Chapter 11

" W ill you hurry up?" Naril calls from the other side of the tree I'm leaning against, his smarmy voice is full of amusement. "It's not that bad," he continues, and I can just imagine the smug look on his face. Growling low in my throat, I stand tall and rub my sore backside and legs from two days' worth of riding from Galandell to the forest the wood elves call home.

"You try riding side saddle and then tell me ‘it's not that bad.'" Thanks to the dresses, my companions informed me that I'd have to ride like this, otherwise the skirt would ride up and expose my legs. Mother forbid , I curse internally as I change into one of the wrap dresses the elves favour. Once it's on, I twist the fabric around my upper legs, turning it into a makeshift pair of trousers. If only I'd packed my workout trousers, but I knew we wouldn't be training so I hadn't thought it necessary.

"She's not used to riding on horseback," Vaeril says to his friend, but I can hear the smile in his voice giving away his own amusement.

The journey from Galandell had been smooth, and the three of us managed to leave without any hold-ups. I hoped we would get to see Eldrin and say goodbye, but he was nowhere to be seen. When we escaped from Arhaven, we were constantly looking over our shoulders, constantly on alert. But I've quickly learned that normal travel is exceedingly boring, so I've had plenty of time to think over everything that's happened over the last couple of days. Mostly, my mind has been stuck on the prospect of one woman being bonded to three males and how that could possibly work. Then a certain scarred, golden maned elf would enter my mind, and I'd abruptly push all thoughts of mates aside and move on to safer topics.Something else that plagues my mind is guilt that I never got the chance to visit Vaeril's old friends Saril and Taelir before we left. At the ball in Galandell, Saril had a vision when I touched her of me leaving the elf city, and she asked me to visit her before I left. As we left in such a hurry, we didn't have the chance, but I did get Vaeril to write them a letter which he left with Master Ardeth.

We'd reached the outskirts of the forest a few hours ago, but they told me the elves make their home in the deepest parts of the forest, so I know I've still got some time before we reach them—hence my makeshift riding outfit. Glancing down and examining each leg, I'm pleased with my creation. I still have a good range of motion with the fabric wrapped around me. Picking up my bag, I come out from around the tree and start to walk over to my horse.

As soon as he sees me, Naril instantly starts laughing, and I've had enough. Dropping my bag, I spin and stride up to his side. He's still sitting on his horse smirking down at me, so I reach up and grab the bottom of his jacket and yank. He obviously isn't expecting it, as he's plenty strong enough to stop me, but the surprise catches him off guard and he tumbles off the side of his horse.

"You say one more thing, Naril, and I will shove this wayfinder so far up your ass, you'll need a map to find it," I snarl in his face, before letting go and stalking back over to my horse with Vaeril's laughter following me. I've never actually seen a map, but I've heard them talking about them before when they were planning our journey.

Once settled, I look back over to see him still on the ground, gaping at me in shock. Vaeril, however, is grinning as he walks his horse over to me, looking happier than I've ever seen him. "There's my mate." His voice is deeper than usual, and I can see the approval in his eyes. Running his gaze over me, he lets out an approving purring noise. "The longer you're with us, the more your fae side is coming out."

He's right. Eldrin said that the longer I spent around the elves, the more I would unlock my fae side, but I thought he just meant in my training. At first, I thought I was only adopting the habits of those around me, but I feel like I'm changing, growing, and adapting. It's scary. I've left behind all I've ever known, and I'm becoming someone I don't recognise, yet I'm starting to realise that's not necessarily a bad thing.

"Speaking of fae, I'm surprised we haven't seen any imps or other fae yet." Looking around as I speak, I half expect to see one of them peeking around a tree.

Shaking his head, Vaeril reaches over and takes hold of my hand, raising it to his lips for a kiss. "You won't see them, they don't like us very much. Plus, they hide deep in the forest." His lips quirk up, and I relish this more playful side of him. Before I knew him, I believed him to be surly and scary, but once we escaped, I began to get to know him better as he started to trust me and open up. Once we reached Galandell, I thought I was seeing the true Vaeril, but I realise now that I was just seeing the mask he wore. Away from the pressures of the palace, he's able to be himself.

