Of Fairies and Noontime

Break

The Magic Council had a lot on their plate for the coming week; preparations for the annual Horizon Festival that was rapidly approaching, spying on Ellabelle in all aspects of her life, and of course, making sure everything they did was for the good of the order at all times.

Lord Brilland was quickly expanding his technological know-how with prototypes and scale models that he was preparing to show his fellow council members at their Sunday meeting. He had an idea that would tie in their plan to oversee Ellabelle with preparations for the Festival, and it would involve a lot of fireflies.

Ellabelle and Hadley got in contact with Catra and Lue to see if they'd join them for lunch, and of course, they accepted their offer. They got food from The Acorn, one of the most popular restaurants in the entire fairy world.

They went inside the cozy little rest stop and sat themselves down at a table for four. Catra and Ellabelle sat opposite Hadley and Lue, then immediately began scouring the menu.

"I like your wings, Hadley." Catra commented.

Hadley swallowed, remembering everything she'd learned just a few moments ago. She had to stay calm and act casual, which was easier said than done. "Thanks, Catra."

"You like it around here?" She asked.

"Well... yeah, of course. It's great." Hadley replied. She could feel warmth rising to her cheeks as Catra's bright amber eyes bored through her.

"Are you guys excited for the Horizon Festival?" Lue asked. He was fidgeting with his fingers and not looking at anyone in particular. Hadley wondered if her sitting next to him made him more nervous than he already appeared to be on a normal basis.

"What's the Horizon Festival?" Hadley inquired.

Ellabelle cleared her throat, hoping her friends wouldn't pick up on this. Every fairy knew what the Horizon Festival was; even the smallest fairy children.

"It's one of the biggest festivals in fairykind," Catra began to explain, fiddling with the napkin laid out in front of her. "It's like a big dance, with lights and music and food and insects. Everyone dresses up in their brightest colors to signify the arrival of spring and the coming of summer, then we listen to a short speech from Lady Larkdale, and the fun begins." Catra explained.

"We all usually dance together." Ellabelle added with a giggle. "We're not as focused on finding partner-fairies as some of our counterparts."

Hadley nodded. She loved any excuse to celebrate, especially one that didn't have anything to do with her parents.

"Oh yeah, we just went to the library, too," Ellabelle told her friends. "Hadley loves to read, so I had her borrow Garivo."

"That's one of my favorites too," Lue added. "I wish there was a sequel."

There were collective nods at the table, and a fairy in a short blue dress with an apron on flew over to their table.

As they were sitting in the booth, Hadley could feel her homemade wings beginning to itch her back and her body from being pressed so tightly against her. She scooted forward to try and avoid making a scene.

"What can I get for you folks to start with? Spiced cinnamon tea, raspberry tart?" The waitress-fairy asked. Hadley yet again learned something new; apparently, southern fairies existed.

"We'll take four vanilla cream puffs and four mint teas, please." Catra replied. The waitress rushed back to the kitchen, and the fairies came back together.

"So, where exactly are you from, Hadley? You look like an Ever Ridge Forest kinda gal." Catra wondered, stroking her chin.

Ellabelle chose this time to cut in. "Well, you see, Hadley is a transfer fairy, from... Parasnia. She's staying with me until we find her a suitable place to live in the village."