The Untold Forest

by Elisa Menz

  The Warlock was human.

  A young man with pale skin and short reddish hair. And blue eyes. Her guardians were as astounded as she, frozen in their spots. No-one stopped her when Maeve walked to meet the Warlock. His eyes were about to pop when he got a good look at her. They studied each other for a moment, and time seemed to stop around them.

  I know those eyes! Not in a million years, she would forget.

  “Maeve?” he whispered.

  “Finn!”

  They both gasped at the revelation, and she ran to her brother, jumping into his arms, tears streaming down her face. “Finn! Finn! Is this real?” Their laughter merged with joyful tears, and Finn picked her up from the ground, hugging her tightly.

  “Maeve? This is... You’re here! I can’t believe you’re here!”

  Hakken, Kniv, and Regn were still standing where she left them, looking rather lost. Maeve couldn’t control her sobs, and she most likely looked awful. But who cared! Her brother was here! He was alive and staring at her with that beautiful, mischievous smile of his.

  “I’m so happy to see you, little sister! But tell me who are your friends, and why is your snot blue?”

  CHAPTER XXI

  THE PATH

  Maeve

  They sat tight in a cozy living room. A regular-sized room, but packed with books, boxes, and odd-looking gadgets of all shapes and sizes. The four of them trailed behind Finn, and after some hassle, everyone found a place to sprawl.

  Finn busied himself in a small kitchen area next to them, brewing tea and serving biscuits. Maeve would have helped him, but after seeing the kitchen, she feared she would end up getting in his way or dying a horrible death. What an unusual place.

  The tray with pastries made her mouth water, and the refreshing aroma of tea filled Maeve with memories. Finn must have thought the same since he sat in front of his sister, smiling and looking pleased with himself.

  “What is that?” Hakken asked. Regn and Kniv sniffed and analyzed the cups with similar distrust.

  “A warm brew of jasmine leaves. You should try some.” So Finn had learned their language, and with impressive fluency. They all turned to Regn when he let out a sharp wail after burning his lips with the hot brew.

  “Be careful. You should blow before sipping,” Maeve warned before tasting her tea. Embarrassed, Regn scowled at the tea before yelling at a snickering Kniv, using many words still unknown to her. She turned to Hakken, hoping he would translate.

  The hunter rolled his eyes. “He said—”

  “Wait, this will take forever.” Finn cut Hakken with a wave and placed his hand over Maeve’s ear. His other hand floated over her mouth before reciting arcane words. A gust of warm wind flowed from his palms, and he dropped them a second later. No one moved or said anything for a moment, waiting to witness any kind of change in her.

  “What did you do?” Kniv raised an eyebrow.

  “Well, Maeve can now understand your language,” Finn said, flashing a cocky grin.

  “What? How is this possible? I’m just starting to learn.”

  “I used a spell, of course. How else do you think I can speak 572 languages?”

  “You can do magic?” Maeve asked, shocked. Humans didn’t possess magical abilities since they didn’t live in the Forest. Did something happen to Finn after coming here?

  “Wait. This is... I can’t believe that you...” Kniv shook his head in disbelief, and Maeve understood exactly what troubled him. They were supposed to meet with the Warlock. The almighty, immortal wizard. Counselor to half the Forest. A living legend who had helped shape history for hundreds of years, only to find her devilish, very human brother in his place.

  “Calm down, I can explain,” Finn said while munching a cookie and shaking some crumbs. “I am the Warlock, but only since last year, and I’m not the only—” He yelped when a shoe landed on his face, and they all turned to its origin. A very angry, very beautiful elf, shooting daggers from his eyes at her brother. “I should make you drown on that tea! Are you out of your idiotic, petty mind?” To call him angry was an understatement. His nostrils flared, and his bulging eyes remained fixed on Finn, who rubbed his nose and smirked, quite unapologetic.

  “Uh... I was wondering when you would join us.” Finn stood and walked right next to the elf. Bold move, considering he still seemed ready to rip his heart off his chest.

