Title: Casualties of War (Part 4)
Fandom: (or Original)
Characters: Lady Starr, Grim Ranger, Princess Endora, Kyo Starr, Lady Aura
Author: sidhe_faerie
Rating: PG
Length: 673
Content notes: 41. Restart , death and war
Summary: The Trio returned to Ogham-Duir

Casualties of War (Part 4)
Village of Rosemont, Una Ogham-Duir….
Endora and Starr stepped out of the portal. They were in the garden behind Aura’s cottage.

“I don’t know if I can do this.” Starr said. “I don’t think I can tell him that his father is never coming home.”

“Starr, you can’t lie to him.” Endora looked behind her at the portal. “I wonder what’s keeping Grim. He must have stayed to talk to Nolan about something.”

“You should have let me strangle that bloody bird.” Starr’s eyes flashed with anger. “He doesn’t know anything more than we do.”

Suddenly,the back door opened and Kyo came running out. His red hair gleamed in the sunshine and sparks were flying from his fingers. “Mummy!” He ran over to Starr and wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. “I missed you. I’ve been having fun.” He peaked over at Endora. “Hi ‘Dory.”

“Hello sweetheart.” Endora smiled and his freckled face.

“He and Dragas have been doing all manner of things.” Aura said from the doorway. She wiped her hands on her apron and walked outside. “Any news?”

“No! We didn’t find out anything at all.” Starr ruffled Kyo’s curls.

Grim walked through the portal and it closed. “Sorry I didn’t mean to take so long. I was just telling Nolan where to find us.” Grim bowed to Aura. “My Lady.”

“Hello Grim.” Aura smiled. “We’re just making lunch. Come in and have some and rest a while. I would love the company. Dragas had to go to Zestra for Privy Council.”

“We should be going.” Starr said. “I have imposed on you long enough.”

“Nonsense.” Aura shook her head. “We love to have Kyo with us.”

Kyo looked up and asked. “Mummy, where is Papa?”

Starr glanced back at Endora and Grim before she knelt down to answer him. “Kyo, your papa is busy fighting the thunderbirds and he will be home when he can. We just need to be patient and wait for him. Do you think you can do that?”

Kyo nodded then he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her toward the back door. “Come have soup. I helped make it.”

“I’m coming.” Starr said as she let him pull her inside.

Aura waited until they were inside before she turned to Endora. “What did you really find out?”

“He was most likely captured by the thunderbirds and if he was then he will die soon if he isn’t dead already.” Endora said quietly. “She should have told Kyo that his father isn’t coming home.”

“She is grieving. When she is ready, she will tell him.” Aura turned to look towards the door. “Right now, she has to find a way to restart her life. She is a single parent of a very unusual boy. She needs our support and love.”

“Starr is strong. She will find a way to move on from this.” Grim pulled off his gloves. “I need to wash up a little before I have some of that soup.”

“Go on in.” Aura smiled. “I want a word with Endora before we join you.”

Grim bowed his head and went inside.

“What are you going to lecture me about now?” Endora sighed.

“Endora, she isn’t ready to face being without him. Give her time and don’t push.” Aura glanced at the door. “If you force her face things before she is ready, it will just restart the grieving process all over again and that only hurts her. Do you understand?”

“Yes I do.” Endora let out a breath. “It’s just that I think it would be easier on them both if they grieve together.”

“It’s her choice to do it this way so let her.” Aura pulled Endora by the arm into the house. “Come have some of the fine soup Kyo and I made.”

Endora had a feeling that Aura knew something that she wasn’t saying but she trusted that Aura would tell her when the time was right. Aura always knew just when to tell her things.

Title: Casualties of War (Part 2)
Fandom: Ogham-Duir (Original)
Characters: Lady Starr, Grim Ranger, Princess Endora
Author: sidhe_faerie
Rating: PG
Length: 881
Content notes: Warning: Death, 39. Black
Summary: Endora Starr and Grimm continue the search for Pyros, who is missing in action.

Casualties of War (Part 2)
Red Bluffs…
After walking for hours, the trio finally arrived at Red Bluffs. This time there were no dead to greet them but there was evidence that something had happened there.

The ground in the shadow of the bluffs was covered with several blackened areas. All three of them stood silently looking out over the scene. 

When Endora looked around and saw the blackened areas on the ground, she frowned. “There was obviously a battle here but where are the dead? If there was a battle here there should be dead.”

“There’s no battle tent this time.” Grim looked around. “This is a dead end.”

“Maybe the battle was on the top of the bluffs and this was just where they retreated.” Endora looked up at the red rocks but she couldn’t see anything. “Maybe we should go up there and check it out.” 

While Endora and Grim were talking, Starr walked over and knelt by one of the scorch marks on the ground. She touched it then rubbed her fingers together. “These were burnings. This must be where they brought the injured from the last battle. In order to survive, they had to burn. If they die before they are burned they can’t be reborn.”

Endora and Grim glanced at each other then turned to Starr.

Starr stood up and reached inside her pocket. She held out Pyros’ wedding ring to Endora. “See if he was here. Maybe, we can get a clue as to where they have gone.”

Endora took the ring and put it on the lacing. She said the spell slowly and carefully this time. The ring almost immediately started to pull her to a spot on the ground a few yards away.

“Starr, he was here.” Endora said as she walked to the spot and knelt down. “He was right here. There looks like there’s some blood here too.”

Starr knelt down beside Endora and looked at the black earth. “Too much blood. He would have never survived a burning after losing so much blood.”

“We don’t know for sure that it is all his.” Endora put her hand on Starr’s arm and they stood up. “We don’t know anything more than he was here.”

Grim had been walking around as Starr and Endora followed the spell. So far, he wasn’t finding anything useful. There were no tracks or clues to tell them where the phoenix had gone after leaving this place. When he saw them stand, he walked over to where they were.

“Did you find anything?” Endora asked.

“No.” Grim shook his head. “No tracks. No anything. They most likely took to the air as soon as they were able. I’m going to go up on the bluffs and check things out. Stay here.” Grim sunk into the ground and disappeared.

Endora nodded she put her hand on the hilt of her sword and looked around.

“What’s wrong? I know you. When you feel on edge you reach for your sword.” Starr looked around. “I don’t see anything to worry about.”

“I don’t see it. I feel it.” Endora took a deep breath but she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. She shaded her eyes and looked up to see if there was anything over head. A lone raven circled them in the air.

Starr followed her gaze. “A raven! They’re working with the phoenix.” She started to wave but Endora grabbed her hand.

“We don’t know why it’s here.” Endora let go of Starr’s hand. “It could be looking for someone too.”

