(Background info: This follows the tale of Stephanie Goldmaracynthia Bell, the firstborn of the Fairy Queen, who was summoned to earth by a meddler in witchcraft in her infant years. Despite efforts to return her, she ended up being raised on earth which in the modern age is now too corrupt for the average fairy to withstand without very special and difficult training. Stephanie goes from being the leader of a criminal gang to getting dragged back to the higher world by the fairies where she finally makes three friends).
There was at first some tension in the air while Stephanie went out for the first time with her new friends, Ella and Agnes Goldshine, the six-year-old twins, and Debenwa Lowlyheart, who was their twenty-three year old cousin.
They were walking in the grounds of the College of Elite Practitioners and later, ventured into the nearby forest called Glade Haven. Fairies are not as talkative as humans are. They can walk for miles together without speaking. There is a harmony and understanding between them and a kind of unspoken exchange that they frequently share among themselves. They get a sense of what their companion is pondering and feeling, even though they usually cannot know their exact thoughts.
But Stephanie wasn’t brought up that way because she was raised on earth and although she sensed that talking wasn’t immediately appropriate for some reason, it did slightly bother her. But for the time being, she followed her gut which was telling her not to speak to her friends just yet.
She looked over at the young ones who were walking abreast of each other but they never seemed to turn and look at each other. Instead, they kept looking straight ahead, their serious and rather bright eyes speaking more of a profound absorption in high and mysterious thought, rather than focusing on the beautiful woodland surroundings.
Debenwa was the same, but instead of looking straight ahead, he was meticulously polishing a knife that was rumoured to be enchanted, and that had a handle made from deer antler and a blade with extremely small gold writing on it that featured the names of his ancestors as far back as nineteen generations.
When they came to a kind of path or walkway that divided into three directions, Ella was seen to look briefly at Debenwa who nodded. They then took a right turn, leaving the path that led straight on. Somehow, they had communicated with each other without talking and made a decision on which way to go.
Stephanie then broke the silence. “I suppose you’re all waiting for me to do the talking, are you? How did you all know to take the right path? You come here often, is it? Come on! This is boring! Let’s chat!”
For a moment, it seemed as though each fairy was waiting for one who was more qualified than themselves to give the best answer back to Stephanie. And so, another awkward silence followed. No one even looked at her or at one another. Stephanie felt completely ignored and a little hurt.
She then stopped in her tracks. “Hey, listen, you dumb idiots! Anyone would think you’re all leading me off to a shallow grave! One fellow with a knife to dispatch me and another two fairies to dig the pit!”
But they all remained silent, neither laughing nor appearing to be distracted for another moment. But finally, Agnes felt a little amused and spoke in a low voice to Ella in Luminenya. “Aww, Stephanie Ponendez Maracynthia Bolwelshia se lavatia. Haa!” Ella then went from being very serious to bursting out into a hearty, childlike laugh and her eyes lit up with energetic and innocent amusement. She patted Agnes on the back as a sign that she appreciated the joke. But it didn’t put her in a funny mood as sometimes happens with us once we start laughing. She then gradually went back to deep and serious thoughts.
Debenwa put his hands on his hips and said, “then let us all stop here and have a conversation. Make yourselves comfortable. I shall stand, but each of you may sit. This will not break harmony among us so do not let that bother you. Lady Stephanie? Please take the lead in this conversation and we will faithfully join in with you.” He then smiled warmly and the two young fairies did the same.
“Yes,” said Ella, “fire away as they say on earth.”
But Debenwa corrected her, “don’t use that expression please, Ella.”
“Sorry.”
“Okay,” said Stephanie, “well, firstly, what did Agnes say that made you laugh, Ella?”
“Oh, she just said Stephanie Goldmaracynthia Bell is worried. But we know you aren’t really worried because we don’t sense fear in you.” She then paused. “Do we? I am right, aren’t I?”
The other two fairies nodded and Debenwa said, “of course you are right, Ella. But there is concern of another kind in her, as well as other negative emotions. Namely, a sense of desolation, sadness and frustration. Therefore, we must be prepared for the princess to unburden herself on each one of us and give her profitable support, rather than empty sentimentality. That is my advice. But I interject. Lady Stephanie? Do continue the conversation you have started.”
Stephanie then said in a rather slow and sad tone, “I’m thinking about Jane. She is my stepsister and we are very close. She is only thirteen and will not be able to understand why I have not yet contacted her since my arrival here in the higher world.”
