It howled once more spreading its giant wings in anger. Seeing that it was imprisoned it spit blue fire engulfing the stone cage in the magical flames. Although made of stone it was still durable. After melting and and cooling countless pounds of stone the cage wouldn't give in to heat so easily. Even if it was a magical bird molded of fire. The one flaw in Stones plan had come to passing, it was unlikely our dwarven fire would have any effect on the creature it being made of purple fire and all.

The 6-foot bird rammed the caged angrily shaking the stone container, causing us to pale. Knowing once it broke free there would be no way we could subdue let alone defeat such a creature. We stood there frozen with uncertainty perhaps even slight fear before Stone's voice booms into my eardrums, "Kill it before it can escape! Ham, Ordwin cool the stone cage, don't let it melt it's way out! Bolmer and Gale get as many rocks as you can!" His voice was commanding pulling me out of the trance. I scurry through the ruined fortress grabbing as many rocks I can carry, which aren't many. It takes me three trips of running to and from the stone cage before I have a small pile of rocks at my feet. Bolmer's pile easily doubling mine as well as Stone's, how they carried so many I had no clue until I saw the contents of Bolmer's pack scattered on the ground. The clever bastard was using his bag something that hadn't occurred to me in the moment.

"Hurry up! I don't know how much longer we can keep cooling the cage!" Ham shouts over the frantic shrieks from the bird. It continued to ram the cage relentlessly as flames continued to blast forth from its mouth. Cracks coated the cage and the fear of the beast breaking free tingled up my spine. "Keep cooling that cage! don't let up!" Stone barks returning with another bag full of rock dumping the contents in a pile.

"What the hell are we gonna do with a pile of rocks against a Pheonix!" Bolmer shrieks. I too wondered what Stone's bright idea was to kill the beast. Snatching a hand-sized rock Stone grasps his hammer before tossing the rock in the air, "Smash!" He bellows before swinging his hammer striking the rock, sending it flying through the hole of the cage striking the bird. My eyes could barely follow the rock as it flew. Another angry screech resounds in the area as the bird frantically attacks the cage spitting even more fire from its mouth in the attempt to break free.

I expected his strike to turn the small rock to dust but he controlled the force, only striking it hard enough to do damage to the beast but not too hard to destroy the rock. Something a dwarf with true skill could only accomplish. Nodding I snatch up a fistful of small stones before copying the attack as Bolmer simply chucked the rocks through the hole as hard as he could. I didn't understand why he chose to throw the rocks as opposed to smash them with the hammer, it was a skill any dwarf that wielded a hammer could use.

The three of us continued to bombard the bird with rocks, our piles running empty quickly before having to run for more. Ordwin and Ham seemed to struggle to keep the cage cool, small blue flames starting to peek out of the cracks of the rapidly dissolving container. The bird's rams had grown weaker as we continued to attack with the rocks but the bird was relentless and fought on endlessly, I never thought my arms would be so tired from swinging my hammer so many times so quickly, for they burned at the joints. I must have smashed at least 100 rocks at the bird, but of course, a small rock was nothing compared to a hammer.

Ordwins hand remained propped on the cage as he shrieked, "I c..c.c.can't keep it up! It's going to b..b.b.break free!" His face was pale from the inevitable freedom of the bird, or from the constant use of his gift I didn't know perhaps both. Ham frantically nodded in agreement to Ordwins claim, his face also pale as sweat seeped down his neck. Once the bird was out of the cage it would be nearly impossible to battle it in the sky, it was stationary now making it an easy target. Hitting a moving target in the sky with rocks was a completely different matter.

"Get to the gate!" I shout, all of them looking at me frantically before scurrying over to the entrance of the cage. The stone cage glowed red rapidly the moment the two dwarves released their hands from the stone and I knew it would only be a matter of moments before the bird would be dominating the skies. Cracks continued to ripple over the stone as fire shot out of the holes.

