No Longer Alone

“Just lost,” the ivory human repeats, appealing for help with a level of sincerity present in her voice that I feel I can hardly deny; neither can I ignore the stew of confusion, fear and curiosity as it continues to toss and turn in my belly. Though I feel altogether apprehensive about this, my first not-Fae encounter, there is an element of excitement pouring through my veins as well: what would Old Mother do? The other is sitting down, a deliberately low and non-threatening stance which serves as intended to boost a little of my young-hearted confidence. Of course we’ve been warned, nay, educated, to behave with much reserve in the face of these intruders, and though for a while I am mindful of my oath to The Greatwood and my people, cracks soon begin to show in my guard. I respond in a quiet, rather shy voice, “you are in The Wildwood.” This forest is wily and clever, turning interlopers in a circle and spitting them out at the very place they’d begun; I feel sure that she, too, will be exited soon enough. “Home of the Fae,” I tack on after a moment longer. A minor suggestion (or reminder), that this stunning wilderness is not up for claim. For the moment I daren’t step any closer. Though she rests courteously, and still her palms sit exposed, there is unshakable suspicion lingering in my mind; it has been burnt into me. “The way out will find you soon, I am sure…” My tongue falls again motionless against my pearly teeth, gripped tightly by uncertainty as I wait for the stranger’s next move.