Sky Flyers

~ Love until Sunrise

            On the first light of day upon the half moon’s rising, a young Flyer skipped along the many colored pebbled path with song in her heart.  Her tiny hands grasped a leaflet satchel filled with herbs, tied off with plaited strands of her own moss-green tresses. The growing wings upon her back shook lightly with each precarious hop, yet her gaze of cornflower blue held the utmost confidence that her feet should not fail on any step.

            All remained well in Butter-fae Grove, as it should, and this day brought with it near magical elements. In the late summer, near the cusp of autumn, the leaves around had begun to transform from green to a wonderful array of burnt oranges, reds, and deep violets.  While none existed inside their canopy, the sky’dol chirped and sang their merry tunes, sweet melodies floating on the wind that whispered in the Flyers’ ears. The mid-day sun’s rays cast a sparkling gold film on all it reached and the tan’lora about gleefully basked in the patches like so many lounging felines.  The parents of the tan’lora stood about or busied themselves with small chores, chattering and laughing, giving the passing tan’la a nod in greeting.

            As she continued on her way, the tan’la noticed a silver haired tan’lin rushing upon her.  There was a wide grin placed on his lips and his golden eyes sparkled.

            “Come play with us, Tan’rin’la! We’re playing Keep from the Shadows!”

            While Keep from the Shadows was one of her favorite games – she’d spent countless afternoons playing it with the other tan’lora- Tan’rin’la politely declined the offer.

            “I’m to see the Sha’la today, but we can play tomorrow, Tan’star’lin.”

            Tan’star’lin pouted, something the tan’la found amusing as he was a few years older than her, but he resumed his play with the others as Tan’rin’la continued.

            The tan’la smiled broadly upon reaching Shu’sha Hall.  It always managed to look positively magnificent, no matter how many times she saw it.  This being her seventh visit, she had figured to be used to it by now.  However, there just always seemed to be an ever-changing air about the glorious establishment that took the youth’s breath away.

            Flyer guards were stationed at the entrance and Tan’rin’la noted they were the same ones from the first and fourth times she came to visit.  They gave her no problems as she stepped to the arching foyer, moving aside the pine needle laden spears to grant her access.  Tan’rin’la beamed to each of them in turn, receiving a wink from the guard on the right in return.

            No sooner did Tan’rin’la set foot inside the grand hall the Shu’lin did stride beside her miniature form.  His kind eyes sparkled down at the tan’la as he placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder.  When at first the child had visited, the king had been wary of his wife’s growing attachment, but soon his wariness passed and he too enjoyed the visits.  How much like his wife did he wish to have a child of his own? Hearing the sound of tinkling giggles from Tan’rin’la often times now would bring a laugh to his own lips.

            “She awaits you, young one.” The Shu’lin nodded down the familiar passage where the Stone Pond of the Fin’dol lay.

            “Thank you.  This is for you, Shu’lin.” The tan’la offered the satchel of herbs and he took it gently. “A gift from Mother- she is growing an herbal garden beside our hut and wished to share in return for you and the Sha’la allowing me here.”

            Touched by the simple gesture, the Shu’lin ruffled the girl’s moss like hair affectionately before sending her along to his beloved.

            When Tan’rin’la entered the lair of the Stone Pond, she found her queen perched upon the edge, trailing slender fingers in the water. The beauty of the room was also one that never ceased to amaze the tan’la, for here it changed as the seasons did in the grove.  While the intricate spider silk and crystal pillars remained, all else had transformed into something of a fall wonderland. The firefly lantern on the domed ceiling lit the way of a violet hued sky extending to each pillar. There leaves the same warm colors of the outdoors were laced among winding vines that reached the moss covered floor. Some broad leaves were strewn at the feet of Tan’rin’la and one broke free from a vine to flutter beyond the child’s form.

            “Little one,” Sha’la extended a hand, taking pleasure in seeing the tan’la. “I am glad you are here.”

