Before I can finish the thought, Queen Titania glides towards me and takes my chin into her hand. "The blood of Sunira runs strong in you. Born during the Spring Revel and blessed by thawing snow and blooming growth. Indeed, your name suits you well - It holds sway over spring, of life and of light. Mother Susan would be overjoyed to have you join tonight's revels."

"?"

My confusion must have shown on my face for she chuckles, "Well we will have all the time in the world to discuss this. For now..." She eyes my torn and tattered dress.

"Vine and weave, shine and restore, what is now bereaved, to what it was once before."

A soft, yellow glow begins to pulsate at her palms, slowly enveloping my own skin. It tingles, I shudder as the last vestiges of cold leave my body. The material in my dress entwines itself together, the dirt crusting and falling off.

Wow, she fixed it! Wait, i-it's not stopping yet?

Vines coil up, enrapturing my body.

"!"

"Do not be scared, spring seedling." Nara soothes.

A deep forest green seeps from the vines and dyes my dress. Raindrops begin crystallizing from the sap of the flowers, dripping into azure jewels and decorating my gown.

Haha, rather than restoring it, my dress has become so much prettier!

At last, the vines untangle and braids itself together. Ah, it's a flower crown. Instinctively, I pick it up and place it on my head.

"Indeed, what a beautiful child." Titania picks me up as if to twirl me around just like -

Huh...? Just like who?

I flush a little bit and my mind feels foggy, They're so nice, I wish to stay here for a long, long time.

"Aeriea!"

A clear, desperate voice rings through. I blink in confusion.

Whose… voice is that?

"Mommy?" I remember and my face lights up, simultaneously, I see Nara's face darken. Queen Titania gently places me on the ground when mommy comes into view.

"Welcome to the Summer Court, I am its ruler, Queen Titania. Tell me your name, Child of Man."

"Queen Titania!" My mother gasps and immediately falls to her knees. "I am Eve Newlyn, the mother of that child. Please allow me to take her home."

Home? Tilting my head, my eyes search her face. It's worn with worry… Dark circles line her eyes. Her feet calloused and bleeding. Suddenly, a deep pang of guilt penetrates my heart as I realize what's happening.

Time moves differently here.

In a moment of clarity, everything seems to focus around me. I've been taught this before by my tutor. Human minds become fevered and muddled here, a drunken happiness... And the Fairfolk are apt to keep those that spark their interest.

Right… I've been told this before.

My blood is of the Sunira.

Relating more to nature than Human or Fairfolk. Because of this, Fairfolk see upon my kind adoringly. However, I've heard many stories where this adoration becomes obsession, where Fairfolk logic hampers more than helps.

I look up timidly. To my horror, I see Queen Titania's face storm with chilling disgust, "Child of Man, this seedling has come to my domain of her own volition. Yet, you would accuse my keeping her? To give her to you as if no more than an object to be bartered? To rip her away from this paradise to a place of suffering?"

Mommy shakes in fear. "P-Please Queen, I did not mean to offend you...!"

I quickly grab onto Queen Titania's sleeve, "Thank you very much for hosting us tonight! I'd very much like to go back with mommy now."

Her eyes stray from my mother and seem to look troubled when they fall upon my countenance. "I have been alive for many constellation-cycles, and yet I still do not understand the heart of Humans."

She picks me up like before, "Our world would have you want for nothing. Hunger, weariness, death - None of these things exist here. Yet you would go back to that wretched place of cruelty and greed?" She tilts her head, eyes wide with confusion.

"Yes please, I'd like to be w-with my family." I'm quite scared she will not let me down.

"Very well, Aeriea." Contrary to my fears, the Queen lowers me, "Normally, I would punish such disrespect from a Human. However, I will make this an exception as you are a beloved guest, young blossom." Her face holds a flawless smile, but she seems to spit the last few words out... Obviously directed at mommy. It seems effective too as mommy flinches back frightfully.

...Scary.

I see Nara pout angrily, but Queen Titania pays her no heed and continues. "You are always free to come back when your soul grows tired of that place."

"Thank you!" Mommy shouts, "Thank you!"

"Yes, yes. Quickly leave before I change my mind." She turns away.

My mother grabs my hand and runs quickly, not looking back.

"Bye bye, Queen Titania, Nara!"

"Hurry Aeriea! The Fairfolk are fickle creatures."

“M-mmm.”

"..."

We run in silence for a while.

"...I'm sorry Mommy."

She looks at me, her eyes begin to water and a smile sprouts from her face. "I'm so glad I found you, my little blossom."

And I feel my heart scrunch in a way that did not when Nara and Queen Titania called upon me with the same nickname.