Here and Back Again – Sheryl, the Fae-Touched – 17.03.2020

---

“Why did you go to this place?” Titania asked, voice echoing across the field where the fey were drinking and dancing and making merry. Her giant form commanding, demanding an answer.

Sheryl smiled to herself and raised a shoulder in a half shrug.

“It was where my feet took me.”

---

Sheryl had been nervous, excited, anxious, all the feelings one could expect when you are returning home after having been away for a year.

Well, it’s not been exactly a year. There was that one time I was Banished back. But that doesn’t really count.

The friends she had chosen to come with her arrived as she hoped they would – Arkadius, the first of the friends she had made in these strange and wonderful lands; BB, whos fascination with a particular feywild flower was probably more the reason she said she’d come than anything else (And I don’t blame her, the flowers in the ’wilds are exquisite.); Wil, who was the first one to show up though he kept muttering about how much he disliked the fey (“Be careful Wil, that’s my family you are speaking about,” she had said and he had looked chastised if only a little.); Mace, who couldn’t seem to miss an opportunity to expand his enterprises (Boy is he in for a surprise. The fey love a good deal as much as he does!); and G’lorth, whom, to the others, seemed like an odd choice, but Sheryl had adventured now with him numerous times in her final weeks and had seen how persuasive and clever he was.

Sheryl had made arrangements with Aurellia earlier in the week to have her and her friends Plane Shifted to the Feywild. Of course, Sheryl had explained to her friends, they couldn’t all go directly into the Court, and only a fool would even dare to try.

I must try to learn this spell at some point, Sheryl had thought as she watched the councillor cast the spell, weaving the magics in such a way that was strange to her and yet some of the somatic shapes seemed familiar.

What should have been solid ground under their feet when they arrived was not, and instead they were all tumbling through the sky! In a panic that she would later laugh off, Sheryl had cast magics to help save her friends and even downed the flying potion she had saved. But, alas, as is true of the fair folk, the first true welcome after being away a year, it was all an illusion. A clever one! But still, an illusion all the same.

After the illusion was broken by Wil intimidating the poor creatures who only wanted to have fun, and Aurellia had Plane Shifted back to Daring Heights, Sheryl was able to gather herself again as every sensation she had longed for and missed during her one year sojourn came flooding back into her. She breathed in the scents and sights of the Summer Lands and felt truly safe for the first time in many many moons. The others were all bickering about which element is the most terrifying – she was vaguely paying attention to the three camps the small fey were gathering into behind Arkadius, Wil and BB. But as she stood on the crest of the green hill, the moment her eyes fell upon the castle, she heard it.

The song…

“We should get going. They’re waiting for us,” she said, her voice sounding far away even to her own ears.

She is waiting for me.

---

“What else did you learn? Tell me, I am curious to know what you have been doing this past year,” the Great Queen of Summer asked, lounging back on the tree, great sword gleaming beside her.

Sheryl looked at her, though it hurt her eyes to do so.

I am not who I was a year ago. I will not hesitate now, like I would have then.

“I met many people in my travels, O Great Queen,” she says, bowing low. “Some you see before you,” she gestures and looks at each of them in turn, a slight sadness to her smile as she does so, “my dear friends I brought with me to see me home. As I said I would come back to you.”

Turning back she looks directly into Titania’s eyes unblinkingly.

“For a word once given, cannot be broken.”

---

The sun rose higher and the day stretched on. Their pace was quick enough though it was hard to tell just how far they had gone, whether they were actually getting any closer to the castle or not. But Sheryl knew they were. The song was calling to her and she followed its lead.

After a time there was a vast field of gigantic sunflowers standing ten to twelve feet high. Seeing them made Sheryl think of the Queen even more but she saw how BB was looking longingly at these flowers and knew she was getting ideas about taking one, though how she could carry such a gigantic flower safely Sheryl didn’t know. She had followed the giant furbolg up to the field where two eladrin, Glory and Glorious, were playing slaps.

Sheryl had debated coming forward, demanding to be shown the way to the Queen but there was something about these two that didn’t seem right. Luckily, G’lorth took the lead and managed to convince the two to start bidding on which of them would lead the group around the field of sunflowers! Would it be Glory, across the “battlefield” to the right of the sunflower field, or would it be Glorious, through the inviting forest along the path?

This was exactly why I knew he would be good for this trip, Sheryl thought smugly as in the end Glory offered 600 gold and his boots of elvenkind to the group!

Still, there is something odd in how desperate the two of them were to lead us the correct way, was what she thought as they began to follow the eladrin. But she was not worried. She could not say why – maybe it was the heady smells and sensations giving her a euphoric confidence that she had not felt in a year. But even as Glory turned, saying, “Ah-ha!” to spring a trap on them nothing happened.

Because he showed up…

---

She didn’t look over her shoulder, though she wanted to. She felt him watching her, waiting to see what she would do, what she would say. Would he be as surprised when she mentions the last person Titania would want to hear of?

