Tales of Orangeblush

Every night at midnight, the purple clouds came out to dance with the blushing sky. The dew on the flowers reflected a beautiful comforting hue from the moon’s rays while the smallest fairy collected the gold-like pollen from the flower’s center. With her translucent crystal spoon, she scooped the golden particles into her green satchel, careful not to touch the flower’s petal as she silently fluttered above the plant. The tiniest bit of pressure would cause the petals to close and the fairy would be trapped and helpless. This was a dangerous task yet only the smallest of fairies were blessed by the Queen to perform such an honor. Afterall,the golden particles were the life source of the fae community.

After she collected her pollen in weight from the third flower, the little fairy dropped her spoon into the satchel and buttoned it firmly. She wiped her brow. Her mission was complete for the day. Now, it was time to return home-

She stopped suddenly, hearing the familiar sound of danger. Dipping a finger into her satchel, she quickly swiped the golden particles across her brow and whispered to herself. Instantly she was unseen. Her heart beat wildly in her chest as a large sandled foot stepped just inches from her. This was too close. The little fairy scolded herself silently. Upon her return home, she would have to explain the extra pollen on her forehead. Again.

The human continued along the path to his cozy brown and white cottage and shut the door. A moment later, a light turned on in the window. The little fairy waited. The human cracked open the window slightly and pushed forward a single vased sunflower. Her favorite. The light went out. This was her chance.

As fast as her little wings could carry her, she flew to the open window, landing on the heart of the sunflower, undetected. Closing her eyes, she smiled to herself as she inhaled the earthy scent of the flower, causing her wings to tingle. She lingered for a moment longer, the effects of the sunflower exciting her. With one last inhale, the little fairy flew out into the night.

The “No fairies allowed” sign elicited a snort from the fairy as she flew by. “If only you knew…” she whispered.

She landed nearby the rendezvous location, a small tree tucked away behind a large weeping willow, about two feet from where she had been harvesting the pollen. Once again dipping her finger into the satchel, she let the delicate powder slide down her throat. Sighing softly she walked until she heard the hushed tones of her fae kind, undoubtedly waiting for her.

Upon her arrival, she was shocked to see two fae lying down on the ground, deathly pale and shivering. The other seven fae circled them protectively. They looked at her with pleading eyes.

Again for the third time that night, the smallest fairy dipped her fingers into the green satchel, this time rubbing the mystical residue along all of her fingers. She whispered to herself and her fingertips began to glow a soft purple. The group made room for her as she knelt beside the two ailing fae. She closed her eyes, placing her fingertips lightly on their foreheads, and said in the ancient tongue of her village “May the healing light ever be your portion in life. What once was ill now be healed.”

Instantly the color returned to the fairies and their shivering ceased. They begin to sit up and the group of seven fairies moved to aid them. The smallest fairy felt faint, but a comforting hand on her shoulder lightly squeezed and kept her from sliding onto the ground. She looked up.

“Whisper, are you alright?” Her older brother peered down at her.

“When did you get here?” Whisper smiled weakly. “I didn’t see you in the group.”

“Somewhere between “portion in life”. Sister, you must be more careful-”

“I know. I know. I probably should have healed them one at a time.” Whisper struggled to stand. Once on her feet, her brother wrapped an arm around her. “Thanks, Nix.”

“Whoa hold on a minute. That’s not what I meant. I saw you with the sunflower and you’re lucky it was me this time. If you weren’t in this weakened state I’d box your ears,” Nix said quietly in Whisper’s ear.

“Lucky me,” Whisper muttered.

“Spoiled puffball.”

Whisper was too tired to fire back with a retort so she just glared at him.

Nix laughed. “Come on, Sis. Let’s get you home before all the humans wake up. Look at me, helping you. Don’t you ever say I’ve never done anything for you. I’m sure the Queen will be pleased to know of your healing exploits today.” Nix scooped Whisper into his arms and she closed her eyes and frowned. “You’ll never catch a husband looking like that.”

Whisper swatted his shoulder. “I’m not trying to.”

“You may have to, Sis.”

The seriousness in his tone, made her look at him. Nix had a far away look in his eyes as if trouble were ahead. It bothered her.

