REDEMPTION

9. PROCLAMATION CEREMONY.

The moon still shine brightly in the night sky. Every living soul present was asleep apart, from the few night creatures that roamed the area. It was silent. The cold air blew harshly biting into anything it came across. Dry leaves floated about, joining the eerie orchestra of the night. The trees danced to the tune. Some swayed lazily while others swayed strangely. It was if they could hear the music in the background.

The grass on the ground was not left behind. They swayed, all of them tilting to one side, pausing and then turning to the other side. The stones on the ground rattled contributing to the song. The dirt swirled round and round , forming little tornadoes on the ground. From the darkest corner of the street, someone’s feet emerged. 

They belonged to a woman, slender and protected with slender shoes. Gracefully, she danced to the tune nature had been gracious to offer her. The wind whistled, lifting the hem of her attire. She didn’t seem to mind at all and continued to dance. Her feet momentarily left the ground as she rotated. And as she had been lifted, she landed back on the ground. 

The eerie song began to build, her dance grew more aggressive. Just then, she slipped. The wind cushioned her fall, lifting her from the ground. Her hands were spread out as she felt her body grow lighter and lighter. She soared higher. Enjoying the comfort. Appreciating the song. Smiling along.

Her journey came to a stop and she landed inside the gates of a huge mansion. She skipped to the tune and bowed as it ended. She lifted her face and waved to the air. Bidding them farewell. The young lady straightened her back and headed towards the mansion doors. She didn’t knock or even bother to. She simply walked right through the doors. 

Her footsteps were silent. Her shoes made no noise. The light inside the mansion she had walked into illuminated some of her features. Green hair sat on top of her oval face. Her eyes were pale but she walked without hitting anything around her. Could she see? Or could she not? Her ears were pointy and beneath her puffy lips, sat fangs. Luminous butterflies of various colors flew around her. This did not seem to bother her. 

She wore a floral white dress. The flowers on her dress shifted color, imitating the butterflies that were around her. They looked alive! On her back sat two pairs of transparent wings. As she walked, they seemed to be sweeping the floor. Her voiced echoed in the corridor as she hammed melodies to pass time. 

Her stroll came to an end as she appeared to slow down. 

“It’s been far too long.” She greeted. 

A figure turned and looked in her direction. She walked in casually, made herself comfortable and waited for a reply. Shawn looked at her surprised that she did not poof out of thin air. She walked buthrough the door, wait… it was locked wasn’t it? His body was still weak for the ceremony so he adjusted his siting posture and replied.

“It’s been far too long. ”

She nodded, acknowledging him. Audrey still lay on the ground, staring at the ceiling. Her mind had still not registered the presence of another being in the room. The effects of the ceremony were harder on her that they were on Shawn. She slowly breathes, closed her eyes and listened. Her mind was blank, her heart repeatedly pounded inside her delicate chest. Her head was soaring in some sky. In short, she hadn’t come back to reality yet.

Shawn noticed that her sister had not said anything, he looked at her ready to shake her shoulder when he noticed her eyes had been shut. He panicked, calling out her name over and over again. No response. The young lady stood up and held her hand over Audrey’s head. Her hand glowed and Audrey seemed calmer.

“ That should do it.”

Audrey’s opened her eyes. Two foggy figures came into view. She focused on them. Closed her eyes once more and took in a deep breathe. Once more, she opened her eyes. Her brother’s shocked expression caught her eyes first. A Pfft escaped from her. It had been ages since she saw him shocked. She turned her attention to the visitor before her.

Audrey saw pointy ears and smiled.

“It’s been far too long, ” She began. “Clary.” 

“You are first in years to have recognized me in this form.”

As she said this her body seemed to age a bit. Silver lines drew themselves in her green hair. She grew taller. Her body following suit. Clay’s chest grew in size, this left Shawn gawking. After a few seconds, she looked like a completely different person. 

A wild chuckled escaped from her lips. Clary was a forest Fae. They loved the attention they Received from men and enjoyed capturing the hearts of men as well. That was a characteristic all female forest Fae had. The vice versa occurred in male fae. This was something they were known for but the creatures of the other realm used this to their advantage. 

They were highly skilled in their seductive skills that no creature could resist them. Because of this, the forest fae became capable detectives and spies for both the dark and light nations. Some of the fae’s kept to themselves but those who served a country never betrayed them. Even if that meant death. 

Audrey cleared her through bring Shawn back to the land of the living. He shook his head as his cears reddened. 

“Congratulations, you have successfully completed your ceremonies. I… “ she stopped and looked around. “Where is…” 

“They have him.”