Pixie's Honor by: Elsbeth Matthew learns even the littlest of fairies value honor above all

Chapter 5

Poppy sat back and smiled. The ancient relic known as the Sword of Samphire was home. As Matt she had been to some wild parties before, especially when she was younger, but this one definitely took the cake. Looking around Princess Morgan’s living room it appeared as if a pixie bomb had gone off. Scattered about were little girls everywhere, all lying in various positions, some piled on one another, a few even sleeping in mid-air, neat trick. Between the moon-mead and a number of fruity alcoholic concoctions these girls sure knew how to throw a party.

Reaching down, the young Pixie brushed the hair away from Laurel’s face. The red headed pixie had not left her side since the dice game. Syringa had explained that one of Laurel’s closet friends had been killed while defending the Green Man. The poor pixie had been terrified of losing another friend.

“M’deirfiáºr á¡lainn” Poppy smiled, my beautiful sister; the young pixie felt a kinship with all of the girls around her, so different from the lonely Matt. She wondered not for the first time, what would happen if she awakened in the hospital. Or what will happen if her mortal body died? A small part of the young pixie still desired that mortal life, but most of her now wished to remain with her sisters. She didn’t exactly fear that if her mortal body passed away she would disappear, but it was still always in the back of her head.

A loud bang upstairs caught her attention, interrupting her morbid thoughts. Gently moving her friend aside, Poppy flew up the stairs. She could see the light coming from under Princess Morgan’s doorway.

“Princess Morgan?” The green haired pixie knocked lightly while leaning her head through the door.

The young teenager was sitting on her bed, covering her face. She seemed to shudder for a moment before looking up. “Poppy?”

The green haired pixie looked down; somehow once again she had taken a larger form. “Are you alright?”

“Yes.” The Princess of the Summer Court then sighed. “No, not really.”

Poppy also found it curious that she once again was dressed in her scrubs, but this time wore her familiar white lab coat. Moving into the bedroom, Morgan moved aside allowing the pixie to sit next to her on the bed. “Want to talk about it?”

Morgan bit her lip.

“You don’t have to, if you don’t want to, but it might help.”

The teenager nodded. “How much do you know about what occurred over the summer?”

“A little, Laurel told me that members of the Unseelie Court attempted to raise the Wild Hunt. That you and a number of Unseen from Skogshaven went into the Fairy Realm to rescue your friend. She also mentioned the death of the Green Man.”

“Yes, the pixies would remember that.” She closed her eyes sadly. “They protected me from a Redcap; some of them lost their lives while doing so.”

“I don’t think…” Poppy began to explain.

“I know they don’t blame me, even though I feel responsible.”

The former medic nodded, she understood how difficult it was for commanders to lose troops under their command. “So…”

Morgan smiled, and began to talk about the battle that took place in the Fae Realm, the fight with the troll-kin, the Dunkelheit and the duplicate Jabol and the death of the Redcap Dunter. As Poppy listened, she was shocked that such a young girl fought in a battle, then realized that Matt was only a few years older himself when he was shipped off to South Vietnam.

“I have been having dreams lately.”

“About the battle?” Poppy asked.

“Well, yes and no. There was so much going on that most of it’s a blur. We fought for what seemed like hours. No, it was after Dunter was killed by the Kincades.”

“Go on.”

“You’re aware as Sidhe; our dreams are not like mortal dreams. They take a reality all their own.”

Poppy nodded, so whatever was bothering the Princess; she was reliving the experience over and over again as if it was real.

“There was a lull in the fighting, and I ran forward to find my girlfriend. In front of us was a member of my Troupe, a friend named Liam. He was in the middle of a duel with a member of the Unseelie Court. A knight, I found out later named Sir Mavin. He was a Captain of the Dunkelheit, a warrior of reputation.” She gave a humorless laugh.

Not knowing why, Poppy reached over and took the Princess’ hand. With that simple touch, she could feel the tension release from Morgan. “He was going to kill my friend and I had to stop him.” Morgan shrugged. “So I killed him instead.”

Reaching up, the pixie brushed the Princess blonde hair from her face. “Go one.”

Morgan nodded, a small tear running down her face. “It was over so quickly. The Knight was known as a great swordsman and one second we were fighting and the next he stood with my sword buried in his chest. He was so surprised.”

Poppy grabbed a box of tissues and handed them to the Princess. “That’s not the problem is it?”

Morgan shook her head as she blew her nose. “I’m a mess.” She smiled, and then frowned. “I know I was saving my friend, and I would do it again if I have to, but it didn’t seem fair, some fifteen year old girl defeating a Knight of the Unseelie Court. His eyes...the look in his eyes, I took everything away from him that very moment.”

Poppy wrapped her arms around Morgan as tears ran down her face. “War is never fair, it’s a terrible thing.”

Morgan leaned her head against the pixies chest. “You know firsthand don’t you, Xera told me a little about your history.”

The pixie gave a half smile. She wasn’t sure what to think about Princess Morgan knowing her background but realized it didn’t matter. There was probably very little Morgan didn’t know about what was going on with the Fae in Skogshaven. “I do, have you spoken with anyone about this?”

“What...no not really.”

“You should.”

“I’m speaking to you.” Morgan giggled.

“Your Highness…”

“Please call me Morgan, Poppy. I know Bria will freak, but at least when we are alone. I’m still not used to this whole Princess gig.”

“Ok, Morgan.”

“Thanks.” The Princess smiled.

“I still think you should talk to someone, it will help.” Poppy knew that it was highly unlikely that Morgan could talk to a mortal. A mortal psychologist would check the teenager into the nearest hospital. “How about your mother?”