“Nix?”

He snapped out of the thought before him and looked down at his little sister. There was so much she didn’t yet understand. She would have to grow up soon. Too soon.

Nix pinched her chin and smirked but then winced when a small pebble hit his temple. “Why did you do that?”

“Just testing my strength.” She returned his smirk.

He scowled. “You pebble lifting spoiled puffball.”

“You love me.” Whisper yawned and once again closed her eyes, completely drained.

“I question that statement daily.” Nix began to flap his wings and the other fae followed suit.

As Nix led the way home, his mind travelled back to the conversation he had had with his father. The future of Orangeblush Wood was hanging on by a thread.

His sigh was heavy with emotion he refused to let surface. He was the oldest after all. He had to be the strong one. It was expected of him. If only Whisper Lilly knew what was awaiting her in Orangeblush Wood.

“She'd return straight to that sunflower,” he thought bitterly. And for once, he wouldn’t blame her.

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Three little figures silently flew into the dimly lit room and surrounded the occupant lying in the bed. Two landed softly on either side of the bed while the other hovered from above. The three all peered into Whisper’s face.

“Is she dead?” a small voice whispered to the other two from the right side of the bed. A little hand went to touch Whisper’s face but recoiled upon hearing a snappy response.

“If she were dead do you think she would be in her room?” the small voice from above said with a frown of annoyance.

“She’s not dead. Look,” the other little figure from the left side of the bed, pointed to the rise and fall of the light orange blanket near Whisper’s midsection.

“If you put your finger under her nose you’d feel-”

“And just what are you three little puffballs doing?” Nix called into the room, leaning against the doorframe, with a smirk.

“Nix!”

All three little faelings rushed to their older brother in haste, nearly knocking him down. Little hands grasped tightly to Nix as words of excitement filled the room.

“I missed you!”

“You were gone for a long time. How was the mission?”

“You didn’t take me with you!”

“Did you see any humans this time?”

“What color are their teeth?”

“Can we become friends with humans like our ancestors?

“Shhh! Enough You’re going to wake up Whisper,” Nix laughed quietly as he struggled to leave the room, with the three faelings clinging to his legs and waist. Finally closing Whisper’s door, he looked down into the three grinning faces holding onto him. “You must allow your sister to rest. She healed two fae-”

“Oh no! She used up most of her auora!”

“Yes, Canna. She’ll be fine after a day or two. Someone has been paying attention in class. What about you, Zin and Dian?”

The two boys sheepishly peeled themselves off of Nix’s legs, twisting their fingers, looking anywhere but at Nix. Canna pulled herself up until she was nestled under Nix’s chin and wrapped her small arms around his neck. He winked at her as he held her to his side.

“I don’t remember,” Zin murmured, glancing down the hallway.

“I wasn’t listening,” Dian quipped.

“You weren’t listening? Why?” Nix lifted an eyebrow in amusement.

Dian rolled his eyes and sighed. “Our instructor is an oaf.”

“Dian! That’s not nice!” Canna scolded. “Lady Mandarin Lilly is the best instructor!”

“For you maybe,” Dian retorted and crossed his arms.

“Why is she an oaf, Dian?” Nix tried to suppress a smile.

“She always talks about the same thing all the time. Orangeblush is this. Orangeblush is that. I already know!” Dian scowled irritated.

“So you think you should be the instructor?” Nix glanced at Canna who snorted.

“That will never happen!”

“Be quiet, Canna! When I grow up, I’ll make sure my faelings will have the best instructor!” Dian marched up to Nix, pointing to Canna.

“Ok, settle down you two. And what about you, Zin? You don’t remember that lesson?”

“He was probably daydreaming again,” Dian slid Zin a sly look. Zin looked embarrassed, eyes warning his brother to keep quiet.

“Daydreaming? About what?”

“Who?” Dian baited Zin with a smirk.

“Dian stop!” Zin balled up his fist.

Dian flew into the air imitating a ballet dancer, clasping his hands under his chin. “Oh my sweet Begonia,” he said in a sing song voice.

Zin, unable to keep his composure any longer flew into Dian, knocking him onto the ground. The two fealings began to roll back and forth on the ground, one in fits of laughter and the other in an embarrassed rage.

