Part 2
Word Count: 1259

Taralen walked into the throne room. Cara was standing with her arms crossed between two guards.

“What am I doing back here? You promised me that I could live my life as I pleased.” Cara was angry and she didn’t care who knew it.

“It is good to see you too, Cara. I summoned you here to protect you. You are in danger.” Taralen sat down on the throne.

Taralen knew what she had just told her daughter was a lie but she didn’t want to tell her the real reason she summoned her. The invaders would be looking for a Queen and a Princess so Taralen would let them find just that. Taralen assumed the invaders knew Cara was the Crown Princess but they wouldn’t realize she didn’t possess the magick everyone thought she did.

“If you wanted me to come, you could have just asked.” Cara looked at the two guards on either side of her. “You didn’t have to send soldiers to drag me back. Drake will wonder where I am. They didn’t even give me time to leave a note.”

“Endora will explain to him and your daughters. I need you here we are expecting guests.” Taralen looked at the guards. “Go settle into your chambers. I will see you at supper.”

Cara turned and walked out. The guards followed her.

Captain Janlou walked into the throne room and bowed. “Do you think having the crown princess here is wise, Majesty? The invaders who brought down the Northern Court may be on their way here.”

“I am aware of that. They are expecting a Queen and a Crown Princess. I am just giving them what they are expecting.” Taralen folded her hands in her lap.

“Does she know what’s going on?” The Captain asked.

“No and she don’t want her to be told.” Taralen gave him a look. “Tell your men not to whisper in front of her.” 

“I will tell them, Majesty.” Captain Janlou bowed. “I saw the Princess and her maid at the stables getting ready to leave. You are sending her away?”

“She is the last of our line. I must keep her safe.” Taralen went to touch her ring on her hand and remembered she had given it Endora. “I took the crystal out of our portal. I sent it and the one from the Northern Court with the Princess.”

“Wise decision.” Captain Janlou took a deep breath. “The Sidhe Guard is on standby. All leave has been suspended and everyone has been called back. I have increased patrols in the castle.”

“You have everything well in hand, I see.” Taralen smiled. “If things go badly, take care of my granddaughter.”

“I will promise but I don’t think they will get by us.” Captain Janlou bowed. “Majesty, I need to attend to my men.”
Taralen nodded.

Captain Janlou bowed again and headed out.

Taralen sat alone. There were guards on the other side of the door but they would never disturb their Queen. Once again, she was doing something she shouldn’t. She was sacrificing her daughter to save her granddaughter, the future Queen.      

Endora carried her travel bag and the heavy leather bag that the Queen left with her down to the stables. She had put her own jewelry in the leather bag as well. That included both of her crowns. She wore her bracelet with the faery crystal under her riding glove. She needed to be ready if they had to make a quick escape.

Dionne and Quin were talking. She hugged him.

“Are you ready to go, Dionne?” Endora asked as she put down her bags.

“Yes. I guess so.” Dionne sighed and looked at Quin. “I was just explaining to Quin that the Queen is sending us on a diplomatic mission.”

“Highness, I’ll get your mounts.” Quin bowed and walked back into the stables.

“Thank you Dionne.” Endora picked up her bags.

“He’ll be okay, won’t he?” Dionne asked.

“Our Sidhe Guard is the best in all the fae realms. They will not let our realm fall. Endora reassured her.

“That didn’t answer my question.” Dionne realized she wouldn’t get a straight answer.

Quin brought out Sugarplum and Astra. “Here you go, Highness.”

“Thank you, Quin. We’ll see you in a few days.” Endora tied her bags to her horse and got on.

Quin helped Dionne up on Astra. “Good luck.”

Endora nodded and nudged Sugarplum towards the passage. She looked back at Dionne and saw her crying.

“I’m sorry Dionne. We need to hurry.” Endora looked forward again. She nudged Sugarplum to move faster.  

Aura came out on the porch when Endora and Dionne rode up.

“What are you doing here?” Aura saw the tears on Dionne’s face. “Endora, what’s wrong?”

Endora got down off her horse. “Aura, the Northern Court has fallen. Grandmother sent us here for safety.”

“Dragas!” Aura called back into the cottage. “Come out here!”

Dragas came out on the porch. “Hello. Aura, why did you call me out here. Weren’t you expecting them. 

“No I wasn’t. Endora was telling me that the Northern Court has fallen.” Aura turned back to her sister. “When did this happen?”

“Last night.” Endora tied sugarplum to the post. “The Queen and her daughters were killed in their beds. The barrier fell and the village surrounding the castle was overtaken. Grandmother sent us here with all the faerie crystals including the one from the Northern Court’s great portal.”

“How did that get here?” Aura asked.

“One of the soldiers was told to take it and run for the woods.” Endora explained. “When he was clear, the soldier created a portal and it connected with the Great Portal here. That was how we found out about the attack.”   

“You can’t stay here. This will be the first place. They will look for her.” Dragas looked at Endora. “We need to take you somewhere they won’t look for you. We can take them to the Crystal Castle.”

“No. That would endanger your people. We should take them to my father’s estate. There is a protective spell built into the estate put there by my great grandparents.” Aura said. “We can tell Mother what is going on and keep her safe as well.”

Endora looked down at the ground. “Aura, our mother is at the castle.”

“What?” Aura was startled. “She was staying at the estate with our father. When did she go to the castle?”

“She had just arrived when we left. A guard came into my chambers to announce her as grandmother was saying goodbye.” Endora looked at Aura. “I have no idea why she was there.”

Aura looked at Dragas. “We have to go get her.”

