I shorten our walk by taking us between to the cottage. Circe and Jadis lead us down various paths past other secluded cottages. Soon thatched homes in the trees appear with the ever increasing cottages. Soon, I glimpse a view of Damiana’s castle and assume we are getting close.

The village sits below the castle. Jadis points out the community hall and gathering area. The market and shops spread around this central building. I see construction of homes and shops everywhere. Circe and Jadis take turns explaining the influx of people with awakened magical gifts coming to explore their talents. Now that the public knows of the witch conclave in Oregon and the upcoming legalization of magic people are moving into Cave Junction or into Cave Croft itself. Those allowed in Cave Croft must see Damiana first and be tested for their abilities.

Doctors with strong magical affinities now work with hedge witches. Scientists of every variety have come to study or learn from the witches. Most are trying to understand their abilities. Artist of every kind have journeyed to this remote section of Oregon and now live in Cave Croft while opening stores within Cave Junction for the tourists. In fact, Damiana has approved daily tours of Cave Croft. Jadis points out the Pub where an inn is in its construction phase for approved overnight guests that will not stay in the castle.

Walking past open stalls and into store fronts I am amazed at the variety of people. Some dress in robes, others in Victorian style and then, the minority, are the mainstream, contemporary individuals in jeans, t-shits or suits. Most clothing is hand made materials styled by the people. Simple tunics, pants and leather shoes is the dominant theme.

Many witches theme their colors with the type of magic they practice. Circe’s group favors red... go figure, sex and blood. Jadis and the practical magic witches and mages tend towards soothing colors. The few druids pointed out wear clothing that matches the colors of the forest. People stop and stare as we pass by. Then they whisper behind our backs.

Circe leaves us to meet with friends of hers. Jadis takes me to a store for rune and sigil supplies. I am introduced to an apprentice Druid named Caibre. He is tall, just over six feet and has shoulder length sandy brown hair. His blue eyes sparkle and his mouth seems to stay in a smile. He is dressed in leather and wool clothing that looks very good on his lean athletic frame.

The smiling Cairbre asks, “What can I do for you ladies today?”

I walk over to his stones and crystals, “I need several handfuls of your polished selenite.” He nods and asks, “Is that all?”

“No,” And I point out the carving tools, leather pouches and cording I need. It's then I realize I hadn’t asked Jadis how to pay for these items. I excuse myself and ask Jadis to step aside with me for a second. “I forgot to ask, how do I pay for this?”

Jadis smiles, “We usually barter. Let me handle it.” I nod my head and let her take over.

As we approach Cairbre he asks, “You are Gwen? The great-grand daughter to Damiana and the Fae princess?”

“Yes, I am.” I answer wondering if this is going somewhere or just his curiosity. “I participated in the ceremony to awaken your powers. It is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone, I am glad you made it through hale in your health and mind.”

Hale in health and mind?

“Thank you.” What do you say to a man that's looked at you naked and sick on the floor of a cave? Etiquette school never covered that one. The finishing school in Switzerland definitely didn’t cover this.

Cairbre says, “I am sorry, did I embarrass you?”

This makes me analyze my feelings. I am not embarrassed; I didn’t know how to respond. Weird, that is something that should make me embarrassed. But, I am not.

Not worrying about it then.

“No, I am not embarrassed. Just not a usual conversation... at least for myself.” I answer. It is the truth.

“Good, now what do you lovely ladies have to barter for these?” He asks.

Jadis counters, “What would you give to charge items in Farie? What is it worth to let your material absorb the Fae magic?”

Cairbre asks with excitement, “Farie is here then? The Fae have joined us? We felt something big.”

I answer, “The Fae have joined with me and yes, Farie is nearby.”

“Then we you have much to bargain with.” He answers and the bartering starts. He opens with a simple trade, “Like items for like items. You want crystals, small tools and skins. We offer like items in the same amount to rest within Farie for one day per item. You need three ‘types’ of items, then we get three days of the Fae power for our like items.”

I remember Circe’s crap when I didn’t negotiate better. I need to think about this. “These items may not cause harm to others including Farie. They will come pristine and clean of any and all magics prior to entering.” Then ask, “Is that reasonable?”

“Yes, I will advise my elder’s.” Then Cairbre asks me, “My elders discussed offering you training. Would you allow me to act as your guide in the Druidic arts?”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Did I want help from the druids when I am learning from the hags? Not sure so I answer, “I appreciate the offer and will consider it.”

Cairbre isn’t giving up and asks, “Do you mind if a small contingient of Druids come to introduce themselves? They will come to your home.”

Before answering I ask, “You know where we live already?”

This brings a laugh from Cairbre, “We can ask the forest. It will lead us to your home.” He explains and asks, “Is there a time of the day that is better to meet?”

I answer, “Late afternoons are best.”

Cairbre gives a small bow of his head, “We will bring items over and make our introductions.” He holds the door open to his shop, handing me my purchases in a woven basket.

As we leave, I can’t help but think how cute he is. Jadis takes us to a shop selling different types of materials. Jadis picks several colors and barters dried healing herbs in trade.

I didn’t want to stay in the market area and asked Jadis, “Do you know where Circe is? I am ready to leave.”

Jadis snorts, “The pub, that girl needs to get her ‘flirt’ fix.”

She is correct. Circe is at the pub with several women and many men, including William.