Smiling at his gesture, I look out at the forest, close my eyes, and extend my senses. I don't know how I do it, I've never tried to sense anything other than magic, but I can feel them, like little nudges of energy pushing back against me. "I can feel them, they're close." Opening my eyes, I don't miss the look Vaeril and Naril share.

"You can feel them?" Vaeril asks cautiously, as Naril climbs back onto his horse, glancing around as if the fae are about to jump out at him. "You can feel the other fae?" he clarifies.

"Yes, they're curious." I can't help but smile at their inquisitive and mischievous natures, which bounced back at me. Pulling my senses in, I realise Vaeril and Naril are watching me with strange expressions. "What?"

"That's not a normal skill for an elf."

I tap the horse's sides with my heels, and she obediently starts walking forward again, not bothering to see if they follow after me. "Well, I'm not exactly a normal elf, am I?" I call over my shoulder.

"She has a point." Vaeril sounds amused, but is farther away now and I know he's not talking to me. "Come on, I would like to reach the elves before dark."

We continue to journey through the forest, making light conversation here and there, but mostly we keep quiet. That's when I notice something different.

"I can hear them." My voice is an awed whisper as I look around the forest, my eyes wide. We are much deeper into the forest now, and the canopy is so thick, only the occasional thin beam of sunlight makes it through the dense leaves. The trees are huge with large, gnarled trunks and twisting branches. I'd thought the trees in the forest we walked through to get to Galandell were different, but this is something on a whole new level. This forest is old , and the trees carry knowledge in them that no human or fae could ever hope to understand. It's almost like they are sentient beings, and I can feel them examining us, trying to determine if we are friend or foe. I have no doubt that they would expel us if we meant the forest or its residents harm.

"Who?" Vaeril asks softly from my side, on alert as he looks around for whoever it is I can sense.

Gesturing around us, I tilt my head to one side as if that will help me hear them better. "The trees, they're talking to me."

Naril snorts, and I know he's going to make some smartass comment, but a smacking sound makes me look over. "Ouch!" he complains, rubbing at his arm. He's glaring at Vaeril, and I can work out what happened. Usually, I'd find this amusing, but my attention keeps being snatched away by the huge, unknown presence tapping at the edge of my consciousness.

"Ignore him," Vaeril instructs, his voice soft, and I can feel his eyes on me. "What are they saying?" He's almost whispering now, and I appreciate that he's taking this seriously, that he believes me.

Closing my eyes, I try to focus on the presence that's surrounding me. It's strange, like one mind, but when I reach out, I can feel hundreds of smaller ones. It's not words, but feelings and flashes of images.

"Welcome home."

There's a beat of silence, and when I open my eyes, I meet Vaeril's awed gaze. He's watching me like he's never seen me before and has just properly noticed me for the first time.

"Well, that's not at all creepy," Naril drawls from the back of his horse, breaking the tense atmosphere. Snorting, Vaeril signals for us to start walking again.

Our horses fall into line behind Vaeril, not really requiring much direction from me, so I let my mind wander. Nudges against my mind have me opening my senses once again, and I smile as I'm welcomed back. I was right, the trees here are old, millennia old, and have many stories to tell. The closer we get to the wood elves, the deeper within the trees' consciousness I seem to delve.

"Clarissa. Alina ."

The voice makes me blink, and I get the impression from his frustrated tone that this wasn't the first time he's called me. I look around and realise we've come to a stop, and I frown as I wonder why. Glancing over at Naril, I see he's facing forward, his eyes focused on something, and I notice Vaeril is doing the same. Gazing over the top of my horse's head, I see an elf standing between two trees, blocking our path.