“Aura, there is no time.” Dragas grabbed her arm and shook his head. “Night will come soon and if they hit the Northern Court in the middle of the night they will follow the same tactics here. They may already be on the way to the castle by now.”

“Meet us at the estate. We will follow as soon as Aura warns Victra and Klaus to join us.” Dragas looked at Aura. “You and Victra are at risk. We must get you both to safety. They may come looking for all of Taralen’s granddaughters.” 

“We should all go together.” Endora looked at Aura. “If he’s right, you’re at risk too.”

“I can handle myself.” Aura hugged her sister. “We will be right behind you.”

Endora got back on Sugarplum. “Don’t take too long. Come on, Dionne, let’s get to the estate.”

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 Black Marsh
Fandom: Original (Ogham-Duir/FFQP)
Characters: Princess Endora, Dionne, Queen Taralen
Author: sidhe_faerie
Rating: PG
Length: 644
Content notes: #18 Floppy  Another from the faeries  
Summary: The Princess needs to be more careful where she rides.

The Black Marsh
Princess Endora walked into her chambers and threw her gloves on the table. “Dionne! I need to change. I have to be at Court and I can’t be late.

Dionne looked around the corner. “I have hot water and your Court dress is laid out. Princess! What did you do to your wings?”

“I don’t know. They started to droop after I rode through the Black Marsh.” Endora tried to shake them but they just flopped around instead. “They feel sticky.”

“Are you sure you didn’t smush them under one of those heavy cloaks you wear when you travel?” Dionne looked around the room for a cloak.

“I wasn’t wearing one. I haven’t worn one since …” Endora sighed. She tried to bear her wings together again and just managed to get them stuck together. “Ugh! This is so annoying. They’re all sticky and floppy.”

“Maybe if you take a soak.” Dionne walked over and tried to lift one of Endora’s wings. “You can’t walk around like this. People will think you have a plague or something.”

“Dionne, that is not one of the signs of the plague.” Endora glared at the maid.

“Endora, are you in here?” Queen Taralen walked into the Princess’ chambers.

Dionne dropped into a curtsey. “Majesty!”

“I was just about to change, Grandmother. I was riding.” Endora picked up her dress and headed for the privacy screen.

“Endora, where were you riding?” Taralen squinted at Endora’s wings.

“I was riding in the Black Marsh.” Endora stopped in her tracks. “Why do you ask?”

“Your wings have spirit mist all over them.” Taralen frowned. “How did you get your unicorn to go down there? They usually refuse to go down there.”

“I wasn’t on Astra. I was riding Sugarplum.” Endora told her.

“The horse again. They don’t know better.” Taralen sighed. “You should get in the bath and soak. If the mist hardens, you’ll never get then apart. I will excuse you from today’s audience at Court this time. The next time, you take that horse into the Black Marsh cover your wings with a heavy cloak. Better yet, you should just stay out of there.”

“I’ll get a bath prepared.” Dionne hurried out.

“Grandmother, I’m not afraid of the black marsh.” Endora put her dress back on the bed.

“Endora, I know you are brave and a skilled warrior but there is magick at work there that you don’t understand.” Taralen tried to warn her. “A fae cannot repel that kind of magick.”

“It’s a good thing I have been trained in many forms of magick then.” Endora pulled on her floppy wings and winced.

“What are you talking about?” Taralen asked.

“Aura has been training me. I thought you knew.” Endora was confused. “I though you told her to train me.”

Taralen shook her head. “No. What has she been teaching you?”

“Natural and Druid magick.” Endoa shrugged. “She’s been teaching me about herbs and simple spells too.”

Taralen thought for a moment. “You will be a powerful Queen with such knowledge. I admire your sister’s foresight.”

Endora looked at the floor. “Powerful but alone.”

“Don’t give up hope.” Taralen walked over to hug her granddaughter. “There will be someone for you again. In the meantime be more careful where you ride. Please.”

“I promise no more floppy wings. I’ll take a cloak and my dagger.” Endora hugged her tight. You’re going to be late for Court.”

“A queen is never late. Everyone else is just far too early.” Taralen kissed Endora on the cheek. “Take a soak and be ready tomorrow.”

“Yes Majesty.” Endora curtseyed then looked up and winked at her grandmother.

Taralen smiled. She passed Dioone and some kitchen maids coming in with pails of water.

“Are you in trouble?” Dionne asked in a whisper.

Endora shrugged. “I’m always in trouble. Today is no different.”

November
NBA: Tuathan Ball Invitation

X
I5 (Headache)
Dearest Diary,
I have a splitting headache. Last night was the Tuathan Faerie Ball in Crystal Spires. I was so excited I had never been before. There were so many surprises I wonder if I can remember them all.

My gown had a long train and a full skirt it wasn’t as low as the one for the Midsummer Ball. It had a square neckline and gold embroidery in a flower pattern just around the neck on the bodice.  It had the same flowers embroidered in the top layer of faerie silk on the skirt in gold.

There was dancing. I was glad that I told the seamstress to leave the sleeves off my gown. It was very hot in the ballroom. It was so fun.

Someone should have warned me about the punch. I think it had hard cider in it. I drank quite a few cups and I had some champagne too. I was surprised that Grandmother let me have that but because we were at the Ball I think she thought it was alright. I now know what a hangover feels like.

One surprise was that Victra came to the ball with Klaus. Aura said Victra was there for the first time. She wore a white gown that looked like one of my Court gowns. It was very plain. Klaus wore a dark grey suit. He looked very uncomfortable in it. He doesn’t wear suits very often.   

