Maria

Maria

One night while Maria walked around outside, she took her time considering her options. Fighting with her parents, over the stupid things in life. What didn’t help was the fact she loved her ride. Her broom was the most prized for her. They were about to take that away even.

While walking into an unknown part of the forest in the back yard, she sighed. She could smell the wild flowers and small animals that scurried around. She didn’t have any fear, nothing could scare her these days.

She walked deeper into the woods, darker with each step she took. Once in the center of the clearing there, she sat down pulling out her violin. Tuning it really quick, she drew her bow across its strings. She played soft and sweet, making the energy of this part of nature glow around her like a vortex.

She played so beautifully, she drew the attention from two owls flying round. They were brothers Nicu and Luca. They had felt every note she was playing, making her music touch more than ever. Luca shifted back to human form, watching her movements.

She even danced like a pixie, her form was perfect though. The way she looked, made them wonder what kind of creature she truly was. She was not meant for this prissy pampered life here.

As she played, they watched everything change colors on her body. They couldn’t describe her fittingly with words or actions. She was short, white hair down to her calves, skin fair as ever, and her eyes when they opened. They saw a sky full of stars, making them trapped in her spell.

She wound up summoning her broom with the energy summoned. She placed her string instrument in her small bag, hopping on and riding out into the night away from this cage. They were in the sky following her, hearing off in the distance, “Don’t you dare come back here you stupid girl. You are disowned.”

She only laughed, enjoying her freedom. What they didn’t know was she had emptied the vault into her bag along with all her material possessions. She was done with them, finding the sky full of stars more to her style.

She played her violin, as she rode her broom in the gypsy’s camp area. She never wavered, nor complained for anything. She was truly free. Nicu and Luca stayed near her, as she landed on a tree top quietly. She still smiled and played her violin.

She felt so much better than ever, watching as her music wove a protective shroud around her tree top perch. Quickly putting her violin up, she settled down to sleep. She just had no fear of the world anymore, nor willing to live with rules. She sighed, softly snoring and the tree took her into its keeping. Covering her with a blanket of thick leaves.

Nicu and Luca landed under the tree, their mom came out quietly. “She is up into the keeping of the tree?” She asked quietly. They both nodded, they smiled even. She was like them without the shifting though. “We’ll make peace with the tree tomorrow when I wake. We’ll take her with us. If I am right, this tree will give her to us along with anything she has on her body. Start hitching up your wagon. We are gonna be quiet about this too.” Their mom left after that.

After twelve hours passed by, Maria was in the wagon sleeping soundly. The tree took the ashes and fresh water, giving her up. She even had an herb bag around her neck from the tree. She looked so pretty, they would try and win her over. They didn’t want to change her much, wanted to see about the gift of change for her.

They were going slow enough, she wasn’t even waking. Their mother was next to her though, making sure she didn’t run off. Their father was driving the wagon, as they drove the second wagon. She was so angelic looking as she slept, their mother kept the light from hitting her eyes. She had asked the tree to make sure she slept longer.

Well four hours passed by, they all stepped out the wagons. She was sleeping still. The horses were drinking their fill, as she was beginning to stir. No one was even near, until they heard the water pail tip over.

Rose ran over to the wagon, surprised to see her holding her temples even. Oh this was going to be an odd day. Her ears were ringing, but so were everyone else’s. They just grinned at each other, they knew the feeling of waking in the wagon all too well. It was Nicu that bust out laughing with his brother.

When all was quiet again, they sighed and waited to hear her panic. Rose stepped into the wagon, trying to see if she could help. She shot a dirty look to her boys though, this time making her husband laugh. It was useless, she would make them pay though.

“You going to be fine dear. Would you like a toffee?” Rose asked her gently, watching her sit up. She nodded her head, what a wakeup call. She looked around trying to figure out her position. “In our wagon darling, my boys spotted you last night. You’ll be fine, but stick with us a few days.” Rose said handing over the last toffee.

All the men groaned outside of the wagon, Ion brought in a fresh pitcher of water. He saw Maria and forgot about the last toffee. She was quite pretty, no wonder his sons couldn’t stop talking about her features. Rose took the water, shooing her man away.

