Faire Eve

by Catherine Stovall

  “Tiritchiq is the fey’s equivalent to the human Satan. People fight him with rituals and superstition because they never expect to see him in the flesh. I am certain the man who entered your dreams is an imposter. He is a very convincing imposter. He wields a lot of strong magic and has done his research, none-the-less, he is a fake.”

  Eve’s tawny eyes were still red and puffy. Eldon couldn’t deny, in her helplessness, she became irresistible. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and drive away the cold that caused her to shiver. He wanted to kiss her again and let her warmth take away his own chill. He wished she were not the Sidhe queen and he was not the Daione warrior. For the first time in all of his life, he wished he could be anyone else.

  Instead, he took her free hand in his, trying to ignore her soft perfumed skin and the electricity that seemed to zing between them. “I am very sure there are no northern dragons but we will find out for ourselves very soon. We are going to see the Astaroth’s and they will tell us if the dragons have returned to Under World.”

  “The Astaroth’s? You cannot mean the same creatures that attacked you in New York. Isn’t that dangerous? Won’t they try to kill you?” Eve was panicking again. It seemed that she could not keep a lid on her emotions anymore. Ever since Eldon had walked into her life, she seemed to be the damsel in permanent distress.

  He ran his thumb over her knuckles and squeezed her hand lightly. “Not all Astaroth are like the ones in the city. They are still frightening to look at but their knowledge is great and they will help us save Evalon.”

  Eve nodded. Her mother had told her the same. She let it all settle in while Eldon took both of their empty cups and rinsed them in the sink. They left to rejoin their group at the diner. Thinking over the list of insane things that had occurred since she entered New York, she couldn’t figure out which was worse.

  She was an heir to the Sidhe throne in a world filled with monsters and fairies. Creatures such as demons and dragons almost constantly attacked her. She had dreams and visions of magical beings intent on either killing her or leading her to her destiny. She had ridden a talking unicorn and produced powerful magic of her own. She had kissed a Daione Warrior while being treated by a witch. She met Earthly Immortals who had once battled an evil imp.

  The events were unbelievable, insane, dangerous, nerve wracking, and completely capable of driving her insane. Perhaps her life back home was a little stale and boring, but being at the heart of the Brothers Grimm meets Michael Swanick was killing her. At some later point, Eve knew she would have to reflect on the path she was walking.

  As soon as they stepped off the rickety, wooden staircase, Heron bowed deeply to them and strode away. As Eve and Eldon made their way through the alley, Eve related the full dream as precisely as she could. Eldon listened carefully. A dark look clouded his eyes. He only paused once to casually examine the large, black roses growing wickedly up the bricks.

  Eve felt embarrassment wash over her at the sight of Eldon slightly stroking one of the dark velvet petals with the tip of his finger. The magic of Evalon grew inside her and she still did not know she should not be ashamed of the power. No one in her small circle of Evalon acquaintances used magic as openly or in the mass quantities as she had in the alley.

  Eldon gently cut one perfect blossom before rising from his knee. He looked at her for a long time. His gaze made Eve’s stomach tighten and fill with butterflies. The intensity in his glorious blue eyes reminded her of the ball of energy that she had produced before it shattered, producing the vibrant vegetation.

  Using his short blade, Eldon gently shaved the thorns from the stem of the rose. She wanted to shy away from him but he didn’t give her time. Brushing her hair back, Eldon tucked the rose behind her ear. His eyes burned into her hers and his deep voice made her knees weak.

  “Do not be ashamed of your power, Faire Eve. Your people have always held great strength and magic. Their skills separate the Sidhe from the rest of Evalon. Each race has its own abilities but the Sidhe can tap the very core of magic that flows through the land. They can direct their magic and hold the darkness at bay. The Sidhe are the rulers not by choice or by designation. They rule because their blood is Evalon.”

  “I’m afraid of the power, Eldon. I lost it earlier. I have no idea how I did what I did or even what I did. I could have hurt Faya or Vandel. The entire thing was beautiful, crazy, and frightening.”