Aura looked very beautiful. Aura wore a gown with a full skirt and many layers of faerie silk. The bodice had a square neckline and it had gold embroidery all over it. She had a gold tiara with light green stones and diamonds. It looked really pretty against her dark hair. Dragas wore a black suit with his dark green Prince sash. He looked very handsome. This was the first time they were out together since their marriage.

The biggest surprise of the night came when the guests were being announced. I looked up and saw Paddrick. I wondered what he was doing there then he was announced as Prince Paddrick of the Tylwyth Teg. I was stunned. I had no idea he was a Prince. He came over and bowed to Grandmother and then he smiled at me and asked me to dance. 

We danced all night. It was hot and I was even hotter dancing so that is why I drank so much punch.

Later when we sat down to be served food, Grandmother invited him to sit with us. Aura and Victra along with Dragas and Klaus sat with us too. When Grandmother asked Paddrick why he was in Ogham-Duir he said he was traveling and looked at me and smiled again. That was when I had the champagne.

I couldn’t believe that the faerie that I had went on a picnic, a quest and a walk on the beach with was a Prince. He certainly doesn’t act like a Prince. Well I don’t act like a Princess most of the time either. I am beginning to think I’m being set up again. At least I like him a lot more than I did Prince Brandon.

Dionne just got here with that horrid porridge. I just can’t bear the smell of it this morning. I sent her back to the kitchen with it and told her to bring some willow bark tea. That should help my headache.
X
NBE 16: (With Paddrick on Mermaid Beach)
Dearest Diary,
I met Paddrick yesterday in Crystal Spires. We went for a walk on Mermaid Beach. We walked all the way up to where the water dragons live in the grotto and we sat on the beach. We just sat for a while then he took out his sketchpad and drew a picture of me. I think he was just stalling really but I loved it when it was done. He gave it to me. 

He wanted to explain why he didn’t tell me that he was a Prince. He said that he wanted me to like him for him and not because he was a Prince. I understand that when we first met he didn’t know that I was a Princess. He seemed really surprised when he found out too.

I didn’t hide the fact that I was a Princess or anything. I was with Aura and we never use titles because we are family.  

We agreed that we both messed up with that.

I asked him if he had come to Ogham-Duir to find a wife. He said that his mother, Queen March, was pressuring him into finding a wife but she didn’t want to make an arranged marriage for him.

I asked why there wasn’t any response from the Tylwyth Teg Court when Grandmother sent a request for eligible males. He explained that it was after we had met and the request said ‘Gaylen’ not ‘Endora’. He said because the request said a different name he didn’t think it was me but he was interested in me.

I explained to him that ‘Gaylen’ is my first name but everyone calls me by my middle name.

There was certainly a lot of misunderstand on both sides.

Paddrick said that when he told his mother that I was the Princess on the request, she said she would send a response to Grandmother. It should be here in a few days. He asked me if that was ok. He had heard what happened at Midsummer Court and he didn’t want me to feel pressured into a betrothal.

I told him that I didn’t. That was true. Royal betrothals take up to a year to end in marriage. We walked back to Crystal Spires and I went through the passage. I was glad we talked it all out.

Dionne is here with mint tea and oatmeal. I have to get dressed. It’s raining today so no training for me.    
X
NBA:  Paddrick’s Sketch

X
G4 (Tree house)
Dearest Diary,
Last night at supper Paddrick told us about the Palace of the Tylwyth Teg Court. He said it was a huge tree house. Each section of the palace was built in either a tree branch or around a tree trunk. The Throne Room was built around the main trunk at the very highest level. It was built that way so that the Queen can have a bird’s eye view of their Realm. 

I can’t wait to see this tree house Palace. It sounds so lovely. I’m sure it is a mess in the fall with the leaves and such. But to live in something alive sounds so wonderful. I can’t wait to visit and see it.

Now I understand what the birds are about. Paddrick says that the birds nest in the trees of the Palace and in the spring and summer they make an awful racket in the morning.

I asked if they live in the chambers or in the branches outside. Paddrick says that there are rooms that the birds are allowed in but not the living chambers. They are allowed in the Great Hall and the Throne Room. They have places to nest in the rafters.

The living chambers were at all different levels. Paddrick’s room was on one of the lower branches and his mother was on one of the highest. He said that because he was one of the younger children that they had run out of places to put him. I’m sure he was joking.

Paddrick has two older sisters and an older brother. He also has a younger sister that is still a little baby. He called her the surprise. I have no idea what that meant.

He said that his mother wants me to come after Yule to meet everyone. I told him that I would like that. Grandmother said that it would be a good idea.

I’m not even worried that his mother won’t like me. Well maybe just a little bit. I am a very different princess.

Paddrick didn’t mention his father and Grandmother was too polite to ask. I think I will ask him but only just before we leave for Wales. I don’t want to be rude or make him feel bad.

I wonder what one wears to meet a future mother in law. I never met Prince Brandon’s mother. We weren’t even betrothed all the way yet. Paddrick and I aren’t either but I’m sure it will happen.

I think that while we are young Paddrick and I can travel together for a while. Well I hope we can but Grandmother may have a different opinion.

Grandmother is pleased with the match but I need to be pleased too. I will be spending my life with him after we are married.

Everything is happening so quickly that I haven’t had a chance to think clearly. I am going out on a ride by myself this afternoon to think about the betrothal and some other things.

Dionne is here with breakfast and I have things to do. I’m going to try to get it all done so that I have plenty of time for my ride.
X
O4 (Treasure)
Dearest Diary,
I have been tasked with going over the inventory for the treasure. That means I will spend the day in the very dusty vaults checking each item to the entry in the inventory book.

