Random Story, Part I

The faerie slowly settled into the moss, her wings tender from the day’s activity. There had been an emergency in the far side of the kingdom and, of course, she was the only faerie in the whole realm that could fix it. The woodland nymphs had been useless. Nature spirits, yeah right, they hadn’t even been able to fix a simple mix up. A batch of flowers had bloomed inside-out with red and purple stems and green and brown petals. Of course the first reaction is to call the Queen of Spring. It’s not like she’s busy getting ready for springtime or anything. Oh, well. That was all over for the night. Daphne was just drifting off to the land of dreams when the acorn by the moss crackled. “What?” she growled.

“I’m sorry to bother you, your majesty, but Old Man Moon is requesting your presence,” responded the soft voice of the elf, Brock, the queen’s assistant.

Sighing, the queen got up. Old Man Moon didn’t like visiting in the day time hours and was ancient enough that Daphne couldn’t ask him to come in the morning.“All right, tell him I’ll be down in a minute.”

Daphne put on a fresh flower blossom gown, organized the butterflies resting on her arms and floated down to the reception room. “Good evening, Sir Moon. It’s an honor to see you again.”

“The honor is all mine Daffy,” replied the ancient figure. “I am sorry to have to disturb you at this late hour.”

“Sir, the name is Daphne, as I have told you several times already,” said the queen though gritted teeth. The old man was a bit off his rocker.

“Precisely what I said. Daffy.”

Brock, who was sitting in the corner, was trying to suppress a chuckle. The stoic elf rarely laughed, but he always seemed to find humor at the queen’s expense. She would have to talk to him later, but it was too late for arguing, and Moon was waiting.

“So, I assume this is not just a social visit?” Daphne asked.

“No unfortunately not. My son, Big Dipper is missing.”

Daphne was skeptical. Dipper was a restless soul. He was notorious for disappearing for days, weeks even, without any explanation. “How can you be sure he’s missing, Sir?”

“Well Daffy, I found this.” Moon held forward a scrap of paper. On it was a hastily scrawled note:

“I have gone to visit Jack Frost. If I have not returned by the first day of Snow Melt, something has gone terribly wrong. Go to Queen Daphne immediately, she will know what to do.

Sincerely,

Big Dipper”

“Oh no,” sighed Daphne. “I told him not to.”

“So you know what’s going on?”

“Yes Sir.” Daphne proceeded to explain how Dipper had come to her with a complaint about Jack Frost. Frost had stolen one of Dipper’s stars. Daphne had told him to go to the Queen of Winter, Justine. Justine was the ruler with jurisdiction over Frost. He had refused and went to confront Frost himself. That was two weeks ago.

“I see,” replied Moon after listening. “I must go after him.”

“With all due respect Sir, I think I must be the one to go.” This from Brock in the corner. “Her majesty should not go, but will insist and I should be the one to accompany and protect her.”

Daphne hid a smile. Brock had read her thoughts exactly, as usual. She was feeling guilty for not forcing Dipper to stay away from Frost and felt it her duty to straighten out this mess. “You may come with us if you like Sir Moon,” added Daphne. “The journey may be dangerous. If Dipper is being held against his will, there will be danger for all those looking to rescue him. Whatever you decide, we will leave tomorrow morning. If you want to travel with us, you will have to travel by day and sleep by night.”

Moon seemed relieved. “I trust you to bring my son back. I don’t think I should go. I would only slow you down. Besides, I will be able to track your progress from the sky.”

“As you wish, Sir,” said Daphne. “Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get to bed.” Back in the moss, Daphne folded her wings, exhausted. She abandoned the land of dreams for the seas of deep, uninterrupted sleep.