            Tan’rin’la moved forward to take the hand of her queen, finding it as soft as a baby bird’s down. “I skipped all the way here, Sha’la. I even missed a game of Keep from the Shadows for another story today.”

            Light laughter escaped the beautiful queen and she glided from her perch to sit upon a mound of leaf covered moss.  The child followed suit, eyes upon the Fin’dol Stone Pond.

            “Well then another tale you shall hear, dear Tan’rin’la. What is it that might strike your fancy this day? What should you like to hear?”

            It seemed no thought was needed, for the child replied hastily. “Pari’lin! I should wish to hear another tale of Pari’lin and Miss Neptune!”

            The Sha’la smiled and gently stroked the child’s hair. “Pari’lin does seem to be your favorite of the Flyers I’ve told you of, my dear. What should you hear of him?”

            “Tell me about his love for Miss Neptune, please.” Tan’rin’la pleaded, her azure eyes glimmering. “Could they really never be together?”

            “Ah, love indeed,” the queen murmured then gestured to the waters trickling down the crevices of the Stone Pond. “I shall tell you this tale you wish to hear, just listen to the song of the Fin’dol once more and keep close watch on the water, my sweet...”

            Once again the familiar sights of Butter-fae Grove rippled into view, as it was all that time ago…

            …It was a day such as this one, so long ago, when the sun cast a magical glow upon our precious grove.  All had come out to enjoy the warmth and the beauty, some daring to fly up and ride the falling leaves to the ground just for fun. From the winding path of the Shu’sha Hall there grew tiny flowers, those of which the young prince had planted himself and on this day could be found tending to them with much care.

            Pari’lin stood from his flowers after some time, having been watching the playfulness of his kind, and suddenly felt a pain in his heart. While he wished to be among them, he found he should like to spend time with a certain other on a day so lovely. Miss Neptune filled his mind, as she often did, for in the few years that had passed upon their first meeting, Pari’lin grew close to his human friend.

            This day was not one of a half moon, or a full moon, and still the prince wished to visit his dear friend. After much contemplation the ebon haired prince moved swiftly round the back of the Hall, reaching the pen where his Serp’dol lay in slumber.

            “This will not do,” he murmured and carefully shook his flying friend awake.

            The Serp’dol knew what his prince asked of him, however, he knew it was not the right time to do so.  Being a rather sweet creature, though, the Serp’dol did lift his head and oblige to the wishes of the prince. 

            As Pari’lin mounted, the Shu’lin approached his son with concern.

            “Where are you going, son? I was not aware it was time for your visit above the canopy.”

            The prince turned wine colored eyes to his father with a smile hinting at his lips. “It is not the proper time, but something moves within and urges me to go. I cannot explain it, only to say suddenly I must visit Miss Neptune.”

            The Shu’lin took a moment to look upon his son. He had grown so quickly and while still young with much to learn, Pari’lin had grown old enough to know what that niggling in his heart could be. With a now very understanding expression, the prince’s father nodded to him, granting his approval.

            “Go with the guidance of the wind, my son, and with caution, as always. We shall see you when you return.”

            A broad smile spread on the Flyer prince’s lips as he said nothing more and pulled the reins of the Serp’dol, rising into the air. The wingless beast spiraled upward then swooped down once over the small community within the grove before rocketing through the canopy and into the blue yonder.

            Pari’lin whooped gleefully under the sunlight, enjoying thoroughly the clean air, the wind’s slender fingers combing through his hair of night. His eyes of wine reflected a beauteous world below, stretching to all sides the trees of life.  How he wished they would always be there for all kinds to enjoy…

            …After some time of circling, the Serp’dol began to descend to the clearing where Pari’lin had first encountered Miss Neptune. Of course, she would not be there waiting for her prince-ling friend, as she’d no idea he planned to visit.  However, this left no worry in the Flyer’s mind, for he’d paid careful attention to the surroundings and everything was quite familiar to him.

            With cautious guidance, Pari’lin directed his mount to a low height into the clearing, pulling the reins to the left, entering a narrow pathway. This was a shortcut to Miss Neptune’s home, one they’d always taken with each of his visits.