“Hope you don’t mind dear. Get some water in you and we will be setting up camp in a while. You’re welcome to help.” Rose said, standing up and leaving Maria to herself. She got the water in her and grabbed her magic bag.

“You guys show me the gear and I’ll have it set up fast.” She said grinning. The brothers pointed, she pulled out her violin. She lit the area up with her music, then everything just seemed to fly out. She had everything set up before anyone could count to twenty in french. She stopped her playing to find them gawking at her.

“Unless you have a faster way, tell me now.” She said, standing on the wagon top. The boys only smiled and shook their heads no. Rose looked at her and shook her head. Maria looked at them and headed into the forest leaving her bag in the bed she was in.

Finding the right notes she had firewood walking into the camp, she was happy for being a help. Changing her melody, she summoned all the energy in the area. She seemed to float up, walking on star dust it seemed. Her dress changing into a simple mixed green light dress.

She didn’t even notice the time of day or shade of the sky. She even had the stars placed into her dress. Shoes were not worth it in her opinion. The two owls came near her again, dancing in the wind with her music.

Rose and Ion watched the sky while fixing dinner and finding it hard to believe their luck. She was almost like them, but she couldn’t shift. They didn’t have the ability to do the magic she was doing. She must have just turned eighteen too. She acted way too young even if her form was pixie like.

She did start to slow the song down, making Nicu and Luca wonder what was going on. Once on top of the wagon again, she watched Rose and Ion fix dinner. She watched the fire flicker about the pot. She watched as both Nicu and Luca came out the forest with more firewood. She wondered in a way why this group of people would make her calm.

Floating her bag up to the top of the wagon, once she had it. She opened it and pulled out a roll eating it slowly. She laid up there so quiet, Rose looked around. She found everyone but the girl. She wondered, then four rolls floated down to her hands. She looked up on top of the wagon.

The girl was there all right and grinning as well. What a shocker, her bow served as a wand. She had to laugh, watching the girl for a second longer. She even saw crumbs of a roll on her lips. “I’ll eat up here, just got to make my bowl. I’ll get it up here. I even have food in this small bag, a full pantry worth. Just let me know when you need something.” She said laughing.

Ion only had to shake his head, if he was a betting man there was far more than that. She made light of their life style, making her very very handy to keep around. Rose tossed him a roll, making him smile. Bread was a treat for them, once the boys got their’s it was over.

“She stays.” They both said together. Rose had to laugh, Ion didn’t even try to deny what they said. “My name is Maria. Thank you for the compliment. I may take that into consideration.” She said, laughing. She popped a grape in her mouth, watching the twinkling stars.

Rose sighed, what a trip this would be. Maria was her name. She would fit in the family well, knowing her sons would talk to her quietly later on. She passed out bowls, while handing hers up to her. Within ten minutes, she had already floated her bowl down. It had been emptied big time.

She was still quiet, so she silently sent Nicu up to check on her. She looked really calm and peaceful. She was sleeping soundly. Nicu picked her up and got her down. Her bag was in her lap too. They didn’t leave nothing to chance, “Ion you are first on guard detail. I think it would be best. Second watch is Luca. So Nicu can be in the wagon.” Rose gave the orders and went to deal with clean up.

After Luca took watch, Nicu was still siting up. She flew earlier without any wings, he just wished she could understand how wanted she was by himself and his brother. She would work with them, but he didn’t know if the shifting ability could be given to her.

Her music helped her fly, she could leave them in a heartbeat too. He wanted her to stay, star filled eyes and all. Her skin looked even softer in this light. Her dress she wore now, made him want to keep her even more knowing her gift of magic. He loved her joy. Her magic was proof that magic ran on pure innocence.

When morning came, everyone was waking up. She slept on, making them wonder in a way. Nicu was sleeping on the other side of the wagon as her. She didn’t care, her magic was crackling around her.

Rose saw how Maria’s magic flared high around her sons. She wished that the magic did that last night with Luca. Luca and Nicu was close to her now, making her magic flare high. She would have both her boys by how the signs were coming. She smiled thinking about the gypsy fest they were going to.

They could get her married to her boys there. Looking at Ion, she saw his eyes match hers. “Marriage between both boys and Maria?” He asked. She nodded her head, then smiled. “We just need to let them learn from one another. She will get the gift of shift even. You know that the one who marries them will ensure that.” He said, hugging her close.