It will take me at least a few days to get everything checked. I really wish that I could just have someone else do it but Grandmother wants me to do it. She says that I should know what is in the vaults even if we never use it. There are all sorts of things down there from tapestries to gold platters.

I hope there are no spiders down there. It would be the perfect place for them. They would be undisturbed to make webs and eat flies and grow fat. I need to stop with the spider thinking.

I saw the book that I will be checking against. It is at least three inches thick! I had no idea that there was that much stuff down there. I hear there is even a full suite of armor in gold with a jeweled breastplate. That is so impractical.

I can’t wait to see how many things we have more than one of. I heard there were at least a dozen gold platters and several gold goblets. The last time they were all used was my mother’s wedding to my father. I suppose they will be used for my wedding as well when ever that will be.  

When I am Queen, I think I may have a cleaning out and get rid of some of that stuff it makes no sense to keep it if it will just gather dust. There are more important things to do than collect dusty old treasures.  

I would want to use the gold for the good of the people and not to collect dust and never be seen or used. It some of those platters were melted down it could feed a whole village. Maybe even the entire realm. It’s not that we have a great deal of hungry people but there are some that could use some help and I would like to see that they get it. Someday I will see this realm the way I hope it to be.

I think that what is getting to me is that I will have to miss training. There will not be very many good days for training left once the weather turns. I shouldn’t be so silly.

Dionne says she will make sure that Astra and Sugar Plum are well exercised while I am down in the vaults. I don’t expect that will be a problem but she will have to get a groom to ride Sugar Plum. For some reason my horse doesn’t like her but my unicorn does. It is all very strange. I think it’s her dragonfly wings.

Speaking of Dionne she is coming with breakfast. So I must start my day in the vaults. I hope they don’t have to lock me in there. How on earth will I go to the outhouse if I’m locked in a vault?        
X
N1 (Dirty / Messy)
Dearest Diary,
After two days of crawling around the vaults of the Castle, all I can think of is a hot bath. Dionne has been good about having one ready when I come to my chambers each night.

There was at least an inch or two of dust and dirt on everything. Some of the trunks even had dust inside them. I have never seen such a filthy place in my life and I have quested in some places that were nasty dirty. This was nasty dirty with extra yucky. I think we will have to move the tapestries and such to one of the upper storage rooms. It was a bit damp down there too. That made it even more gross. 

I swear I think we should really think about cleaning that mess up. It’s not so much that there is so much down there collecting dust that could be used to help out people but it’s the dirt and dust that’s down there too. I am going to talk to Grandmother about having some of the servants clean down there on a regular basis. Just the most trusted servants will be allowed down there.  

I came up the last two nights covered in dirt and I had cobwebs in my hair. Oh yes! There are spiders down there. I thought there might be so I took my dagger with me. I was sure there weren’t fire spitting ones or purple glow in the dark ones but there were a few that were almost as big as my hand. I had to kill four of them. It was gross.

I did find a few things that were not in the inventory book. I took the list to Grandmother last night and she was surprised to see a few of the objects on the list. She sent me back down for a silver music box. I have a feeling it belonged to my great grandmother. It was just the way she looked at it that made me think that. It was in bad need of a polish as were many other things.

I also asked her about a silver crown that wasn’t on the list. It is very plain so I asked if I could use it when we sat Court. It’s not that I don’t like my gold tiara I just think it’s a little elaborate for me to wear for just court. She had me to bring it up and I found out that it was hers when she was younger before she became Queen. She said that she would be honored for me to wear it. It will need to be polished up. It was covered with dirt and tarnish but I can see the beauty in it.

Dionne just came in with the crown and my breakfast. Breakfast is starrberry jam and clotted cream on that dark bread I love. There is mint tea too. The crown looks lovely. I can’t wait to wear it at court today. Its funny this is the first time I am actually looking forward to sitting at Court. It must have been the spiders. 
X
G5 (Labor)
Dearest Diary,
Yes there I was working with my hands like a maid while we cleaned the vaults. Grandmother said that if I wanted the vaults cleaned that I should do it myself. It’s not that I’m against manual labor but I am a princess after all.

I persuaded Dionne to help me. She was not amused when we got down there. She was muttering something about there better not be any something I couldn’t tell what she said really. She was not happy at all.  

I think that Grandmother was really just making a point that I should take care of things myself sometimes. It wasn’t that bad I have done manual labor before. When I go to Aura’s I help her clean and cook. She doesn’t have a servant at her cottage.

I suppose she will be at the Crystal Fortress more now that she is married. I can’t see Dragas wanting to stay in that little cottage with no servants. He may try to act like he isn’t the typical Prince but he is.  

We had most of the mess cleaned up by suppertime last night. We will finish up today. There is one more section that needs to be cleaned up.

We mopped and swept and even scrubbed the floor and the walls and wiped the dust off of everything. We even put some things in the new trunks I had brought down. There are a few things that will need to be left out just in case but we managed to pack a great deal of it away.
I had the tapestries taken out and cleaned. I had them moved to the storage room behind the Throne Room. It’s drier in there and once they were cleaned the tapestries can be put out in the castle. There is one I want to put in my room. It has warriors on it in battle.   

I had cobwebs in my hair again. I really hate that. But there want any spiders this time. I either killed them all or they were hiding from me. I’d hide too from a woman with a dagger that killed your relatives. I hate spiders. I really hate them.

I hope Dionne is not too tired to draw a bath for me tonight. She was tired last night so I just washed up. I need to wash the dust out of my hair tonight.

