(Disclaimer: I do not own Strange Magic. I only own my OC's)

(Authors Note: Seasons Greetings dearest readers! I wish to start off by apologizing for the delay in uploading a new chapter. I've been rather busy these last few weeks/months working on my other stories and trying to set aside some time for each one. Also, life in general keeps me busy to where I'm distracted by other tasks, chores and hobbies. I've only recently been able to upload new chapters to my stories because a week before my birthday/Thanksgiving I had endured a rather painful gallbladder attack and was bedridden, which left me with zero energy to work on my stories. Don't worry, everything's fine now. I just hope to never experience something like that ever again. Sure, I have a high tolerance to pain, but even I have my limits. Anyways, I hope you're all enjoying this story so far because I really enjoy writing it for all of you. I wish you all a Happy/Safe Holidays. Keep warm, keep safe, keep cozy, and keep being awesome because you are.)

"English/Common"

"Memories/Dreams"

XXXXX

-The next morning-

Bog was currently on route to the eastern border of the Dark Forest where he hoped to find amber for the outer inlays of the ring he planned to craft for Marianne. He would only take what he needed and return to the castle before sunset, or at least that was his goal. He had been flying for the last few hours and was finally nearing the end of his destination. Upon reaching the eastern border, Bog spotted a promising sight: it was the old amber mine his great-great grandfather, the Peat King, discovered many moons ago when the forest was younger and uncharted.

As he entered the narrow mine, Bog silenced his wings and removed a glow crystal from his satchel before proceeding into the dark passage. He made sure to tread lightly in case he wasn't alone, though he hoped he was. The last thing he needed was to encounter a swarm of hungry bats or a territorial bear.

He silently walked through the dark for several minutes before coming upon a promising sight: above his head was a small amber vein. Placing his staff against the wall and removing the pickaxe from his satchel, Bog set to work mining out a chunk of amber for the ring inlays.

After a few minutes of careful picking, he ended up with a fist-sized chunk of amber and rock. He'd have to chisel away at it later, but from what he could tell, there was more than enough amber for the inlays. Perhaps he could craft Marianne a necklace or a bracelet later on down the road. A fond smile lined his face at the thought, to which he placed the amber and his pickaxe inside the satchel before grabbing his staff and flying off, leaving the amber mine behind him.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, Marianne was busy assisting the elves, brownies and worker fairies in clearing away some grass and foliage around the border to the Dark Forest. They hoped to start construction on the outpost settlement within a few days time, but for now they needed to make a clearing and mark the spots to build. So far they were making good progress on cutting down the necessary grass blades and removing any fallen leaves, twigs and petals off the ground. The men mostly cut while the women cleared; of course they switched positions every hour to make things fair.

After nearly three hours, the designated area was cleared and marked, ready for leveling and foundation installment. Unfortunately, the sun was starting to set, meaning the work would have to pick up tomorrow. At least the construction site was cleared and ready for building. Marianne was especially excited about this project because it would ensure future alliances between her subjects' and Bog's. That, and it had always been a childhood dream of hers to unite both kingdoms. Granted, many in the Fairy Kingdom were still a bit wary of goblins, but she hoped the newly opened trade route and future border town would ease some tensions and dismiss those remaining fears.

With a sigh she flew back towards the castle where upon entering, she was greeted by her sister:

"Marianne, what happened? Why are you so filthy?! What's with your hair?!" She pulled some tiny twigs out of her brown tresses and dusted some pollen off her head and shoulders, making the elder princess groan.

"Dawn, I'm fine. I was just at the border helping the workers clear away debris and cutting down grass blades and thistle weeds. Tomorrow we'll begin the actual construction on the town. Isn't that exciting?!" Her amber brown eyes lit up with glee, making her sister smile.

"Oh Marianne, that's wonderful news! I can't wait to see what the final reveal will look like. Oh, you'll have to let me know when construction starts on the sentry post. Seeing as how that was my idea, I'd like to be involved with its construction."

"And you will, sis. I want you to be as involved with the town's development as I am. You can help me oversee the foundation tomorrow. Pear and Sunny are going to bring Lizzy out to help raise the frames and deliver lumber."

At the prospect of seeing Sunny, Dawn perked up a bit more, "I'll be sure to lend my assistance then. Oh, maybe I can also organize a picnic lunch for everyone."

"That's a great idea."

"I know," she beamed. "In the meantime, can we please draw you a bath and get you into some clean clothes before supper?"

