Grief had led to many actions that day. For the first time in his life, Cecil had stood up to his father, and cursed him. Until he could learn to truly love as Cecil had, he would forever be forbidden to use his power, and would remain trapped in a snowglobe. The fairy court slowly backed away from the heir as he held the body of his beloved close. Gentle was the fingers that smoothed her fiery hair from her face, the back of his hand caressed her cheek, another tear landing on her face.
This wasn’t fair. Why had the gods gifted him such a beautiful woman to tend to him in the darkest of hours, only to snatch her away before they could realize their feelings for each other? They were dreaming of a future, but were waiting until he could finally share with his own voice exactly what weighed on his heart. Now he would never get that chance. Even as Cecil leaned down and planted a kiss on her lips, there was no magic, for how can an empty vessel love? Gahara approached slowly, kneeling down to press against Cecil’s face with a sad coo.
’I know, Gahara. Just… give me a moment.’ The fae lifted her, holding her close as a porcelain artifact. As he approached the griffin, Gahara kneeled majestically, allowing Cecil to climb onto his back. ’Let’s take her home.’ They took to the sky. Silently, Cecil mouthed sweet sayings to the one who had showed him another way of life. He confessed his love, and shared his hopes and dreams. The three of them traveled from the Feeorin forest, across the seas, and to the Virens.
Holding the elf bridal style, Cecil let the forest guide him. Each step felt heavier than the next, his heart felt more hollow and ached all at once. Tears continued to stream down his face. Animals began to follow the fae, his beloved, and Gahara who has not left the fae since arriving in the Virens. Yet, Cecil paid them no heed as he continued his path. Finally, the Gate of the Wilds loomed before him, the myriad of animals engraved upon the surface seemed to peer straight into his soul.
The fae shifted until his hand could press in the empty spot. He closed his eyes at the rush of energy. Cecil had sworn to never be like his father. Until Oberon, he had never cursed another being, he had shunned the ways of that fairy court. He respected the land as it provided for him, and took care in how he did things. Always had, always will. The gate lit up and slid open. With Nelanna in his arms, the snowy haired man who appeared to be an elf walked in until the gates were behind him.
Strength left him then, as he collapsed to his knees, gripping her close once more. His grief was renewed, knowing that he had brought her to the final resting place for her mortal body. This was not the way he had wanted things to turn out. It was his fault for staying with her for so long. If he had left, Oberon would have left her alone, and now she was dead. Cecil cried over her, clutching her as if his grief alone could bring her back.
