Her Fury

By: Ellie Kehl & McKenna Montes

Fury passed over the temple once more, the fae quivering beneath his shadow. Idiots, Fury banked to the left, I am far more powerful than any god of yours. He soared over the water, watching for any movement before turning back to the land. Fury flew over the Geha forest, scanning its canopy trees and vibrant wildflowers.

He gazed down at the world, watching the floating mountain, Cion, pass beneath him before banking to the right. Fury tucked his wings in and started his descent. Cool air rushed around him as he sped down to the earth. The wind was one of his favorite things about flying. It drowned out the noise of the world and left him alone with his thoughts. He liked being alone with no one to care for and protect, no one to disturb his peace.

Before he crashed into the trees, he snapped his wings again and soared above them. A few screams of fear and words of warning reached his ears as his shadow passed over tribes. The tribes knew of his existence, knew of the remaining three dragons that they couldn’t kill. Not for lack of trying, but because they didn’t stand a chance against them. Small fae tribes against three massive dragons. There is no question about who will win.

Fury aimed for the familiar opening in the trees and dove. His claws spread out as he landed, the ground shaking beneath him. He shook off any dirt and debris that stirred upon his arrival and eyed the surrounding area looking for any movement, any unwanted visitors.

Fury began walking through the forest, tucking in his wings so as to not disturb the few trees near his cave. The beast didn’t care for any other living creatures, but he appreciated having trees around him. He enjoyed the shade and protection that the canopy of trees provided his home. It was just enough to prevent his cave from flooding each time there was a downpour.

There wasn’t much that could surprise a dragon as big as Fury, but as he continued walking to his cave, something stopped him dead in his tracks. It wasn’t fear that coursed through his body as he gazed at the tiny winged creature sitting near his cave, but confusion, curiosity, and anger. I swear, if they are moving here I will-

The creature stood up and turned around.

Fury had to blink twice. A small child gazed back up at him with pastel-yellow eyes that contained no fear. Fury’s attention went to the wings at her back. He was confused more than anything; he had never seen any fae with wings. Come to think of it, he hadn’t seen any other winged creature in Sloucapia. No other fae had wings. At least, that’s what Fury thought. Maybe they’ve changed in my hiding? Fury lowered his head, giving him a better look at the child standing in front of him.

She didn’t look scared but appeared to be as curious as he was. The beast found himself moving his head closer to the child. All sense of survival was gone as he moved closer to this winged child that displayed no fear for the massive dragon before her. She only lifted her small hand, not saying anything as Fury closed the gap between them. Fury could tell that her hand was small on his muzzle, maybe the size of two scales. He held as still as he could, and she did the same. Time seemed to stop. There was only him, and this child. This child that seemed to have no one around, no one to protect it or feed it. No one except him.

Fury sighed, letting that life-changing fact sink into him. He was going to have to care for this child, because for once in his life, he didn’t hate the breathing creature before him. He didn’t even have the desire to kill it.

Fine. He eyed the child closely to see if she would jump at the sudden voice in her mind. Nothing. You can stay.

~ ~ ~

Harmony peaked her head around the tree trunk, her hands resting gently against the bark. Her eyes tracked each movement of the floating mountain Pira. Each vine coming off the mountain dragged along the sand creating a faint line that would soon be washed away by the ocean.

Another fae jumped onto a vine and began to climb while Harmony watched in awe. In the time that she had been watching the mountain slowly float by, several dozens of fae had climbed up the vines dragging along the ground. And why wouldn’t they? On the top of the third floating mountain that made up the entirety of Mount Pira was the oh-so-special temple of the Carver. The temple is so special to the fae and only the fae. It allows them to… it allows them to…

Who knows what they do up there. Harmony sighed and shifted her body, the wings at her back rustling against the bushes around her. Everything the fae did felt so far away because of the wings she was cursed with. No other fae had wings, Fury was one of the only other creatures who had wings. It was a rare trait for any creature in Sloucapia.

Her wings had always been the root of her troubles. They were the reason she couldn’t live in a fae tribe, go up to the temple, or even live with her mother. They were the very thing keeping her in hiding, preventing her from living, and what’s worse-

I can’t even fly. Harmony sighed again. She pulled away from the tree and put her back against it before sliding down to deeper cover in the bushes. Ten years. Ten years of hiding and pretending that I don’t exist and for what? Keeping me alive, yes, but keeping me alive with only a dragon for company. A dragon that’s big and fierce- but can’t seem to teach me to fly despite having done it for centuries.

