Write, Wrote, Written discussion

SOOOOOOO GOOD. I LOVE IT

MORE MORE MORE NOW

I WANT MORE OR I WILL DIE

AWESOMESAUCE

Is this published?

It seems good enough to be published...

It's bound to have a few mistakes in there somewhere, but it's turning out better than I expected. So that's good. I appreciate you reading it. :)

MORESAUCE

Thank you!

You have a CONSISTENTLY high level of writing and the ability to give enough details about your characters so they are "round" rather than "flat"and this often means that they will develop in ways that are like real persons.

I have to pinch myself from time to time ...

Myoho2000 wrote: "You have a CONSISTENTLY high level of writing and the ability to give enough details about your characters so they are "round" rather than "flat"and this often means that they will develop in ways ..."

Oh thank you!!!! I'm really glad to hear that!

'MAZINGNESS

I don't even have to say anything.

@Kamiko & Charlotte: Thanks!

YAY. NOW MORE

@Charlotte

Thanx! :)

Lol - it's a large year change for sure, but now Part II is in full swing!

AWESOMESAUCE

This is very INVOLVING somehow ... I like "So not having wings seemed almost horrific, not even plausible. In fact messenger fairies would probably sooner become ugly than give up their wings."

It's one of my favorite lines from this story too. :)

GOOD!

I NEED MORE THIS IS DEFINITELY GOING TO BE PUBLISHED

Haha! I'm glad you think that! I wasn't exactly planning to finish it, but I guess I can still do a few more chapters. :)

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS

I guess I should start getting to writing it then. haha! So what do you think of Phratis?

I absolutely love him....although he might need a little push to rebel against the queen....:)

I was just wondering. He was one of the characters I was a bit worried about (I'm not good with romances haha!), but he does rebel in the end I'll admit. I'm especially excited to continue with Desirs and her *cough* friend.

Oooh, I can't wait

Chapter XX

(view spoiler)[
Four days later and Phratis's mood had not improved and it seemed to be reflecting on the weather. It stormed and rained so much that his uncle was convinced that the festival would be held off for at least a day or so. That didn't make him postpone his journey though. He left earlier in the morning when the rain was more of a drizzle. Now it was pouring in huge sheets. Phratis however, remained dry during his walk in the woods.

He should be on that wagon, he thought, bumping along with the pig Queeny, and soaked through and through, but the opposite had come. He tried to convince himself to neglect his mother's call of course, but he couldn't seem to bring himself to do it. He walked to the Scarred Oak and sat down angrily on one of it's roots. He played with the idea of leaving while watching the rain fall until a flash of light came into his view and grew larger until it began to take form. As usual his mother stood before him, except now her wings were folded underneath a waterproof leaf-like cape. Somehow she seemed less intimidating without them, despite her irritated expression, yet it seemed to be directed at the weather and not him.

Let her be irritated, thought Phratis, two can play at that game.

"Don't make that face with me!" said the fairy, the weather also making her mood very bitter, "This is an important matter."

"Matters that concern me or you?" asked Phratis angrily.

"What concerns me concerns you and the whole fairy realm." retorted Nabote, but Phratis stirred at this,

"Then obviously what concerns me doesn't concern you." he bristled.

"I have no time to deal with your petty arguments Phratis," she waved tiredly, "I trust next time that you receive me your anger will at least be somewhat tampered. Now, let's get straight to the point. I need you to immediately head to Lagree's." she snapped her fingers and there appeared a letter, "You will give this to her and she will know what to do and where to receive me. If you have to stay there while she's occupied so be it, as long as those who are there do not leave."

Phratis again felt anger raising to his throat, "And what of my life back at the farm! There's a storm coming and I have business to attend there!"

Nabote barred her sharp teeth at him, "I care not about your life, or your uncle's business, and it shouldn't be yours."

"Then why can't your little fairies do it?" demanded Phratis, it was meant to be an insult of course. Fairies were little, but they weren't particularly proud about it. Yet it wasn't until Phratis uttered the question until he realized that she couldn't because of the weather. Nabote waited for his expression to give way to understanding before smiling in victory. She turned around just as Phratis said, "It would be nice if I could have a thank you." he put as much annoyance as he could possibly cram into it, but instead of Nabote retuning it she turned her head and said,

"Sometimes the best thanks are left unspoken."

Before he could respond however, the fairy had left. Enraged at her disappearing Phratis kicked a near by rock in anger and watched as it hit a tree. Still feeling that his rage wasn't completely satisfied he snapped his fingers and when he reappeared he was standing in front of the secret entrance of the prison hold. Even now the rain seemed to be beating harder.

"Forgive me uncle," he murmured before speaking the spell, but he also made a secret oath while he entered. That when the time was right he would release himself from his mother's hold. (hide spoiler)]

Wow, that was fast.

And:
OH MY GOODNESS THAT WAS AMAXING.

