listen to proper warnings?”

“Of course I do, but I took a tumble and when I got back up, the path seemed to have vanished.”

“What did what would you think it would do if you took your eyes off it? Don’t you have foot paths where you’re from?”

“Well yes we do.”

“Well then,” said the rabbit. “You took your eyes off the foot path, and it walked away. If you didn’t want to chance that you should have taken the road. But then again I see you have no horse, so maybe you should take the walk or even the stroll. Some people take the run, but they are mighty tired at the end. No, I think the stroll would suit you best.”

Blinking a few times, Aedon watched as the rabbit took another deep drink of whiskey. He was reminded more than a bit of James and came close to laughing as he watches the small creature enjoying the large bottle of strong brew in his hands um paws.

“So tell me um.. I am sorry, I did not catch you name.” Aedon said smiling.

“That’s because I never threw it. Though, I am not so sure that if I did throw my name, you would be able to catch it at all. Some names are sort of pointy and hard to hold. Some names even slip between your fingers and slide around on the floor getting all dirty and covered in grass. But if you need to know, I am Hairy.” The rabbit said nodding his head. “And I came looking for you as soon as I heard you were lost.”

“Wait, how did you hear I was lost?” Aedon asked

“Shhhhhh,” Said the rabbit leaning in. "The breeze whispers and the brooks babble. You just can’t keep any secrets here. But I am here, and will take you to my village. I won’t tell the others you turned your back on the foot path, hate to see them all laughing at you seeing that you are sort of human.”

“Um, thank you, I think. "Aedon replied.

“So, what do they call you in your village?”

“Aedon, I am Aedon.”

“I don’t much like that name; I think I’ll call your Patch.” Hairy replied.

Picking up his pack, Aedon nodded at the rabbit saying;

“Lead on Hairy.”

Taking one last look behind him in the hope of spotting the errant foot path, Aedon sighed a bit, and followed the small pooka deeper into the forest.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

The trip through the woods following Hairy seemed confusing at best. Many times he would backtrack and refuse to admit they were moving in circles even after they crossed their own tracks several times. He would turn right at one tree, count 20 paces forward and then turn around counting the same number of steps back. Each time he smiled and announced triumphantly that they were getting closer.

After they had been wandering for several hours, they came to a large rock that Aedon clearly recalled resting against two hours back. Hairy told him that all rocks look alike and that he should get some rest and something to eat before the final leg of their trip.

Resting against the all too familiar rock, Aedon watched as Hairy skillfully made a nice fire, and put a kettle on to boil. He was about to ask where the kettle had come from when he noticed that Hairy had a small table laid out in front of him with a linen cloth, tea cups, sugar and creamer and an assortment of sweet rolls. Hunger quickly pushed curiosity from his mind as he moved closer, and watched as the young pooka poured tea into the cups. Handing a cup to Aedon, Hairy sat down and picked a treat from the platter.

“This is the trickiest part of the trip coming up Patch. You need to be sure you stay close to me or you may fall into the awesome pit of wicked dreams.”

Munching on a cinnamon roll Aedon looked at the rabbit saying;

“What makes the pit so awesome?”

Spitting out the roll he was munching on Hairy laughed aloud.

“Boy oh boy, you are as green as they come. I am beginning to wonder why I was sent to fetch you. You know so little of the world if you don’t know what makes an awesome pit awesome. "

“Well then, let us assume I do not know. Could you just tell me and be done with it?”

Sighing, the bunny turned towards him with a serious look on his face.

“The awesome pit is full of awesome. And that makes it awesome. Got it now Patch?”

Not wishing to be chastised again by the exasperated pooka, Aedon simply nodded saying.

“Oh, I see now.”

Finishing their snack, and having rested till close to the gloaming, Aedon watched as Hairy carefully emptied and polished the tea cups, pot and platters before putting them into a cloth bag and hurling them at a tree. He had seen many of the odd things James did in his time knowing him, but Hairy was a different matter altogether. Satisfied with the job he had done with the clean up, Hairy turned to Aedon and cautioned him again to stay close.

The sun was nowhere in sight, and the moon was just beginning to peek through the clouds when they reached the same large tree they had now passed close to fifteen times. Looking the tree over carefully, Hairy turned around saying;

“Okay, this is the final path. Try to keep up with me.”

