Fae Forms, Kinds, and Unkinds

I — NIGHTMARE BEASTS [Each-Uisge] Beautiful horse beside the water, Waiting where the dark runs deep. Climb upon that perfect creature, Find the skin that will not let you leave. [Tech Shark] Past the threshold, dark machinery, Teeth beneath the ocean's skin. Engine joined with something dreadful, Taking shape from what you fear within. [Cù Sìth] Hear the hound across the hills, One bark carried on the air. Two can leave the question open, Three will settle what is waiting there. [Sluagh] Lost souls crossing through the storm, Shoulders folding into one. Many bodies, one great shadow, Rushing underneath the sky. [Nøkken] Bell-like voice beside the water, Singing where the sailor goes. Savior standing by the stream-bank, Already knowing how it ends. [Skinless One] Rain arrives with ancient consequence, A debt still waiting to be paid. Skinless figure walks the weather, Bringing ruin from a wrong once made. [Mara] Something heavy walks the sleeper, Nightmare given weight and form. A mind refusing to release it Makes the terror real and warm. [Púca] Storm-leaper through the lightning, Shape that changes as it flies. Horses bolt and travelers scatter, Chaos moving through the skies. [Selkie] Seal beneath the stolen skin, Gentle eyes beside the shore. Hide what lets her cross between them, And those eyes are gentle no more. II — THE SHAPES THEY WEAR [Simea] At the treeline, something heavy, Half perceived and gone again. Stone, then wisp, then beastly hunger— Winter gives it another shape. [Wash-House Woman] “I am of the wash-house.” Secrets were not hers to witness, Now the watching has become her form. Wet cloth dragging through the mud, Punishment that does not change. [Cynocephali] Dog-headed warriors standing, No disguise intended here. A shape selected for one purpose: Know that danger has arrived. [Blemmyes] No head above the shoulders, Yet the face remains complete. Eyes and nose and mouth together, Set where no face ought to be. [Bonnacon] Turned backward, turned inside-out, Space refuses to behave. Stand before it, lose direction, Every pathway becomes wrong. [Huldra] Beautiful woman through the forest, Warmth upon the traveler’s path. Look behind the smiling figure— Wood and hollow, tail beneath. III — WHAT FOLLOWS [Unseen Shadow] No body walking near you, Yet the water gives it shape. Alien buildings fill reflections, Something climbs from mirrored depths. [Will-o'-the-Wisp] Blue light floating through the darkness, Room ahead that isn't there. Follow where the false light beckons, Find yourself without a road. [White Lady] Between the trees, a figure waiting, Rain falling across her face. Pale clothing through the rainfall, Nothing there that sight can place. [Fochmaill] Underneath the world they gather, Small and pale beneath the ground. Open hands beneath the crossings, Taking fragments when you fall. [Ale] Dragon-demons in familiar shapes, Nothing strange enough to warn. Everything appears expected. Until you know what's in the room. [FINAL] Horse beside the water. Hound upon the hill. Voices near the river. Something underneath. Beast. Woman. Warrior. Shadow. What you fear can wear a face. What you trust can hide a shape. And sometimes— the monster is the thing you never recognized.