The very same thing happened with him, this was fated way in the family. It was the best marriages too. Watching the road, he passed her the map. Rose took it and made the next rest stop for the night.

After hours in the wagon, she woke up as they had just stopped for the night. Her eyes lit up when she saw the trees this time. Grabbing her violin, she flew out on her broom. Playing her violin over the tree with pink flowers, her music really took flight. She had called so much energy it flowed around her form.

Rose already knew Maria was lost on her broom, she saw the light carrying wood out for the fire. Stones came next, oh she flew above the camp. Both brothers setting up tents, Rose was building the fire pit. She laughed as Ion tried to not dance. She flew around again, causing the pink energy to color her hair.

She didn’t bother to hide her happiness, watching the brothers shift into owls. They flew around her, as her music made the energy dance. They picked up her hair once, she only laughed. She swapped the tune, making them fly higher.

She started to go near camp after a bit, but her Pixie tarot deck popped out of its own accord. She stopped for a second, as the cards were shuffled. She just floated in the air, as the cards were shown to her. The high priest, the moon, the star, and two other cards. She saw her own wedding, setting and all.

She made the deck go back in her bag, she didn’t think the cards would lie to her. She just didn’t know if the reading would come out twice. Rose already saw the cards, she knew it was another sign. She played with her sons again.

They found she soared as well as they did. Once on top of the wagon again, she sighed. Her mind wondering for a while, she loved the smells coming from the food being cooked. She loved food.

Nicu and Luca were mega happy, she was perfect for them. They both needed to figure out a way to get her closer. They were way too quiet for their mother’s sake. She came over, looking at them she just knew. “You boys need something in common besides flying and playing with her in the air. What do you think we keep her? You just got to figure her out like your father did me.” She said, watching their faces. She took her leave then.

The brothers pulled out both of their parents drums, setting them up near the logs they sat on. The dinner was great as everyone ate under the stars. She was still a little out of it, but Nicu looked at his father asking. “How about a little drumming music mom and dad?”

She looked in their direction, looking at them strange. Mom only grinned nodded her head, they decided to go for it. Luca grabbed his spoons, they loved music that was for sure. Nicu got his accordion out, thankful he knew how to play.

She watched them start the music up. The beat sounded really cool, but she couldn’t decide if she wanted to join in. She watched as Luca started to dance, she pulled her violin out.

Joining in she made the energy fly around them, making Luca dance on air.

She didn’t seem to understand after about three minutes, the energy really kicked up. The fire shot up high making everyone keep up the pace. Luca was flying with help, but he wanted to have her join in.

She didn’t though, her outfit totally changed none the less. Her dress full of flames, stars and glittered. Nicu only had to grin, wondering what she would do once she got her shifting power. He wanted to see her dance free like she did on her broom. She was so sure off the ground, but on ground it was a different story.

Rose and Ion knew her magic was getting stronger, they stopped drumming to join in the dancing. They enjoyed themselves flying and dancing. Oh, the look they gave each other. It was so worth it, she was laughing and enjoying herself. Fire red streaks appearing in her hair, her eyes managed to capture the fire. She spurred his beat on, stepping on her broom joining in on the fun.

Luca only stepped on her broom she let him lead, giving everyone a big smile. Her violin disappeared, as he rocked her world dancing to his brothers instrument. Oh, she was having a blast. His brother kissed her neck, she leaned even harder when he moved her to dance.

Her broom vanished, making her stay connected to Luca. Nicu couldn’t hide his smile, he saw her magic make him fly. Oh it was fun, until she lost control. Her body fell while everyone floated.

She headed out of the area into the woods, making them wonder what had happened. Their parents got everything cleaned up, while Nicu and Luca went after her. She was hidden somehow though. “Maria? Are you okay?” Nicu asked, as he came close to her. She looked at them both, scared for the first time ever.

“Sweetheart come on back. We need to get you to safety.” Luca said, but she shied away from the contact. “You are afraid of bringing out your true form?” Nicu asked, watching her hide. She nodded her head, vanishing up the tree she was against.

“Let us guess then. You are a red head, with a temper your magic wreaks havoc with?” Luca said, watching her. She was losing her facade with them around. A pixie can’t hide her true form from her mates.

