MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 9 of 14)

 ~~~~<O 9 O>~~~~

As Endora rode out of the courtyard she wished she had time to see Aura and talk about all this. Aura was usually very good at sorting these things out. Endora decided she would call out to her when she was alone in the evening. Aura had taught her a fire spell that would make the connection to her. It was very similar to the water spell most Fae used to talk between realms.

Endora was more hurt than angry. It was not fair to force her into a marriage that she really wasn't ready for or even wanted. I’m too young, she thought.

Endora understood that sometimes a marriage was more of a treaty than a marriage. That wasn't what she wanted. She wanted true love. She didn’t even know Prince Brandon. She wasn't even sure she wanted to know someone who cared so little that he would let his happiness be controlled by others.

Endora turned Sugar Plum back to the stables. She decided not to wait until later to call out to Aura. Sugar plum was reluctant to end the ride so soon but did as she was told but not without a complaining whinny. 

Endora left the horse with the groom and went up to her room. She stoked the fire to a small blaze. She spoke the spell that Aura taught her.

“Through the flames I call thee.

Hear my call and my plea”

The flames flared slightly and a voice said, “Hello Endora”.

“Aura, I need some help. They are going to force me into an arranged marriage.”

“Did you tell them you are against it?” Aura’s voice said.

“No. They don’t know that I know. They are doing it behind my back.”

“Who’s the one they wish you to marry?”

“It’s Prince Brandon of the Northern Realm.” Endora told her.

Aura’s laugh comes from the flames. “That silly fool? They must be kidding.”

“I’m afraid they aren’t.”  

“He was here as an envoy to Zestra. Dragas said he is a spoiled prat. The Prince was so inexperienced with a blade he cut himself picking out a sword for training.”

“Oh dear. This is worse than I thought.” Endora bit her lip.

“Indeed it is.” Aura laugh rang out again. “When do you meet him?”

“It will be at the ball at Midsummer Court for the Holy day.” Endora said

“Midsummer court?” Aura’s voice sounded concerned. “Endora, be careful and never go anywhere unattended. That is the wildest court of any of the Fae races.”

“I plan to carry a weapon with me at all times.” Endora informed her.

“That’s a smart plan. I have to go feed Puff but call out to me when you return.”

“I will. Thank you, Aura.”

The fire immediately died down.

Dionne comes in with a basket of laundry. “That was a fast ride.”

“I wanted to talk to Aura so I came back.” Endora explained.

“Did the High Priestess help you?” Dionne asked as she started to put away the laundry.

“Sort of.” Endora said pulling off her boots. “I need to change for dinner.”

“I’ll have some hot water brought up, My Lady.” Dionne put down the basket and went to the kitchens to see about the hot water.

Thank you Dionne. Endora called after her. She sat looking at the fire and thinking about what Aura said. Aura seemed to know things that Dionne’s cousin had also said. Most likely Aura had been to Midsummer Court as a representative of Una’s magickal community.  

The trip should have been a fun experience but it was turning out to be a nightmare. Secret betrothal aside, Endora was beginning to worry if this place was even safe for a Fae of modesty.

Dionne and several kitchen maids came up with hot water for the tub. Endora watched them.

“Dionne, do you have a dress to wear at court with me when we get to Midsummer Court?”

“Yes My Lady. I have the green one that you gave me for Yule.”

“Just the one?” Endora frowned.

“I have a pink one that I bought last time we were in Una.”  

“Bring them both and see if you can borrow another. I want you with me at all times. Oh and Dionne, bring your dagger as well. Aura says Midsummer Court is a wild place and we should not venture alone.”

Dionne stopped what she was doing and frowned. “Does the High Priestess see trouble coming?”

“No but I feel it.” Endora went behind the screen

“I wonder if Dulcina has anything I can borrow.” Dionne thought out loud.

“Nothing low cut or too short, Dionne.”

“Well borrowing from Dulcina is out then maybe Stella.” Dionne thought aloud.

“She’s a better choice anyway.” Endora said as she eased into the hot water, “Dulcina may invite herself to join us.”

“She would fit right in from what I’ve heard.” Dionne chuckled. “I never asked where she’s really from maybe its Midsummer Court.”

“Indeed.” Endora sighed as the water relaxed her nerves. “Just get yourself ready.”

“Yes My Lady. I have put out your dinner dress. I’ll just be a minute while I speak to Stella.”

“Thank you Dionne.” Endora sighs as she hears the door close. 

PART 10

MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 10 of 14)

 ~~~~<O 10 O>~~~~

The wagon carrying their trunks had already been sent through the portal bridge so all that was left for them to do was to climb into the carriage and go through the portal.

