The Faerie Within

Amazonia

We are transported in a blink of an eye magically to the grand city of Amazonia. Let me say it is breathtaking! It mimics the Amazon jungle that surrounds it on the human realm. Giant trees grow that are tall enough to be skyscrapers to humans. Beautiful flowers of every shape and color adorn the landscape. You can smell their alluring aromas permeating the air around you. Amazing butterflies flutter around the flowers getting a taste of the sweet nectar inside. The dwellings that the faeries live in are built to move with the landscape. Some houses are on the ground, but most are up in the trees. You can see the houses gently swaying like a baby being lulled to sleep in a cradle at night. Businesses are on the ground level and there is a lively marketplace where you could purchase all kinds of delicious treats.

My companions and I are traveling the street that cuts through the heart of the town. You can feel the energy and happiness of the residents that live here. Everyone is waving and bowing as we parade through the town making our way to city hall. Children are running and playing barefoot in the streets and swinging from makeshift vine swings from the trees in their yards. They have vivid streamers tied to sticks waving them in their support of my arrival. It is such a peaceful but energetic feeling. Very different from the vibe of my home.

You can tell that my visit here is a very big deal to these people, my people. Wow, seeing their reaction to my presence is a bit overwhelming. I guess I never really thought of myself as royalty before. Don't get me wrong, I always knew I was a prince but I never really knew the obligation side of it except for being in battles. Sure I was expected to behave a certain way, but I never really realized how much our citizens look to us for encouragement and guidance in the outlying realms. At home, everyone kinda knew me and there was a natural easy flow to everyday life. Here everyone's eyes are trained on me, and I just know I am going to be expected to make a speech, which has me terrified. Give me an angry monster to face in battle any day over speaking in public. I wave and shake hands as I make my way to my destination. It's not that I mind talking to people, I just don't want to let them down.

We continue until we reach the center of the city where the city hall stands. It is magnificent. It has been built around two enormous trees on a small incline overlooking the river. The river meanders its way around the city to make a border of sorts around it on all sides, like a moat protecting a castle in days of old. Hanging above the door is a banner welcoming us to their lovely city. A crowd has gathered outside of the hall eagerly awaiting our arrival.

Then one of the ambassadors that came with us, Shamus, walks up to me and tells me the best he can above the noise of the crowd that he needs to speak to me a moment. I nod my head for him to proceed.

"Forgive me, Prince Ryan. I did not expect such a welcome. We usually only have a small crowd gathered to greet us. The people will probably want you to say a few words before we retire for the evening. I would suggest a short thank you for their kind welcome." he said. "Will you be attending the gathering to answer questions and collect tithes tomorrow? asked Shamus.

"Yes, I think they would be offended if I was not in attendance." I replied.

"I will announce you, if you will permit me to." Shamus said. I nodded my head in agreement and tried to gather my thoughts about what to say.

Shamus strolled up onto the porchway at the entrance to the city hall and raised his hand to indicate that he wanted to speak. The chieftain that oversees the care of the city is named Bruce. He is smiling and also trying to get the crowd to quieten down.

"Thank you all for that very warm welcome. I would like to introduce to you our prince, Prince Ryan of the Western Kingdom of the Faerie, heir to the throne. He would like to say a few words to everyone." Shamus announced. Everyone immediately dropped down and bowed their heads in a show of respect. I took the stage and motioned for them to please rise.