Instead of returning to the Jubilee proper, I opted to walk around the edge of the grounds, seeing what I could see and hearing what I could hear. Most of my knowledge of the fae came from books. I had very little if any firsthand experience, so I didn't know if the thing I was thinking about was actually strange or just fae being fae.

  The walkabout didn't clear things up in the slightest, but it did give me a chance to think through the things I knew for sure and what questions I could possibly ask to confirm if I was imagining things or not. All of the flowers were young and bright, the air had a hint of crispness that was hard to find in summer, and small clusters of clouds sent rain sprinkling down on a few of the tents. It was all perfectly pleasant, but it didn’t quite feel right.

  There was only so much I could learn from lurking around the outskirts. I needed to talk to some people. I wanted to talk to some people. The camaraderie in the atmosphere was contagious and it almost reminded me of home, except significantly warmer. On a hunch, I migrated over to what felt most like what I would have called the oversight hub. An event this large had to have at least a handful of people keeping an eye on things, with more standing by to make sure things kept running smoothly. Those were my kind of people, having done much the same many times in the pole.

  “Hello stranger,” a young woman said brightly as I approached. “How are you enjoying the Jubilee?”

  “Hello, stranger. I find myself a touch overwhelmed at all of the colors and sounds, but not in a bad way. This is a truly wonderful experience,” I replied.

  “I take it this is your first Jubilee?”

  “I am familiar with grand celebrations, but this is indeed my first time attending the Jubilee. I am here with my friend, who is currently off elsewhere. I'm sure I will find her again, soon enough.”

  “Well, I am happy to assist if you need any directions or help deciding what to do next. There is much to do and I know it can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the celebrations of the fae. Forgive me if I assume incorrectly.”

  “I have already had a tour of the premises. There are some remnants of the fae traditions where I come from, but it's been changed and adapted to fit the climate. I find myself rather curious to know what things look like behind the curtain, though,” I admitted.

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  “Where are you from?” she asked, curiosity pushing past her sense of politeness.

  “My home is very far north of here. I left to become a member of the Society of Jacks, and it's been a constant adventure. North will always be my home.”

  “I thought I noticed a touch of something about you. Here, come with me and I can give you a sneak peak of what the Jubilee is like behind the curtain.”

  She strolled over to another tent, a short distance away. Others were passing in and out, and as we entered, I realized it was a communication hub of some sort. They had a few whiteboards lined up on one side, covered in notes and lists and times. On the other side were a couple of desks, and a long, thin table ran down the middle. I stayed close by my new friend, keeping my hands tucked in my pockets as she talked me through some of the arrangements and the people involved. There were some details she was intentionally leaving out, but I didn’t mind. It was all quite interesting from an administrative perspective.

  Before I knew it, we were parting ways and I was back out wandering among the celebrants. Still, no one had said a word about the overabundance of spring. Perhaps it was all normal. Perhaps I was overthinking things.

  The bouncing light began to blink again in the corner of my eye, beckoning me to the outskirts of the Jubilee grounds. I couldn’t help it. I followed, wandering to the outer edge and stepping just behind one of the tents.

  “I’m not going any farther without knowing who it is I’m following,” I said as the light continued to blink. For a second, nothing happened. Then, the pixie dropped its glamour.

  “Fine,” it grumbled. “I’m not telling you my name, though.”

  “Fair enough. I get the feeling you want to tell me something.”

  “You’re curious. You notice things.”

  “I am and I do.”

  “Have you seen the thing that isn’t changed?”

  “I believe I have, though I don’t know enough about this part of this world to know if it really is something worth noticing.”

  “We know of you and your friend. You know things and you fix things and you are good friends to those in need.”

  “The Jacks are good friends to have. How can the Jacks help you?”

  “I don’t know if you can, but someone has to try. Change needs to happen. The truth needs to be untangled. Our answers will lead to your answers, if you’re able to find them. The implications will be wide too. Please, find the start of summer before spring lasts too long. Please.”

  “Tell me where to start, and I will see it done.”