Nix sighed and his little sister flew off of him as he reached down to grab both boys by the scruff of their necks. Eyeing both in each hand, he held back a laugh. “Alright you two. That’s enough-“

“He started it! He always starts it! I didn’t do anything!” Zin wailed, angry tears in his eyes.

Dian had his arms crossed with a smirk on his face. “You should have been paying attention in class.”

“What am I going to do with you two?” The older fae brother half smiled, rolling his eyes.

“Pluck their wings,” Canna tossed out, all too innocently. She batted her pretty bright orange eyes towards her brothers, clasping her hands together.

“Hmmm…flightless fae…that is a thought…” Nix pretended to ponder the idea. “Hmmm. That does seem like a suitable punishment.”

Dian’s eyes widened in fear. “You wouldn’t do that to me, would you Nix? It would take-“

“Me? You mean us-“ Zin said, with alarm and disgust.

“It would take around three months to grow your little wings back. Walking would be your only means of travel. Perhaps I shall consort with Mother on the matter…” Nix’s voice trailed off.

“No, please! I promise I won’t tease Zin again…like this anyway…please Nix, please don’t tell Mother!” Dian begged, trying to reach out to hug Nix.

Zin remained silent, a slight smug look on his little face.

“And what of you, Zin? You need to control your anger. What if you had actually hurt Dian? Do you think Mother and Father would approve?” Nix frowned.

The smug look on Zin’s face disappeared. “No.”

“Fae do not fight other fae in Orangeblush. Am I clear on the matter?”

“Yes,” both fae boys chimed in.

“My, my, what is this I hear?” A soft, yet commanding voice said from behind the group.

The two little fae boys gasped and struggled to get out of Nix’s grasp. Nix gently placed the two down on the ground.

“Grandma Daylilly!” Canna scurried to the older fae, hugging her leg through her light orange dress, ruffles and all.

Daylilly smiled at her granddaughter, and picked her up, stroking her face tenderly. “Hello, my dearest one. What mischief have your brothers gotten into now?”

Two wise light orange eyes stared silently into two sets of bright orange ones, expecting an answer. Dian and Zin exchanged a look with each other and then looked at Nix.

Nix shook his head. “You’re on your own boys.”

Daylilly flew closer to Dian and Zin as Canna wiggled out of her grasp and flew next to Nix.

Daylilly’s dress rose and fell quietly as she knelt down in front of Dian and Zin. Canna let out a soft “wow” as she watched how elegantly her grandmother sat. The little fae tried to mimic the movements to Nix’s amusement.

“My dearest of grandsons.” She looked from one to the other, placing a hand on both of their shoulders. Although Daylilly was a grandmother, she still looked fairly young, her brown skin radiating a light from within, there was not a wrinkle or fine line in sight. Daylilly’s light orange eyes and gold streaks of hair could only give away her true age.

“It was Dian’s fault,” Zin blurted out, unable to withstand the knowing look his grandmother gave him. “I really tried, grand-“

“I just told the truth,” Dian said and shrugged.

Daylilly tilted her head to the side. “Truth?” She released the boys and fluttered her wings. She rose up until her feet touched the ground without making a sound and held out her hands. Each boy without thought held tight to her hand. “Let's speak of a truth. Come to my garden.”

As the three began to walk down the next hall, Canna flew behind them. “Grandma Daylilly, may I come to the garden too?”

Daylilly turned and smiled. “Of course, dear.”

Canna giggled her delight and fluttered her wings faster to keep up with the three. “Bye, Nix!” She called out.

Nix chuckled and watched as his loved ones disappeared down the hall. For the second time that day, his smile faded as he thought of the upcoming danger they all faced. Surely his grandmother knew, but those three precious fae? No. Nix would do everything in his power to ensure their childhood memories would be sweet. They were after all, innocent.

He sighed. He must think positively. His mother and father would expect for his thoughts to be clear in the upcoming gathering of the fae. Nix checked on his sister Whisper once more.

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“Mother! All of the faelings are teasing me!” A young Whisper Lilly flew frantically into the throne room, tears streaming down her face.

