Born of Earth

I pointed to a bright purple cocoon shaped exactly like a droplet of water and just as small. It was pearly and exquisite. Odd that he hadn't pointed it out to me yet. "What kind is this one? It's gorgeous." 


When he didn't answer, I looked at his face. I'll never forget that look. He was staring at me, spectral eyes in the gloom. Even in the dim light, his shock was the most genuine expression I'd seen on his face since we'd met. 


"You can see that one?" He pointed. "This purple one, right here?" 


"Yes, of course. Why shouldn't I see it?" 


His normally ruddy face took on a waxy cast. 


"Jasher, are you okay?" I put a hand on his shoulder. It was the first time I'd touched him intentionally since our spiky handshake. The corded muscle under my palm jumped.


"Have you ever seen a cocoon like this one before?" he asked.


"No, I'm sure I haven't. Why? Is it rare?" 


"Never? Never, ever?" He emphasized by slicing his hand through the air - sharp, knife-like. It was really important to him to know that this was the first time.


"Never." I was certain I hadn't. It still didn't explain why he had the complexion of a vampire. "What's the big deal?"


He looked me square in the eyes and said without a hint of a joke, "It's a faerie cocoon."