After this is done Grandmother wants me to start learning to read the reports that come in from the Realm and get an understanding of everything that is going on. I don’t understand why there is such urgency in all these things she wants me to learn. Mother says Grandmother wasn’t much older than me when she became queen. That may be the reason.

Dionne is here and she is ready to get on with it. She still looks tired. I may not get a bath tonight after all. Well I shall just have to make do. If she is too tired I will not ask for it.  Dark bread and clotted cream for breakfast. Sounds yummy.
X

September
O3 (Casual)
Dearest Diary,
Paddrick sent a note through Dionne that he wanted to see me. Since he didn’t go through the Royal Secretary this is a casual meeting.

Grandmother is starting to insist that my friends make appointments with the Royal Secretary. She wants me to start keeping a formal calendar. It’s a Royal Princess thing. She says that I am too old to have guests dropping by with no appointments and I should act like a Princess more.

I don’t know all this formal appointment thing is probably because of Lady Starr dropping by to ask a favor. Grandmother didn’t like that too well.

I hope we have another picnic. I enjoyed spending the day with him. I have to remember to take the inkwell and quills that I got for him. I think he wants to sketch me. It would be fun.

I don’t see why I can’t have a more casual schedule. I’m not Crown Princess. Mother has to have the Royal Secretary write down every appointment. She never has anything but formal appointments I don’t want to be like that. I’m sure Grandmother is just trying to prepare me but it seems like it’s a bit early for me to start acting like a Crown Princess.

I wonder what the real reason is that Paddrick didn’t want anything on the calendar. This will be only the second time that we are meeting. It’s not like I can keep anything secret around here or even in Crystal Spires. Dionne is a font of gossip and when I’m the subject she makes sure to tell me.

The only reason that he doesn’t want it on the calendar is he doesn’t want Grandmother to know I am meeting him. But that is silly because I will most likely tell her. I have a problem keeping anything from her. She knows what I’m up to sometimes before I do. It’s annoying how she knows everything so I’m sure she already knows about Paddrick.

It makes me think he has something to hide. I hope not.

I wonder if he wants to ask me to go on a quest with him. I would like that. He seems like he would be fun to quest with. He travels around a great deal at least that is what he said. I’m sure he has a lot of friends that have thing that need taken care of. I will have to ask him if he quests.

Whatever the reason for the casual way he asked to see me, I’m happy to go see him. I like him. I’m sure he will become a great friend as we get older.

Dionne is here and she is muttering to herself again. I think she had a fight with her sweetheart. He has been talking to the new kitchen maid and Dionne isn’t happy about it. She should just talk to him and stop muttering over my breakfast. Oatmeal doesn’t care if the kitchen maid is a tart or if she has winked with all the stable hands. I think it’s that winking thing that gets us all in trouble at one point and not always in a good way.

Time to get my day started.     
X
NBE 13: (Granting a Favor)
Dearest Diary,
I met with Paddrick yesterday. He wants me to go to Wales with him and look for a beast that has been stealing sheep. It shouldn’t take long to find it. Klaus has been teaching me how to track animals so I should make quick work of it.

I wonder if that is the only reason that he wants me to come to Wales. I swear if he winks at me, I will give him a black eye.

He did give me a flower and told me it was sunshine just like me. Paddrick is so full of it. At least he is entertaining. 

I need to get packed. I will leave Dionne here this time. Paddrick can help with things. Dionne is here early with a sack of food and I need to get dressed I hope this is a quick quest
X
NBA: Flower from Paddrick

X
I4 (Stars)
Dearest Diary,
I finally had my picnic with Paddrick yesterday. It was late by the time we left the side of Blue Skye Mountain. The stars were already out. I was surprised that Grandmother didn’t send the Sidhe Guard after us.

We sat for a long time and just looked at the stars. They are pretty. We don’t see that many of them in the Mist. I think that was why I was so mesmerized by them. 

Paddrick did the strangest thing while we were looking at the stars. He started to recite poetry. I had never heard any of it before. I supposed that it was Tylwyth Teg poetry at first but then he started to rhyme my name in the poem and I realized he had written it just for me.

I cannot believe that he wrote me a poem. It was like he was trying to woo me or something. I wonder if he is trying to woo me. Maybe I should ask Aura because I don’t want Grandmother to do something to him just because he wants to woo me.

This is all so odd. What if he likes me like a sweetheart? I just met him a few months ago and we really didn’t spend that much time together. Well we did go on that quest but it wasn’t romantic. 

When I started back into the Mist passage, he gave me a parchment with his poem on it. I put it in the pages of this diary. It was sweet of him to go to all that trouble.

I wonder if he wrote others for me. It sounds so romantic but really I don’t know how it would be. I never gave him any inclination that I wanted to be sweethearts. Or did I?

Maybe he was just impressed with my questing skills. I did know how to track better than he did and I was armed and he didn’t even think to bring a weapon. We really didn’t need weapons against an injured dragon. All we needed was healing spells. He didn’t know any of those either.

Maybe I should write a poem for him in return. Maybe I should write something about his greenish eyes and his brown hair or the copper color on the edges of his wings. I am horrible at poetry.

Maybe I should just give him a gift. He is always drawing and writing. I could give him a new set of quills and an ink well. 

He asked if he could draw a sketch of me when we saw each other again. I told him that I think that would be nice. He smiled. I’ll go into Crystal Spires and pick them up. I think a crystal ink well would be nice. I’ll stop in the Glassworks today to order one.

