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Eukara Vox -> RE: Faerie Tales (10/28/2008 17:27:24)
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Caellach and the Dragonfly Faerie
“You know, eventually I am going to need to walk deeper into the forest to get wood.” Caellach said to no one in particular. Though, he knew someone heard him, for even the trees listened to the world around them. As any man of the earth prays, Caellach hoped the trees knew of the care he took when harvesting the much needed wood. Peering into the dark inner-realm of the forest, he felt a slight tingle run across his skin.
Quickly, Caellach sought out the oldest trees, honored elders of the forest. These have little left to give the world. I wonder if they are content to warm the nights of men. He ran his hands along the ancient bark; each ripple, groove and scar tugged at his calloused palms. Before swinging his axe, he thanked the gods, the forest and the very tree he had chosen. Deftly, he swung the axe, the rhythm echoing in the forest.
A solitary bird appeared in a young sapling across from Caellach and began to sing. Smiling, he listened as the bird’s song fell in time with his swing. The lilting tune swelled within his heart, renewing his strength. He listened to the song dance around his echoing -thwump- while his breathing slowed in time.
Suddenly, Caellech looked around realizing the forest was silent. The bird was no longer in the tree; his song a shadow of beauty that lingered merely in the memory of one man. Caellach wavered, feeling as if something precious had been taken away, and noticed the tree he had begun to work on was gone. In its place was a large stack of perfectly cut firewood.
I am good, but not this good. He quietly chuckled, turning towards the heart of the forest. Bowing reverently, he thanked the forest and whatever spirit assisted him. It took several trips, but eventually he loaded it all on the wagon.
As he pulled it behind him, Caellach mused about how he would explain it all to his father. He probably won’t ask. He shook his head sadly. When stuff like this happens Father never asks, as if it wasn’t an issue. Never do I get ‘Now, how did you manage to chop all of this wood in such little time?’ I merely get a nod. Why is that?
Through the kitchen window, Laise watched his son come home, wagon full and in tow. Again. The older he gets, the more this happens. Walking through the kitchen and into the sitting room, Laise pulled a tiny key from a hidden pocket in his pants. He unlocked a small compartment under an end table beneath the window. The soft click seemed to echo through his tiny home.
Breathing deeply, Laise reached in and pulled out a bundle of dark cloth. Unwrapping it cautiously, he folded each corner back to reveal a blinding sparkle. Laise laid the cloth on the table and the sun hit the unwrapped object, causing dozens of rainbows to dance upon the walls. Peering once more at his son, Laise drew his eyes back to object at hand.
I remember this like it was yesterday. Seventeen years ago today, He came to our home. Erin had just given birth to Caellach. Exhausted, she lay as Caellach nursed. The door to our home, this house, opened abruptly. The midwife fled, afraid of who stood on our threshhold. His eyes flickered over to the door, almost as if he expected it to open again. He strode in, confident, powerful, inexplicably curious at the sight before him. To this day, I cannot recall his looks. Every time I try, the memory blurs.
“Father!” Caellach called from outside.
Laise picked up the cloth and object startled. He moved to replace the object back in its hiding place, only to find his memory return.
Laise dropped to his knees before the High King. He trembled as he watched his guest walk to the makeshift bed his wife laid upon. Erin looked the High King in the eyes, causing Laise to cringe.
“I am not here for your son, good woman. I am here merely to bestow upon him a gift. This child is important, very important. Be proud that I have noticed.” The High King laid his hand upon Caellech’s frail, tiny brow. Erin eyed every nuance in his actions, ready to pounce should the need arise.
The High King chuckled quietly. “Let it not be said that the women of this place are without honour and valour. For, in no other place has Brian O’Connor been bested. He will have your bravery, valour and honour one day when he is called upon, good mother. You have given him a great gift.”
The High King snapped his fingers, summoning a leprechaun. The little man bowed low before King O’Connor, presenting him with a dark bundle of cloth and backed away. Before the leprechaun disappeared, he glanced sidelong at Laise, causing the man's skin to prickle.
Unwrapping the bundle, the High King revealed a crystal violin the size of a man’s palm. The detail was so exquisite, Laise knew instinctively that the violin was playable if one had the crystal bow to go with it.
Walking slowly towards him, King O’Connor held out the violin, “A gift for the child. A blessing and comfort,” his voiced dropped low, “for the years to come. Erin is sick, my friend. She will not make it past your son’s first year...”
