A few days later, as the empress began a vision quest in her favored room of the castle. Sixty- eight seconds later the inevitable knock did occur. Jumping out of her sea and gripping the desk by the corner's edge. Regaining her balance, the empress sat for a second.

"Come in," she answered.

Slowly the door opened and Sage shuffled in. "Sorry to intrude, I brought pixie brew and someone wants you." 

"Oh it's no problem, send them in," She responded to him.

"Don't you want to know who's here?" 

"Sure, who is it?" She asked him.

"Willow." 

"Oh, do send her in right away," Ralvania said beaming with excitement.

He gave a slow nod to her, then turned leaving her office for just a few minutes before escorting the fairy princess into the room. 

      When she fluttered into the room, it seemed to brighten by her shimmering soul's inner light. "I've missed you." 

"It's wonderful to see you," She said. It was amazing to see her so grown up a few moons ago a fairy child of sixteen left for school. Now she looked like an adult fae. 

"You, too. I've got a day without any classes; so I thought I'd stop in before seeing mom and dad," She said.

Coffee?" 

"Yes," Willow replied sitting down.

"Tell me about school," She said, pouring the cup and setting it in front of her.

"It's a big change, but I'm doing okay." 

"Do you like it?" 

"Yes. Some of my professors are really nice and I've met a few of the other kids, too." She paused..... "I met a guy. A hybrid like me," She blushed a little. 

"Oh that's wonderful. What's his name? Is he fae?" 

"Rune is his name. He's a druid-fairy prince." 

"Are you happy?" 

"Yes. Not sure how mom will react to it." 

"She'll tell you not to get pregnant," Ralvania told her.

"I don't think you're wrong on that one," Willow told her taking a sip.