I hear Dionne and I smell that awful porridge again. She won’t stop bringing it. I think Grandmother tells her that she has to do it even if I won’t eat the stuff. I hope she brought more than just that I’m hungry this morning.
X
NBA: Paddrick’s Poem

X
B2 (Accidentally bonded / married)
Dearest Diary,
Grandmother received a missive from the Northern Court. It seems that Prince Brandon and Lady Cobweb of the Midsummer Court have been married.

It was a private affair. It seems to have been very rushed. Apparently he and the Lady Cobweb had been caught in mid ‘wink’. That was when King Oberon made the marriage contract with the Northern Court.

It happened about a month ago. It was a few weeks after the Ball. Mother and I had already come home. Prince Brandon had decided to stay on after we left. No doubt to enjoy the free spirited nature of the Court. There always seemed to be a party attitude.

Dionne also received a letter from her cousin. It seems that the Prince and the Lady had been ‘winking’ for a while. Dionne’s cousin said that there may be a child sooner than later from the union. There was a rumor that Prince Brandon made his vows with the King’s sword in his back.        

I believe he and Lady Cobweb were involved when I was there for the Ball. That makes his rude behavior to me even more reprehensible. He and I were supposed to be in the preliminary stages of being betrothed.  

Lady Cobweb is welcome to the lazy fool. Any Prince, much less man that will treat a woman with disrespect is not worth his crown. I’m sure the Northern Court is glad to be rid of him.

I just think that Lady Cobweb will need to keep a close eye on him. She may also want to have ugly serving girls. Just to reduce his temptation of course.

I hope there aren’t any wars there. Midsummer Court seems ill equipped to defend itself. I suppose they would just invite the enemy to have a goblet of wine and a piece of cake. Maybe even ask them to dance.

I missed training while I was there. They didn’t even have proper mounts to ride. When I came back I was so sore after training that I couldn’t move properly for a while.

I suppose that I will be asked to try this arranged marriage thing again. Grandmother said that it is my duty to marry for the crown. I just wish there was a better selection of Princes.

The Sidhe Princes of the Northern Court are either taken or too young for me. Prince Philip is only 10 years of age. The Midsummer Court had no sons. The Tylwyth Teg Court may be my only option. I have no idea if they have sons.   

A Welsh husband? That may be the way to go. He won’t be Sidhe but he will be a Royal. Maybe by the time I do marry, grandmother will change the law so that my children can ascend as well, even if they are mixed Fae.  

Oh I hope my children don’t come out with dark hair and are short. What am I saying? I’m short. I’m a Fae. We are all short!

I must get dressed. I have sit at Court today. It’s going to be a long and boring day.
X
NBA:  Aura’s Wedding Invitation

X
NBE 14: (Aura’s Wedding)
Dearest Diary,
My sister is married now. Aura and Dragas were married on Alban isle at sunset. Then everyone rose in carriages along the torch lit road to Crystal Fortress. The Great Hall there was all lit up and the murals were sparkling in the candle light. It was all so beautiful.

I was Aura’s attendant. Victra called me the ‘maid of honor’. It would have been Victra but she was the one that presided over the ceremony. I wore one of the blue priestess robes and I had blue ribbons in my hair. It was so strange to wear color. I only ever wear white. I really liked it.

Paddrick was there too. We danced most of the night and he told me stories about the places that he has been in his travels. I really enjoyed his company. I think we danced all night.   

Paddrick gave Aura and Dragas a wedding gift. It was a clay bird painted bright colors he said it will bring them good luck. Paddrick said it was a traditional gift for wedded couples among the Tylwyth Teg. He told her to put it in the window sill of their bed chamber facing outside.

Aura was very gracious when she accepted it. It wasn’t the most expensive gift she was given but it was the most unique.

Aura will be sending out the ‘thank you’ notes in a few days. I wonder if Paddrick will still be here. He may be leaving on his travels soon. I hope he tells me before he leaves so that I may wish him safe travels.

Dionne is here with oatmeal and starrberry jam for breakfast. I have to tell Grandmother and Mother all about the wedding. I got home so late last night they were already asleep. I wonder if I should mention Paddrick.
X
NBA:  Hair Bow from Aura’s wedding

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July
B4 (Towel)
Dearest Diary,
Dionne told me the funniest thing yesterday. She heard from some of the other maids that towels were come up missing from the laundry and then they would appear a few days later completely filthy. It had been going on for weeks. No one could figure out what was going on. It was a big mystery.

Well yesterday one of the grooms came up from the barn and said that there was someone bathing in the duck pond. He didn’t want to disturb the person because he may not be friendly so he came up to get a Sidhe Guard.

While he was up at the Castle explaining what was going on with the man in the pond. Noah, the Sidhe Guardian pup that Dionne found a few months ago went down to the pond and bit the man on his bum.

The man came running toward the Castle with the Guardian chasing him in nothing but one of the stolen towels. It seems he was the towel thief all along. But that wasn’t the funny part. It turned out to be the Captain of the Guard getting ready for a date with his sweetheart.

His sweetheart, Mabel, had told him that she wouldn’t walk out him if he didn’t bathe. She is one of the kitchen maids and one of Dionne’s friends. So he took the towels from the laundry went down to the duck pond and washed up then returned the towels a few days later.

When he ran he went into the courtyard just as the queen was coming in from her afternoon ride. When he saw the queen he bowed down and the towel fell off. There was the captain of the guard standing there completely naked in front of the Queen! Noah, the guardian was barking the whole time at the naked man. I would have loved to see grandmother’s face. I bet she was shocked. I would be.