“You must come down sometime. We want you to come back with us sweetie. Please?” Nicu said, watching her. She was very much a redhead. Her form exactly as he said. She really had red hair, fire highlights and all. She was cute as ever though. “Lets get you to bed. Few more days and we’ll be at the gypsy fest.” Nicu said.

Once back at camp, Nicu got her to bed. She wasn’t used to showing off the red, but they both liked it. She also didn’t back down from a challenge either. She had a spark about her when she met him beat for beat.

She really was a catch, his mother and father were still watching the fire. Nicu and Luca came over and sat down near them. “Two days. Two days until the gypsy fest. You two better break the shell around her.” Rose said, leaning against Ion. They looked at each other and sighed.

What were they supposed to do, when she was scared of her true form. She was wonderful tonight, cracking the shell. They almost had it off, she needed to share her feelings via her mouth. With actions, they didn’t know what to expect.

“Ion you are first on guard detail. I think it would be best. Second watch is Luca. So Nicu can be in the wagon. Trust me on this Luca. She had connected with you tonight, but your brother didn’t get the same thing. He got her fired up. We saw the look in her eyes.” Rose said.

Hours later Nicu was laying down next to Maria, seemed little fazed her when she slept. She even purred next to him, but when morning came. His mother placed his brother on the other side of her, causing her to shiver for a second then settle. He could only smile.

After hours on the wagon trail, Rose and Ion stopped to water the horses. All three of them laying on the bed, held their ears. The pots and pans were ringing loud, but it was their mother who came with water for them. “Want to set up camp tonight or head to the gypsy fest campgrounds?” She asked, they looked at each other. “Gypsy campgrounds.” They said together.

She nodded her head, leaving them to sleep for now. They just didn’t want to move from her side. She slept like a baby while the wagon moved, not even worried about much of the future. Her form shimmered at some point, looking at her they found wings show themselves.

They looked at them, she did have a gift of flight hidden by a broom and music. She was an elemental creature. Kissing her head, they settled down into a warm sleep. She wouldn’t be able to hide this from their mom and dad.

Hours later the wagons stopped moving, waking up Nicu and Luca. Once they un-tangled from her form, they helped their parents. Making everything three times faster, until one asked, “What is she?” “Try a Pixie or elemental with wings. They shimmered out of hiding hours ago, now we know why she is much better not staying on the ground directly.” Nicu said, his brother smiling.

“Well, now we know why, but can she use those wings?” Rose said, looking at Ion. “I’ll look for amber juice. If anything she didn’t know what she was. Give me an hour. Set up the fire and start some stew.” Ion said, leaving with a small bag of gold.

About two hours later, Maria finally woke up. Her head was pounding out the tempo of a drum. She was sitting up, trying to reach for her bag. She didn’t even reach it. She was not having a good wake up, but Nicu came to check on her.

Rose got alerted quickly, Ion was on her tail as well. Her wings were glowing bright, with her look. They knew she was not having a good day, she was waking though. The drum circles had just begun as well.

Nicu got her in his arms, just holding her to his chest she settled down again. Ion went for the amber juice, thinking it might help. Nicu got her near the fire on his lap, while it was hot. She didn’t even have a clue what was going on. Rose made an attempt to feel her temperature.

She was hot to the touch, but Ion came over with drink for her. Nicu said, “Maria, can you wake up?” She stirred opening her eyes a slight bit. Ion handed the flask over to his son. “Try and drink this sweetie.” He said softer. She drank it, but she was drowsy as ever. Her body cooled off big time though.

“Maybe a slight fever from the facade leaving her person? It wouldn’t surprise me.” Ion said, taking the flask back. He would go get more shortly, now was not the time to leave her sleep on the ground either.

“Get in the bed with her in the wagon. Dad will get more juice for her. Hand over the medicine bag from around her neck. I’ll see what I can do with it for her.” His mom said, watching her son do everything.

She was so going to get better by tomorrow morning if things worked out. Nicu settled with Maria, trying hard to keep her head from pounding. Luca came around and got in to help as well. She looked tired but overheated, she probably needed to bake in between them.

