6. Danica

Danica

6

T ime smears into one big, indistinct blur as we journey toward our destination. My poor backside calls for periodic breaks—I mean, mercy, please—even though we're trekking through drop-dead gorgeous landscapes, the beauty doesn't cushion the ride. This realm might be eye candy deluxe, but it's not butt-friendly.

With our destination finally in view, the tableau is nothing short of epic high fantasy. The lodges are bunkered down, while tents cluster in cozy companionship—each a haven of fae hospitality.

Dismounting from Faderyn's 'mythical taxi service,' ass numb and legs like jelly, we're greeted by a steady hum—a surefire sign of the fae at their most alive. There's a vibe that seeps into you—organic, unfiltered, the essence of realness. It's a pulse from the heart of the fae land itself, pure and unrefined.

Small, fae children with pointed ears dart about in gleeful chaos only the fearlessly eternal can afford, while adults navigate their daily grind, which probably includes 'hunting for the most ethereal meat substitute' on their to-do lists.

Sure, everything's wrapped in fantasy, but the vibe is as normal and chaotic as anywhere back home.

"Dani," Faderyn begins, his voice filled with pride as he gestures to the expanse. "Welcome to Whispervale."

The sights, like whispers turned visual, draw me in. "It's a slice of hidden heaven," I remark, awe fresh on my tongue.

He guides me through this village of secrets, his pride unwavering. "Whispervale is a testament to tranquility and autonomy. No throne's shadow falls here. Freedom, peace, and personal truth—those are the powers we revere."

I follow his gaze over the happy disarray, a silent testament to his words.

"It seems so—connected. Grounded, yet free-spirited."

"WithAxilyaat the helm, we've managed to maintain a haven of solitude among the gales of change. Here, you'll find artists, healers, rebels, and refugees—each contributing to the pulse of this community—each free to live as they choose without the weight of courtly expectations."

A group of fae passes by, nodding to Faderyn with respect before offering me curious, welcoming smiles. I'm struck by how ordinary yet extraordinary this all feels.

"Looks like you've created something special," I say, a new appreciation warming my tone. "I can't wait to see more."

He smiles, inviting me to explore further. "Let's walk. There's much to see, and the heart of Whispervale is as enchanting as its borders."

Up close, details leap out—the exotic garb of leather, fur, and iridescent silk, the hypnotic glow of the Fae's jewel-bright eyes. Intoxicating scents hang thickly—earthy cooked meats, fragrant oils, crushed herbs, wet stone.

Weaving through the crowds, I marvel at the diversity—some Fadeyrn's height with magnificent antlers, others waist-high with delicate pointed ears. Their skin spans every hue, from pallid white to Fadeyrn's warm umber, even vibrant azure or rich emerald.

My attention snags on an area housing beasts I've never seen—powerful felines with dark fur flowing like liquid shadow.

Noticing my stare, Fadeyrn supplies, "Night Sabers. They are exclusive to our lands."

As Fadeyrn leads me through the bustling encampment, seeing those Night Sabers, a question nags at me.."The Court of Mystical Beasts… What became of those creatures and fae folk?" My curiosity piques, imagining a lineup of creatures that Disney would kill for.

Fadeyrn gives a nod heavy with meaning. "Much has faded, but remnants linger if one knows where to seek them."

His tone has the gravity of a eulogy, a bit of a buzzkill.

When he drops the 'U' bomb, I nearly trip. "Unicorns? So they're real?!" The words burst out, disbelief and 'I knew it!' peppered in.

"Indeed," he confirms with a half-smile. "Though few have glimpsed them, they trust no outsiders and interact with none."

Talk about an exclusive club.

A fae kid sideswipes Fadeyrn, jolting me back to the present and sparking a flicker of recollection. "Is it trueunicornswill bond with certain individuals they deem worthy?" I ask, half-expecting him to unfurl a 'So You Want to Be a Unicorn's Bestie?' pamphlet.

"It was so long ago," Fadeyrn confirms. "But they severed ties even with the Fae. No mortal or immortal has earned their trust in centuries."

The info dump hits me like a tidal wave. Adrian's tomes sang of unicorns vibing with the virtuous, but the reality? It's like finding out Santa traded his nice list for a do-not-call registry.

Fadeyrn elaborates, "Transformative magic once flowed between unicorns and their riders. But as realms fractured, suspicion poisoned all bonds. Now they keep to their own, heeding no call."

He's full-on lamenting the good old days—real Renaissance Faire stuff.

His somber tone drapes me in wistfulness. Yet, the scientist in me perks up—if these creatures are hanging on, maybe the spark of trust isn't extinct. Maybe it's just playing hard to get.

And they say I'm the stubborn one.

As we walk by a Fae woman selling cooked meats. The smell hits my senses, causing my stomach to rumble.Faderyn continues, "Their lore is as old as the stars. There are different colors, each signifying a different power."

Excitement bubbles within me, my mind racing. "Tell me more. How can we find them?"

"The unicorns have cloaked themselves in secrecy." Fadeyrn's voice carries respect for their cunning. "They've vanished into a place untouched by time and strife. Some say they dwell in the Hidden Valley beyond the Crystal Peaks, where none but the purest hearts can tread."

"A hidden valley? Is it possible to find it?"

