A Faery Tail

A squirrel squeaked in delight at seeing her old friend. "My goodness! It has been a long time since we saw you, Ocean Mermaid. I must tell all of the creatures of the forest that you are here!"

Ocean asked the squirrel if she had seen the Faery Queen. But the squirrel shook her head. "I don't know where the Faery Queen may be," she said.

So Ocean the Mermaid and the little squirrel set off into the forest to see who they could find.

The forest at this time of year offered some shelter from the winter winds, and the squirrel certainly knew his way around trees! They continued to call for the Faery Queen of Light, and just when they raised their voices for what they felt should be the last time they were met with a "shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh", and then a flurry of shusssshing snow faeries adorned in downy fluff.

"The Faery Queen of Light sleeps!" they hushed..."While she is far below the earth in another land, she may still hear you, and if she wakes the land will awaken with her and not have the rest it needs to bloom healthily in the Spring."

They spoke in a lovely unison, almost like an accapella song. Only if you concentrated very hard could you pick out their distinct voices, so close was their speach in rhythm and pitch.

"Seek out the Lord of the Wood. He roams these woods the year round, but takes special care to protect it in the winter months while the Queen of Light sleeps." they sang softly.

With that, they dove into the drift covered brush and away ...

Ocean listened carefully to what the snow faeries said, nodding as she understood their message. They were such tiny little things, but they danced as gracefully as snowflakes in an eddy of wind. She smiled at their song, watching until they disappeared, and then turned to her squirrel friend.

Well, Squirrel? Where shall we look for the Forest Lord? I imagine he should be in the forest, somewhere - can you tell me how to find him?

The 13th fairy, who is never detered by winter sat wondering, "why is it that they never come looking for me?". I have pretty clothes too, and I don't spend half the year sleeping either.....

Feeling a chill come over him with all this talk of wintery unseelie-ness, the Lord of the Wood pokes at his hearth fire in an attempt to stir up some heat in his underhill residence. It is here, deep in the forest's centre where a couple of notorious guests are taking advantage of his legendary hospitality. He sighs when flames do not come to natural attention, and resorts to blowing the warm breath of summer upon it.

A wry smile and twinkle of the eye come to his face as he furtively glances at his guests,

"Now, I only use the summer breath in dire circumstances during the winter." he explains defensively.

"I can usually manage a fire quite well without it in the presence of warmer blooded guests. Entertaining a Dark Queen and her chilly friend is surely cause enough to make any fire shrink!"

The Lady and pixie chuckle at his jest, and despite their cold nature, they do find a little solace in the warming juniper berry tea. Who wouldnt?

Addressing the Dark Queen gently, "The whole of the dark woods know how sensitive you can be Vegoia. Try not to take it to heart. The day-folk hardly know you exist. It wouldn't hurt for you to get out from under your shadow, if only occasionally. Take it from me Great Lady, I see day, night, summer and winter, all with equal attention. It's quite an experience to feel the changes!"

A thoughtful silence follows, as the two sip their brew.

Vegoia considered the words of the Forest Lord a few moments, and then asked, "How do YOU manage to stay in favour when you are not dressed in green?".

It's not that I mind so much you know, but my sweet sister seems so worried whenever I bring my dear little pixies to visit.

we don't break too many things as a rule. Are you suggesting that we step out of the night and brave the eye of the sun?

I suppose if the mermaid Ocean can leave the cool dark of her ocean for a time, we could show no less courage.

She thanked the Forest Lord for his tea and sympathy, then drew the little unseelie pixie back into the darkness of the woods to discuss this novel idea.

Ocean wandered the woods for a time, accompanied by her squirrel friend, and although they were looking for the forest lord, both were prone to distractions as the woods offered many. Ocean was unaccustomed to walking so far - swimming was far easier on her, and so their progress was slow. Suddenly, they emerged into a perfectly round clearing surrounded by trees that seemed to huddle together to keep it from being easily discovered. Ocean was surprised to find it already occupied, and by someone she didn't know by name.

"Hello.... "

Well....you seem to be a long way from home my dear, said Vegoia, with a little motion to the pixie to say hello. Why you look positively chilled to the bone! I am Vegoia, and who might you two be?

"Greetings to you, Lady Vegoia, my name is Ocean, and I have journied from the sea to reunite with my Faery Friends that I have met over time. I am pleased to make your acquaintance".

Being a polite mermaid, Ocean didn't point out that she was quite comfortable in the wintery air - she was, of course, used to the cold depths of the sea, however, her toes were a little chilly - perhaps her tail provided more warmth than one would have guessed.

Ocean nodded also to the pixie who accompanied the powerful seeming fae, offering a slightly wobbly curtsey, balance being harder to master with only air to support oneself.

"And may I ask what sort of business you attend to here at this time of year? I have seen few but snow fae, and they are quick to swirl away at the slightest breath of wind..."

"It is my great pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, and what a beautiful name you bear....can you sing with a voice as beautiful as your sweet self my dear?"

