the shadows have eyes

The night is mild as I step from the warm glow of Undercroft’s spiralling staircase. Sequin-silver stars, like the scattered embers of a dying fire, wink playfully down at me, illuminating the pitch-black curtain of sky. All is not as it seems however, and as I begin a slow trek through the stillness towards my Aunt’s tree-house, the almost mute silhouette of a giant appears upon the path in my way. Huddling beneath my own patterned cloak, I stare, entirely aware that the barrier-people are not welcome. “What are you doing here?” My aim is to intercept or stall, until maybe a better suited Fae (Warrior? Adult?), arrives and intervenes. As much as I can, I bristle before the trespasser, trying to straighten my weary spine and pull back my lazy shoulders- Of course, it dawns on me as I do, that there isn’t anything remotely intimidating about my minute figure, at all. Nevertheless, I hold my ground as boldly as my shrieking nervous system will allow. “You do not belong in our Village.”