“You’re up sooner than expected.”

“Yeah, well…” The lightly cyan colored cloth I used as a bandage sharply contrasted his tan skin, but was darkened over his injury. It would possibly need changing. I asked if he wanted that done before we departed for the village.

“I figured it would’ve been too much to ask to stay the night here. It’s quite cozy,” He chuckled. Why was this man so charming?

“You can if you’d like, but I still need to make a trip to the village.”

His eyes widened. I don't know how I hadn’t noticed before, but they were blue. Cerulean, to be exact. The cyan bandage made them more pronounced.

“You’ll really let me stay?”

I shrugged, refraining from smiling. He grinned and thanked me again, before confirming he wanted the bandage changed.

As we made our way towards the village, I became aware of the harmony in the trees above us. It was almost too sacred to speak about, the way the birdsong collided so peacefully with the other melodies. I mentioned it to Gavin, and he gave me a strange expression. His cerulean eyes were so different from everything around us, but so natural all the same.

“You certainly are an odd one,” He said. Turning away, a soft heat rose to my face. I looked to the sky to cover my embarrassment. Falcons were twirling aimlessly. The day was cloudy, but I sensed the storm would hold out. The best I hoped for was at least one sunshower this Spring. They were my favorite occurrence. I didn't care if the villagers took it as a sign of good fortune, to me it was simply beautiful.

As we neared the village, I cautioned Gavin that they were suspicious of outsiders, but would be less so since I was accompanying him.

“Any wise town would be suspicious of outsiders. This isn't my first, Fawn.”

I smiled. Not too inexperienced, then.

Cliff's End was a quaint village named, quite obviously, for being on the east edge of the plateau. Situated just over a mile from my cabin, it was relatively simple to get to. The small clearing couldn't have been in a better position for the settlers that first came. A broad view of the Faery Sea, they had been inventive enough to tediously build a firm staircase down the edge of the plateau to reach it for fishing. Though they soon learned why it was named the Faery Sea. At night, eery song lured villagers off the edge into the waters below, only for their bodies to be uncovered, drained of blood, on the shore. That's what the legends said, but I didn't believe them. I hadn't ever witnessed it, and didn't ever plan to.

I showed Gavin around the village, introducing him to some of the locals. He seemed to be especially fond of the baker, a young girl named Jasmine. I bought two fresh honey oat loaves from her with five sovereign and thanked her.

I winked at Gavin, “I get a discount for helping cure her mother's sickness a few years back.”

He also seemed to be fond of an old man by the name of Alder. Alder was a friend of Flora's, but these days he spent most of his time sitting on his front porch, gazing at the clouds.

His voice was light and raspy, and he groaned when we approached.

“Reign.”

“There won't be any rain, the storm will hold out for a bit.”

“Not that kind of reign, boy,” He scolded, “Reign will fall, and one of the land will be called to lead.”

I looked at Gavin and shrugged. Alder usually said these kinds of cryptic things.

“Alder, this is a friend of mine. His name is Gavin.”

Gavin stuck out his hand to shake, but the old man looked at him absently, before squinting and leaning forward.

“You have the eyes of a Seer, young man.”

“Alder,” I said, “You say that to everyone you meet.”

He leaned back and let out a hearty chortle, “Right you are, Fawn, but this old coot is going to be right some day!”

Gavin and Alder conversed for what seemed like hours. They got along better than I imagined they would. I had to break into their conversation to remind Gavin that we needed to get back before sundown. It took him a moment to get his bearings, as Alder was a very immersive storyteller. Soon we said our goodbyes, and Alder expressed keen interest in wanting to see Gavin again. I nodded and said I'd be happy to drag him along again if he stayed around.

“Luck be with you, boys!”