They then proceeded to run around the tree with Aedon doing his best to keep pace with the racing rabbit. He was just about to yell out that they were again going in circles when Hairy stopped and announced they had arrived. Looking ahead of him, Aedon was shocked to see a small village only three yards away from them.

It was a rather pleasant looking place. The houses, some small some large were painted in vibrant colors, and myriad lights twinkled through the glass window panes. The center of the town was taken up by a rather large tree, with a tall door, and round windows. Before the tree there was a fire burning and next to that sat a tall Elvin looking woman. As he looked closer at her Aedon noticed she also had long ears and a fluffy tail which stuck out through her billowing skirts.

“Come along Patch, she’s been waiting long now and may not be too happy. Be sure to tell her you got us lost and had us going in circles.” Hairy said with an emphatic nod.

By this point Aedon was too tired and too confused to argue another point. So gripping the straps of his pack, he followed Hairy into the village.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

Aedon was surprised at the amount of attention his arrival in the village stirred up. From many of the doorways fae waved to him yelling out a friendly welcome. From behind rocks and from the branches of trees the faces of young pooka looked down on him and smiled. In many ways it was almost as though he were returning home after a long time away. As he approached the center of town, the woman near the fire stood and coming towards extended her hands to him. Without thinking out his moves, Aedon placed his hands in hers, and bowed his head in respect.

“Hail wanderer, it is good to see you at least you know how to show respect still.” The woman said as she bent low placing her forehead against his.

The greeting seemed odd to him at first, but then again most of what he had experienced entering Faerie had seemed a bit strange. The female noticed his confusion, and standing back a bit, still holding both his hands, she smiled saying.

“Welcome to Pondia Aedon of Aegis. I am sure your mind is filled with the questions. Ask them, and I will answer as I can.”

“Well first off,” he began; “Why do you call your village Pondia when there is clearly no water close by?”

“Oh Aedon, you are still seeing things with your eyes. Look around again and do not just see the area, feel it.”

Releasing her hands, Aedon turned facing away from the fire and closing his eyes, tried to visualize the area. He could hear the breeze rustling through the trees, smell the fragrance of the many flowers which grew wild in the forest and yes, he could hear the sound of water gently lapping against the shores. Opening his eyes slowly he looked out in front of him and saw a pleasant pond, surrounded by bushes and small colorful cabanas. From the shallowest part of the water, small creatures waved and called to him. Under a rather large umbrella, a rather old and tall rabbit was selling drinks of all kind as he danced to music which seemed to float in from nowhere. Turning back to the female he smiled saying;

“That is amazing, and you say it has been there all along?”

“Yes young one, you just needed to see it there. Remember that the eyes can deceive you, but the heart perceives the true nature of things. If only all could see past their sight, things would be a lot nicer in the world.”

Nodding slowly Aedon looked again at the pond and then scanned the village as a whole. Turning back to look at the lady he asked.

“I am sorry, seems I have forgotten my manners. I do not think we have been properly introduced. I am:”

“You are Aedon, as I said before." the female said finishing his sentence. "And as for me, call me Mom, everyone does. And by the way, how about Figol - Is that young scamp still causing mischief all over creation?”

“Wait, you know Figol?

“Of course I do, he used to spend a great amount of time here, although it has been many lives of men since we have seen him. I think the last time was when you were just a small bunny barely out of diapers. “

“So I have been here before?” Aedon asked.

Mom looked at him and gave him a small knowing smile;

“Of course you have. As a matter of fact, you lived with me for a time while undergoing training for the bad habit of yours.”

“I had a bad habit?”

“Yes Aedon. It would seem that for all his knowledge, Figol could not deal with the fact that his creation was a bit of a fire starter. Several labs burned to the ground before he caught on that you were doing the deed. Oh what a laugh we had at that. Well I suppose it was mostly me laughing and him seething, but either way, he brought you to me to learn some control”

“But Figol is a Grand Magus, why would he bring me to you for lessons?”

“Because my lad, Figol is a mage and I am a pyromancer. When you want potions and tricks, see a mage, for all things fire, look up your friendly pyromancer.”Smiling she looked down at Aedon before continuing.

“You were a terror at first; even my eldest seemed tame next to you. But in time you learned to master the flame rather than being a slave to your instincts. It was I that suggested that Figol name you Aedon by the way, seeing your love of all things fire. He wanted to name you Percival. Well anyways, you learned to manipulate the fire, and channel it through you when needed. And more importantly to me, you learned to laugh and have fun. You seemed at times more a dire old man than a child with the world at his fingertips. And once your training was complete, Figol whisked you away, and we have been awaiting your return every since. Even sat my Hairy to watch for you, and I hope he led you here by proper paths.” She said looking towards the young pooka.”

