Eire of Hostility

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  Under a burnt sienna sky interspersed with swirls of copper and vanilla, Saraid stood on one of the decks of her enormous olive tree haven. That particular view overlooked an expansive field of golden, lush grass that flowed in waves from delicate breezes.

  In the distance, a handful of colorful tents had been erected. The mercenary fae who had already come to join Saraid in her 'righteous' campaign were allowed to camp and live off her lands while they waited to see if more warriors would answer the call. All of those welcomed knew to stay clear of the imposing tree haven, but otherwise free to hunt and gather as they pleased.

  On a few occasions Saraid noticed their huge bonfire, and watched with passing interest when those warrior fae sang and danced around it in the dark of night, cavorting like feral children.

  Saraid had very recently become aware that the wisp she had marked, the tiny pink creature that had stayed hidden in Jane McCarthy's fae-bridge, was back in the Lore. That meant Vaughn's dream-crafting was successful, and the girl had completed the bridge. Saraid only needed to capture the human before she found her way back home or was killed by denizens or monsters that lived in the vast neutral zones.

  Letting herself be lifted by soft air currents, Saraid floated off of her balcony to the ground far below, letting her sleeveless, leafy gown billow in the warm drafts. Two small female nymphs followed behind her, both with light green skin, wild lime hair, and flimsy gossamer gowns.

  Much closer to Saraid's haven sat another tent near a thicket, far apart from the other gathered fae. She glided through the tall grass toward the small red-and-white circular pavilion tent; the temporary residence of the Fair fae named Dahlia. She had been one of the first to arrive, and immediately offered her services as Saraid's champion for as long as the elder dryad wished.

  The offer was obviously an attempt to add to Dahlia's own prestige in order to one day claim title. Saraid saw the logic of the tactic, but planned to use any tools to achieve her own goals.

  As she approached the lone tent, Saraid saw the Fair fae outside of her pavilion. Dahlia sat on a wooden chair while eating a bowl of orange lore-berries. The female warrior noticed Saraid's approach and stood to greet her.

  The Fair fae was a head taller than the dryad, slender and sinewy. Dahlia wore banded leather armor of the roman style that consisted of high hardened boots, long gloves of the same tough texture, strips of leather forming a skirt, and a strapped breastplate that left her arms, neck, and midriff exposed. All of the armor was dyed grape, giving stark contrast to Dahlia's creamy white skin. Conversely, the colored armor complimented her bright magenta eyes and long, lavender hair, which was pulled tight into a braided top knot that fell past her shoulder blades.

  After the Fair fae warrior woman gave a deferential bow, Saraid said in her soft, soothing voice, "I have a mission for you, good Dahlia."

  Giving another dip of her head, Dahlia replied, "I am prepared for any test to serve, Lady Moon Maiden."

  "That is good, for I would trust few others to see to my needs, but you have shown yourself to be a loyal subject. I take it that the two upstart sprite ruffians I sent you to dispatch have not returned to disrupt my gathering war party?"

  "No, Lady, and I do not expect them to," Dahlia said with a stern set to her slender facial features. She then held out a hand, where an ironwood sword appeared in her grip. "I ran them both through with this; I expect their banishments to be lengthy, considering their youth."

  Saraid nodded. "All the better and well deserved. Now, I have learned of a situation. An unknown fae has delivered a human girl into the Lore, out in one of the neutral lands known as the Forlorn Mists. Do you know of the area?"

  Dahlia shook her head once. "I know nothing of it, Lady."

  "It is a land of faded color and moody fogs. It is also inhabited by a variety of low-caste and dangerous creatures. I need you to retrieve the young woman before she goes insane or is eaten. Bring her immediately to me."

  With her high, thin brows pulled into a frown, Dahlia asked, "If I may inquire, Lady, where is this human's liege fae? Am I to challenge combat for the possession of her?"

  "Therein lays a mystery," Saraid answered softly, "for I believe the human has no Lore liege; not yet, anyway. For reasons unknown, the young woman was transported across a fae bridge and left to her own devices. Perhaps it was a punishment of some sort, although the glamour needed to spend for such a sentence seems excessive. The infliction of a well-worded curse would have been more sensible and less costly."

  "Agreed, Lady, but why else would she be taken here?"

  Saraid interlaced her fingers. "That is what I intend to find out. The reason I have taken interest in this, good Dahlia, is that the human in question comes from the very Eire village that the rebel fae call home: Ballaghadaere. I find it too much of a coincidence. I want this young woman brought to me in reasonable health for questioning."

  "Of course, Lady Moon Maiden," Dahlia bowed her head again, "I am up to the task."

  Nodding back, Saraid said, "I have no doubt, good Dahlia. These two nymphs will accompany you to find her trail if the human has wandered. I have gathered that the young woman's name is Jane; use that knowledge if it will gain her trust." Saraid held a hand out to her side and made exacting, complex gestures in the air with her fingers. Just beyond her reach, a large glimmering oval portal formed and held its wavering, radiant shape. "I have called a temporary bridge to the general location where she was brought over. Use a bridge of your own to return; you are welcome to let its exit be near my haven."

  "I thank you, Lady." Dahlia stepped toward the glowing bridge portal, letting the two nymphs precede her as they disappeared into it. Stopping before she entered the bridge, Dahlia said, "I will move with haste, and return as soon as I am able. Do you have any other requests?"

  "Keep vigilance for the denizens of the Forlorn Mists, but that should be obvious. Like all strange humans, her reactions may be erratic. Do whatever is necessary to bring her back here to me relatively whole and healthy. Good travel to you."

  Dahlia gave a quick, curt bow and stepped into the portal. It promptly shrank and dissolved after her departure.

  Saraid felt that the time of her own banishment was near its end, but not quite yet. It vexed her that she could not go collect Jane McCarthy personally, but there were no other options. Her servant nymphs certainly couldn't be trusted enough to complete the mission; the obsequious Dahlia would have to do.

  Whatever the outcome with Jane, Saraid would soon send the gathered warriors into the Verden for a cleansing of the rebel village. Not that she truly cared, but she had called for war. She may as well let the mercenaries have their fun.