The Fountain
The sky was dark and unforgiving, clouds covered the sun making it dimmer. The waves crashed against the base of the cliff where above I sat— an auburn-haired fae with my knees tucked under my chin and my arms wrapped around my legs. My face was pale gray and my eyes were dark amethysts. Tattooed, black spirals twisted themselves around my right arm—something that I've held insecurities about. The elders told me it happened during my family’s slaughter. The day of my fifth birthday was the very same day I became an orphan. Demons had come and attacked my family among others and left me to fend for myself and to one day tell the tale. I've always wished to at least say goodbye but I was never given the chance.
”Alora!” The familiar voice of Satis, one of the Elders that had found me bloodied and had taken me in, called out. I stood up sighing, knowing that my moment of peace would end here. I took one last glance at the sea and the border a few feet from it before painting on a smile and ran towards Satis.
”Satis,” I greeted.
Satis smiled at me before dusting her dress and fixed her silver hair decorated with beautiful flowers. Satis was a beautiful Fae, she had dark skin and her eyes shone blue.
”Alora, it is time for supper.”
”I know.” I wanted to say, ”That is the only reason you call for me.” But rather I settled for a nod and followed her as she led me down the cliff and into the dining hut where the Elders and all of the Faes sat. Heidi, the most powerful among the Elders and Fae, sat at the head of the table. Her beady black eyes glared into mine. Heidi never liked me but yet she still kept me around for reasons I would never know.
I took a seat beside Satis and supper commenced with a wave of Heidi’s hand. The children rejoiced and thanked Heidi before eating their share and the adults bowed their heads in gratitude. I never understood why Heidi was well-respected. The woman dressed in dark clothing that drowned her petite frame, she always wore a frown and she despised children. Her hair was knotted and untamed—she looked like a nuraxi; the servants of the dark.
Supper was like always. Everyone was quiet, all that could be heard was our utensils scraping against the wooden plates and the occasional whispers of the Elders which is quite uncommon among my kind.
Every time I ate, I often wondered what would change if my family was never killed. Would supper be more enjoyable? Would I spend my free time with my siblings instead of watching the sea? Would I be who I am right now? Or would I be a different person? More happier?
As I continued on with my mental spiel, I felt Satis beside me poke me with her elbow. I looked up at her with a questioning brow. Satis looked into my eyes before bowing her head away from the other Elders and whispered, “I have to show you something.”
I looked up at the Elders before whispering, “What?”
“After supper.” And that’s all she said before taking a quick look at the Elders’ direction and returning to her meal, leading me to be flustered at the fact that I had to wait for after supper.
————
It was now after supper and as I stood up from the table to leave, Satis grabbed my arm and whispered, ”Fountain.” I instantly knew where she meant. There was only one fountain in all of Gaia, the place where all Faes reside–including myself, it was right at the middle and not only that, there have been multiple stories circulating around it but I don’t believe any of it. I nodded at Satis before leaving my seat and walked out of the dining hut and made my way to the fountain since it is a long walk.
On my way I watch as every hut go dark. Faes don’t usually stay awake a couple hours after supper. I see families walking in their hut, some even waving at me and some are carrying their drowsy children inside. I’ve always lived alone so it brought me warmth to see multiple Faes going inside one hut.
It’s not far now–the fountain. I see it, how could I not? It’s ginormous. It’s painted a silvery white color that shone bright in the night. It’s tall with three tiers of water flowing. The water was so clear. As I got closer to the fountain, I saw my reflection. To put it in a word: dull. I looked dull. My hair held no vibrancy unlike the other Faes, my skin was so pale, my eyes had no spark and my overall expression screamed ‘plain’. The only unique feature I had was the black spirals on my right arm. The black contrasted against my pale skin but even that didn’t look pretty. Instead it looked out of place like it didn’t belong there.
I leaned back, my reflection disappearing. Another thing about Faes? We aren’t suppose to look at our reflections for too long.
“Alora,” The voice of Satis called from behind me. I turned and spotted her smiling. She’s always smiling. I just nodded, “Satis. What did you have to show me?”
“I’ve figured out a way to bring back your family.”
My eyebrows shot to the roof, my eyes widening, my mouth agape and my heart beating rapidly. My whole aura changed so suddenly. I felt so many conflicting emotions. I didn’t know what to say except, “How?”
Satis walked closer, her eyes sparkling. “You’ve seen it, Alora. It’s right behind you.” She smiled and walked past me and stopped at the edge of the fountain. I was still in momentary shock but as soon as I registered what she meant I turned around and faced the fountain.
“This? The fountain?”
Satis started at me from the side of her eye, nodding. “Yes, the fountain. You’ve heard the stories haven’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Then you have your answer.”
“How?” I asked again.
Satis sighed before turning towards me. “I have to tell you it isn’t easy. We need the help of the other Elders and your participation. Are you up to that?”
Was I? Am I ready to face my family again? I’ve always wished for them, but how far would I go to have them? I guess I’ll find out.
“What do I have to do?”
Satis smiled and instructed me to once again meet her in front of the Elders’ hut, located just across the dining hut.
I nodded, without skipping a beat.