“Yes mom, I did it just the way you told me to. But he was a bit of a slow coach at times.”

Nodding her approval to her young one, Mom again turned her eyes on Aedon.

“And now that you are back, I can see that you have come not a moment too soon. I sense a dying of the spark that drives you and you seem more closed to things outside the normal realm of existence.”

Watching Aedon for a moment Mom called Hairy to her side and sent him to the kitchen to ask if the evening’s meal was about done. Then turning back to Aedon said;

“All this can wait lad, I can see that you are weary and in need of food, drink and a bit of undisturbed sleep. The first two I can give you, as to the last, I will do my best to keep my brood a bit quieter.”

 

[Izznet H'unar]

Lounging in the bed they shared the wave of peace once again flooded through her. His sleeping form lying in her lap softly breathing moved her heart to song. A great damage had been done, yet his body responded to the healing powers around him, for that she was deeply thankful.

She stroked his hair and face humming a soft melody into the darkness. Letting her eyes shift to crimson she looked at the power surging through him. The BaleFire was doing its job masterfully bringing his body to health. The gift he had given her by returning with desire and passion had been more than she could hope possible.

Leaning her head against the headboard her mind began to wander to recent events. The fact his desire was to travel into Fairie was troubling, yet she knew was deeply important. Were she to have her choice between him being whole and happy or be with her, even as it pained to admit, she wanted him whole.

Humming a soft melody of her own making, Izznet stopped suddenly as a chill ran down her spine. The thought that invaded her mind was that of the BaleFire itself. She had not left Aedon’s side in days, and in truth had been so distracted by his slumber she forgot other things in the world.

Traveling into Aegis she was keenly aware of her weakness. Her mind was made up, she needed to entreat that which burned. Traveling as close to the fire in Aegis as she dared, she knelt.

“BaleFire, I know you hear and understand me. I entreat you, if not for my sake, the heart of one who holds you dear. Return to him the quiet his mind so desperately seeks. The voices of those who have long sought to sway and use him wrestle within him.

I know you hold no love for me, but my heart beats for one who holds you higher than life. If you wish a sacrifice be made, let it be taken from me and offered to him. Make him whole in mind and spirit.”

Opening her eyes she noticed soft tendrils twining around her legs. The BaleFire burned at her skin showing its displeasure in her nature. But she was determined to show herself worthy of its acceptance if not approval.

“Please, BaleFire…”

Collapsing at the Fire’s edge she was at the mercy of the Fire’s temper. Her mind swarmed with images of being engulfed in a pure flame. The searing anger of the light took a grip on her heart threatening to crush her life in a single devastating breath.

Unable to speak all she could do was attempt at focusing a single thought. “Aedon” echoed in her heart and mind. She had no idea if he would know of her presence, or even care. All she could do was to lie on the ground and hope whatever forces had stirred her heart to travel to such a ridiculously dangerous act heard her and looked favorably on her.

Hours drummed by threatening to expose her to a day that could find her a shriveled pile of ash. Waking to a new sensation of burning she was thankful for the forethought of coverings. She was foolish, she knew, but she had at least one rational piece of thought.

“Well, you didn’t kill me outright. Maybe that is a good thing.” The hoarse whisper to the BaleFire seemed to be answered in laughter. “How you mock me.”

Dragging herself to sitting she moved to a backside of a tree away from the fire. The voices in her mind swarmed like flies. Digging her fingers into the dirt she hoped to be found by someone friendly.

“Soul Drinker, get up! You’re too close to the Pandemonium.”

“Aedon?” her hoarse whisper scratched at her throat as she tried to speak.

“No, Patch is not here.” The pooka named Hairy had found her. If not a friend, at least not an enemy... most likely.

The feeling of flight overwhelmed her making her head spin. Unconscious again all she could do was to float into oblivion. Her last thought was of Aedon.

“Please be alright,” she whispered into the stillness.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

When supper was ended, Mom asked Aedon to follow her and headed towards the entrance of the house in the tree which stood in the center of the village. Entering, he found himself standing in a rather large room. In fact far larger than the girth of the tree would seem to allow. The room was round, like a tree bole, and try as he might he could not see all the way to the far end. The walls were lined with torches which burned low in their sconces, and in the center of the room a large fire danced in a round hearth set level with the floor. Aedon had been in such a room before and knew in an instant that he was in the presence of a balefire.

