A Stroke Of Originality

Faye was a Dark Elf who wanted nothing else but to live in peace and become a singing star among humans. She made a friend among them named Lena, who would come and hear her joyful songs. Lena came into the forest every day to bring Faye food and drinks. Singing her favorite song, Faye flew to the top of the trees and let herself gently descend back to the ground. Like clockwork, her friend came strolling through the forest to the sound of the song.

“Hey, Faye!” Bubbled Lena as she skipped with her basket.

“Hello, Lena!” Beamed Faye.

She floated to Lena and sang her song while levitating in circles, and her friend danced. Moments went by, Faye got dizzy and flew into her friend, knocking them both to the ground. They both laughed in unison.

“That was a good one, let us eat. I have to get back home soon.” Suggested Lena.

“Oh, okay. What did you bring us today?”

“Let’s see… I have… Nuts and jam. Bread too! Oh, and your favorite strawberries and milk!”

Faye snatched the milk quickly and chugged it with swiftness.

“How about tomorrow you come to visit me in town?”

“Are you sure? You won’t get in trouble, will you?”

“Those folks will have to get over their fears sooner or later. You’re not going to hurt anyone. If anything, they’re just jealous you have wings, and they don’t.” Lena gave a smile.

“Well, if you say so. I’ll come, but only if you promise you won’t be in any danger by bringing me.”

“Heh, trust me!” Lena cajoled as she ate.

Faye’s wings fluttered at the thought of going into town with Lena. She began daydreaming about how humans would embrace her when she entered the city and dance to her songs. She subconsciously floated in the air, twirling while daydreaming. Lena jumped up to grab her foot, bringing her back to reality.

“Okay, don’t get all floaty on me.” Lena prompted

“I can see it now…” She started.

“Okay, dreamer. I gotta go, okay. I’ll see you tomorrow I have to get home.” Lena smiled as she promptly walked away.

“Tomorrow! I’ll see you tomorrow!” Faye fluttered her wings and waved goodbye.

The next day came, and again she sang her favorite songs, but this time, her friend didn’t show. Lots of things went through Faye’s mind. Maybe her friend didn’t want her to come to the town, perhaps she got in trouble, or she was just too busy to come to visit today. The next day came, and again Lena was nowhere to be seen. A week went by, and Faye began to worry about her friend. It was unlike her to go this long without coming to visit. She came to the conclusion that she would go look for her friend first thing in the morning.
Faye woke up bright and early, ready to find her friend. She tucked her wings as tight as she could and put on a coat that Lena had given her a while back. Putting on her best walking, trying not to look out of place when walking into town. Elves had a keen sense of smell when she got a whiff of Lena’s scent; she proceeded to follow it. Her heart ached with sadness when she finally found her friend. Lena was tied to a pole drenched in liquids and covered in trash.

“Lena! Lena! Wake up, what happened?” Faye whimpered as she tapped her friend.

Lena lifted her head up slowly and blinked her eyes. She tried to talk, but her voice only creaked.

“Take this,” Faye urged as she conjured a spell forming enchanted water.

She forced the water down her throat, and life crept back in Lena’s eyes. Seconds went by, and her friend finally realized who she was again.

“You can’t be here, Faye, leave, please! Hurry before someone sees you. Please. They will kill you if they see you helping me.” She entreated.

“What happened to you? What did they do?”

“I will die before I give you up Faye, just leave!”

Nets catapulted through the air catching Faye by surprise.

“We caught the alluring beast!” Voices shouted in the distance.

“No! Leave her alone, please!” Lena screamed.

“Look, she even tainted our innocent Lena with her magic and enchanting voice, but she won’t get us!” A man shouted.

“She did nothing! Leave her!”

“Please let Lena go, I’ll leave and never come back,” Faye begged.

“Oh, we are going to make sure you never come back.” A man stated. “Bring the arrows!”

He fired an arrow piercing Faye through the leg. Burning pain spiraled throughout her body. What did she do wrong? She asked herself as she let herself sink into the darkness inside her mind. With each piercing arrow that struck her, Faye sunk deeper and deeper into the darkness until she couldn’t feel the outside world no more. A voice brought light back into the darkness, A voice that she’s heard before.

“Faye! Stop! This isn’t you, you’re killing them!” Lena pleaded.

Faye finally opened her eyes, and what she saw hurt her heart. Her hands stained with blood as she stood over dead bodies. Tears graced her eyes as she looked at Lena.

“What did I do?” She cried.

She looked at the shock in her friend’s eyes and flew away as sadness consumed her. Lena would never forgive her for what she had done, Faye thought.

“Please, don’t leave Faye…” Lena tried to call out, but it fell on deaf ears.

Lena watched her best friend fly out of her life.