Dragon Dust

Fairhaven

They followed Mistletoe's glowing light until they came upon her home. A settlement that was more than just a mere village. They would have assumed this would be a city in a fairy's eyes. Dorian was in awe at the amazing sight. He stopped to look around and take it all in.

The houses hung from tree branches and nestled in roots. Parts of the mountain were even hollowed out. Each fairy glowed with their own unique aura. He observed them going about their daily business preparing a dinner, herding fairy children, building or repairing a new home. That was a close look, but take a step back and it looked like a gathering of fireflies.

A warm and home-like incandescence emanated, making Dorian feel safe. He sensed a sudden familiarity from it all. He dismounted his horse and secured the reigns to the nearest tree, not wanting to trample through the civilization of pint size denizens. Demetrius and Tiernan did the same. Mistletoe flew back into their line of sight. Dorian snapped out of his trance.

"Welcome to Fairhaven," she said. "Come! I'll take you to the Elders! Maybe they'll have some advice!" Behind Dorian, Demetrius cleared his throat.

"Dorian," he said. Dorian turned to him. Demetrius gestured to his saddlebag. "Please train your pet that my saddlebag is not a nest." Amethyst popped her head up. Dorian held back a laugh.

"She probably just got scared from the commotion earlier," he resolved. He stepped over to Demetrius' horse, reached into the saddlebag and lifted Amethyst out. She crawled up his arm and draped herself over his shoulders. Her usual perch. Then they followed Mistletoe through the fairy city.

As they walked through, it was impossible to avoid curious, suspicious and starstruck eyes weighing down from all angles. Dorian didn't take public attention very well. He wasn't very used to it. These were Tiernan's people, as they were now wall across the border, so they probably recognized their prince. Demetrius loved attention, so none of this bothered him one bit.

They came to a hollowed-out part of the mountain that appeared to be a council meeting place. The princes crouched down to peer inside. Mistletoe landed at the center of the room. The Elders were distracted from whatever business they were conducting and realized the importance of their visitors.

"Mistletoe! What brings you to us with the princes of Vairia?" one of them asked. She was taller than the others and took the center chair after walking across the room. This indicated that she was in charge. Dorian watched her curiously. Again, he felt a sense of familiarity.

"They rescued me from goblins, your grace," Mistletoe explained. "Prince Dorian is on a quest to rescue someone from the Mistwalkers." The fairy's eyes flickered at the mention of Mistwalkers and then they darted in Dorian's direction.

"Something tells me your mother disapproves of your excursion," she said. He felt himself shudder with shame.

"She tried locking me in a tower in our own castle," he admitted. The fairy smirked knowingly.

"Queen Artemis always was over protective. I expected no less," she said.

"You know my mother?" Dorian asked. He leaned in closer with interest. The fairy smiled as she folded her hands under her chin.

"My name is Oriana and I am your fairy godmother," she explained. It suddenly became clear to Dorian why this place made him feel safe. He remembered his mother telling him she hired fairies when he was an infant to try and break the curse and if not, protect him. Their fairy dust was in him because it was used so much. It was why he craved sweets when he was nervous and why he lost control of his magic when he was angry.

"Of course," Demetrius griped. "You have a fairy godmother." Oriana held back an eye roll.

"You must be Prince Demetrius of the East," she said flatly. Demetrius only grunted in response, realizing she wasn't going to tolerate him. He chose to remain as quiet as possible for once.