Haha... yeah. I just updated a few slivers though (I wasn't entirely satisfied), but I'm glad it was alright. Now for the next chapter... *rolls up metaphorical sleeves and prepares to type like a madwoman*

I wish I had as much drive as you do....

Chapter XXI

(view spoiler)[

Fairer was scared out of her wits when there was a certain knock on the door. She had never seen such a storm before! Even Lily was cowering underneath her bed! She could hear Desirs walk right next to her,

"Who do you think it is?" asked Fairer softly.

Desirs tilted her head to the side, "I'm not sure." she walked to the door and then hesitated before swinging it open. Her expression was a mix of confusion and shock. "Phratis?" she asked, "What on earth are you doing here?"

This made Fairer want to disappear into the walls. Phratis entered inside and made an effort to smile at the girl before him, "I'm here to see Lagree actually. Quite sorry for the intrusion." Desirs looked at him up and down.

"You're not wet." she observed.

Phratis looked down at his clothes, "It appears not, um, do you know where I might find her?" during this point Fairer noticed his eyes dart to her before returning to Desirs. Fairer didn't know whether or not she should help him though.

Desirs eyes narrowed, "She's down the hall, take a right, it's the fifth door."

Phratis nodded solemnly and then hurried out shutting the door behind him.

"What do you think that was about?" asked Fairer, mostly to herself, but instead Desirs answered,

"Don't know, but I do care. He's up to something."

*

He didn't bother knocking or using any method of polite entering. He just opened the door went down the staircase.

"Visitor! Visitor!" squawked a crow in the corner that nearly scared him out of his shoes. As soon as it cawed Lagree turned around only to see Phratis. She eyed him up and down, "You're not supposed to be here until three days."

Instead of responding he held out the letter, "From my mother," he said his voice crisp and sharp. He wanted to get this visitation over with.

"Say! Say!" squawked the bird on it's perch, "Whose his mum? Whose his mum?" Phratis didn't bother responding to the bird, he just watched as the witch cracked open the seal and read through it. When she finished she burned the letter.

"Is that it?" she asked.

Phratis shrugged, "That's all she gave me."

The witch harrumphed and began pulling out a sheet. Stuffing it with books, and a few jars until she tied it up into a neat bundle.

"Are you leaving then?" asked Phratis not minding the bird as it flew on his head screeching, 'Whose your mum? Whose your mum?' The witch weighted the bundle with her hands before swinging it over her shoulder.

"Appears so," was her only response.

"And I'm staying here?" continued Phratis hoping that she was going to say no and shove him out. The witch frowned, undid her bundle and tossed a bundle of weeds in there before retying it again.

"As much as I disagree with the whole notion, I must admit that it's going to have to be the case." she finally said, "Just make sure no one comes in and no one goes out. And don't cause any trouble."

"Trouble! Trouble!" squawked the bird enthusiastically. The witch waved him off the young man's head,

"And feel free to tie up the bird if you want," she added, "He gets a bit tiresome after a while."

The crow looked appalled and flew back to it's perch in the corner, "I will not be tied up! I will not! I bet he can't even catch me!"

The witch smiled slyly, "Ah, Quickbeak but he's half-fae! I hear the fairies have ways of catching birds and plucking their feathers to make capes." Phratis didn't know how much of that was true of course, and he wasn't sure he'd ever find out, but it made the bird quiet so he didn't inquire any further. He followed Lagree up the flight of stairs and out the door keenly aware of Fairer and Desirs watching him, but at this point he didn't seem to care very much about it.

"I'll be back soon!" Lagree said before shutting the door. Phratis took an inhale of breath before turning to the captives and eyeing them wearily.

"Well," he said finally, "don't halt what you were doing on my account!" and with a slight hesitation he went into the kitchen where he began to open a jar of dried figs. Let the prisoners do what they would, right now he only wanted to attend to himself. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Kamiko wrote: "I wish I had as much drive as you do...."

Haha! Sorry it took so long, my keyboard runs on sunlight so it keeps dying. Otherwise it would've been up by now!

Are you kidding? That was extremely quick


Ok, now I can'y wait to see what happens next!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe he's staying there. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS

XXI

(view spoiler)[
Fairer watched as the boy stuffed dry figs into his mouth with a little of bit of disgust and admiration. Disgust, because she never really liked figs, and admiration because she liked how calm he was. “You’re going to be sick,” she said finally revealing herself. Phratis looked up at her and then plopped another peice of the shriveled fruit in his mouth. The jar was almost empty.

“Better sick than dead I say.” he replied after he was done chewing. He took another one, and plopped it in his mouth.

“Did you get here by magic?” asked Fairer taking a seat.

He cast a weary glance at her direction, “What do you think?” he asked as he put down the jar of dried figs and reached for some peppermint sticks. Fairer shrugged,

“I don’t really know.”

Phratis didn’t seem to want to carry on with the conversation so Fairer fell into silence. She grasped at anything that might help her with starting up a new topic, but failed. What could she possibly say? Desirs believed this was easy, but it was proving harder than she imagined.