Calling him to a spot close to the flame, Mom sat at a small carved table and poured them each a cup of tea. Picking up the cup, Aedon inhaled deeply the aroma as his thoughts took him back quickly to nights in the Freehold of Roses with Sage. Watching him, mom opened a box on the table, and handed him a cookie.

“Where are you right now Aedon?” she asked softly.

Lowering his cup until the brim was just below his nose he smiled saying.

“I am in a small corner in Grey Manor. There is a far burning warmly in the hearth, and Sage and I are talking and enjoying a cup of tea.”

“You miss the firebrand deeply I see.”

“Yes, she was one of my closest friends and my sanctuary in troubled times.”

“I see, and are there no others you can talk to?”

“There are, but most do not understand me as well as Sage did. She was special.”

“Ghille Dhu?”

“Yes Mom and she had moved into the winter of her years when last we sat together. And even in her gray time she was beautiful beyond measure, with a voice as soft as a spring breeze.”

“It was hard on you to see her go?”

“One of the hardest things I ever had to face. And though there were long talks and I understood the nature of her life, I was still not ready to lose her.”

“Tell me Aedon, did you really lose her?”

“Only her physical presence, but I have learned that though we no longer see someone dear to us, that still they watch us and try to guide our steps. I see her presence in the young she left behind and hear her voice in the rustling of the leaves. And in quiet times, I walk the paths of forest and hill where once we spent happier times.”

Nodding a bit, Mom reached for the pot and offered Aedon more tea. Accepting it, he sat back in his chair and turned his eyes to the balefire. He could feel the strength of the flame. It was older than many he had encountered before. And it had an aspect about it which spoke to time uncounted watching over the residents of Pondia. There was a reverence about this place that reached inside him, touching his soul. Without taking his eyes from the flame Aedon asked.

“Why am I here?”

“You don’t know yet young one?”

“I thought I did, but now I am beginning to wonder if this is not a trip I decided to make in haste, but a long planned out journey.”

“It is both. As I said, we have been awaiting your return. You see Aedon; you are connected to the flame in ways that a mere mortal cannot understand. And as all things which burn, if the fire is not kept stoked, it sputters and dies. Your fire has dimmed, and it was felt by all of us here. It resonates through the trees and ground of not only Aegis and the Rose, but reaches deep inside Faerie.”

“But how can this be? I mean you say I have been here before, though I do not recall. Why then would I plan a journey here and what did I come here hoping to find?”

“The why is simple: You live your life in the company of fae. Some you cannot even see keep watch always. And you have touched and been received by the balefire. In this way you have connected through to all of us, and we have been able to watch as you struggle to face your life. And did not eldest not suggest you come here himself?”

“James is your eldest?”

“James is what you call him, but yes, he is one of mine.”

“But James said that his mother was….”

“Did he call me insane?”

Aedon lowered his head and smiled softly at her question.

“To that I can only say that you have met my James, I am sure to him I do seem insane. But he is a good bunny and learned his craft well -Just as you did many, many years ago. Come and stand over here with me Aedon. I wish to see what you still remember.”

Standing aside from the table, mom placed her hands palms up and from her fingertips, a small ball of fire emerged, and rested on her palm. As she hummed to the flame, it grew in size until it was a rather large orb. This she sent dancing around the room, spinning and ducking about the legs of the table till it finally came to rest again in her palms. Offering the fireball to Aedon she said.

“Here, you try it now. Show me how well you can control its path around the room.”

Looking at her, Aedon gave a mildly confused look, but felt compelled to do as she asked. Turning his palms up, he allowed her to slide the fireball from her hands onto his. She watched carefully as he gazed into the burning orb, and then screaming in pain, let it drop to the floor and sputter out. Reaching out, she took his hands and looked at his palms.

“Aedon see here, there is no damage to your hands. The pain you felt is of the mind and not the body. It would seem that you have not come to us a moment too soon. There will be much to do, but if you are willing I will teach what you have lost.”

Aedon looked her in the eyes, and nodded slowly.

“Good, now palms up again, and this time we will start with a little less fire.”