Harmony picked at her fingernails and ran her fingers along the jagged edges. Her nails had suffered years of hunting, climbing trees, and digging through dirt. Living without a tribe had proven to have some challenges, hunting being one of the biggest. Sure, I have a big dragon that helps me, but he goes off on his own more than half the time. And the sleeping arrangements, oh gods. Instead of sleeping with people around me, I sleep with tree branches around me. Harmony didn’t mind the bed in the tree. She definitely preferred it over the underground cave that was Fury’s residence. She went in there once, and the feeling of not being able to get out reminded her too much of being trapped in her hut growing up. So she chose a tree close enough that he could still check on her, yet far enough away that Harmony had some privacy.

Harmony shut her eyes. Life would be vastly different if I wasn’t cursed with wings.

The sound of someone running on sand brought her back to the present and she stood up once again to watch the mountain and the fae. The idea of one’s worthiness being judged based on climbing ability is absolutely ludicrous. I’m glad I didn’t grow up with that culture. She watched another fae run and jump. All that for what? To walk into a fancy room, maybe. To feel a god's love or to… feel worthy. Accepted. To feel love from family for being worthy. Harmony lowered her eyes. For not being a freak.

Yet another fae ran and jumped.

But who cares - Harmony lifted her head. Because I have something they don’t. She let herself smile ever so slightly. I have a dragon who-

“Shit.” Harmony moved from the tree’s protection and gazed up at the sun. Damn, I’m late. Harmony backed away from the tree and readied herself to run as fast as her legs could carry her. Fury is going to-

Harmony nearly fell backward when she turned around and was met with a hazel eye staring back at her. Fury didn’t look at her with disappointment, only worry and love. There were no words needed: a look was all it took for Harmony to relay exactly what she was feeling.

Fury gestured for her to climb onto his back with a quick nod of his head. Harmony sighed, nodded in return, and found herself reaching for the rope tied around Fury’s neck. She placed her hand on his back and pushed the word ready into his mind. Fury stood at his full height and pushed off.

Harmony held tight to the rope as Fury climbed. His shadow soared over the land with him, causing tribes to quake below. Fury was one of the last dragons, and apparently, the other two were just as big as him. Or so he says. He doesn’t want them to meet me. Not yet. Harmony never questioned why, she only tried to understand his choice. Something about my safety. I guess the two wouldn’t like the idea of Fury protecting a fae… or non-fae. They wouldn’t understand, is what he told me. And I trust him.

Harmony tightened her grip and gazed down at Fury’s curled claws and chuckled to herself. I was so small when I went on my first flight. He didn’t trust me to hold onto a rope, he didn’t even trust me to be able to climb onto his back. He was correct about both. So, he picked me up in his claw. I was terrified. The vague image of black scales wrapping around her surfaced. She was standing in the middle of the forest in stolen clothes, shaking at the thought of being in Fury’s claw and of being in the sky. She didn’t want to die by falling. That’s not how I wanted to die- still don’t. Harmony looked down at Sloucapia beneath them. It’s a long fall.

Fury sent a chuckle through their physical connection. You were so scared.

I had every right to be! I had never flown before, especially not in the claw of a dragon.

Fury laughed.

To think that I was sad when I outgrew your claw.

I wasn’t. Fury banked to the right, Harmony leaned with him. It was a pain to avoid squishing you.

I never realized you came close to squishing me on accident so many times. Harmony laughed.

Who said it would’ve been an accident?

Harmony gasped at Fury and held back the slap she so desperately wanted to deliver.

Fury gave out a warning roar as he began his descent. Harmony tucked herself as close as she could to Fury as he brought his wings in.

I hate the landings. Harmony squeezed her eyes shut. She didn’t like the sight of the ground rising to meet them at such a rapid pace.

Fury hit the ground with a thud, causing the trees to shake and leaves to fall. Harmony wasted no time in sliding off Fury’s back and putting her feet on solid ground. Fury took a step and Harmony balanced herself as the ground shook with each of his steps. Harmony watched as Fury gathered food from his kill pile, making sure to leave at least one of the bigger animals for Harmony.

