The folks of Bogshot are a hardy group who have made the swamp their home. The town is small and the residents friendly who always welcome visitors. All newcomers are ill advised to wander into the swamp and will take no responsibilty if you venture forth. A guide or Hunting group may be provided upon request, though.

This way of life is deeply imbeded in the pretty Krawk girl; simplicity, warmth, surviving on the bare basics. Even with her current lavish apartments in the Faerie Queen's Castle does she only indulge in what is absolutely necessary.

How does one go from the rough swamps of Bogshot to the fluffy, luxurious clouds of Faerieland? For one, you have to have an adventurous head and two, an open mind.

One morning Irey's adventurous heart go the better of her and against all warning from her childhood ventured into the swamps. She didn't go far but it was beyond the light of the village and well into dangerous territory. Itey was naive about the troubles that lurked in the muck and even just outside the village tentacles wated to grab the unwary and drag them under. Sink holes are also comon place that will drop you into a maze of caverns in which one could be lost to for eternity. Sure the young Krawk had been told the horror tales of the swamp but she assumed them to be exaggerated storries parents told their children to make them behave.

That was her second mistake.

A particularly interesting glowing toadstool had caught Irey's attention and a nast red and green tentacle emerged from the muck. It snuck up on Irey in her destracted state and the krawk didn't have time to shriek before the thing wrapped itself around her waist and yanked her under the water. Most krawks, especially those born in Bogshot, are accustomed to holding their breath for more than the average time. Waiting out the tentacle wasn't an option seeing as it didn't have any obvious breathing equipment. Irey would have to fight.

Groping in the grim of the swamp water she struggled for something to grab a hold of. Anything to either pull herself away from the gripping creature or stab at it with. A sturdy tree root came within her grasp but it was quickly evident that pulling herself free wasn't going to work. With her other hand she fumbled around for a loose stick, maybe a sharp rock or discarded spear haft. The trapped krawkling was beginning to feel the oncoming of oxygen difficiency and a mild burn building in her lungs. A thick and hopefully pointed stick tickled the tips of her fingers. Frantically she groped at it, reaching with all her power to grab the hopeful weapon. Finally her fingers closed around the thick tree-shard and she stabbed at the tentacle holding her under with as much force as she could muster.

The nasty things released her in a murky cloud of blood and slithered away to parts unknown. Irey went to kick off a tree root system but instead got her foot caught in the tangle. Panicking, she strugled against the roots, yanking, twisting, tugging. There was an audiable snap under the water. The trapped krawk screamed and the last bit of good air left in her lungs escaped to bubble on the surface. The new burn in her ankle surpassed the burn in her lungs. Darkness edged in on her vision as she flailed at the surface, it wasn't he darkness of the murky swamp, but the darkness of unconciousness. A spray of bubbled obscured Irey's vission and a very blurry hand grabbed her scrabbling arm. She felt a faint tugging sensation and another pop, more burning, and the water seemed to fall away from her.

Now with her lungs full of fresh air the injured krawk started screaming. All the pain, the fear, the brush with death. She was overwhelmed and finally the darkness on the edge of her vision finished their intrusion into her mind. Before she fell into unconciousness she heard her mother shout: "Irey! Stay with us!

Irey! Irey! Can you hear me?" It was her mom's voice, distant, but there. Slowly her vision returned but her limbs were heavy, her ankle burned, and her shoulder was sore.

Mom?

My baby!" The momma krawk wailed and hugged the injured girl.

Mom... Air...

Oh, sorry, sorry. Are you okay? How are you feeling? What happened? what posessed you to go into the swamp? What were you thinking? You were almost killed!" She started wailing again and smother her daughter in hugs and kisses.

Mom!

SORRY!

Irey," a male voice, it was the apothecary, "you gave us all a scare. You broke you ankle, your shoulder popped out of place when we yanked you out, and you were half drowned when we found you. Why were you in the swamp?" His voice was gentile but stern, worried, and concerned.

