Maguire

  The Jubilee proved to be overwhelming, to say the least. While I had plenty of experience in chaotic situations, growing up in the North Pole, it didn’t quite compare to the colorful frivolity of the fae and their relatives. The whimsy had more of an intensity to it, a frenetic energy stepped in the joy that comes with summer sunshine. A celebration is a celebration, though, and the feeling in the air reminded me of home. But the magic was a little more…bright.

  Seeing strange things that forced me out of my comfort zone had become a normal thing with Claudia, and I couldn’t help but wonder when the chaos would come.

  We wandered together through the tents, guided by one of the handful of pixies flitting about to make sure none of the guests got lost. Occasionally, Claudia would add a suggestion or two to the tour, which seemed to amuse the pixie.

  “Well, seeing as you know where to and not be, I will be off and be nearby if you have need of me,” the pixie said, smiling wide to show off their pointed teeth. They reminded me of a child desperately hoping to be released from work so they could go play with their friends.

  “You have done a wonderful job, little one,” Claudia replied. “We will be fine. You go have fun.”

  The pixie gave a little bow before darting off at a dizzying speed.

  “How do you plan to spend this evening?” I asked.

  “I'm going to join in a dance or two. It's better to do those early. It makes a good impression and it's less likely to drag on for days on end. Otherwise, this is a safe place to wander and mingle. The folk may be odd, but we are their guests and they take care to take care of their guests at events like this.”

  “I think I will wander a bit myself before joining in on a dance. I’ve seen more than a few things that I’m curious about.”

  “Likewise. Just be sure not to wander too far.”

  “Don’t worry. If I somehow manage to get lost, I can always ask a pixie for directions. And use some of the tricks you taught me to confirm that they’re not pranking me.”

  “They probably will, but they are more good natured than fairies. Also, technology is probably not going to work right here.”

  “That’s why we have the talking stones,” I commented. “They may be simple, but they are effective.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “That they are. Regular check-ins?”

  “Can’t hurt. Send me a haircut before you head off to your meeting.”

  “Will do. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I recognize a few of the faces in that circle, so I’m going to go dance.”

  With that, she slipped off into the crowd and joined the dance with a seamless ease, much to the delight of the other dancers. The past few months, I’d seen plenty of examples of how easily she adapted to any and all situations, yet it was always fun to see. When I agreed to join the Jacks, I didn’t truly appreciate how much I’d be learning in such a short period.

  Sure, I missed some of the people back at the Pole, but I had no real regrets.

  As she danced, I continued to wander around the Jubilee, watching the people and keeping my hands tucked firmly in my pockets. I let myself get lost in the cacophony of sounds and colors, letting my feet take me where they would and taking in everything going on around me. I used to do it all the time at the Pole when I was off duty, but I hadn’t had a chance to really indulge the habit in a while. I found it to be a great way to just absorb information and learn about the people around me in a way I can’t always do through conversation.

  A ways into my wander, I caught sight of a dancing light that seemed to be following me, just past the edge of the Jubilee grounds. I pretended to ignore it, tracking it out of the corner of my eye. It continued to follow me, almost like it wanted me to do the same.

  The talking stone buzzed briefly in my pocket, and I tapped to send a return check-in. Then I made a decision.

  I would follow the floating light, and see where it led me.

  Turns out, the answer was into the woods. I was still close enough to hear the party, so I didn’t worry too much about finding my way back, but my curiosity threatened to out-way my caution. After a few minutes, I started to pull myself away from the thrall of the strange light, but then I heard something. Footsteps on dirt, smooth and steady and not quite human.

  Seconds later, I caught sight of the guard, likely on patrol to ensure no humans wandered too close to one of the gateways. Unlike most of the celebrants, the guard had far more fae features than human. It might even have been enough to allow them to cross the gateway, assuming they would want to. Their eyes locked on me immediately, and if I didn’t know better, I’d say they were glad to see someone.

  I gave them a friendly wave, which they returned.

  “Are you lost, friend?” they asked.

  “Not entirely, no,” I admitted. “I decided to wander away from the noise a bit, spend some time in nature. Is all well out here?”

  “If you wish to continue your walk through the woods, I will join you. It is best to not get lost this close to the gate, and I do not begrudge your interest in nature.”

  “I will return to the celebration. I do not wish to keep you from your duties.”

  The guard nodded and watched me return to the Jubilee.

  As I walked, I thought, and by the time I was back in the party proper, I knew two things for certain.

  The strange light wanted me to see the guard, and the guard was undoubtedly a spring fae. Even though the summer court should have taken over.

  There was no questioning that something was amiss in the world of the fae. The only questions were what and how it would affect my home.