Prem enveloped Aurora in a motherly hug as soon as she came through the magical doorway. "I would know that beautiful young woman anywhere!"

"It is good to see you Prem. It has been too long," Aurora beamed. The warmth of the fairy's affection gave the Empress a joy that spread from head to toe.

"Aurora!" A young voice said as handsome fairy drew the woman's attention.

"How are you, Gede?" Aurora asked brightly as she offered the boy a hug as well.

"Even better now that you are here!" Gede said. "I am glad you made it before my first seasonal trip. I was planning to visit you otherwise, but…"

"Hopefully you still can!" The Empress would not allow sad thoughts just now.

"Do I you have a hug left for me?" Bolemir pretended to whine.

Aurora never hugged anyone outside of the other three royals and occasionally Brinn, but these fairies were like family to her.

The dark-haired woman threw her arms around Bolemir's neck. "I could never forget you," she cried. "Where is baby Niko?"

"Not a baby anymore," Prem responded with a mix of pride and sadness. "He is at magic lessons and will be home soon."

Zan, Gandr, and eventually Reyan made their way through the portal behind the Empress so that the doorway could close.

"What are you doing here?" Bolemir asked the eccentric fairy.

"Aurora invited me," Reyan answered with an air of superiority.

"I hope that is alright," the Empress realized that she had not asked permission from the homeowner.

"Of course," Prem said quickly. "The more, the merrier."

"Let us move somewhere more comfortable," Bolemir suggested. His office was far too small for so many full-sized guests. The four fairies shrunk to light pricks and headed out of the room for the other three to follow.

The mossy couches were just as comfortable as Aurora remembered, and she was tempted to take a nap then and there. Prem was pleased with the woman's contented sigh.

"Do you need a rest, dear?" Prem offered.

"All in good time, thank you," Auaora answered.

Bolemir was still standing next to Reyan with an annoyed expression as the older fairy's wings kept hitting him.

"Retract your wings!" Bolemir complained. "You are inside!"

"Do not tell me what to do!" Reyan answered, but he complied.

"Reyan dear, did you feed these guests anything at your house? They look starved!" Prem resisted the urge to pinch Aurora to prove her point.

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"Do you think I am uncivilized?" the old fairy puffed out his chest in anger.

"He gave us the most delicious cookies and nectar. It was even better than a feast," Aurora assured Prem.

"That's good." Prem relaxed. "Thank you for taking care of them," she said to Reyan. "Now if only you would share that cookie recipe…"

Reyan lifted off the ground and hovered in indignation. "Never!"

Prem gave a mischievous smile. "It was worth a try."

Once the guests were situated and more substantial food brought for all of them to enjoy, Aurora told them of all that happen the past couple of months. Although the fairy family had only met the twins when they were six, it still hurt to hear of Alaron's betrayal.

"That boy has lost his marbles!" Gede exclaimed with a look of shock. How could anyone betray his mother like that?

"Agreed," Gandr chimed in before realizing he has spoken out loud. He shrugged at Zan's warning look. "The fairy speaks the truth."

"And the gnomes are in Valiant, you say?" Bolemir asked. "That explains why we have not seen them around for many weeks. We knew they were preparing for war, just not against whom."

"They used the dragons to do most of their dirty work," Zan said as he described their encounter with the beasts on the sky bridge.

"Just despicable…" Prem cried.

"But effective," Reyan added. Everyone in the room stared at him in annoyance. "What? I cannot disapprove of their actions while still appreciating their brilliance?"

Bolemir shook his head. "Do not make me rescind your invitation!" In softer tone he added, "What do you need from us, Your Majesty."

"I want your help in reclaiming my throne," Aurora answered.

Bolemir raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms. He looked at Prem. Her face was clearly vexed, but she nodded at her husband.

"While my wife and I are willing, I hardly think we can make much difference." Bolemir offered his services humbly.

"Count me in too!" Gede chimed in with enthusiasm.

Aurora's cheeks warmed. "I appreciate your support more than you know. But I was hoping that you might call upon the Fairy Assembly on my behalf."

Ithel had told Aurora what he knew about the assembly. Only a fairy could call a meeting and only when there was great need.

Reyan leaned back in his seat. "That is a big request," he told the Empress. "If the assembly does not agree to his request, Bolemir will be banned from requesting help in the future."

The rule had been made after a frivolous fairy called three meetings over the length thought his neighbors should keep their grass. In more recent years, it had been used on occasion in more serious ventures. The right to seek aid would be revoked for Bolemir and his entire living family should the verdict go against them. All of this was explained to Aurora.

"You would just love to see me banned, wouldn't you?" Bolemir accused Reyan.

"It would make for an entertaining show," the older fairy did not deny his words.

"Oh Bolemir! I did not know! I do not want to bring you, Prem, Gede, or Niko any trouble. Is there any other way to gather the fairies so they can hear my plea?" The Empress set down her plate of food on the small table by the couch. Suddenly she had lost her appetite.

"I can think of no other way…" Bolemir answered.

Aurora pursed her lips. "Then draw me a map. I will go to each home individually. It will take more effort, but—"

Bolemir cut her off. "No. That will take too much time. I will call the Fairy Assembly." He looked at Gede and Prem, who nodded, and then portaled away. Aurora had no chance to stop him.

"Do not worry," Prem comforted the Empress after seeing her nervous face. She came behind the couch and wrapped her arms around the woman's shoulders. "Your cause is worthy. Everything will be fine." The motherly fairy stroked the woman's dark hair gently. Aurora could have let her do the action for eternity; it was so soothing.

The walls of the tree glowed with veins of vibrant green that pulsed for a few moments before dimming again. It was a signal that the Assembly had been summoned. Bolemir reappeared. "It is done. The Fairy assembly will convene day after tomorrow. We must wait for the fall fairies to return from their worldwide trek. In the meantime, I suggest you search for other allies just in case we fail."

Nodding, Aurora tried to think of the right words to express her gratitude. In the end all she could say was "Thank you."

"You are all a bunch of fools for trying such a thing," Reyan complained. "But since you have already chosen this path, I suggest you practice your answers to any question that the fairies may ask. Each family gets a collective vote and you will have a hard time convincing them."

"That is...actually not a bad idea," Bolemir conceded. The fairy had been ready to refute Reyan's words until he realized the old coot was actually being helpful. "I will draw up some things that might be asked."

"I look forward to your help." Already, Aurora felt the burden lifting slightly from her shoulders.

"And I will be happy to travel with you before the Assembly!" Gede offered. He was eager to do his part.

"I would love a competent guide," the Empress cut her eyes toward Zan and Gandr, who had both failed to lead properly. "I do not suppose you know where I can find the nymphs?"

"Which kind?" Gede asked.

"Any that you could find would be helpful. From what Devrim said, they all know each other anyway." Aurora shrugged.

"I know just the place. We can go in the morning." Gede's eyes lit with anticipation. Aside from his upcoming trip across the globe, not a lot of excitement came his way.

"Before all that, you must rest," Prem urged.

"A little shut eye does sound good," Reyan agreed.

"She was not talking to you," Bolemir said as he rolled his eyes.

"Well she should have been. It is important to respect those older and wiser than you." Reyan turned his nose up indignantly.

"But you are only one of those..." Bolemir insisted.

"Why I ought to..."

Prem pulled the trio away from the grown fairies bickering. "They can argue until they go hoarse. I will show you to your room, Your Majesty. You two can stay with Gede in his room."

Fairies aged slower than humans, so Aurora was not surprised that Gede still lived at home. The younger fairy leapt in excitement, requiring a little bit of flying to soften his landing.

"You know what this means?" Gede asked. "Sleepover!"