Beams of sunlight cut across the forest like daggers. The air was still, and the light exposed the pollen and bugs in the air. A beautiful whitish silver horse sniffed a mossy tree. He scanned the area carefully. He had diamond imprints on his forehead and another in the shape of the sun on his thigh. Something in the distance caught his eye. He stared at it for a moment before he suddenly began to trot gracefully through the forest in that direction. As he floated by like a vision, animals stopped to watch in awe. He stopped at a peaceful pond, the water still enough to look like glass. He looked at himself in the water, scanning his face in the reflection carefully before he bowed his head. The water began to glow as the sun dropped past the horizon. The pond shimmered white and green, light bugs danced in the night sky like stars, and the animals joined in. The horse watched as they enjoyed the manifestations of his magic. He could sense, however, another presence. A presence he hadn’t felt in years.

“Does it ever get old?” Lorelei asked softly. The horse turned to look at the fae woman. He just blinked at her slowly. Suddenly, the horse was gone, and a tall, lean man took its place. Lorelei held up a leaf skirt, a huge frown on her face, “Please put this on.” Her cheeks were a bright shade of pink as he complied.

“I don’t understand your question, Lorelei,” He responded softly, his blue-grey eyes filled with confusion. “It is my nature to bring beauty and happiness to the beings that live by this pond.”

“I remember when this pond was but a hole with rainwater,” Lorelei smirked as she stared across the water but, after a heartbeat, her smile faded. “The things Life can do. They scare me.”

“Is that why you prefer the company of Death?” he asked, staring at Lorelei. She refused to look at him. He reached out to take Lorelei’s chin softly and turned her head so that she looked at him. When their eyes met, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

Lorelei pushed his hand away. “I’m not here for a personal visit, Roan,” Lorelei replied firmly. Roan’s expression remained blank, but he tilted his head slightly to acknowledge her words. “Death and I are starting a school to educate life and death creatures so that they can coexist. We are looking for students, and I suggested you.” Roan took a step back, his face twisting into a look of betrayal.

“You want me to leave my home?” He asked.

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“For a short time, yes. It won’t be the first time a spirit left its home. In fact, it used to be rare if they didn’t for so long. Many would leave for only a couple year stretches to see other spirits. We only need a few years of your time and then, just like them, you can return to your home.” Lorelei stared into his eyes until he looked away, defeated.

He gently grabbed her arm and pulled her into the forest. He led her to the tree he was inspecting earlier that day. “This is as far as I can go,” Roan admitted. His head was lowered in defeat.

Lorelei studied his face carefully. A small smile spread across her face, growing slowly as she started to laugh. She squeezed him tightly before letting go to say. “This school will help with stuff like that.”

He stared at her in confusion. “How will I be able to leave?” He asked with a dumbfounded look on his face.

“There’s another Kelpie like you. She’s the spirit of a lake called Winry. She will be able to help you get away from here.” Roan looked out beyond the tree at the world he hadn’t seen before. He seemed unsure as he bit his lip.

“I’ve only met fae, will there be more at this school?” he asked softly, looking back at Lorelei.

“Um no,” she admitted. “They don’t… They don’t really believe this would work.”

“I will meet others, though? People?” His eyes shimmered in the light.

“Yes, of course. There will be all sorts of people for you to meet, Roan. Some of them can turn into other animals.” she chuckled as Roan’s eyes went wide, and he laughed with her, a massive smile on his face. “So, I take that as a yes?”

“Honestly, I’ve been trying to venture out from my pond for a few decades. I thought I couldn’t because… I thought I was weak.” Roan admitted, sheepishly.

“You are young for a spirit, Roan.” Lorelei rubbed his arm, comfortingly, “You’re no more than 900 years old. You have so much to learn.” Roan smiled at her sweetly.

“Will my pond be okay in my absence?” he asked softly.

“Of course. Winnie has asked her sprites to keep an eye on the place while you’re away.” Lorelei leaned against another tree a few feet from Roan. “We’re starting you right away. Winnie will visit you soon to help you move on.” Lorelei raised an eyebrow, “You have to listen to her, Roan.” Roan stared into space absentmindedly. “Pay attention, or you’ll be stuck here still.”

“Okay.” Roan sighed, he walked up to Lorelei to rest his head on her shoulder.

“Enough of that.” Lorelei pushed him away, diverting her eyes from his gaze. “I appreciate you being so easy to convince, but our friendship is something you can’t express while at this school.” Roan just looked at her in confusion. Lorelei took a few steps back, rubbing her temples. “Thank you, Roan. I’m going to leave.” she began to walk into the darkness.

“Lorelei, why do you push me away?” Roan asked her, hurt.

Lorelei stopped in her tracks, but kept her back to him, “I-I… You make me feel guilty.” Lorelei responded back coldly. Her wings burst out of her back as she launched herself into the dark sky. Roan sadly watched her retreating figure as it disappeared into the distance.