#day fae

An exiled Day Fae finds a lost child in a cave, and helps him out. Short, sweet, and warm! As always, I’d love to know what you think!

You can read my other Fae-bruary fics here

Night Fae’s Protection

Shrill wails echoed off the cavern walls, rousing Liùsaidh from her self inflicted exile. Wincing, she stretched the ache from her limbs and rose from the crevice she had been resting in. Even in the darkness of the cave tunnels her snowy white skin was luminous, sparkling and reflecting light like a diamond in the sunlight. The light wasn't much, certainly not as much as had been before, but more than she had expected to have. She hadn't been asleep for very long.

She followed the sounds of crying and sniffing until she found a small child, huddled below a narrow hole in the cavern ceiling that led to one of the many tunnels closer to the entrance. The child hadn't noticed her yet, and so  Liùsaidh observed quietly. Based on his clothes, she had been asleep at least century, but likely not more than that. Scratches and bruises covered his arms and legs – none bad enough to be of any true concern, but likely a large source of his crying.

“Young boy.”  Liùsaidh said evenly, hoping to not frighten him. Her voice was rough with disuse, sounding like glass slowly fracturing in the cold, and that alone was enough to give even a grown man a start.

Her hopes were dashed as the boy's face shot up, his features twisting in fear. Her golden hair was matted with neglect, her pure white eyes clouded with dust. She watched him take her in, could see his body tense and his breathing become shallow. Every fiber of his being was telling him to run from her, and with good reason.

This time will be different.

She raised her open hands for him to see she meant no harm, and smiled softly. Pain radiated in her cheeks at the motion, and she briefly wondered how long it had been since she smiled.

“I didn't mean to frighten you, little one. You seem to be in need of some help however.” Her voice smoothed as she spoke, sounding more like crystal wind chimes as it echoed around the small space.

“I fell” the boy pointed at the hole above.  Liùsaidh nodded.

“I can help you get out.”

“You're a fae,” the boy said harshly, pushing back from her. “You'll try to take me away!”

Liùsaidh couldn't help but laugh at this. It was true, many fae did whisk unsuspecting humans away from their world and into the fea realm. But she had no desire to return there. Couldn't return there.

“No, young one. You're right I'm fae, but I won't steal you away. I will, however, require something in exchange.” She stepped closer as the boy eyes her warily, but he didn't run. Good. “My magic won't work without something in return.”

“What do you want?” The boy was cautious, but intrigued. Liùsaidh thought for a moment, then smiled.

“A laugh.”

“A laugh?” The boy frowned. “Is that all?” Liùsaidh simply nodded. After a moment, the boy's face split into a grin as a giggle begin pour forth. “That's the dumbest thing I ever heard! A big scary fae and all she wants is a laugh!” Soon he was practically cackling, the mirth shaking his small body and warming hers. She could feel the hollowness of her bones fill with magic, and allowed it to flow from her fingers. Golden light surrounded the boy, healing his small wounds and assuaging his fears.