Debenwa said, “that’s not much of a problem, my Lady. As long as she knows you are here, then she knows you are in the right place.”
Ella then said, “yes but remember that Lady Stephanie is still like a human. She feels a need to talk to her legal relative, Jane Sayer. But since she is hindered in this by her own incompetence, the result she experiences is negative emotion.”
Agnes nodded and said, “yes, the problem here is that Lady Stephanie has not yet restored her inner brightness after the corruption she has contracted from the influence of the lower world. That is why she fails to speak to her beloved stepsister. But moreover, Jane herself probably hasn’t been trained to speak with the higher world species either. That said, it seems likely that this situation will motivate her to reform any bad behaviour in herself and so learn to communicate with fairy minds.”
Stephanie looked at them in fascination and amazement, blinking and wondering what to say next.
Then Ella said, “we could ask the Queen to send Sophia-Highborn again; this time to Jane.”
“Ah yes,” said Debenwa, “Sophia Rosemaracynthia Highborn. She is the agent who was sent before Saltina Nightingale. Both are trained and qualified to descend to Earth but Sophia is more highly qualified than Saltina, I believe.”
Ella continued, “yes, it would be a loving and merciful mission for her to visit Jane and teach her how to communicate with our kind. It will mean Jane having to be an exceptionally good, detached and meditative girl. Sophia can also assure Jane that Lady Stephanie on her part is currently in the process of being trained to speak to human hearts.”
Debenwa then turned to Stephanie. “This seems like a good plan to me, my Lady. Do you wish to share your own thoughts on it?”
Stephanie sighed, “uh… look, I don’t just want to vaguely communicate with her in a sort of weird, confusing and meditative way like you do. I want to go back to her. But you fairies won’t let me. None of you think I should be allowed to even visit. The Queen, my father, Selena, Vanessa, Veronica, Joyce… all of them are absolutely dead against it. But I mean your idea about sending that agent is better than nothing, I suppose.”
She then appeared frightened and said, “oh, no! I bet you mean her!! Sophia-Highborn must be the fairy who almost had me killed by a massive flock of crows and pigeons because I told her I didn’t want to come back here.”
“That doesn’t matter, my Lady. She did the right thing to put some pressure on you and clearly didn’t intend to destroy your life. She has sway over nature and wouldn’t have let the birds go that far. But this is all very exciting! I am going to request an audience with her Majesty! I want to ask her to do this for you, my Lady! Agnes? Will you come as well?”
“I will,” said Agnes rather formally. Debenwa bowed as a sign of approval and respect.
“No, no, wait!” said Stephanie. “Can you ask her to send Saltina Nightingale, please? Agent Nightingale. Not Highborn. I was absolutely traumatised by Agent Highborn.”
“No, my Lady,” said Ella firmly. “That contradicts common sense. We should get her to send Sophia because she is the most resilient against earthly contamination and you should not let your flighty emotions stand in the way of an informed decision. Do you understand? Oh, I wish you could be more fairylike by now. Can you please stop looking away when I’m talking to you, my Lady? You need to stop with that behaviour where, you know, you do all this looking randomly about the place the way humans do when they should just focus and listen!!”
“Shh! Ella!” snapped Debenwa, “do not let the earthly mindedness and behaviour of the princess lead to your own downfall!”
“I’m not! How could you even think that?! She just needs a firm hand from time to time. For goodness’ sake, Debenwa. But I understand you meant well by that interjection. I think it was a bit hasty, but anyway, never mind.”
She then noticed that Stephanie was smiling to herself and sighed, shaking her head.
Agnes then said, “okay, we have our plan in place, so I say let’s go back now, everyone.”
They agreed and began heading back to the college. Stephanie was apprehensive but also excited at the thought of having her fairy friends help her to finally get back in contact with Jane. For now, they wouldn’t let her return to London physically, but she was willing to reform herself as much as was necessary so that she would be able to connect with Jane once more and tell her that things were going well. But secretly and very deep down, she would take any chance she got to escape to Earth for good this time, and resume her hidden life of crime. That’s the life she was used to and for which her gang members all loved and revered her for. She felt that she just couldn’t keep up with the fairies, let alone rule them one day.
But the process of restoring her inner brightness would mean that she would have to hate her former life of crime. And that is what she still didn’t quite realise or believe. She was a highly resourceful and sophisticated criminal and kept thinking that there must be a way to fool the fairies and still get what she wanted: to be on Earth and despite being a gang leader, still be there for Jane, all the while concealing her true criminal identity from her.