            Pari’lin felt his heart skip- he could not seem to stop the smile on his face.  How strange, he thought, that never before had such excitement come at the idea of seeing a close friend.  That day, something special was to happen, he could truly feel it.

            Something special happened indeed.  Not too far long into the trees, Pari’lin could hear a faint giggling amongst the verge. At first he dismissed it, but the sound gradually came closer until it seemed to surround him and his mount. The Serp’dol, slightly spooked, came to a hover, swiveling its long neck to and fro, jeweled eyes warily searching for the source of this trickery.

            “We’ve been waiting for you, Prince of the Flyers!”

            Pari’lin glanced sharply to his right and his gaze revealed a miniature Elven like being with antennae and a pair of translucent silver wings.  The smug faced he peered upon was that of a female fae who was soon joined by three more of her kind.

            “Waiting for me?” he repeated, surprised. “Whatever for?”

            He did not much like the fae, though he’d never met any for himself until this day. The stories of trickery he had heard had ruined their reputation for the prince. However, curiosity rose and he wondered why they would seek him out.

            The second female fae giggled in reply.

            “Many times we have seen your lovely companion walk with you perched on her shoulder. We have also seen the adoration you hold for your friend.  We wish to give you a gift, young Prince of the Flyers.”

            Pari’lin was now wary. The history regarding the fae and Flyer folk was not a good one- there was a battle long ago for the inhabitance of the grove and when the Flyers had won it, the fae held great disdain for them.

            But he was a fair prince, and so would hear their words.

            “What does this gift entail?”

            The third fae woman spoke now, eyes alight.

            “A mystical gift of transformation- the ability to shift into the body of a human or Flyer as you may please. Should you not wish for such a gift, prince? Should you not wish to be able to hold your love in your arms?”

            Her words struck deep within Pari’lin.  How suddenly did he indeed wish to be with the lovely Neptune, to stroke her hair, caress her cheek, and envelop her in his arms with all the care her had for her…

            “That is a most gracious gift, friend, but why would you give one so like it to one of my kind?”

            The fourth fae smiled as sweetly as could be.

            “Our past is nothing but, dear prince, and we fae folk are very compassionate when it comes to those in love. Please accept our gift to you for we should despair if you refuse.”

            There remained no hesitance in his heart and Pari’lin did so accept the gift. The four fae explained to him that he only had to wish himself into either form and could change from Flyer to Human whenever he wanted to. They gave him no other words, none of warning, and none of the fae’s believed hatred for the prince’s kind. And so Pari’lin resumed his flight to the meadow of the humans…

            …When the burst of golden sunlight over a broad expanse of wheat appeared, Pari’lin slowed his mount and landed just on the border of the forest. He took in the enormity of it all before dismounting, whispering to his Serp’dol friend to take flight into the verge until his return. Once the flying beast had gone, Pari’lin moved behind a broad oak and shut his eyes to will himself to a different form.

            Moments passed and the Flyer felt no different.  At first, he believed himself to be duped by the kind fae women, but upon opening his eyes of plum-red wine, Pari’lin noticed a great difference in his surroundings. The shrubbery no longer looked so massive, for they barely reached his shins.  He lay a hand upon the great tree and found his fingers, long and splayed against the bark, able to cover the large knot jutting from the wood.

            Stepping from his hiding place, Pari’lin discovered his view of the meadow had changed as well. While it still appeared quite spacious, he could now see just how close the opposite tree line was. It took all of his strength to keep from letting out another joyous whoop.  How eager he was to knock upon Miss Neptune’s door and greet her face to face.

            With no more delay, the ebon haired prince smoothed his red dyed riding cloak and strode confidently to a cozy cottage near the north end of the meadow. His heart beat and a nervous fluttering rose in his stomach. Suddenly Pari’lin had become quite shy, and of all times, he had already raised his fist to knock upon his friend’s door.

            “May I help you, sir?”

            Ah, a musical voice, so soft and kind. Pari’lin lowered his hand and turned his gaze upon the loveliest creature he’d ever laid eyes upon.