Rose came around with an herbal tea for Maria. When she got into a sitting position, Luca poured the tea down. She did calm down greatly, but everything seemed to clear a bit. Ion was back with three more amber juices covering her for the night.

She looked relaxed now, but handing one over to Nicu for later leaving them to get her better. Once getting to lay down again, she slept easy. Both brothers took time to keep fluids getting into her.

By morning, she woke up. Everything seemed really quiet, laying next to her were the brothers. She didn’t know what occurred, but she would find out. Stepping outside the wagon, she couldn’t land her feet on the ground.

Rose saw when Maria was getting down. She was having trouble, so she got up and helped her. Oh, not the morning to wake up. Getting ahold of her waist she lowered her down. She looked shocked, but she didn’t know what happened either.

“Take a few deep breaths, your wings will stop trying to flutter.” She said. She did that, but didn’t understand the wings. “You mean that’s where my broom went into? Can’t find it or my violin anymore.” She said, looking shyly away.

Rose looked at her and understood. “We can always get another violin for you. Thats not a problem. You need to learn control of your wings honestly I can see why. Your wings are a mixture of your broom and your violin. I can see the music notes in them, they were made that way for a reason.” She said to Maria.

She didn’t know what to say, hearing their mother talk. She didn’t know any other way of life, her violin was her most prized item ever. “Got any money in that magic bag of yours?” She asked, Maria nodded her head. “Ion, get up and out here.” Rose said scaring Maria.

Ion stepped out giving his wife a grumpy look. “Go get the boys up and bring Maria’s bag.” Ion looked at her then Maria. Sighing he did as told. The boys got up, but they carried the bag over to Maria.

Opening her bag, she pulled out jewels of many different kinds and gold pieces. Ion handed her a small bag, “Just do one of the small stones and gold pieces around here.” Ion said. She looked up at him then. “Your joking me. I have no violin what so ever. I have mostly jewels.” She said.

Nicu said, “Calm down, I know how you feel. I know dad knows these sale prices very well. Stick a diamond in the bag and leave the rest of the jewels and gold. We will make it work. If anything dad’s friend sells violas. Good ones too.” He glared at his father who hid behind his mother.

“I can see it does run in our family dear. You wouldn’t go cheap for a replacement of our drums. So think about how she feels. I don’t dare blame her.” Rose said, turning around glaring at Ion. He nodded his head.

“Lets go see if Pan is up. Oh this is so not a good morning. Can you fix breakfast while we are gone?” He asked Rose, begging on hands and knees. She nodded her head, getting handed Grits, oats, sugar, milk, and apples with cream from Maria.

“Told you my bag was good for something.” She said, pulling Ion to his feet. “That should make enough for lunch as well. I know my amounts.” Maria, Ion, Nicu, and Luca left for Pan’s campsite. She only sighed, she could do a lot more than two meals with this. She would show Maria how three meals could come from this.

After about twenty minutes of walking, Pan was in site. Ion sighed relief, waving hi. They made it over, slowly gathering his words. “Friend, I need one of your wonderful instruments. Maria lost her violin two nights ago, she is lost without an outlet for music.” Ion said, as he pleaded. Pan looked over at Maria, spotting her wings.

“I can help you out. I have three kinds like a violin, she will have to see which works best for her. I’ll make it one small jewel or four gold pieces for you.” Pan said, wondering for a moment. He never sold any of his work for under ten gold pieces.

Pan pulled out his table, lining up the three different looking violas. Different patterns on each and colors. She stepped up to the table trying to look at each piece carefully. “Bow?” She said looking directly in Pan’s eyes.

He handed over his finest bow, watching her pick up the first. She played it, but nothing came through. Placing that one down, she picked up the second one. She got nothing again, same thing with the third. “Sure that’s all you got?” She said, watching him.

Pan went to his wagon pulling out the rarest one he made. Handing it over with its bow, she played it. Everything started glowing, bringing out all the energy around them. “I’ll take this one. What was the price again?” She said, looking at him.

He gulped, “Four gold pieces or a jewel.” He sighed, not really willing to let go. She said, “Okay case, spare strings, spare bow. I’ll give you this diamond for all that.” She was staring Pan strait in his eyes. Ion had to smile, she knew how to haggle and get everything.