Grim rose from the ground with a strange look on his face. “The battle was on the on the top of the bluff. There are bodies everywhere.” Grim pointed to the sky. “Nolan, the raven, is looking for the commander of the phoenix. He disappeared during the battle along with several officers.”

“Did you ask him about Pyros?” Starr asked.

“Yeah. he’s one of the officers that is missing.” Grim hesitated. “He thinks they were captured by the thunderbirds but he isn’t sure. The injured were carried down here to burn and regain their strength but they vanished before the battle was over.”

“Where did Nolan think they were taken?” Endora asked.

Grim shook his head. “That’s why he’s out looking. He doesn’t know. Starr, maybe it’s time to go home and tell Kyo that his father isn’t coming back.”

“No! I will not break my son’s heart.” Starr bit down on her lip to keep from crying. “Did you ask him where the next battle was?”

“The place is called Salt Basin.” Grim took the map from his pocked and opened it. “Looks like another days walk. We better set up camp and eat something and rest a bit before we start.”

Endora put her hand over a small pile of rocks and heated them with her magick. “I’ll have tea on in a few minutes.”  

Starr bowed her head and said nothing. She walked over to a large rock and held out her hands. Flames shot out from her fingers as she screamed.

Endora took a step toward Starr but Grim held her back.

“Let her grieve, little one. She’s hurting.” Grim looked over at Starr. “She knows he’s gone even though she won’t admit it.”

Title: The Perfect Potion
Fandom: Ogham-Duir (Original Universe)
Characters: Endora, Aura
Author: sidhe_faerie
Rating: PG
Length: 593
Content notes: Amnesty week 35. Experimentation (character death)
Summary: Endora goes to visit Aura while she is making potions.

The Perfect Potion
Endora sat on a stool in Aura’s kitchen watching as Aura poured various potions into bottles. “How is it that you know what to put in each bottle?”

“I trust my instincts mostly. Sometimes, I experiment with different ingredients until I find what works.” Aura capped off another bottle. “I was trained on healing herbs so it isn’t that difficult to figure things out.”

“You were trained from childhood. I’m just starting to learn.” Endora picked up a cinnamon stick. “To me this is what Dionne puts in my warm cider to you it’s something entirely different.”

Aura looked at what she was holding. “Its good grated on oatmeal too. Dragas won’t eat a bite until I put it on his oatmeal.”

“For a prince, he is certainly picky.” Endora laughed.

Aura stopped what she was doing and looked at her sister. “Are you going to tell me what happened on the quest or do I have to ask Starr?”

“He shouldn’t have come with us. I shouldn’t have let him.”

“Endora, he made his own decisions. You went off to war with no experience once.” Aura took a steaming pot of cider off the stove and poured it into cups.

“I had some.” Endora put the cinnamon stick down on the table. “The rest was training from Grim, Starr, and Pyros. Like you, I used my instincts in battle and experimented with my powers to see what they could do to defeat the enemy.”

“So I guess we both experiment with our gifts.” Aura set a cup of warm cider in front to Endora. “Here use your instincts on that.” 

Endora picked up the cinnamon stick and dropped it into the cup. “I don’t think he had instincts. I thought he would find cover when I pushed him out of the way but he didn’t.”

Aura reached over and put her hand over Endora’s. “Stop blaming yourself. Drink your cider then help me with the salves. I have about three dozen orders.”

“Sure.” Endora took a sip of the spicy cider and watched as her sister portioned off herbs for the salves. It didn’t matter what anyone said she would always take the blame for what happened to Paddrick.

When Endora was done with her cider, she put the cup in the sink and took the wooden spoon from Aura to stir the oil in the large cauldron for the salves.

Aura dropped in this and that until she was satisfied. When she decided it was ready, Aura strained the herbs out and put the salve to cool in clay pots.

“There! They need to cool and then we can take them around.” Aura sat down on another stool. “How about some lunch? There is this recipe that I have been tinkering with. I would love to see what you think.”

“I would love to.” Endora smiled. “As long as you warm up some more cider.”

“Coming right up!” Aura pointed at the jug of cider and it lifted in the air to pour into the pot. A bundle of spices flew over and dropped into the pot as well.

Three hours later, they were both putting on their cloaks to deliver the medicines.

“Aura, I’m glad I came to visit today.” Endora said as she picked up one of the baskets.

“I’m glad you did too.” Aura picked up the other basket. “Let’s get this medicine delivered and then we can go see Victra.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Endora opened the door and held it as Aura walked out.

Title: The Visitor from the Peri Court (Part 5)
Fandom: Original (Ogham-Duir/FFQP)
Characters: Dionne, Endora, Hux (guard), Captain Janlou, QueenTaralen, Prince Hareem.
Author: sidhe_faerie
Rating:  PG
Length: 1556
Content notes: 23. Explanation. Warning attempted assault
Summary: Endora subdues an intruder. Queen Taralen plots a new marriage for her granddaughter.

The Visitor from the Peri Court (Part 5)
The moon was high when Endora suddenly woke up. She sat up and looked around. There was a noise near her chamber door. At first she thought it might be Dionne but when she looked over to the alcove where Dionne slept and saw that she was there fast asleep.

Endora took the dagger from under her pillow and made her way to the door. She switched hands with her blade and quietly took her sword out of the rack by the door. Whoever it was wouldn’t get far.

The door latch clicked and the door opened slowly. A dark figure slowly stepped inside. There was a glint of a blade near the figure’s hand.

Endora stayed in the shadows until the figure was near the center of the room. She silently moved behind the figure and put the tip of the blade in the middle of the intruders back.

“Don’t move!” Endora pressed the blade harder against the dark figures back. “Dionne!”

“What? Huh?” Dionne jumped and looked around. “Endora, where are you?”

“Over here. Go find the guards.” Endora waved her hand and the candles in the room lit. “Pull down his hood first. I want to see who dares to sneak into my bedchamber.”

Dionne grabbed her wrap and walked over to the figure. She took the dagger from his hand and pushed back his hood. “Prince Hareem? What are you doing here?”

“The guards, Dionne.” Endora reminded her. She pressed the sword into Prince Hareem’s back again. “Get on your knees!”

Dionne ran out of the room and went to look for the castle patrol.

“What are you going to do? Take off my head?” The Prince asked as he got down on his knees.

“It was a thought. Why are you in my room?” Endora poked him with the sword.

“I came to persuade you to change your mind about marrying me.” Prince Hareem shrugged. “I just wanted to impress you with my skills as a …”

“Burglar? Thief? Murderer?” Endora poked him again. “Why are you really here?”

“Surely, you know why I’m really here. Endora.” The prince laughed. “I’m in your bed chamber in the middle of the night. What skills do you think i'm here to impress you with?”

“And the dagger? What’s it for?” Endora poked him with the sword.