Irey shrugged. "I wanted to see the swamp. I wanted to know why everyone was so afraid of it." She answered.

Do you understand now?" The mayor asked grimly. "The swamp is no place for children. Or even untrained adults!" He was quite strict about villagers in the swamp.

Irey nodded.

Now get some rest." The medical lupe patted Irey's uninjured leg. "Come on, Mom, she needs her rest. Let's hope her thirst for adventure has been quenched.

~*~*~

But like all good stories of course her run-in with death only enflamed her curiosity. After she recovered from her injuries she went right back into the swamp. Of course she was a lot more watchful with what she was doing and her suroundings.

The adults of the village quickly found out they were powerless to keep her from venturing into danger short of locking her up. The help keep her out of danger, and an eye on her, they started letting her join in on Hunting groups that went fishing or forraging or food and medicinal plants. Irey was surprisingly trustworthy, resourceful, and had a sharp eyes. Quickly she became quite the asset to the village.

Within 3 years of that first incident she was leading the hunting parties. The village council was shocked when Irey approached them one evening.

But you are the best Hunter we have! The village cannot lose you." The old grarrl mayor insisted.

I know, Sir, but the swamp just isn't satysfying me anymore. I know every nook, crany, root, toadstool, and tentacle slithering through the murk. I need more, I need to see more. If I don't get permission I'm going to leave anyways and be banished from returning.

The council was quite for quite some time. They exchanged glances, a few whispers, before coming to a conclusion.

Granted, on one condition. You visit every now and then." The mayor smile softly.

A huge grin split the young krawk's face. "Thank you! I will, I promise!" She hopped up and down and ran to the Mayor to give him a huge hug. Such a motion was completely unorthodox, but also was her request.

I'm come back and visit soon, I promise!" Irey turned and ran back to the hut her and her mother shared. "Mom! I'm leaving for Brightvale in the morning. I'm going to see Neopia!

What?!" Momma krawk gasped, suddenly fearful of losing her daughter. "Did you ask the council? You'll be banished!

Mom, they granted me leave as long as I visit." Irey grabbed her mom's hands gently. "and I will, I promise.

Irey's mom looked long and hard into her daughter's eyes and tears welled up in her own. "Okay." She whispered finally. "You better visit every weekend." She teased and hugged Irey tightly. "I'll help you pack.

~*~*~

The whole village had gathered to see Irey off. There were hugs, kisses, tears, promises, and even some anger but they all wished her the best on her travels. Time and time again she had to promise she would visit soon before she could get out of a rather tight hug but eventually she made it to the mouth of the path that would lead her to the Bogshot Plateu and then the Brightvale planes beyond that.

The bright sun was new to her, the swamp was purpetually gloomy, and she had to shield her green eyes against it. It would be some time before her gloom-adjusted eyes acclimated to the sudden brightness of the world. Irey was almost dissapointed with how easy it was to get to Brightvale. Sure there was one or two bandits but they were weak and easily disposed of.

The guards to either side of the large door to Brightvale didn't pay any notice to the krawkling as she strode into the city. It was larger than she expected, immensely so, and she got lost several times trying to get to the castle. Pets hawking their wares, owners trying to get the best deal for their neopoints, and even a couple scuffles over something Irey found to be trivial.

It took the better part of the day before Irey got untangled from the web of streets and found herself before the drawbridge of Brightvale castle. The bridge was down, the guards ignored her, and there was a line to a large wood door on the far end of the entry hall. The stone walls were covered in thick tapestries, most with the seal of Brightvale, and luxurious runners covered the cold marble floors.

The visiting krawk assumed the line of villagers and farmers were for an audience with the king, which is what she was looking for. She figured there would be plenty of time to explore Brightvale on her visits home.

The sun was sinking closer to the horizen by the time king Hagen was ready to see her. The grandeur of the throne room surprised Irey, to say the least, and like a small child she gawked as the massive space within this one room. It was almost as big as her entire village!