He's not like any elf I've ever seen before. He's dark, tall, and has willowy limbs, and as I look closer, I see his brown skin looks more like bark than flesh. He's wearing what looks like leaves and a cloak of moss. Pointed ears poke through his shoulder-length brown hair, and he has an angular chin and sharp cheekbones. He has all the unearthly beauty of the fae, but he has soft kind eyes, which happen to be locked on me. I have the strangest feeling, like I've known this elf all my life, but I know for certain I've never seen him before.

"Welcome home, youngling." His voice is like the rustle of leaves in the breeze, soft yet powerful. My heart slams in my chest as he repeats what the trees whispered into my mind. How does he know who I am? We hadn't sent any warning that we were coming, the decision was only made the night before we left Galandell, so how could he know?

Holding the reins in one hand, I dismount my horse, pat her on the neck gently, and whisper my thanks to her for my safe journey before taking a few steps closer to the wood elf. The others do the same, not worrying about tying up the horses or fearing they might wander away. During our journey, they explained that their horses are different than the ones the humans use. While looking similar, they are very intelligent and have a willpower of their own.

I stop just a few steps from the elf, knowing I'm supposed to wait for Vaeril to introduce us, but I need to know something. "How did you know we were coming?"

Naril groans at my breach in protocol, but the elf in front of us just smiles, his eyes still locked on me. "The trees told me," is his simple reply, as if this answers everything. Which, I guess, knowing what I know now about this forest, could very well be true.

Vaeril clears his throat and takes a step forward. "Speaker Hawthorn," he greets, lowering his head in the salutation the elves seem to favour as the elf turns his attention to him. I watch in interest as the wood elf, Speaker Hawthorn, observes impassively. "My name is Lord Vaeril, and we come from Galandell with the hope you can help my friend."

There's a pause as the older elf seems to think on Vaeril's words, his demeanour changing completely from the happy, open elf he'd been on our arrival. He's not unfriendly, but there is a definite wariness there as he looks over the two lords. Eventually, he nods slowly. "I remember you. You're the elf who was captured." I swear I see a hint of sympathy in his eyes, but it's gone in a blink.

Vaeril shifts his weight on his feet, and I glance over, expecting to see an uncomfortable expression on his face, but he's wearing his usual neutral mask he wears around the castle. "Yes. My mate helped me escape." He gestures to me, and the speaker follows his arm to look at me again, his expression warming into a smile.

A loud cough fills the small clearing, and with a frown, I look over at Naril, who's wearing an innocent expression. Attempting to hide his smile, Vaeril gestures first at his friend and then to me. "This is my companion, Lord Naril, and my mate, Clarissa."

The look of disinterest that the speaker gives Naril nearly makes me laugh out loud, knowing that the lord would take that as a great slight. He may be a snarky prankster, but he's hot on his court protocols. Making a mental note to bring this up again with Naril later, I pull my attention back to the speaker as he takes a few steps towards me. We're close now, with only a few inches between us, and if I reach out, my hand would brush against his textured skin.

"These males are your friends?" he asks in a low, serious tone, his eyes scanning my face. "You trust them?"

The fact he seems to trust my verdict of the two high elves—me, a half-elf, half-human mongrel—astounds me. He doesn't know me at all, yet he seems to act like he does. Is it my wood elf ancestry that is calling him to me, that makes him trust me?

Looking into his deep, forest green eyes, I find myself smiling. "Yes, I do."

As if my word is good enough, he nods his head and turns to face the high elves. "Then you are welcome here," he says, his voice slightly warmer now that I've vouched for them. Looking at me once again, he smiles warmly and his eyes crinkle. "Child, we have been awaiting you." Gesturing for me to follow him, he turns and starts walking along the bracken path he'd been standing in front of.

For a second, I stand there dumbstruck, staring at his retreating back until Vaeril gently nudges me forward. I jog to catch up to the speaker. "What do you mean? You knew I existed?" There's a hint of hurt in my voice. If they had known I existed, why hadn't they come and rescued me? I'd been just a child, surely no child deserves to be in slavery? I know I shouldn't feel that way, it's not reasonable to expect a race to go into war to save a single child, but the hurt is there nonetheless.