“That hurts!” Prince Hareem wiggled his shoulders. “The dagger was for your maid. I didn’t need to be interrupted.”

Dionne came in with the three guards. “There he is!”

“Highness, what do you want us to do with him?” The older guard asked.

“Take him to the dungeon.” Endora stepped back and let the guards take him. “Strip him down to his underwear. He may have other weapons on him.”

“Are you coming to visit me later?” The Prince winked at her then struggled against the guards.

Endora squinted at him then punched the Prince as hard as she could. She smiled when he went limp in the guards’ arms. “Never wink at me again, you foul man.”

Dionne giggled. “They will never learn will they?”

Endora glanced at Dionne. “Where is the dagger you took from him?”

“I gave it to Hux.” Dionne pointed to the older guard. “It was a Peri blade. The blade was curved and it had an elephant on the hilt.”

“Hux, may I have it?” Endora held out her hand.

“Here you go, Highness.” Hux handed her the dagger hilt first. “We’ll have him buttoned up in just a jiff.”

Endora nodded. “Thank you all.”

Queen Taralen rushed in wrapped in a fur shawl. “Endora, are you all right? Dionne?”

“We’re fine. Prince Hareem broke into my room and got more than he bargained for.”

“What’s wrong with him?” Taralen looked at the prince.

“He winked at her.” Dionne bit her lip to keep from laughing.

Taralen laughed. “Take him to the dungeon.”

The guards smiled and whisked the unconscious prince away.

“He came in here to … wink … with me. I didn’t invite him. He said that he was going to kill Dionne with this.” Endora held up the Peri dagger. “I ordered him to be stripped to look for hidden weapons.”

Taralen hugged her granddaughter. “He didn’t, did he?”

“No.” Endora hugged her tight. “All he got was my sword in his back.”

“We will send him home in the morning.” Taralen surprised Dionne with a hug. “Are you sure you’re both unharmed?”

“Yes Majesty.” Dionne straightened her wrap.

“This is why I wanted to post guards outside your door.” Taralen gave Endora a frustrated look. “He was the last prince even close to your age.”

“About that.” Endora shifted on her bare feet. “I was thinking that I should marry someone from the guard. Actually, it was Dionne’s idea. I’m a warrior so I should marry a warrior.”

“Your great grandfather was a warrior. Dagda the White is still spoken of with great respect.” Taralen looked at Endora. “If you can find a warrior that is worthy of you, then let me know and I will arrange it. Just make sure he’s high ranking.”

“It doesn’t work that way. He has to want to marry me too, Grandmother.” Endora picked up a shawl from the chair and pulled it around her shoulders.

“Maybe I should ask Captain Janlou to include you in drills for a while. It will give you a chance to get to know some of them.” Taralen smiled mischievously.

“You wouldn’t!” Endora gasped.

“Goodnight girls.” Taralen waved as she walked out.

Dionne sighed. “I’m going to the kitchen for some tea. We aren’t getting back to sleep tonight. Sandwiches?”

“Sounds good.” Endora plopped down on the settee. “I’m going to need strength for those drills.”

Dione laughed as she walked out.

A few hours later, Prince Hareem was bound and held by guards at the Great Portal. His belongings were packed and sitting nearby. Taralen handed a scroll to one of the guards to put into the prince’s pocket.

“That scroll will explain why you are being sent back and why you are banned from returning to this realm.” Taralen waved her hand and the portal opened. “Good luck with your war.”

“Please reconsider. If I am sent back without the help we need my king will be angry with me.” Prince Hareem looked at his hands. “At least untie my hands.”

“You’re lucky my granddaughter didn’t run you through with her sword. She showed amazing restraint.” Taralen sighed. “I’m showing restraint by not executing you. You planned on assaulting her and killing her maid. You are scum. Send him through!”

The guards pushed the Prince’s belonging through the portal then shoved him through behind them.

Taralen waved her hand to close the portal. “Send Captain Janlou to my sitting room. I need to talk with him.”

“Yes Majesty.” Hux bowed and went to fetch his captain.

Captain Janlou, an older fae with a scar on his cheek, entered the Queen’s sitting room and bowed. “Majesty, you wanted to see me?”

“Sit. I want you to explain why there was no guard on my granddaughter’s door.” Taralen poured a cup of tea and handed it to him.

“I tried but she kept sending them away.” Captain Janlou sighed. “To be honest, she really doesn’t need one. She fights better than more than half my men. She can handle herself. I was informed about the incident last night. She had no trouble in subduing the blackguard. I’m surprised she didn’t inflict some harm on him.”

“So was I.” Taralen smiled. “I have one other issue to discuss. I want Endora to take drills with the men.”

“Really? I don’t think my men can keep up with her.” Captain Janlou laughed. “Why do you really want her to take drills with the men?”

Taralen looked at the cup in her hand. “She needs a husband and a warrior would be her last chance. There are no more princes left for her to marry.”

“She keeps punching them.” Captain Janlou chuckled.

Taralen laughed. “They keep winking at her.”

“That bodes ill for the Sidhe Guard.” Captain Janlou grinned. “I assume that you want me to steer her toward the higher ranking men?”

“Please.” Taralen nodded. “Endora needs a husband worthy of Dagda the White’s great granddaughter.”

“I know of one. His name is Commander Fawnard.” Captain Janlou told her. “He is a widower. He will understand her pain over her lost prince.”

“Gently nudge them together but don’t push too hard.” Taralen warned. “She may catch on.”

I have no doubt that she will. She reminds me of your mother, Queen Deidra.” The captain put his cup on the table. “Strong. Fierce. It will do well when she finally reaches the throne. There will be much to repair after Cara’s rule. No offense Majesty.”

“Cara will never rule. It has already been settled. Endora knows this as does her sisters.” Taralen put her cup on the table. “Endora will start tomorrow.”

“I will look forward to her pushing them to do better.” Captain Janlou stood up and bowed. “Good day Majesty.

“Good day Captain.” Taralen nodded his dismissal. She looked out of the window. There was a feeling of doom weighing on her heart. She knew something horrible was coming and she felt powerless to stop it.

Title: The Visitor from the Peri Court (Part 3)
Fandom: Original (Ogham-Duir/FFQP)
Characters: Endora, Dionne, Prince Hareem, Quin the stable boy, Victra, Aura, Dragas, Puff (Myrdren), Myra 
Author: sidhe_faerie   
Rating: PG
Length: 1288
Content notes: 21. Forward
Summary: Sometimes it’s hard to move forward after losing someone you love even when everyone is telling you to do it.

The Visitor from the Peri Court (Part 3)
Endora went back to her chambers after supper and Dionne had a message from Aura waiting for her.

“When did this come?” Endora sat down at her dressing table and looked at the note.