“Are you hungry?” asked Phratis sucking on a peppermint stick and taking a seat. Fairer glanced at him,

“I ate a little while ago.” she explained, “So, I don’t think I am. Why?”

Phratis smacked his lips, “Because I feel guilty eating all the peppermint sticks here. Where I come from sweets are a delicacy.” he sucked on the stick and then began to chew. Fairer turned around to face him better,

“I don’t mean to pry,” she began, “But if you’re a fairy why don’t you have wings?”

Phratis leaned away from the stick and seemed deep in thought. “I don’t know, but they must be bothersome.”

“Bothersome? They’re beautiful!”

Phratis nodded to the side and pursed his lip, “Granted,” he finally said, “But, they’re beautiful and bothersome.” his face lit up, “Ah! Here, I’ll give you an example. How do you sleep with wings? If you laid to the side they would stick up. If you slept on them they would feel uncomfortable, and if you slept on your stomach your blanket would get all rumpled. Take another example. Say it’s raining, and fairy wings can’t get wet see? They get all soggy and ruined so you can’t fly. And cloaks to cover them are a nuisance. Wings can also go down to the floor depending on what type of fairy you are. Plus they’re always beating behind you, even when you’re not moving! No. I much prefer legs and a few hand-me-down spells-”

“You know spells!” interrupted Fairer her eyes widening, “Like more spells than the one you did that day with me, with the dust!”

Phratis nodded, “I suppose so.”

“Do something!”

“Do what?”

“A spell of course!” exclaimed Fairer, “Just one, make it tiny.” Phratis stared at her long and hard before glancing around the room until his eyes fell on his peppermint stick. He put it on the table and then lifted his pointer finger up. The peppermint stick followed. Then quickly he turned his palm up and shut it fast. The peppermint was crushed in tiny little pieces and fell.

“That was amazing!” squealed Fairer clapping her hands, “Can you do it again?”

Phratis looked down at the crushed peppermint stick, “I’d rather not waste food.” Fairer looked around the room until she had an idea, not caring about proper protocol she jumped up took his hand and led him out of the kitchen.

“Where are we going?” asked Phratis.

“I have something I want to show you!” was all she said. She exited the main foyer, and entered the hallway of doors. She picked the first door and then pushed Phratis in shutting it behind her, it was a room with a single window and it was filled with canvases, and paints. “I want your advice,” she began, “What do you think of this?” she held up a large portrait.

“You draw?” asked Phratis not looking at it.

“I guess you could say that, yes, but what do you think?” she pushed it closer. Phratis looked at it up and down with an amused expression.

“Well, it’s beautiful I’ll credit it that,” he said finally, but then something stirred within him, “But, the grass needs to be more textured, and the clouds more white they’re sort of fading into the background. The blue is a sort of overwhelming shade and resembles more of a sea than a sky, try a lighter shade next time, and also try to make your flowers more brighter they seem a bit dull -” he looked up and fumbled, “I’m sorry you must thank me a dreadful person.”

Fairer sat down and shook her head, “No. You’re right after all, I did ask what you thought.”
Phratis put it to the side and looked at the empty canvases on the side wall, “Do you mind if I paint something?”

Fairer looked at the backwall and nodded, “If you want to.” Phratis picked out a canvas set it on the stand, pulled out a bench with some paint and sat down. Getting some brushes he then began. Fairer watched from where she sat and looked at him dip and re-dip in certain paints. It must’ve been an hour or two before he was satisfied and revealed it to her. The majority of it was a chalky white with beautiful rows of colorful flowers on the bottom, and tiny happy people looking jovial. Fairer looked stunned. It was so magnificent she could scarcely breathe, “Phratis you have a gift!” was all she could manage.

Phratis smiled weakly, “Yes, well, it’s not exactly a talent. All fairies have a knack for making something beautiful, and so can humans.”

Fairer took a closer look at the painting, “Yes, but your work is extraordinary. And most of all it seems familiar.” But, you see it was not by chance it looked familiar to Fairer. Because the painting was of the Fair of Time, and the castle in the background was none other than her home before she was kidnapped. (hide spoiler)]

OH MY GLOB

I hope that's good 'oh my glob'! haha!

XXII

(view spoiler)[

"You're joking!" laughed Fairer, so hard that she thought she would explode. She covered her mouth as if to stifle the sound. Phratis shook his head and sighed discontentedly,

"No unfortunately. I don't remember doing it though, I almost caught my hair on fire. Half of it was sizzled off, took months for it to grow back! Do you know what I told my uncle?"

"What?" asked Fairer wide-eyed.

"I said I accidentally got some ashes in my hair! Didn't really believe me, but that was all he could do." answered Phratis smiling, "Of course it took me years to get his trust with a fire again, but I didn't mind very much." Fairer pushed him on the shoulder,

"You're a wicked nephew then!"