 

[Aedon Durreah]

The Weeks that followed found Aedon hard at work. At Mom’s urging, he threw himself into the task of relearning much of the knowledge he had acquired in his early years. He spent hours in the balefire room working at controlling the flame as Hairy looked on and jeered. There were more than a few times when he wanted to throw a fireball at the young pooka’s head, but managed to control his temper, and focus on his lesson.

Evenings were spent in the library studying tome after tome on all things fire, or sitting around the hearth listening to the stories told by Mom, or one of the many children. Time seemed to hold no sway in Pondia, and it became hard to even recall how long he had been there or in fact, which day of the month or week it was.

Some days he would take long walks through the forest always under the watchful eyes of those who seemed to follow him everywhere. There was seldom anytime to think about or miss the life he had left back in Aegis. And many times Aedon saw that as more of a blessing than anything else. He enjoyed that they kept him busy all the time.

One of the older pooka children thought it would be good to teach Aedon to climb a tree. Taking him into the forest, and Aedon hopped out of the sight of the others, Ashley would urge Aedon to grab the lower branches of a tree and try to swing his self up. This he tried several times, and each time was a worse disaster than the one before. The last time he tried found him swinging his leg up and over the limb, and crashing back to the ground to the delight of the younger ones who were hiding under the nearby bushes.

There came an evening when Aedon was standing in the center of the room, sending fireballs dancing around the area, then bringing them back to encircle him when Mom started clapping from the dark corner in which she stood. Stunned to find he was being watched, Aedon turned towards her asking how long she had been there.

“Long enough to see that you are back to you are doing more than a little bit well. How do you feel about your progress Aedon?”

“I feel as though I still have much to do and to learn.”

“Do you really think you have not yet accomplished what you came here for?”

“I am still unsure of myself, and think that I need more time, more training.”

Moving in closer to him, Mom regarded the man standing before her for a moment. He could feel her gaze on him and it seemed that she was seeing deep inside his soul. Tilting her head to the side a bit, Mom asked;

“Aedon, what is it you fear to go back to? Do you not miss your life and your friends?”

“It is not that Mom, I do miss many of the folks back in my lands. I miss the paths of Yew, and the smell of the flowers along the paths to the Abbey. I miss James and Kanaye and Izzy.”

“Then why have you not already begun to think of the journey home?”

“I am not sure. Perhaps it is because there is a peace to this place that I cannot seem to find at home. Maybe I feel some part of what I am emanates from this place and I have a need to know more of who, and what I am.”

“Or perhaps you fear that you have not been missed and your friends and family have moved on?”

“Perhaps; But in all truth I cannot fault them for doing so. I have left them alone more than I have been there, even when I was there if that makes any sense.”

Smiling softly Mom came and stood in front of Aedon and took both his hands in hers. She studied his long, elegant fingers, and the felt the softness of his palms.

“These hands have been bathed in fire and yet remain soft and supple. You have been tempered in the forges of this cavern twice now, and each time I have been impressed at the drive you show to be more than you think you are. You may stay as long as you wish Aedon, but in time, you will have to face what drove you here.”

Releasing his hands, Mom turned and moved silently out of the room. Turning back to the balefire, Aedon spread his arms and summoned the flame. Tendrils of fire soft as velvet snaked from the hearth reaching out to encompass him fully. Laying his head back, he welcomed the balefire as a part of him, and smiling, reveled in the feel as the flames danced round his head.

 

[Izznet H'unar]

The night was exhausting. An event that was meant to be spent in fun and shared with Aedon twisted to hazy shades of gray missing his presence. She was thankful for the bit of a reprieve to take some icy treats, but it was far from sufficient to stave off the gnawing hunger.

It was not until returning home that the deeper effects of her vigil had cost. Climbing back into bed she was painfully aware of the fire that burned in the land. Was the flame her ‘friend’ or was it merely toying with her waiting to destroy her when her weakness surfaced?

“If you plan to kill me, just get it done with already.”

Her hoarse whisper into the pre-dawn light was desperate. Frantic to quench the burning anger of the flame she lay next to Aedon hoping to share it back to him. Soft tears escaped rolling down her face before she fell into a deep unconsciousness.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

I am losing track of the days I have been in this woods. I remember James warning me that there was madness inherent to Faerie and that if one game into the effect, they would be forever lost to the other world. I cannot say that what I have been feeling her is any sort of madness, but I do know that I find the urge to remain in Pondia overwhelming.