“Alright, give me five minutes and you’ll have all that. Jewel handed at the trade off.” She was not too bad, but many of Pan’s family gathered when the area lit up. Oh they wanted to see more of the show. She couldn’t make his normal ones work what so ever. She was truly blessed to know her gift.

“Your items for the nice diamond my dear.” She paid him, happy for now. She knew those would not have lasted, her strings were hard to come by. Nicu carried her bag, Luca couldn’t believe their luck. She fit in their life too easy.

Once back at their camp, the smells coming from the pot were unbelievable. Rose had bowls ready to be filled. She looked at Nicu, finding a bag placed in their dad’s hands. “Thank you dear for pushing me out of bed. Oh you should have seen the show she put on.” He said placing the viola in the wagon.

She dished food out, then said, “Spill all the details. I want to know.” Nicu was first, “She tried first three of Pan’s best sellers. She had no luck with them. She stared Pan down mom, he gulped air down. It was funny.” Luca was next, “When he pulled out one hidden in his wagon handing it over to Maria. Oh, he couldn’t keep his mouth closed. She lit up the entire area. I swear she gave him new light in a way.”

Ion was next, “Then he almost backed out of the whole deal. She wanted the works including the case. She gave him her median size diamond. It made Pan almost lose his color. She really made an appearance. He eyed those wings of hers though.” Maria finished her bowl and handed it over.

She knew they hardly ever saw a elemental being out of its protective realm. She maybe nineteen, but she wasn’t going to stand for their rules in the palace. She wouldn’t have gotten her wings there. That was another reason she stayed silent.

Nicu, Luca, and Ion all finished their bowls. They didn’t understand her situation, but they wanted to keep her. She settled on top of the wagon, relaxing for the time being. She didn’t dare think of happy thoughts or such. Rolling over she watched everyone, thinking of them as her family.

They didn’t want to change her much it seemed, they wanted her as she was. Why didn’t her father and mother understand that. She loved this kind of setting. It was perfectly easy to get along with ideal wise. She watched Nicu and Luca, she wanted them forever hers. She didn’t want anyone else. She loved their mom and dad.

As Luca saw Maria, thinking and watching them. They thought of an easy way to have some fun too. “Dad you want to play my accordion? Mom you can drum.” Nicu asked aloud.

“It would ease some of the tension in the air. You play Nicu’s instrument far better than he does. Making it sing at your touch.” Luca said.

Their parents both sighed, both boys were right. They conceded, pulling out the items. “Come on down and dance with me Maria.” Nicu said, watching her face. She was waring inside with her emotions. He wanted to ease that quickly. She stayed up on top of the wagon, hiding.

She wanted to, but then she was scared. Nicu couldn’t understand completely, but he would get her to dance. Their parents started to play, taking a deep breath Nicu got up to the top of the wagon.

Taking her by the hand, he pulled her up. She was stunned, then spun in his hands. She had gripped his arms to stop the spinning, but he lead her dancing. She didn’t know what he was doing, he made her heart pound like Luca did.

“Show me the dance you do darling. Me and my brother want to keep you. I challenge you to a dance off around that fire down there.” Nicu said loud enough for Ion, Rose, and Luca to hear. “I don’t dance on the ground or around the fires. I have no idea what you are talking about.” She said, staring him in the eyes.

“You had fire in your eyes when we had our last fire. Dance with that fire, show me and my brother you didn’t have it in your steps dancing with Luca.” Nicu said, Luca grabbed his spoons. “You saw me the night I left my shelter? Saw me dancing then?” She asked shocked. “Yes, I want to see you really dance. You were so free, so joyful and laughing. I want to see it shine though.” Nicu said, spinning her around.

She hooked a leg around his waist, “I don’t dance.” She said. Luca grabbed her spinning her around. She was even breathing hard. “You dance. I know you do. We are your owls my dear. We want you to dance our dance around the fire.” Nicu said, stepping near her. “But my magic don’t work with dance.” She said, as he nipped her ear.

“Really now, Luca seems to differ. I saw you flying with him and I want the same chance.” Nicu said, spinning her about and plastering her to his body. She still looked at him. “Prove to me you don’t dance. Show me your moves princess.” He said, watching the fire burn brighter and hotter in her eyes.