Phratis shook his head and looked out the window, "Not really." Rumpford barked sending Phratis's attention back to the floor. It had been two days now and Lagree still hadn't returned. At this point, Phratis was a bit concerned. Not that he minded, Fairer wasn't half-bad company it was Desirs that made him uncomfortable. Her questioning stares, her hostile glances, her angry look every time Fairer laughed at one of his jokes. The weather had still not improved luckily which gave Phratis a bit of hope he might still catch up to his uncle before the fair, but he wasn't absolutely sure. Besides, he had other things to keep his mind on. Like what he would tell his uncle when he came home and found his barn is disarray, and his pigs and goats hungry in their pens. He prayed some neighbor would take pity and at least sneak them a few morsels. Such kindness was not uncommon in the village, but Phratis barely thought someone would show that much kindness to him.

"What are you thinking?" asked Fairer suddenly, Phratis looked away from the panting Rumpford.

"Nothing really." he lied, but technically he was thinking of everything. Everything that he should be doing. He should be home, not here. Never here. Especially for this long. Every hour Desirs seemed to become more and more impatient and skeptical. He didn't know why, but he had a feeling he was strangely unwelcome. Fairer frowned discontent with such an answer,

"No, you're not. Tell me really."

Sighing, he sat on the edge of her bed, "Fine, a penny for my thoughts. Where should I begin?"

Fairer readjusted her own position on the other side and put her elbows on her knees, "Start from the beginning I suppose."

Phratis scoffed, but then looked deep in thought. "Well, for one I was thinking about my uncle, and the Fair of Time." this caught Fairer's interest.

"What's the Fair of Time?" she asked.

Phratis smiled as he looked at her, "Well, it's the most wonderful of wonderful of fairs that happen every year. It's supposed to be happening now, but I believe it's delayed because of the weather. Anyway, it's basically where everyone from every village in the kingdom comes together for a celebration of harvest. There's merchants, and farmers, and performers! There's jokers, and even the king and queen and their son attends."

"Their son?"

Phratis thought hard for a moment, "His name just escaped me for a moment... let me see here... ah yes! His name is Devereux I believe. And on the third night of the festival there is a masquerade ball held by the royal family, and anyone can attend! Anyone! It's truly amazing. I've been there once when I was a little boy, it was splendid! There were thousands of masks of all shapes and sizes and everyone was dancing!"

"Did you dance?" asked Fairer curiously.

"I did once," he admitted, "she was about my age though, I can't remember who she was. She was very pretty... like you, only she wouldn't tell me her name. She kept laughing any time I did and she said that it was a secret, only that it was the most wonderful name in the world. She did ask me my name however, I told her of course and then she told me that she thought my name was silly."

Fairer looked aghast, "Really?"

"Oh don't worry!" said Phratis quickly, "My feelings weren't hurt. Phratis is a bit of a silly name I admit, but I didn't care if she thought so."

"What happened after that fair?" asked Fairer.

"Well, I'm not sure," answered Phratis, "but I knew there was a kidnapping of one of the royal family. The princess I believe." Fairer frowned,

"And what of the girl you met at the ball? Did you ever see her again?"

Phratis smiled softly, "I never did."

"Do you think she could've been the princess?" asked Fairer curiously, "I mean, since you never saw her again?" then suddenly Phratis felt like he had been seized by something and his voice caught. He felt his vision blur and then fade.

"Phratis!" screamed Fairer as he collapsed on to her bed, she shook his shoulders, "Phratis! Phratis!" she felt tears brim her eyes, "Stay here!" she called to him, "I'm going to go get Desirs!" But he couldn't hear her, for at that very moment he was seized by a memory. (hide spoiler)]

Yeees, it was a good oh my glob. THIS IS SO GOOD IT SHOULD BE PUBLISHED OR SOMETHING

Aw! Thanks Kamiko!! I'm really glad you think so. This is actually rather successful. My last was a disaster. XD

Chapter XXIII

(view spoiler)[
Noise. He could hear noise. Lots of it, but it wasn't bad noise. There were no angry hoots or hollers. No screaming or shouts laced with curses, rather laughing and friendly conversing. And there was color. Lots of color. Every color imaginable. From dark blues to the lightest of all whites. And there were faces covered by shapes. And he felt itchy.

Very itchy. He scratched underneath his mask.

"Uncle," he said finally, "Must I wear it?" he scratched again, but his uncle slapped his hand. He wore a very large mask that concealed his entire face.

"Yes," said his uncle towering over him, "And you mustn't remove it. It isn't very proper." Phratis grumbled and pulled his collar away from his neck, the lace ticked underneath his chin. His uncle had bought it for him naught four days ago at the tailor's shop, and he had the absolute worst time trying it on. It was during this time Phratis wished he was home, not here in this grand building surrounded by thousands and thousands of people. There was also music, but it was dull against all the voices that toppled over one another.

