Radiance

  ( Newbie )

  Night descended like glitter-laced ink. Cinnamon-spiced wood warmed the dining room with pops and snaps.

  Nine thrones surrounded the banquet table. The largest at the head was chiselled with burning butterflies, whilst the remaining eight were split evenly along each side. Wings confronted waves, unicorns mirrored rabbits, cakes shadowed leaves, and finally, lonely cherries mourned bare, bland wood.

  As soon as the group entered the room, the feathered firstborn pushed others aside to claim her throne. Figuring the arrangement might be based on order of emergence, Newbie hung back to watch the others take their respective seats.

  Sitting beside Merrymint and opposite Cherrychomp suited Newbie just fine. Not only were they the two Fairy Princesses she'd grown fondest of, but it meant she would be as far from Sunshine, Splishsplash and the Queen as possible.

  It might be silly of me to think I can hide from them... but that won't stop me from trying!

  Neither the oceanic gladiator nor Queen Titania herself had arrived yet. Judging from how the others eyed the edibles with ravenous restraint, it seemed to be a rule, or at least good manners, to wait until everyone was present before eating.

  Steam swirled from freshly baked bread and stacks of buttery, caramelised vegetables. Dew drops clung to crunchy salads and plump fruits. Crusty pastries oozed over the edges of hot baking trays, whilst bowls barely contained heaps of seasoned rice and oily noodles.

  The more Newbie stared, the hungrier she felt, and she wasn't the only one. Cherrychomp was practically vibrating with anticipation. She slurped the drool back, then very slowly reached out, as if no one would notice the wriggling of greedy fingers.

  Quick as a flash, Puddingpuff slapped the hand, forcing an immediate retreat. "Must you reject every possible virtue, Imp?"

  Cherrychomp puffed her cheeks and whined like a sulking pup.

  "It would seem you'll be sharing in my misfortune, Newbie," said Puddingpuff. "I have the ill fate of sitting beside this discourteous imp, while you're forced to face her."

  "I don't mind," said Newbie. "It's no trouble at all."

  "We's frens!" insisted Cherrychomp.

  "Really now?" asked Puddingpuff. "We'll see how long that endures once you've covered her in half-chewed food, Imp."

  Cherrychomp simply stuck out her tongue in response.

  Still anxious about meeting a queen, Newbie peered around in search of reassurance. From the sight of Merrymint's friendly face, to Cutiehorn and Bubblebun's casual conversation, it all helped to put her at ease.

  They seem happy. Does that mean Titania is a kind and gentle person after all?

  Newbie was just about to allow her tensed muscles to relax when she accidentally met Sunshine's great gaze.

  ...How long has she been staring at me?

  It wasn't that the wide eyes or faint curve of her lips were hostile, just intense. The unblinking stare made her feel like a mouse before a hawk.

  To Newbie's relief, Sunshine's attention suddenly averted. The feathered fairy's lips straightened and vast eyes narrowed as the side door opened once more.

  Splishsplash stepped inside and gave a partial bow, then proceeded to the waved-carved throne beside the head of the table, opposite Sunshine. "Pardon my lateness. I was aiding our Queen," she stated flatly.

  Perhaps Newbie was imagining it, or was not yet used to the family dynamic, but it felt as if a tide of tension had flooded the room. For a moment there was only the irregular crackles of flame as golden saucers met placid pools. Shining passion reflected in disinterested apathy, and vice versa, until something cut through the taut atmosphere.

  Click, clack. Click, clack.

  Piercing footsteps approached. The other Fairy Princesses all rose to their feet and held their heads high. Newbie's belly tightened.

  From behind the great butterfly throne, an amber glow framed the seams of mighty doors. An increasing incandescence that made the dining room appear dingy by comparison, as if all other light sources faltered before the approaching monarch. Even the sizzling fireplace suddenly seemed like little more than withering cinders.

  Newbie's throat clenched. Brilliance burst through. Despite immense curiosity, her eyelids instinctively narrowed to shield her retinas.

  She couldn't be sure when it had happened, but at some point she'd reached out to grasp at Merrymint's hand. To her relief, the grip returned a comforting squeeze.