  “Ystävä, meet my sister Maeve and his half-breed friends.” He gave them all a bright smile. “Everyone, meet my master, Ystävä.”

  Finn

  11 years ago

  His father would kill him.

  Nevermind, he would die much sooner than that.

  Why, oh, why did he have to entertain his never-ending curiosity and put himself in this situation? He had spent the entire night trying to find his way out of the Forest, only to walk in circles and end up utterly lost.

  Weeks after his encounter with the Wandering Hill, he decided he needed to take a closer look. Finn hardly slept after the experience. He was drawn to the Forest, and nothing his father said would persuade him to ignore his need. So he broke the law.

  The amount of trouble he would get at after returning home made him shiver, even though he wasn’t planning on staying too long or straying too far. But the incomprehensible nature of the Forest acted, and it didn’t take long before he couldn’t find his way back. Finn was certain the trees had shifted.

  Under the faint moonlight, he glimpsed the trace of a path fading into the looming darkness. With no other way to establish which way to go, he followed it. He walked for hours until the first lights of dawn unveiled the beauty of the Forest.

  It was hard for him to be scared when he just fulfilled his deepest desire. He was inside the Forest, and it was as wonderful as he had imagined it to be.

  After a while, Finn realized he no longer searched for his way home. If he had to be lost, he would enjoy the whole quandary. “Damn... Maeve was right. I am stupid,” he chuckled.

  Someone giggled nearby, and he turned around, noticing two tiny figures hiding behind a bush. They were staring at him while whispering among them. Finn was ecstatic.

  They were fairies.

  “What is your name?” One fairy spoke, batting her eyelashes.

  Finn knelt, fascinated. “Hi! I’m Finn. What are your names?”

  The fairies smiled, and the boldest fluttered closer to him with a flirty demeanor. “I’m Zélod, and this is my friend Lubje. You should not be here, human. They will punish you.” Her words were troubling, but her sweet smile reassured him. They wouldn’t harm him.

  “I know, and I’m sorry, but I got lost. Can you help me find my way out of the Forest? I swear I don’t mean any harm.”

  Both fairies shared a knowing glance before Zélod turned to him. “We could, but then you wouldn’t play with us, and we like the color of your hair.” She blushed while playing with her thumbs. “If you leave now, you wouldn’t be my friend.”

  What he wouldn’t give to be able to play with fairies, but Finn worried about staying for too long. “I promise I will be your friend, but I need your help to return to my family and—”

  A sudden racket interrupted them—the sound of many hooves stomping the ground. Zélod gasped, terrified. “Run, boy!” she screamed before disappearing with her friend into the foliage.

  Finn hesitated for a second before jumping into the thicket, hiding from the looming threat. The ground shook, and he dared a peek at the source of the noise. His eyes opened in wonder and fear. A herd of centaurs raced through the Forest only a few meters away from his hiding spot while their sentinels watched their surroundings. He ducked his head as soon as he spotted them. It was most unlikely they would be as kind as the fairies.

  Finn crouched, praying to pass unnoticed. He didn’t move a muscle, but unfortunately, they could still smell him.

  They shouted, raising the alarm. He wasn’t about to wait for them to catch him, so Finn jumped from the bushes and ran for dear life.
Nevermind the direction; he wanted to make some distance between him and the fierce menace trailing close behind.

  As panic won over, his eyes darted around, frantically looking for an escape. He then noticed he was following the same path as before. It didn’t make sense. Finn remembered to have left that trail way behind.

  But he stood on it again, now clear and safe.

  If the centaurs were following the same path, they would catch him in an instant. He dared peer over his shoulder, only to find the same path disappearing under his feet. Finn stumbled and fell flat on his face. No one chased anymore.

  Finn rolled on the ground and scanned his surroundings. He couldn’t believe he had outrun a herd of four-legged beings. He sat, trying to control his breathing and make sense of what had happened.

  “Did you save me?” he asked, between ragged breaths.