I am stronger than I was a year ago. I have nothing to be ashamed of.

“There was one familiar face. Someone I did not expect to see. You all know her as a Lady. But now she is just Sunday.”

The very air holds its breath. The Queen doesn’t move. The denizens of the court start to mutter and throw furtive glances to where she sits but her eyes never leave Sheryl.

“Sunday,” Sheryl says again, eyes locked with Titania’s, head held high and there is a ripple through the fey, “along with others – others like the soldiers of Order of the Crimson Fist, the council of Daring Heights, the people of Port Ffirst, the merchants, the blacksmiths, the adventurers and my friends here – we all banded together and fought against the Storm itself. In a Nation of Wind call K’ul Goran, we stood against giants and demons to stop a country from being slaughtered. But though that battle is over the war is not. Something is happening across the planes. Something chaotic and bad. Something that could even harm the lands here that I love!” Her hand comes up to her bosom and she pauses as the passion and truth in her words overwhelms her.

“People like Sunday, like the Order, like my friends and me, stood up and protected what we love. But it’s not over yet. The threat is still out there.”

Out of the corner of her eye she sees him smile.

---

Seeing Kruxeral again, that smile that sent her heart fluttering, it was all she could do to hold herself back from throwing herself into his arms. Their nights together in Daring had seemed so long ago now, but he was here, to take her hand and guide her to the Queen…

“I am G’lorth, some say the Magnificent, and I have been like a father figure to dear Sheryl these past months, guiding her, teaching her, showing her the ways of the world.”

Kruxeral looked at her with a quirked eyebrow and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

“I am like a father figure to her as well. I appreciate the efforts you’ve gone through, taking such good care of my dear Merla whilst she has been gone.” He smiled, but she knew he was teasing her more than giving any sort of thanks to G'lorth and her cheeks had turned flush in an instant.

“Yes, it has been quite lovely being friends with Merla,” Arkadius had said, turning to her.

There had been an awkward pause.

“Care to explain that to us, Merla?”

Sighing she said carefully, “‘Sheryl’ is the name I chose. Kruxeral calls me by my True Name...”

The others had looked at her, confused, not seeming to understand. Wil seemed like he might, but then he shook his head and muttered, “Damn weird fey stuff.”

“Since you all know her as Sheryl, I too shall use that name,” Kruxeral said and Sheryl nodded a thanks to him. “Come, I shall lead you all to the festivities, although, there is one stop we could make along the way… Something that might interest you all.”

Sheryl was excited and had an idea of what it might be. The others seemed intrigued enough and so they followed the satyr out of the circle of trees, past the field of sunflowers, and into the forest. As they went, feeling inspired by being with her mentor again, Sheryl pulled out her harp and started playing. Kruxeral joined in, and then Arkadius, and even Wil pulled out a drum! The four of them played a merry jig whilst BB nodded along and Mace looked like he was trying to write lyrics. G’lorth, true to his form, walked behind Kruxeral playing his panpipes, with an air of pomp that suggested the entire parade was for him and him alone.

Just as they were finishing their song a herd of deer darted past, quickly followed by fey, no more than one foot tall, riding on the backs of foxes, squirrels, rabbits and other forest creatures.

The Hunt.

Sheryl had never participated in one before but from the moment they all were shrunk down, she hopped onto a fox and took off. As the fox chased after the deer, Sheryl let the magic in the air swell into her. Her hair rippled like water over pebbles and her skin started to glow like the sun – a more golden glow than any of the others had seen before on the Material Plane. Those around her moved forward with a burst of speed and she called out to the deer.

The chase was merry and everyone helped herd and catch three of the magnificent creatures which were to be taken to the feast. Invigorated from the Hunt, Sheryl walked with Kruxeral and excitedly recounted the efforts of all with him.

---

The once bright, dry heat that lay over the valley suddenly darkened as summer storm clouds came tumbling in over head. There were hushed and worried murmurs amongst the fey as they shuffled and shifted uncomfortably, knowing what the little bard was saying was upsetting their queen. The air got sticky with a humidity that preceded the coming of a summer storm and Sheryl felt the ozone in the air rise.

“Of all the places,” Titania said softly, silencing the fey, “of all the people you could have met,” her eyes seemed to flash as she looked at Sheryl, “why did it have to be her…”

Thunder rumbles overhead.

---

As they crested the hill, Sheryl and her friends, led by Kruxeral, saw just how large the festivities were. It sprawled across the gently rolling hills which lead down to where a giant oak tree stood. Lounging, resplendent in a shiny silver breastplate with a greatsword by her side was Titania, Queen of the Seelie Fae.

The music she had been hearing rose to a crescendo and fell away, blending into music which was being played by three different bands playing in the valley, their songs weaving together despite how different they were. Wil headed off immediately, saying he wanted to find a drink. Sheryl asked someone to go with him, which Arkadius volunteered a little eagerly. BB saw some eladrin children making flower crowns and went over to them to see what flowers they were using. Mace snuck off so Sheryl didn’t know where he got to, but later, when he returned she saw he was tucking a glowing acorn into the inner pockets of his cloak. Perhaps a game of cards? G’lorth stuck with her and Kruxeral and though he tried to talk to some of the nobles of the Court they weren’t as interested in shaking hands with the Grung ambassador as much as he was with them.