I arose this morning feeling better than I have in many years, and taking breakfast with some of my new friends, joined them in a run through the woods. It was only after we stopped to rest on a log that I realized I had neglected to put on shoes and a shirt, and that my hair was unkempt and blowing freely in the breeze. And I found that I was experiencing a freedom of the soul that I have longed for.

Mom has been patient with me since the day in the balefire chamber. But at times she appears to be regarding me as a grown up child who has come home on a holiday, and then refused to leave. The others here seem to enjoy my presence, and listen happily to my tales of live in Aegis and some of the towns and people of the other lands.

Hairy in particular has become rather attached to me, and most of his jokes and jabs have turned from sounding disdainful, to a more friendly and playful nature. We spend much time walking in the woods, or sitting near the fire talking. He has so many questions and most seem to center around James.

James it would appear is a bit of a hero to those of Pondia. A sort of local pooka makes good story. When my stories turn to some of his exploits, they lean in closer so as not to miss a word. And should I tell of him setting something on fire, a thunderous applause ensues. Hairy has taken to emulating many of the personality traits of James I have spoken of, and speaks of what he might say or do should he ever meet with the older Pooka.

It is comforting to be around Hairy, a bit of home if you will. But although he does in many facets remind me of James, I miss that fire starter quite a bit.

My quest seems to be at an end. And yet still I linger on in this place and make excuses each time I am asked if I am ready to return home. To be honest, though I do miss many in my life, and would give much to see them again. I am not altogether sure I wish to leave Pondia.

Mom speaks to me of duty and obligations. But do I not also have a duty to myself? She has said that tomorrow I must make my choice to stay here or return home. And that should I choose to remain, the way back will be forever shut to me. Hairy has remained close at my side this evening, and I know he is concerned by my discomfort.

I had a dream last night about Izzy. She sat alone in a barren land, her eyes fixed on the sky. There seemed a sadness about her which tore at my heart. As she sat there a fire seemed to start beneath her feet, rising up then surrounding her in flames. She made no call for help, did not seek to remove herself from danger. And I behind a veil was helpless to aid her and could only watch as the fire utterly consumed her.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

Morning came, and with a new day of fun and exploring on the horizon, Aedon forgot about making his decision. To him it seemed as though he had plenty of time to decide, and a lot more he wanted to see and experience. Summer was drawing towards its close, and the residents of Pondia had begun to gather apples, potatoes and pumpkins in preparation for the winter to come.

The woods around the village were awash in color, and as the leaves began to drift to the ground Aedon found paths long hidden by the overgrowth laid bare. He delighted in discovering where each new ride led, enjoying fully the secrets of the deep woods. And though her children were delighted to still have him with them, Mom took on a sterner stance and called Aedon to her side.

“Aedon, your time has come and gone and yet still you linger here. I feel it is now up to me to decide your fate since time is growing precious.”

Looking at her, Aedon shifted from one foot to another and did anything to keep from meeting her gaze. He knew that within her eyes he would see the one thing he had been doing his best to put off. It was time that he starts the Journey home. Looking up slowly, he allowed his gaze to meet hers he smiled saying;

“You are right. I have been putting this off for too long, but I enjoy being here among you all.”

“I understand that Aedon, but your heart tells me much. There is an odd beat to it, as though it were not one heart, but two. But one of the beats fades in strength, and a sorrow fills a part of you suppressed since your arrival in Pondia. If your heart is to be preserved as it is, then you must go today.”

Nodding slowly, Aedon took a look around the village. He longed to stay here through autumn and into Yule. But as he looked around, already the vision was dimming, as Aegis reached in to reclaim him.

“I will send my Hairy with you Aedon. He will see to it that you arrive safely at the borders of our lands. He seems quite taken with you and has a desire to visit the other side. And though still young, he will be an exceptional pooka, if given guidance.”

Calling to Hairy, Mom gave instructions for the journey, as she sent others to pack the provisions needed. The trip home would be more difficult seeing that Aedon had lingered so long in the woods.

“Hairy, you must see to it that he stays right behind you at all times. Do you understand the importance of that young one?”

“Yes Mom, if he doesn’t listen to what I say, he might fall into pandemonium and from there he won’t be coming back.”

“Correct, and Hairy, it is imperative that Aedon make it back. SO keep your eyes open and your ears perked up.”

“Gotcha Mom, you can count on me.”

Smiling at the young one Mom whispered.

“We shall see.”

The small pooka did not hear what was whispered; already he was rummaging through his pack making certain that he had all he needed for the long trip. Satisfied that he had everything he intended to bring, Hairy looked back to Mom.

