LaEscritora

Homecoming As he and Lyra hiked over roots and under bushes, Vellner looked around with fascination. He hadn’t been this far into a forest in a long, long time; it was easy to forget just how tall the trees were, their trunks reaching up into the sky, a canopy of verdant leaves and dark green pine needles creating a far-off ceiling. The air was so clean. He felt like he was breathing properly for the first time. Lyra looked over, taking in his expression, and a tremulous smile crossed her face. “You really didn’t think I would come back for you, did you?” she quietly realized. Vellner didn’t hesitate to shake his head. “...I’d never met a fairy before you,” he eventually admitted. “You’re a stranger. You didn’t have any reason to risk your own freedom just to mess around with mine.” He glanced at her quickly out of the corner of his eye before directing his gaze back at the forest around them. “Why did you?” “I couldn’t just leave you there,” Lyra immediately answered. “Vellner

Rescue It was a beautiful day outside. A nearly cloudless blue sky bestowed bright sunlight upon everything, enough that the sun’s rays even made it into Kiran’s bedroom. His window was open, a gentle breeze flowing through. The glory of nature was lost on Kiran, who was focused on his homework and regardless never paid much attention to the weather. It wasn’t lost on Vellner, who was eyeing the sunlight enviously from his current spot on Kiran’s desk. Vellner’s jaw clenched briefly before he huffed out a sigh through his nose. “Hey, Kiran?” he tentatively asked, looking up at the human. His shoulders were tense as Kiran’s gaze moved over to him. He wasn’t used to asking for things unless it was part of an argument, since it made him feel even more dependent on humans; but Kiran had shown himself a little more willing to listen after Vellner’s confessions the other day, and the faeling might as well take advantage of it. “Yes?” Kiran asked, raising his eyebrows slightly. He looked

“You remember the rules, mijo?” Fernando Rodríguez, middle aged and five and three quarters inches tall, looked over at his son with the utmost seriousness. Sawyer, his only son, was growing like a weed. The boy was only nine and yet he had already cleared five inches, quite obviously following in his absent mother’s footsteps when it came to height. He followed his fathers literal footsteps, however, as they led towards the vent to the bathroom. Sawyer nodded in response to his father’s reminder, already grinning with excitement. He had been allowed out into the human house with his dad many times since turning nine, but each time still filled him with a quivery mix of anticipation and excitement. “Yeah Dad, I remember!” he promised, his voice hushed but eager. “Stay out of sight, follow your directions, and always pay attention in case there’s trouble.” His father nodded solemnly. “Good,” he replied. “Now listen. Do you hear any trouble?” Sawyer closed his eyes, settling a bit

The party was in full swing. Sleek, expensive cars rolled up to the entrance, their doors opened and keys accepted by waiting valets. Sharply dressed men and elegantly dressed women wandered through various parts of the luxury estate, from the reception area where important people mingled to the grounds overlooking the nearby coast where fountains burbled and people strolled across the manicured paths with drinks in hand. The chatter and wine both flowed freely, meeting gleaming, curated smiles and polite words. Everybody here had connections of some sort, to politics or fame or money older than some countries; everybody wanted more. Including a well-dressed gentleman wearing a tuxedo and a charming smile, who floated through the crowd shaking men’s hands and paying women compliments. He was here to glean what he could from all those connections- after all, the right knowledge could be more powerful than even old money. He could learn a lot from the prime minister who laughed at his