            There Miss Neptune stood, as beautiful as he remembered her, perhaps even more so, though it’d not been too long since they last met. He gazed upon her gently curving form graciously adorned in a simple white cotton gown, smiling at the way her own dark hair fell in soft waves to her waist and about her shoulders.

            Their eyes met and Pari’lin smiled faintly to her.

            “Miss Neptune…you are as lovely as ever.” And as he spoke these words his cheeks tinted crimson.

            The young woman clutched her basket of wildflowers tightly, gazing upon the stranger in curiosity.

            “Have we met? I am afraid if we have, I do not remember it.”

            Pari’lin nearly felt his heart break in half. How could she not tell it was him? Unless by some strange fate, his human transformation had also caused his looks to change- if this was so, then he had better explain himself quickly.

            “I…do not look like anyone you may know?” he offered hopefully, praying silently she would change her mind.

            Her grey eyes continued to study the stranger, taking in all that they could. His hair was as dark as pitch, eyes the color of deep red wine, and there was an innocence about him that calmed her heart. The concept dawned upon Neptune, though she did not quite understand how it was possible.

            “Pari’lin- my dear Pari’lin?” she whispered, half doubting her own words.

            The prince’s eyes lit up, livening up his handsome face. “So you do recognize me after all, Miss Neptune. You had me worried I looked a stranger to you.”

            The young woman set down her basket and moved to her friend in a fluid motion. “Perhaps it is the absence of your beautiful wings that fooled my eyes, yet you are beautiful all the same without them.” She blushed, bowing her head. “I am quite surprised to see you here, my friend, but pleased, and all the same curious as how this came to be.”

            Thus, Pari’lin told his story of the meeting with the fae, which proved enough to sate the inquiries of the young woman.  Gazing upon her, he took her hands in his, basking in the joy of being able to do so.

            “I thought of you today and could not suppress my drive to see you. I know not the reason, but I felt something wonderful should come of this heavenly day, and it has. My dear Neptune…”

            A blush crept along the maiden’s cream complexion as their gazes met once more.

            “There is much I should like to show you that I could not before…how long would you stay here with me?” she whispered, eyes ever expectant.

            Pari’lin smiled, drawing a hand across her cheek in a gentle caress. “I shall stay until sunrise, my Neptune, but I fear I must leave you then for my own kind would miss my presence. Worry not- I should visit you often as possible, and so for now, let us enjoy our time together.”

            There was no disagreement and Neptune promptly began chattering about all she wished to show him. He laughed at her excitement, telling there would be plenty of opportunities to see everything, and that they should not be so hasty to fit it in one day.

            The pair strolled in the meadow from one end to the other and back again, exploring the simplicity of nature’s miracles that gave the maiden such thrills. They studied the den of a vixen and her pups who had only been birthed a week before- the miracle of life seemed to bring the most joy to the prince’s dear friend, for her eyes became misty in her laughter. Neptune spared no time to introduce Pari’lin to the occasional passer by, for she wished not to take the time to explain his presence. Instead, she showed him the stone well from which her kind drew their life water.

            “If you should whisper your greatest wish into it, the spirits may be kind enough to grant it,” she explained to him, leaning over the side. Her eyes looked upon Pari’lin. “Shall you try it?”

            “My wish has long since come true, my friend,” the prince smiled. “Shall you?”

            Neptune smiled shyly as she straightened her form, her hand finding his once more, “Mine has come true as well.”

            As the sun began to sink, the maiden brought her Flyer prince to her favorite place in the farthest corner of the meadow. The air there smelled of apple blossoms, sweet peas, and violets, though where it came from neither could truly tell.

            “I come here to read every day,” Neptune stated, motioning towards a broad maple surrounded by tall golden grass and wildflowers. “It is my place of serenity…it is where I can see the sunset best. See now how it sends its many colored rays across the sky? How wonderful it is?”

