A dear friend Anna is getting married and we (a bunch of writers) have decided to honour the occasion with a some short wedding tales which will be merged into an eBook as a gift to the lovely lady.
I have chosen the wedding as the setting for my story....and here it is...
Flee, Fly, Flew
By Marjie Myers
(eBook = Yes)
Their legs were tired from running, the muscles throbbing as they tightened and released with every step, it didn’t seem like they could run any faster. The sweat dripped from their brows and their chests rose and fell. They gasped for air as they held their grip, fingers interwoven, and palms touching.
Merina fell to the floor in exhaustion and looked up at Dejaf, “You go…you are faster than me…you can make it…leave me…” His face, which at first showed concern, became angered, “NO! I am not leaving you. We started this together and we shall finish it so…I can carry you?!” and he lifted her over his shoulder and carried her.
Their pace was now barely faster than if they were walking and he had begun to sway slightly as his gait altered under the weight of her. If they were to make it then she would have to try and run again. “Let me down…please…I have rested long enough” she said, and he lowered her back to the ground.
“Are you sure?” he asked, and as he did so their attention was drawn to the large shadow that was gathering pace behind them. It was the deadliest force in the Royal Army and it was after them. The Royals strength lied in their numbers and Fairies who dared to challenge them were persecuted for crimes against the throne. The Rebels strength was in their regime and Fairies who dared to challenge them were persecuted for crimes against the people. The rebellion had never taken any prisoners and was known for their brute force and since the death of the Rebel Leader, those loyal to the regime had been hunted.
The only escape that Merina and Dejaf had was to break the Rebel code (which insisted Fairies denounce all rituals of power) and to join together in matrimony to gain their fairy dust. They needed to reach the clearing at the edge of the forest to meet with Bishnara who would marry them. They knew that their choices would be limited. Live amongst their people, the Rebels, but never reveal their powers or admit their union, defect back to the Royals where Dejaf would then have to kill those who were once his own people, or venture out of the Fairy Kingdom into the unknown. They were both filled with fear and yet their surety lied in their love for each other. Fuelled by their passion to live, to love and to be together, they ran as fast as they could.
Bishnara was at the clearing, pacing back and forth, mumbling under his breath about the holy sanctity of marriage. He looked up and saw the young fairies and beckoned them over. He could hear the pounding of the army on their way and prayed that their union would save them. He hadn’t been able to tell Dejaf that fairy dust is only blessed on those whose love is pure. From the vibrations on the forest floor Bishnara calculated that they had about 5 minutes until the army would arrive at the clearing.
They stood still breathing heavily and held hands as Bishnara bound them together as he recited ancient texts, and then he waited for them to finalise their marriage with the singing of the song of the Fairies.
As the final notes of the song floated upwards they met in harmony and the most magical thing happened. Bishnara had seen it many times in his life but each was different; the air was filled with a glow as if the sun had been trapped, a breeze swept around their ankles and lifted them from the ground as they held each other, fairy dust so tiny and effervescent fell onto them covering them with a sheen, birdsong rang throughout the forest.
Bishanara turned to see the Army arrive and he stepped back into the fauna that camouflaged him. He glanced upwards to see the couple as they flew and danced in the air. On their way into the unknown without fear because they knew in the farthest reaches of their hearts that they would survive anything with each other at their side.
I hope you enjoy it and will check out the other contributions :D I will add a link...so check back later to see that!
I also don't have a title so any suggestions?
Comments/Feedback is always welcome :D
I am sure Anne will love this tale, I did xx
ReplyDeleteI could feel the rush and urgency through the entire thing. Nice!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteAwww, that's lovely. I'd probably just call it "Escape", but I'm a sucker for one-word titles. Or "Fairyscape".
ReplyDeleteGood suggestions - I was hoping maybe more whimsy! lol
DeleteLove this. I know I suggested Rebel Love but actually prefer the suggestion from Michael of 'Escape' :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm...its so darn tricky! Thanks Laura.
DeleteLovely ending!
ReplyDeleteThanks...rules said it had to be happy! lol
DeleteDitto on all the above!
ReplyDeleteIt's a fantastic story, filled with tension and mystery and emotions.
I am terrible at naming things.
I didn't even name my own entry!
Thinking of Anna and her online shenanigans and your story the first title to come to mind is:
Fairy Dust.
But again, I have title fail.
Thank you Ang, I am going to read those already posted at the weekend with a huge cup of tea and some fairy cakes! lol!
DeleteI am too - the characters names I made up as I wrote it and have absolutely no meaning whatsoever!
Fairy Dust is a good one - thanks, I could only come up with 'Flee, Fly, Flew'
This is lovely x
ReplyDeleteThanks you x
DeleteIt's pretty amazing how much world-building you managed to do in such a short piece. I can completely visualize the action in this story.
ReplyDeleteThank you Beth, I think it needed it so that it would add to the urgency....and on that note you have given me an idea for a title! :D Thanks
DeleteBeautiful story! I loved the suspense and sense of urgency, and the fact that their love is what saved them in the end makes it the perfect story! :)
ReplyDelete~Becky Fyfe
Thank you Becky, I appreciate that. Its a long wait to find out if the happy couple like it though...patience not being my strong point! lol
DeleteGreat world building and I love the ending. You've got a gift for short fiction.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment :D I do like short fiction so appreciate the comment.
DeleteLoved the image of them at the end flying away with pure fairy love! Enchanting!
ReplyDeleteI was bound by a happy ending, lol! Thanks :)
DeleteThe power of love conquers all. Such a lovely tale! Too bad we don't all get some fairy dust at our weddings... well, surely Anna will.
ReplyDeleteHehe...I'm sure she will :) Thanks for stopping by! I am looking forward to reading all the stories at the weekend.
DeleteLove conquers all;with fairy dust too! The perfect tale for Anna. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks lizzie :) I hope she likes it.
DeleteVery nice... you really make us feel the physical exertion, the frustrations, & the will to persevere of your characters..
ReplyDelete