She glanced down at the dirt and grime coating her attire and gave a nod, "That sounds like a good idea."

XXXXX

-Later that night-

Bog sat at his desk tirelessly working away at the chunk of amber he mined earlier this morning. After hours of carefully chiseling, shaping, sanding and polishing, he finally got the desired inlays he was hoping for (and with plenty of amber to spare). Lying before him now sat two perfectly polished chunks of fossilized resin. With a weary smile Bog held up the amber pieces and admired his work. He wasn't one to build or craft much, seeing as how he didn't often have the time for such a hobby, but regardless, he was satisfied with the final results. Now that he had the outer inlays finished, all he needed was the amethyst for the center stone and then he could finally forge Marianne's ring. With a tired smile, he got up from his desk and headed over to his bed for the night, for tomorrow he would plan for his trip to the Black Chasm. Granted, it would be a few days yet until he could make the journey. He was still the ruler of the Dark Forest after all, and as such he had duties to attend to: like assisting his fellow goblins with the remaining construction projects in the castle, recovering any useful items from the old castle ruins, and overseeing the restocking of their winter stores. And these were just the major priorities on his list of Kingly duties. There was still the matter of creating a list of trade items to deliver to the Fairy Kingdom as well as overseeing the construction of the border town being established along the two kingdoms.

With a tired sigh, Bog closed his eyes and allowed sleep to overtake him as all his troubles, tasks and worries melted away as his mind and body relaxed into a much needed rest.

XXXXX

"Daddy, when will I have wings of my own? I wanna be able to fly like you and Mama and Marsh," a young girl of five asked her Father as she sat upon his knee.

Bog smiled down at the lass and emitted a slight chuckle, "Do not fret, my dear Aislinn. You'll get yer wings when yer a little older. Why, your brother is now seven and he only recently got his wings."

"I know, but I don't wanna be the only one who still can't fly," she pouted, making her Father's smile soften.

"Now, my wee princess, ye shouldn't be in such a hurry to grow up. Besides, your Grandmother doesn't have wings, nor does yer Uncle Sunny or yer wee brother, Marcas."

*sigh* "I know...I just wish I could fly like you."

"And you will, my bonny lass. Someday soon ye will fly around this castle with yer own set of wings. Maybe they'll be as beautiful as yer Mother's."

She giggled as he tickled around her ear, "Really?"

"Aye, my dear, I believe so. Your brother's wings are like mine, but I believe you'll take after yer Mother and have butterfly wings."

"Will they be purple like hers?"

He chuckled, "We'll have to wait and see."

Marianne opened her eyes as the warm sun's rays faintly shone in through the curtains of her bedchamber. A slight frown lined her face as she realized she was alone in her room and that the dream she had was just that: a dream. It looked so real though. She emitted a sigh as she rolled onto her back and stared up at the canopy of her bed while wondering if Bog had similar dreams.A knock at her door suddenly brought her out of her thoughts:

"Marianne, are you awake yet?" Dawn's cheerful voice chimed in from the other side.

"Yes, I'm awake. Come in," she sleepily pushed herself off the bed and sat up as Dawn entered the room with a bright grin across her face. "How can you be so cheerful this early?"

"Oh come on, you know I've always been a morning person; unlike you, Miss Satysuplate," she smirked, making her older sister roll her eyes.

*yawn* "So what brings you in here this early?"

"Well, I got up earlier so I could bake some muffins for Sunny and as I was heading back towards the castle I was approached by the Imp who handed me a letter addressed to you, so I'm assuming it's from Bog and I thought you'd like to read it now rather than later." She handed her the letter, to which Marianne broke the wax seal and read it to herself:

Dearest Marianne,

I hope this letter finds you well. The reason why I'm writing to you is because I recovered your sword from the ruins of my old castle earlier this morning. At the moment I'm keeping it safe until I see you in person again. Speaking of which, I think you'll find the castle to be much more livable and furnished the next time you're here getting out of the rain. My fellow goblins and I have nearly reached the halfway point of finishing our underground tunnel system and I've recently compiled a list of items my subjects wish to trade with your kingdom.

I hope you don't mind, but I've included said list with this letter in hopes you would find the terms to your liking and send me your thoughts, as well as a list of items your subjects would like to trade.

Until I see your enchanting face again, I shall continue to fondly think of you, my tough girl.