He found this very boring. Boring compared to the other days, but amazing somehow like he was caught in another world. He didn't know how long he stood there, but he knew his uncle had long gone left him at the perimeter of the room, so for a while he just stood spectating. It wasn't until a while a little figure saddled beside him.

"What are you staring at?" asked the little voice, instantly his face turned and he realized a little girl was standing right next to him. She had golden flax-colored hair and only had a mask that covered part of her eyes, and cheeks. She was very young, probably around two years younger than him, but he thought her very pretty.

"Them," he said vaguely gesturing to the crowd.

"Why aren't you dancing?" asked the little girl curiously. Phratis scratched underneath his face again,

"Don't know how. Why aren't you dancing?"

The little girl giggled, "Because I don't have a partner silly!" Phratis blushed, but didn't say anymore. "Well," she said suddenly, "Are you going to ask me to dance?"

Phratis looked at the girl, "No, because I don't know how." he was becoming a bit annoyed with her, mostly because she was pestering him, but his glare was covered by his overly itchy mask. He scratched again.

"I can teach you," volunteered the little girl helpfully, "All you need do is ask me to dance."

Phratis scrunched up his nose, "What do I say?"

The little girl sighed, and then with an irritated look she said, "Well, first you have to bow." Reluctantly, he bowed. "Then," she said, "you have to ask 'am I having a good evening'?"

"Am I having a good evening?"

The little girl burst into a fit of giggles, "No silly! You ask me if I'm having a good evening!" Phratis rephrased and then the girl nodded satisfied, "Then I say yes I am milord." Phratis's eyebrows creased, but she continued, "And then you say 'would you like to dance?'"

"Well, do you?" snapped Phratis annoyed.

The girl laughed as if it was the funniest thing she had ever heard before apologizing and saying, "Yes, yes I would like to dance." She held out her elbow. Phratis grabbed it with his hand, the girl looked mortified. "No!" she said and with her free hand she took his hand off her elbow and put it under hers. "That's how you do it." Phratis scoffed, but the girl pressed him into the crowd until they came into a circle of dancers. "Now, turn and face me." she instructed, and Phratis did so, "put your arm around my waist." Phratis halted,

"Why would I do that?" he asked concerned.

"I'm teaching you how to dance," repeated the girl, "Put your arm around my waist. You do know what an arm is right? No! The other arm! Your other arm goes around my waist." Phratis clumsily put his arm on the small girl's waist. "Good, now take your other hand and hold it up. No! Not that high! There that's better, now I'm going to put my hand on your shoulder and make my other hand hold onto yours."

Once it was all said and done she then said, "Now, take a step forward." he took a step forward and then she moved back. "Now go to the side." He stepped to the side. She stepped to the side. "Back." he went back. "Side." he went side. "Good, see you can dance. Do it again." and so on and on the pattern went until finally Phratis asked,

"What's your name?"

The little girl beamed, "It's the most wonderful of all wonderful of names, but I shan't tell you."

"Why?"

"Because it's a secret!"

"Why must it be a secret?"

"Because I say so!"

"But, why can't you? It can't be that big of a secret! What's your name?" at this point he was just plain irritated. She laughed,

"I can't tell you!" she giggled, "But, what's your name? I mean, you have to have a name."

"Of course I do!" snapped Phratis, but then relaxed, "But what if my name's a secret?"

"It's not a secret," scoffed the little girl, "Mostly because a boy's name can't be a secret, it doesn't work like that! So, tell me your name."

"Phratis."

She laughed, "That's the most silliest name I've ever heard." Phratis frowned,

"Maybe it is, but I think it's a good name. A very good name."

The girl smiled once more and then laughed again, "I'm sorry, that was very mean of me, I am sorry for calling your name silly." Phratis grinned,

"You're forgiven then, but now that I've told you my name won't you tell me yours?" He believed she was going to answer, but then she looked around as if someone had called her name,

"I have to go," she said suddenly, "it's my nursemaid." she frowned, "Do you live in the castle?"

Phratis shook his head.

"Oh." the little girl said her frown deepening, "Will you be here next year?"

"I suppose so." was all the answer he gave. The little girl let go of his hands,

"Then I guess I'll see you next year, but you must dance with me before all the other girls or I will be very upset," she said quickly. Phratis only nodded and the girl dashed off. And then everything seemed broken up into pieces, him leaving the ball, him exiting an inn, and him traveling home. Then there was darkness, like one of those dark lapses in a dream, and then there was a gradual light, but before he faded away he could here one word ring into his head,

'Remember'

(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XXIV

(view spoiler)[
After Phratis woke he found himself not in Fairer's room, but rather in a spare room he had been staying in. Relieved to find himself alone he left himself to his own thoughts. Well, first of all he thought it was rather humiliating that he passed out in front of Fairer, but second he couldn't seem to wrap his head around his memory and the word 'remember' what had possessed him so much that he had blacked out? And what need did he have of remembering? Remembering the ball? No, it had to be the girl, but why remember the girl? She was probably grown up by now wasn't she? Probably forgot all about the boy who danced with her, and worst of all he didn't even know her name! Once or twice it came across his mind that it might be Fairer, but he waved it away. What was the chance that he would be Fairer? Certainly if there was any chance it would be very low, besides Fairer didn't give any hints that she was highborn, and the girl he danced with that night was most certainly a highborn. Remember. Perhaps it was Desirs? That made him shiver. No it couldn't be Desirs it just couldn't, but who?