As if able to sense my feelings, he glances over at me with a sympathetic expression. "Yes, the earth told us. We've known you were coming for a long time, we just didn't know the timings of it." He must see my confused expression because he smiles. "We had a vision of you about twenty years ago, but no idea of when you would be coming to us."

My eyes widen in shock. Twenty years ago, that would have been when I was born. They've known about this moment for twenty years? Apparently oblivious to my shock, he continues on.

"When Menishea started to return in the last few weeks, we knew it was only a matter of time until you came home."

I fall silent as I follow him through the forest, not really paying attention to our surroundings. I'm aware of Vaeril close behind me, and I'm sure Naril is not far away either, but my mind is spinning. The way the speaker welcomed me ‘home' and said that I ‘came home' makes it sound like I've been here before, or that I will be staying here for a long time. Home is a funny concept for me, but I can't deny that I feel welcome here, like it's somewhere I'm finally returning to.

"Menishea…" I sound out the word, trying to remember what Master Ardeth had told me about her. "She is like your Mother Nature? Your goddess?"

The speaker seems to stumble for a second and looks at me with a mixture of shock and concern. "Your lack of knowledge of your own people is disturbing." I open my mouth to apologise, to explain that I only recently learned that I was part elf, wood elf at that, but he raises a hand. "No, don't apologise, it is not your fault." Offering me a gentle smile, he glances over his shoulder to give a quick glare at the high elves following us. "We will teach you." Reaching out, he pats my shoulder reassuringly. "Let's get you comfortable. I will explain everything over the celebration meal tonight."

Using all my willpower, I manage to stop the groan from escaping me at the idea of a celebration. Why is there always a ball or celebration at these places? my inner thoughts complain, thinking back to the lavish balls at Arhaven and Galandell. Although, looking around the forest, I can't imagine their celebrations being like that. The whole lifestyle here is completely different than that of the high elves and humans.

"Celebration meal?" Although I manage to keep my voice even, I'm unable to stop my face.

Thankfully, this just makes the speaker laugh. "Yes, to celebrate your return, and with you, the return of Menishea."

I glance over at Vaeril, desperately hoping he will say we can't attend or give me an excuse, but his amused glance soon moves back to the wood elf as he dips his head in agreement. "We would be honoured to attend the meal, Speaker Hawthorn."

The three wood elves titter around me, fluttering about like butterflies as they dress me for the evening. I insisted I could dress myself, but they assured me it was ceremonial. Reluctantly, I agreed, leaving Vaeril and Naril in the guest hut they had been given to stay in. I loved the buildings here. While the hut they were in was nothing like they were used to, it was still beautiful in its own way. It's been weaved from branches and sits on the ground at the base of a large tree, yet the wood is still living, so leaves and wildflowers grow over it. Inside, all the furniture is made of wood and leaves, but it looks like the wood has been encouraged to grow into those shapes rather than cut or whittled.

The building I'm staying in is similar in the way that everything has been grown and is fully ingrained in the nature here. The main difference? This building is in the tree, like most of the buildings here. A spiral staircase twirls up around one of the large tree trunks and reaches a balcony that circles the entire circumference of the tree. The house is built partially on the platform, and the rest within the tree itself.

They've given me the entire house to myself while I stay here, and although it's not as big as the rooms I have back in Galandell, I much prefer the natural, comfortable space over the opulence of the palace. It has a small living area with comfortable chairs and a table, with a small kitchen to the side. Off the main room is a bathroom and luxurious bedroom, complete with a private balcony.

"Your ears are just the cutest," one of the elves comments. I think her name was Rose, but it's all been a bit of a blur since they whisked me up here. She seems to be the one in charge of the little group. She is stunning with light green skin, almost pearlescent in the sunlight, and wispy pink hair that's been pinned up with roses and other flowers decorating her head. The other two, Thorn and Masie, look much like their friend, but their hair colours are more natural. They agree with Rose as they hurry over to bring a large mirror for me to see myself in.