His eyes were so sincere. Laise reached out to take the gift…
“Father!” Caellach’s voice come from behind. Laise could feel his son’s hand on his shoulder, squeezing harshly. Laise hastily wrapped the black cloth over the violin and absentmindedly placed it on the windowsill.
“Caellach, how did your foray into the forest go today?” Sweat beaded his brow, causing Laise to pull out his kerchief and mop his face. Calm down, Laise, you fool!
“I’m going to have to go deeper into the forest next time. I cut the last of the ancients today on the forest’s fringe. Thankfully, I brought home enough to last a while.” Caellach laughed as he headed towards the kitchen.
Exhaling deeply, Laise followed his son, tucking the key back into the hidden pocket. “So, do you have a birthday wish?”
“A wish, Father? Perhaps a wish that addresses the plague of girls thrust upon me every time I go into town! Now, that would be a wish indeed.” Caellach bit a chunk of bread and chewed thoughtfully. “Do you think the faeries would grant a wish like that?”
“Is it that bad, Caellach?” Laise asked even though he knew the answer. Whispers across the farming village the lived in spoke of a certain fey aura about Caellach, something inexplicable yet fascinating all the same. Parents tried desperately to pair him with their daughters, thinking that his blessings would bleed into their own fortunes. Laise knew what it was all about, but Caellach was ignorant of the way in which he was treated. “Surely, having a girl or two interested in you would be something to boast about?”
“Ugh. It is annoying. I can’t do my job without someone’s mother approaching me about her daughter.” Biting into the bread more aggressively, Caellach looked out the window and chewed quietly.
“Perhaps, young man, your work ethic and charming good looks have attracted the girls.” Laise walked around to the basin and began washing the vegetables for dinner. “Can’t blame yourself for such handsome features. That would be my fault.”
Caellach nearly choked on the bread he was trying to swallow as his father spoke. With great difficulty, he swallowed and wiped the tears that had sprung to his eyes. He got up and slapped his father on the shoulder before heading to his room. “I will go wash up for dinner. See you in a bit.”
Turning around slightly, Laise watched his beloved son walk towards the back of the house, disappearing into his modest room. Oh, how he wished that he could give his son the luxury the boy deserved! A man like him deserves more than this small place. He deserves a palace, just to house his heart.
~~~~~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~~~
Dinner was a quiet affair that night. Caellach’s thoughts wandered back towards the forest and what happened that day. I have never been so absent during my time collecting firewood. How does one chop down an entire tree and not remember it? He stirred the stew counterclockwise, sighing quietly, trying to sort out his afternoon. I just don’t think I can say anything to Father.
Laise watched his son perplexed. He had never told Caellach about the gift, fearing that his son would quake under the weight that such a gift would bring upon his shoulders. Instead, he pulled it out every night and prayed. He petitioned for his son’s health, happiness and the opportunity for Caellach to change their little part of the world for good. Because, gods knew, things were bad in the northeast. He saw the confusion on Caellach’s face, yet the words that would comfort his son refused to be voiced.
Laise suspected that this silence wasn’t purely coincidence, yet he didn’t dare actually think whose fault it may be. “Caellach, what are you planning tomorrow?”
Looking up somewhat startled, Caellach cleared his throat. “Well, we have vegetables to sell off and I need to get a few tools sharpened. So I guess I am spending an extended amount of time in town.” He exhaled loudly, “So help me if any of the mothers badger me I will make a birthday wish, curse the consequences.”
Laise tried to suppress a smile, not knowing how serious his son was being at the moment. Looking down at his own stew, he could feel the corners of his mouth tug upwards. The more Laise tried to keep from smiling the harder it got to not smile. He took several deep breaths, desperately trying to control himself. It dawned on him that he was expected to say something, yet, he knew that as soon as he opened his mouth, there would be trouble.
He looked up, swallowing hard. “Well, son, if you feel…that such drastic…actions…” The statement was punctuated by his attempt to suppress his laughter, for he could see that Caellach was also trying not to smile. Caellach covered his mouth and averted his gaze, yet Laise could see his shoulders shaking slightly.
Unable to contain their laughter, both men released all that was pent up inside and laughed hysterically. “Can you see the faeries?” Caellach slapped the table, tears welling up in his eyes. “Can you imagine their reactions and confusion? Most men wish for women to throw themselves at them and here I am asking the faeries to keep them away!”
