NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR:

I hope to get the next chapter out a lot quicker than this one. Anyway, thank again all my readers.

TERMS:
- Mimi: Slang term in mandarin for breasts.
- Baofu: During Han Dynasty, the "Baofu" were the most common underwear for women. "Baofu" was a piece of cloth with laces that could be fastened together to cover the breasts and belly while exposing one's back completely.

The cool winter air was imbued with various tinklings, melodies, and din of laughter. A maze of booths, all with brightly painted signs, sold exotic whares. A stream of fae walked up and down the winding roads of the marketplace. In a booth covered in ivy a portly goblin held a silver goblet in his claw as he held it up high. He barked out at the top of high voice, just barely competing with the music and joviality ringing in the ether, singing the praises of the fine craftsmanship of his wares crafted from the finest silver. In a booth nearby a large sign read, "The Ides of Sweeties!". Three hunched over women with wrinkles clustered about their skin bussed about the booth. Within the center sat a large black cauldron filled with bubbling caramel and a woman grunted as she slowly pushed a large wooden spoon through the amber substance. The other two cackled and talked among themselves as they impaled newts, scarabs, and various fruits onto sticks. Each booth throughout the marketplace was filled with colorful wares and the magic of it all swirled through the air. Moana walked down the center isle turning her head this way and that. With a tiny gasp of excitement she ran to a pink booth covered in flowers and ivy. Metal stands with silk and lace robes hung from each arm. On a table lay triangle shaped pieces of cloth all various shades of pink, white, purple, and blue. Moana placed her numerous bags on the ground next to her and picked up a pink cloth triangle.

"What are these?", Moana said. She enjoyed the soft texture of the cloth. Pulling them open she looked through one of the holes of the cloth item. "What are these holes for?"

"You've never seen panties before, Moana?", Kheti said with a snicker. Mulan took the item from Moana and gave them a once over with the same confounded look. "Not you too!"

"We don't have these back home.", Mulan said sticking her hands through the two hole located on the bottom of the triangle cloth. "What are these holes for?"

"We don't have pan-tees either.", Moana said. Her brows pulled together as she picked up a pair which only had a string in the back and two bows decorating the strings on the sides.

"Traditionally, Fae like to be naked. But we've found that humans can actually make interesting things sometimes. You know, when they're not destroying nature and their own kind", Kheti said. She picked up a pair of panties and held them up at the corners. "You put your legs through these holes and pull them up over your rump".

"What's the purpose of that?", Moana said raising a brow. Kheti shrugged.

"Beats me. They just look cute. It's kinda the trend for fae women. You wear them under your clothes", Kheti said.

"Well, what's the use if they're not functional and I'm supposed to wear them under my clothes where no one can see them?", Mulan said, clearly unimpressed. Kheti shrugged. "Back home the Baofu is worn under our clothing. It's a top that ties around your neck and your waist. It holds in your chest and your belly."

"The pan-tees are kinda cute. I like the bows and the lace", Moana said. She picked up two pair of pink lace panties. She paused as she came to the panties which seemingly were made up of strings. A woman with skin of white and eyes which were a watery deep red floated up to them. Her hair was silvery white and nearly graced the ground.

"Good Yule, ladies. My name is Leanhaun Shee and this is my shop. Is everything to your liking?", Leanhuan Shee said. A delicious flowery scent surrounded and emanated from her in a vapor. It made Moana feel as if she could stay there forever.

"I would like to get these pan-tees.", Moana said. Leanhuan Shee bowed slightly and with a graceful wave of her hand the panties floated into the air. They folded themselves into a neat pile and flew into a pink box. Moana handed a pile of gems to the fae shop keeper and received her box. Her eyes returned to the panties made of strings.

"Ah, I see you're delighted by our new line.", Leanhuan Shee said. She flicked her index finger and the panties twirled in a dainty rotation through the air.

"What's the purpose of these? How do you even wear it?", Mulan said with intrigue.

"These are worn as any normal panties are. You put your legs through these holes and pull them up. The triangle cloth goes in the front.", Leanhuan Shee said. She opened her palm and several pink flower petals showered the twirling panties.

