Back to the dryad glade

On wobbly legs, Lux makes her way through the torchlit halls of the citadel, and out under the misty skies of the Valley. From the surrounding settlement and beyond, she can hear voices – confusion, consternation, celebration, all mixing together. Mortals and fey alike coming to terms with the situation in which they suddenly find themselves.

Part of Lux wants to see what’s happening here, or with the armies that up until a few moments ago were preparing to do battle; to find out what happened with Gill after she parted ways with him. But she can’t find the strength. Only one destination calls to her, and so she begins to walk.

Minn flies along by her side for a while, but gradually falling behind – tiny wings struggling to keep up. Lux reaches out a hand for Minn to land on, and then gently presses the little sprite to her chest. She feels Minn’s tiny hands close partway around her boob for a – well, a hug or a grope, but she doesn’t really mind which.

Half in a trance, she makes the steep climb up the hillside, brushing past branches, picking her way through stones and undergrowth. It feels as if she walks for so long, her steps faltering. And all at once, she finds herself on a familiar path, the dryads’ glade in sight.

Out of nowhere, like a dream, Willow is there, rushing forward to catch Lux in her arms. Her lush brown skin, her long flowing hair, her shining eyes, a picture of beauty in motion. Lux has the presence of mind to move Minn out of the way before being drawn into Willow’s embrace; losing herself in that soft and welcoming warmth, safe at last.

“It’s over,” she mumbles.

“I know, beloved,” Willow whispers. “I can already feel the Valley beginning to change. Mother and the Erlking will work it all out. You’ve done so well.”

The words of praise make Lux shiver with – some emotion she can’t name. She cries softly on Willow’s shoulder, the weight of uncertainty finally lifting. She’s vaguely aware of Minn flittering a short distance away to perch on a tree branch, leaving her hand free to fully return the hug.

But a question still hangs in her mind, one that she has to ask, when she can finally find the words.

“What…happens now?”

“Now?” Willow moves to look into Lux’s eyes, to cup her face in her hands. “Whatever you want, my love. Soon, this place will be open to the outside. You can go back to your own world. You’re free.”

Lux bites her lip. “But what about you?” she asks, after a moment. “What about us?”

“Oh, Lux.” Though there are tears in her eyes too, Willow’s smile is radiant. “I am a tree. Here is where I grow, where I am meant to be. You are a bird. You are meant to fly free.” Her fingers caress Lux’s cheek. “You may rest in my branches for as long as you wish, and when you are ready – spread your wings, and soar.”

To rest. Is that what Lux wants? She’s not sure she can put it all into words. She’s come so far, fought so hard – at first, getting back to her own world was the most important thing. But now…