The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry

Today, when I came down to get my cup of coffee, I heard a strange shuffling noise coming from under my sink. Wondering what Warren and Odette were up to this early (they like to take their mornings slow and casual) I opened the cupboard doors to find that they had moved all my cleaning supplies to one side and were in the process of painting their pumpkin home bright green. They smiled up at me with their green smudged faces and waved the tiny paint brushes they were holding. “Top O’ the Mornin’ to you!” Warren continued to paint, making wide sweeping brush strokes then dipping his brush back into the bucket for more paint.

Odette set the brush down on the rim of her bucket and waddled over to me. “We thought we would spruce up the place for St. Paddy’s Day, what do you think?”

I stared into the cabinet. Green paint was splattered ever where. “It’s…ah, it’s certainly bright.” My little gnome friends are very sensitive and I didn’t have the heart to point out the mess they were making.

She beamed back at me. “We are goin to be havin some company. My cousins are wantin’ ta be visitin’. I don’t know quite when so rather than be in the garden, we thought we could have them here.” She pointed at their now mostly green pumpkin house. “I’m thinking its a grand color, will make them feel right at home. Warrens goin’ ta put out the wooden rockers.”

I pushed the mess to the back of my mind. “I think it will be great to have your family here Odette, you are very gracious to have them.”

Odette waddled back to her brush and began to paint, without turning around she said, “Oh, and don’t you be frettin about the mess, Arial is going to zap everything sparklin clean when we’re finished.”

I started to close the cupboard door when she squeaked, “We’re lookin forward ta your corn beef and cabbage tonight!”

Offering a weak smile, I closed the door and left the two gnomes to finish their project. I grabbed my mug of coffee and sat at the bar, staring out the kitchen window. Two thoughts kept running through my mind as I watched a blue jay pulling nesting material out of my hanging pot, first, how did Odette know what I had been thinking when it came to the mess of paint, and second, where in the world did they get little cans of green paint!

Oh well…I had better get started on the corn beef and cabbage.

Mab had finally returned to her seasonal palace in the west, giving Orlaith full reign here for the winter. Our small group stood by the great crystal doors of the palace as all the guests at the Yule ball said their good-byes and departed into the forest. The mermaids needed a little assistance getting back to their lake but that was accomplished by the centaurs pulling massive wooden carts with large crystal tanks. The tanks were  filled with lake water, and the mermaids who were now flapping and splashing happily as they rolled away down the path and into the darkness.

Orlaith glided across the hall toward us followed closely by Arial, Sunny, Bella, Pip and Ferne. Arial took her usual place on my shoulder and the others played tag with each other around my head. In the year that had just passed I had forgotten what a handful they could be. Not that I minded. Other faeries shot past me and took positions by what I assumed were their mortals. I chuckled under my breath when I realized that they kind of matched their charges. Sparkle had a feisty little faerie that wore a gown of multicolored scarves in a daring off the shoulder fashion. She had large eyes and a puckered mouth. The Word Master’s faerie had silky straight hair and wore a black and white one piece jumper. A faerie with large green wings in the shape of oak leaves perched on Jewel and the faerie hovering around the Sculptress had her honey colored hair pulled up in a lose bun and was wearing a red and white polka dot skirt that ballooned out like the top of a mushroom. Golden Heart had the most glorious faerie. She wore a gown of midnight blue and silver that billowed around her like a cloud.

When the last of the straggling pixies had departed, Orlaith drew closer so that she could give us her royal blessings. Speaking softly to each person, she sent them off with their faeries. One by one, my new friends dissolved in sparkling light with promises that we would keep in touch.

Orlaith waited patiently while  Golden heart gave me a hug. Her black hair shone in the reflected light of the palace as she waved goodbye. Grinning broadly, she shimmered away into nothingness. The winter queen slipped her arm through mine. “Kind One, I must speak with you before I let you return to your world.” Her mood was suddenly somber. “I have been informed of a breech at the portal in the ivy hedge. ” I jumped back in shock at the unexpected bit of news, sending the group of faeries spiraling around my head flying off in all directions, squeaking their displeasure. “Oh no! is anyone hurt? I must get back immediately. I, I have to check on my gnomes and Bill, oh, and my dogs!”

I charged through the crystal doors, down the wide steps, and out into the night. I shut out Orlaith’s frantic plea’s for me to return to her and the safety of the palace. The only thing on my mind was the safety of my family. Not stopping to think about what I would do when I got to the ivy hedge, I dashed through the meadow, heading for the ebony gloom of the trees. A single thought wafted though my panic driven mind, I’ve been down this path many times before, I have a good idea how to get back, even  if it is pitch black. I ran, fearing the worst, but hoping for the best. I had no idea where Arial was or even if she was following me.