"I see, so the string goes between your… OH!", Moana said covering her mouth as she giggled.

"No thanks, that seems really uncomfortable", Mulan said. She joined in kind with Moana's laughter as her cheeks blossomed pink.

"You two are awful modest for two fae who've never wore panties before", Kheti chuckled. She shook her head the crystals and stones in her locks chiming softly.

"They're not for comfort. They're for your bondmate", Leanhuan Shee said her voice like butter. "You two are bonded. Why not get a pair?"

"How did you know that?", Moana gasped. The fae shop keeper blinked several times in succession as she and Moana wore matching expressions of bemusement.

"She's a succubus. They can see auras", Kheti said. Leanhuan Shee nodded in thanks.

"Succubi are also artists when it comes to seduction. I can assure you that your mate will be delighted when he sees you in these", Leanhuan Shee said. Harp music began to play a soothing melody. They turned their heads this way and that looking for the location of the music. Two Succubi sat within the pink booth with their eyes closed as they swayed. One strummed a harp as the other softly padded her fingers on a medium sized drum.

"Alright. I'll get a pair", Moana said with delight. Her stomach fluttered with excitement. She couldn't wait to go home and show them to Maui.

"How about getting the matching bra to go with your new purchases?", Leanhuan Shee said. Her dainty white fingers held up a pink lace contraption with two large circular cloth patches with a strap sew onto each. "Have you been sized? If not, it is merely a trifle. We only create custom works here. We wouldn't dream of creating premade sizes like other booths here in the market".

"No, it isn't a fancy hat", Kheti snickered at the confounded expressions returning. She grabbed a bra from the table and held it up to her bosoms. Moana and Mulan broke into peals of laughter. "For your information, it's all the rage!"

"But why?", Moana giggled. "What's the purpose of lifting them up?"

"I dunno. It just looks cute.", Kheti shrugged once more.

"Oh gods, there's metal in them!", Mulan said. On the table lay a white bra covered in hearts. She poked the underside of the bra feeling the hard metal wire sewn into the fabric. "The only time I wear metal is when I'm in battle. That's uncomfortable on purpose because you're in a fight. These are uncomfortable because they're cute?"

"Pretty much", Kheti said. With a smirk she tied the bra atop her head causing their laughter to increase. "It does make a lovely helmet though! Wear this on the battlefield next time, you guys".

"This bra has padding in it and can give you an extra boost.", Leanhuan Shee said. She held up a white lace bra gorged with a soft material.

Moana contemplated over whether to purchase a ba-raa when a booth painted to have the appearance of being made of stone caught her eye. Several squat dwarves stood in front of shelves of animals carved from wood. Moana thanked the succubus for her help and placed the pink box into one of her large bags. Picking up her bags she ran to the faux-stone booth. On it's counter stood a row of tiny animals. Placing a wooden turle in her palm it began trotting around her as it slowly raised it's head to acknowledge her.

"Aye, how does the Yule find you, Miss?", the Dwarve grunted. His mustache covered his mouth and twitched up and down to the rhythm of his voice. A large fur jacket obscured his body causing him to look rather bullet shaped.

"I'm well, thanks.", Moana said. With a smile she placed the wooden turtle back on the counter amongst his hand carved kin.

"Lookin' for anythin' specific? We Durham Brothers are the best crafters and builders in the realms!", the Dwarve said. His brothers piled behind him gazing up at Moana as they puffed up with pride.

"Can you make furniture? I'm looking to decorate my new home", Moana said elatedly. She pulled out a tiny manila scroll and read off her notes of what items were needed.

"Aye, Miss.", The Dwarve nodded. "For a special price we can carve in magic runes for protection, harmony, and what not."

Kheti ticked her tongue as she rolled her eyes. "Dwarven runes only work for dwarves! You greedy little bastards", Kheti said as she placed her hands on her hips.

"You best be mindin' your talk, Miss. 'Tis deadly to speak such a way to a Dwarf", the Dwarve said in a growl. His beady eyes narrowed as his brothers crowded around him in a semi-circle.