Ahem, can I help you, young krawk?" Hagen asked impatiently.

Oh... Yes... Sorry sir, er, your magesty." Irey offered an awkward bow. "I want to see Neopia. I've come from Bogshot looking for adventure.

An adventuer! Well, I may be able to help you. There's a merchant's carivan redy to head out to Meridell in the morning. If I sent a runner with a note they'll take you to Meridell where you might find.. uhm.. more interesting company. The travel may be dangerous, though, with bandits and theives lurking about.

I'm good with danger. The swamp can be quite a deadly place." Irey said confidently.

So be it. Take her to the merchant's and give them the message." An acara serving woman scurried to lead Irey off.

~*~*~

The Carivan was leaving bright and early the next morning as if they were trying to race the sun. Irey yawned sleepily while the whinnie-drawn carts lumbered down the uneven road. Irey was facinated by the petpets, the only ones she had ever seen in the swamp were Sludgies and Slorgs, and niether were very friendly.

The going was slow, the trip uneventful, and Irey became stir crazy. She walked beside the wagons for a while, tried to pet the whinnies and got snapped with a whip for her efforts, took a nap in the back of a wagon for a while, and even scouted ahead once. When they finally arrived in Meridell Irey thanked the lead wagon driver and ran off to find something to do.

The thing that caught her attention the most was Illusen's Glade. The tree top huts, the luck growth, dappled sunlight, happy petpets running and playing, the friendly inhabitants. It was a glorious place. Irey actually thought that staying here for a while wouldn't be so bad! Not to mention she needed to stock up on a couple provisions before going on her way.

Welcome to my home! I've been living in Meridell for years now, it's so peaceful and serene (and I get to be as far away from those Dark Faeries as possible!) Anyway, I have a couple of jobs that you may be interested in. If you can fetch me some items from around Neopia, I can reward you with some cool things I have made over the years. How about we start off with a few easy errands, and go from there. I don't want to waste TOO much of your time but I really do have to get these items you know... Unfortunately, if you don't find my item within the time limit, then I'm going to put you right back on the easy quests! Interested??

Irey was a little taken aback by the faerie's straight forewardness. "Oh well.. Sure, I'll do a quest." That was something to do, and it gave her the chance to explore. "What do you need?

Basic Green Floor Tiles Illusen answered after a moments pause. You have 16 minutes and 39 seconds to get it for me.

That wasn't long at all! Without a word Irey turned and ran through the conected tree houses and to the lift that had brought her up to Illusen's home. Finding the floor tiles proved harder than she had expected and had to go back to the merchants wagon to find it. Apparently Meridell didn't carry floor tiles. Huffing, Irey ran back to Illusen's Glade to hand her the pack of floor tiles. What was she going to do with floor tiles here? The krawk thought it better not to ask questions.

Thank you! Here is your prize. A couple creamed cookies appeared on a table infront of Irey, who was still ot of breath.

Oh... No thank you... I have... a request..." Irey stood straight and took a couple deep breaths. "If you let me stay in your glade for a while I'll do all the quests you want. It's beautiful here." Irey looked around dreamily.

That sounds like a fair deal. My quests get harder every day. As long as you make it back by the designated time, you're free to stay.Illusen decided.

Fantastic! Do you have empty apartments nearby?

Since you'll be my right-hand quester while you're staying with us, you can stay in the tree house right next to mine. The faerie motioned to a hut connected to hers by a thick bridge with sturdy ropes and a lovely red runner. Just please don't fall out of the trees. Illusen teased. Irey laughed.

~*~*~

For the next few months Irey was happy to live int he Glade and run any errand Illusen may think for her. Each quest sent her further and further away to fetch more exotic items. Travel became difficult and she barely made it back before her time was up. Panting, Irey finished the last quest with 30 seconds to spare.

I got... Your item..." The krawkling panted at the faerie.