“About twenty minutes ago. How was supper?” Dionne started to take the pins out of Endora’s hair.

“It was a disaster. He wants a marriage and he seems pretty desperate about it.” Endora looked at the note again. “I’ll go to Aura’s cottage first thing in the morning. Send a message down to the stables to have Sugarplum saddled and ready for me.”

“I’ll tell Quin when I go to meet him later.” Dionne smiled. “We have a date.”

“You better not get caught by the guards when you leave the castle.” Endora looked in the mirror at Dionne. “I would hate to have to explain to my grandmother that you had a date to roll in the hay with the stable boy. She might sack you.”

“I’ll be careful. What do you think Aura wants?” Dionne asked.

“I’m sure she knows about Prince Hareem by now. She probably wants to know what’s going on with him. She is on the Council of Elders.” Endora put the note in a drawer. She carefully took off her broach and put it in her jewel case in the drawer before she closed it. 

“Endora, do you think you’ll be ready to move forward from Prince Paddrick’s death any time soon?” Dionne asked. “I mean, you aren’t getting any younger and all the available Princes are being snatched up.”

“There’s more to life than getting married Dionne.” Endora took the crown from her head and looked at it. She put it on her dressing table. “I have plenty of time to get married. Go meet your sweetheart. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Dionne hesitated. “Are you sure?”

“Yes Dionne. Now go.” Endora stood up and went behind the privacy screen to change into her nightdress.

“Thank you!” Dionne called out as she picked up her cloak and left.

Endora came from behind the screen and went to get in bed. She put her dagger under her pillow. She had an uneasy feeling since supper that just wouldn’t go away.

First thing in the morning Endora went to the stables for Sugarplum. She was surprised to find Prince Hareem there yelling at Quin the stable boy.

“I want that one! I don’t want a unicorn. Are you simple boy?” Prince Hareem yelled.

“What is the problem?” Endora walked up wearing a tunic and leggings and carrying her riding cloak.

“Highness, he wants your horse.” Quin gave the prince a glance. “I tried to explain to His Highness that no one rides Sugarplum but you. Not that they could. She bites.”

Endora looked at the Prince. “She does bite.” She tuned to Quin. “Give him Jules. He’s a good mount.”

“Is that the only horse in the entire realm?” Prince Hareem asked.

“Yes. Most fae ride unicorns.” Endora took the reins from Quin when he brought out Sugarplum. “Sugarplum was a gift from my brother in law, Prince Dragas of Zestra.”

“I wasn’t aware you had sisters.” Prince Hareem looked like he was plotting something.

“Two and they are both married.” Endora stepped up on the mounting block then got in the saddle. “If you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment.”

“Of course Princess.” The prince had an edge to his voice that wasn’t there the day before. He was obviously agitated.

“Oh Prince Hareem, you should stick to the road when you ride. Stay off the trails. They are difficult for even experienced riders.” Endora told him.

“Thank you for the advice, Princess.” Prince Hareem bowed to her.

Endora nudged Sugarplum forward and headed for the passage to Crystal Spires. She let the horse stretch into a gallop on the way. She went through the passage a few moments later and came out at the edge of the village.

Endora slowed Sugarplum to a walk as she entered the village. Several people waved and said ‘hello’ to her as she passed through the village on her way to Blackstone Ferry then the village of Rosemont where Aura kept a cottage.

Twenty minutes later, Endora was tying her horse to the post in front of Aura’s cottage when Dragas came out.

“They are in there waiting for you. Victra got here just after dawn.” Dragas gave Endora a kiss on the cheek. “I’m off to the market. Me. I’m the Crown Prince of Zestra and I’m being sent to buy moon melons and starrberries like a serving boy.”

Endora giggled. “Don’t forget the blue tea leaves.”

Dragas held up a folded paper. “She made me a list. I better get on before she turns me into a toadstool.”

Endora giggled again and waved as he walked away. She walked up on the porch of the cottage and was surprised to find Puff and Myra lying in the sun.

Puff wagged his tail but he didn’t get up. Myra opened a sleepy eye and snorted hello.

“Endora! Get in here!” Aura called out.

Endora patted both the dragons on the head and went inside. “I see Puff has a visitor. Did you bring her down from the sanctuary for the day?”

No. Myra is staying with us for a while.” Aura shook her head. “I was sent information on a new treatment for her by the Wyvern clan. Lord Wyvern brought many books with him from Draconia when they fled. Leeas brought me a few of them when he visited last.”

“Is it a cure?” Endora looked out on the porch.

“I don’t know but I’m willing to try anything.” Aura sighed and pushed her dark hair behind her ear. “I just hope we didn’t wait too long.”

Victra came out of the kitchen with the tea tray. “I heard you have a suitor from the Peri Court. Is he handsome?”

“Yes but he’s so rude that it doesn’t matter.” Endora sighed and sat down in one of the plush chairs. “Aren’t we missing a dragon? Where’s Argonne?”

“At the sanctuary. They needed her to foster the new hatchlings. Cannea went too.” Victra poured tea into the three cups. “I can’t believe they went ahead and hatched those eggs they found in the Western lands. They could have turned out to be anything.”

“They were obviously dragon eggs, Victra.” Aura laughed. “So when’s the wedding, Endora?”

“There isn’t going to be one. He wants one but Grandmother allowed me to refuse him.” Endora took the cup Victra handed her. “He was not pleased that he couldn’t move forward with his plan to marry himself an army.”

“I was doing some reading on the Peri.” Aura took a cup of tea from Victra. “They don’t have the same Court structure as the Tuathe or the Twylth Teg. It’s more like the Court at Midsummer. There was also a mention of the Unseelie Court as well.”

“That explains a lot.” Endora sipped her tea. “He practically asked me if I was chaste. He makes me uneasy. I slept with a dagger under my pillow.”

“You send him here if he’s a problem. I’ll just shift and breathe on him.” Aura took a sip of tea.

“Now Aura just because you can turn into a dragon doesn’t mean you get to have all the fun.” Victra wiggled her finger at Aura. “I have a few spells up my sleeve too.”

Endora laughed. “Thank you both but I think I can handle him. I wouldn’t want to cause an incident.”

“Nonsense.” Aura shrugged. “You’re our baby sister and we will stand with you.”

“With fireballs blazing.” Victra giggled making her blonde curls dance.

Title: The Visitor from the Peri Court (Part 1)
Fandom: Original (Oghan-Duir/FFQP)
Characters: Princess Endora, Queen Taralen, Dionne, Prince Hareem
Author: sidhe_faerie
Rating: PG
Length: 1387
Content notes: 19. Attraction, mentions past character death. 
Summary: Princess Endora is surprised by an attractive visitor from the Peri Court with a questionable agenda.

