Jane Learns to Communicate With The Higher World

(Background info: When the missing fairy princess, Stephanie Bell is finally returned to the higher world after rejecting it on account of being raised on earth and corrupted by its influence, and becoming a notorious leader of criminals, two of her fairy friends, the six-year-old twins, Ella and Agnes Goldshine, ask the Queen to send an agent to teach her young stepsister, Jane, to communicate with the fairies because she hasn’t heard from Stephanie since was taken back and is worried about her. And Stephanie can’t speak to humans while in the higher world because she is still corrupt and the fairies are trying to purify her).

When the Queen was asked to reach out to Jane through a fairy agent, she at first refused, saying that it was not necessary and that Raymond Ashford, also called the Wizard of England, would be sufficient to reassure her that Stephanie was in good keeping and doing her duty. She also told Ella and Agnes Goldshine that Raymond would be competent to teach Jane how to speak with the superior species.

However, when this was relayed to Jane, she decided to do all in her power to get the higher world to send an ethereal agent because she so loved the idea of seeing and learning from a real fairy. So, she told Raymond to inform the Queen’s Advisor that she wanted proof that Stephanie was doing well. The word of a human wasn’t sufficient for her, she argued. She needed a fairy to tell her in person. That would be sufficient proof because fairies don’t lie. She also said that she insisted on learning only from a real fairy about how to communicate with the higher world.  

When the Queen’s top Advisor, Vanessa of Alphiabrook heard this, she knew that it was just the stunt of a young girl who was trying to get her way with the fairies. She saw through Jane’s words and realised that her primary motive was for the fairies to indulge her by sending down a fairy. But she gave the message to the Queen all the same and told her that she thought Jane was just being difficult in order to get her own way.

Negotiations continued back and forth between Jane and the Higher World Capital for some time longer. They told Jane that it was a costly and dangerous process to send fairies to earth at this point in time, due to its power to corrupt. They argued that the lower world used to be less dark and fairies used to be resilient enough to withstand a contamination known as Decenya Wacha (the Downward Pull).

They also told Jane that the first step to achieving any progress in the way of N.H.W.C. (Nonverbal Higher World Communication), was to stop being self-centred, self-willed and proud.

Finally, they threatened to cut off all communication with her if she did not cooperate with their human agent, the Wizard of England.

But to all this, Jane turned a deaf ear and kept insisting that she wanted them to send her a real fairy, otherwise she on her part would never cooperate with them either then or at any point further in the future.

So, with a sigh, the Queen sent for three potential candidates to be sent to the young human. The three fairies were Saltina Nightingale, Sophia-Highborn and Kenza Guardianhand.

Saltina was an adult and had struggled in the past against the influence of the lower world after developing feelings for a young man named Justin. But her mentor, Eva-Claire Yellowblossom, had purified her after noticing that she had contracted a slight stain on her inner brightness. The purification involved plunging a long, red-hot needle that was made of a special substance, into her heart and she was subsequently sent to earth a second time and succeeded in her mission. She was a warm, loving and charming fairy. Added to this, she was known to actually speak verbally with human beings.

Sophia-Highborn was age thirteen, the same age as Jane herself. But she was more aloof from humans and not as warm as Saltina. Even when on earth, Sophia always refused to communicate verbally with humans. Instead, she used signs, gestures and written notes. In addition, she refused to wear shoes or use any kind of technology whatsoever, including phones, electric lights, cars or public transport. She also refused to use money or to sleep under a human built roof unless it was made of simple wood or stone. She wouldn’t use homemade bedding or sleep in a house or hotel; only in a forest or field but preferably a forest.

As for Kenza Guardianhand, she was also young, at only age eleven and was longing for the day when she might be allowed to go on her very first mission to Earth. She was in the process of being trained to withstand its dark pull. How she would love to be able to go to a human girl and teach her the way of N.H.W.C.

Each fairy said she was willing to go if the Queen decided to send her down to Jane. Saltina was gracious about it. But Sophia-Highborn seemed more matter-of-fact in her readiness go. As for Kenza, she was by far the most enthusiastic.

The Queen had Stephanie sitting next to her while she deliberated. But she did not ask Stephanie’s opinion about who to send because she didn’t trust her. Stephanie was still infected by all kinds of earthly corruption. She was simply told to keep quiet. She obeyed for the time being but looked restless and embarrassed in her large, incredibly fine dress which was a rich pink colour with gold threaded floral designs and white lace trimmings. In her uncomfortable state of mind, she eventually pulled a face at Sophia who ignored her. So, she did the same to Kenza to see if she could get a laugh out of her and while Kenza did break into a smile and shake her head, she only just managed not to giggle in front of the Queen.

“Why the smile and head shake, Kenza Guardianhand?” the Queen then asked, knowing that it was probably because of some mischief from Stephanie.

Stephanie then gave Kenza a stern look as if to say, ‘don’t you dare tell on me.’

