Rebirth of a Fey Lord

It was late when Eogan decided to skip dinner with his family. He had his maid, Carys, bring his meal to his room. She was still visibly upset with him for sneaking off earlier that day. She'd given him a hefty portion of vegetables in a show of silent rebellion, knowing he wouldn't ask for dessert.

"Huh, she gave me ninety-seven peas," Eogan muttered, poking at his plate. "So close to one hundred."

Leanan appeared suddenly, sitting casually on the rim of his teacup. "Could I have two peas? I'm starving," she asked sweetly.

"Help yourself," Eogan replied, waving a hand toward the plate. "I don't need this many."

Leanan took one of the peas, using a wind blade to slice it neatly before eating. "I don't blame you for skipping sword lessons. You've never liked weapons—they're so crude. Your soul hasn't changed, even if you didn't remember everything earlier today."

Eogan furrowed his brow, considering her words. "Yes, my soul is the same... I wonder," he mused, "a fey's abilities are tied to their soul. Maybe I can still access my powers from Fergus Mor."

"You should test that, Master," Leanan said with a knowing smile. "But first, let's finish dinner."

They quickly devoured their meal, hunger driving them to hurry. Once done, Eogan stood.

"Let's go to the forest. Some of my abilities could be loud, and I don't want Father's guards catching me using powers only a fey lord possesses. It's too soon to reveal them."

He walked over to the window and opened it with purpose. Without hesitation, Leanan acted. Eogan jumped from the third-floor window, and Leanan caught him with a gust of wind, lifting him gently into the night sky and toward the forest.

Deep within the trees, she set him down softly. "Which ability will you try first?"

A mischievous grin tugged at Eogan's lips. "You'll see. Keep watch."

He closed his eyes, focusing on the mana flowing through his meridians. Slowly, he directed it outward, feeling the intense pain of his transformation. It took him half an hour to complete the process. When it was over, he heard Leanan gasp in awe.

"Master! You look like yourself!"

Eogan stretched his arms, his eyes glowing a bright emerald. "I'm BACK, WORLD!" he shouted, confident no one could hear him. Leanan circled him, her winds playfully tugging at his long silver hair.

"Leanan, think about it," Eogan said, his voice low but filled with excitement. "No one who knew me as the fey lord is alive anymore. I can use this form as a disguise, and no one will recognize me."

Leanan nodded, her tone soft but assured. "I'm glad I was the first monster you contracted with. Unlike most of the creatures you raised, I can talk."

Eogan grinned. "Yes, our reunion was fortunate. I'll test the other abilities tonight. One will require a trip into town."

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Later, Eogan walked through the quiet streets, and his conversation with Leanan gave the impression of a man talking to himself. The few onlookers gave him strange looks, but he paid them no mind.

"My goal is to find someone who won't mind me talking to myself," he explained. "I need to learn the state of the world. I was sheltered from the real happenings, and if I want to move, I need to know what stands in my way."

Leanan's voice echoed softly in his mind. "It's strange that you weren't taught this as the son of a lord."

Before Eogan could reply, a commotion erupted nearby. "HELP! THERE'S A MONSTER!"

Eogan initially ignored it, but a desperate voice called, "NO! Please don't hurt her! She's friendly!"

His heart lurched. Without thinking, he sprinted toward the sounds of distress. Turning the corner, he found a teenage boy shielding an infant imp from a crowd of villagers throwing rocks.

Eogan's expression darkened, and he snarled. "Leanan, show them what a monster can do."

Leanan appeared in a flash, her winds swirling violently. "IMPS ARE THE KINDEST OF ALL MONSTERS! AND THIS ONE IS A BABY! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!"

She transformed into a swirling tornado, overwhelmingly pushing the townsfolk back. Yet the center of the vortex remained calm, peaceful even.

"Master, I'm starting to move," Leanan called out. "Make sure the boy and the imp follow you."

Eogan nodded, his gaze fixed on the boy. "You heard her. Pick up the baby and come with us. We'll keep you safe."

The boy hesitated, but understanding the danger, he quickly nodded and scooped up the imp. Eogan guided them away, and together, they fled into the night.