RP: The Running of the Maze (5th Festival)

[the_anon_entity]

Date: 1 May 2003
Character(s): The Entity, others
Location: The Maze outside the Mansion
Status: Very Public
Summary: The Fifth Festival
Completion: Incomplete

Comments

[the_anon_entity]

She had a mischievousness to her that was refreshing and in many ways, Annis reminded it of some of the younger fey back where he had been conceived. They too had this airiness to them that was so prevalent in this woman. Of course, that was before one went through their trials and the harsh reality of their existence reared its ugly head.

"It may be that you're just short." It replied with a quiet laugh but continued to watch her closely. There was something that was curious about her. She was immortal, it could tell that from her demeanor and when it opened itself up, the Entity could see her aura. Yet, it sensed little to no latent magic radiating off of her or at least what it traditionally knew as magic here in this mortal realm. "You're different. Your magic is off-kilter."

"No, I repaired it. Some people can peer into your soul through a hole like that." It answered, then pointed casually at the maze. "Will you be joining us today, Ms. Black?" The Entity asked and then grew quiet when she did, taking in the petite witch. It couldn't figure her out. Her power was negligible, yet she showed no sign of fear, even though it could crush her.

"I haven't decided yet, Annis." It replied with a soft shrug. "Lately, I think I've been benevolent but others might argue." The Entity smiled and then scratched its arm before it asked. "How about you answer my question, Ms. Black?"

[anon_annis]

Annis thought she detected the slightest edge of a smile in this one as he stood, now with his hands in his pockets, like the young leader of an old tribe...trying his best to assert his newfound authority to and upon his people. She wondered if the harshness of sovereignty had already disappointed him.

'Tis just a choice he'll hafta' make, what kind of leader he'll become...

She barked a rousing laugh at his bluntness concerning her stature.

"Well, you see, Henry Weaver," she began, "Seems yer the only being in town who'll not have me committed for admitting to me heritage." So she turned and looked up at him. "I was once one of the Shining Ones, the Riders of the Sidhe. My name used to be Danu before the followers of the Christ God took it from me at my giving and changed me to the Black Annis."

She turned her head as she peered up to him, a small smile on her face at the thought of what she willingly gave up so very, very long ago.

"But I do not hold it against them, nor any human fer what was done," she said with a shake of her head, "I did it fer me people and fer them very human beings down yonder, so the old ways would stay well remembered...like today, Henry Weaver...just look down there at the beginnin' o' Summer. Yeh've made sure the old celebrations still have a place here, have ya' not?" She nodded and grinned at the spectacle this grand being had laid out for all.

"But I have na more Fae Magic in me bones," she sighed, "It left me as well as me name. I canna' shift or pass the doors of realms long removed from the human world, even though I can see 'em. Ne'er can I speak or commune or practice to or as a Fae Being na more. Yer the first I seen since almost the birth o' the man they called Christ, if Fae be what you truly are. And if yer not, don't tell me so; fer it's been too long to have me hopes dashed if yer not from me Otherworld home, the one I'll ne'er see again."

She scratched her chin and thought she was parched from all her talking. But she would not be Annis Black if she did not talk even more.

"And the only magic I know now is that what was practiced by our human companions who lived by our old ways, long ago, before the Veil fell and closed the Door between the Worlds." She herself was getting angsty and itchy, looking about at the gathering crowd.

"In answer to yer question," she said with a broad smile, "Aye, if called upon I'll respond to the tasks that you have laid out fer us to complete this day. And dark chieftain, do not you worry 'bout the good and the bad held within, fer I see strength where others find fault."

She looked down then, wondering if she'd said too much and if he'd want to use her faith and openness against her one day. She looked up one more time to his face.

"Thank you for not destroyin' me on sight. That takes a great deal of benevolence and hope to refrain from doin'. If you ever need someone ta' argue with them so-called others, I'll leave a lamp burning where you can see it and find me. It's been nice meeting you, Henry."