So the queen told him to go dress and she wanted to see him in her study in fifteen minutes. No one knows what the queen said to him but he has been relieved of duty for a few days. At least that is what Dionne heard from her friend who is a Sidhe Guard.

I wonder if he is trouble for being naked or for taking the towels or maybe a combination of both. I have no idea what I would have done. I most likely would have laughed myself silly.

I’m sure I will always imagine him running up from the duck pond with the guardian on his heels in a towel.

Poor Mabel must be mortified. Dionne said the whole castle knows why he was in the duck pond bathing now. It amazes me what people with usually good sense do when they are in love. Geez I hope they are in love after all that.

Here comes Dionne with breakfast so it’s time to start my day. I have a busy day with drills and Court.
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N3 (WILD CARD Questing)
Dearest Diary,
I wonder how many quests I have been on in the past two years. I am always going somewhere. I just got back from a quest only to go on another one. I really need to make a rule about how often I go on these things.

Grandmother says now that I am of age I need to spend more time at home and learn the ‘Queen’ things I need to know. I think she is just worried that I will get hurt on a quest. I keep telling her that I am very skilled at sword craft so there is no need to worry. It doesn’t help. She still worries.

Maybe if I just limit the number of days that I can be gone that may help. Although a quest takes as long as a quest takes. Sometimes they take days and sometimes they take a month or more. It just depends.

I think maybe she is more concerned with the people I go on quests with. Or should I say creatures? Well they are my friends so I don’t see what the big deal is. Grim is a shadow wraith and Lady Starr is a vampire demon. Let’s not forget Dulcina. Grandmother thinks she is a bad influence where ever she is. Dark faeries are like that I suppose.

It’s not fair really. I enjoy questing. I can go and find things and fight for good and have a generally good time with my friends.

I also learn about other worlds and cultures so it’s not all battle and searching. I have seen so many worlds and watched civilizations rise and fall. I have so much to teach my children and so many stories to tell.

I should write my stories down and keep them in the library so that future generations can study them and learn from them.

There are so many it will take me forever to get them all down but I want to try. It shall be several thick volumes of all the places and things that I have seen and experienced. I shall have to talk to the librarian to get advice on how to go about writing such a large project.       

it shall be an undertaking but I have plenty of time before I am Queen and even if I don’t finish before then I can keep writing on it until it is complete.

I should get started on it as soon as possible. I think it will be fun putting everything down in a book so that I can read it again later. I wonder if I will remember it the same when I’m old. I hope so.

I will have Dionne take an order over to the book binders today to have one made to write my quests in. Here comes Dionne with that awful porridge again. That is the first thing I will outlaw when I’m Queen. No sticky porridge. I need to get going. I need to exercise Astra today. I think we will ride out to the farms and back.   

May
G3 (Memorize)
Dearest Diary,
I feel like I’m in school room again. I have to memorize all of the Honored Dead that have died in the past year. It is part of the Remembrance Ceremony we have every year. There are thirty four names with all the associated titles for me to memorize.

Lord robin, who died just two weeks ago, had three titles. He was Court Recorder, Council Member and an Earl of the Eastern Ridge. I have never heard of the title before but Grandmother says it was given to him by the Northern Court so it is valid. He was also an Ambassador to the Northern Court for a time. That was when my great grandmother, Deirdre, was queen.

This is the first year I will recite the Honored Dead at the ceremony. Grandmother says that because I am of age I should have more duties. I suppose that makes sense. It is strange that I seem to be doing more of what my mother’s duties. I wonder what she will do with the extra time she has now.

It almost seems like I’m replacing my mother all together. I’m sure it’s just my imagination. I won’t be doing any ‘ruling of the realm’ until a long time from now.

I have to go over the list again with the Court Historian to make sure I have all the titles and names correct. That should take the entire morning. There are several books of genealogy that I will have to go through to check it all.

I also have to make sure the titles are in order of importance. The most import should be first and the least important at the end. This is going to be tricky to remember all of that. It’s not just the titles but I have to put the list in order of most esteemed to lesser nobility.

I think everyone is equally important so all of this is just a waste of time if you ask me. We should honor them for what they have done not for the titles they carry. I’m sure grandmother would be appalled to know that I feel this way. I think it has to do with all the questing I do with all the different kinds of people I come across. It’s just how I feel that’s all.

I was reading the list last night and I realized that I didn’t even know all of these people even though they were a part of the royal court. It seems I don’t spend enough time at court as I probably should. I wonder if my mother knew all of them. I shall have to ask her.

I need to get dressed and get down to the library. The only good part about all of this is that I get out of my usual court appearance. I also love to go to the library. I hope Lord Wilkens has another volume on the battles of the Northern Court and the Milesians or the Fomors. I enjoy reading those battle stories.

Dionne is here with breakfast. It smells horrible I bet it’s that porridge stuff again. I suppose I have to remind her not to bring that again.
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NBE 9:
Dearest Diary,
The Remembrance Ceremony went well and I was so proud that I didn’t make a mistake. Grandmother was impressed with the fact that I made sure everything was correct before I started. Apparently the first year my mother did the ceremony she failed to get one of the titles right and the family of the person was very upset.

I’m just glad it is all over because I can’t believe how nervous I was. It was silly really. All I was doing was reciting what I memorized. I shouldn’t have been so nervous.

Dionne said it was because everyone was staring at me. I didn’t even think of that I just wanted to do it right to honor the dead.

It’s over until next year at least. Dionne is here with breakfast and I have training. 
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O1 (Healing)
Dearest Diary,
I am going to Aura’s to spend some time learning healing spells and medicines. I can’t wait. I like going to Faerieglen. I have a little more freedom there even though I have to learn more spells.