Endora and Dionne came into the courtyard to meet Princess Cara and her maid Grace.

The crown princess looked them up and down. Her eyes came to rest on Dionne’s dark green cloak. She frowned. “Endora, why is you maid wearing ….colour?”

“I allow it. She is not a Royal so I see no harm.” Endora smiled back at Dionne.

“You indulge your maid too much.” Princess Cara said sternly.

Endora shrugged.

“Let’s get this done. We are expected at court as soon as we arrive.” Princess Cara told them.

They climbed into the carriage as the portal bridge was activated. Endora was last to climb in.

Princess Cara caught site of something at Endora’s waist. “You are wearing a dagger?”

“Yes I am and I will wear one the entire time we are there. Dionne is wearing one too.” Endora told her.

Dionne blushed slightly as she moved her cloak for the Crown Princess to see her weapon.

“Really, we are not going into the wilds of Zestra or the Great Enchanted Forest of Una. We are going to a foreign court as honored guests.” Princess Cara reprimanded them.

“I prefer to be safe than sorry.” Endora said as she adjusted her cloak.

“If you are uncomfortable you should have brought a wrap and not that cloak. Why you wear something that covers you wings I’ll never understand.”

“It’s so that I can blend with the humans if need be. It’s easier than trying to explain that I’m a Fae. It saves time when I quest.” Endora explained.

“Someday you will be Crown Princess and you will need to stay home and stop questing.”

“That is a long time from now, is it not? I must learn all I can before I’m queen. You left the realm for a while.” Endora reminded her mother.

“Yes I did. That was before I was crown princess. I was still very young. I have responsibilities now and you will too someday.”

Endora nodded. “I know that Mother.”

The trip itself took less than an hour. Unlike the Tuathan Realm, Midsummer kept their portal bridge far from the palace itself. The beauty of the countryside was breathtaking as the carriage rolled along. The quartet traveled in silence. The occupants were more interested in the scenery than holding conversation. 

When they arrived in the courtyard of the Palace they heard music coming from the Great Hall.

“Are we a day late?” Endora asked as they climbed out of the carriage.

“No you’re not.” A Fae dressed in bright yellow said. “I’m Lady Mustardseed, one of the Royal Ladies. Welcome to Midsummer Court.”

“Thank you. I am Crown Princess Cara of the Tuathe this is my daughter Princess Gaylen Endora.”

“And those two?” Lady Mustardseed pointed at Dionne and Grace.

“They are our servants.” Princess Cara said

“Well they do have names, do they not?” Lady Mustardseed chuckled. “What are your names?”

“I’m Dionne and this is Grace.” Dionne said receiving a glare from Princess Cara.

“Well it’s nice to meet you two as well. My father, King Oberon is waiting. Come along.” Lady Mustardseed turned and started up the stairs and into the Palace.

They all followed her into the Great Hall. There were musicians playing in the corner. Three brightly dressed faeries were dancing together in the middle of the room. The King and Queen were watching and tapping their feet to the music.

The jolly looking King caught sight of the new arrivals and motioned for the music to stop. He got up from his throne and walked over to his guests.

Princess Cara curtseyed low and the others follow suit.

“Cara, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.” King Oberon turned to Endora. “You must be the little one. She looks like your mother. How is Taralen?”

“She is fine Your Majesty. Queen Taralen sends her deep regards. King Oberon, this is my daughter, Princess Gaylen Endora."

"Hello Poppet." My daughters, come here so you can be introduced. The King waved the dancing faeries over.

The brightly colored Fae came and made a line then bowed to the guests.

“You have met Mustardseed. This is Peaseblossom.” He pointed to a Fae in bright green. “That is Cobweb and Moth is on the end there.” Cobweb was dressed in red and moth was in a purple gown.

Endora smiled at the unusual names. Her name seemed normal compared to theirs. “It is good to meet you all.”

“Likewise.” Lady Moth said. “Father, can we go back to dancing now?”

“Yes, yes, go ahead.” King Oberon waved them away. He waved to the musicians to play. “Wife, come greet our guests from Queen Taralen’s realm.”