The path ahead was swallowed by the forest. I hesitated for only for a moment then shot forward, dashing into the inky underbrush.The wild wood closed in around me. The trees that were so cool and inviting by day had turned menacing, their branches reached for me, picking at my hair and clutching the sleeves of my gown. The last thing I heard was Orlaith’s voice warning me about…what was it…her voice was so faint now, it sounded like “they’re dangerous” or something. Then, I was alone, with nothing but the pounding of my heart in my ears.

Irrational fear drove me out of the palace and into the darkness of the forest. I had to get home, had to help…somehow, but it wasn’t long after I entered the dark, foreboding,  mass of pine and oak that cool, logical, common sense hit me and I stopped running. My sides burned and ached and my breath came in ragged gasps. I tried to see through the murky blackness with no success. Bending forward, I wrapped my arms around my waist and waited for my breathing to slow down and the pain in my side to release. What had I been thinking? I hit my forehead with the palm of my hand. Stupid, stupid, stupid girl! Now you’re alone in the woods, in the DARK.

My imagination began to get the best of me, I thought that I felt a hand close around my ankle and jerked myself to attention. I tore forward, shaking  my foot with each frenzied step.The darkness filled with all kinds of eerie sounds. Multiple sets of tiny, piercing, yellow eyes blinked at me from the bushes. I slowed my pace and began walking slowly up the path, hoping I was going in the right direction. The yellow eyes were all around me now, moving with me.

*********

Orlaith shouted at me as I darted down the steps. “Kind One, no! Don’t go, wait for the emerald guard! You don’t know what lurks in the dark woods, wait! They are dangerous!” Arial was hovering at her side, shocked at how fast I had moved, wings flapping like a humming bird, eyes wide. Mutely, she pointed after me as I sped across the meadow toward the opening in the trees. Panic swept through the mass of faeries that had gathered by the palace doors. Sunny and Ferne were trying hard to calm the commotion. Shrill whaling’s of “what will we do now!” echoed through the great hall.

Orlaith turned and raised her arms, calling for quiet. The court grew silent and waited. “Arial, my daughter, go after the Kind One, be quick now, they will hear her coming. Sunny, Ferne, go ahead to the portal, see what needs to be done, help where you can and send the captain of the emerald guard to me. Bella and Pip, you go to the Elvenwood and notify Elendain and the elves, they can work back from the far side of the realm. The rest of you spread out over the forest, be sure to stay above the canopy, and keep your eyes sharp. Signal if you see anything.

Orlaith stood at the entrance to her palace and watched as hundreds of faeries headed into the night. “I pray the Goddess Danu watch over you, and keep you safe Kind One.” Her voice stuck in her throat. “Please Danu, bring her back to us.”

*********

I walked timidly through the pitch black forest. Eyes wide, arms out in front of me, feeling for any obstacles that I might run into. The yellow eyes kept pace. I noticed that the farther I went, the more  pairs of eyes were watching, waiting. A low moan echoed the the darkness causing the tiny yellow beacons to wink out. I don’t know what was worse, seeing the yellow eyes, or not seeing them but knowing they were out there. A chill ran down my spine as the moan echoed again. I stopped and waited. Silently cursing my stupidity, I began to wonder what had happened to Arial. Why wasn’t she here? I whispered into the darkness, “Arial, I need you, I’m here, on the path leading to the ivy hedge, and I’m not alone. Follow my thoughts…hurry, please hurry.”

A glowing mist had begun to form on the path ahead of me. In it was a ghostly form of a faerie, she was smiling and beckoning me to come closer. A warm peace settled over me and all sense of panic subsided. Feeling a little lightheaded, I moved toward the light…

© Tami Ruesch, The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry, 2009-2010

Dressed in their finest,  Arial and the emerald guard escorted the Kind One to the winter queen’s palace. The grand hall was transformed for the faeries high holiday of Yule. It is the only time the queens of the four seasons, Orlaith, Alina, Litha and Mab are ever seen together.  Residents from throughout the realm were arriving to celebrate winter’s return, and hoping to get an audience with the queens.