Standing, I can't help but gasp when I see my reflection. I look like a fae. The makeup they've put on is subtle but emphasises all of my elvish features, making my cheekbones look sharp and accentuating the slight upturn of my eyes. My black hair has been brushed, and several braids have been put into it with tiny silver leaves weaved through. On my head is a crown of flowers, and two intricate, twisting silver cuffs have been put on the outside of my ears. At first, I thought it was to make them look pointed, more elvish, but seeing them now, they fully show off the curve of my human ears, embracing and enhancing them.

The dress is similar to the wrap type ones I would wear back in Galandell, but there is a lot more fabric, which trails behind me as I walk, from the cape-like train that flows from my shoulders and meets the silver cuffs at my wrist. The thing that stands out the most, however, is the colour. The dress is a deep, midnight blue with tiny silver flecks woven into the fabric. Although I've been dressed up before, this feels much more casual than any of the events I've previously attended.

"Wow," I whisper as I stare at my reflection, which seems to be becoming a theme. Will I ever get used to wearing clothing like this, to looking like anything other than a slave? The elves murmur their agreement, hands reaching out to touch me. I've noticed they do that a lot. A casual hand on my shoulder here, a gentle brush as they move a piece of hair from my face, lightly reaching out and adjusting the skirt of my dress.

"You look beautiful," Rose says with a bright smile, her sapphire eyes gleaming with happiness. "The perfect outfit for your return."

There it is again, the implication that I've returned, like I've been here before, but I don't have time to think on it as the elves flutter around me again.

"Are you ready? They will be waiting for us," she inquires, gesturing for me to follow her. Nodding my head, I take a deep breath and trail after her. One of the things I've noticed is that none of the wood elves wear shoes, and they haven't provided me with any now, which suits me. Wearing shoes was one of my biggest adjustments when Grayson saved me, so there's something comforting about not wearing them here.

Exiting the house, I finally take in the forest around me. Now that the sun is starting to set, small lanterns line the walkways that connect the trees together. There are dozens of houses like the one I'm staying in, but I can see lanterns farther off in the trees, so I'm sure there are even more. There are several more huts and slightly bigger buildings built into the trees on the ground, but most of the activity seems to be up in the canopy. Following Rose over a rope bridge to the next tree, I can't help but smile. Vaeril and I stayed in trees when we were escaping Arhaven, but I hadn't really had the time or energy to think about it. On our journey here, Vaeril and Naril explained that most of the buildings here were built into the trees. I've seen a few like this on the outskirts of Galandell, but they were nothing like this, and the thought of living in a tree had been completely alien to me. But being up here now, it feels comfortable, and I hardly notice I'm suspended high above the ground.

We appear to be walking towards a large platform built around the biggest tree I've ever seen. Elves are gathered there on colourful cushions, sitting together in groups. Reaching the tree, I pause on the edge of the platform as I take everything in. Rose and her companions wave at me and hurry off to join another group of elves, and I feel the eyes of many turn to look at me. They're curious, kind looks, completely unlike the unfriendly stares I'm used to. To my relief, all the females seem to be wearing dresses like mine in a variety of colours. The men are wearing leggings and colourful jackets, with leaves of various colours woven and embroidered into them.

On the other side of the platform, I see Vaeril and a very uncomfortable looking Naril climbing from the staircase. Vaeril's gaze instantly locks onto mine and a hungry, predatory look flashes into his eyes as he stalks towards me. Like I'm being pulled by an invisible thread, I begin to move towards him, and we meet in the middle, stopping only when we are chest to chest, completely ignoring the onlooking elves.

"You look…" He trails off, the heat in his eyes awaking my desire.

A loud cough comes from Vaeril's side, and a frustrated Naril raises an eyebrow at us before shuffling between us, looking me up and down.