  As magnificent as they'd been, the sculptures and portraits did not do Queen Titania justice. Her entire body, from the braided crown, to the white-dotted tips of her monarch wings, trailed embers. Even the fierce oranges and jet blacks of her ball gown billowed with heat like a volcanic jellyfish. Yet there was something else too. Something stone and pigment had failed to capture, or something that had taken hold since. A weary shade festooned fiery eyes, and a gauntness dented her cheeks.

  Newbie couldn't help but feel inspired. Titania had endured the responsibilities of rulership for an age, and though fatigued, her strength and beauty remained undeniable. The protective instinct resurfaced, even fiercer than before.

  I'll keep her safe. I'll fight to defend her queendom.

  Bright, burning eyes sought Newbie immediately. Regal lips shot her a soothing smile that melted away all fear and concern.

  She's happy! Thank goodness!

  "My girls," gushed the Radiant Queen. "My wonderful girls. It is a blessing to behold you all, as always."

  "Thank you, Queen Titania," said the others in unison.

  Newbie tried to mimic them, joining in halfway through, though it was more of a quiet mumble. An attempt to fit in without drawing attention.

  "And congratulations on another successful training session," said Titania.

  The Fairy Princesses delighted at the praise. Even Puddingpuff pointed her nose high, though considering her contribution, or lack thereof, Newbie wasn't entirely sure why.

  "Though..." said Titania. She let the word linger, until it felt like a crushing weight. The atmosphere had changed in an instant. "...I also hear some of you were playing in the Nursery again."

  Merrymint remained straight-faced and avoided all eye contact, while Cherrychomp seemed to be getting even shorter. She sank down and down until her nose made contact with the tabletop.

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  ...Does she really think she can shrink away without being noticed?

  Newbie took a sneaky sideways glance over to the one she suspected of reporting the transgression. Splishsplash's eyes were closed solemnly.

  "Merrymint. Cherrychomp," said Titania. "I'm sure I needn't remind you of the harm you could cause to one of your sleeping sisters should those cocoons be damaged?"

  "No, Queen Titania. We're sorry, Queen Titania. We promise it won't happen again, Queen Titania," said Merrymint, with Cherrychomp muffling along behind her lead.

  "I'm glad to hear it." Titania smiled. "And of course, as I'm sure you're all aware by now, a new Fairy Princess has completed her metamorphosis." She appeared almost giddy with excitement. "Let's get a good look at you, my dear!"

  Newbie swiftly wriggled her fingers free of Merrymint's and locked her arms to her sides. Her spine straightened as if strapped to a plank of wood and her gaze fixated upon some imagined distant point. It was a genuine attempt to present herself as best as possible. Only after committing to freezing in place did she realise that she might resemble a petrified animal.

  Click, clack. Click, clack.

  The same warmth Newbie had experienced when bundled up in her cocoon sank into her spine. It was a familiar comfort, and she welcomed its embrace.

  "Relax," said Titania. "You're safe here. Come now, face me."

  Tensed muscles unclenched, fingers unfurled from palms and rigid shoulders sank. Newbie took a deep breath, then turned around.

  At first, she thought the fiery orbs joyous. Yet the longer she gazed, the more certain she became that the flames were concealing something.

  What is that... It's not sadness, is it? ...Oh no! Is she disappointed in me?

  The Radiant Queen stood and stared and in silence. Her lips made only the tiniest of movements, as if ready to form words, yet none came. In the end, Titania only nodded before turning and making her way back to the head of the table.

  She's definitely disappointed... What was it? What did I do wrong? Was I supposed to say something? Should I have sworn fealty?

  Newbie peered at those around her, hoping someone might be able to explain. She'd readied herself to be poked and prodded. To have her limbs tugged and twisted in inspection, like a child might test a toy's durability. Yet Titania took no such action, nor said a single thing. Newbie was certain she'd failed to live up to expectations. Her stomach sank.

  "I trust you'll all take care of her, girls..." She scanned up one side of the table, and down the other. "...On the subject of which, she'll be needing a Mentor." Just as the others had predicted, Titania's gaze finally came to rest upon Splishsplash, who bowed in understanding.