  Oh, wonderful! He was talking to the terrain now. But it all made sense when he remembered his mother’s stories. This was not just a path. This was the Path. “It has a will of its own... it will take you to where you need to be...” he whispered. Finn stood, groaning. “Well... any chance you could lead me to my home?” He dared hope.

  And he started walking.

  And no, the Path was definitely not leading him to his home or anywhere near human lands. After weeks of following it, that much was obvious. The Path also made sure he could find food, water, and no other dangers along his journey.

  “Stupid Path. Stupid, lovely Path.” Finn missed his family, and he knew they probably thought he died. It broke his heart to think he made his mother cry. He was the stupid one.

  The landscape changed, and the tall, ancient trees gave way to gnarled ones. The air smelled sweet, and wildflowers covered the ground. In the distance, a massive tree loomed over the horizon. The Path led him there.

  After all those days in the open, the weird cabin at the base of the tree appeared most inviting, and Finn wanted to hug the man sitting by the doorsteps. Clutching his fists, Finn walked towards him. Coming to this point, he knew the Path was smarter than him and would never lead him to any harm. “Hi.”

  That’s it. He was officially stupid. His first encounter with an elf and all he could say was hi.

  “You have to be kidding me. A human?” The elf rubbed his brow, warding off a headache. “Ninety-five years of waiting, and the next Warlock is supposed to be a human!”

  “Well... my name is Finn. I do not understand what you are talking about, but it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. If you don’t mind, I would love some help to get home.”

  The elf stood, stretching under the sun before scowling at him. “Well, Finn, my name is Ystävä, and I’m sorry to tell you... this is your home now.”

  CHAPTER XXII

  TEA AND FLOWERS

  Maeve

  Maeve didn’t notice when the tears started to fall, but by the time Finn finished his story, she was a crying mess. She understood her brother committed no fault. He wanted to return home, but he couldn’t do it. She knew she neither blamed Ystävä. The elf didn’t keep her brother from leaving and cared for him all these years. Anger was futile. Finn was meant to become the next Warlock.

  But she remembered the grief in her mother’s eyes; all the nights she cried to sleep for losing her child. She thought about her father’s silent despair; how heartbroken he must have been.

  And the memories of her pain slipped back. Maeve always hated crying. There was no relief after the anguish left her body, only void. And not even the stillness of void helped her. The pain always returned as a debilitating burden.

  Maeve bent over, holding a fist over her heart, and letting out a cry. How was it after all those years she still suffered because of how her family had fallen apart? How could everything be so raw? Her brother sat right in front of her; shouldn’t she be happy?

  The men around her drew near, distraught. Finn was the one who reached first and held her. “Maeve, please, don’t cry. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” She wrapped her arms around him while he gently stroked her back. “I’m here, mushroom, I’m not going anywhere. We will be together now.” Will they? Would this finally close the wound? She had her brother back, they could live together again, and she would have a home. It would chase away the loneliness eating her all those years. There would be someone by her side who cared about her, someone she cared about.

  Her sobs subdued and breathing ceased to be a struggle. Maeve was no longer a child, and practice taught her to collect her emotions.

  Out of impulse, she searched for Hakken, finding him slumped on a chair, pale as his mouth hung ajar. He, too, heard Finn’s words, and he appeared concerned. But he shouldn’t be. Maeve realized she already had a home. No matter how unexpected and unconventional, Hakken had become the closest thing to a family after Finn’s disappearance.

  Her brother spoke again. “They are dead, right? Mom and dad. There is no way you would be here if they were still alive.” His voice trembled. The warm light pouring from the windows lit his face, and his cheeks glistened with tears. A sad smile tugged his lips. “Gods! I wanted to see them one last time.”

  The siblings leaned into each other, mourning in silence. The room grew quiet, and a soothing hand landed on Finn’s shoulder. Maeve looked up to find Ystävä staring fondly at her brother, before landing his eyes on her. “I’m sorry,” the elf muttered.

  Maeve smiled at him. “You don’t need to be. This is not your fault. Thank you for looking after my brother.”