The Visitor from the Peri Court (Part 1)
Princess Endora walked into the throne room and bowed to her grandmother. She was still in her armor with her sword and dagger on her belt.

Queen Taralen frowned at Endora. “I see you didn’t bother to change or take off your weapons.”

“I was training when you sent for me. I apologize, Majesty.” Endora walked toward the throne.

“Never mind.” Taralen sighed. “There is someone I want you to meet. Princess Gaylen Endora, may I introduce Prince Hareem of the Peri Court.

A dark haired male fae turned and bowed to Endora. He was taller than most male fae and he had the darkest eyes she had ever seen. They glittered like jewels. “Princess, I have come a great distance to meet you. Your reputation as a warrior is well known. I am honored to meet you.”

Endora glanced at her grandmother then extended her hand to the Prince. “I am the one who is honored. I am surprised to find a member of your Court so far from home.”

The Prince took her hand and placed a kiss on it before releasing it. “I have come on urgent business. I was discussing our situation with the Queen.

“Do you mean the conflict with the Jin?” Endora glanced at her grandmother again. “I was the one that found your messenger. The portal must have been off target.”

“We have very little experience with portals.” The Prince put his hand on his heart. “We are a small Court. It is not in our nature to travel far from our realm. I would not be here if Queen Taralen had not activated the portal on this end. You would have had to rescue me from the dark wood if that were not the case.”

Endora smiled. She found him charming and it did t hurt that he was also quite attractive.

“Prince Hareem, why don’t we finish this conversation over dinner?” Taralen finally spoke up. “I have had chambers prepared. Endora, why don’t you take the Prince to the east tower?”

Endora bowed to her grandmother and smiled at the prince. “This way, Your Highness.

Endora shot her grandmother a curious look as the Prince walked to the door. She had a feeling that her grandmother was up to something.

Once Endora and Hareem moved away from the throne room, they began to talk.

“Princess, I was wondering what your betrothed thinks of you being such an accomplished warrior. Is he as proud of you as your grandmother?”

“I am no longer betrothed. Prince Paddrick died while on a quest with me.” Endora could tell he already knew that but wanted to see her reaction to the question. “You should have brought your betrothed or your wife. My grandmother and I would have loved to meet her.”

“Alas, I have not been betrothed yet. There are no princesses of age in our region.” Prince Hareem gave Endora a look up and down. “Most are children or widows from the war. My Queen insists on a maid with her purity intact.”

Endora stopped short. So that was her grandmother’s plan. Her mourning period for Paddrick wasn’t even over yet.

“I’ve upset you. I apologize.” Prince Hareem put his hand on his heart and bowed.

“Not at all. I was just surprised at your bluntness, Your Highness.” Endora forced a smile and continued to the guest chambers in the tower.

The Prince seemed pleased with himself as the rounded the corner into the corridor where the chambers were.

“Here you are. There should be a servant here soon go help you with anything you need.” Endora opened the door but did not step inside. “Oh! Here’s Max now. I will see you at dinner, Your Highness.”

Endora walked off before the Prince could insist the she come in. She had to get dressed for dinner.

Endora entered her chambers and started to shed her armor as soon as the door closed. “I can’t believe this. I’m not even finished mourning.”

Dionne came up and helped Endora with the buckles on her armor. “You mean the handsome prince from the Peri Court is here to get betrothed to you?”

“No Dionne. He’s here to marry my unicorn.” Endora snarked. She took a breath. “Sorry. I’m not sure but I have a feeling he is. My grandmother has that look on her face again.”

“Well, it’s probably from her corset being too tight. I laid out you dress for dinner.” Dionne carried the discarded armor to the corner. I was thinking the simple crown.”

“I want to wear my bird broach. Also, change the sash to the gray one.” Endora stripped off the rest of her clothes and stepped into the steaming bath that Dionne had prepared.

Dionne looked at the dress then went to a drawer to get the other sash. “The Queen might not like that. I’d say she wants you to look like you are available.”

“I’m not.” Endora ducked under the water. She came back up and  wiped her face. “It wasn’t just a marriage of position for me and Paddrick. I loved him. He loved me too.”

“You need a husband.” Dionne put the soft gray sash on the bed. “You have to think of your future. You will need a daughter to carry on your line.”

“He all but asked me if I was chaste.” Endora pouted. “Who talks about that with someone they just met? And I’m a female. I don’t care how attractive he is, that’s just rude.

“Maybe he got confused. You were in your armor.” Dionne winced.

Endora glared at her maid. “I don’t think he was that confused.”

There was a knock on the door and Dionne hurried to answer it. She opened the door and curtseyed. “Majesty.”

“Leave us.” Taralen said quietly to Dionne.

Dionne bowed and left closing the door behind her.

“I’m not going to marry him. He’s rude.” Endora pouted in the bathtub.

Taralen sighed as she sat in a chair by the bed. “Endora, your running out of options here.”

“He said that his queen insists that he marry a maid with her purity intact. Like it’s his business.” Endora ducked back under the water again to rinse off.

Taralen thought before asking the question she had wanted to ask for months. “Endora, is your purity intact?”

“Yes!” Endora reached for the towel on the stool next to the tub as she stood up. “Paddrick and I kissed but that was it. We thought we had all the time in the world.”

“Life can be cruel.” Taralen sighed. “Mourn him and when you’re ready we will talk about another betrothal.”

“Thank you.” Endora went behind the privacy screen. “Grandmother, who is my mother’s father? I mean, you never married.”

“It’s a long story. I did something I shouldn’t have but I don’t regret it.” Taralen stood up. “I’ll send your maid back in.” She saw the bird brooch on the dressing table. “Endora, I see you kept your gifts. You should have sent them back to Queen March.”

“I tried to give them to her but she wouldn’t take them.” Endora came from behind the screen. She picked up the brooch on the dressing table. “She told me that Paddrick would have wanted me to keep them. He designed this broach himself just for me.”

“Then you should wear it. I’ll see you at dinner.” Taralen kissed her on the cheek then left.

Dionne came in a few minutes later. “Well?”

“No. I’m not betrothed yet.” Endora sighed.

Dionne stared to brush out Endora’s hair. “He’s attractive. If I were a princess…”

“You would have to stop rolling in the hay with the stable boy.” Endora smirked. “Besides he’s rude. You would punch him in the nose. I almost did.”

“Yeah. I really like rolling in the hay with the stable boy.” Dionne chuckled. “Good thing I’m not a princess.”

“I wish I wasn’t.” Endora looked at the broach. “I would have already been married before I lost him. Royal marriages take so long. We had to wait a year during the betrothal then it would have been a month of wedding festivities before the actual wedding.”

Dionne brushed Endora’s hair and stayed silent. There was nothing she could say to make her mistress hurt less.