"Smash the entrance! Afterwards, we attack the bird with all we've got!" The others looking at me bewildered from the last ditch idea as the bird screeched loudly causing all of us to jump. "Do it now!" I bellow as we all lifted our hammers before shouting "Smash!" Striking the cage door simultaneously the stone broke apart loudly sending smoke and debris flying in the cage. The small shards of rock and dust attacked the bird like hail penetrating the creature. A gaping hole now is the door the heat hit us like a wave nearly causing me to collapse, the air thin as we rushed into the cage to ambush the bird.

Dust caked the beast making the flames dim slightly, but only slightly before It began propelling its blue flames from its beak smashing it into us. My caution of the unnatural fire was justified, for the very flesh of my face and arms burned unending as did the rest of my body. If I hadn't shielded my eye's perhaps they too would have melted from the intense blast. The heat stopped and I proceeded forward without pause as I stared down the beast through watery eyes, anger and fatigue fell over my body before bashing my hammer into the beak before it could launch another blast of the blue fire.

Unlike the appearance, the bird was heavy the impact sending vibrations up my arm similar to that of hitting an anvil. It was hard but effective as the force of my swing started launching the bird, sending it crashing into the cage wall. The others I expected to jump into a follow-up attack didn't, and as I glanced around I saw them all heaving heavily as they lay scattered at the entrance. Similar to myself the flesh was stripped from their bodies their clothing supporting numerous burn marks. Bolmer struggled to stand before collapsing on the ground unmoving, the damage from the fire proving to fierce for them.

Not having the time to worry about my fellow dwarves I dart towards the rising bird as it began to fly towards the entrance we created, pain shot through my legs as I raced for the bird. It was faster than me but I could see that the glow of its fire was greatly dimmer and knew it was near its end. I couldn't catch it, the bird reaching the hole before me I could only watch as my heart began to sink as the beast approached and shot through the hole.

"SMASH!" Ham bellows from behind the bird as his hammer flies out of the gaping hole for the emerging beast. It seemed distracted by it's new found freedom as Ham's hammer whizzed through the air smashing into its neck. Luckily the bird hadn't gotten far in it's escape and was still close to the ground. Or his hammer would have never reached it. The bird howled once before it's flames glowed bright, despair filling my gut as the light from its purple flames continued to shine radiantly, but I didn't look away and watched as a puff of dust began sprinkling from the purple light, The 4 colored shard revealed itself plummeting towards the ground before falling in the pile of ash left behind by the Pheonix.

"Sc...sc..scatter the ashes!" Ordwin mutters in painful gasps clutching his legs causing me to sprint towards the shard, picking it up I kick the ashes frantically. A Pheonix was deadly but what made them such a fierce opponent was their ability called "Rebirth", If given too much time they would rise again from their ashes with new found strength. You could kill the beast a hundred times, none of it mattered unless you scattered the ashes. Satisfied with my kicked up dust cloud I let the fatigue of battle overtake my body, my eyelids burned as they began closing slowly, letting gravity take me as well as the darkness.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"How's the festival coming? Is everything going ok?" Twilly piped, swinging his bare feet from a low branch in a carefree manner. His light blue feathery hair disheveled from his playing only moments ago. The little brat had caused a ruckus earlier poking his head in places it didn't belong, distracting many of us while we went out harvesting. I couldn't stay mad at the young fairy though, he had a soft face and innocent mischevious eyes making it hard to hold a grudge.

"We're a little behind of schedule because of SOMEBODY." I muse giving him a playful glare. His face jolting in shock as his eye's darted in every direction.

"O...Oh sorry about that." He muttered with a chuckle, playing with his fingers. "I just wanted to help! It's so boring watching everyone get ready for the festival! They don't let the kids do anything" he mutters his tone lowering slightly looking down at his feet. I hated when he made that face, the urge to spoil him always came after.

"Why don't you get down here and help me carry some of these berries. A strong little guy like you should be able to do that much right?" His little-pointed ears twitched before a wide grin spread across his face lifting his head he beamed me an earnest smile. Ah, I could only wish my child would be as adorable as little Twilly one day.

Leaping off the branch he floats to the ground jumping up and down excitedly. "Yeah I can do that, I help Pa carry things all the time!" His smile turning into a proud grin flexing his little arms.