The little pixie gave a wobbly bob herself, being unused to the social graces and not very practiced at these things.

"as to my business.....well, the night knows no season. Or shall we say....it knows every season? It has come to my ear that there was a great gathering here the summer just passed, (to which I again was uinvited), and I seek the truth of these rumours. I have it on good authority....for my cousin the Snow Queen has not ceased to crow about how she met with the lovely sapphira, why to hear her talk they became the best of friends........If the Lady of Snow and Ice can brave the Sunlight for a day....then how can I do less?"

"So tell me sweet Ocean.....is there to be another such gathering this year? You need not worry to tell me....I shall not go without invitation...that has turned out so poorly in the past....it is simply that knowlege is a commodity in the Night court."

"Well...do not let me detain you....the Forest Lord is just through those trees, with a warm fire and lovely steaming tea, I believe you have been seeking him. So glad to be of help. (curtsy to the nice Lady pixie}.

The little pixie gives a wobbly curtsy to the Mermaid, smiling shyly.

Ocean smiled at the little pixie, but directed her answers to Lady Vegoia.

"Sing? Aye, I have been known to sing with some of my sisters beneath the sea, but I do not do so on land, for there are rumours of certain repurcussions I would not wish to bring about. "

Here Ocean hesitated for a moment, sensing an air of anticipation she did not quite trust. She had recognized this great Fae being of the unseelie court, and while the court of the night was not evil, they did tend to bring a certain amount of chaos to the ordered and structured realm of the day. Being sensitive to emotions as a creature of the water, Ocean had no wish to cause hurt or anger to any other, no matter which court they paid tribute to. Ocean framed her response carefully, not wishing to get caught in any conversational net.

"Indeed, I met your cousin the Snow Queen when last I was upon the land. She did support the Element of Water at the last Elemental Games, as I recall. I've not been informed of when the next round of Elemental Games is to be held, but I was hoping to reunite with my Faery Friends in the coming months. Perhaps I shall seek out the Forest Lord and find out from him if there are to be more elemental games this year."

Greetings Ocean,

I have no idea as to where to find the Forest Lord in which you seek, but I am quite intrigued by your interest in meeting with your other faery friends in the coming months. Let me introduce myself, if I may? I am Tangle Rainbowwitch, Queen of the Woodland faeries and caretaker of all the woodland creatures. Let me know if and how I can assist you!

Tangle Rainbowwitch

Ocean turned in surprise, regarding the newcomer as if trying to figure out from whence she had appeared - but then, Fae were well known to step out of thin air, so she did not hesitate long before answering.

"Greetings to you Tangle Rainbowwitch, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. You must reign alongside the FaeryQueen I know - Queen Sapphira, who presided over the Elemental Games last year."

Of course, this was a little confusing to Ocean, who had thought that Sapphira was THE Queen, but perhaps the titles of the land Fae differed from the ones used under the sea that she was more accustomed to.

Ocean then performed introductions around those gathered, making Lady Vegoia and the little pixie known to Tangle Rainbowwitch.

"Lady Vegoia was just directing me to the residence of the Forest Lord, Tangle Rainbowwitch, perhaps you would like to come along and meet him?"

The little unseelie pixie was startled by the faery, who called herself Tangle, appearing out of nowhere! She jumped behind Lady Vegoia, peering out from behind her skirts.

Oh! my my! I did not wish to startle anyone. I just arrived from the Northern woodlands and have been searching for other fae of whom I can make their aquaintance. I am ever so fortunate as to stumble upon such kind folks as yourselves. Please do not be afraid as the woodland creatures of the Northern woodlands can vouch that I am their queen and have well looked after all those that dwell in my kingdom.

I have never met Queen Sapphira but I look forward to making her aquantaince. Yes Ocean, I do believe that the titles on land differ from the ocean depths: I am Queen of the Northern woodlands, but their are many other kings and queens that dwell in faraway lands.

I would very much like to join you and your friends in your search to find the Forest Lord! Possibly as we saunter along we can share tales of our adventures.

Tangle Rainbowwitch

Vegoia put a finger to her chin and thought aloud....I would lead you ladies to himself, in hopes he has something stronger than tea in his posssession. I just may learn a little more.....he s just through these bushes here.

Overhead in the grey sky White Raven swoops and glides on the cold north wind.
Invisible against the wintery backdrop she swoops down to perch on a branch of an old oak at the edge of the clearing. Peering with keen eyes into the bramble along the length of the windswept snow drifts Raven spies several faeries and a mermaid whispering amongst themselves. Cocking her head she listens intently as unseelie pixie, Vegoia and Ocean chat to another faery who refers to herself as the Faery Queen of the Northern woods.
As silently as she arrived Raven spreads her wings to the cold once again and flies off toward the mountains to inform the hobgoblins, trolls and other creatures of the new comer and the possible mix up. Could there be another Faery Queen?