            Pari’lin looked upon the deepening hues of violet, orange, red, and pink rippling into one another over a limitless space. It was indeed breathtaking, and certainly nothing he should have ever seen from the grove. His eyes moved to the maiden at his side, and as her form bathed in the setting sun’s rays, his heart and soul filled with such love for her he felt he might burst.

            “It is wonderful…and it is beautiful…but right now all I can care to gaze upon is the lovely one before my eyes.” He whispered, taking Neptune’s hands into his own and drew her close. “I have loved you and could do naught about it…I have loved you and never known.”

            Neptune became slightly flustered but found her words at last. “My dear Pari’lin…I have loved you always but thought there was nothing to come of it. My heart has happiness in it that I’ve never felt when you are near me, no matter in what form it may be.”

            The ebon locked prince sighed upon hearing her words, stroking her soft tresses as he so longed to do, and then placed a tender kiss upon strawberry lips. Neptune did not refuse him, she only drew him closer, and beneath the maple tree in the golden grass they loved until sunrise…

            …When dawn did come the pair despaired to part, yet Pari’lin could not abandon his duty as Prince to his people. With a long embrace and another sweet kiss, he strode from his beloved Neptune and into the forest.

            Waiting for his rider, the Serp’dol sat patiently, curled at the base of the oak tree the prince had transformed behind. Pari’lin once again closed his eyes, willing himself to shift, and though he felt nothing change found himself at his proper size once more. The smile upon his lips never left as he greeted his flying beast, patting him on the nose lightly.

            The Serp’dol snorted, eyeing his rider with an expression that only read skepticism.

            “I know your thoughts,” Pari’lin prompted, “and you are wrong, my friend. I can so do that again.”

            A challenging glint crossed the beast’s eyes. The Flyer prince chuckled.

            “Alright, then, I shall.”

            The Flyer once again willed himself to transform, however this time he found it did not work. He remained the same size! The Serp’dol gave a laughing snuffle, swinging his long neck to and fro. Unsatisfied, Pari’lin attempted the change once more, and then again, and finally a sixth time before he came to realize he had been tricked.

            He could change from one form to another whenever he pleased, the fae had said…yet they never did say how many times he could do so. Ashamed at his naivety, Pari’lin hung his head. How disappointed his love would be…how heartbroken would she feel to know he could not hold her as he did in the night again.

            And yet…he held no grudge toward the meddlesome fae women.  If it had not been for their trickery, then perhaps Pari’lin never would have gotten the chance to even hold his beloved Neptune once. It was far better to have felt her love just once, even if it would never happen again.

            With a light sigh, the prince mounted the Serp’dol, ignoring the knowing gleam in its jeweled eyes, and began the trek home…

 *   *   *

            …The images from the crystalline waters of the Fin’dol pond faded, shimmering away into nothing but transparent liquid once more.  The Sha’la looked to the tan’la at her side, noting the hint of tears in her cornflower eyes.

            “My dear Tan’rin’la, whatever is the matter?”

            The young Flyer gazed up at her queen. “I am happy to know Pari’lin loved Miss Neptune, Sha’la, but it saddens me that the fae played such a cruel joke on him. Poor Pari’lin…”

            Sha’la smiled gently, for the innocence of a child never ceased to amaze her. “Yes, poor Pari’lin…but Miss Neptune loved him before that day and she would continue to love him every day after. You see, Tan’rin’la, love knows no boundaries.”

            This brought brightness to the youth’s face as she stood from the moss ground. “So it did not matter his size or race, Miss Neptune loved him always?”

            “Yes, she did, and he loved her.” The Sha’la replied, standing as well. Her hands gently ushered the child along. “You have been here quite a while, tan’la, and I do not wish for your mother to worry.  Go to her and I shall see you again when the moon is full above us.”

            Tan’rin’la nodded, thanking her queen for the wonderful tale and promised she would not be late for their next meeting.  As the tan’la left the Shu’sha Hall, her eyes fell upon the silver haired Flyer, Tan’star’lin. He smiled to her with a blush before ducking into his home and she returned the gesture as she once again traveled the pebbled path to her own.