Very impressive, young Krawk. It's very rare that someon completely all my quests with such aptitude and excitement. Illusen handed Irey a little square badge about the size of her palm. This is the avatar you get for finishing all 20 of my quests. Now that your services are no longer required, I'll give you some time to pack and say your goodbyes.

Irey wasn't exactly sad that she was being kicked out of the Glade, even though it was beautiful she didn't like staying in one place for too long. It was becoming too long. "Do you have any suggestions where else I may go? Recommendations? I wouldn't mind doing more quests.

Illusen thought for a second. I may have an idea. In Faerieland there's a dark faerie by the name Jhudora who also does quests. If you don't have a problem with dark faeries you could try her. I don't know if she'll let you live with her while you quest for her, though.

Faerieland?" Irey was intrigued. Jhudora sounded interesting as well. "How would I get to and from Faerieland? I can't exactly fly...

I know a faerie that may be able to help Illusen tapped her chin. One week, and I'll take you to Faerieland.

Alright!" Irey ran to her quarters to pack and make sure she had provisions.

~*~*~

At the end of the week Irey stood at Illusen's door at the crack of dawn bouncing on her toes. Faerieland was an adventurers dream to visit! The earth faerie finally emerged from her hut looking no different than any other day.

Ready? Irey nodded animatedly. Alright, let's go! Illusen took the krawk's hand and suddenly she was floating.

Whoa!" Irey flailed to try and stay upright in the air.

Quit squirming! I have you, you'll be fine. The faerie smiled, fluttering beside her. They were already above the trees! Irey hadn't noticed they were moving yet.

Flying was the most exhilerating thing Irey had ever experienced. The ground so far away, the cool clouds on her face, playing with her shadow being cast on top of the clouds as they raced by. The sheer freedom of the sky in her face and nothing as far as the eye could see was a dream come true. This was what she had been searching for! Irey wanted to fly.

Faerieland was more than she could have imagined. The paved streets, the tall buildings, the colors, the clouds. It was even more beautiful than the Glade!

Wow..." Irey breathed when they finally touched down on the coblestone streets.

Quickly. Illusen said musically and was walking briskly enough that Irey had to trot to catch up.

Where are we going?" Irey asked curiously.

To see Fyora.

Irey stumbled. "The Faerie Queen?!

The one and only Illusen laughed.

What for?" The krawkling dared.

To see what we can do about your transportation issues.

How?

The Famous Earth Faerie only smiled.

~*~*~

Fyora! Illusen greeted the queen.

Illusen, my daughter, so nice to see you! Fyora stood from her vanity and hugged the other faerie. How have you been? And who have you brought to see me? She must be something if you brought her yourself and to me directly.

This, Mother, is my good friend Irey. She has completely all my quests and refused all the rewards. All she asked in return was lodging. She has be incredibly helpful but her services are no longer required, she finished. Irey blushed and produced the avatar Illusen had given her.

I see. And why have you brought her to me?

She wants to do more quests, for the adventure, not the items, and is having a mild transportation issue. I was going to bring her to Jhudora for more questing.

Fyora stared at Irey, making her uncomfortable and shift her feet, and crossed her arms in thought. Take her to the Fountain and be her transport for this last quest. Once she choses her wings bring her back here to me. The queen decided at last.

As you wish, mother. Illusen hugged Fyora again and the two of them departed.

The Fountain? As in the Fountain Faerie who will pain you any color you wish after doing one quest for her?" Irey asked, exasperated.

Illusen smiled. Of course, dear, what other fountain do you know of? She found the young krawk's enthusiasm amusing. You must do this quest on your own, though, I can only help you by getting you to and from faerieland. Other than that you're on your own.

Of course!" Irey grinned, almost skipping behind the Earth Faerie, her stomach was doing summer saults.

Sorry, the fountain isn't working right now! Unfortunately it seems that too many Neopets have bathed in these magical waters and have used up all the fountain's magical power. Oh well :( Maybe if you come back at another time you will be slightly more lucky! The water faerie said mechanically. It sounded as if she used that line a million times a day and was quite tired of repeating it.

