Page 110 of Within the Veil

Something the gods cannot even interfere with is something that people choose to twist. Choose to break apart for the sake of power. I often find that those who need to seek power for the sake of power are not worth my time. Instead, fighting against them, whether it is within the shadows, is worth my time. I find myself pulled in by the possibility, by the science of breaking apart, what drives them mad? Like a sick science experiment drenched in magic and lore. The very thing that embodies the myths that these mortals often speak of--that they aren't worthy, or not aware that the very thing that makes them who they are--their souls--are pure magic themselves.

Nevertheless, as I am sucked within the ley line, letting my body flow with the undercurrent of the magical power, I feel the soul of Tir Na Nog. As I am sucked through, when my feet finally touch the ground, I look up and notice that much like where I just was, the world was verdant. Beautiful, but there was a heavy sense of darkness--a smell that cannot be explained. But one that was tinged in the tears of your enemy. That's one scent that I knew very well, until I looked up. Instead of the blue skies, a clear sweet sense of freedom, the sky swirled with darkness, inky black clouds weaved within the skies.

No sun was present. And yet everything still sparkled. Everything still shone--the beauty of magic. But as I stepped closer, as I walked through the familiar forest once again, I felt eyes on my body, and I paused, curious.

"Who are you?" I asked out loud. "I can feel your eyes. Those who need to hide within the darkness are not worthy of my time. So either show yourself or leave."

A deep chuckle reverberated within my head, and I felt "My eyebrows shoot up. 'You are a strange one,' a voice says as a man steps out from within the inky shadows. In the sky, I stare, slightly taken aback at the mirage in front of me--a mirror image of myself, a quite handsome one at that.

'Who are you?' I ask, genuinely curious. For such a man who holds that face deserves to have a name.

He chuckles, 'I am you. You are me. I am everyone that you meet. I am your enemy. I am your friend. I am the beginning and I am the end.' He pauses. I stare and stare.

'Interesting. As much as I love your amazing wit and your ability with prose, I still wonder who you are. For everything you have said is everything and yet nothing at the same time. Admirable, truly, for such wit must only come from the lips of a very handsome, very able-bodied, very strong and muscular male. I admire that. However, I grow weary of time. I grow weary of corporeal bodies. I grow weary of non-corporeal to be quite honest. I am just weary. So, unless you have something for me, something interesting, something that does not rhyme then I fear you are wasting my time.'

He chuckles once again. 'You are interesting. I have to admit, I quite like you. I'm often called The Dark Man. And as for why I look like you, yes, I can sense the thoughts flowing through your head. I am not you, not technically, that is. However, when you see your reflection on my being, for everything that I represent, it is because you see a darkness within you.'

I say, 'Interesting. And it was. Who? The Dark Man? I have indeed heard of that name. Usually considered the protector of the Unseelie. Is that not correct? Don't you typically bring bad luck or misfortune? Usually known to bring death to those who encounter him. Although, it is clear he is not old. He is but a free man, one with his own realm. For now that I step closer to him, I feel him here. His spirit resonates within this realm.'

I turn my head curiously. 'Yes, I have heard of you, but tell me more.'

He chuckles again. 'Smart, keep me talking, position yourself. But we will not be battling, not today. Come, sit. Let's talk.' With a wave of his hand, I suddenly find myself deep within the caves, a direct reflection of those under my palace where plenty of my people, the ground people, that is, dwell. Except in this case, the caves are empty, bereft of the laughter of small Fae. Instead, there is clearly a dwelling that was made to fit The Dark Man.

Calling him that bothered me. I prefer to put a real name to the face or spirit, in his case, since his face was technically mine. The Fae are often called many things. We are given many different paths, many different stories. Different cultures describe us in different ways. It is why a true name, who you were, is one of the most intricate and one of the most powerful pieces of magic. For you can be called many things. You can have many hats throughout time, but who you are, who you truly are, who your spirit is, what your spirit is, is a unique imprint. Within the very soul of the universe, within the very fibers of Gaia herself, but it is also a name that will not and should not be given freely. So, I don't expect an answer from him now without gaining his trust and for some reason, despite myself, I want to gain his trust. I'm not 100% comfortable with that thought, though. I don't seek anyone's approval. Not usually. I am my own approval.

I stare at him as we sit in front of a shimmering pool that flickers with the reflection of a hovering fire magic. Fun, different.

'To answer your question. Oftentimes, yes, I am aligned with the Seelie, I am aligned with the Unseelie, but who I protect, who I work with, is based on my own desires, my own ends. As for the misfortune or death, if you seek it, and I am there, you shall find it. For if you seek darkness, it will surely find you. This realm is a representation of that darkness. I'm sure you thought to yourself how you've come closer. How do you think you've been here before? You recognize the imprint of the souls in the trees, the vibe beneath your very feet. It's because you have, but the tear within the veil was not there until just now until you put it out there to seek the darkness which you crave. Only in your case, the darkness that you seek isn't one of destruction. No, it is merely one of curiosity. That is intriguing. You are intriguing.'"

I mull over his words as he studies me curiously, the corners of his mouth curling into an enigmatic smile. I recognize that smile, not just because he wears my face, but because it's laced with genuine curiosity. I grasp his meaning. I do seek out a certain darkness within myself, or rather, I recognize its presence.

* * *

There is a common misconception that being Seelie, being a light Fae, automatically predisposes one to be of lighter nature. Yes, we tend to steer clear of murder and mischief, unlike our Unseelie counterparts, but we are beings of immense power, and with that power inevitably come blunders.

* * *

His voice interrupts my thoughts after a few brief moments. "I've heard about you, Oberon. I've heard of the soldiers you train, of your prowess on the battlefield. It's impressive." He reclines on his rock, his form shadowy and insubstantial. "In fact, I've seen you in battle. My curiosity got the better of me after one too many tales about you."

* * *

I peer at the shadows that seem a part of him, shifting and moving. His darkness is almost corporeal. Seeing my unvoiced question, he remains silent, offering me only a steady gaze.

* * *

Leaning forward slightly, I probe, "You've seen me in battle?" A curiosity seizes me. Those who have witnessed me in battle have typically done so via one of the many exhibitions the Fae conduct to boast their abilities within the various sub-kingdoms. I'm not your typical king, though, and I grow weary.

* * *

"I plan to renounce the mantle. No one will ever be powerful enough to usurp me. I neither have offspring nor any interest in taking a queen. Titania was a convenience. We were friends, doing what needed to be done. When she went a bit mad and died in battle, I assumed leadership. By comparison, people became accustomed to me at the helm. And yet, I remain the king of the Seelie."

* * *

He breaks into my train of thought, "Yes, I dwell within the shadows of the darkest souls, within anger, within resentment. There is a touch of madness in everyone, and that's where you'll often find me. So, yes, I've seen you in battle and your 'Whisperers' as well."

* * *

Considering he has watched my secret trainings, which are intentionally in different locations, he continues to pull me in. Damnit.

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