  Finn let out a heartfelt chuckle while wiping his runny nose with his palm. He turned to grin at the elf, reaching for his hand. “Yes! You are the best, Ystävä.”

  “You little shit, you wiped your filthy hand on mine!”

  And just like that, Ystävä went back to his grumpy self. Laughter broke the painful moment, and Maeve breathed easily again. Still smiling, she turned to find Hakken had left the cabin. Kniv sipped on his tea, but he pointed towards the door, winking at her.

  She excused herself. Finn and Ystävä were too busy with their squabble, anyway. Only Regn’s longing eyes followed.

  It was a warm summer evening, and the scent of the flowers filled her nostrils. The green and silver leaves above her glimmered, reflecting the last rays of light. The imposing Tree dominated the surrounding view. She wiped the remaining tears, noticing Hakken nearby, standing under the shade of the trees enclosing the glade.

  Clearly tense, his hands rested on his hips while he hunched over. As she approached with measured steps, Maeve studied him. When they first met, she thought him to be wild and dangerous. A terrifying man who might torture and kill her. Who would have thought she would come to trust him with her life?

  A soft breeze swayed the trees, ruffling his ebony hair. He looked up at the setting sun, and the golden light reached his amber eyes. Maeve hesitated, awestruck.

  She let her eyes roam over him, taking in every little detail. Then she realized, for the first time, how beautiful he was. Stubborn. Undeniably manly. A little rough around the edges, but definitely... beautiful.

  “What?” A beautiful Hakken stirring her emotions was the last thing she expected, and out of nowhere, shyness took over. This was the perfect moment to turn back and hide in the cabin, but Hakken was most likely aware of her presence. And she couldn’t ignore his feelings. The reaction he had after Finn suggested living together troubled her, and Maeve wanted to reassure him.

  Being reunited with Finn was unexpected and wonderful. She couldn’t wait to spend time with her brother and hear about his life. But leaving the village, and specially Hakken didn’t sit right with her.

  “Maeve.” His gruff voice interrupted her thoughts.

  “Yes! Ah... you left,” she said.

  He looked dejected. Even though she was fidgety, his sadness was enough for her to forget her shyness and reach to hold his hand. “What is wrong, Hakken?”

  Hakken

  Why did she have to be so beautiful? The woman standing in front of
him was nothing short of perfect. Perfect and kind-hearted. Too pure for someone like him. As soon as he sensed her coming close, her flowery scent had him screaming in his head, and right now, he needed a rational mind. He would lose her, and he had to calm down to make the right choice.

  She was so close, holding his hand while her golden hair fluttered around her delicate face. Her dazzling blue eyes—still red after the tears—were fixed on him, and he could feel himself losing control.

  “Are you happy?” he asked. And the smile she gave him filled and broke his heart—a smile of pure joy. Of course, she was happy; she had found her family. Maeve was no longer on her own, and she didn’t need him.

  “My brother is here, Hakken! I thought for so long that I’d lost him.” And now you’ll leave me. He smiled at her, but a crippling void crept back to fill his chest. And to think he was planning a future with her, a home, maybe a family. He didn’t deserve her. He had lost that chance long ago, to live his life next to the one he loved. No one would love him again.

  Maeve’s voice brought him back from his dark thoughts. “Once the danger has passed, do you think we can visit him?”

  Hakken blinked. Slowly. Twice. His brain turned to muck, barely registering her words.

  Maeve was oblivious to his mental breakdown. “I mean... I know it’s far, but I don’t think he is allowed to leave his cabin for too long.”

  “What do you mean?” He wasn’t sure he should trust his ears.

  “I don’t think Finn can visit our home, so we should come back here again. That is... if you want to.”

  She stared at him through her eyelashes. Her hands moved restlessly, and she blushed as soon as she mentioned ‘their home’. When Hakken realized how hard she was trying to conceal her nervousness, the little control he had left disappeared.

  He took her by the waist—lifting her from the ground—and he pressed her delicate body against him while his free hand entangled in the soft strands of her hair.