“Oh, your Majesty, I… I’m sorry… I…”

“Tell me, young one, what if I were inclined to send you on this mission? How ready do you think you are for your first Errand of Benevolence? Notice, I do not ask how ready you feel you are but how ready your intelligence says you are.”

“Oh, your Majesty! I definitely feel… Oh, sorry. I mean I definitely and honestly think I am ready because I have long been studying and training! Also, this isn’t that difficult of a mission compared to other potential missions to the Lower World.”

“No? And why is that, Kenza?”

“Well, it’s just communicating with and instructing a young girl, your Majesty. I am sure I can do that.”

“Well, you might be exposed to the Lower World for quite a long time. Have you considered that?” The Queen then looked at her Advisor, Vanessa, who always stood near the Throne. Vanessa indicated that she disapproved of Kenza because she still seemed too young, inexperienced and impulsive for a mission to the ambiguous, devious and ensnaring atmosphere of the Lower World.

But the Queen knew how gifted and diligent Kenza was and there was a very impressive and promising element about the young fairy.

Kenza then replied, “I may be there for some time, yes. But in my free time, I will keep to myself and I will send back frequent reports, without ever losing contact even for half an earth day.”

To everyone’s surprise, the Queen decided to let the young fairy take the assignment. “Very well Kenza Guardianhand. Because of the many good reports I have received, I am prepared to send you.”

Kenza’s heart leaped with excitement and joy. But the Queen continued, “but fairies who fail to communicate frequently with the Higher World or who come back tarnished and with their inner brightness contaminated, will be punished severely. Are you really ready to do this for Jane, the stepsister of my firstborn daughter, Princess Stephanie Goldmaracynthia Bell?”

Kenza said, “I am your Majesty! Yes. I am ready. Send me.” She then prostrated herself on the marble floor as fairies do before going on any kind of important errand for the Queen.

“Then you shall go Kenza Guardianhand.” All the other fairies bowed as a sign of respect. Stephanie thought about Jane and how delighted she would be that a fairy would soon be sent on her way to her and it made her smile.

But when Kenza rose to her feet again, she swallowed hard. It had suddenly hit her that she was going to Earth and it felt strangely haunting all of a sudden. She was being thrust into the unknown, the infamous Lower World. It was sooner than expected and her fears began to kick in, telling her that she would be playing with fire if she were to go there for more than a single day. Her inner brightness might be ruined by the hostile air of mankind’s realm. Fairies should not be breathing that air into their lungs and inner being.

Then Stephanie rather inconsiderately remarked, “oops… I think she’s having second thoughts. I wish I could go to Earth again. They have ice-cream, tequila, spliffs, rock, rap and pop songs and good old rowdy nightclubs!”

“Shh! Stephanie! Silence!” snapped the Queen.

Stephanie rolled her eyes and coughed. But her maid said, “always use your linen, my Lady,” and handed her a fresh linen handkerchief with blue and silver edges. It also had her title and name woven with gold thread into the four corners. Stephanie said, “no! I already have one, Veronica! The amount of times you stick those blinking hankies in my face is ridiculous.”

“Then you must use the one you have, my Lady,” said the maid.

Sure enough, Kenza felt herself blushing for being so afraid. She looked at Sophia who as usual, didn’t show much emotion and simply looked blankly back at her. She then looked at Saltina for reassurance. Saltina smiled warmly and encouragingly at Kenza but there was also a look of pity and concern in the luminous eyes of Saltina who knew all too well just how dangerous the Lower World was to untrained fairies. And even those who were trained could still make significant mistakes.

The Queen then looked again at Kenza and said, “are you sure you are ready, Kenza?”

Kenza then burst into tears. Everyone felt her anguish as she answered in a sob, “oh, I so wish I was ready, your Majesty! But I suddenly feel so terribly afraid!”

The Queen sighed. “Listen Kenza. It is clear that you are not yet ready after all. But with some more time and training, I am more than confident that you can brave the ever cold and dangerous whirlwind of Modern-day Humanity. I therefore will let you stay here for the time being and will instead send Sophia-Highborn for the first part of Jane’s training. But it is possible that you could be sent for the second part later on. Otherwise, Sophia will return here for a break and then go back again. So, do not give up or despair, Kenza. I still intend to send you to Jane. But you must work now on overcoming your initial fears and go back to your Mentor.”

Kenza dried her eyes and said, “as you wish, your Majesty. Thank you. It is a relief to know that I do not have to go down there immediately but also that you are prepared to give me another chance after I do some more work on myself. But please don’t give up on me, your Majesty.”

“Your time will come, Kenza,” said the Queen kindly, “be assured. I have faith in you.”

Stephanie then gave Kenza a thumbs up and got a strange look back in return. The Queen then said quietly, “don’t do that, Stephanie! It is highly unbecoming of the Princess! Please. Enough of your earthly behaviour. This is a serious occasion.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, mum,” Stephanie mumbled back.