The laughter lasted several more minutes before both men began to hurt. Caellach gripped his sides and sucked in breath after breath trying to calm down while dealing with the cramping. He leaned back in his chair to stretch out his abdomen, hoping that would do him some good. He watched his father do the same exact thing and smiled, knowing just how much of his father he saw in himself.
Once they had sufficiently calmed down, both men ate their dinners, exchanging small talk about the harvest and early sales. Though what had initially held them apart hung over their heads, for now, it was a mere apparition in their thoughts. Soon enough, Caellach began to nod off, leading Laise to clear the table and send his son to bed.
Barely able to lift his feet, Caellach trudged off to bed, whispering a goodnight to his father. Falling into bed, fully clothes, he closed his eyes and fell into deep sleep that his tired body needed desperately. Laise stepped cautiously inside, closing the door a fraction before approaching the bed. Seventeen years. Yet, I can still feel your soft skin against my cheek. The slight pressure of your tiny hand as it wrapped around my finger lingers. I wish your mother could see you all grown up. He glanced out of the bedroom and peered towards the forest. When, King Brian? When do you intend on taking my boy from me?
Laise lightly swept Caellach’s blond locks from his face and kissed his forehead, wishing him a long, dreamless sleep. Heavy-hearted, Laise headed to his own empty room; a room that had been devoid of laughter for sixteen years. Glancing around at the sparse decorations, he tried to visualize Erin brushing her hair at the table or lying in bed waiting for him to settle. A mere wisp of memory formed, giving him an incomplete vision of the woman he had loved since they were but small children.
He turned his back on the memories and stared out his window. The forest stood on the very edge of his fields, as if they were threatening to cross onto his land and take over the open soil. As he followed the darkened line of trees, his eyes turned towards the mountain beyond, squinting to see the cairn of Queen Meadhbh. Dare I hope that she indeed does watch the borders, battle ready in case her enemies from the past decide to come back. Right now would be the time to strike, for no one was ready. Our king is old and there is heir to take his place.
Laise saw it in everyone’s faces in town. The people feared the future, feared the unknown set before them. Never had there been a time when the seat of authority was vacant. There were whispers that the gods would save them, but the fervent prayers for an heir had fallen on deaf ears. So why would the gods intervene now? Do you watch over us, Meadhbh, atop the mountain? Or is this some faerie tale children are taught to help them sleep at night?
Pulling of his shirt and throwing it into the corner, Laise stretched out his arms a bit before lying down. As he stared at the ceiling, his mind drifted towards the gods. Obediently, the loving father called out to each one, asking for guidance and comfort as he peeled his pants from his tired legs. Let Caellach be more than what he is. He deserves greatness, for his heart is strong and pure. He has so much of his mother in him. This isn’t what his life was supposed to be! Laise drifted fitfully off to sleep, hugging the blanket close to his body.
Under the full moon, the wind brushed over the land, driving hard from the southeast, seeking something of importance. It rushed this way and that until, at last, the wind found the open window and the violin on the table. It lightly caressed the crystalline strings until the faintest of music was heard issuing from it.
The music floated through the air, softly drawing its invisible fingers across the simple wooden walls of the rooms as it passed. The music sought it’s mate, its companion; he who she was meant for in the beginning. She played a simple, yet hypnotic, song as she searched the home. Finally, the music stopped, and the door opened. The breath of wind swept through the room and settles on the blanket next to Caellach’s exhausted form. A sweet melody slowly, methodically, entered his head. He dreamt of a maiden with flowing golden red hair. He dreamt of her laugh, her smile, her touch. He dreamt of the penetrating green eyes that captured his soul. As she touched his cheek, he awoke with a start, bringing his hand up to his face to check to see if indeed such hands had touched him.
He paused. From somewhere in the house, Caellach could hear the music. Slowly, he rolled out of bed and walked through his door towards the sound. The melody haunted him as much as the harmony drove him. Blinking, he stared at the open window. There, nestled on the sill, was an exquisite crystal. It was nothing like he had ever seen, yet, he realized the music came from the crystal. Suddenly energized, he walked purposefully towards the window and peered down at the delicate object.
The strings, though crystal, vibrated as if a bow was pulled across it. Caellach shook his head. I must be seeing things, hearing things. Yet, as he peered closer, all evidence pointed to the fact that this crystal violin played just like any other he would see in the pub. The wind grew in strength, as did the song. It was then that Caellach realized that the bow was the wind and this violin was something more than a mere trinket.