Title: The Secret (Part 5)
Fandom: Original
Characters: Cherry Morgan, Victor Caster, Lady Veronica Smythe, Montgomery Smythe, footman
Author: Sidhe_faerie
Rating: PG
Length: 1163
Content notes: #17 – Proof
Summary: Cherry makes good on her promise.

Cherry and Victor went to a small restaurant near the house. It was a favorite of the staff for good food and fast service.

The restaurant was nothing more than a storefront and not decorated as most restaurants are. The walls were plain and the tables and chairs were wooden and uncovered.

Victor helped Cherry with her chair then sat down. He picked up a menu then put it back down. “Cherry, there is something that we should talk about. I think its long overdue.”

Cherry looked up from the menu. “What would that be?”

“There will be some people that won’t believe that I am your father.” Victor played with the edge of the menu. “I believe I should take a test to prove that I’m your father.”

“Do you think that there may be a chance that you're not my father?” Cherry was confused. “Was my mother seeing someone else?”

“No but who would believe that your mother, a girl from a rich family, would want to have anything to do with me.” Victor looked at the table. “I was a footman with no money and no real future. I was never a proper suitor for her.”

“If you want to do it to make sure then I will pay for it. I don't want you to have doubts.” Cherry reached out and grabbed Victor's hand. “I believe you are my father. My mother wouldn't lie about that.”

“But that's not true.” Victor shook his head. “Greta did lie. She lied to everyone including you. I just don't want you to have the truth once and for all.”

“You mean ‘we’ not just me.” Cherry gave his hands a squeeze. “We will do it. For both of us. Now what's good to eat here?”

“The beef stew is good.” Victor smiled. The bread and the butter are made fresh here every day.”

“In New York, it’s called artisan.” Cherry smiled. “Here, I suppose it’s a normal thing.”

“Not as much as it used to be.” Victor sighed. “Every house used to make everything they needed now everything is brought in. The cook at the house now doesn’t even know how to make butter.”

“Things are changing.” Cherry looked at the menu.

“For me as well, if the Earl decides to sack me.” Victor played with the menu. “I’ve been in service all my life. I don’t know what I would do with myself.”

“You would retire and come live with your daughter in New York. Cherry chuckled. “You could spend time doing everything you always wanted to do.”

Victor nodded.

The server came and took their order and they enjoyed their lunch.

Montgomery Smythe, Earl of Crosswich, walked into his house and stared at the footman that opened the door. “Where is Caster?”

“Out to luncheon with his daughter.” The footman put the Earl’s bags in the service elevator. “He should be back shortly.”

“Caster has a daughter? I thought he was a bachelor.” The Earl shook his head in disbelief. “Is my daughter home?”

“Yes my lord. I’ll tell her you are asking for her.” The footman closed the elevator.

The Earl had just taken a few steps when the front door opened and Victor and Cherry walked in.

“Caster, why are you away from you post and who is this?” The Earl demanded.

“This is my daughter, my lord.” Victor started to explain.

“I'm afraid this is all my fault.” Cherry stepped forward. “I’m Cherry Morgan. I need to speak with you about your daughter.”

“Morgan? Of the New York Morgans?” The Earl asked as he looked Cherry up and down. “My daughter had a friend that married into that family.”

“Yes. That was my mother. Is there somewhere we can talk in private?” Cherry asked.

“Here in my study.” The Earl started walking towards a door. “Is there something in particular that you wish to speak to me about?”

“Oh, just blackmail and extortion.” Cherry said in as cheery a tone as she could.

The Earl stopped and turned around. “My daughter blackmailed you? I don’t believe you!”

Cherry pulled the two notes out of her bag and held them out. “I have proof.”

The Earl took the notes and looked at them.

Lady Veronica walked down the stairs. “Papa, you wanted….”

“Did you do this?” The Earl waved the notes at her.

“I … I don't know what you’re talking about.” Lady Veronica tried to act shocked but it was obviously an act.

The Earl tuned to Cherry. “What did she want?”

“She wanted five million American dollars to pay her gambling debts.” Cherry folded her arms in front of her. “She actually thought that I would give it to her.”

“Gambling debts? How in the world did you get that deep in with the wrong people?” The Earl was so red faced that looked like he was going to explode. “You promised me after Monaco that you had stopped.”

“I'm sorry Papa.” Lady veronica looked afraid of her father.

“Go upstairs and I will speak to you later.” The Earl handed the noted back to Cherry. “I apologize for my daughter's behavior. I still have one more question. How is she your daughter?”

“My mother and he were in love.” Cherry shrugged. “My mother was Greta Maxwell.”

The Earl looked at Victor. “You had a relationship with a woman above your station and you did it under my roof.”

“Yes my lord, I did.” Victor took a breath. “I was a footman in your household when it happened. I used poor judgement but I am proud of my daughter.”

“I can see that she is a remarkable young woman.” The Earl looked Cherry up and down. “Don’t worry, Caster. I won't sack you for something that happened so long ago. Where is your mother now, Miss Morgan?”

“She passed away.” Cherry looked down.

Victor put his arm around Cherry. “My lord I would like to take her back to the hotel then I will get to my duties.”

“Caster, take some time off and spend some time with your daughter.” The Earl nodded. “I have to deal with my daughter now.”

“Uh.” Cherry looked at Victor then back to the Earl. “You should probably know she’s in deep with a mobster named Vinny the Hat. I will give you his contact information so you can take care of her debt.”

“I have no intentions of taking care of her gambling debt. She will have to find a way to pay it herself.” The Earl started up the stairs. “I wonder how she will like it when she has to sell her jewels and get some work.”

Victor and Cherry looked at each other.

“Come dear, let him deal with his daughter. I will get you back to the hotel.” Victor led her to the door.

So you're coming to visit? Cherry smiled.

“Yes. It looks like I will be coming to New York City.” Victor smiled.

Title: The Secret (Part 3)
Fandom: Original (Non verse)
Characters: Cherry Morgan, Victor Caster, Lady Veronica Smythe
Author: sidhe_faerie
Rating: PG
Length: 1214
Content notes: #15. Diagnosis
Summary: Cherry has dinner with Victor. They talk about Greta and how she died.

The Secret (Part 3)
Sitting at the table in the restaurant, Cherry watched the emotions play on Victors face. His graying hair and the lines on his face showed that time had passed but she could tell that his heart still remembered. She hadn’t realized how much all of this was upsetting him. She began to wonder if she should have come. Involving him seemed to make the situation more complicated not less so.

“Look, choices were made for us and that sucks but I found you and I want to get to know you if you want me to.” Cherry reached out and took Victors hand. “I want to hear all the stories that you have of my mother. I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”

Victor patted her hand. “There is one question that I wanted to ask you. I have no idea what caused your mother’s death. The obituary was vague and the lawyer wouldn’t tell me when I called after receiving her letter.”