Fury dropped his kill down the cave entrance causing Harmony to chuckle. Fury’s head snapped up at the noise.

“What?” Harmony shrugged her shoulders. “It’s a funny sight, seeing animals fall from your massive mouth. It makes them look small.”

Fury growled.

“Oh shut it. Go down and be alone in your cave.” Harmony turned. “I am off to my tree.”

Fury gave a small farewell roar before crawling into his cave. Harmony turned around in time to see Fury’s tail disappear into the earth. She waved a small goodbye in the area of Fury’s cave before walking to her tree.

Harmony kicked some rocks in her way as she walked. She hummed to herself as she walked, enjoying the last few rays of sun before the third floating mountain, Tuell, entered the area. And as she gazed up at Mount Tuell, her thoughts once again returned to the Carver’s Temple.

~ ~ ~

Night had fallen but she was unsure if Fury had left yet. He enjoyed his night hunting and this one had been planned for a few days, but her senses weren’t strong enough to tell if he was gone. Anxiety and nerves had her feathers twitching. Harmony knew the plan wasn’t great but she had nothing better and if she didn’t go through with it now she never would. Problem was Fury would know if she left her tree.

“Fury’s gonna hate me when he finds out,” she breathed. They’d been arguing about her wanting to go to the temple for years but this was the first time she felt ready. Every day she lost more of herself. And the fact that her wings were useless just made matters worse. “I’m gonna do it. I have to. For me. He should be able to understand.” Her fear that Fury hadn’t left yet kept the words as faint as the breeze rustling her tree. But she needed to say them aloud to try to spur herself into action.

Waiting just a little longer paid off - the faint woosh of Fury’s wings alerted her to his departure. A few minutes later, she crept down her tree, tucked her wings to avoid snagging, and took off through the trees, only slowing down once she started catching glimpses of the beach.

Once Harmony deemed the beach empty, she finally approached the mountain. She halted before a vine, unable to process what she was about to do. Slowly stretching out a hand, she grabbed the vine, took a couple deep breaths, and started to climb.

The first five minutes of the climb were freeing. Her determination grew with each pull of her hands, with the rising elevation that was slowly stealing her breath. I hope all those workouts were worth it.

Harmony managed another five minutes before she noticed her pace slowing. Just over twenty minutes in, the shaking started. Her biceps started burning. A minute later her hands began to cramp. Harmony fought to control her breathing, forcing deep breaths in, attempting to slow the expirations. A few minutes later, fear gripped her as her feathers started rippling with weakness. Her body didn’t have much longer before giving out and falling almost three thousand feet was not something she would survive. It was also her greatest fear.

Suddenly her torso slammed into the side of the mountain and her grip slipped. Tightening her fists as much as she could with exhaustion yanking her down, Harmony only dropped a couple feet. Regaining the lost ground, she planted her feet on the side of Mount Pira and used her legs to push herself the last thirty feet.

Throwing herself over the lip and onto solid ground, Harmony nearly blacked out from fatigue. Wings still rippling and arms trembling from shoulder to fingertips, she gave herself five minutes to lay there and breathe.

My body has never hurt this much before. Her breath was coming in ragged pants. A sudden creaking had it freezing in her throat. Fear gripped her as she realized someone else could have made that noise. Harmony moved to her feet. I didn’t come all this way to get thrown off the mountain before seeing the temple.

Turning away from the edge, Harmony blinked at the amount of fog waiting for her. Chuckling low in her throat, she started towards the wall of cloud. Dumb of me to not think ahead and realize that this would be a thing. Glowing orbs peeked out of the swirling fog, lighting the way.

What little breath she had left after the climb was stolen with her first glimpse of the Carver’s temple. The white front was inviting yet intimidating. Vegetation covered most of the building but the white marble lit up the patches in between the darker greens and browns. It was a beacon to all, lighting itself up. There was no need for the lanterns when the temple itself illuminated the night.

There were three stairs leading up to the temple: long enough that she had to take multiple steps per stair. As she climbed them, she admired the large oak doors barring entry to the temple. The deep brown contrasted beautifully with the white of the building and the green of the flora draped across the building. The top of the doors was about level with thin windows placed a few feet below the top of the wall.

Not daring to breathe and praying that no one else was inside, Harmony hesitantly put a hand on a door. Pushing slowly, she opened the door just wide enough to slip inside, making sure to close the door.