Oh, cut it out. Fyora wants you to send this little krawk on a quest. Illusen stepped to the side to reveal a suddenly nervous Irey.

And why would the Queen request such a thing? The Fountain Faerie asked suspiciously.

As a special reward for certain deeds. The Earth Faerie replied vaguely.

Fine, be vague about it. She said dismissively. Come closer, child. I have a special task for you. Do you remember, about three months ago, the promise you made?

Promise? To who?" Irey frowned, confused.

The Fountain Faerie sighed. Once you fulfill this promise you will have access to my fountain, but not before then. I want you to get this letter signed by the first person to whom this promise was made. It doesn't state anything specific so reading it won't refresh your memory. People are waiting on you, Irey, and I don't believe they are enjoying the wait. Now be off with you, I have matters to attend to. The faerie shoed Irey away and dissapeared into the fountain somewhere.

What promise did I make? To who?" Irey asked the air, her face twisted in confusion.

I told you, I can't help you, only transport you. You're going to have to remember on your own. Illusen took Irey's hand and they were off flying back to Meridell.

~*~*~

Irey wandered around for a while, watching the Turdles race, she 'picked her own' and was aggrivated when she got a bunch of dung and half eaten berries. The turmaculus stubbornly remained asleep, mortogs blew up on her, and she almost won something at round table poker.

Nothing was helping her remember what promise she made to who those few months ago! Sitting at Merifoods with a bowl of gruel and soft white cheese she watched the petpets from Ye Old Petpets frolicing in the pen. She wished she had a petpet to keep her company, even if they didn't talk back it was still someone to talk to. Maybe just a look.

Picking up the rest of her soft white cheese Irey walked over to the Ye Old Petpets pen and watched them from a closer distance. A couple of them wandered over to say hello, sniff at her cheese, and left again. One creature stayed and wanted a piece of the cheese. Irey was happy to give it up to the little creature, who resembled a small, fuzzy draik of a sort. She assumed he was a baby, by his round features, tiny wings, and stubby horns.

I like you." The krawk smiled and patted the gallion's head. The petpet jumped and hissed at her as if startled by the contact. "Oh, sorry, you're not a cuddly one, art you?" The gallion made some soft, gutteral noises that were actually quite cute. "Is that so?" She laughed back as if the petpet was talking to her. "Would you like to come adventuring with me? I could use a small companion." The gallion looked at her and sniffed. "More cheese?" She handed another piece of cheese over to the petpet and he happily ate it. "Well how about it? Would you like to come to Faerieland with me?" The petpet just looked at her out of the corner of his eye until he finished the piece of cheese. "Alright then. I'll go find out how much you cost."

~*~*~

I bet my mom would be pleased to know what I've done. I never bothered to visit them!" Irey gasped late the next day. "I'll never make it anywhere this time of day." The krawk sighed and looked at the little gallion on the bed beside her. She had taken up residence in a small Inn on the outskirts of Illusen's Glade. On the small bedside table was the letter the Fountain Faerie had given her and in her spare time, or when she was cooped up in the room, she read it over and over and over. Now she finally realized what the promise was and to who! She couldn't wait, though, and had to set out imediately. "Come on, Dennis, we can't wait any longer. I want to fly!" She hopped off the bed and gathered her pack and the letter, barely wating for the gallion.

The sun was setting and casting a firey rainbow across the sky and clouds. Brigands like to do their theiving at night so travel will be slightly more dangerous than normal. She was a tough young krawk, nothing to worry about.

It was a crisp night, autumn was heavy over Meridell, and the leaves matched the firey sunset both on and off the trees. The once lush, green grass was giving way to winter blades of orange and tan. It was a beautiful sight, the changing of the seasons, one she wanted to experience again. There were no seasons in Bogshot, just hot and cold.