Sheryl spotted someone she knew, a young, pink-haired eladrin whom she had trained with under Kruxeral for many years, and had given her a number of tips in the past when it came to her performance costumes. She had run over, tapping the beautifully dressed fey on the arm.

“Durdys! It’s me, I’m back!”

The eladrin turned around but her expression was confused. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I know you. Who are you?”

“I-It’s me. Mirfae. We… we’ve known each other for many years,” Sheryl said, a creeping dread working its way up her spine.

“No, cannot say I recognise you. Sorry dear,” the fey said with a wave and walked away.

She had stood there, shocked. Thinking it must be a mistake she tried talking to some of the other fey she recognised but they all seemed to have the same reaction. After the fourth or fifth time Sheryl had run back to Kruxeral and asked him what was going on.

“I think it’s time you see her, no?” he asked gently. Sheryl merely nodded and went with him to the circle of fey gathered around the Seelie Queen. She waited back a bit, suddenly nervous, checking and seeing that her friends were nearby. Spotting them coming to where she was gave her strength.

“Well, go on then,” Kruxeral said and pushed her forward into the centre of the circle, out in front of everyone.

In front of Queen Titania.

Heart fluttering with nerves and excitement, Sheryl bows before the Seelie Queen.

“Great Queen Titania, I have returned to you and the Summer Court, as promised.”

There are some hushed whispers from the fey and a stifled giggle. Sheryl forgot how much those things could unnerve her. She stands up and sees the coldest most distant look on the Seelie Queen's face. That feeling of dread comes back.

Titania leans forward imposingly, bringing her face right down to Sheryl’s level. Where there should have seen recognition – where she had hoped to see love – she only sees indifference.

“And who are you, exactly?” she asks, no hint of recognition or familiarity. Sheryl’s stomach drops.

“I…” she looks around, suddenly in a panic.

What’s happened? Has she truly forgotten me? What do I- She stops that thought before it fully forms. Instead, she gathers her courage.

I have faced the storm before.

“I am Merla Copperkettle,” she says in a small voice. Even softer so hopefully only Titania can hear, “Your daughter.”

She holds her breath. Then, after a moment, Titania sits up and lets out a laugh which sounds like music to her ears and claps, the rest of the fey joining in.

“Yes, I know who you are,” Titania says, smiling down at Sheryl. “You have returned. Tell me where have you been this past year?” She reclines back on the great oak she was using as a throne.

Laughing a little with everyone else to let go of her nerves, Sheryl pulls herself together, making ready to put on the performance she had promised her mother all those months ago.

“O Great Titania, I have travelled far and wide, across many Planes of existence. I have walked across the Material plane, seen a Nation of Wind, gone sailing across the Plane of Air, Dived Deep in the Realm of Water. But the place I have called home for the past year is a land called Kantas, known as The Dawn Lands, in a town filled with brave people and adventurers called Daring Heights…”

---

Thunder rumbles again over head and the clouds start flashing with light.

I have faced the storm before. I will not be afraid.

“This threat across the Planes,” Sheryl starts, coming closer to Titania, entreating her, “it is something we cannot ignore. If the balance is broken, this place, this Court, my home,” and you, “it will all be in danger. I cannot let that happen.” She looks to the fey around her, to her friends, to Kruxeral. “When the people, with love in their hearts, band together like we did, then we can stop this Infernal threat. And it must be stopped.”

Queen Titania studies her and Sheryl hopes she can see she is being sincere.

The clouds start to part, the sun breaking through them and there is a collective sigh of relief. Sheryl smiles fondly up at her mother, and though she does not smile back, she sees how Titania’s eyes soften when she looks at her for the briefest of moments before she speaks again.

“I see you have seen and done much, child. For now, enjoy the festivities. I shall hear more later.” She waves her hand in dismissal.

Sheryl bows once more before she turns and runs back to her friends.

---

Time passes. The festivities continue. They drink and dance and play music together. She loses track of time. One minute she is dancing with Arkadius, the next with Mace. She shows BB some of her favourite flowers and says they’re most beautiful under moonlight. She accompanies Wil on her harp whilst he tells one of his seafaring stories. She introduces G'lorth to some of the court and watches in amusement as some shake his hand and fall over.

Time passes. The festivities continue. But she is getting tired. She looks to where Titania is and waves to the Queen, her mother, and is so happy to be back. Daring Heights and its people become a distant dream with each breath.

Time passes. Kruxeral takes her in his arms. She caresses his face and feels her heart swell, happy to be with him. He takes her to the grove where he taught her music. Gently, he lays her down on the dewy grass and they make a different kind of music together.

Time passes…