The rings of light cast by candles set up in the four corners softened the marble’s glow without taking away from the grandeur. It also illuminated the few vines and smaller branches that had entered through the windows. It all made for a serene atmosphere that Harmony could only assume most temples aimed for.

As Harmony ventured farther in, she took in the rest of the temple. There were four simple, round columns forming a square towards the center. Beyond the columns, almost in darkness, was the reason she came. A quick glance to each side confirmed solitude and allowed her to drop her guard as she crossed the temple.

Lit by a couple well-placed candles was the statue of the Carver. Not quite six feet, he was taller than the average male fae. He looked out over the temple with a kind smile on his face and emotions she couldn’t quite name in his eyes. Pointed fae ears, classically wild fae hair, and the slight build of the fae made her feel more out of place instead of understood and seen. She expected to feel validated by seeing what the Carver looked like, not more like an outcast. A small drop of hope she didn’t realize existed died when it became clear that the Carver did not have wings. Her shoulders dropping, Harmony took in the rest of the carving.

Tilting her head in confusion, she stared at two giant, rainbow colored stags, one on each side of the Carver. I didn’t know animals could be such bright colors. I’ve only ever seen colors like that in my wings. Feeling that sliver of hope trying to come back, she dropped her gaze and saw a plaque on the floor by the Carver’s feet.

The Carver

The home of the one who lovingly, painstakingly Carved us all individually.

The Carver knows each of us by name. He gave us

our faults and our strengths,

our weaknesses, and our fighting spirits.

The Pigments were Carved to protect those known and loved by the Carver.

He sends them to provide color, life,

and protection to his creations so they know that

they are not alone and never will be.

A rollercoaster of emotions flooded her entire body as she read. Tears rose up as she felt seen for the first time in her life, but they quickly changed to crippling sorrow as she realized she was not made by this god.

Crashing to her knees, a sob ripped out of her throat and the tears fell in earnest. This god was good and pure. This god loved his Creations. If he had made her, this god would have prevented her tribe from mentally, emotionally, and almost physically ripping her to shreds as a child.

“I am not enough to be loved.” The words gutted her. Hunching over, Harmony let the tears fall freely as everything she had been shoving down since getting dumped in the forest overwhelmed her completely.

She had no idea how long she cried before pulling herself together. Wiping her face with her shirt, Harmony slowly got to her feet. Head swirling with a decade of pent up emotions, Harmony looked up at the Carver. He cannot be the only Creator. Someone else must have given me these wings. Perhaps the same being who gave me Fury?

A gasp had her whirling, wings flaring in a desperate bid to stay upright. Her worst nightmare come to life had a fae walking towards her. As she watched the woman come closer, she saw not anger, but hope in the fae’s eyes.

“Harmony?” It was tentative, yet hopeful.

How does she know my name? Scanning the woman, Harmony noticed eyes of a similar pale yellow to her own, skin a couple shades darker than her own, and… it couldn’t be.

“Do you- is that…” Words failing her when she needed them most, Harmony gave up and pointed to the woman’s right arm.

“Oh, this?” The woman turned her arm so Harmony could see the swirling pattern covering the back. “This is my tribe’s symbol. It means strength in all things. We get to choose where we put them though families normally get them in similar areas.”

Shoving her palms against closed eyes, she gave herself three seconds to panic. Ohhh boy, oh boy oh boy oh boy. No this cannot be happening. She can’t be family, she doesn’t have wings! But - how did I get here with wings?

Three seconds over, Harmony let out a shuddering breath then dropped her hands. Taking a step forward, she twisted so her right arm was visible.

“I think… we might be related.” Her words were hesitant, voice rough from crying.

The woman’s eyes softened. “I’d know those wings anywhere. Harmony, I’m your mother.”

For the second time that night, Harmony dropped to her knees. Shock crowded every other thought out of her head.

“But there’s no way, I mean why would you leave me? Were you planning on coming back?” Her voice rose with disbelief. As the woman - her mother - came closer, memories flooded her brain, throwing her into the past she had successfully blocked out.

Loud voices screamed at her calling her polluted and filthy. Hands tore at her clothes, never touching her wings because then they would be contaminated too. Weeks spent barricaded in the hut, weeks of not seeing the sun or feeling the wind in her feathers. A couple of teenagers getting bold enough to lash out physically and the tiny scars all over her body as reminders.

