Chapter 36:A Visit from the Mother

Her tears blinding her, Adina flew to the Faerie Realm. She headed for a favorite spot of hers: a lush green clearing, deep in the Royal forest. Though it was small, Adina found it useful for when she wanted to be alone and think, such as now. She landed, changed her form, and fell to her knees, crying all the harder. Mother, why did you do it? I would've never been born! I feel so filthy. Maybe I should stand trial, let the Council pick a ruler. A little half breeded bastard as I am should not rule!

All was quiet, save for her sobbing and a gentle breeze. Then a female voice broke the silence: "Adina."

Adina glanced around, and gasped. There before her stood a beautiful woman. She was dressed in white, with silky blond hair, and had a golden glow about her. "The Mother," Adina whispered, lowering her head.

"Adina, please rise. Sit here with me." The Mother gestured to a stone bench, and Adina complied. "Now, I know you feel terrible, and all alone."

"Oh yes, my Lady!" Adina felt like crying all over again. "I don't deserve to be Queen. I can't do it, and I'm not pure Seelie!"

"Your biological father and half-brother are not full Unseelie. Does that mean they shouldn't rule?" Adina shook her head. "They, along with you, are part human. This is why you're so strong- one third Seelie, one third Unseelie, and one third human. All three combine to make you the most magical being in the Underground." The Mother took Adina's hands in hers. "And you are ready, you just don't realize it yet."

Adina gazed into her eyes, still troubled. "But the Advisors still think I am guilty. I know I'm whining, but they will never accept me as Queen!"

The Mother smiled gently. "Adina, do not worry so! Your hardest days are behind you, and peace shall come. You must forgive your mother, and your real father. She and her husband have forgiven him."

"I don't want him near me!" Adina cried out. "He hates me!"

"He is confused, and blinded by his emotions. Those shall disappear, now that he knows of Jareth's views." The Mother suddenly grew stern. "But, for his crimes, he shall be haunted by guilt the rest of his life. And, I shall never smile on him again. The rest, the Council shall handle." She smiled again. "Jareth. You must also forgive him. He was not sure, and did not want to embarrass you. He never would- he loves you too much."

"Loves me?" Adina asked. That would explain a lot.

"Not in the way you are thinking. That love is meant for someone else- who will break his heart. Forgive him- he will need you more than ever, when she comes." The Mother stood. "Adina, I must go. Embrace me." They hugged each other, and then she pulled back. "Rejoice in having a brother, albeit a half one. Forgive your family- they love you, and will not rest until you are at peace. Do not worry about being Queen- all shall be clear to you."

Adina lowered her head respectfully. "Bless you, Mother. May the sun shine on you always." She looked up, saw only the trees rustling, and heard, "Fear not, Adina; I will always be with you."

Adina merely sighed, and prepared to leave. For the first time in a while, I feel at peace.

Off she flew, ready to face the challenges ahead.

Author's Note: I am sorry I didn't get to post this sooner! Not getting computer access doesn't help. I just finished writing this story a few days ago, so this is pretty much catch up time. There is a sequel to this one coming- I started work on it today. That one should lead straight into the movie, plus deal with some more of the 'how did that happen/get there' type scenario. If you want me to post it here, let me know. Oh, and please review this chapter! It doesn't matter how many I get, each one is very important to me!