@batteredoptimist . 𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐈 𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑
Fish often spent many days alone when her father left to find sacrifices. He thought her too young to come along for now. Fish did not agree, but she knew arguing would lead nowhere. She just had to bid her time, and prove to her father she was old enough to accompany him.
So, she was always very careful to take good care of their little cabin when he was gone. She would clean it, cut wood for the hearth, and go foraging for food. Today was no exception, and she left the comfort and warmth of the fireplace to venture into the woods.
She did not fear the woods, nor did she fear the wild animals that sometimes roamed there. In fact, she worried more about the humans, the hunters and the like. She carried a knife because of them. A part of her did hope she would cross path with a hunter, so she could bring him to her father. This would surely prove her worth!
After a few hours, her basket was quite full with mushrooms, wild berries and plants, and she decided to go rest under a willow tree before returning home. At first, she did not even notice the silhouette standing near, too busy rummaging through her basket to find a few berries to eat. When finally she saw there was someone there, she jolted.
“Oh,” stammered Fish, “sorry. I thought I was alone.”
Head tilted, she observed the other. At first, she had thought he was human, but he was not. First of all, he was naked, which was usually frowned upon in human communities. But most importantly, he had wings.
Her father had warned her of faes. As his daughter, they should not harm her, but faes were unpredictable and whimsical. Fish took a step back, frowning.


