"Good grab that basket and let's get back to the kitchen, we don't want to keep the cooks waiting." Nodding his head enthusiastically he darts towards the basket before placing it on his head dropping a few berries in his excitement. His little arms spread wide as he balanced it on his soft head of hair. "Let's go! I'll race you!" he shouts happily before flying towards the village leaving a trail of fairy dust behind.

How does such a little guy have so much energy, I ask myself with a sigh before lifting the basket on my head. How his overseer isn't constantly out of her mind I'll never know. Flying after the little guy I began following his trail of fairy dust, the village being close by It only took a moment before the familiar trees revealed themselves the lush green leaves as lively as ever. Our village was large and ever beautiful our tall and strong oak trees having been around for centuries still looked younger than ever. A blessing given to us by the All-Daughter, one of many. The dozens of red-topped mushrooms spread throughout the village were large in size towering 7 feet high, sheltering many families within them. Of course, the Elder, my father along with myself, my mother and my older sister Freya are the only ones that live in the Elder Tree. A tradition past down through the years that my father was very adamant about following.

Twilly hid impatiently waiting in the bushes that surrounded our village, "a surprise attack huh," I couldn't help feeling amused at the little fairies attempt at an ambush. With a flick of my wrist, I will the Essence bestowed upon all fairies into a free hand before enshrouding myself in the sparkly mist. My height shrinking in size to only 3 inches high, giggling to myself I zip into the bushes making sure to go unseen. When was the last time I played such a childish game? It's been far too long since I last enjoyed myself. Closing in on my target I float just below his left ear,

"Boo!" jumping in a fluster Twilly rolls out of the green bush panic covering his face, seeing me chuckling from the bush his round green eye's looked at me accusingly.

"Hey, no fair. That's cheating Eve! No using void magic." The little fairy pouted folding his arms. His pouting was always so cute the way his lips turned up that way, he will no doubt be a lady killer when older.

"Expect the unexpected little Twilly, if you ever want to venture outside the safety of Finra you best remember that, ok?"

His eye's perked up at the mention of exploring the outside world, a dream young fairies often had. "Sure Eve, I'll grow up big and strong just like my Pa!"

"Good, now enough games lets get this fruit to the kitchen." Ruffling his hair I return to my normal size my green leaf skirt fitting comfortably around my waist, as well as my vest. I never understood how other species could wear animal skin and bones. Just picturing harming a creature created by the All-Father made me sick to my stomach, they were truly brutes of the savage kind. Picking up the basket we flutter through the village. The entrance hugged by a neatly and carefully trimmed hedge, looking around everyone seemed busy preparing for the Festival whizzing by in a hurry.

The Fairy Festival something we looked forward to every year, especially the younger fairies. We would all sing and dance in harmony before paying our tribute to the All-Daughter. Afterwards feast of the sweetest of foods and drink and the games! Oh, how I loved to watch the games. Just thinking about it made he wiggle with excitement. Each village had their own traditions making it a unique experience wherever you celebrated. Floating through the village the fairies darted back and forth ignoring any formalities suppose to be given to the residences of the Elder Oak.

I preferred it this way though it gave us something to do besides meddling in the affairs of other species. Finra being one of the Fairy villages that followed the Seelie Courts laws and traditions we often helped other species when bringing a new life into the world of the All-Father. It was something that always brought me joy, bringing a new life into the world as well as watching over the vessel it inhabited until it was ready to be born. How lucky they were being able to birth another being into the world, a gift they didn't realize sadly. However, we also enjoyed playing our tricks, often getting us scolded by the Elder about meddling in the affairs of other species. It's only harmless fun though.

Dropping off the baskets the cook gives me a grumpy look, "Your late again Eve, how are we going to be ready in time for the festival if you keep bringing the food in late." Ah, another scolding from big sister Freya how delightful.

Twilly looked downcast as Freya continued on with the lecture, glancing up briefly I gave him a wink to which he smiled.

"Don't let it happen again alright Eve, you know how father is about these rituals everything has to be perfect." Nodding my head I mutter "understood" before her scowl turns back into the gentle loving face she wore so beautifully.

"Good, we need you to take some rations to the guardians after that your done for the day."