Forever yours, Bog

A fond smile lined the elder princesses face as she read the letter before glancing at the list Bog included. It read:

To the Royal Family of the Fairy Kingdom; I the Bog King of the Dark Forest, humbly ask to organize a trade between our two kingdoms between the summer solstice and the autumn harvests'. Below I have compiled a list of items my subjects and I require for our winter stock.

Root Vegetables

Sunflower Seeds

Berries

Dandelions

Honey

Tundra Cotton

Grains

Beans

If there are any questions or concerns you may have, I'd be willing to sit down and discuss them with you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely, Bog

"Oh, that's not as big of a list as I thought it would be," Dawn stated as she peered over Marianne's shoulder to look at the list. "I guess the Dark Forest is pretty self sustainable, but it does help to have extra supplies for winter."

"Indeed. This seems fairly reasonable considering we're still using grains, seeds and honey from last year's harvests."

"Yea. And besides, most of us in the kingdom hibernate during the winter, so it's usually just the elves who stay active all year round." She gave her sister a smile, "Sooo, that aside, are you excited that Bog found your sword?"

She nodded as her eyes lit up, "Of course I am! I can't wait to hold it in my hands again. Sure, in the end it's just a sword...but it's my sword. It's like a part of me."

"I know it's important to you. I remember how much you trained with it." She fondly smirked, "You practically carried it with you everywhere you went."

"Yea, I did...it was nice having it with me; like an added layer of protection."

"Or a security blanket," Dawn teased.

Marianne just rolled her eyes, "Haha, very funny. Laugh all you want but I certainly felt better having it around. Besides, the night I met Bog, I sparred with him using that sword and we had a lot of fun, despite the fact that we were not on 'friendly' terms with one another at the time."

"But now you are," she winked.

"Yea," she sighed as a warm smile spread across her face.

XXXXX

After a few minutes, Marianne and Dawn headed down for breakfast where their father was already seated at the table. "Ah, good morning my dears. I trust you both slept well?"

"Like a baby," Dawn smiled. "By the way, Bog sent a list of items he and his goblins would like to trade for. I was thinking we'd ask our subjects what items they'd also like to trade. I know Sunny had inquired about some lumber and moss the other day. Maybe we can also trade for some more syrup and mushrooms."

He pondered this for a moment while lightly stroking his beard, "Hmm, that sounds like a good idea. Though, we should also trade for some medicinal plants to stock up the hospital wing. We don't want those stocks to run out in case the kingdom were to fall prey to a flock of birds. Remember three springs ago when that blue jay took up residence just outside the northern border?"

Both princesses shuddered: they certainly didn't want to relive that experience again. "Soooo while we're on the topic of organizing a trade, here's the list Bog sent," Marianne stated as she handed her father the message from the goblin king, making sure to just give him the list and not her personal letter. Sure, she wasn't shy about her relationship with Bog, but her letters were personal and having someone else look upon them was like having her privacy invaded.

Upon glancing at the sheet of parchment, King Dagda stroked his beard and stated, "This is fairly doable. I'll be sure to send someone out to take stock of our current supplies and crop productions. At the moment we'd be able to trade some of the items listed, but the rest wouldn't be ready to harvest until late summer or early autumn."

"So while we get our list ready, why don't we invite Bog and a few of his goblins over to pick up some of the items they require and also discuss how much produce we need to reserve for them when it comes time to harvest this year's crops," Dawn stated.

"Well said my girl," Dagda praised his youngest before turning his attention to his first born, "Marianne, why don't you write to Bog and see if he'd like to stop by this afternoon. I'd like to further discuss this trade and hear his opinion on the matter. Plus, he can also offer his input on our current construction project along the border."

Her eyes lit up at the thought of seeing Bog again, to which she then hugged her father and headed up to reply to his letter.

Upon finishing writing out her response, Marianne sealed the parchment and flew out towards the border to deliver the letter to the mushrooms where it would eventually reach Bog's castle. Upon reaching the sentient fungi, she handed them the letter and politely asked, "Would you see to it that this gets delivered to his Majesty, the Bog King."

The mushroom gave her a nod and passed the sealed letter to the next mushroom, who passed it to the next one and so on and so forth.

XXXXX

Bog was currently in his study mapping out a route to the Black Chasm when Thang entered, holding a sealed parchment in his hands, "Sire, you've got a letter from the Fairy Kingdom."