She told herself that she was only a criminal according to the law. She believed that there was a form of justified crime. Her gang was called Safer Streets. She was all about eliminating other gangs and taking their spoils. That would mean less criminals on the streets. Her crimes were nearly always against other criminals and so they were justified and in her own way, she was helping humanity as a well-meaning, though ruthless gang leader.
Hi there
Very thorough article there and entertaining
Stephanie’s adjustment to the silent communication among her fairy companions offered a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of their world, starkly contrasting her upbringing in the bustling realm of humans.
I like how despite the unspoken exchanges, her earthly roots still tugged at her, subtly urging her to engage in conversation. Yet, as she observed the twins and their cousin, it became evident that their quiet demeanor concealed a depth of understanding beyond mere words.
This just makes you want to keep reading without an end.
Very enlightening reading
Who knew fairies went through trials and tribulations like us here on earth. The story presents a mirror to humanity, and it is not a pretty reflection.
Now that we know what fairies go through in the higher world I can only hope they call upon their higher morality to find peace and harmony among themselves.
Yes! Interesting points. There are fallen fairies but they have always been in fewer numbers and they are not united. But among the good fairies, there isn’t much conflict at all.
Hi Dominic,
A great narrative. Seeing how Stephanie and her friends’ adventure through the Glade Haven Forest combines aspects of fairy culture with the complexity of interpersonal relationships and human emotions is encouraging. The narrative masterfully examines issues of belonging, communication, and the challenges of bridging two radically disparate worlds. This makes me think of some thoughts: In what ways does Stephanie’s human upbringing impact her interactions with the fairies, and how does this underscore the significance of empathy and cross-cultural understanding? Furthermore, given the fairies’ mode of communication, what does this indicate about the various ways societies interpret and value verbal exchange or silence? This story asks us to consider how different cultures value communication and how we connect with each other.
Hi Sara, thanks for the comment and questions. Well, Stephanie was brought up like a normal human but she sensed the call of the higher world. But she wasn’t very responsive to it at all. She never learned to speak with the fairies while on earth. She even doubted that she was one of them. Yes, silence among the fairies doesn’t mean no communication. They are able to communicate in various other ways besides speaking, and very efficiently. They have a great inner harmony and purity whereas humans are often filled with turmoil inside and so they need to talk more than the fairies do.
I have no idea how I stumbled upon this verse, but I’m glad I did. I read the background and found it quite interesting, so I read on. Now I need to go back and find the beginning of story. I think I got hooked even more into the story near the end where it mentioned that she was a former criminal on earth. So, going from a gang leader, criminal to a fairy, but wanting to go back to being a criminal, very interesting. I hope I enjoy, the beginning of the story as well.
Thanks Adam, that’s great to hear that you got immersed in the story. The first chapter is also on the site and is called The Wizard of England and His Search for a Missing Fairy. Enjoy!
I have been following the antics of the wayward fairy Stephanie for a while, and it is interesting to see that she has now made some friends back in the higher world. It is fascinating to hear that the fairies do not feel the need to chat while walking in the forest. Whereas earthlings feel awkward without conversation and lengthy silence makes them want to talk.
But eventually the fairies do talk to Stephanie, and a plan is hatched to get a message back to Jane on earth. It will be interesting to see if it is Sophia-Highborn or agent Nightingale that is sent back to earth to reassure Jane about Stephanie’s wellbeing.
Yes! Fairies definitely have more than one mode of communication which is why speech isn’t as common for them as it is for us.
Dominic’s tale of Stephanie and her fairy companions in Glade Haven Forest weaves a fascinating narrative, exploring the clash of worlds and the personal transformation of a character torn between her earthly upbringing and her fairy heritage. The story beautifully captures the silent communication and understanding among fairies, contrasting sharply with Stephanie’s human inclination towards verbal exchange. This not only sets the stage for a cultural and personal conflict but also delves into deeper themes of identity, belonging, and redemption.
Stephanie’s struggle to adapt to the fairy way of life while holding onto her connection with her stepsister, Jane, and her past life on Earth, raises poignant questions about the essence of who we are and where we truly belong. Her journey is one of self-discovery, grappling with the realization that to thrive in her new world, she must forsake her old ways, yet her heart remains anchored to Earth and its imperfections.
The plan to communicate with Jane through a fairy emissary underscores the narrative’s exploration of communication barriers not just between individuals but between worlds. The choice between Sophia-Highborn and Saltina Nightingale to bridge these worlds further highlights the tension between duty and personal loyalty, the pragmatism of the fairy realm versus the emotional turmoil of Stephanie.