  “Didn’t your mother warn you?”

  Eve’s eyes lowered to the pavestone at her feet. She couldn’t speak. Her mother had warned her of a great deal in the short time they had waited for Eldon to transport her through the gates but she hadn’t mention anything near what Eve had experienced thus far.

  “Everyone experiences the same things in the beginning. The difference is anyone from Evalon would have been trained from birth to know, respect, and expect his or her power. No one warned you. I should have seen it coming but I never expected the change to come on so soon.”

  Eve raised her eyes but not in gratitude for his kind words. His guilt over her and his self-inflicted duty to treat her as if she were his responsibility irked her. It seemed he moved between extremities with her all the time. One minute he saw her as a girl he could touch and kiss and the next, he treated her as a job.

  “You are not responsible for my education, Eldon. I’m not a child who needs led by the hand through every step. I’m sure there will be someone professional to guide me when I reach Trig Na nOg. Your only task here is to ensure my safety and so far, that has been only somewhat accomplished.”

  Her voice was as smooth as ice and her gaze leveled hard on him. Ice. She was as cold as the frozen shell of Abnoba in the woods. Eldon wanted to shrink away. He had faced monsters and mad men. He had walked through the bloody carnage of battle without blinking at the bones crushing beneath his boots but he wanted to turn form the girl.

  Swallowing the urge to bite back at her, Eldon merely placed his fist over his heart and bowed lower than Eve thought possible.

  “As you wish, Your Highness. I will concentrate harder on my duties.”

  His posture and his words were beyond respectful but the shine in his eyes told Eve that she might have sparked something unmanageable in him.

  “Eldon? I am sorry.” She tried to apologize. She had only wanted to explain to him that it appalled her to have him treat her like a child, considering the circumstances.

  He did not give her the chance. Taking her hand and placing it in the crook of his arm, he began to guide her back to the diner.

  “No. I don't expect you to explain. I understand. I am nothing but a soldier and you are royalty. What could I ever teach the great Faire Eve?”

  He chose that exact moment to push through the throng outside of the diner and they were lost in the whirlwind. Inside, the building was transformed from the cliché 50’s deco to an elaborate and tasteful scene. The neon lights were gone. Gold and silver swaths of silk wrapped the columns and draped almost casually in great waves across the tables and around the large windows. Bibesia and Edesia were smart to cover them enough to leave a sentiment of privacy but allow the onlookers outside a glimpse of what they were missing.

  16

  Eldon briskly bade her goodbye and disappeared in the crowd. The room did not hold an overwhelming number of people, but Eldon seemed to meld into them and disappear so quickly, Eve wondered if he had used a touch of his own magic to hide himself. She instantly wished she had been less severe with him. She needed a better understanding of the fairy world.

  Eve’s eyes fell onto the spot where the guests of honor were to set for the banquet. The fine china and crystal glasses caught the light, sending rainbows across the shimmering tablecloths. Gold garland with silver and black roses hung around the edges. Two large candelabra stood precariously among the dinnerware with large white candlesticks burning in them.

  Several members of her group were already seated at the table and talking among themselves. Yath sat stoically
in his seat as if daring anyone to challenge his place on the left of the chair that had obviously been designated for her. Despite Yath’s sour expression, everyone looked quite comfortable in the opulence.

  Suddenly, Eve felt extremely self-conscious. In her state of fear and worry, she had dressed without thought to what the banquet would be like. Confronted with so many lovely dresses and black jackets, she felt like the country girl who had showed up for the big city ball in rags.

  Eve intended to slip back through the door and hoped to find something more presentable in the bowels of Faya’s closet. She only managed a few steps before Bibesia and Edesia caught her by surprise. They came at her from both sides, almost squishing her between them. The two women abandoned their waitress garb and both donned beautiful gowns made of the same silk fabric hanging about the room.