The fire that had been lit since he woke crackled and sparked until he heard a hiss. Startled at the noise, he got from his bed, and crawled toward the hearth. But, it was not his mother that he saw, but Lagree. That witch. He could've recognized her anywhere.

"I'm sorry for her delay," her harsh voice said magnified by the cackle and hiss of the fire, "but you must take Fairer to the Fairy Kingdom in haste. Nabote has need of her."

"And what of Desirs?" asked Phratis.

"Think nothing of her, it is only Fairer that she wants. Let Desirs run off into the woods, she won't stick along with you anyway. Fae or not."

Phratis nodded and then threw a pitcher of water over to the fire. Rubbing his black palms against his tunic he then left the room, seeking Fairer.

*

Lagree was exhausted, as soon as the image of Phratis disappeared she continued on her journey in the dark. Her purpose for meeting with the queen was not met with much rejoicing, instead she found herself placed with a more difficult task. Find the Hind of Silver Feet. Oh yes, Lagree knew the Hind, but she never wanted to see her again. The Hind had been placed in a prison, far away, but apparently had escaped due to the lack of fairies with brains. Or at least, that was according to what Lagree understood. Going on this trip was as if going through a walk in the past, and therefore it was as miserable as ever.

She didn't know why she followed Nabote, she didn't know why she even decided to do this task anyway especially if it could lead to nothing but pain and remembrance. Yet here she was doing it anyway. She grimaced as she looked down and saw the blue fog that hovered over the ground. The Hind was close, all too close, but she apparently wanted Lagree to find her. Lagree didn't care. She would find her, and when she did she would finish what she had been sent out to do. (hide spoiler)]

OH MY GLOB OH MY GLOB OH MY GLOB

Awesome cover, by the way!

Aw! Thanks Charlotte!!! After I'm done with this I'm going to start Shards.

Wow, amazing cover to match an amazing story, and what's more, an amazing author! Keep it up, Emmeline!

Thanks so much Julane!!!!!!! :D

I'm glad you like it!

Chapter XXV

(view spoiler)[

Fairer shivered, whether because it was cold out, or because she was nervous she couldn't tell. Phratis walked a few paces ahead of her, he walked confident, smooth. Like there was nothing amiss. Only it seemed like it was. Desirs was only a few steps behind her, and she too, seemed a bit apprehensive of what was in store. Fairer couldn't blame her, Phratis was taking them to the mountain ahead, his whole behavior was strange. Just then Phratis turned his head and smiled, "Well, aren't you a party whose enthusiastic to get out?" he said cheerfully.

"And how do you know the way?" shouted Desirs.

"Because I've been in and I've been out." responded Phratis with a shrug.

"So how does one get out then?" asked Desirs a bit annoyed that she hadn't thought of coming to the mountains herself.

"One does not 'get out' one has to ask for permission." answered Phratis and gestured towards the mountain, "And if you're going to ask if I'm getting permission from the mountain, that is out of the question. Seeing that rocks are inanimate it would be absolutely pointless for me to communicate with it. No, I want to communicate with the spell."

"And how does one do that?"

Phratis looked at her and smiled, "Magic."

Desirs crinkled her nose, "Magic? What do you know of magic?"

"Everything I suppose," Phratis said flippantly, "you see everything has some sort of magic tied around it, this whole place is littered with it. Patterns, colors, elements - in truth, anything that seems normal to the human eye might indeed be magic. I know everything about magic because magic is part of what I am."

"You speak as if you aren't human." said Desirs narrowly.

"Then you're only half right," Phratis replied, "but I prefer not dig into my family business. It's complicated, beyond human comprehension by any means. You would sooner scoff and jeer than say, 'Hi ho! The man speaks truth!'"

"Try me."

"I will not try you what I choose to reveal is my choice not yours and I intend for it to stay that way." his tone was very sharp in Fairer's ears, and it must have been for Desirs because she didn't question him anymore. As they reached the mountain he put his palm on the stone and said something incomprehensible. He put his hand down.

"Is that the fairy language?" asked Desirs, her eyes widened, "That's it! You're a fairy! That's how you know so much about magic." whether or not Phratis heard her Fairer didn't know. She didn't know what to think truly. She already knew Phratis was fairy, but he said he was only half... perhaps it was beyond human comprehension, maybe even beyond his own understanding. The mountain seemed to shift and Fairer screamed, her hand flying to her mouth. A long, thin, crack split down the center, and then it began to widen. Dust and a few rock bits tumbled from the mountain, but that was it. Phratis entered and waved for them to follow. Desirs, even more cautious, followed quickly, Fairer tagging behind her in awe. As soon as Fairer had left the crack began to close shut and seal. But, it wasn't a mountain anymore. It was a hill. A giant hill. The rest was all forest behind her. Without warning, Desirs snatched her hand, and began running. Fairer shocked nearly tripped, only to be pulled up. With her free hand Fairer tried to pry her hand off.

