UnSeelie XX

In a daze, he sat down heavily on the end of the bed.  The mirror echoed his confused image back at him.  Behind him the Faun watched him intently with those ancient knowing eyes. 

“She has provided you with a garment and a table is laid out for you, hunter.”  Silently, it took its leave of the room by blending into the shadows.   

Turning around he found clothing where laying out where there was nothing there before.  A black and grey kilt lay out with a cotton skirt and the softest doe skin boots on the bed.  He reached out to touch the garments and pulled back the fur covered hand.  Quickly he got dressed, wishing the mirror was elsewhere instead of in the room.  He couldn’t accept the changes.  Not yet. 

A dark part of the room lit gently revealing a table laden down the finest of fare.  Apples and grapes in golden bowls, bread and cheese with sweet mead, the heavenly smell and the rumbling from his empty stomach reminded him that he had not eaten since his ordeal began.    He plucked a round grape and popped it in his mouth.    Its juicy plump core burst in his mouth. 

“You may eat of this food only, hunter, and no other.”  The Faun appeared from the corner.  “She has need of you and you have a task ahead.”   

It held a silver gauntlet in its hands and presented it to him with a smile. 

“There is a place beyond the forest where many have dared to tread and none have survived.  The day is always night, and the sun always the moon in Her fullest pregnancy.    Beyond the orchard of dreams a realm of nightmare and the Wild Hunt.    There is a small island in the middle of a black lake which holds a secret.”

It placed the gauntlet down on the table.    “You must reach into the heart of darkness, hunter.” 

The food became like ash in his mouth.    “Why?  What do I get in return?”

“To live perhaps.  You do wish to return to her?  Perhaps when She is done with you, She will allow this?”    It gave no promises he knew in his gut.    All he had was hope and even that could be used against him here.