The night travel to Brightval was as uneventful as the trip the Meridell. One group of five thieves backed off when Dennis snarled and thrashed his tail. Apparently they didn't want to get bit! The thieves here were pathetic...

The sun was rising, and so was her lethargy, when Brightvale castle finally came into view. She would have to stop in town and get a bite to eat before she continued. An empty stomach was hard to travel on when you get too excited to make sure you have something for the road. A quick stop at the fruitstand was enough to get Irey to Bogshot.

Irey's back!" Someone shouted from out of view. An eruption of voicing announcing she was back echoed off the swamp cavern walls. Villagers rushed to greet her and welcome her home with open arms and happy faces.

Irey!" The mayor's deep voice boomed. "It's about time you came to visit! Didn't we say 'soon', not 'eventually'?" He laughed. "Come in, sit by the fire, have a bite! I'll go fetch your mother." The large grarrl dissapeared into the old hut Irey remembered and emerged with a skinny thing wrapped in a blanket.

Irey!" It rasped with familiarity. "I'm so glad you finally came home. How have you been? What did you see? And who's this?" She noticed Dennis hiding between Irey's legs.

Mom? What happened? You look terrible!" Irey gasped.

Don't be so dramatic. I got sick about a month after you left. It has no cure short of a miracle. I'll be fine." She waved a bony hand. She looked like she had aged 50 years! "I'm still your worry wort of a mother, just a bit skinnier and colder." She offered a warm smile. "Come here and give me a hug, Irey, I missed you so much.

Irey hugged her feeble mother gently as if afraid she might snap the woman in half. "Are you sure there's no cure?

Positive, sweet heart. I'll still live out my years as if I was healthy as a slorg. Maybe even longer!" The momma krawk laughed.

I sure hope so, mom. I'll never forgive myself for leaving if you get too sick." The young krawk frowned fearfully for her mother.

Don't be." Her mom said tenderly. "Come, sit by the fire, Mayor! Where's the food?

Yes, ma'am. FOOD!" The grarrl bellowed and a couple villagers scurried away to fetch some food.

~*~*~

Irey stayed for the rest of that week to catch up with her mom and tell her all the exciting things she's done and seen so far. Dennis slept curled up under a blanket on Irey's old bed.

The Fountain Faerie? That's quite an accomplishment! And you got to meet Fyora! Isn't she amazing? Such a sweet faerie." Mom smiled and looked into the distance as if remembering a time she had actually met the Faerie Queen. "What are you going to do now? What color are you going to chose?

Well, I was seriously thinking about Faerie, since it's either that or darigan to get some wings. Then I was going to see if Jhadora would send me on some quests. Maybe I'll take a brake from questing after her and take a long vacation somewhere exotic." The krawk shrugged and smiled.

That sounds like quite a plan. I wish I had an adventurous heart like yours. I'd love to see Shenkuu and Terror Mountain. But I'm stuck here in the swamp. Don't make that face at me I'm quite content here.

I need to get this lettered signed by the first person I made my promise to." Irey pulled the creased envelope from her backpack.

What for, dear?

My quest was to fulfil the promise I made a few months ago. That promise was to visit the village again, and she wants me to get it signed by the first person I made the promise to as proof.

Oh, well, that isn't me. It was the village council that allowed you to leave if you returned.

Can you sign it anyways?

Sure, honey. Anything for you." Momma krawk smiled and signed it with a feather-pen. "Now go get the council to sign it and go get your wings! I still expect you to visit every now and then." Irey's mom gave her a tight hug and a big wet kiss on the cheek.

Thanks, Mom, I will. I promise.

I know, dear." Mom smiled warmly.

It didn't take long to find the five council members and get them to sign the letter as well. The hard part would be going back to Illusen's Glade. Travel was becoming more than an annoyance.

I'll visit again sooner this time, I promise." Irey waved goodbye to the village as she, once again, departed.

~*~*~

Illusen!" Irey called in excitement to the Earth Faerie. "Illusen! Can you take me to Faerieland?" It was late at night and she couldn't wait any longer. Irey had walked without rest all the way back and she wanted to get to Faerieland as soon as she possibly could.

