Chapter 1
I walked through the town streets, retraining myself from running. It was a dreary afternoon and not many people populated the usually crowded streets. Even with a clear pathway, I still could not run. It will surely draw attention to myself. Then attention will be drawn to my unusually bright green eyes with black where the whites should be. I did not want to be in that kind of risk. Not now in my haste.
I was late, and late was never good for these occasions. This was one of the few rare meeting with my mother. With her being a pure faerie and I a half-ling, we barely ever see each other. No being with even a drop of human blood was allowed in the mound. With time running differently in the mound, I met my mother every few years.
The small crowd around me started to thin out until there was no one roaming the streets. When I spotted the forest trees not too far of a distance away, I bolted. I slowed down when I entered the forest, but didn't stop until I reached the clearing where my mother and I meet.
I panted loudly, not used to even the shortest amount of running. I searched the clearing for my mother, but she was no where to be seen.
Mother probably had already left. I sighed.
"Your late, Daughter,"
I swiveled around towards the musical voice that whispered behind me. Mother stared right into my eyes, unblinking.
"I'm sorry, Mother," was all I said, unable to think of an explanation. She continued to stare silently.
"You have my eyes," she said, breaking the silence. She always pointed that out on our meetings. I just nodded, finally looking away.
"Today is your birthday," she stated simply; suddenly. My eyes widened. I had forgotten completely. It wouldn't have mattered if I lived by faerie years, but unfortunately I lived the short lives of humans.
"Well I have something for you, Daughter," Mother said. I turned and watched her pull out a small bundle from the folds of her cloak. She held it out gently. I slowly extended my hand to grasp it. Before I could, she pulled it away, out of my reach.
"First, you must promise me to never share this with other. Keep it to yourself and keep it safe, Melli," I stared at her, slightly surprised that she had called me by my name. She barely ever had.
I nodded and started to reach for the bundle again, but Mother shook her head.
"No, Daughter, you must speak your promise,"
"I promise, Mother," I said, my voice shaking slightly. She smiled and handed it to me.
I untied the string that held the bundle together, letting the wrapping fall away. A small leather book lay in my hands. No title; no designs.
"What is it?" No one answered. I looked up to find myself alone.