"Aw, really, the guardians... Why I can't you get someone else to do it." Complaining I plead my case which is denied harshly,

"You know how the guardians are, and how the people of our village feel about them, do me this last favor for the day?" Ah, she's giving me that sweet look again, the face that can get me to do anything she asks.

"Alright fine.." I sigh. Freya already having the baskets ready to go smiled sweetly with her eye's closed, she could get me to do anything. Before long I was flying to the circle. Twilly begged to come wanting to help carry more baskets to which I had to reject. The poor little guy looked dejected as he moped away, but it was for his own good. Big sister Freya called them guardians but they were just fairies that protected the Circle from intruders, not just any fairies though Unseelie fairies.

Those that succumb to one of the sins. It usually being greed of some sort. They enjoyed making other species dance, as did all fairies but they always took it to far often killing some poor human. Last time it was an elf, the poor fool had tried trapping a leprechaun to steal his gold. Believing the fairy and his promises of wealth had cost him his life.

And they were always so sneaky, more sneaky then a fairy should be. They say if you had to choose between trusting a Dragon and an Unseelie fairy, trust the dragon, at least you would die a quick death.

The Unseelie and Seelie Fairies have come to an understanding though, we provide, and they protect a simple and effective arrangement. They relish in violence as we are opposed to it making things favorable for us. Just because we were peaceful didn't mean there weren't those who would do us harm. Making the Unseelie useful. Them living in another village also helped with the constant tension between our two factions, thinking about how they celebrate the Fairy Festival gave me goosebumps. I hear they kidnap people forcing them to dance till dawn, at least it was better than dying.

Making my way out of the village I fly through many shrubs and trees as quickly as I could. Reaching the small pond I float towards the center of the water. Outside of the Fairy Circle were two fairies sat, Tait was about 3 feet high and wore vines instead of leaves. A trend that was going around that the young ones seemed to like. He had long hair for a boy and it looked like he hadn't bathed in a few days, the natural purple of his hair looked glossy. Standing beside him was Twinkle she was a little shorter than her brother, her lips were large and pouty which seemed to fit her big violet eyes. Unlike her brother, she didn't wear vines but a dress made of black leaf. Us Seelie fairies had vibrant peach colored skin, but these two had a bluish skin similar to a dark elf, as well as two small wings. We Seelie fairy had no need for wings as we could simply float, unlike the Unseelie.

Their wings twitching slightly at my approach. Turning around the two fairies greet me meeting my eye's, at least they showed a little respect. "What took you so long we're starving here!" Tait mutters.

"How hard is it to pick a few berries, you Seelie fairies are so lazy," Twinkle added fluffing her golden hair to which I shot a glare, the ungrateful little devils. All they do is sit in the circle all day and they call me lazy, holding my tongue I hand over the 4 jars of jelly. Their eye's lighting up before snatching them quickly scarfing it down like some kind of wild beast.

Watching them I felt a little satisfied, they complained about everything but the food we provided. Their small wings fluttering in delight as they readily consumed the meal. "Stop watching me while I eat, it's disgusting!" Twinkle barks turning her back to which Tait let out a howl of laughter, his mouth covered in the pink paste. This is why I hate making deliveries to the Circles, guardians are always so infuriating. The thought of bashing those jars over their heads had crossed my mind more than a few times. But I knew they were poking at me for a reaction I could tell by how their ears twitched. Turning to leave I pause slightly listening to the low murmurs they whispered to each other.

"How much longer do you think it'll be until their done?" Tait whispers excitedly slurping from the jar. Licking his lips in satisfaction. He was unusually giddy, his normal attitude often disinterested in anything if he couldn't burn something to ashes...

"Who knows they are dwarves after all, not the brightest bunch either." Twinkle responds a little irritated. Peeking over their shoulders they glare at me, realizing I was listening to their conversation.

"Eep," I squeal before dashing over the water, their stares digging into my neck as I flee. flying to the next circle I think about their strange conversation as I enter the small forest once again. The curiosity of what the two fairies were planning buzzing around my head. How anyone was friends with such foul-mouthed fairies had me wondering just what kind of dwarves they were talking about. "Why would dwarves ever trust an Unseelie fairy."