“Oh yeah Mom, any message for James?”

Pausing for a moment, Mom considered her message then looking back to Hairy said.

“Hmmm let me see. Ah yes, tell him I said AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.”

A bit shocked by the sudden off scream coming from the rather proper Mom, Aedon turned and stared at her wide eyed. Looking at the startled man Mom winked saying;

“James will enjoy that.”

The entire village turned out to bid the tow farewell. With laughter and calls for them to come back again soon, Aedon, close behind Hairy left Pondia and took to the wooded path.

The trip back seemed more confusing than his arrival in Faerie had been. Hairy took more turns and there were several fifteen to twenty minute trips around one rock or a certain tall tree. The close of the first day found them sitting around a small fire enjoying tea and biscuits. Aedon was a bit amused as Hairy drew an invisible map from his pack and started to plot the next day’s walk. But he was accustomed to the oddity of pooka, and smiled as he looked on.

Night passed calmly and following a hurried breakfast, they loaded their packs on their backs and headed off again. Hairy had become a bit more anxious at this time, and kept urging Aedon to move at a faster pace, and pausing more often to sniff the air.

The trees around them became less friendly looking, and at times reached their roots to block their path or in an attempt to trip them. Hairy stayed on a true path in his mind, and by the end of the second day he stopped and turned to look towards Aedon.

“Now Patch, listen up and do what I say. I need to you to run at that tree in front of us as fast as you can. Don’t slow down, and don’t pause unless you want to be lost forever. You got it?”

“I think so patch, but that looks to be a really hard tree.”

“Yeah it is, but it will only hurt for a little while. Now, count to three and run, I will be right behind you.”

Shifting his pack higher on his back, Aedon took a look down at Hairy. Then focusing on the tree ran straight at it and met it with a resounding thud.

His head pounding, Aedon lay still and thought of the many ways he was going to kill that pooka. He was certain that Hairy’s little joke would leave a rather large bump on his head. As he lay there, he could hear a voice calling to him and smell coffee brewing somewhere close by.

“Patch, open your eyes now! Get up; don’t give in to the darkness, it’s a trap! Open your eyes you slow coach!”

As the yelling continued, Aedon could fir some rather hard slaps on his face and as his eyes fluttered open, he looked up and into the eyes of the smiling pooka.

He found that he was lying in a bed in an all too familiar room. He could smell not only the coffee, but the soft scent of lavender. Hairy by now was jumping up and down on his chest shouting.

“You did it Patch, we’re here, we made it.”

Smiling towards Hairy Aedon replied.

“Yes Hairy, we did it, though I dare say my head may never be the same. I think I need a bit of a nap.”

“Lazy bones,” Hairy said staring at him a moment. “Oh okay, I guess you do tire a lot faster than I do. You nap, I’m gonna go look for James.”

“You do that Hairy, I will be right here when you get back.”

 

[Aedon Durreah]

I am surprised at how quickly the vision of Faerie seems to be fading from my mind. It has only been a few hours since my return and already faces and events have grown hazy. If I concentrate I can still picture the balefire room and hear Mom’s voice as she gave instructions.

But the time spent running the woods with those I met in Pondia are veiled, and names and faces of those I shared so much time with have faded as a dream does upon waking.

There are only two things to remind me that any part of my trip really happened - The rather painful bump on my head, and the young pooka Hairy. I am not yet sure if his continued presence in Yew will be a blessing or a curse. But I am sure he will make life a bit more interesting.

Izzy seemed tired beyond measure when I saw her again. She said she had sat most of the time within our room. John said that a few times he took her place while she went out on her business. I know John understands her true nature, but it is not within him to bring it up to me or even hint at something being wrong with our relationship.

He has done a lot of work on the Rest while I was away. The library now has a proper room of its own, and the Tavern is again upstairs. I have always liked having it upstairs. The addition of a stable and workshop I know was more for John than the Tavern.

I was told that there is a Wine Garden opening in Yew this eve, but in truth I still do not feel up to socializing. I think a quiet evening at home will suit me better right now.

With my return, I find that I am feeling better than I thought I would. In time I hope to get back to my regular activities. But for now solitude is more what I need than anything else.

In time there will be people to talk to and matters set to rest. But matters of business and politics only serve to distract from the thing I am trying to hold onto a bit longer. I have yet to show Izzy what I learned in Pondia. That too will be for another night and time.