The brown haired fairie sat up, blinking and rubbing her lighter brown eyes.
A small, slightly confused smile appeared on her face as a chorus of greetings rose around her. She looked around. The newborn was near a huge tree which had golden light shining from within. And around her were fairies. Boys and girls alike-there were so many!-though she noticed there were a signifant different between the boys and girls. Then the white-clothed fairie started when she heard another voice behind her.
"Born of laughter, clothed in cheer, happiness has brought you here."
The newborn turned to see a crowned faerie in gold smiling down at her. This was obviously the ruler of this place, wherever this place was. She tilted her head in confusion as the Queen walked to her.
"Here, let's get your wings up."
The new faerie watched as suddenly a beautiful pair of wings lifted from her back. She was about to gasp in astonishment when she felt a hand take hers. Queen Clarion-for this was the royal's name judging by the other faeries whispers-lifted her gently into the air. And then...she was *flying*. Her smile grew wide as she flew in a circle before landing carefully-albeit not very gracefully-onto the solid wood.
Queen Clarion waved her hand, and 20 or so mushrooms sprouted around the new faerie in a circle. She looked back at the queen in confusion.
"You have to discover your talent before going to your new home, little one."
The new faerie nodded briefly, watching as a faerie from each group flew to the courtyard, placing an object on each one. She turned in a circle, looking at each object. A snowflake, a bubble, an egg, a roll of bandages, some kind of tool, a large book...
"It's alright; take your time."
The creamy cocoa skinned faerie closed her eyes and took in a deep breath before opening them again. She approached the nearest mushroom, a flame floating in the air above it. But as she reached out, the fire went out. In front of it, a group of faeries & sparrowmen in red looked at her in slight disappointment. She shrugged, turning to a mushroom that had a hammer and a pile of nuts & bolts floating above it. That didn't react to her either. Then she approached one where pure shadow seemed to reside. There were only two members of this group-two male sparrowmen in black. However, they looked at her encouragingly and the new faerie felt a bit hopeful as she reached out. But the shadow dissipated and she sighed.
One by one, she tried each talent. Now there were only three left. The egg, the bubble, and a pen. The first two had large groups, but the last...the last only had one faerie-an older, kindly looking female that for some reason made her heart ache. She walked past the egg and bubble-ignoring the slight reactions from them-as she stretched her arm out towards the pen. It glowed brightly, flying into her hand. When it touched her skin, the flash of light temporarily blinded everyone.
The writing talent turned back to Queen Clarion, clutching the pen to her chest.
"Everyone...meet the newest writing talent. Laila!"
Around her, the faeries began clapping and Laila blushed. Finally gathering enough courage, she opened her mouth to
speak.
Nothing came out. She tried again-but still nothing. Confused and afraid, she raised a small hand to her neck, her brow furrowing upon feeling the slightly rougher, wrinkled skin there. Like there was a scar. Around her, the faeries & sparrowmen muttered. Apparently this wasn't a common occurrence. Laila looked at the queen, a sad and worried look in her brown eyes.
Queen Clarion smiled in encouragement and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry. You'll do fine. And you're a writing talent; I'm sure you'll figure something out."
Laila nodded even though she was still quite concerned. The royal faerie left in a flash of light and the majority of the pixies around her began to disperse. The motherly-looking faerie from before-the one who had placed her pen on the mushroom stand-was fluttering towards her, a huge smile on her pretty face.
"Hello, Laila! My name's-oh!"
Laila had reached out, hugging the taller faerie tightly. The older faerie looked startled for a moment but then her face softened when she felt wetness on her shoulder.
"There, there...it's alright. We'll find your voice."
Laila looked up at her new mentor, obviously wondering how they'd do that.
"You have a voice. Even if you can't make a sound, you have a voice. Trust me."
Laila hesitantly nodded, then let go as an embarassed blush graced her cheeks.
"Now...my name is Rhoslyn. I've been here a little over 25 years and I'm just grateful I'm not the only writing talent anymore. Come on, I'll show you your new home."
Hope-a fragile, bright hope-began to shine in Laila's chest as she took Rhoslyn's hand.
