N. R. Tucker

Spoiler Alert. This conversation takes place after Deceived (Farseen Chronicles Book 1) and before Enthralled (Farseen Chronicles Book 2). This is background on some of the lesser fae.

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Sage sat in the sunroom watching Ryan and Tempe exercise their magic. Now that his new  powers had manifested Tempe had really upped his training schedule while Sage sat on the sidelines, again. This time it was because of the birthing bond. Holding a birthing bond never kept her sisters from honing their skills, but because she was young, it had been decided – for her – that she would focus only on the bond and shielding the house, if Tempe gave her that order. Seriously, she was sixteen and old enough to be holding a birthing bond. A little faith from her family would be nice.

“Tell me about the lesser fae,” Mia trudged into the room, her singsong voice a plea.

Sage smiled when Ryan took a tumble trying to escape the vines Tempe sent after him. Apparently she was still young enough for a little spite. “Do you have a specific question?”

“Not really. I’m bored. The guys are working on cars with Eli and Dad. That’s no fun.”

Sage correctly translated guys to Mitch and Michael, Mia’s brothers. Normally she would be bored talking about creatures she had studied but never seen. And the reason she had never been was… Ding! Ding! Ding! That’s right, she was too young to go to the Farseen. Even Ryan had been to the Farseen. Life was so not fair.

Turning to face Mia, Sage said, “Well, the easiest way to describe the lesser fae is with a poem.”

“A poem?”

“Yes, it explains what each group is known for.” Sage took a breath and recited the first part of the poem:

“So dragons want stuff?”

“Yes, dragons like to acquire. Sometimes it’s knowledge they desire and not material goods, but some do like material things.”

Mia sat with her legs curled up under her and thought for a minute, “What does bestdo mean?”

“Bestdo? Oh you mean bestow,” Sage thought for a moment. “Maybe I should explain each line. Listen carefully,”

Mia tilted her head to the side and thought for a moment, “Why are goblins the only bad ones?”

Sage shrugged, “They aren’t bad exactly, but they’re very aggressive. There’s a second verse that is a little more to the point. I’ll explain each line as I go.”

Mia frowned, “None of them sound nice. I thought the lesser fae were kind and helpful.”

“Sometimes,” Tempe snorted as she helped Ryan in the door. He had twisted his knee sparring with her. She helped him to a chair and got a bag of ice.

“Don’t say a word,” Ryan glared, placing the ice on the offending knee.

Sage smiled but wisely didn’t speak.

“The truth is more complicated than a simple poem,” Tempe said and dropped into a chair of her own. “That poem gives the basic truth of the lesser fae, but like all creatures anywhere, they choose if they want to be good or bad. While it’s good to know that most nymphs can aid you in your travels, it’s also smart to keep in mind that they are easily distracted and could forget about you if something gains their attention, leaving you stranded. And while dragons do like to trick others and gather wealth, they operate within a strict set of rules that you can use to your benefit. Pixies are very helpful, but they can drive you to distraction with their efforts to be of service.”

“One day I’ll know all the rules and go to the Farseen and wonderful adventures,” Mia vowed as she left the room.

“You and me both,” Sage whispered. When her sister and nephew laughed she growled, “One day I will be ranked in the clan and travel.”

“Indeed you will. I’m sure you have many wonderful adventures ahead of you. Keep in mind that I’m not sure I know all the rules yet so you will probably have to learn as you go.” Tempe followed Mia into the main part of the house.

“Well, that’s depressing.” Ryan pressed down on the ice pack.

Sage agreed. She thought Tempe, with close to seven thousand years of learning, would know all the answers already.