Queen Tatiana came over and the guests bowed again. “How is your Queen? We were very disappointed when we heard that she would not be among you.”

“She is well and was greatly disappointed as well but there were pressing matters at home.”

Queen Tatiana looked at Endora closely. “Poppet, you do have the look of your grandmother. I would swear I was looking back in time to when she and I were young faeries.”

“Thank you Your Majesty. I believe I look like her as well.” Endora said with a smile.

Queen Tatiana nodded and smiled with a slightly confused look on her face. “What is Poppet’s name again?”

“I am Princess Gaylen Endora but everyone just calls me Endora.”

“Ah then Endora would you like to dance with my daughters?” King Oberon asked.

“Um … I don’t dance that well.” Endora said. “I would like to look at your gardens before it becomes too dark.”

King Oberon grinned and nodded. “They are just out that door.” He pointed to an open door off the side of the great hall. “They are better at night with a young man however.”

Endora blushed. “I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty.” She bowed and looked at Princess Cara who nodded. Dionne looked at everyone bowed and followed her mistress.

Endora went to stand by a large fountain in the center of the garden. Dionne came up beside her.

“That was odd.” Dionne said.

“I fear it will get even more so before this trip is over.” Endora looked at her reflection in the water.

“I believe you are right, My Lady. Dionne said.

PART 11

LOYALTY NOT DUTY

Title: LOYALTY NOT DUTY
Character: Dionne Draconis
Summary: Dionne’s life as a lady’s maid.
A/N: This is part of the Faerie Fantasy of the Questing Princess series. Dionne Draconis is my original character.
Word count 226
Prompt: muse_prompt word prompt for 6/13 Loyalty

LOYALTY NOT DUTY
Dionne had been the maid and friend to Princess Gaylen Endora for as long as she could remember. They were both young girls just out of the nursery when she came to the Palace. She started in service just after her parents died. She couldn’t think of any other place to be.

Dionne felt privileged that she lived and worked in the castle and not on a farm somewhere. She had heard stories about children that had been abandoned or orphaned being shipped off to the farms. Digging in the dirt was not her thing.

Life as a member of the Royal household was not easy either. There were countless chores. Just as she got to the end of her list she would have to start all over again. That didn’t take into account the feasts and guests that she was asked to help with. She always managed to get it all done.

There was a part of Dionne’s life that was different from the usual lady’s maid. That was the questing adventures of the Princess. Dionne wasn’t required to go on quests but she did it because she wanted to. Sometimes she stayed home. But when she did go on the quests, she enjoyed them. She wanted to stand with her Princess and be proud.

To Dionne it was a matter of loyalty not duty.

THEM MOUNTAINS ARE TREASURES

Character: Byrdie (original character)

A/N: This is a conversation with an old mountain woman.

Prompt: (musewrite prompt set 2 photo c)

Word count: 251

 THEM MOUNTAINS ARE TREASURES.

It’s beautiful isn’t it? Those mountains over there are treasures. I hope they don’t disappear. How does a mountain disappear? Well they get exploded.

The polite people call it ‘Mountain Top Removal’. Daddy called it ‘Strip Mining’. That’s what they do. They strip off the top of the mountain to get to the seam of coal inside. They take all the dirt and shale and pour it into the hollers. It changes the land and not always for the good.

Didn’t you ever wonder why that pretty golf course up north is so flat? That was a strip mine. It sure was. That’s what they call ‘reclaiming’. I don’t care what they say mountains are treasures and can’t be reclaimed as a golf course. 

A mountain is more than a pile of rocks and dirt. It’s a living thing. It has creatures on it and springs coming out of it. Things grow on it.

Haven’t you ever wondered why we don’t get the bad storms from the ocean? The mountains block them. They keep us from harm. Both sides. We don’t get all those tornadoes either.

But no one cares about all that anymore. They just want cheap coal. They say it’s safer than underground mines. Either way it still costs us our treasures.

Remember what they look like because someday they may all be gone. That will be a sad day indeed.

Well I know you have to go so I won’t keep you. I’m sure I’ll see you around.    

 

BLUE

 BLUE

The color of the sky

The mood in the air

The music we hear

The color of water

The color of your true loves eyes

The cool breeze of morning

The color of the flower you picked

Blue is blue.

(MUSE_PROMPT PHOTO PROMPT B 6/22/12 )