Fae Rights

I remember my mother’s face as they tore her wings off. Iridescent wings fluttered in resistance as they were torn from her flesh. Her face was twisted in agony, lips peeled back from grinding teeth, eyes squinted as fresh tears rippled down her cheeks. The tool they used glowed sapphire and hummed with energy as it cauterized her wounds, and healed almost instantly what would have been horrific scars down her back. Once the gruesome act was finished, my mother’s tear-streaked face turned from agony to joy as she looked at the man she had just married. Her eyes still leaked opal-like tears and glimmered with love. That’s why she allowed this to happen. I knew that day I would never let my wings be taken, my ability to fly be taken, not even for love.

It was a tradition in my realm, older than anyone can recall the start of, which is a long time considering a fairy typically lives for hundreds of years. If you chose a union with another, your wings were removed as a female. I always thought it was vile, a slight against female fairies. Why should we give up the power to be free? Why would we relinquish control to a male? I asked these questions so many times and had many talks with my mother. She always gushed over her husband and would play it off as she would do anything for him, and he would respond with a gentle kiss on her forehead and say how lucky he was.

I was a child then, only seven years old when they took her wings. My father had died long before I could have any memories of him, and whom I now call my father was a good man, and I admired their love. He would take my mother flying whenever she asked, but not all were so lucky.

If the marriage failed, as a female you lost everything. You couldn’t travel on your own, provide for yourself, or even worse the male you married might turn out to be a monster and there was no way out. It was blatantly a control tactic; I couldn’t understand how others couldn’t see it.

My mother was a somewhat rare and positive example, but even that would never be enough for me, to never be able to fly on my own, to give up my choice of freedom, a part of me. I wouldn’t let some old tradition based on old beliefs dictate my body. I used to ponder: what if I found love, what if I wanted to commit myself to someone? But I decided if that love were true, they wouldn’t want me to lose my wings either.

I pushed my feet off of the ground and fluttered my shimmering pink wings, lifting myself quickly. Within seconds the wind was whipping my pastel hair, and filling my wings with a euphoric strength. The world below shrank until nothing but blue sky and clouds surrounded me; this was freedom. Another marriage had taken place, another female lost her wings. I felt the need to flee, the world feeling especially small and suffocating, and my only escape was flight. I let silent tears stream down my face, the droplets quickly dispersing into the sky and becoming a part of the clouds around me. I felt a swelling pain of grief in my chest. I flew farther and longer than ever before, letting the sky take me far away.

My wings were beginning to strain from what felt like hours of flying, so I decided to descend and see if there was a place I could rest. Suddenly, I saw a tree piercing through the clouds. I blinked for a moment. I was still so high up I couldn’t fathom a tree being that tall. But it was there. I hesitantly approached the tree, and as I got closer the tree grew larger. It had to be at least the size of a small town, and it was floating in the sky. Lush green leaves flourished, and I could see a large waterfall in the center of the twisted trunk. I decided to investigate further.

The tree was the most beautiful sight I had ever laid my eyes upon. I could hear the rush of the waterfall, feel the mist on my skin, and there were many nooks nestled into the tree where small living quarters were made. I saw fellow fairies buzzing around the tree, some gathering water at the base of the waterfall where it settled into a clear lake, mossy rocks and vines circling it. I gently landed far enough to not startle anyone, but close enough to take in the world I just entered.

“Well, hello!” a melodic voice spoke.

I turned to my left where the sound came from, and a gorgeous fairy with mint-colored hair was facing me. Her lush lavender lips were pursed into a thoughtful smile.

“Well met, I am sorry if I’m intruding. I was flying and stumbled across your-“

She held up her hand and beamed at me. “No need to apologize, all are welcome here!”

I returned her smile and asked, “How long has this place existed?” My eyes beaming with excitement.

“A long time.” She giggled and flipped her long hair over her angled shoulders. “I can show you around if you would like!”