"You look like a fae," he announces with a twist of his mouth. "Being here is unlocking it."

I've heard people talking about this before. Eldrin had been trying to unlock my fae powers, but we hadn't had much luck other than the occasional burst of speed. However, I've no idea how they could unlock part of how I look. "What do you mean? Being here can't change my appearance," I protest, as thoughts of sprouting branches from my arms like some of the fae I've seen flash through my mind.

"No, but it can change how you behave, how you hold yourself," he explains, gesturing to the way I'm standing. "Plus, their fashions enhance your fae side." What he says makes sense, and I have to admit I have changed a lot since my time back in Arhaven. Perhaps he's right, not that I would ever let him know that though.

Vaeril pushes the lord out the way and takes my hand before raising it to his lips to press a warm kiss there. "No, I was going to say you look beautiful, but the word didn't seem like enough to describe how you look tonight." Naril makes a gagging sound, but I can't pull my eyes from Vaeril, his words bringing a blush to my cheeks.

I open my mouth—to say what, I don't know—but in that moment, a hush falls over the elves. Looking around, I see Speaker Hawthorn and a group of older elves gathering next to the trunk where large chairs grow out of the bark. Elves settle down onto the coloured cushions, all facing towards the trunk, where the older elves are taking their seats, all except Speaker Hawthorn. Seeing me, he gestures for me to come forward with a smile on his face, so I walk over to them with Vaeril and Naril following behind me.

"Clarissa, you look beautiful," the speaker greets, taking my hand in his and squeezing it gently.

Smiling, I bow my head in respect. "Thank you, Speaker Hawthorn."

Keeping hold of my hand, he turns and takes a few steps towards the elves behind him. I follow, trying to push my nerves aside. I expect looks of disdain, but instead, I'm only greeted with curious and tentatively friendly expressions. "Let me introduce you to the other speakers." He goes through the other elves behind him and explains who they are and what their position is with the wood elves. I notice all of them are male except for one female sporting a pair of delicate antlers atop her head. Seeing my regard, her smile widens, and she dips her head towards me.

Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly, but something is niggling at the back of my mind. Why? Why do some of them look at me like I'm walking on water?

I get the feeling they're about to do some sort of speech, but I want to inquire before things get started. "Speaker Hawthorn, may I ask you something?"

The speaker nods his head, his inquisitive eyes watching me carefully. "Of course, child."

Taking a deep breath, I glance over my shoulder and see that I still seem to be the talking point of the evening, their wide eyes watching my every move. I thought they might be weary of me, even scared or angry, but not this. "Why is everyone looking at me like that?" My voice wavers a bit, showing my insecurities as I turn back to him. Vaeril steps closer, feeling my distress, and places his hand on my lower back. "I understand that you knew I was coming, but I didn't expect this sort of reception for a half-elf," I explain, trying to express my confusion over the whole thing without seeming ungrateful.

A look of comprehension crosses his face, and I see the speakers behind him watching us with interest. "You are so much more than that, Clarissa," he replies, but instead of understanding, I just feel frustrated. Tor's words echo in my head. He said something similar before we left Galandell. More than what? What's wrong with me as I am now? I get the feeling that everything is about to change, perhaps not tonight, but soon. Something is looming over me, and I can't decide if it's for good or ill.

"What do you mean?" I question tentatively, feeling like I'm not going to like his response.

Smiling, he turns to face me fully, taking both my hands in his and cupping them gently. "Many of those here believe you are the reincarnation of Menishea," he answers. Gobsmacked, I look at him with wide eyes, not sure I'm comprehending what he's telling me.

He can't be saying what I think he's saying, right? Behind me, Vaeril rubs his hand in a circle in the center of my back, comforting me in my shock. He whispers something in elvish into my ear, and I feel the magic of the words fall over my body, even though I don't understand what he's saying.

Speaker Hawthorn must see my confusion and shock. He takes pity on me, his expression softening. "They believe you are our goddess in mortal form."