I snort, “William will be trouble.” And he throws a fit when we pull Circe away from her friends. It seems she has had a good time. She cannot walk in a straight line.

I ask Jadis, “This happen often?”

“Yes, Circe is the party girl in our small village. She drives the men nuts. The women pretend to like her, but they are jealous. Any of the men will take part in a ritual with her.”

“Huh, well lets get out of here.” I tell her and wait until we are away from prying eyes to take us between.

Walking into the manner, I decide to bring Circe to Glaus and tea. We can sit in the kitchen to feed and sober her up.

“We weren’t apart long, how can she be drunk?” I ask.

Jadis answer is obvious after she states it, “We are witches and mages, we can brew up some strong concoctions.”

“True. Now don’t worry about the mural, just step through with me.” We were making our way through the great hall and around the head table. Jadis nods her head and trusts me.

Glaus is sitting at the center table with a teapot, Corrigan and several pixies. The pixies giggle when they see Circe’s condition.

“Hi Glaus, you have anything to help this idiot sober up?” I ask this as we sit Circe with the others. Glaus gets up muttering about idiots who can’t hold their liquor. He places several herbs to steep in a separate pot.

“Give these herbs a we bit o time and I’ll have the girlie good ae new,” Gluas informs us and adds, “Sit yea buts down with her, I be serving yea food here and the little ones can tell thier tales to yea.”

We sit as Glaus hands out bowls of stew and bread. The pixies have small bowls and tiny cups and sit on the table. The pixies are chattering away about the flora and funa of the area with the acceptance of Farie.

I ask the Fae to tell us some Farie lore. Cork decides to help himself to Circe’s food and tea. She is out of it and doesn’t realize Cork is screwing with her. Jadis and I roll our eyes and laugh at his antics.

Corrigan speaks of her race, the Glastig. Considered part of the Unseelie Court and purely evil, they are a water fairies. The Glastigs lure men with their beautiful looks but, they must hide their goat-like legs to stay attractive to human males. They drink blood, but aren’t always evil. They can care for people and animals. Corrigan points out that being Unseelie doesn’t automatically make the Fae evil. They are the scariest of Fairie and can make humans go mad, but they aren’t strictly evil.

The pixies talked of their ability with glamour and preferences for certain flowers and trees. They love to watch whatever is going on around them and don’t feel this strange. They are comfortable dressed, undressed, small, tall, human features or not. They are... it is what it is. With waves of their hands pictures appeared in the air of the different types of pixies. Some have legs of a frog, others have wings and some don’t. From thin and alien looking to childlike and human looking. Some are exotic in an errotic manner.

Glaus tells of the brownies and how they have served Fae and humans alike throughout the ages. If a human is bad, the Brownies make them pay. Either in torment or stealing their goods. And beware the human that builds in the middle of a Farie path. They will still come through the house throughout the night and play and take as they please.

Another favorite is switching babies. I can’t imagine waking to find my baby gone and replaced with a Fae baby. No wonder the Fae are feared and hunted in Europe and now here in the US. But, that is changing soon.

We learned more about common courtesy among the Fae... never say thank you, give expensive gifts, or make an agreement without thinking it through. They will find ways around your terms if you aren’t careful. This piece of advice reminds me of Circe and looking at her, I see she is passed out with her head on the table.

So much for sobering her up. Cork is loving it and taking advantage of the situation by braiding her hair. He is adding trinkets and ribbons to the hair. Jadis and I watch Cork. Looking at each other, we giggle and let him continue. Plus, Cork looks so serious. I wouldn’t want to interrupt his ministrations.

Curious I ask those at the table, “Why are Fae coming here?”

Glaus lets out a long burp while searching for a new tidbit to taste, “Europe holds ol hatreds against Farie. America te land of the free and they like oddities.” Smiling the brownie adds, “We hear a treaty is coming, we of Fae will gain rights... that be a lot in our favor.”

Looking at Corrigan I ask, “And the Fae who live off of human blood and flesh?”

Sitting there at the table, looking beautiful, it is easy to forget her legs aren’t human looking. They are the legs of a goat. Corrigan explains, “We will adjust, but I have found fetish sites on the internet. I believe we will have plenty of volunteers to provide blood... we will not eat them.” There was something about that last statement, I don’t quite believe all Fae will stop.

A small female pixie pipes in, “Princess you must spend time further into the mound communing with Farie. It is new and growing. It is here for you and the Fae.”

“How do I go further into the mound?” I ask.

Cork looks up at my question, jumps off the table and transforms mid air into his four foot protective form. Gone is my little bird-like lizard and now an odd looking, bulky Fae with small boulders as armor stands next to me.

“Come, I take.” Cork answers. Then adds, “Leave silly one to sleep.” He points at Circe. I think he is actually smirking at his handiwork.

These two are trouble together.

Glaus amuses us when he says, “I be stay’n with the lass. She be in good hands.”

I started to say thank you and grabbed Jadis to stop her as well. How do you say thank you without saying thank you?

“Glaus, it makes me happy knowing you will watch over Circe.” Was my attempt. If I can’t say thank you maybe expressing my happiness is a better alternative.

Glaus seems happy with this and we follow Cork through a door in a dark corner of the kitchen, opposite where we entered. Corrigan followed while the pixies excitedly circle our heads. Corks opens the plain door and gestures me to enter. Stepping forward, I watch the dark space slowly brighten as I draw closer and I am disappointed. It is a stone room with absolutely nothing in it.