Kheti leaned forward her button nose almost touching his. "The daughters of Hathor fear no one", Kheti said with a smirk. Moana and Mulan collectively gasped. With a small shake of her head and a cross between a sigh and a laugh she wondered how they always ended up in such colorful situations.

The Dwarf broke into a loud guffaw. His beady eyes turned into half moons as his mustache twitched erratically. He slapped Kheti on the back. "By Durin's axe, if I were only a thousand years younger I'd make you mine", the Dwarf guffawed.

Kheti recoiled slightly feeling quite amused. "Well, that's certainly not an option. Can my friend get a discount instead?", Kheti said. Mulan jabbed Kheti in the ribs causing her to yelp.

"For you, of course", the Dwarf said his gruff voice becoming achingly smooth.

Moana felt the bubbling sensation in her chest that always happened when she held back from laughter. Kheti does it again. "Here's a list of the furniture I need. How much will it b…", Moana said. Several kids ran down the center isle and knocked her forward.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!", Kheti yelled after the kids.

Moana turned around and saw the cluster of children huddling around the "Ides of Sweeties" booth. The wrinkled woman slowly walked toward them and handed a caramel coated newt to a girl with large curly red hair and another with long pigtales. The girl with long curly pigtales handed a bag of gems to the old fae woman upon which she bowed slowly in thanks. Something about the children seemed oddly familiar. The girl with the long pigtales turned around and Moana gasped.

"Mona? Teuila?", Moana said. The girls looked around for who called their names. Upon seeing Moana Mona beamed brightly and waved. She grabbed Teuila's hand and ran towards Moana before wrapping their arms around her waist. "What are you doing here? How are you here?"

"Our ancestors!", Teuila said! Her hair seemed to emit a radiant crimson glow as flowers and twigs were woven into her hair. Around her neck, next to her silver dollar necklace, was a panflute.

"Your ancestors? You're fae?", Moana said in shock. The girls nodded.

"They took us here and now it's our home! Masina's here and lots of other kids too", Mona said, smiling widely. Beneath her arm lay a large tome. Moana tried to get a look at the inscriptions to no avail. The whites of her eyes seemed wider and brighter than before. There was an ancient knowing that deepened her irises to pure black. It was unsettling. Upon hearing the name "Masina" a cold chill ran down her spine as a flash of the harpie's fanged bloody teeth and horrific skreech ran through her mind. "Your parents must be worried sick. You have to go back to Motunui.", Moana said.

"No!", Teuila said balling up her fists. Her bottom lip trembled. "I'm not safe there. But, here… here I'm safe. No one tries to rip out my hair."

"Think of how worried your parents are! They'll be able to keep you safe", Moana said. She kneeled down and pulled a handkerchief from her satchel. Wiping away the tears that rolled down her cheeks Moana sighed.

"No. They can't stop them. They're, they're everywhere Momma and Pappa can't be.", Teuila said in a hushed voice. Her eyes widened as her hands clutched tighter to her skewer.

"What's going on back hom… I mean on Motunui", Moana said. Her stomach churned with a distant knowing. In vain attempt to quell the feeling of cold fear spreading throughout her chest, she filled herself with doubt.

"The Mare have set up a stronghold in the Unseen and it's where they feed.", Mona said. She trembled slightly despite her thick velvet robes.

"Wait, how did you know about the Mare?", Moana said.

Mona lifted her chin as she grinned smugly. "I'm a Faerie Scribe. We have our ways of knowing things other Fae cannot. Our libraries are the best all in the realms", Mona said with a tiny pretentious harrumph.

Teuila rolled her eyes. "You're just repeating what your ancestor said. Word for word", Teuila said. Mona turned and stuck out her tongue.

"So, you're staying with your ancestors?", Moana said. She stood up and dusted the dirt off her coatdress.

"Yes, we are. So are the other kids.", Teuila said, taking a bite from her caramel newt. Holding it out to Mona, she told a bit off it's leg and ripped it off.

"Good. Stay with them. I have to see Father Enoch right away", Moana said. The girls gave her a tight hug before running off into the distance. She swallowed deeply and closed her eyes. Exhaling softly she opened them once more. "And so it begins".