  Yet one would object.

  "My Queen," said Sunshine firmly, her head raised high and chest puffed. "With Princess Splishsplash already so very busy, I wondered if I might help shoulder some of the burden. Please allow me to offer my assistance. I believe I am more than capable of Mentoring."

  "It is no burden," said Splishsplash. "Mentorship has never impacted my other duties."

  It had been stated as simple fact. Yet from the way Sunshine's clenched fists tightened, she'd not taken it so passively.

  Titania took a slow, deliberate breath. "...Perhaps it is time to allow another to Mentor..."

  Newbie gulped. Sunshine and Splishsplash were both a little scary, just in very different ways. To her relief, the monarch would ask for further volunteers.

  "Is there anyone else who would like to be considered?"

  The question took most by surprise. Heads turned and eyes wandered. The silence may have been brief, but Newbie found each and every second increasingly awkward.

  Mentoring must be bothersome. Maybe I should just be glad that any of them are willing to take me on...

  "Cherrychomp will! Cherrychomp will Mentor! I wanna Mentor!" The little red fairy jumped up high and waved her arms above her head, as if there were any chance her shouting might go unheard.

  Newbie, at least, was grateful for her friend's enthusiasm, though other reactions were mixed. Cutiehorn gave an encouraging smile. Bubblebun rolled her eyes. Puddingpuff raised lace-gloved fingers to poorly hide her amusement.

  "Oi!" Cherrychomp huffed. "Why's you laughin'? I would be the bestest Mentor!"

  "Quite," said Puddingpuff. "For you have such a wealth of wisdom to impart. How to ascend stairs on all fours, for example."

  The little red fairy didn't seem to pick up the sarcasm. "Yeah! Is way more fun goin' up that way!"

  "Thank you, Cherrychomp," said Titania. "I will consider it."

  Cherrychomp beamed triumphantly and raised her thumb at Newbie.

  ...I don't fancy her odds.

  "Is there no one else?" asked Titania. "Last chance."

  Newbie peered at the Fairy Princess beside her. The one she'd hoped would be the first to volunteer. Merrymint had been so lively and performative in the short time she'd known her, but now she remained silent. Her eyes were closed. She clenched at the table and chewed her lower lip as if fighting to remain quiet.

  Why is she so reluctant?

  Seconds passed. The opportunity was slipping away. Newbie kicked at Merrymint's foot. Emerald eyes snapped open and glanced uncertainly toward her. Newbie nodded encouragingly.

  Go for it! I believe in you!

  "Then..." started Titania.

  "Me!" Merrymint's hand launched high. "I volunteer as Mentor, Queen Titania! I might not be as strong, or as fast, or as wise as some, but I'd try my best! I'd work hard to make Newb' an amazing Fairy Princess!"

  Newbie mustered the sweetest smile she could and displayed directly toward Titania.

  Choose her! Please choose her!

  And she wasn't alone in such support. Cutiehorn, Bubblebun and Puddingpuff all nodded in favour.

  Even Cherrychomp, who initially inflated rosy cheeks, quickly relented. "I guess that's fine too..."

  Splishsplash remained unmoved. Though one reaction in particular gave Newbie cause for concern. Sunshine's. From across the room, predatory spheres loomed wrathful. Newbie's encouragement had not gone unnoticed.

  "I admire the passion, Merrymint..." Titania smiled. "...Very well. It is decided. Merrymint shall Mentor. I hope to see you both grow as a result."

  Newbie and Merrymint let out alleviated sighs so perfectly in sync it was as if they'd rehearsed. A congratulatory applause filled the room.

  "Now then, be seated," said Titania. "Enjoy your meal, girls. Eat heartily and sleep deep tonight. May tomorrow be another glorious day."

  It seemed the Queen would not be joining them. She slowed as she neared the grand oaken doors she'd entered from, and peered back. The many hands that had already reached out in the direction of tempting platters shot back to the Fairy Princesses' sides.

  "Oh, and girls? Please do try not to make a mess."