I nodded vigorously, and she giggled again.

“We call this place Yggdrasil, a homage to the tree of life. Most of us have lived here for years, but all of us have come from Eryndylia.” Her voice hung on that last word.

“That is where I reside…” I trailed off, not sure exactly what else to say.

“It’s okay,” she reassured me. “There is nothing wrong with that, plus you probably didn’t know anywhere else existed.” She giggled again. I was beginning to love the sound of it.

“Why did the fairies here leave Eryndylia?” I asked, although I already knew the answer.

“We wanted our freedom, the freedom of love and our bodies.” Her deep violet eyes met mine, as if she was searching for my thoughts.

“Honestly, that’s what I have been struggling with. I can’t bear to witness another fairy losing her wings under the guise of love.” Her eyes lit up in understanding at my words.

“Yggdrasil heard your struggles and your grief. She brought you here.” Her voice was soft, like a gentle breeze of comfort.

I took a deep breath as we continued down a branch tunneled pathway, inhaling the sweet fresh air, and I felt at peace.

“Are you hungry?” she asked with a tilted head and wide smile.

“Now that you mention it, I am starving.” I let out a laugh.

“Follow me!” She flapped her lavender and mint wings and was high above me in seconds.

I followed her through the air, winding through branches and waving at other fairies perched on them. They were all so joyful and carefree. We gently touched down on a thick branch, and just within reach were plump fuzzy fruits. She jerked one free and tossed it to me. I hungrily took a bite, the sweet taste was like nothing I’d ever experienced.

“This is incredible!” I said with a still-filled mouth, and the juices dribbled down my chin.

She giggled again and hopped gracefully towards me. Her soft fingers wiped the juices away, and I felt a flutter in my stomach.

“I’ll get you some fresh water,” she sang and dove off of the branch, leaving me with newfound food and emotions.

Upon her return, she had a leaf-stitched pouch brimming with water. I took a swig of the crisp liquid, as she spoke.

“The waterfall supplies us with endless fresh water, and the branches supply us with all the food we need.”

“This place is a sanctuary. I’ve never felt so at peace.”

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like, you know.” Her lips curled up into a shy smile, and her eyes wouldn’t meet my own.

“I think I would like that,” I spoke confidently.

Her cheeks darkened at my words, and the fluttering in my stomach returned.

“There is a meeting tonight, surrounding the topic of why you fled. You could introduce yourself to everyone if you feel up to it.”

I nodded at her, as I continued to eat.

“What is your name?” I asked, suddenly realizing I hadn’t yet.

“Elenya, what’s yours?”

“Elenya,” I repeated. “That’s beautiful. I am Ithil.” I couldn’t help but smile, I wanted to stay here forever.

...

Elenya escorted me to the meeting since I had no idea where it was, but I was thankful for my ignorance this time.

“Did you have a nice nap?” She smiled at me.

“It was lovely,” I replied, returning the smile.

I slept in a tree nook, nestled with leaves that magically regulated the perfect temperature.

We flew through twisted branches and past a small garden where a few young fairies were gathering fuzzy fruits until we reached a platform high in the tree. It was a long and extravagant walkway illuminated by iridescent carvings that lead to a breathtaking structure. The structure looked as if Yggdrasil created it; thick jutting branches shot up into a pointed roof, the wood, intricate and aged, shaped into a large rectangular building. Two doors three times my size were propped open, and the sound of chattering voices floated to my ears.

“Here we are!” Elenya sang, her voice softening my growing anxieties.

“It’s beautiful,” I said but let my voice trail.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, clearly able to read me already.

My eyebrows drew together. “I am nervous. I’m new to this community, and I’m not sure my concerns will be accepted.”

“Oh, Ithil!” She grabbed my hand. “We are all open and receptive to any fairies’ thoughts; we’re not in Eryndylia anymore.” She smiled at me again, and my stomach fluttered.

I held her soft hand for a few moments and let her presence wash away my fears.