“She had cancer. It was called lymphoma. it’s a type of blood cancer. When she was diagnosed, they told her that she should get her affairs in order.” Cherry paused and collected herself before she started to cry. “It wasn’t good. She was devastated. I think that was when she wrote the letters for us.”

“I had a feeling there was a reason that she wrote such a letter. It was full of apologies and regrets.” Victor sighed. “I assume the letter she left for you was also very emotional.”

“It was hard to read.” Cherry admitted.

“Was her husband there for you when you learned of your mother’s illness?” Victor didn’t like the thought of her being alone at a time like that.

“He was in denial. He refused to believe the doctors when they said she was dying.” Cherry brushed away a tear. “He wouldn’t stop working. He was on a business trip when she died. I had to make the arrangements on my own.”

“That must have been difficult for you. Was Alex a good father to you Cherry?” Victor had to ask. Now that he had met her, he couldn’t bear the thought of her feeling unloved by anyone.

“He taught me a lot about the family business and he attended plays and recitals but we were never close like my friends were with their fathers.” Cherry looked at Victor. “I never understood why until I read my mother’s letter.”

“Yet, he left everything to you? I don’t understand.” Victor couldn’t make sense out of anything Cherry was telling him about Alex.

“I worked for it.” Cherry frowned. “I spent every day afterschool and every summer at the office working and learning. He gave it to be because I earned it.”

“What will you do now?” Victor asked.

“I don’t know. I suppose it depends on the blackmailer.” Cherry waved over a server. “I won’t give up what I worked so hard for without a fight.”

Victor smiled. “That’s the spirit!”

Cherry smiled. She couldn’t understand why she felt close to her father. She had just met Victor so there was no reason for her to feel that way.

They ordered and waited for the server to leave the table. The woman looked at them and smiled as she rushed to fill the order. 

“So, are you the butler now?” Cherry wanted to know more about him. There were so many questions to ask.

“Yes. I’ve been the butler for the last ten years. It’s an honorable profession.” Victor grinned proudly. “The family is in the country attending a few last minute house parties. I have to make sure the house is ready for them when they arrive. It’s been closed for a while. They only come to London for the social season.”

“Are you married? Do I have brothers and sisters?” Cherry took a sip of water.

“No. You are my only child. I was never lucky enough to be in love again.” Victor smiled. “There was a head maid that seemed to want me to marry her but I escaped her grasp.”

“How are you going to explain me?” Cherry wrinkled her nose when she heard the words come out of her mouth. “You don’t have to tell anyone about me if you don’t want to?”

“I will tell them that you were raised by your mother in the States. No one needs to know the details but we do have a problem with this person sending you threats.” Victor gave Cherry a concerned look. “We need to find out what they want and who they are.”

Cherry nodded. “I agree.”

They smiled up at the server when she came to the table with their food. There was silence until the woman left.

“No more of this upsetting talk. Let’s enjoy this meal and we can puzzle out what to do later.” Victor picked up his fork. “This is nice. I don’t have any other living relatives so it’s lovely to have a supper with my daughter.”

Cherry smiled and looked down at her plate. “You’re all I have now too.”         

“Now aren’t we a pair.” Victor chuckled.

When the meal was over, Victor walked Cherry to her room. He kissed her on the cheek and said good night before he headed back to the house.

Cherry got ready for bed. She sat on the bed and reread the letters that she had been sent. There had to be a clue in them as to who sent them to her. She found nothing and put them away before she turned off the light and tried to sleep.

When Victor arrived at the house he was surprised to see Lady Veronica Smythe sitting in the lounge.

“Caster, would you come here a moment?” Lady Veronica called out to him as he walked past the doorway.

“My Lady, I thought you were still on holiday.” Victor was beginning to get suspicious about her sudden arrival. “Is there something that I can do for you?”

“You can tell that little fraud that I want to be paid for my silence.” Lady Veronica swirled the brandy in her glass. “Before you say that you don’t know what I’m talking about, I know that she’s been here. One of the footman recognized her from the papers.” 

“You were Greta’s friend. Why are you doing this to her daughter?” Victor was angry.

“Watch your tone with me, old man.” Lady Veronica flashed an angry glare at him. “What I want is no concern of yours. It’s not like she would miss it.

“She’s my daughter.” Victor hissed. “I doubt the Earl will be pleased when he finds out what you are doing.”

“If she doesn’t pay, I will send those letters to the tabloids. I wonder how the legitimate heirs of Max Morgan will react when they find out the family fortune is in the hands of a butler’s bastard daughter.” Lady Veronica took the last drink from her glass. She held the empty glass out to him. “Fill this for me. That is your job after all.”

Victor took the glass from her. He went to the bar and poured more brandy in her glass. He walked it back to her and sat it on the table. “Will that be all, My Lady?”

“Call her and tell her what I want first thing in the morning. I will receive her here at half past ten.” Lady Veronica took a sip from the glass. “Leave me.”

Victor walked out of the room. He knew that Lady Veronica asking Cherry come to the house as a way to get under his skin. He climbed the stairs to his room and tried to get some sleep.

Title: The Secret (Part 1)
Fandom: Original 
Characters: Cherry Morgan, Victor Caster
Author: sidhe_faerie
Rating: PG
Length: 1327
Content notes: #13 Advantage This is going to be the start of something (I hope) I just don’t know what yet.
Summary: Cherry isn’t who she says she is but now someone knows her secret. She must find the only person that could have exposed the truth.

The Secret (Part 1)
Three days after her father’s funeral, Cherry Morgan walked up the steps to the front door of her house and pulled the mail out of the box. She brushed back her shoulder length blonde hair and pulled her keys out of her pocket. She looked through the mail and gasped.

There was a letter with no postage and no return address. Her name was spelled out in magazine cut outs. There was nothing else on the envelope.

Cherry dropped the rest of the mail on the porch and opened the envelope. Inside, there was a note. All it said was: “I know who you really are.”

Cherry wasn’t easy to take advantage of. She had been around the block and she knew when people were trying to get over on her. Right now someone was really trying to get over on her. She was being blackmailed.

She knew the only way they could have gotten the information about her true identity was to find the letter that her mother had left her. They had to have taken it from her attic. She couldn’t believe that someone has been in her house. What was worst, they knew where she kept her secrets.  

Cherry picked up the mail and rushed inside. She threw the mail on the hall table as she rushed past on the way up the stairs to the attic and started to look for the proof that someone had been there. She went from one end of the attic to the other but there was nothing. Nothing had been touched there was still dust covering everything.

