5 Entranced (2/2)

Listen oh dear ones, listen to me. Heaven's gates we will see

If I die, brother, don't you cry

We'll meet on the other side, I'll meet you on the other side

The last chord fades into the night's sky, carrying off that final promise. It seems like such a sad song, even if it's promising something wonderful. I notice a stary vail enveloped the sunset while I lost myself in my music. ”I probably should get home.” I think to myself.

I get up from the rock to follow the familiar route home until I notice lights that shine all around the rock where I sat.

I smile, ”I didn't know that fireflies were out already.” I think to myself, but then I notice the lights aren't flickering, moreover they're brighter than regular fireflies would be. Before I can question it further one of the brighter lights comes closer to me.

At first, I was startled, feeling dread that prepares your body to run or fight, but it fades as the light comes closer and that feeling is replaced with a curious fascination. When it came closer, I understand what it truly is, it's a small girl with the wings of a butterfly that's somehow illuminating. ”A faerie,” I think, one of the few species that didn't flee during the First Crusade. I look closely at the small girl and notice a small circlet made of light upon her head, which means....

I quickly kneel while extending my arm to the ground while I bowed my head in reverence. That circlet is the sign of a Faerie Queen, I hope I haven't invaded her territory. How many times have I entered her territory without realizing it? I can only hope that I haven't displeased her.

Faeries are beings that can collect the mana particles within the air, allowing them not to need food or water, and a Faerie Queen is capable of absorbing much more mana than a regular faerie or even a human is capable of. If I had to rank the power their spells are able to produce, I would say their Magecraft potential, would probably be somewhere between Lv.5 and Lv.6. She could turn me to ash in a moment if she wished, I stay completely still holding my head in submission hoping she will overlook my transgression.

I feel a tiny pair of hands try to lift my chin, I look up and see the small girl smiling at me. My mind races through my memory, I try and think back to when I was studying the fae language if I remember correctly they speak the same tongue. I say earnestly. ”Dal'ntrӕ btyta goӓreau [Please forgive my rudness].”

She responds with an inquisitive look and says. ”I'm sorry human, I but have no knowledge to where the closest lavatory is.”

I stare at her dumbly then ask. ”You can speak English?”

”Yes, and you can speak fae, we are both full of surprises, aren't we?”

I'm dumbstruck, I can only reply. ”What did I say exactly?”

She smiles mischievously. ”Please forgive my rudeness.”

I momentarily forget who I'm speaking to and yell ”You...You little deviant, do you understand how dumb I felt.” practically fuming.

She falls backward midair kicking her feet while holding her side, roaring laughter. I can only sit there and pout until she composes herself. She wipes an invisible tear away and says.

”I'm sorry human, they call this humor in your tongue, yes? Its been too long since I've meddled with one of your kind, I couldn't help myself.” She finishes and finally seemed to compose herself.

”We have witnessed your music for many years now, your songs have always been pleasant melodies, ones that we all enjoy hearing.” She eludes to the other sparkling lights that encircle us.

”Tonight, however, was especially enjoyable and I wish to reward you for humoring us with your songs all of these years. My name is Queen Aliece of the Faeries, Please Human, tell me your name so that I may remember it.”

I incline my head placing my right hand on my heart. ”I am Christian, squire of Paladin Knight Sir Richard.”

She nods respectfully at this. ”Then Christian, squire of Paladin Knight Sir Richard. Tell me of your desire and I will do all that is within my power to fulfill it.” Her eyes hold true, I know she means what she said.

I think for a second, what could I ask for that Is befitting of a queens request? An idea pops into my head, I smile even at the notion.

I stand and look squarely into her eyes and ask ”Queen Aliece I have no request befitting of someone as great as yourself, I only humbly ask that you would allow me to continue to play for you and your court. This would be my greatest pleasure.”

Her smile lights up her face, and if I didn't know better, I'd say that she even glowed a bit brighter. She flew excitedly around my body until settling in front of me, grabbing my face with her miniature hands.

”Sir Christian your request has pleased me greatly, I grant your request and bestow upon you this small boon. She flew to the left side of my head and planted a kiss on my cheek, my first kiss. I reddened slightly, but smile gratefully at the queen.

”You have earned my favor Sir Christian, I would like you to come to know me as your friend, your earnest heart has already earned you that title within my own. If there is anything that you come to desire, I will give it to you without hesitation and If you ever should need someone's assistance, then I shall be here awaiting you.”

My smile broadened and I bowed again. ”Your generous words are too kind for someone as humble as I, your highness. Only know that you have my eternal allegiance as well as my friendship.”

At this, she could hold her excitement no longer, she flew quickly around my body, too excited to be able to sit still. She stopped and grabbed my index finger with both arms pulling me towards the rock I was before.

”Please Sir Christian, play us another song, this would please me greatly.”

I chuckled lightly at the surprising strength of the small faerie dragging me along. ”Yes, my queen, whatever you would like me to play.”

I played late into the night. When I finally was released from my duties, I silently thanked god for allowing me to have the next day to sleep in.