“Thank you.” I met her eyes with my own, and I felt my cheeks heat as I could see hers do the same.

With that Elenya pulled me behind her through the gigantic doors.

In the center, there was a long table that could seat roughly thirty people, also covered with intricate carvings. Above was a chandelier with a glowing periwinkle orb illuminating the room. The stools were tree stumps with backs of curling branches. Elenya plopped down in one and motioned for me to sit to her left. We waited silently for all the gathered fairies to take a seat.

As soon as everyone was seated, a male fairy with emerald hair stood up.

“Welcome, I understand we have a new fairy joining us today.” He smiled warmly in my direction.

I smiled back and there was a moment of awkward silence until Elenya nudged me. Realizing that was my cue to introduce myself, I stood up.

“Thank you for allowing me to be here. My name is Ithil, and I found your home by chance after a long flight from Eryndylia.” I paused as I looked around the room, making eye contact with every fairy present.

The fairy with emerald hair motioned for me to take my seat again. “You are most welcome here Ithil, as are all who Yggdrasil calls.”

“Now,” he continued, “To carry on our previous conversations about Eryndylia, as I am sure is the reason Ithil left and was brought here, the continued abuse against females is disturbing. Our fight is with the upper circle of the Elders that let this travesty go on.”

“Fight?” I spoke up without thinking it through.

“Certainly,” he replied. “Our discussion as of late has been to eradicate the Elders and bring peace to Eryndylia.”

He continued speaking about the plans of invading the castle where the Elders reside and slaughtering them. My thoughts were flooded with visions of their deaths, humming blades slicing easily through their throats as deep azure blood pooled and the light left their horror-filled eyes. The idea of them being gone, and the possibility of the wing removing ceasing, brought a swell of hope to my chest, but at what cost? I was certain the net of control was cast further than the Elders. My visions of hope transformed into an all-out war: fairies slaughtering fairies and countless lives being lost in the hope of change.

I decided to speak up, to voice my opinion in a place where it most certainly would be heard. I waited for a pause in the conversation and stood up again. “I beg your pardon, but may I speak on this subject?”

“Of course,” a female fairy with deep crimson hair spoke and nodded at me with a thoughtful look on her face.

I gulped down my momentary fear and continued. “We cannot change the past, only learn from it and look to the future. Violence will not solve our problems, and trying to change Eryndylia will end in needless bloodshed. They may somehow find Yggdrasil and retaliate against us. This community can grow to become a thriving sanctuary for all fairies who seek it. We should focus on what we have here, and what we have is a beautiful life of our own choosing. Just as it called to me, as it called to you all, it will bring those who are meant to live their lives freely here.”

A hush fell over the fairies gathered. I dared a glance at Elenya, and she was beaming at me, a look of pride on her face that made my stomach leap in happiness.

“What of the females who have already had their wings stripped, and cannot make their way?” asked another fairy with piercing yellow eyes and hair to match.

Elenya spoke up then. “I would volunteer, as I am sure others would,” Elenya continued as she squeezed my hand, “To form a rescue force. We could fly in groups to Eryndylia and find those who were stripped of their lives and bring them here to start anew.”

I nodded furiously. “I would also volunteer!” I said with growing enthusiasm.

“As would I!”

“And I!” numerous fairies chimed in.

The fairy with the emerald hair seemed deep in thought and was clearly the leader. After a few moments of excited chatter, he finally spoke up.

“Ithil, I now firmly believe you were called here for a reason. It seems we can all agree; this is the path to follow.”

...

After the meeting, Elenya guided me to a small alcove with a waterfall and a moss-covered rock bench. We sat down together and listened to the sound of rushing water for a moment, taking in what had just occurred.

“That was incredible,” Elenya broke the silence, “I am in awe of you Ithil.” She turned and locked my eyes with hers.

I grabbed her hands. “Honestly, I was terrified, but you being there gave me the strength to speak up.”