She opened the trunk that held her secrets but noting was missing or disturbed. She sat and stared into the trunk. She needed to things through for a moment. 

The blackmailer thought he had the advantage. He had information that he knew she didn’t want to surface. Cherry had to figure out how he had gotten it if he had not taken it from the trunk in the attic.

There were only a few people that knew she wasn’t really the granddaughter of Max Morgan, the real estate mogul. Two of them were dead and the third had left the country years ago.

Cherry wondered if that third person was the one that was blackmailing her. She knew that she was going to have to find him and see. She had no choice but to find her real father.

She ran down the stairs to her room and packed a bag. She knew she would need to start in London. That was the last place she knew her father to be.

After a phone call to the airline and another to request a cab, she was ready to start what she would knew would be a difficult search, to put it mildly. All she had was a faded photo and a name. It wasn’t much but it would have to do.

A few hours later, she was on a plane to London to find a man she had never seen. She had to find Victor Caster, her real father.

The plane landed in London late. Cherry rented a car and went to her hotel before she started her search. She needed to rest from the flight and the stress was making her feel like her eyelids were made of lead. She showered and went to sleep. Her search would start in the morning.

Cherry was up early doing a public records search on line for Victor Caster. So far the results were very thin. There was no death record or obituary, so there was a chance he was still alive.

Cherry’s mother Greta had been unfaithful to her father the summer she went abroad to study. She came home not knowing that she was pregnant. Alex Morgan married her only two weeks after she returned. When Greta realized she was carrying another man’s child, she told Alex. Alex was the one that suggested that they keep it a secret from everyone, especially his father, Max Morgan.

Cherry had no idea until her parents died. That was when she received the letter from the lawyer that contained the photo and what little information her mother had on her biological father.

Victor had worked as a footman in a house near Piccadilly Circle. She had met him at a cocktail party and continued to see him throughout the time she had been in London.

Cherry was going to start with that house and the family that owned it. There was going to be a slight problem. According to the society pages, the family was at their county estate and not currently in residence. She was going to have to take a chance that someone was still at the house and could point her in the right direction.

Cherry walked up to the house and knocked on the door. An older man opened the door and Cherry blinked in amazement. Her father had opened the door.

Victor was older and grayer but he was still as handsome as the young man in the faded photo, Cherry was clutching in her hand.

“Miss? May I help you?” Victor asked her.

“Yes. I need to speak to you about something.” Cherry held up the photo. “Is this you?”

“Yes.” Victor stepped outside and closed the door. “Where did you get that?”

“It belonged to my mother. Greta Morgan.” Cherry saw a flicker of recognition in the man’s face. “You knew her as Greta Maxwell.”

“Cherry? Is that you?” Victor looked her up and down. “I should have known it was you. You look exactly like your mother. I never expected to meet you in person. I received a letter after your mother’s passing. She wanted to explain why she had married Alex Morgan. She didn’t have to explain. I was a footman with nothing and he was a wealthy young man.”

“Have you ever told anyone about me?” Cherry asked.

“No. It was part of the agreement that I made with her when she first contacted me after your birth.” Victor frowned. “Why are you here now? Forgive me, I have always wanted to see how you turned out but this is so unexpected.”

“Someone is trying to blackmail me.” Cherry pulled the letter out of her bag and showed it to him.

Victor frowned even deeper. “Why would someone send you this? Is someone trying to take advantage of you in some way?”

“I’m not sure.” Cherry bit her lip. “I have a cousin that wasn’t pleased when he was left out of the family fortune. But Baxter would never resort to this kind of thing. He’s a lawyer. He would be more direct. There’s someone else out there that knows that I’m your daughter.”

“I haven’t told anyone but there was someone that knew of my relationship with Greta.” Victor hesitated for a moment. He handed the letter back to her. “It was Lady Veronica. She and your mother were close.”

“Where is she now?” Cherry put the letter and the photo away in her bag.

“She is in New York on holiday.” Victor rubbed his chin. “Where are you staying in London? I will find out her itinerary and get it to you.”

“I am staying near the airport. I’m just here to find you then I was going to go back.” Cherry looked at the man’s sad face in front of her.  “Why don’t you come to supper? We can talk and get to know each other a little.”

“Do you think that is wise?” Victor looked around. “The person who sent you that letter may be watching your every move.”

Cherry looked around. “I don’t think so. But I think it will be all right if you come to see me. I’m at the Belmont, room 334.”

“Half past eight then?” Victor suggested.

Cherry smiled and nodded. “I better go.” She waved as she left him standing on the street.

Title: Sugar
Fandom: Original
Characters: Dana Heart
Author: sidhe_faerie
Rating: G
Length: 488
Content notes: #11. Sugar    
Summary: Dana had a problem with sugar.

Dana looked at all the chocolate on display in the candy store window. She stood there debating if she should give in or hold strong. She was wavering really badly. This was a battle she was probably not going to win.  She knew she wasn’t going to win. She sighed and went into the store. There was no use to lie to herself, she was going to buy some chocolate.

The damn Easter candy got her every year. Truthfully, so did the Christmas candy but on a much smaller scale. Chocolate was her weakness. Well, one of her weaknesses at least. To be honest, if something was mostly sugar, she usually liked it. She liked it a little too much.

Sugar was evil. Not really but Dana had issues with her weight and sugar was certainly not her friend. It was more like one the bad kids that you always wanted to hang out with in school. It was really nice and a lot of trouble. Dana was always in trouble when it came to sugar.

Sugar was a sweet temptress leading Dana into a forbidden place. The place it led her to was the plus size clothes store. Seriously, it was the one place that should be forbidden. Not even people that needed to go there wanted to.

Dana walked up to the counter and pointed to the chocolate fudge. She asked for a pound of chocolate fudge and a pound of jelly beans without the black ones, of course.

The jelly beans were an impulse. She ordered the fruit ones because she didn’t like the black ones. She didn’t like everything made of sugar just most of it.

Dana left the store and walked the rest of the way home. She walked home every day from work. The walk helped her unwind from a long horrible day of work and it was good exercise. She was going to need exercise after that pound of fudge.

Tea and an old movie after dinner were accompanied by the fudge. Dana managed to restrain herself and only eat about a fourth of it. She had to fight hard not to just sit there with a spoon and eat the whole thing.

Dana had a meeting tomorrow and she would need the majority of the fudge to console herself. She was going to need consoling when she had to tell her boss what she had to tell him. It wasn’t going to be a good meeting for anyone. Budget meetings were never good.

Before going to bed, Dana stuffed the jelly beans into her work bag. She looked at what she had done and shrugged. She was weak.

She was going to be hopped up on sugar for the next few days. She was worse than a junkie when it came to sugar.

It was all Sugar’s fault. That evil temptress was too hard to resist.