We settled down in the tent and I started the discussion.

“Do you know how to get to the fairy realm?” I asked.

“Uh, I am not powerful enough to create a portal. I would need to find an existing one.” Adhira said.

“There are sometimes holes in the elemental planes where you can slip to the fairy plane. But we can’t hang out there too long without an anchor, it's exhausting! Mostly I have been there through summonings.” Shani said.

“I am not an expert on those things.” Nira said. “I suspect it is similar to us demons. You would need powerful magic to create a portal. Or get summoned into the fairy plane.”

“It’s a bit different than hell.” Adhira corrected her. “The fairy plane has a much stronger connection, there are a few natural portals even. That is why you can find some fey roaming around in the mortal plane. Occasionally, an unstable portal appears for a short time. Some people accidentally end up in the fairy plane, or fey end up here. There are some permanent ones too, controlled by powerful archfey.”

Then Adhira looked at me and buzzed around. “Was that enough? Was this a test? Do I win anything?”

I shook my head. “It was a genuine question. My situation is a bit… unique. I do not know much about the fairy realm, despite being an archfey.”

“Uhhh. Have you been lost? Wait, abducted? Raised among mortals? Are we going back for revenge?” Adhira asked, excitedly.

“No, nothing like that. But my knowledge about the fey is limited. That is why I am asking you for information.” I said. “How hard would it be to create a portal?”

“Hm. Powerful fey can create portals between here and the fairy realm. Unlike hell, where they need to be summoned from here, fey can just come and go as they please. It might take some ritual though. And a permanent one might require mass sacrifice. Also, permanent ones attract other archfey, so you better be ready to fight for it.” Adhira explained.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Why would they fight for such a portal?” I asked.

“Easy trade, brings in a lot of money. We fey kind of like our food, drink, luxuries…”

I nodded. I did like my food and drink.

Adhira continued: “It’s a resource in the end, like an adamantium mine, or something. If an archfey thinks a rival is weak they take it.”

I was certainly powerful enough for such a ritual. Sadly, I lacked the necessary runes. My arcane knowledge did not include runes for such a portal. I knew how to do a summoning and there was likely a certain overlap. But I didn't really know the runes of the fairy realm. I only know how to summon demons, or elementals.

“What is the connection between fey and elementals, Shani?” I asked.

“Hm. Well, you are sort of fleshier versions of us. Fey are usually attuned to an element but lack the true connection to the elemental plane. We can bridge that gap for them. Hence the need for us to make proper knights! We also offer much better advice than most fleshy creatures.” She said, while nodding to herself.

“What about court elementals?” I was uncertain if she made them up. But she did indicate a few times that it was an old tradition, or something.

“Fey and elementals used to work together a lot more. But fey became boring. Who would not want a cute elemental hanging around their court? Seriously! These days, they often just summon us to perform a knighting ceremony or something. Some even try to enslave us!”

Considering Shani’s violent and erratic behaviour, or Terath’s laziness, I had a theory why court elementals fell out of favour.

“Do any of you know Beira? Assuming that is her actual name.” I asked.

“Nope.” Shani said.

Adhira pondered the question. “I don’t think so. I have never been part of a court. As an independent fey you keep your head down and hope nobody chops it off for fun.”

“Ah, I can empathise with that.” Nira said. “As an independent demon you lack protection. Only serving someone stronger can keep you safe. Or you are good at hiding. Ideally you manage to get summoned to the mortal plane. Here you have a much easier chance to grow.”

“Exactly! Finding a way to the mortal plane made it a lot safer! Just a bit lonely.” Adhira agreed.

“You came through a temporary portal?” I asked.

“Yes.” Adhira nodded.

“Who would have a permanent one? The lady of the forest?” I knew she had a deal with the Dominion. It would make sense if she controlled a permanent portal.

“Probably.” Adhira said. “I tried to stay outside anyone’s territory.”

“Do you know any notable storm fey?” I asked.

“I knew one once! Fulgora. Don’t think she is around anymore.” Shani said.

“Notable? No. Approaching someone powerful is always a gamble. I am glad it worked out with you, my lady!” Adhira smiled and admired her armour some more.

“We might have to travel to the Dominion and meet the lady of the forest. She might be our best bet at finding Beira, if Beira fled to the fairy realm. We will have to see what happens to the remaining Inquisition forces over the next few weeks.” I mused.

“We should slaughter them!” Shani suggested.

“It might come to that. But if Beira fled, and took her strongest people with her, we might not be needed.” I said.

“But... but… slaughter.” Shani’s bunny ears drooped.