She smiled at me, then leaned towards me fluttering her eyelashes, our noses almost touching.

“You may have just saved our world, and made me fall for you, all in one day,” she whispered sweetly. Her breath smelled of the fuzzy fruits, and my heart raced.

I closed the distance between us and met her lips with mine.

...

After a week of preparations, we were finally setting off on our first rescue mission. Elenya and I, plus four other fairies, were flying to Eryndylia.

“How will we know the way back?” I asked Elenya.

She giggled and pulled something out of her pocket. She handed it to me, a small opalescent crystal that glowed bright and hummed with energy that warmed my palm.

“This crystal will guide us home. It will become dimmer the further away we get, and in return will glow brighter and the energy will become stronger as we draw near.”

“That’s incredible!” I exclaimed and beamed at Elenya.

“There is a cave full of them. I will show you when we return home.” She squeezed my hand and continued packing her things for the journey.

Home. It hadn’t set in yet, but this was my home now.

I finished packing and gulped down the growing anxiety about seeing my mom again. I knew when I arrived she would be filled with concern, and I had to have a difficult conversation with her. It was mere hours away, from seeing her and my father again. I was excited to see them — I had missed them very much — but was fearful of how this would play out. At least I had Elenya with me, and I was thrilled for them to meet her.

The hours of flying went by in a flash. I kept glancing over at Elenya, her mint hair whipping across her beautiful face, and felt calm in her presence. We were closing in on Eryndylia now, and the group banked off into pairs and descended. Once we landed softly, Elenya was quick to my side. She squeezed my hand again and looked at me thoughtfully.

“Are you ready?” she asked.

“I have to be.” I laughed nervously and squeezed her hand in return. “Thank you for being here with me.”

“Of course!” She giggled again and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.

We approached my parent’s small home, and I knocked gently on the yellow door. It flew open, and my mom’s face appeared in the doorway.

“Ithil!” she exclaimed. “Where have you been?!” She pulled me into a tight hug. “Your father and I have been worried sick!” She pulled back and looked me up and down to make sure I was real.

“Mom, I’ve missed you, and I’m okay. Better than okay!” I smiled at her. I had missed her more than I thought.

“This is Elenya, mom, my partner,” I said confidently.

“Elenya, you gorgeous thing give me a hug then!” My mom exclaimed and embraced her before Elenya could even speak.

“It is wonderful to meet you, ma’am.” Elenya giggled and my mom lit up looking at her.

“Come in you two. Your father is cooking, and I’m sure you’re hungry, wherever in the world you’ve been.”

We entered the house, and the delightful smell of food filled my nostrils. The man who raised me dropped his cooking utensils the moment he saw me and ran to give me a hug, picking me up and spinning me around the room.

“I’ve missed you kiddo, and you had your mother worried. Who is this young lady?” His deep scratchy voice was music to my ears.

“This is Ithil’s partner, Elenya!” My mom said excitedly, wiggling her eyebrows at my father.

“Nice to meet you Elenya. What a lovely name.” He pulled her into a hug as well.

“Thank you for having us,” Elenya beamed at them.

“I like her already kiddo,” my father said and elbowed me teasingly. “So where did you two meet?” he asked.

“Well, it’s a long story, but I would love to explain everything.”

My parents nodded at me as they plated dinner for all of us. Once we were all sitting and eating the delicious food, I began to explain everything about Yggrasil, Elenya, and our struggles with the way Eryndylia was.

“So, I’ve decided to stay in Yggdrasil with Elenya, where we are free to be who we are.”

My mother’s eyes were filled with tears, but she was smiling.

“I understand honey, and I’m just glad you’re happy and standing up for what you believe in.” As she spoke my mom cupped my face in her hand. I felt a tear slide down my cheek, and the feeling of relief and love washed over me.

...

How did you like the ending? Would you make the same decision Ithil made? Let us know in the comments below!

Thank you so much for reading!

-Clever&WTF