A gentle hand on her shoulder pulled her back. The woman’s other hand gently tilted Harmony’s head to meet her gaze.

“My child.” Soft words fell off a heavy tongue. “I have spent the last ten years regretting my decision. But when I heard that they wanted to remove your wings,” a shudder wracked the woman’s body. “I knew the best thing I could do for you was to take you somewhere they would never dare look for you. I trusted the Carver to grant you a swift and painless death or an environment to thrive in, something that a life with me could never have given you.”

Harmony didn’t know when the tears had started to fall, she only knew there was no way to stop them.

“You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman. Your wings… they remind me of your father’s.” The regret in her mother’s eyes grew deeper. “I miss him almost as much as I regret what I did to you.”

Her father! This was it. She could go find him! “My father? Is he on this island? Can I see him?”

Sadness joined the regret. “No child. He lives on Zadortha as most fairies do. I traveled when I was younger and he was the best part of my trip. One of the most caring people I’ve ever met. I wish you could have met him.”

As Harmony opened her mouth, the doors were thrown open, drawing their attention. The third woman confidently strode forward before halting at the sight of them on the floor. What was at first curiosity turned to anger when the woman noticed Harmony’s wings.

“How dare you!” The newcomer vibrated with anger. “You’re kind is not welcome here! Get out!” Harmony was frozen in fear, unable to move as the woman stormed closer.

At the last second, her mother launched to her feet and grabbed the woman’s arms.

“You will not touch my daughter. She has just as much right to be here as anyone else.”

“No! Those with wings have no right to be in the Carver’s sacred space!” Each word hammered home what Harmony already knew.

Getting to her feet, Harmony gently touched her mother’s back before hurrying for the door, putting as much space between herself and the new woman as possible. Sliding through the door, Harmony faintly heard her mother declaring, “She has just as much right to love and inclusion as anyone else no matter her physical appearance. No one should be…”

Buzzing with knowledge and adrenaline, she sprinted for the vine she had climbed up. As the edge of the mountain came into view she heard her mother’s voice calling for her. Slowing down, she waited at the edge.

Stopping a few feet away from Harmony, she raised a hand in farewell.

“My child I hope one day you can forgive me. Your father’s name is Ezra, he is a Zadorthan Warrior. A word of caution - it has been fifteen years and he may want nothing to do with you but you should not let fear rule your life. Good luck, may your wings be strong. I love you.”

Harmony’s heart broke at what could have been. “Thank you. I hope you have a good life.” Jumping off the edge, Harmony let herself fall for a few seconds before grabbing the vine.

The pain grounded her thoughts and brought her completely to the present. She had to get back and tell Fury everything she had found out. Racing down the vine burned her hands, but it was welcome. She had never been more excited to be Harmony and to have a future. She was going to change her own life, no more waiting for someone else to do it.

She jumped off the vine about twenty feet above the ground and attempted to glide to the ground. She managed about ten feet before her wings gave out and she tumbled into the sand. Laughing, she jumped up and sprinted for her tree, uncaring how much noise she might be making. Underestimating how exhausted she was, Harmony only made it to the roots before sleep decided it was in charge.

~ ~ ~

A large nose woke her up. Bleary eyed, Harmony couldn’t figure out where she was for a few seconds. Then last night slammed into her and her eyes shot to Fury’s.

“We need to talk and you’re not going to like it.”

The fact that she said the words out loud told him just how much he wouldn’t like it.

Stepping towards him, Harmony laid a hand on the side of his face and dropped her forehead to his nose.

I went to the temple last night.

You what? Fury roared into her head.

Trying desperately to keep her composure, Harmony slogged on. I went to the temple last night and I met my mother. She told me where my father is from and apologized for leaving me out here all those years ago.

Sensing where her thoughts were going as she was accidentally projecting everything to Fury he interrupted again. You’re leaving me. After all I’ve done for you, after I’ve risked my life for you, after I have cared for you and loved you, you are going to leave me.

Feeling smaller than when he found her ten years ago she whispered, yes.

Roaring with anguish, Fury yanked his face away from hers and launched himself into the air, the one place she couldn’t follow.

“Fury, wait! Please let me explain!” This time, her heart shattered. Harmony launched herself after him, wings beating hard, determined to follow him, to make him understand, to tell him that she was his and he, he was her Fury.