She watched him, then slipped out of his grasp. She stepped up, showering dust on his shoes. Watching his body circle hers, she kicked up her heals and called her instrument. “You want to me dance by your fire? You really don’t know me.” She said. Adding to the music, her dancing really came out.

She even drew the fire high again, drawing Nicu to copy her moves. She played and danced right into the fire and out again. Her body not harmed, but he held his hand out for her. She took it as her viola was caught.

She really danced with him, working a sweat out of his brow. She even licked his nose, making him growl spinning her around. She only laughed, once she was close to his body again. He kissed her hard, making her cling to his body. Once it was over she nearly fell. Nicu only had to grin, “See you dance for us. Maria stay with me and my brother. You could even marry in the center of the square later this evening. We want you.” He said.

She couldn’t believe this, she didn’t know what to say. “What would you want to change about me though?” She asked calmly. He couldn’t hold back his smile. “Nothing at all. We want you to be as you are, but you might get a shifting ability to fly at the wedding.” Nicu said, holding her tight.

She couldn’t fly easy as it, but when he saw her dress he knew. “Look at your dress princess. Your magic works with our fire and dance. You just haven’t noticed it yet.” Nicu said, holding her close.

She saw the dress, couldn’t believe it. “Nothing would need to change with, but a shifting ability added? Any other requests while I’m listening?” She said. “Yes, we want to keep you forever. No if and or but. We fell very fast and hard for you Maria. Please stay and be mine and my brother’s to keep?” Luca said.

“Sure, but I hope you understand. I don’t dance. I express.” She said, and both their parents laughed out loud on that note. Nicu now knew why she was the way she was. Her dress colors shouldn’t be changed so often though. “I hope you know. We are never letting you go.” Nicu said. getting her back down to the ground.

“Now tell us, What are you?” Luca said. She looked at them, “I am a twin princess, now fully disowned. I am an elemental pixie. I just prefer fire. I am also nineteen years old.” She said, laughing. They both looked at her, sighing. She was their mess up, they laughed about that.

Soon as sunset came, Maria, Luca, and Nicu were standing in front of the priest. After all the normal bands were read, she was handed a cup. Once she drank it, she handed it back. The brothers were thankful, her gift of change would be found out later.

Dancing, food, and having fun were in order. She stayed connected to them completely until they headed off to their camp. She was sleeping partially on Nicu’s shoulders. Well, the brothers laughed for a second.

She was perfect, but they couldn’t wait to see her shift. It was always a mystery on the shift. She was due, once back they settled near the fire. She was starting to wake up, but her body chose that moment to change. A white snow owl, she didn’t know what to expect. Both Nicu and Luca raced after her in the sky.

She really soared, flying about the trees. She just didn’t notice the sun coming up. She dove down into the tree, followed by her husbands. Once she landed her body was back to pixie form. Nicu lifted her up, Luca only had to laugh. She whistled a soft tune, making there downward journey much easier.

“You never told us you could whistle.” Luca said, running a hand down her wing. She shivered at the touch, but Nicu kept her held. She fell asleep hard this time. As they got back to camp, mom and dad were starting breakfast.

“Give her about an hour nap boys. I’ll have sausage and eggs ready to eat by then.” she said, keeping a very very close eye of her daughter in law. Fitting in a way, Ion found her in the very same way just about. She was a fairy with no wings.

One hour later, Maria woke up. She was mega hungry though, nothing too surprising for her. Nicu and Luca took turns feeding her. She really wasn’t sure of all that had occurred, but she was happy. She saw for a brief second Rose’s ears. “Your a fairy, but you have no wings. What happened?” She asked.

“I got caught outside when a tornado tore through my hole. Woke up two days later, he had me wrapped up in a blanket. He tried to see about healing my wings, they fell off. So you can understand.” Rose said, looking at Ion.

Maria now understood why she said to breath and just calm down. She nodded her head, making everything understandable. “Should I even try flying with these even on my back?” She asked. “You should be able to, but careful at first. Its direction you will have a hard time doing, but wait until you have your shift under control first.” Rose said, shooing them off to bed.

Curling up in bed never felt so nice, Maria had two men to keep her. She didn’t mind one bit, she took what life had to offer. She would keep them, pressed up tight to her. Softly purring to her hearts content.

The End