“Ahhh, at last my boy.”
Caellach spun around to see who had spoken. There, standing on his father’s chair, was one of the little people…a leprechaun. But not just any leprechaun, but one of obvious royalty. Caellach found himself speechless before power and might.
“I would have to say, lad, that you were much louder seventeen years ago. Aye, much smaller too.” The leprechaun laughed and offered his hand. “Caellach, son of Laise, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am King Brian O’Connor and this couldn’t be a more perfect time for you to find my gift.”
~~~~~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~~~
I am seeing things. I know I am. Caellach blinked once and then squeezed his eyes shut, convinced that he just needed to clear his head. He counted to ten and then opened his eyes. As was the case before, the leprechaun still stood on his father’s chair.
“Yes, Caellach, I am still here. Why don’t you have a seat and talk awhile?” King Brian waved his left hand casually, indicating that the young man should take the chair adjacent to him. “Surely you saw this day coming?”
Inching slowly to the indicated chair, Caellach looked over the little man speaking to him. He was completely dumbfounded. Here, of all places, stood the High King of Eire! In my house, my sitting room…in my father’s chair! Lowering himself into the chair, Caellach inhaled deeply, readying himself to speak to the King. “Why would I see this day coming?”
King Brian stared at the young man, bewildered. “What do you mean? Surely your father--” He paused, suddenly realizing what the past couple of years had meant. Yes, he had made sure that the spirits and creatures under his control watched over the boy. Yes, they reported back to him the reverence and proper actions taken by the young man before him after each time they served their High King by taking care of Caellach.
Yet…he obviously has no idea why I am here. All this time, has he not known what I have given him? Brian contemplated the idea of Laise not revealing to the boy his destiny. His father never told him. Blast it all, humans fear too much. Only a dolt would have spurned such a gift, such an honor. I should-- A voice within quieted him, forcing him to think outside the faerie world for just a moment and see things through the father’s eyes. Though it perturbed him, he understood.
“Caellach, seventeen years ago I visited this very house mere hours after you were born. I saw you in your mother’s arms, suckling greedily. You are destined for great things, my boy. I gave your father a gift to give you when you were old enough to understand its significance.” Brian disappeared, reappearing promptly on the window sill. Picking up the violin, he continued. “I gave your father this. It was meant to be used by you whenever you needed me or one of my people. But he never gave it to you, did he?”
Caellach warily eyed King Brian as the leprechaun held out his hand, proffering the young man the crystal violin. Every muscle in his body stiffened, freezing him in place to merely stare. Brian’s smile began to fade as he watched in consternation spread across Caellach’s face. Sighing loudly, he closed his hand around the violin and appeared on the back of the young man’s chair. He sat down heavily, slapping his hands on his knees loudly.
“Nothing?”
“I apologize, King O’Connor,” Caellach began, “but this is indeed the first time I have ever seen the violin.” He looked to the side, directly into Brian’s eyes. Started and afraid the king would take the action wrong, he averted his gaze quickly.
“Aye, reputations foil the best of intentions. And you don’t have to go and avoid eye contact with me. I won’t be using any of my charms on you.” Brian shook his head and crossed his ankles to keep his legs from swinging. Wouldn‘t do to kick him, now, would it? “I can understand why your father would have kept this hidden. Usually, a gift from one of us would mean trouble, especially from me. But I was dead serious when I gave him mine to you.”
Caellach eyed Brian for a few seconds before relaxing a bit. “Wouldn’t my father have seen how serious you were?”
“That’s the problem lad. I know he did and it terrified him. Terrified him more than all the poochas on Knocknarea.” Unable to sit any longer, King Brian stood and stretched. He paced back the back of the chair twice before jumping down, landing on Caellach’s knee. “I told him that one day, the character your mother passed to you would be needed. That day is now near.”
Caellach felt his throat tighten at the mention of his mother. Be like my mother? Fierce…brave…not I, not in a thousand years. A thought suddenly struck him and his brow furrowed. “Then it is true! The women in town think they are whispering their gossip where I can’t hear them, but I can. They talk of my mother, standing up to the faerie folk, near fought one according to them. Only you would know the truth, right?”
Chuckling heartily, Brian patted Caellach’s leg. “Aye, that she did! Wonderful woman, worthy of one of us, that is the honest truth. Shame Erin was born human. But to answer further, lad, it was me she was ready to rip limb from limb. Me!”