  Bibesia’s floor length dress was gold. It hung on her body as if draped there by mere happenstance. Her beautiful golden hair was piled high on top of her head with small strands framing her face. Edesia, on the other hand, chose to wear silver. A sweetheart top and high waistline emphasized her amble bosom while the skirt flowed effortless in flouncy layers to emphasize, but not cheapen, her round figure. Her own hair hung in massive curls that reminded Eve of Shirley Temple. Seeing the two earthly immortals only increased Eve’s discomfort about her clothing.

  “Where do think you are sneaking off too, Eve?”

  The two women looked at her with raised eyebrows and friendly smiles.

  “I didn’t realize the banquet would be so posh. I am terribly underdressed. I wanted to go change.” Eve spoke apologetically and hoped the two wouldn’t insist she remain in her drab street clothes.

  Bibesia’s laughter bubbled out. “Don’t worry about a thing.”

  Eve found herself bustled into the kitchen and through a brightly painted door. The light was dim and a spicy herbal smell drifted around the room. In the dimness, she found it hard to make out more than a few pieces of large furniture here and there. Eve paused, afraid of the shadow and what lay beyond it. She shivered involuntarily as her mind brought up chilling recollections. She didn’t believe Tiritchiq would find her there, but his dream visit was still too fresh for comfort.

  Bibesia and Edesia felt Eve’s trepidation and they moved swiftly to turn on various lamps. As soft light filled the room, Eve looked around in awe. Thousands of years on earth could have resulted in any maddening disarray of junk collected in their rooms. Instead, Eve found herself surrounded by the most exquisite art and furniture. The objects looked more finely crafted and well cared for than most of the museum collections she knew of. When Edesia caught her staring carefully at what appeared to be an Egyptian sarcophagus, she laughed with delight.

  “That, my dear, is Bibesia’s last true love.”

  Mistaking the woman’s intent, Eve agreed anyone could fall in love with the sculpted gold and fine jewels that someone had lovingly carved to resemble the young and handsome face of a pharaoh.

  Bibesia looked stricken for a moment but then smiled softly as she ran a hand gently along the curve of the metallic face. Eve realized, with a shock, Edesia didn’t mean the ornate coffin itself. Bibesia truly loved the man who lay inside the sarcophagus.

  Bibs laughed cheerfully despite the melancholy in her eyes. “He was a wonderful boy. Such a pity to have all of his wonderful golden flesh and muscle wasted in order to appease a God who never cared.”

  “So very true, Sister.” Edesia laid a light hand on Bibesia’s shoulder. “We have suffered many great losses in our time. However, we have brought it on ourselves. We are Earthly Immortals. We know we will outlive every human we meet, yet we chose to know and love them.”

  Bibesia’s face brightened from her false mirth into a radiant smile. “Speaking of humans we adore or, in this case a half-human, come here Eve and stand right in the center of the rug. We have a surprise for you.”

  Eve looked down to see a circular dark blue rug spread across the center of the room. Gold and ivory threads wove mysterious patterns depicting the universe across the carpet. In the very center, a celestial sun and moon combination shined in the light of the room. Eve stood in the center and waited. Part of her whispered it could be a trap but her heart over ruled her mind. The sisters were the kindest people she had met in Evalon.

  Bibesia and Edesia came to stand in front of her. They tilted their heads and raised their brows as if considering something of great importance. After murmuring quietly to each other, they both nodded in agreement and focused their attention on Eve. The girl began to squirm uncomfortably, unsure of what the two immortals had planned for her.

  The women drew in a simultaneously breath and began to sing. Their voices rose in soulful harmony. Bibesia’s timber was low and mournful and Edesia’s was high and sweet. The song was wordless and blended. It sounded ancient and profound. Chills ran up Eve’s spine and tears came to her eyes. The pure beauty of the moment flooded her.

  As their voices soared, a misty light began to swirl around between them and stretched out towards Eve. When the first tendrils touched her, she gasped in delight. A warm sensation enveloped her in a comforting embrace. A lingering scent caught her attention, something akin to rain on the hot asphalt in July. The women came to a culmination of their song with the most heart wrenching notes that Eve had ever heard and silence fell.

