Rufina's Return

1207, Summer

As she approached, Lilia saw that she was belting her bliaut with a wide woven belt of alternating black and red panels. Rufina raised her hand in greeting as she stepped onto the spire. "This is new, is it not?" she waved at the bridge and the pole at the far end.

"It is," said Lilia. She gestured at the black and red belt. "And this?"

"Yes," said Rufina. "A token of my office and mission here. I come to you as an embassy."

"That sounds promising. Before we pursue this business, would like food? drink ? water to wash?"

Rufina smiled, the most human expression Lilia had ever seen on her face. "Yes, that would be very nice."

When Lilia had fulfilled her hostess duties to Rufina, she was eager to hear what she thought must be good news. "I assume the mingled colours on your belt represent a truce of some kind between the Red and Black Courts. Tell me... is it true? And can our people be released from their yearly servitude?"

"It is not so simple as all that," said Rufina. "The games the Fair Folk play are deep and it is not often given to mortals to understand them. They have no truce, they continue their ... war. As for the second question. Perhaps. I am sent to tell you that if you may free your friends from bondage, and I think that it will end the war as well, if you can return to the Courts with two things: a flower that never withers and a song that never ends."

"Ah," said Lilia with a weary smile, "the neverending riddles of Faerie. Were t here any further instructions or restrictions? I may have some ideas, but I wan t to be sure I have all the particulars. We both know the Fair Folk can be particular."

"That was all that they said to me," said Rufina. "A fascinating place, that regio."

"It is. Would that I could have enjoyed it when I was there. Will you tell me tales of your time there? I would like to hear about it from someone who is well-versed."

"Some of the tales would make no sense to you," she said. "But there are some anecdotes ..." Rufina began to tell a complicated tale that made little enough sense to Lilia as it was. This study of Faeries, she realized, was a truly complicated task.

Rufina kept her entertained with stories though until they had finished their repast.

"Thank you so much for your assistance and expertise. If there is anything I can do to help you, or even to make you more comfortable while you are here, pleas e let me know. Will you stay with us awhile?"

"A few day's rest would be most pleasant," said Rufina, "but then I must be on my way. I have other business in hand."

True to her word, after a few days rest, Rufina recovered her stunning mount and departed.