"Desirs let me go!" she yelled.

"Are you insane!" shouted Desirs, "We're free! Free I tell you! We're not ever going back!"

"But we're leaving Phratis behind! We don't even know where to go!"

"Who cares!"

"I do! The last thing I want to do is be eaten by something! Let me go!" shouted Fairer. Desirs hand let go and she stopped, her chest heaving.

"This...is your chance to escape...are you really...going to trust a fairy after all this time? After... all this?" she gestured to the forest.

"If it means I'll be safe in the woods," Fairer said, "yes. I think I should trust him." Desirs frowned and then shook her head. Disappointment and sadness showing on her features.

"Fairer, now is not the time to be naive, I'm not going back there."

The younger girl's face heated, "I'm not naive Desirs, when are you going to see that not everyone is a villain?"

"And when are you going to see that not everyone is friendly? That not everyone has good intentions? That some people are wolves?" blurted Desirs, "You always seem to live in some sort of blind fantasy world. You never question motives or desires. Not even Lagree's! The old hag. She was suspicious enough, but you follow her around like a pet obeying her every word like she's some sort of goddess!" she sighed, "I understand you have the best intentions Fairer, but one day something is going to happen and you're going to feel heartbroken because you know what? Not everyone will be who they say they are. And when you fall you'll see what type of wolves they are." and then she ran off. Fairer felt tears blur her vision as she watched her disappear amongst the trees. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XXVI


(view spoiler)[ Desirs pretended not to see the hurt, but it's near impossible not to. She ran blindly through the trees faster and faster. She was so angry! Angry at Lagree. Angry at that 'fairy' Phratis. Angry at Fairer's naivete that she couldn't see what was in front of her eyes. She almost felt guilty for leaving her behind, she should have dragged Fairer with her, but she didn't. Probably because of her frustration. Curse that frustration. She didn't think Phratis would do anything to Fairer, probably pamper her like a princess, but isn't that the life that should have been cut out for Fairer? Yes. The life of a princess.

Desirs couldn't exactly explain why she felt so serious about everything, she knew very little of what happened before that prison, that disgusting place Fairer dared call 'home' years before. All she knew was that her life before this was happy, comfortable, and quiet. She thought about how it could have stayed that way until she noticed it was getting dark. A little too dark for her comfort. Desirs wasn't afraid of the dark though, just what wasn't seen in the dark. She couldn't stand not knowing. Desirs didn't like the unknown, and the dark spoke of the unknown and many more things.

There are monsters in Fae Forest. Imps, goblins. Trees that could grab your feet with their roots and drag you underneath and flowers that could snap you in half. Magic half-breeds thought Desirs with some contempt as she thought of Phratis. Desirs slowed her pace, her heart wanting to run, but her head telling her to not rush. Rush led to struggle. Struggle led to you being prey. The rest was self-explanatory. And like mentioned before, Desirs wasn't one to let her fears get away from her. Finally, when she felt she had gone far enough, she found a tree, and laid down against it. In case you've never done it, or never will trees are a hard thing to sleep up against. It is a pain for someone to get comfortable. The bark is itchy, and scratchy. Neither does it bend to your comfort. You find your head lolling off to the side, or wake up with a kink in the neck. It's an awful method of sleeping and not recommended. However, Desirs was so exhausted by the time that she fell asleep she did not care if she had a kink in the neck when she would awake.

*

Desirs eyes cracked open, slowly of course, the sunlight was streaming through the forest. At first she wondered where she was until she heard the chirping of a bird, and realized she didn't know. Her eyes opened up a bit more and she adjusted her head, an awful pain flew up her neck and she cried out in response. It was a horrible pain like some sort of bruise with a fizzy type of hurt that made her want to roll her head around until it went away. She did this, wincing as she did so, until the pain died down. Satisfied she relieved herself, and then set off once more having no idea where she was or where she was going. The forest was surprisingly pleasant, and she found herself relieved she hadn't bumped into anything particularly nasty yet. Despite herself, she found herself thinking of Fairer. Was she safe? Was she well? Did she ever find Phratis? She shook her head and convinced herself not to worry, if something did happen it would be Fairer's fault. After all, Desirs did try her hardest to be persuasive. As she was justifying herself on such a matter she felt something snap from the side.

She screamed as she was lifted up by very course ropes and cursed as she realized her predicament. Well, it wasn't really a curse word since she had never had heard such a nasty word, so she made up a word that she thought was good enough for a substitute. As she moved a blasted bell jangled, she prayed with every fiber of her being that it wasn't a giant trap.