Moreover, the story skillfully navigates the theme of leadership and responsibility. Stephanie’s leadership skills, honed in the criminal underworld, clash with the expectations and values of her fairy lineage. This dichotomy presents a compelling look at the nature of power and the paths we choose to wield it.
In conclusion, Dominic’s narrative not only offers a captivating exploration of a young woman caught between two worlds but also invites readers to reflect on the complexities of identity, the meaning of home, and the power of communication. Stephanie’s journey is a metaphor for the universal quest for belonging and purpose, making it a relatable and thought-provoking tale.
What a fascinating journey into the world of fairies and the complexities of Stephanie’s dual existence! The dynamics between the characters are captivating, especially the contrast between Stephanie’s earthy upbringing and her fairy companions’ ethereal nature.
My question for the author would be: How did you develop the intricate social dynamics and communication methods among the fairies, and what inspired Stephanie’s struggle between her past as a criminal leader and her desire for reconnection with her stepsister and acceptance in the higher world?
Thanks for comment Hanna and also for the questions. Yes, I just envisioned a species that is very ordered within themselves and some of their communication would be more subtle and even beyond words. Stephanie with her pull between the two worlds is the maid character in the story and she has a large place for Jane in her heart. But she gets a thrill out of being a criminal and being able to get away with it.
Hi Dominic
A very interesting article about fairies. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. At a point where Stephanie was walking with the twins Ella and Agnes and Debenwa in silence I got scared on behalf of Stephanie. This was caused by the knife that Debenwa was carrying. Not understanding fairies in my mind I thought they were planning to kill Stephanie. When they started going different direction, I said to myself that’s it they are now going to kill her. To my relieve that was not what was in their mind. What a fairy. Thank you so much.
Kind Regards
Richard
Yet again, another great post from you, thank you so much.
The ideas and feelings you have generated with your words truly do bring a magical scene to life. Very clever.
Do you believe these fairies have their own unique languages, or do you think that they could communicate in a universal tongue?
Can’t wait to read more of your fairy tales! I have you bookmarked.
Thank you
Chris
Many thanks Chris. That’s really appreciated!. And yes, there are four fairy languages with the most popular being Luminenya.
The vivid storytelling and imaginative exploration of fairies making a plan in Glade Haven Forest on this post captivated my interest and transported me into a whimsical world that felt both magical and intricately detailed. The depiction of fairies strategizing and collaborating highlights a beautiful narrative of unity and creativity in the face of challenges, mirroring the importance of community and teamwork in our own lives. I’m particularly drawn to the way the story integrates elements of nature, suggesting an inherent bond between the fairies and their forest home, which serves as a gentle reminder of our responsibility to protect and cherish our natural environment. It sparks curiosity about the deeper lore of Glade Haven Forest and its inhabitants. How do the fairies’ individual talents and abilities contribute to their plan? And in what ways might their strategies inspire us to think more creatively and cooperatively in our own endeavors? The narrative’s rich imagery and underlying themes not only provide an escape into fantasy but also offer meaningful reflections on collaboration, stewardship, and the power of collective action.
Thank you for so beautifully capturing this article. The concept of fairies creating plans adds an intriguing depth to their enchanting world. I’m interested to know what sparked your exploration of this aspect of fairy life, and if there are more stories from Glade Haven Forest that you can share?
Thank you. Well the plans fit in with a plot concerning the wayward princess and so far, we don’t have other tales involving Glade Haven Forest.
Hi, Dominic –
This article has a lot of depth to it. Stephanie is different from the other fairies due to living in the lower world, Earth. As a result, she tends to speak more and is more emotionally attached to people/fairies. She has been corrupted.
She attempts to justify stealing from other gangs in her mind. However, there is a problem with that thought process. It cannot be justified. Keeping with the storyline and fantasy world, perhaps this would be kosher.
This continuation of Stephanie’s journey in the higher world offers intriguing insights into the dynamics between her and her fairy companions. The subtle communication methods and their differing perspectives add depth to the narrative. The plan to reconnect Stephanie with her stepsister, Jane, through an agent from the higher world sparks anticipation for the next steps in their adventure. However, Stephanie’s inner conflict between her past life on Earth and her newfound path with the fairies adds layers of complexity to her character. As the story unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how Stephanie navigates these conflicting desires and whether she can truly embrace her transformation.