  Eve realized she had closed her eyes at some point during the ceremony. When she opened them again, the mist was gone but Bibesia and Edesia were glowing with smiles. The women held a long gilded mirror between them and Eve nearly fainted at the sight of herself. She had been tattered and worn, wearing only the basics, when she had entered the room. The sisters had made her look like the queen that she had spent the last day clamoring to be.

  Lines of coal liner and golden glitter emphasized her amber eyes. She wore a long and shimmering ivory dress that hugged her youthful curves in all the right places. The neckline swooped low enough to show the tops of her breast in a modest way. Tiny mother of pearl teardrop pins that matched the necklace and earrings connected the thin straps on her shoulders to the top and accented her warm flesh. A high split in the dress shot up the side, showing a pair of high-heeled sandals with laces up her calves.

  Perhaps the most touching addition was her hair. Swept up in a simple twist with ringlets to frame her face, the style looked chic and mature. To add a bit of flare, and a reminder of her growing power, the single black rose Eldon had picked for her was pinned to the right side with a pearl comb.

  “Oh, oh my goodness! How did you do it? I look like my mom! Oh, thank you. Thank you both so much.” Eve cried from joy and the beauty of the moment.

  Bibesia hugged Eve gently so not to wrinkle her ensemble and whispered, “You are welcome, Faire Eve.”

  Edesia embraced her just as gently before commanding, “Now, off to the ball with the new queen, her subjects await.”

  The Earthly Immortals led Eve from the backroom into the dining area. All heads turned in her direction and Eve felt the nudge of Bibesia’s compulsion working on the room. Bibesia was making sure the soon to be queen was the focus of everyone’s attention. It felt strange to see the admiration and curiosity on the faces of all the different creatures in the diner. As gracefully as she could, Eve took her place between Eldon and Yath. She felt uncomfortable with so much focus on her but she held her head high as she nodded and smiled to her admirers.

  The night passed quickly and without incident. They ate luxurious foods, drank wine, and danced. The conversations were lively and more than once someone proposed a tipsy toast to the new queen and her lively troupe. In the happiness and peace of the evening, Eve was able to forget the terror of the dragon and his attacks. She let the strain and stress of the long day wash away under the sweet red wine and light atmosphere.

  She danced with Knights, Elves, Dwarves, and many others. Through it all, she watched Eldon. To the disappointment of many of the women in the room, he accepted no offers
to dance and he was stingier than ever with his smiles. The sparkling punch and decadent cuisine made Eve’s head spin and filled her with giddiness. Eldon simply sat, barely touching his food, and nursing a single glass of ale.

  Eve wondered if he were still angry with her or perhaps her dream visit from Tiritchiq had Eldon on high alert. Whatever it may be, he was certainly not enjoying the night as much as she was. Pretending not to care, Eve let herself focus on her partner for the dance.

  He was a psychic’s dream prediction. The man was tall, dark, and handsome with steel grey eyes and a million dollar smile. Eve could not remember his name but she enjoyed the way his eyes sparkled when he laughed and the compliments he lavished upon her.

  The man was witty and his candid remarks about the others in the room made Eve laugh in shameful delight. He pointed out a woman dancing near them and in mock confidentiality whispered to Eve. “That’s Madame Morgana Mandeville. Do you see the peacock feathers at her ears, in her hair, and the hem of her dress?”

  Eve eyed the woman casually and nodded yes.

  “That is no simple affection for gaudy accessories. Morgana was once a real peacock.”

  Eve’s eyes darted to the woman and then she eyed her dance partner skeptically. “You cad, you made that up.”

  “Not at all!” The man gasped in fake astonishment. “Her lover was Sidhe and he turned himself to the dark side so he could gain the power to create his perfect mate. Unfortunately for him, the dark took his literal beating heart as payment for creating her. Morgana has his entire estate and his title now.”

  The man leaned in as if to whisper some other confidence in her ear, Eve felt the warmth of his breath tickle the tender flesh before she was propelled a step backwards. Overtaken by shock, she didn’t respond when Eldon held his grip on her elbow and stared hard at her dance partner.