His Eyes were Bright & his Body was Strong

Francesco was given many free hours to play - unlike the children of the village who were conscripted into their parents' trade, to work away their young nights and days.

His eyes were bright and his body was strong, with the resilient health of one well cared for.

The boy never guessed his true parentage being that of Faerie, however the villagers did think him to be exceedingly queer.

They talked often about him with suspicion: sharing their observances, placing a dark light upon his virtue, giving grief to his outgoing cheerfulness.

Young Francis would often be seen in the uppermost bough of the grandfather elm that stood in the village centre, where he liked to spend time looking down over the town, delighting with its comings and goings.

“The boy is witless”, they had said disapprovingly.

-Gabriel Brunsdon, AZLANDER: NEVER ENDINGS: Second Chances