He looks at me like I've just announced I'm scaling Mount Everest in flip-flops."Perhaps. But such a journey is perilous, not to be undertaken lightly. The path is obscured by land and magic. Unicorns chose their sanctum amongst the most forbidding reaches for good reason. Only those they wish to be found by will see the valley's truths. To seek them is to embark on a tale even skilled bards deem too fanciful," Faderyn says solemnly. "Their bond, once freely given, was the making of legends, which now endures beyond the passing of ages."

I lean in closer, the lore sparking my curiosity. "But say we tried to find this Hidden Valley, how would we start? Is there a map or guide?"

Faderyn offers a knowing smile tempered with a warning. "No map or guidebook. To attempt this, one would require a compass of the soul and purity of intention. Remember, the unicorns are celestial beings, discerning of whom they reveal themselves to."

"So, it's about being worthy in their eyes?"

"Exactly," he nods. "To traverse the Crystal Peaks is a pilgrimage, a trial testing one's spirit. Many have sought the unicorns, lured by promise and power. Few have returned, and none with proof."

His words send a chill of excitement and trepidation down my spine. The unicorns are more than a scientific anomaly—they're a mystery veiled in the cosmos' cloth. A gear clicks at his words 'celestial.'

His gaze shifts to the bustling market, and I follow. The echoes of legend mingle with the vibrant life, a reminder that even in Whispervale, there are mysteries that elude even the wildest dreamers.

I dream these beasts might bond willingly, sharing their gifts freely. Looks like my to-do list just got epic. Time to show this realm what an 'Angel on a mission' looks like.

But first, Rhyland.

F aderyn guides me to an enormous lodge. Outside the grand doors, armored guards bow as we enter.

The spacious interior is awash with warm lantern light and tapestries depicting magical beasts and forests. Fadeyrn leads me to a raised dais holding an ornate throne.

There sits a Fae whose elegance could make a royal flush look like a bad poker hand. She's a vision from a different world, draped in robes that weave emerald and silver.

Her skin has the lavender hue of a twilight sky, her silver hair crowned with a circlet of thorns and delicate flowers. She's all angles and lines, sculpted from beauty with a hint of 'don't mess with me.' But her eyes put the 'awe' in 'awesome'—a shade of green whispering of leaves unfurling.

Fadeyrn bows deeply. "Lady Axilya, may I present Dani of the mortal realm, who seeks urgent counsel."

Axilya's brow furrows in surprise. "You are mortal, child? How did you traverse to our realm?"

Sensing no malice, I explain everything.

Axilya's no passive audience. She's all in, leaning closer when I drop the 'F-bomb'—Faerite—that is. The tale spills out of me, a mix of notes fromAdrian's brainy briefs and my own incredulous addendums, until the final beat echoes in the charged air between us.

Finished, a profound silence hangs between us. Axilya's expression belongs on the front page of 'The Daily Gobsmacked.'

"The prophecy of the savior was believed a myth. And the Faerite has been lost for ages." Awe and suspicion war on her face. "You believe it resides here?"

"It is here somewhere," I reply firmly. "With the Faerite, I can fulfill my destiny."

Axilya ponders my words. "Yours is a grave quest of truth. Dark forces gather, yet unity has never eluded our realm." Hope kindles in her ancient eyes. "Perhaps such a day may dawn. These times call for bold action. You shall have my aid, if your cause is just."

WithAxilyaseemingly on board with the whole 'realm-saving' package deal, I lay out the next load of joy—Rhylandand his involuntary extended stay with the Shadow Queen. You know, just your typical tale of vampire-napping by what might as well be the gothic edition of royalty.

Her face shifts as I talk, the gravity casting shadows over her features. It's like watching the sky before a storm, and suddenly, I understand—this isn't just my fight or Rhyland's; this knot of darkness is tangled in her world, too.

Fadeyrn steps forward urgently. "My lady, will you aid Dani in gaining an audience with the queen? For her mate's sake?"

Axilya considers deeply before responding. "An audience may be secured, but the Shadow Court harbors dangers. You must approach with great care, Dani."

She meets my gaze. "We shall send an envoy announcing you, so they cannot dismiss you. I will outfit you in our garb to present properly."

Rising from her throne, she grasps my hands. "The queen is ruthless but adheres to honor. Proper conduct may win your mate's release if her rule is acknowledged." Axilya smiles gently. "There is hope, even in darkness. Go rest; we shall make preparations."

I clutch her hands, relief washing over me. "Thank you so much! I could hug you!"

Axilya's lips curl slightly, amusement in her eyes at my exuberance. "Your gratitude is warmly received. The journey ahead is fraught, yet we will provide the light to guide your steps," she assures with regal grace.

Fadeyrn coughs discreetly. "We are grateful for your wisdom and guidance, my lady."

He gives me a look loaded with meaning.

Right, tone it down, Dani.

Axilya's laugh fills the space. "Your passion is refreshing, a vibrant flame in shadowed times. Let that fervor be your shield and spear, and victory shall not elude you."

Axilya's touch hesitates near my crown, her senses attuned to its ancient magic. Her gaze expands with dawning realization.

"The Crown of Blessings," I supply, balancing the gravity with a sprinkle of levity.

The awe in Axilya's voice mirrors the crown's glittering aura. "The fabled diadem," she whispers, reverence painting her tone.

My fingers gesture to the empty sockets, explaining the need to locate the missing counterparts, starting with the elusive Faerite. It's a strategic map laid out, with my role at the forefront.

Axilya scrutinizes the crown, a hint of breathlessness betraying her composure. "After generations void of hope... could we witness the prophecy's fate?"