B3 – Chapter 21: Fey Court

Tristan strode into the Fey Court chamber and removed his weapons, placing them on a rack against the wall before taking his seat in the tall-backed chair. A few fairy dragons flew in with clearcool and water in jugs, and several cups which they began pouring.

Other representatives of the Fey Realm filtered in rapidly one after the other. The Matriarch for the fairy dragons, Thallia for the nymphs, Dorni for the gnomes, Dorothy for the residents from the Mortal Realm, and Felicity who shook herself dry before landing on the table and strutting over to Tristan, plopping her rump on the table in front of him.

Once all were seated, the chamber doors were closed by two medium-sized fairy dragon attendants in Elfanoid form, wearing Adamant Wood armor and holding pikes. The Matriarch cleared her throat and spoke, “We have a few items to discuss. First, Felicity,” she looked over to the fairy dragon, “I asked you here to provide insight into Lord Tristan’s Mortal Realm activities. However, since he is here, he can inform us himself.”

Felicity’s ears drooped ever-so-slightly, and Tristan scratched her head between the antlers reassuringly. “She can speak for me for now,” he said.

She perked up at that and she began speaking rapidly, filling in the Fey Court at blisteringly fast speed of speech. She concluded with, “…we finished off some magic training and came back here!”

Dorni looked over at Tristan with a stern gaze, “This Wild Realm seems quite dangerous. And from what she described, it is a vast place.”

“That’s what it seems like from what Bertram and Rory said over dinner. If we are hunting down these mutated dragons in the farther reaches, it could be a decent length of time.”

The Matriarch nodded, “Thank you for the information.” She looked to Thallia, “I had one more item to discuss before your turn.” The nymph tapped her fingers on the table, and made a circular gesture with her hand, prompting The Matriarch to continue. “The fairy dragon populace needs to expand to facilitate our needs. To that end, I will need to spend more time imbuing seed pods inside The Queen’s Wood. Which means less time managing affairs.” She pulled a sheet of parchment from under the table and slid it across. “These are the duties that will need to be attended to while I am doing this.”

Dorni snatched the list and began skimming it, muttering under his breath. “We can handle most of this given we don’t have much going on.” He looked over to Thallia and handed her the document, “The one that we are not as suited to are the Realm exterior patrols.”

Thallia snagged the sheet and read it intently for a few seconds before grimacing, “I suppose we can do that.” She handed the paper to Dorothy, “But I insist that the new residents have a hand in the duty of managing the top boughs. Gnomes are not the best with heights.”

The Sheepkin tailor accepted the paper and nodded, “Seems simple enough.” She looked over to The Matriarch, “We’ll be given entry permission to do so?”

“Yes,” she replied.

Thallia stood up, “Now onto my business. My nymphs are craving the outside world and other Realms.”

Tristan interrupted, “Does your ability to travel to any connected body of water persist in other Realms, aside from this one and the Mortal Realm?”

“They do,” Thallia replied as she looked over at him. “My proposal was to send a few nymphs through this portal to the inter-Realm market on the upcoming scheduled visit, and have them then be bearers of goodwill and tidings for the Fey Realm.”

“A campaign,” Tristan stated. “Spreading word of the Fey Realm.” Thallia nodded, and Tristan felt a twinge of fear and panic as the greed over his Realm’s essence captured his thoughts. “I do not approve,” he said with a dour expression. “Assassins still seek me out, and whilst they cannot enter the grounds of The Citadel if they have ill-intent toward me, they may have some means around that by going through other Realms.”

“Then allow my sisters to travel for leisure and the experience,” Thallia countered.

“An idea,” Tristan said as he scratched Felicity’s head. “Dorni, can we make water proof maps and something to write with that is also water proof?”

“Aye, we can,” Dorni replied.

“Then your Nymphs will be responsible for cartography,” Tristan stated. “They get to travel and sate their wanderlust, exploring; but also mapping out these different Realms.” He looked back to Dorni, “Please also work on crafting some simple items artificed with Disguise Form for them to take – their natural capability with enchantment will make them excellent information gatherers, as well.”

Thallia had a soft smile on her lips, and spoke in a sweet, appreciative tone. “I think they would be more than fine with that idea.”

Dorni grumbled, “Sure. We can make the watery tarts some items like that. But we will need some fairy dragons to cast the illusion spells.”

Thallia shot him a withering glare but ultimately sat down without another word. “I’m done,” she stated bluntly, all softness gone.

Dorothy raised her hand, and Tristan gestured to her to speak. “My Lord, and other Courtiers. There have been some requests that more residents be scouted. There are young people among us, and they are craving romantic connection – a few even want to start families.”

Thallia groaned, “Infants? Those crying, mewling babes?” She made a disgusted noise and turned her nose up at the concept.

The Matriarch nodded, “I do not see a problem with it. The hard part will be vetting possible new individuals.”

Felicity spoke, “Why not use enchantment on them? Make them be totally honest and then grill them in an interview?”

“A good idea,” Thallia stated. “But enchantment is looked down upon by many as unsavory.”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Felicity looked back at Tristan, “It’s your call.”

Tristan looked at the table and tried to read their expressions. Thallia looked disinterested, Dorni also seemed fairly neutral. Dorothy had a slightly concerned look, whilst The Matriarch seemed enthusiastic. “Dorothy,” he said softly as he put his elbows on the table and tented his hands. “What would you propose otherwise to vet new entrants?”

“I…I’m not sure, Lord Tristan,” she replied. “But many people will not subject themselves to enchantment willingly.”

Tristan looked at Felicity, “You remember that potion manual? Go fly up and grab it.”

Felicity saluted and flew off. About thirty seconds later, she returned with the book in her paws. “Here you go!”