It had been three years since my fall into the river. I have heard whispers and ruffling about me of another world. Yet somehow I know I ought not say anything to my parents. They worried enough since I got hurt. I promised them I would be careful. Still I had to endure my mother's continuous watch. Now that a planting season was here, I had a real chance to slip away. 

For  of the fairy folk, I was not afraid of them. They were sweet and kindly looking, so I decided I ought to speak with the fairy folk. I wrote up invites for them on a piece of paper. I left it tied to the branches near the woods. 

The next day at daybreak, I had seen two of the fairy folk linger outside of my family farm. So in my rough spun dress and winter coat, I ran up to them and said, "Hello!"

"Your grace!" A slender elf said as she bowed low. Her skin was as pale as the snow. Her green hair was tied up in a fancy bun with a crown of roses. She smelt of holly and roses. Her dress was made out of leaves sewn together with great care to make an elegant dress. She wore a cloak made of a fine thread that appeared to be spider's web.

 The one standing next to her was a stout dwarf with a thick beard and bushy brown hair. His dark brown eyes stared in amazement. He wore light armor and a grand golden tunic. He silently bowed his head.

"You're kindness!" I laughed and I held out my hand, "My name is Serenity. Will you be coming to my tea party?"

"Yes, your highness, we would be honored to attend," the slender elf smiled.

"Forgive us, highness, for lack of introduction. We know we ought to keep back like the others, but we seek your wisdom! We must have your guidance!"

The dwarf serious said, "I am of the House of Hammer and this is Everblossom, high priestess."

"Umm," I blinked at them slowly, "Sure! Mister House and Everblossom."

"No, your highness, I meant to say my name is Hammer. This is Everblossom," The dwarf lifted up his head.

"Well, I am Serenity not Your Highness," I giggled.

"As you wish, Serenity," Everblossom nodded.

"We will see you for the meeting tomorrow as planned," Hammer said.

"Okay! You make sure to bring the blanket! I will bring the tea and cookies!" I jumped.

"Hey, Serenity, who are you talking to?" Romont wandered by with his bow and arrow. His brown hair cut neatly for the festival tomorrow. His leather jacket mended recently from Mom's handy work. He looms over me. Our father comes behind. His patched work coat and fur hat he peered at both of us with his black eyes. His strong shoulders had on a heavy pack of gear. I stared at Romont and pointed to Everblossom and Hammer. He blinked at me oddly. He said, "You were talking to the trees?"

"Romont, leave your sister be," Dad shook his head, "We ought to be focusing on the trail for today. I think I see an elk and rabbit running from here. Come on, son!"

Father dashed off with his bow and arrow at the ready. Romont paused to look at me as I lingered by the fence of our farm. He pointed back to our house, "You should go back inside. Mom has breakfast waiting for you. Don't talk to trees too much. People will think you strange."

"Says you," I smartly returned with my tongue stuck out.

"Serenity, if you are still sore about the spider," Romont rubbed his arm.

"I am fine now!" I stomped my foot, "Master Elmer found me before anything happened." "Yea. . ." Romont answered.

"Romont, let's go!" Father haulered.

"Coming, Pops!" Romont replied and hurried off.

I shrugged at went back inside our cottage. Our cat, Inky, rubbed against my legs as I sat myself at the kitchen table. Inky purred as I pat his black head and hummed to myself. The feast of fresh muffins and milk sat on the table. 

Mom lingered about the stove with her wooden spoon. She had a basket to the side. Mom's graying brown hair was braided to the side. Her faded black dress had been patched over with little stars on the worn parts. She turned around with her navy apron covered over in flour marks. Her green eyes peered at me as she said, "There you are my sweets. How are you this fine morning? Not mucking about with strange critters again, are you?"

"No, Mom," I shrugged as I lifted up Inky. He contently sat in my lap.

"You will be coming with me to market today. We got to get ready to have our stall tomorrow. It is a good time to sell baked goods and herbs," Mom grinned as she pet the cat.

"When we are done, can I go play with my friends in town?" I smiled.

"Of course, but keep in mind. Tonight you are staying with Granny. She will watch over you at the Spring Festival," Mom poured me a glass of milk.

"Granny says milk is a good offering to bring fairies," I said matter of factly. I then smiled at her, "I met some new friends today. I invited them to tea."

Mom paused and then beamed, "Well, sweets, you ought to be a good host to them. When do you have your tea party?"

"Not today. I am playing with Joanna and Sondra at the docks."

"Yes, that's right. They are going to visit you at Granny's house," Mom turned back to the stove.

"Master Elmer will be coming to Granny's too! Granny had asked him to come so they could exchange herbs!" I drank my milk as Inky pawed at my cup.

"Mother and her teashop. . . I wish she would do business with more proper traders," Mom uttered.

"Master Elmer found me in the woods. He's a really nice man," I nodded.

"My sweets, Master Elmer is a strange man. I don't want you around him. Please do your best to stay away from him when he is at Granny's," Mom held up her wooden spoon.

"But Granny Willow says he is so wise and foresee the future!" I reasoned.

"Well Granny Olga understands the situation more fully. I would ask Grandpa, but he is on a voyage right now."

"Granny Olga is a prude. She doesn't know any good bedtime stories about the fairies or magic," I sighed.

"Why Serenity!" Mom gasped, "Be polite when speaking about your elders. I would have Granny Olga watch over you. But she is on a religious travel to Rushing Waters."

"Yea, to pray to some guy," I bite my tart muffin and put it back on the plate. I push it over to Inky as he batted at it.

"To give thanks to the Light God for your safe recovery for your injuries and being found in the woods all those years ago," Mom snapped.

"We should thank Master Elmer," I chew my muffin.

"Serenity, you are coming close to losing your right to play with your friends," Mom warned.

"Sorry, Mom," I looked at my hands. I spied a river flowing through our kitchen. I felt the warmth of an everlasting summer sun. The scent of mint and basil filled the air. The babbling of the river drown out my mom. I felt the rush of a cooling breeze. The sight of pixies flying about in a dazzling array came into view. By my side, I felt two large wolves as they sleep. One dark was as dark as night. The other was as pure white snow. Somewhere above my head a huge falcon flew. As I sat in this field two large stone stand. I get up from my spot. The wolves did not stir. I went to the large rocks and between them was a group of tiny sunflowers. I touched them and watched as they dissolved into a reflective mirror. I reached for it.

"Serenity!" Mom said.

"Huh?" I rubbed my eyes. I sat in our kitchen. The strange world was gone. Instead, my cup of milk lay on the table dripping milk. Mom sighed as she quickly mopped it up.

"Sweets, you must pay more attention to what is happening around you. Stop daydreaming," She scolded.

I had tried to tell her about these strange spells. But it was always dismissed as daydreams of a young girl. I just nodded.

Mom and I headed out to Noble Wolf. We are not a very important part of the Emperor's empire of Rushing Waters. But we are still respected for a few things! We got really nice wolf pelt trade in the Fall. We also have really good fish trade! Noble Wolf isn't a vast town or anything.  Mom and I got about haggling with the other shopkeepers for our goods.