I think you're going to like this chappie, lots of explaining about Vanessa's Fay heritage! And maybe we meet an old ahem, friend along the way ;)

Chapter Eleven
The Book of the Realm

The library was fairly empty; I guess everyone went back to their chambers. I walked briskly up to the old but familiar looking librarian and asked for any books on mythical creatures. After considering me worthy of touching his precious books, the upturned-nosed elf adjusting his glasses (first time I ever saw an elf wear spectacles.) and said

"Row C look for the f's."

"Thank you."

Aisle C had many volumes of lore on ancient creatures that barely exist or don't exist anymore. Volumes of books containing subjects like dragons, heroes, phoenixes, pixies, Orcs, The first and Second Age, all fantastic stuff. But not one fay, fairy, faerie, book. Outside the thick glass window, the Council had already begun. Well, looks like I'm going to be fashionably late.

I don't know why, but I felt like that old geezer was watching my every move and it was really bugging me. His sleek brown hair dribbled over the shabby brown robe he had on; making his piercing grey-blue eyes stand out even more, like two sapphires lost in the mud. Now I had to go ask that impatient, cougar of an elf to give me specifically the book I'm searching for. When I went up to him again, he laughed at me.

"What is it? Were you unable to find your book?" His smile was so forced, that I thought even if you hit it with a hammer it wouldn't crack.

"Yes. But I think you knew I wouldn't find it." I cross my arms.

"You're quite something aren't you stranger? It happens we do have one such book, such as you are looking for, but I have to unlock it. Follow me, and for Valor's sake, don't touch anything!" Out of his threadbare cloak he produced a miniature brass key.

When he called me, I followed him to the back of aisle C, in the "F" section. He whispered something I couldn't hear, and jarringly inserted the key into the solid wood shelf, and turned it! A hidden shelf popped out, and inside it, a purple leather bound book looked back at me. He handed me the imprinted book, with the title The Realm. I turned to leave, but then he roughly grabbed me and said,

"I know what you are liar. Watch that you do nothing to offend anyone fayeth. The alliance between elves and fay had been broken thousands of years ago."

His hand let my shoulder breathe again as he released. Shaking, I backed a couple of steps away from him. How did he know? The only people that knew were Elrond, Legolas, and me … and I doubt they'd… Have you ever gotten Déjà vu? Well, gosh Vanessa think. Didn't he remind you of another person… the man that sold me the Noble Collection pieces? I stepped more, as far as back as I could.

"You, you're that guy!" For a moment I swear I thought I saw a glint of recognition in his face, but it passed before I was certain.

"Leave. Here. Now. Library's closed." He snarled. But he didn't need to tell me twice. I was already gone. In the hallway I managed to speed read several pages of the ancient book. And what I did read, I didn't like:

Apparently, fairies live in a powerful realm invisible and sealed off from all outside contact. Fairies used to be elves once, but like the Dark Elves, (or the Dray,) they broke away because they were born with a mutation- "wings." Most accounts say they are very vain and beautiful, and had no desire to learn to fight. Another difference between fay and elves is that the fay are born with the innate ability to command a force of the elements. Which element, they have to find out for themselves. The elements are Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Dark, and Light. A condition called Grey syndrome is a disease that leaves Fay without their powers and slowly dying after traumatic events; similarly to how Elves may die of extreme grief or sorrow.

Their last known dynasty was ruled by a fairy queen named Celestiel "Lady of the Realm", who is the twin sister to Lothlorien's elf queen Galadriel, "Lady of the Wood." Celestiel died; it says defending her people from the dark creatures getting through the Realm's protection barriers. I closed the book now and hid it in the pack over my shoulder.

I smiled. What an entrance this Fay's going to make. "Hmm, I haven't been to the courtyard yet, have I?"

I grabbed my Jansport, and walked past the winding stone halls, past the Great Hall, past more unknown rooms, and down to the courtyard which I saw from a window. The entryway to the courtyard was hidden off to the side by a great elvish knotted rug. Finding it wasn't the problem though; pushing open the heavy stone door was. Beyond the doorway, sunshine greeted me outside warmly. The fresh air was sweet and heavenly, and I felt better already. The garden of Arimatha, which was behind the actual courtyard itself was in full spring bloom. Enchanted, I stayed there smelling and tending to them; I even tried to climb a tree, but realized my fear of heights has stayed with me. I knew I should be going, but it was so relaxing.

"I see you like the garden."Haldiar walked in the inner circle.

"Yes, it's very whimsical." I answered politely. He nodded in agreement, and moved closer. I wondered why he wasn't at the Council.

"Tell me again where you say you're from?"

"Uh, um I didn't say."

"Well what clan are you from?"

"Uh, I'm from, from… (nowhere?) Mirkwood?"

"So you know everybody there? How is it the prince seemed to only just meet you?"

"You know what? I have to go."

He nodded, but didn't look convinced.

"Very well. If you'll pardon me miss-?"

"Nienna."

He departed through the gate, and the two guard elves admitted him. I waited a couple of moments then, went up to the gate not knowing how these two guards are going to take a short, female fay seriously.