"Thank you, Thang. I'll be sure to read it right away," he stated as he graciously took the letter and broke the seal. A smile appeared across his face as he began to silently read the familiar handwriting:

My dear Bog,

I am delighted to learn that you've recovered my sword from the ruins. I just hope you were careful when recovering it from the wreckage. On a side note, I presented the items list to my Father and he's agreed to arrange a trade with you this afternoon if that is convenient with you. If not, please let me know what day would work best.

That being said, unfortunately some of the items you requested will not be ready to harvest until late summer or early autumn, but the others can be acquired at your leisure. On that note, my Father wishes to personally speak to you about said trade and present you with a list of items our subjects would like to acquire from your realm. If you are indeed available for a meeting, you are more than welcome to bring some of your fellow goblins along since we will later be sending you back to your kingdom with supplies to help start your winter stock. We look forward to your reply or visit.

I can't wait to see you again.

Love always, Marianne

"From that look on your face I'd say you received a letter from Marianne," Griselda's voice chimed in as she entered the room. "Sooo, what'd she say?"

"She and King Dagda have requested my presence to discuss the trade deal in further detail and to present a list of items they wish to acquire from our realm. They've also extended the invitation to others of my choosing as they plan to provide us with available supplies to begin preparing for our winter stock. And, they would like to collaborate on the designs of the border town."

"Oh that's exciting, I'd lofe to see the progress that's being made. I'd also lofe to visit the Fairy Kingdom again. I haven't been there since I was a ravishing young maid."

"Would you like to join me? I intend to visit this afternoon, but I'll need a few volunteers to go with me to help transport supplies back to the castle."

"Oh, Stuff and I would be happy to go," Thang piped up.

Bog gave a slight nod, "Very well. Go inform her that we'll be leaving within the hour. And round up three more volunteers to accompany us while you're at it."

"You got it, Sire," he cheerfully stated before heading out of the study.

Griselda approached her son and tugged on his arm, "You're not going to the Fairy Kingdom without taking a bath first."

"Mother, is that really necessary?"

"Yes it is. You want to look more presentable to the King and Marianne, don't you?"

At the thought of impressing the fairy princess, Bog emitted a sigh of defeat, "Fine. But will you be ready to leave soon after?"

"Of course, my boy. Now you run along and freshen yourself up."

He gave her a nod before getting up from his desk and heading to his personal washroom to clean up.

XXXXX

Bog soon emerged from his washroom clean, dry and ready for his meeting within the Fairy Kingdom. He then momentarily stepped into his room and grabbed Marianne's sword before heading down to the throne room where two of his goblins were standing guard. "Brutus, my Mother and I are heading over to the Fairy Kingdom for a few hours and we're going to be accompanied by several others. I need you to watch over the castle until we return."

"Understood, Sire," he replied in a professional tone.

With a nod, Bog left and made his way to the stables where his Mother and the others were saddling up for the trip. Shortly afterwards, they took off towards the western border of the Dark Forest where the Fairy Kingdom awaited on the other side.

Meanwhile, Marianne was currently sitting in a warm bath trying to wash tree sap out of her hair while Bergenia, Aubrieta, and Verbena (the pixies) gently cleaned off her wings. Upon presenting her response letter to the mushrooms, Marianne had ventured over to the construction site to oversee the current progress and to inspect the tree that would likely be used as the sentry post. While up there, she had decided to climb further up to check out the view, only to accidentally brush against some sap in the process, resulting in her current state. If it wasn't for Sunny and Pear, she'd still likely be stuck in that tree.

"Ouch!" She yelped as a rather gooey glob of sap was removed from her left wing.

"Apologies Marianne," Bergenia (the purple pixie) stated in her tiny voice.

"It's just that this sap is so difficult to remove," Verbena (the green pixie) chimed in.

"And your wings are so delicate," Aubrieta (the pink pixie) added.

*sigh* "I know. I shouldn't have climbed up that tree, but the thought didn't cross my mind at the time. Now I'll likely be stuck in here and miss seeing Bog…," she slumped her shoulders and frowned before a knock came at the door:

"Marianne, may I come in? I brought you some clean clothes," Dawn's voice sounded from the other side.

"You may come in...and thank you for the clothing."

"You're welcome," she stepped inside and closed the door behind her before placing the garments on the nearby dressing partition. "Sunny told me that he hopes you'll be okay." Marianne only nodded in acknowledgement before Dawn asked, "I get how he and Pear rescued you, but how exactly did you get stuck in the first place?"