“Rebecca would lose it, she hates that I am in danger...Oh you mean Mamma Mab.”

“I think the Queen would understand.”

Morgan’s body shuddered as she let out a long breath. “OK Doc, if you think that’s best.”

“I do, that’s my professional opinion.” Poppy said warmly. ”How about you go back to sleep now, sunrise is still some hours away.”

Morgan nodded, gave the pixie one last hug and slipped underneath her covers. “Poppy, will you stay with me until I fall back to sleep.”

“As you wish.”

Princess Morgan gave a soft giggle then closed her eyes, a smile now on her lips.

To Poppy’s surprise, Princess Morgan requested that she be one of a score of pixies to accompany her on a visit. The group would meet her escort next to the library, and then proceed into the Fae Realm. At least it was the weekend which meant that the Princess wasn’t missing school. Being a teenager, Morgan said she wasn’t too crushed at missing a few days here and there, except for the fact both of her mothers insisted that she keep up with her lessons.

Additionally, with her new job, she was also taking Ethics and Constitutional Law classes through distant learning at Boston University.

“I was going to ask you how you ever find time to sleep.” Poppy said while riding on Morgan’s shoulder. ”But I remember when I was in medical school, I’m pretty sure I just skipped the whole sleeping thing.”

“Well one of the benefits of being Sidhe, I don’t require a lot of sleep. Most of the time when I am asleep, I am speaking with my Mother or other members of her court.”

Poppy nodded, she also knew that Morgan hadn’t been too thrilled with going to bed lately with all of her nightmares.

“Who’s that; he’s cute?” Poppy looked up as a tall muscular looking blonde Sidhe wearing a bomber jacket appeared at the edge of the forest. The green haired pixie almost fell off Morgan’s shoulder. “Did I really just say he’s cute?”

“Yes you did, welcome to my world.” Morgan giggled. “That my friend is my cousin Lord Alexander Hastings. He also happens to be my fiancé.”

“Really.”

Lord Alexander didn’t stand by the edge of the woods very long, crossing the Skogshaven commons in quick strides.

“Hi Alex.” Morgan greeted her cousin with a genuine smile.

The Sidhe returned the smile, bowing slightly he reached over to kiss the palm of the Princess’s hand. “My beloved, you’re radiant as ever.”

Princess Morgan rolled her eyes. “And you’re full of it as usual.”

“Of course.” Lord Alexander chuckled, he then frowned. “I don’t expect anything exciting today but I wish you would have summoned everyone.”

“They are busy and the Catskills Forest Preserve isn’t really all that far.”

Poppy eyes opened wide. The two Sidhe were speaking as if a hundred plus mile trip was like a walk around the block.

“Then his Grace should have come to you. Look what happened to Count Delancey.”

Morgan nodded sadly, Cliona’s father had been assassinated and the Summer Court was scrambling in search of the culprits. Morgan’s mother had roused her entire court, which was a terrible sight to behold. The poor Countess was now under heavy protection at her school in North Carolina. Reaching over, Princess Morgan touched Lord Alexander’s face. “I know you’re worried Alex, but as you’re well aware I travel easier than most. No, the Duke is where he needs to be.”

Lord Alexander sighed, but still didn’t look pleased. “Shall we go then?”

To Poppy it was as if no time had passed when the group came out of the woods overlooking the Catskills. Below them, like something out of a Renaissance Festival was a blue and white striped tent. A small group of Sidhe stood outside the tent, which as one kneeled or curtsied as Princess Morgan approached.

“Your Highness, it’s a pleasure to meet you again.” A Sidhe with dark black hair and a well groomed goatee and mustache smiled. “You know my wife, Naethien.”

Princess Morgan stepped forward; soon both ladies were holding hands. “Of course your Grace, Naethien, it’s nice to see you again, my mother sends her warmest regards. She says she misses you both at court.”

The white blonde haired Duchess smiled warmly. “Please give her our best. Tell her we miss her greatly as well. Perhaps soon we shall sit under the stars together and watch the turning of the seasons once more.”

“Your Highness, Your Grace may I suggest that we take this meeting inside.” A shorter Sidhe, with raven black hair and a long handled axe at his side stepped forward. Like Lord Alexander, he had been keeping a close eye on the forest around them.

“He’s right dear, can’t you tell that this child is starving.” Morgan grinned; Duchess Naethien had been looking straight at Lord Alexander, who now embarrassed, was covertly looking towards the tent.

“You are right of course, Your Highness. Shall we retire to my tent. I have provided refreshments and a light repast.”

Poppy and other pixies from the surrounding area sat outside the tent visiting while the Sidhe were having their meeting. The green haired pixie noted, with a professional eye, that the Duke was taking no chances. There were quite a few well-armed Sidhe in sight, and who knew how many were hidden. Poppy did not know exactly what was going on but she knew enough that this was more security than normal.

“Why didn’t Princess Morgan bring more of her security today? The Duke doesn’t seem to be taking any chances.” Poppy turned to Xera who was in charge of the pixie honor guard. In the group were a number of powerful spell casters, as well as Xera’s apprentice.

“She is like her mother, don’t worry; her Highness is well capable of taking care of herself. She is also not without resources being of royal blood she can call upon the forest for help if need be.”

“Oh I see. Plus she had you and the others to protect her as well.”

The Keeper smiled. “And you of course.”

Poppy looked surprised. “Me? I can’t do anything but change my outfits. Great fun at parties not a lot of use in a firefight.”

“You have Samphire’s sword, child.”

“I guess that’s helpful.” What she was going to do to against a full grown member of the Unseelie Court, other than to maybe annoy them, Poppy didn’t know.

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth