The Faetirum

Bomb Dropped

    The castle was a million times more intimidating the closer I got to it. The high towers seemed to be leering down on me, The wooden double doors were seriously over done, was a twenty foot entry way really necessary? The doors seemed to have magically opened as we stepped on the stoop. An overbearing  parlor trick to add to the already creepy feel approaching this place. While I anticipated being greeted by the Aadam's family I felt sucked into Jurassic Park. The Atrium clearly earned its name as the foyer that could have been considered a large family home on its own in size was covered inch to square inch in over grown plants. A real stream weaving through them and fountains  of large wolves howling , fairies, and so many other mythological creatures looked like they could be true beings. The humidity took my breath coming from the dry winter air just outside. Despite the large windows that made up the roof it was a wonder so many tropical plants were thriving the way they were. It was like its own climate in here. Alvey took a right I couldnt help but running my hand across the ivy that grew over the flagstone wall. a light breeze tickled the back of my hand and the vines of ivy swayed so delicately. I tingle ran up my arm, this place felt.. I couldn't put words to what I felt it was new. Almost overwhelming a sense in the pit of my stomach I like I wanted to run and do cartwheels.

     I drew in a long breath to shake it and followed Alvey to another set of doors these not as large but still impressive. Inside sat a woman sitting at a desk typing her hair was silver and her face was made up in every perfect angle girls only dreamed of having.  She clicked her perfectly manicured fingers over the keyboard, without pausing or looking up she greeted Alvey with a smile. " how was the trip, I've got hot coffee going and Miss Gemma's schedule almost finished up here." she hit the keyboard with one last forceful click and swung her chair around to the printer behind her. Of course she was clad in a pencil skirt and killer stilettos what receptionist wouldn't. no mind that its -20 outside these stone walls. she pulled the papers from the printer and rounded back to face us first giving Alvey an overly warm smile that resided in her eyes as much as her lips. Then her captivating steel grey eyes nearly the same color as her hair landed on me. " Hi Gemma I am Corrina, registrar and personal slave for the infamous Alvey." she winked. She was warm almost to overbearing but what did I care. She clearly had the hots for my uncle and was working towards some sort of approval from me?  It would take more than a warm smile and mediocre joke to win me over. 

    Alvey plucked a stack of papers from a basket and headed down another long hallway. I followed him until we stopped in front of another door, this one made me smile reading the plaque labeled Headmaster Alvey Blacktore. I looked up to him in admiration seeing there was still a crease between his brows I mirrored his expression for a split second before entering his office. A large stain glass window took up the entire back wall a wolf howling to the moon at the base of a mountain next to a large river that flowed from one side of the wall to the other. It was impressive and like everything else here oversized. Alvey sat at his desk with a huff tossing the papers onto another stack of papers. "What a long day kiddo, glad my commute isn't that long." He propped his legs on the corner of his desk and leaned back into his chair. I was thankful for my relationship with uncle it was always easy to carry a conversation with him no matter how light or heavy. " I guess I probably shouldn't call you kiddo to much longer you're nearly an adult." he Scratched his stubble. " aghh your still just a dumb kid in my book that's not gonna change soon." he gave me a teasing wink and I rolled my eyes, I wasn't buying into his fake  banter I could feel his emotions were jarred and I wanted to know why. I knew my uncle, and prying would only earn me a boot out of his business, so I played along. 

Corrina casually walked in and I noticed that eye sparkle she gave him a moment ago wasn't one sided. She seemed kind of young maybe mid 20s but I'm sure there was weirder things that went on in BFA. she offered over two cups of hot coffee. I took a long sip moaning into the warmth and perfection of my coffee. She provided me a knowing look " I am a good judge character, I cant wait to see what your order will be I am guessing…" Alvey quickly cut her off yelling in a foreign language. I was taken back unaware he even knew a different language. They argued back and forth for as if I wasn’t even in the room. I had no idea what they were saying. I could tell she was giving him a mouthful. She was a spitfire. Not many people had balls enough to talk back to Alvey and here she was with the biggest set I had ever seen. And my approval was won. She let out a defeated sigh " Please forgive me Gemma, I should give you and your uncle time to sort things out." She turned to look at Alvey and shot him daggers, “Sir” she nodded sarcastically. The door slammed closed behind her and Alvey rubbed his face with serious frustration. He reached for his bottle of bourbon and poured a healthy amount into his coffee. The troubled look on his face he’d been trying to mask clearly on show now.  He took aa long drink and closed his eyes for a long moment. I could hear his inner turmoil boiling over. He opened his eyes but waited a few more seconds before speaking, " Kiddo.. I suppose it would have been better to tell you sooner, I promised your pops when you and your brother were little tikes that I would do everything in my power to protect you from this world." I wasn’t sure where he was going with this, but I bit my inner lip to listen. Alvey did get flustered like this ever. He continued, “I… we…” He pushed the coffee aside and poured a glass of straight whiskey draining it in one go. “This school isn’t just a boarding school it’s a private institute for the most elite fae from around the world. I broke part of my promise to your father taking my position here because we made an oath to hide our identity and live among the mortal realm, I’m breaking the other half of that oath having you sit here in this very room.” I waited a second for him to crack a smile, but he didn’t falter. I busted up laughing it must have taken a lot of work coming up with all of that.  “Gemma Marie Blacktore! This isn’t a laughing matter!” Uncle Alvey’s voice boomed through the room shaking the rows of books furiously, a mans voice shouldn’t carry that kind of volume. I was struck with fear, his voice vibrated through my bones and I knew better than to question my uncle any further.  I sat quietly trying not to tremble showing fear only would piss him off more it was one thing him and dad always taught us. No matter how terrified you may feel inside never let it show out. His shoulders sagged, “I’m sorry sweety this is hard for me as much as it is you. When I say I made an oath to your father its more than simple words its an oath bound by the stars and breaking it creates both mental and physical pain. Something you will learn about. Was he talking about magic? He’s being f*****g serious, Fae? Magical supernatural beings that wield magic?