After many months of harsh cold, Raven warms herself on a rocky crag along the edge of Blue Mountain. She opens her wings, fluffs her feathers and lets out a fine loud CAW and she takes off skyward. This was her time to soar high above the earth and survey all of mother nature's glory springing to life below. Spying a rock troll hunting, she swooped down past his head making sure to keep herself just out of his reach. Trolls are not known for being selective in their choice of meals and a hungry troll was twice as dangerous.
"Caw Caw Caw" she chortled as she passed. " I have news to tell... I have news to tell" The troll seemed unmoved by Raven's squawking as he continued to lumber amongst the boulders and bracken looking for a tasty groundhog or two. "Caw Caw Caw' Raven once again voiced. The troll waved his large arm in the air in an attempt to knock her from the sky. Raven decided the troll was not at all interested in her news and headed elsewhere.
As she swooped and sailed along on the warm spring breeze she came across a group of fauns skipping their way along pausing now and again to pick and nibble the young green grasses growing in the meadow.
" I have news" she chortled once again as she glided past alighting on a rock near by.
" News?" one of the fauns asked excitedly.
with that the rest of them were bouncing back and forth giggling and whispering among themselves.
"News..." cawed White Raven. " Have you heard there is another Faery Queen in the Woods along Riverside Park?"
"Another queen" they repeated in unison as they nervously tottered on hoof tips. "Impossible" one of them squealed. "There is only one Queen in the woods and that is Sapphira... you are lying."
"Never trust a crow" another shouted " they are tricksters and SHE is just trying to trick us"
"For your information I am NOT a crow, I am a Raven and I do not tell lies. Nor am I a trickster" and with that White Raven puffed her feathers turned her back to them and flew off once again in search of others who may listen to her news.

The White Raven

Vegoia is bemused by the faun's jabbering....of COURSE there are two Queens.... however would the Unseelie denizens of the night get by with the lovely Sapphira active only in the day and sleeping all the night long?
It is one thing to be uninvited.....but quite another to be disregarded to the point that the Seelie ones are completely unaware of one's very existence.
something shall have to be done about this....and you can be sure of that!

The Hedgepixie looked up at Vegoia, her gray-blue eyes wide, the ram-like horns on her little head only emphasizing the saucer-sized eye sockets.

"There are TWO queens?" The little Hedgepixie asked, her voice quavering. "TWO?" She emphasized, as though nothing could be grander, or more frightening, to the pixie who spent many days meandering below hedges, out of the light, and away from the denizens of the Faery Queen (or is that Queens, now?).

Vegoia gently informed the little hedgepixie that of course there are two Queens....one for the day, and one for the beautiful night....one to rule order, and one for chaos....one for the "proper" fairies, and one for the unseelie ones......it IS rather a grand thing when you think about it....and you sweet child.....meandering about away from the light, just may belong in the Court of the Night...where the harsh daystar will never hurt your sensitive wee eyes. Vegoia smiled a little secret smile at the pretty hedgepixie

The White Raven had still found no one outside the fauns who would listen to her story.
As twilight hastened raven flew across the meadow and into the woods looking for Vegoia. Sapphira has never acknowledged Vegoia in the court of the Faeries, but raven knew better for she too was once considered a creature of night's wind and twilight's unknown and she and Vegoia had shared many a tale in the past. Unbeknown to Vegoia, the unseelies or ANY of the faery folk the Snow Queen had since transformed the fiery gypsy moth into the White Raven. Gypsy moth had grown tired of only being able to flit about aimlessly and struck a deal with the Snow Queen to have herself transformed into the beautiful white raven. In exchange she must now report ALL goings on in the woodland and meadows to the Snow Queen in preparation for the two days she ventures into the sunlight and warmth... Faeryfest.

The Hedgepixie smiled back at Vegoia, understanding now that the Faery Realm did indeed have some order to it! She forgot about the times when the sun was strong, and that there must be someone to rule over the land then.

She giggled at the thought of being one of the Unseelie Court, as she was often alone beneath the hedges (save for the rabbits, mice and chipmunks). It would be nice to have some friends.

Hearing the flapping of wings, the Hedgepixie looked up to see the splendid white Raven flying below the canopy as twilight dimmed the world once again.

White Raven made her landing just along the edge of the bramble. Cocking her head she spied the little Hedgepixie as she peered out from the wall of vegetation wide eyed.
"Have you seen Vegoia" Raven asked.
The Hedgepixie shook her head up and down and pointed into the darkness of the bramble and branches just opposite raven waving her finger back and forth at the same time.
"Could you fetch her please" Raven asked in a whisper as to not alert any others who may be within earshot.
With that the Hedgepixie stole off into the darkness giggling.

The White Raven

Vegoia appeared from the bramble to greet raven.
After an exchange of words Vegoia made it known that the Unseelie Court would make an appearance along side the Court of Light and take part in the festivities of the weekend. As the two chatted daylight crept slowly over the distant mountains. Vegoia returned to the darkness of the hedgerow and once again raven flew off to spread the wonderful news to the Court of Light