"Help!" she yelled to no one. Her legs twisted underneath her and she fell, it was hard to get steady footing here. She growled. Every 'help' she uttered seemed to make her more embarrassed, more frustrated, and more angry. Especially angry. Very angry. She shook the ropes with all her might causing the bell to ring out louder. "I. Hate. This." she muttered to herself and continued to shake it with all her strength. Whoever did this would pay. Giant or not. No one messed with Desirs, especially not on a day like this. Not when she was free just hours ago. "HELP!" she yelled, she regretted not taking a knife from the kitchen by now. "H-ELP!" she screamed irritated a million times over. She continued to shake and shake until her voice became raw, her arms became tired from shaking the ropes, and her legs tired from standing. It was probably afternoon now. She could have been in a town at this point, begging for alms or something like that, inquiring for work. The very thought made her stew, but no. She was stuck in this stupid trap, laid for an animal, and now she was stuck. She sat down at picked at the hard ropes even though it was pointless until she heard voices. She stood up and watched as four horses came closer with their occupants. They were all men of course, and by now they had certainly heard the bell jangle twicefold. She glared with all the frustration she could muster at them. "Is this your trap?" she asked as they finally came to a hault, "Because if so it's the most medieval thing I have ever seen and I hope it rots in an infernal heat until it's no more than ashes."

Some of the men chuckled, but not what would appear to be their leader who stood gazing up at the pretty girl in a trap.

"I have to disagree milady," said the gentleman coyly, "It's the finest trap I have ever seen, has caught me five deer, a boar, and at one point a disagreeable dwarf. Now, it has brought me a lady. I dare say it has done a fine job." there was more hoots from the men beside him.

Desirs growled, "I feel bad for any creature stuck in here. I wouldn't blame the dwarf for being so hot-tempered. I would rather you caught a bear so it could teach you a lesson." all the gentleman laughed, except the one who spoke previously who seemed to go a bit pale in the face.

"Might I ask," he began clearing his throat, "What exactly is your buisness here?"

"Might I ask," began Desirs sarcastically, "What is your business capturing innocent creatures?"

"Innocent!" exclaimed another man, "My dear, if you're innocent my new wife has a beard!" a few more laughs and Desirs steamed even more.

"Do you come here to mock me or do you come here to get me out?" snapped Desirs, "Unless you are some sort of cannibal who delights in eating me, I pray you hurry up and get it over with."

"Nay," spoke the owner of the trap, "I will not eat such a fine creature like you, you have much too spirit to be delectable." the other men laughed again. The trapper drew his sword and cut the rope. She gave a cry and then fell down in a heap. Quickly she removed all of the rope about her and straightened her dress. The trapper offered his hand, but Desirs glared at him in response and did it by herself. Her pride and patience and waned thin today. "I am quite sorry for trapping you miss-"

"As you should be if you have any brains-"

He paused hearing her statement and then began again, "Perhaps we got on the wrong foot. My name is Godfrey." he bowed. Desirs forced a smile and curtsied mockingly,

"It's been an honor to meet you Sir Godfrey," her voice oozing with mock, "Now if you'll excuse me I am weary from being caught up in your trap, and have quite a long way to walk."

"Where are you heading?" voiced Godfrey as she began to walk, she stopped. In truth she had no idea what lied out here. "You're not from here are you? That much I can guess. Your accent is foreign."

"Perhaps an escaped Destrian slave?" suggested the man who brought up his wife.

"I wouldn't think so," responded another companion, "Her skin isn't dark like theirs. Her tone is definitely more Aquilic...'

"By the seashore?" guffawed the third, "Victor you have to be joking! She has to be Evanian!" while the men continued to argue about where Desirs was from, Godfrey took the time to clarify,

"Perhaps you just want to go to the nearest town?" he asked, "There's one about a ten minute ride from here. Nice place with nice folks that could help you find some work."

Desirs nodded stiffly, not liking the idea of a nobleman having her as his charity object. "That would be preferable."

"Ho men!" called Godfrey, "To Arlingshire I ride with the girl, feel free to check the rest of the traps as well. Shout if there is any more maidens in need." at the last remark Desirs turned a bit red. Godfrey gestured to his chestnut mare as the rest of the men rode off. Her face burned a bit more. "What?" asked Godfrey with a smile, "Never ridden a horse?" after a few minutes of coaching he helped her get on first, and then sat behind her reaching around her to grab the reigns. Desirs tried to ignore him as the horse went off, but she found it was easy. His mare, Kindle, was very beautiful and went very fast. In fact Desirs had quite forgotten Godfrey was behind her until they neared to a town. He led her to an Inn where he paid for her expenses and then bid her farewell riding off with Kindle. Half of Desirs wished she would never see him again, the other half prayed that she would. It wouldn't hurt if he brought the horse along as well. (hide spoiler)]

Thanks Charlotte!:D

AMAZINGSAUCYINESS