The lights dimmed and the procession of the queens began. In the soft light The Kind One noticed other mortals standing in the crowd but her curiosity melted when Mab, the queen of autumn herself stopped right in front of her and extended and invitation to attend a special meeting at midnight by the great crystal doors of the palace. The Kind One was told that the other mortals would be there, and Mab would bestow a gift upon her.

~~~~~~~~

The air in the room took on the subtle smell of wood smoke and the musty scent of falling leaves as Mab approached our small circle. Her dress of red and black billowed around her, and her crown of  fall harvest and leaves bobbled  in the soft light of the winter palace.

She greeted each of us, with a warm hug and bright smile. It appeared that she already knew each of us, but how? I hadn’t met her until tonight, and judging by the looks on all the faces, I assumed that they hadn’t ether. I stood a little to one side of the group and watched as she laughed and chatted with the others. Mab has a charming, easygoing, off-beat way about her. The muss of leaves in her hair and her yellow and orange striped socks under a  black and red plaid dress proved she was a character. I loved her immediately.

Mab looked around and saw that I was holding back a little, taking in the scene, and gestured for me to come closer. “Kind One, please, do join us. You must meet everyone.” The group turned as one and joined her in her bidding, all speaking at the same time. “Yes, come join us. So nice to meet you! Don’t be shy. What’s your name again?” They were all so friendly and inviting. I moved closer to join the group, making a mental note of the warmth and fellowship. Who was it that told me that those with faerie blood would come together to help save our world? In the midst of all the excitement and introductions I couldn’t quite remember.

When Mab was certain we were all together she made her way around the circle to introduce us. “Thank you all for coming tonight! What a special pleasure it is to see my faerie brothers and sisters from the mortal world here with us this Yule.” Mab smiled brightly and the room, as if it had a life of its own, radiated pure joy. “Now, you must all get to know each other for you will all become part of the grand design for the future of your world and ours.” Mab stopped in front of the petite woman I had seen earlier at the ball.  “Everyone, this is Sparkle, she loves bright colors and it is reflected in her art. Her intuition has led her to us through her painting, only one with faerie blood can paint so gloriously.” She gave Sparkle a hug and moved to put her arm around the gentleman standing by her side. “This is the Word Master. He was drawn to Sparkle in a quest to understand himself and was fascinated by her fascination with the realm. What he came to find was that he, too, had faerie blood flowing through his veins.” The Word Master bowed deeply and Mab moved on.

She continued around until she had introduced everyone, telling about the special traits that made each of us “faeries by blood”. “This is the Sculptress, she has a talent with the “shroomie” beings of the realm, and they in turn inspire her art. Her faerie blood makes is possible to communicate with these shy creatures.” Jewel followed. “Jewel, like the Sculptress, is drawn by her faerie blood to the natural arts, but instead of looking at the forest floor for inspiration, she looks to the sky. Jewel is influenced by the Dryads. Her special talent is finding the spirit within the leaves of sacred trees.” I looked around; there was only one more person to introduce before Mab got to me. Golden Heart.

“Golden Heart’s glowing countenance is only second to her striking black hair. She is the caregiver, the person always ready to volunteer. She has unfailing kindness for everyone she meets. Her faerie blood gives her the ability to see the good in all mortals.”

I stood in awe of the wonderful talent that each of these people brought with them and was caught up in my thoughts when Mab finally turned to me. I couldn’t for the life of me see what special abilities my faerie blood gave me. What could she say? I do a good garden, which the faeries love to come and play in it. I felt Mab’s presence right in front of me and shook the wild thoughts out of my head, but I saw in her eyes that she already knew what I had been thinking.

Mab whispered in my ear, “Do not underestimate your powers Kind One, you are a very important piece of the puzzle.” She turned and spoke to the group. “This is the Kind One, she is having a hard time understanding her place in such an influential group, but knows this, it is the subtle strength of will that she possesses, that allows her the ability to hold the energy of an entire region in the west. Her faerie blood drew her toward one of the portals of the realm just in time to keep the Undak from entering the mortal world.” Everyone exhaled a collective sigh as they rushed toward me for a group hug. I have to say that Mab made my adventures sound important and dangerous, real cloak and dagger stuff. I thought about that for almost two seconds before I was awash with bodies. I didn’t think what had been happening was so special but at the moment I didn’t care, I just liked being included.

The Autumn queen stood back and watched with delight as the mortals who were part faerie talked and laughed then stepped forward and addressed us once more. “My time in the palace of the Winter queen grows short but before I go I want you all to have my gift.” Silence fell over the great hall as we waited in anticipation of the final gift of the faeries. Mab held her wand out and waved it over her up turned palm. An image wavered over her hand flickering in and out like it had no intention of materializing. She frowned and gave the air a little stab. The image solidified into a soft golden bag.

The queen worked her way around the circle we had made. Stopping in front of us, she pulled out a small ivory horn that was rimmed with gold and hanging from a golden chain. The horn was about two inches long. She draped it around our neck and moved on to the next person. “My gift to you is the gift of communication. With The Horn of Aeon Myst you can summon the fae or hear great distances. You would be wise to keep it close to you at all times. The Armies of darkness will stop at nothing to take it from you if they know you possess it.” Six mouth’s dropped open and six pairs of eyes stared at her in shocked disbelief.

Mab backed away and clapped her hands. Six faeries of the fall queen’s court appeared in a flash of rusty sparkles. Before they all winked out Mab turned to face us, she wore an impish grin. “You should see your faces!” She laughed, and her court echoed her mirth. We looked around us and relaxed. The faerie court rose into the air as one, and from the fog of sparkles I heard Mab’s voice, “Remember Kind One to always keep the Horn of Aeon Myst close to you.”

© Tami Ruesch, The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry, 2009-2010