"Oh, my turn is it?" Gwen smiled. "Well, why don't I begin around the same place..."
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Glimmerbrook, Endless Summer
I grew up here, in Glimmerbook Watch. It was Spring when I was born, and all through my childhood, and became Summer when I grew into a young woman. Every day was warm and golden, every night was under glittering stars, a silver moon and the shimmering aurora that was the echo of the skies of another world.
I was raised by my mother and grandmother, and together we were the Guardians of Glimmerbrook Watch. Our magic protected the Magic Realm, maintaining the warding spells that prevented anyone from passing through the Gateway without our permission.
My grandmother, Ceridwen, was counted a peer to the Sages themselves and, along the heads of the Old Families, was a member of the Council, the leaders of our people.
She was my mentor in the arts of magic. It was Ceridwen who first taught me the Words of Power and the magic of the Sun, the Moon and the Stars. She taught me the mysteries of Wind, Rain and Fire, the secrets of Plants, Birds and Beasts.
Under her guidance, I studied the ancient texts and the hidden histories of our people. I became quite adept at the arts of alchemy, brewing potions both subtle and powerful. Though I was still a young woman, as witches count our endless years, I was considered a magistra, a witch of great power and knowledge.
It was my mother, Arianrhiod, who taught me that there was more to the world than grandmother's magic. She told me the stories of the stars and constellations. She showed me the beauty and wonder of those stars, quite beyond the uses of their influences upon magic.
She also encouraged me to practice art and music. She said that there was a different kind of magic to be found in the creation of beauty, one simpler and more profound than the magic my grandmother taught.
Yes, it was an endless golden summer, but that is one of chief dangers of immortality. When every day is golden, and every night is beautiful, then each day blurs into the next. When there is nothing to mark the passing of years, they have no meaning. When one never needs to grow up, one never seeks to grow.
My life was full of joy... but what is joy, without sorrow? What is summer, without winter? These were questions I never thought to ask.
I had joy. That was enough.
I remember... I will always remember... the night my Autumn began.
I went out, to gather night-blooming flowers by the brookside as I had on nights without counting.
But that night, They came - the Dark Court. The vampire lords sought to once again make their war on the Magic Realm and to that, first they needed to overthrow the Guardians.
I know my grandmother stood against them, as she was sworn. I know my mother fought at her side. I don't know why or how they fell. I've never asked them.
All I know is that, just before she died, my mother sent Bluebell, her fairy companion, to warn me. It was the first time I knew real fear and real sorrow.
I did the only thing I could.
I ran.
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