Despite himself, Caellach laughed, releasing the last bit of tension from his shoulders and chest. “And what on earth did you do to incite her wrath, good King?”
“I came to see you, Caellach.” Brian stared into the air, thoughtfully scratching his chin. “Newly born, freshly washed and nursing…you weren’t much to look at. Even exhausted, your mother was scary. She knew my presence would bring disorder and an unknown element to your lives. Her very action gave me hope, hope that you indeed were what our world would need.”
Wait, wait, wait.” Caellach waved his hands and jumped to his feet, tossing Brian off his leg. Mid-fall, King Brian disappeared, only to reappear on the seat of Caellach’s chair. Turning around, trying to locate where the leprechaun went, Caellach hit his foot on the small table situated in the middle of the room. He suppressed a yelp, turning back towards the seat he had just occupied. Standing, head cocked and grinning, was Brian. Grimacing, he continued, “Let me get this straight. I am supposed to do something big? Something that is needed by our world? Impossible, though beg your pardon if that sounds disrespectful. Those kinds of people are either royalty or dirt poor heroes, of which I am neither!”
“But, you were picked nonetheless.” Brian licked his lips and smiled slightly. “You wouldn’t happen to have any ale would you?” Caellach rolled his eyes and headed for the kitchen. As he noisily poured the leprechaun a drink, Brian continued talking as he jumped to another chair to have a look around.
Not much has changed in seventeen years. “You were born at a particular time of the perfect day in the most peculiar month of that year. You can’t argue with that, at least not from my standpoint.” He walked over to a small table next to the chair and rifled through the trinkets on the tabletop. Lace trim, bits of braided thread, dried flower petals - all in a small bowl that centered the table and drew the eyes to it automatically. Ahhh, these are small things of hers. Sentimental and sweet. I guess the old man never truly got over her. "To top it all off, you were born to a woman with a spirit so perfect that, though dying, still willed herself to live long enough to make sure you would survive past your first birthday.”
After a clatter in the next room, Caellach emerged with a small mug of ale for Brian. As he handed it to the little man, Brian looked the boy in the eyes. “Not just any woman can send my own bean sidhe on its way by sheer will alone. Not to mention, turning the horses of the dark carriage aside and in a new direction, denying her time was come.”
Mouth agape, he stared at the High King as he took a large draught from the mug. “Aye, stare at me a bit longer and have a listen. Your mother frustrated the faerie world, my realm, my subject, all for you. Oh, to hear the complaints of the old bean sidhe again. I had near a year of laughter at their expense, and believe me, they hated me for it.”
Brian looked out the window and at the stars. It was close to dawn and he had little time left. He took another long drink of ale and turning back towards Caellach, he smiled again. “You are your mother, through and through. Sure, you have your father’s work ethic, looks, determination…and those are wonderful qualities, to be sure. But that which is of your mother within you is more valuable to me and this world. That part of you, my boy, has yet to be awakened. It will be soon enough, sooner than you may prefer.” King Brian held out his hand while struggling to balance the mug in teh other. The violin shimmered slowly into view and Brian offered the violin again, face suddenly serious. This time, Caellach accepted it, handling the crystal gift gingerly.
He stared at the violin as it winked in the false dawn. “What is it that will awaken that part of me, King O’Connor?”
“If I knew that lad, I wouldn’t need your help. After all, though High King I be, I am still only a leprechaun!”
High King Brian O’Connor quickly faded from Caellach’s sight. He stood there - seeing nothing, hearing nothing - with the crystal violin resting heavily in his hands. Lowering himself into the chair once occupied by King Brian, Caellach sat motionless staring out the window. The sun rises on a new day. If only I could grasp what this new day begins. If only I could stop my heart from pounding and my head from reeling, I might be able to think about all that just happened. I fear, though, King O’Connor is right and I will find out what this all means soon enough.
Thoughts deafening Caellach’s senses, he did not notice the soft shuffling of feet behind him. Absentmindedly, he stroked the delicate crystal strings. A slight, sweet note reverberated through his very bones, ending in his head where it swelled and caressed his spirit. In that moment, the fey kiss that began at his birth was completed. Laise watched from the shadows and wept silently, knowing that he never would have been able to protect his son. He knew Brian had succeeded where he had not and wept all the more, knowing that now, Caellach‘s fate was in the hands of a King that was only serious when it benefited him the most.
~~~~~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~~~
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