Sophia-Highborn then prostrated herself on the ground and accepted the mission. After being thanked by the Queen and her daughter, she was taken away for briefing. The Queen then left the Throne Room and Stephanie’s maid, Veronica Garlandwood, came to take her to another session of Princess Etiquette Training and Stephanie reluctantly complied after delaying and making various sarcastic remarks about the incident with Kenza.

Since Sophia-Highborn was well prepared, she was allowed to leave for her mission the following day.

It was a Friday evening when Jane’s heart leaped for joy at catching sight of the bright young fairy with her long, goldish blonde curls and radiant white dress standing in the back garden and hiding behind the fountain but peeping out at her.

That had to be the fairy sent to her from the higher world and after looking at her again, she felt certain of it and rushed over to her in great excitement.

“Hello fairy! Welcome! Welcome! What’s your name? Hey! Don’t be so shy! Can I hug you? Haha. Talk about a fairy at the bottom of the garden!”

But once she got within a few feet of the delightful being, the fairy put her hand out to signal that she should not come any closer and Jane, feeling reproached, immediately stopped. “What?! What’s the matter?”

There was no answer and they each stood still for a while, just looking cautiously at each other. Jane came a little closer but the fairy looked cross and backed away. She then  signalled again for her to stop. Jane felt a little frustrated but did as the fairy indicated. Next, the fairy very slowly and carefully placed a hand written note on a little wooden tray and handed it to Jane.

Jane smiled with delight and excitement and tried to take the tray. But Sophia held on to it. Jane then realised that she was supposed to take the note and not the tray so she took the note and Sophia put the small tray back into the folds of her dress.

Jane was breathing fast with excitement as she opened the note and marveled at the beautiful, swishy handwriting. She was about to read but noticed one of the cats come up to the fairy. Sophia carefully picked it up and placed it on her shoulder. Its head was near her ear and it looked like they were engaging in some kind of communication as the fairy stood motionless with her eyes half closed.

Jane burst out in astonishment. “Wow! That cat is the wild one! He’s not tame! In fact, he can be quite vicious! That’s amazing!”

But Sophia signaled for her to be quiet and read the note. Jane did as instructed.

‘Cordial greetings and inner peace to you, Miss Jane,

You will follow my lead and directives as you begin to discover a way that is now trodden by very few. It is the way to connection and communication with your elder sisters and brothers who are untarnished by your world.

While I train you, I only ask that you feed me and do your best not to draw human attention to me. Do all in your power to keep me a secret.

Seven kilometers from your house, there is a forest. That is where I will sleep during my stay here.  Prepare for me a basket of food each day. It must contain plain bread wrapped in cloth (not plastic film) and water. If you wish to give me other things besides, then you may also give me salad, fish and a jar of honey or a honeycomb itself. Please also provide me either flint or matches so that I may prepare a fire in the evenings. You may accompany me to the forest if you wish but do not sleep in the forest with me. Sleep in your own home and go to bed at your usual time. This will help to prevent suspicion and concern from your parents and older brother.

And Jane, I will tolerate no physical contact or verbal exchange whatsoever between us. Therefore, when you communicate with me, I ask that you refrain from using your voice as much as possible. Use a humble lead pencil or ink pen and paper. Do not use electronic devices or any other man-made technology in my presence. Fast with me as much as possible and drink only water if you can do so without arousing suspicion. Each day, do at least seven things to inconvenience yourself in order to break down your human tendency to external comfort, materialism and distraction from the inner world of peace and order. Begin to lead an austere life rather than one of self-indulgence and frivolity. Only by such a form of conduct and elevated mindset can you begin to open yourself up to communication with the Higher World.

I know your stepsister, Stephanie. I can confirm that she is in the process of reform but I have to say that her progress is slow.

But now, Jane. Provide me some food and I will depart for the forest. In the morning, your training under my tutelage will begin.

Your Devoted Mentor,

Sophia Rosemaracynthia Highborn.’

Jane raised one eyebrow after reading the extraordinary and demanding note. “Huh. Okay… Sooo, I can’t hug you then?”

Sophia signaled for her to maintain silence and then slipped away. Jane decided that the next best thing to do was to prepare food for her new Higher World Mentor. But after seeing such a beautiful being, she realised that she probably wouldn’t be able to sleep well that night because she would be so distracted and so excited. It would be too late to go to the forest and back again before her bedtime to she would have to make that first act of sacrifice and do her best to wait patiently till the next day before starting her training under Sophia-Highborn.

As she headed back indoors, the cat who had cuddled up on Sophia came and rubbed himself against her leg. Jane’s heart warmed as she bent down and stroked it. She then ventured to lift it on to her own shoulder and it rubbed its head against her cheek. It was tame! The mysterious fairy had just tamed the wild and vicious cat. If she could do that to a cat, surely, she could also teach her to speak with the fairies of the Higher World.

“You’re going to be mine now!” she said to the cat. “I’ll name you um… Peter!”

She then began to prepare an evening meal in a basket for Sophia.