The older fae in the throne room looked towards the crying little fae and felt pity for her. She was so tiny. Surely this must be what the teasing is about.

The Queen stood up from her throne and studied her daughter. She was truly in distress. Her bright orange eyes glistened like fire reflecting from the crystal furnace deep within the city. The little fairy’s tear stained face touched the Queen’s heart. She spoke.

“The Fae Court is adjourned for now. I have other matters to attend to. We will reconvene tomorrow at noon.”

The fae bowed to their Queen, sending encouraging and understanding looks towards Whisper Lilly as they departed. The Queen sat down and Whisper Lilly rushed to her in a heap on her lap.

As the little fae sobbed, the Queen gently stroked her hair. “Now my darling. What troubles you?”

“You’re not mad I ruined your meeting?” Little eyes looked up into the loving ones of her mother.

“No, my little one.”

“But you are Queen-“

“And I am also a mother and more importantly your mother. Now, tell me what troubles you. You said the faelings are teasing you?”

Sensing no signs of anger in her voice or face, Whisper Lilly spoke in a shaky voice.

“When I went to school today Tagetes was making fun of me and was getting the whole class to do it too.”

“Tagetes? That’s Lady Tithonia’s little fae…what did he say dear?”

“He said I was a puffball with no real name because my first name isn’t a orange flower. He said I was adopted,” Whisper Lilly felt herself tearing up again. “He kept saying, ‘Whisper’s adopted. Whisper’s adopted.’”

“And then the class said it too?”

“Yes.”

The Queen sighed. She thought she would have more time-

“Mother, am I adopted?”

“No! No, dear. You’re not adopted.”

“Then why is my first name not a flower like everyone else?”

“Sweetheart, when I first learned that you were a girl, I had a dream that I should call you Whisper Lilly.” The Queen said softly.

“That’s it? A dream?”

“Well…there’s more to it, but I’ll tell you once you're older. Just know that your name is special. You should be proud of your name because one day, everyone will know it.”

The Queen could tell that her daughter’s mind was a forest of different thoughts by the look on her face. The Queen gently grasped her little fae’s chin in her hand. “I don’t want you to worry about your name, darling. Don’t worry about the faeling Tagetes or anyone else who tries to make you upset about your name. You tell them you are proud of your name because it is unique.”

“Unique?”

“Yes. Very special. Just continue to be Whisper Lilly.”

“But who is Whisper, Mother?” Those large orange eyes pierced straight through the Queen's heart.

“Right now, Whisper Lilly is my daughter and I’m very very proud of her.” The Queen embraced her daughter tightly. “I love you, my little fae.”

“To the moon and back?”

“Yes,” the Queen smiled. “To the moon and back.”

The Queen smiled at the memory of her daughter as she watched her sleeping form in the bed. Whisper Lilly shifted under the sheets and the Queen reached out and caressed her cheek with all the warmth a proud mother could muster.

“My darling girl.”

“How’s our little princess, Lantana?”

The Queen turned and greeted her husband, King Geiger with a kiss to the cheek. “She’s resting. She should awake tomorrow.”

“I heard she healed two fae at once,” King Geiger sat down on the bed, holding Whisper Lilly’s hand. “She’s getting stronger.”

“She is.” The Queen went silent for a moment. “Do we have to do this?”

King Geiger looked into his beautiful wife’s face and sighed. “If there was another way, you know I’d take it.”

“There has to be-“

“There isn’t, Lantana.”

“She’s so young, Geiger,” the Queen’s voice shook, and she looked away,taking in a deep breath. “And a bit headstrong.”

“She takes after her mother.” The look the Queen sent her husband caused him to chuckle. “I’m only saying she is prepared for the task. Have you not been training her for this very moment?”

“I thought I had more time. The prophesy never spoke of her doing anything to this magnitude…”

“Would it hurt to revisit the prophesy?”

“I’m not too keen upon another visit from the Monotropa Enchantress, but-“

“But?”

“I might summon her again.”

The King studied his wife. “Do you think your mother would agree to this, one last time?”

“I am certain she will do everything within her power to protect her granddaughter. I will speak with her. Come now, we are needed soon at the gathering.”

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