Prologue

A Chapter by Liz

Huw sat in the trees waiting for the upcoming birth of his daughter. His half human, half faery child would be born soon. His mother wasn't happy he mated with a human until the Goddess informed them the child would be born with much power. She would, in time, become immortal and leader of the faery world. But until the age of 18, she had to live with her human family.

It was a crisp, cool night and the moon was almost full. Winter Solstice was approaching, and Anwen was preparing for birth. She had no husband as he died from cholera a few months before. Only she knew the child wasn't his, the child belonged to Huw, a faery prince, who she helped a year ago. They became lovers whilst her husband was ill - in hopes to try and save him. Huw's mother found out about the affair and killed her husband and told her she'd be with him once the child was born. Anwen had to find a mother for her child. Lord and Lady Bowen just had a son a week prior. She hoped to leave her child with them so the child could nurse of Lady Bowen's breast.

Anwen rubbed her hand over her belly and cried. "Huw, I know you're watching me. Please, see me one more time. I wish to see you before I die" The trees above her rustled. "Huw?" Huw, dropped down from the tree and touched Anwen's raven black hair. "Yes, my love" Anwen turned and fell into Huw's embrace. Tears flowed down her face. Huw held her tighter, stroking her hair. "Don't cry my love. You'll be with your beloved soon. Our child, your daughter, will be a very powerful woman. She'll become leader of the Faery's. She'll be loved by all." She looked up at him, with her deep blue eyes twinkling with tears. "Eleri, call her Eleri." She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Huw carried her home and stayed with her that night. Two nights later, on the eve of the Winter Solstice, Anwen felt the pain of childbirth. She tried to make it to Bowen home but the pain was too intense. Underneath the light of the full moon, at midnight, Eleri was born. Huw placed Eleri on top of her mother's breast so she could see her. "She's beautiful, like you" Huw whispered. Anwen looked into her daughters eyes and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "I love you Eleri" she said, her voice weakening. "Take her to Lord and Lady Bowen. Have them raise her as their own. Make sure her name is Eleri It's the only thing I request" Anwen held Huw's hand as she took her last breath. The only sound was Eleri's cries. Hue wrapped up his child in a silver blanket and took her to the home of Lord Bowen . He placed her in a basket, kissed her head and knocked on the door. He left before anyone answered, but watched from the trees. Eleri was taken into the home. She was safe, for now.

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