Such impulsive children the kin of man were. To speak a vow yet to remain absolutely oblivious to all the effort it would entail. But Alyss was brave and accepted any consequence beset upon her, and Faerie Lord understood the difference. He had vassals. His court was vast so tribute of man was not needed, but still the little woman was unique. Taking her hand Dwyn came through the veil of darkness, a man of pale elegance, dressed in the artifice of nature.<br/><br/><b> “Men raise cattle just as well as they raise children… even orphans…”</b>The ethereal being replied with a wide smile as sharp canines refused to stay tucked behind his lips. The Faerie Lord did not entertain the fantasy that most would. While it was good and well to be hopeful and pure hearted, it was also a great vulnerability to place your foundation atop of others.<b> “Payment is payment, just as a tribute. All must be received in equal measure.”</b><br/><br/>Dwyn waved his freehand as the rolling darkness fell to an unearthly twilight. A sweet summer wind caught the rays of light pouring through tree branches. The snowy ground came to light as many a house elf and many other small folk emerged in dance and song, and from the veil of night a festive celebration was to be called. For many villagers to whom had only their misconceptions a fear still crept where the elders seemed to accept the moment.<br/><br/>After all it was tradition to celebrate the “Lord’s Take” after Seelie Nobility accepted a tribute.<br/><br/>Drawing Alyss close long pale fingers frame the side of the woman’s face turning it side to side. Eye locked to eye as silver matched to a colorful pair coaxing the Faerie Lord to comment,<b>“You are a queer one child of man. But you shall be mine hence forth. To be burdened with my whims and troubles, from this point forth Alyss of Man you are bound to Elphame. May the Otherworld grace you kindly.” </b>Pricking his thumb upon tooth Dwyn smattered a glimmering fluid like blood between her eyes. It dripped as rubies from his flesh. Now she was marked to him and baptized in the magic of a Faerie.<br/><br/>Turning to face the village the tall and elven man graciously addressed them,<b>“Know this children of tinder and toil that your Faerie bargain has been heard. May the eternal summer of Elphame reap a fertile abundance for your crops and women.”</b>His voice resounded but was quickly lost with a sensory barrage of the bizarre. Dancing and singing the village was invited by the fair folk to celebrate, but an uncertainty would loom over Alyss. What was her fate to be?