*sigh* "After coming into contact with the sap, I realized that I couldn't fly, so as I was working my way down, a gust of wind caught me and forced my back against the tree which caused the sap on my wings to stick against the bark."

She winced at the thought of her own wings being stuck together in such a manner. A fairy's wings were the most sensitive part of their body and any sort of irritation on them would cause immediate discomfort. And if they were to rip the damage could be detrimental and irreversible. Dawn approached and knelt beside her sister, "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Marianne sadly looked up at her and nodded, "If Bog arrives, could you tell him that I'm sorry for not being there to properly welcome him? I want to see him...but I don't want him to see me like this…"

"I understand," she reassured with a comforting smile. "In the meantime, I'm going to update Dad on the situation."

"Thanks sis."

"Of course," she then stood up and headed out of the washroom, making sure to close the door behind her before flying off to the throne room where the King was seated beside an empty throne. On it was a beautiful violet cushion which rested the jeweled crown of his late wife, Queen Anne Marie. With a small smile, Dawn approached her Father, "Hi Dad, I just checked in with Marianne. She's doing better but she's not completely sap-free yet."

*sigh* "My poor girl. If I could trade places with her I would do so in an instant. Tell me, how did she end up stuck in the first place?"

She shook her head, "I'm sorry Dad, but I think she should be the one to tell you about that. Not me."

"Of course, my dear. Thank you for keeping me updated."

"You're welcome." As she was about to leave, a messenger suddenly entered the throne room:

"Your Majesties, the Bog King has just arrived and he is accompanied by several others."

"Excellent," Dagda stated. "Please send them in and remember to be respectful."

"Of course, Sire," he then headed out, to which Dawn asked:

"What about Marianne? She was really hoping to see Bog and to be involved with this whole exchange of ideas."

He emitted a sigh and pondered for a moment, "Well, I suppose we'll have to fill her in on the exchange later, but we'll make sure she gets to visit with Bog before he leaves. If needed, I'll arrange for a room to be prepared for him to stay the night."

"You'd really do that?"

"Of course I would. I know what it was like to be in love once...I understand the pain of not being near your beloved because of untimely circumstances or mishaps...or events that are beyond your control." At that moment, Bog entered the throne room and was accompanied by his Mother and several other goblins. "Ah Bog, it's good to see you again. And Griselda, it's always a pleasure. You're looking well."

"Why thank you, your Majesty. How have you been lately?"

"Oh, I can't complain. My daughters and my subjects keep my busy."

"Speaking of which: where's Marianne?"

Before he could answer, Dawn replied, "She's okay, but she's a bit indisposed at the moment. That being said, I'll just let her know you're all here."

"I'd appreciate it. Thank you," Bog stated. He really wanted to see Marianne, but apparently, he would now have to wait a bit longer.

"Of course," she smiled before flying off towards the washroom and knocked at the door. "Marianne, are you still in there?"

'Yes Dawn," the elder princesses voice sounded through the door. "You can come inside."

With that, the younger princess entered and saw her sister in the same position she was in earlier (just with less gunk on her wings), "I see some of the sap came off."

She merely nodded as her pixie handmaidens slowly removed another glob of sap, causing her to wince in discomfort. They had spent the last two hours diligently working to free their mistress from the sticky mess she was in and were thankfully making some progress. However, there was one rather stubborn smear of sap that refused to come off. That would just have to be saved for last while they worked on removing the rest.

Dawn picked up a soft washcloth and knelt beside her sister, to which she rolled up her sleeves, dipped the cloth in the warm water and helped the pixies by gently scrubbing the delicate membrane of Marianne's upper left wing. "Sooo, Bog recently arrived along with Griselda and a few others. Dad's likely discussing the trade with them as we speak."

Her eyes lit up for a moment before dimming once more: she wanted to see Bog, but she was embarrassed about her current situation. "Does he know what happened?"

She shook her head, "No. When he asked where you were I told him that you were indisposed at the moment."

*sigh* "Thank you. I'll be sure to tell him the truth later...I just wish I could see him, or at least talk to him."

"Well, what if I bring him here? I mean, obviously he'd have to stand outside the door, but you two could at least talk with one another. Also, Dad told me that he'd arrange for Bog to stay the night if you're unable to visit him today."

"Really?" She asked with a small smile on her face.

"Of course. He doesn't want you both to miss seeing each other."

"Remind me to give Dad a hug the next time I see him."

"Oh, you know I will."