What's wrong with you? Do you know what time it is? Illusen opened the door to her tree house looking quite like she had just been woken up.

I'm sorry, but I've finished my quest and I want to visit the Fountain as soon as possible!

Illusen yawned and scratched at her head. Now? She asked exsaperatedly.

Ppllleeeaaasseeee?" Irey asked as sweetly as she could.

Alright! But I'm not bringing you back.

Deal!" Irey grabbed Illusen's hand before the faerie could move and they took off.

Faerieland was quiet and a great majority of the residents slept. A couple restless neopets walked the coblestone streets and watched Irey and Illusen oddly and if questioning what Illusen was doing. It took a bit of shouting before the Fountain Faerie surfaced from the Fountain.

WHAT! What do you want at this Sloth Forsaken hour?! Irey pushed her signed envelope under the water faerie's nose. NOW?

Illusen snorted. That's what I said.

Fine, whatever. Get over here. What do you want to be?

Faerie!" Irey yelled excitedly.

Alright! No need to yell. Get under the falls and hold still. Irey obeyed and stood under the rainbow water fountaining from the clouds. The Fountain Faerie muttered some unclear words, perhaps they weren't words at all, and the krawk started to tingle. Within a minute it was done. There, your done. Now can I go back to sleep?

Irey didn't feel much different but there were two, very obvious wings sprouted from her back. Her hair was much softer and her skin was a lovely light pink! "Thank you so much!" Irey hugged the already irritated Fountain Faerie and she sank back into the Fountain without a proper good bye. "Fyora wanted to see me as soon as I got my wings, didn't she?

Oh no, not at this time of night! Illusen grunted. You won't be waking Fyora up. You can wait until the morning to see what she wants with you. For now you can sleep in my personal quarters in the Castle until then, I'll show you how to get there, and then I'm going home.

Dillin, we're spending the night in the castle!" Irey squeaked excitedly at her petpet and hugged him tightly. Illusen rolled her eyes and showed her the way to the castle, through it, and to the very obviouse Earth Faerie quearters. "Thank you Illusen, for everything!" The krawk put her gallion on the bed and hugged the earth faerie good bye. "I'll come visit and see if you need any help now and then." With a soft smile Illusen departed.

~*~*~

You called?" Irey pushed herself into Fyora's personal quarters.

Yes, Irey. I have a proposal for you. Instead of going to Jhudora, I want you to run errands for me.

Personally?! Irey blurted.

Don't interrupt, but yes, personally. And for any other faerie who lives in the castle and requires a delivery assignment of you. In exchange I will take care of all your finances and lodging.

Irey stood with her mouth gaping open and no words coming out.

Well? Fyora asked impatiently and went to brushing her hair infront of the vanity.

Of course!" Irey finally found her voice. "I would be most honored to be the Castle's personal messenger." The young krawk bowed.

Perfect. You and your... uhm... petpet, will be shown to your quarters. If you need anything just let Jazella know, she's the maid that will be attending your floor. The Queen clapped and a pretty little acara girl motioned for Irey to follow her.

Her bedroom was much more luxurious than she ever could have wished for. There was a canopy bed against the far wall between two double glass doors that opened to a balcony that overlooked the entirety of faerieland. Sheer curtains fluttered in a light breeze that came through both open doors. A small vanity sat against the far left wall and a matching wardrobe against the far right wall. A small bookshelf was against the wall the door was on with a hand full of books on it.

Make yourself comfortable, miss. Breakfast is at nine, lunch is at noon, dinner is at seven. All your meals are brought right to you, unless you are not here of course. If you need anything there's a comunication system over there that goes straight to the servant's quarters. Someone will be there to assist you momentarily. Enjoy!" The pretty little acara closed the door as she left.

This was a dream come true. From the swamps to the clouds, from the murk to luxury, and best of all: she had wings!

The End