This time my grandmother suggested that Aura teach me. Grandmother said it doesn’t hurt to have knowledge of spells, even ones that are witch spells. She wants me to know what to do if I am on a quest and I need to heal someone or myself.

I think it’s a great idea but I’m not so sure I can learn them as quickly as I learned the faerie spells for healing. I seemed to learn those easily. I shall just have to see then, wont I?

I have to learn medicinal herbs too. Aura has many books for me to study. She says she wants me to make a potion book with all the new things I learn so I can have a reference. I think that would be a good idea. She says I will be helping her make the medicines for Faerieglen while I am there and those should go in my potion book as well.

I hope she teaches me what all these healing herbs look like before they are all dried and crushed so that I can find them when I am out on a quest. I will need to know that. I am sure of it.

I will be gone for a whole two weeks. I will be training with Dragas. He is quite good at battle skills. He says I will be learning from him as well.

Dragas is a druid mage. He has things to teach me as well. There are Druid healing spells too. He has said that it would be a good idea to learn those too. He has confidence that I can do them because I have strong magick. I don’t know if Grandmother will like that I will learn Druid spells as well. Maybe I shouldn’t tell her about that.

I wonder if Dragas will teach me potions for my book too. I would love to have Druid ones as well. I’m sure there are many that are similar to Aura’s witchy ones.

I have everything ready to go. I will take Sugar Plum with me. I will need a horse to ride. Aura doesn’t shimmer. She teleports in a strange witch way. We will travel on horseback instead.

Dragas gave Aura a roan stallion. She calls him Fred. I have no idea where that name comes from. I will have to ask.

We will keep out horses at the Draconis Estate. There are barns there. Aura keeps Fred there. She doesn’t have a barn at her cottage in Rosemont. We will be staying at the Draconis Estate this time and not at the cottage. We will stay there for the horses and because the older spell books are there.

I must get up Dionne will be here in a minute and I just heard Sugar Plum being led into the courtyard. I wonder why she was saddled so early. I hope she doesn’t get restless waiting.
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NBE 10: (Training Completed)
Dearest Diary,
I just got back from Aura’s last night. That was the hardest two weeks I think I have ever spent learning anything. I learned spells from Witchcraft and Druid and several new potions. I wrote everything down in a book so that I can have it to study later.

I did all right I guess but it wasn’t easy at first because the potions can be tricky to measure just right. I even blew up a potion. Aura said it was because the flame was too high. I suppose she is right because she has been doing this for years. Aura even studied Faerie magick spells and potions in her training.

We are a strange family, a faerie with two half dragon sisters. Soon we will have a Druid and a wood cutter to add to the mix. We are a very strange group.

I like the fact that we share our spells and potions. I think I must be the only faerie that can do spells that are not faerie spells. I like that.

I have to report to Grandmother about my experience when I get finished with breakfast. I’m sure she wants to see my new spell book too.
Dionne is here and she has oatmeal and starrberry jam for my breakfast.
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March
NBA:  Spring Rush Invitation

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NBE 3 (Spring Rush Tea)
Dearest diary,
Grandmother sent me over to the Spring Rush Tea at the Briar Rose Community Center in Rosemont yesterday. She wanted me to represent the Southern Tuathan Court. There were representatives there from everywhere.

Almost every Court in Ogham-Duir sent a representative even Kingdom of Cullen. Land of Ren was the only one not sending a representative. Aura says there hasn’t been a representative from Cullen there in quite some time and Ren never sends one.

There were some people from Old Atlantis present as well. Aura said the High Council is in Ren now after Atlantis exploded. It is amazing that anyone survived. That was a scary day. We even felt it in the Tuathan Realm.

The Spring Rush Tea is a gathering to supposedly make spring come faster. When Ogham-Duir was founded there was a way to make the seasons change with magick. All of those spells were held in the sacred temple on Atlantis. The High Priestesses would do the ritual and spring would appear then there was a tea to celebrate. No one does the ritual anymore since Atlantis is gone and so is the temple and High Priestesses that knew how to do the spell.

I did enjoy the party. I just like spending time in Faerieglen with Aura. She is going to teach me some healing spells in a week or so.

Dionne is here with my laundry and some of that horrible porridge again time to get the day started.
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NBE 2 (Be Green Parade)
Dearest Diary,
I went to visit Aura yesterday and we went to the Be Green Parade. It celebrates the day of greening. It’s one of the pre-Ostara celebrations of spring. 

There were several new people there. There were even faeries I had never met before. They were not Tuathan or Darks but some of them were Welsh Fae. 

Most of the Welsh Fae was drinking in Brimstone Tavern later that day when Aura and I went to get dinner. They have an excellent vegetable stew and a starrberry pie that is almost as good as the Royal chef.

One of them named Paddrick came to our table and started to talk to us. Well he was paying me more attention to me than Aura. I thought it was funny.

Aura thought he may like me. She says that he probably doesn’t know that I am a Royal. I was dressed in tunic and breeches. It was still chilly so I had borrowed one of Aura’s cloaks, her blue one.

I have to admit I was intrigued. He was very charming. He was handsome too. I think I like him. Paddrick Nutley – that is a strange name for a Welsh Fae. We talked about questing and some of the places we had been. He said that he might see me again.

He spent most of the evening at our table until one of his friends came to get him. They had to go back to Wales that night. Aura says that group comes every year for the parade but they rarely stay later than that. I guess they just wanted some fun.

That was a fun night. I hope I see him again.

Dionne is coming with something horrible smelling for breakfast again.
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