"What's this I hear about the Mare?", Kheti said. She watched the little girls hand in hand sprinting down the road.

"It's a long story. I had an encounter with these creatures on Motunui. Things have gotten worse. Much worse", Moana said, solemnly.

"Mare? Like a horse?", Mulan said.

"No, they're horrible little creatures that will torment you in your sleep. If they get into your house, when you're asleep, they'll sit on you causing you to feel paralysed. Your eyes will be closed and your spirit will be aware but your body will lay there unable to move", Kheti said. A tremor ran through her causing her to rub her arms.

"Oh, Mare. Like Night Mares", Mulan said with a nod. She pulled out a tiny scroll of parchment from her bag and began to write. "I'll have to tell the Fae back home about this. We have to do something".

"I better do the same. See you girls later. Contact me on the magic mirror when you get more information on what's going on", Kheti said. With a wave she pulled on her fur jacket and ran into the distance.

In a clearing in the forest stood a crowd of fae all humming with excited chatter. From the trees came more fae streaming in from every direction. High above the moonlight shone brightly on the clearing causing the treetops and lush green grass to glisten as they swayed gently in the breeze. Moana rose to the balls of her feet desperate to see if Mulan and Kheti were in the crowd. She could only get as high as the shoulders of the fae directly in front of her. She released a small yelp as she felt giant hands grasping her waist and lifting her upwards. Maui perched her on his shoulder as his arm wrapped around her thighs. Still panting from the shock of her sudden ride upwards she smiled and ran her fingers through his curly mop of raven locks. He shivered beneath her touch causing a pang of terror to run through her.

"Mo, do you see your girls?", Maui yawned. With his other hand he rubbed his drooping eyes.

"Not yet.", Moana said, squinting her eyes. "You're still sleepy? You've been sleeping all day!"

"Each night I had been running on two hours sleep all Yule. I still haven't caught up on all the sleep I lost", Maui said stifling another yawn.

A wooden stage lay far ahead and Father Enoch slowly walked up the stairs of the stage. His silver robes were lined with white fur and a wreath of holly still perched around his head. The chatter of the crowd gradually lulled to silence. Father Enoch cleared his voice and rested both hands on the head of his staff made of crystal. "Thank you all for heralding my call. I am aware that many came from far across the realms to hear the news that I propose today.", Father Enoch said, his voice preternaturally resounding throughout the forest. "It has come to my attention that the war within the realm against the Tipua was only a battle. There were rippling repercussions to the Tipua releasing the seal on the Unseelie Realm. Many Unseelie Fae are still at large. One of which is the Mare. In reaction to our great achievements in closing the various wounds around the realms the Mare have fled to the Unseen Realm where they have set up a stronghold".

A series of gasps and a din of chatter erupted throughout the crowd. Moana looked to the fringes of the crowd and saw Fae, whose faces were obscured by cloaks, crouched over a crystal ball as their glowing hands rotated around it. "What are they doing?", Moana said.

"I dunno", Maui said with a shrug. Moana made a noise of unease. "Sorry, Mo, forgot you were up there".

"I must take pause to thank the Faerie Scribes for scrying this meeting so that Fae who are unable to attend can still receive this message. From now on, your Enchanted Mirror will receive news from across the realms. Please contact an enchanter so that they can cast the proper spells on your Enchanted Mirror to receive the newscast", Father Enoch said. The Fae burbled in elated whispers on this new development.

"It's like he heard me!", Moana said, feeling quite odd.

"Seeing that it's Father Christmas, he probably did", Maui chuckled. A procession of Fae appeared out of the forest and gathered onto the stage behind Father Enoch. The crowd's volume increased as the crackle of excitement charged the air.

"This is a fight we cannot win overnight nor alone. Therefore, the leaders across the Fae realms have gathered together. For the first time in Fae history we have created the Hall of Elders. The dwarves have been gracious enough to build a headquarters for us to gather. It is there we shall discuss our next course of action. Until then, I bid you a good Yule. Continue to watch the Newscast for further updates", Father Enoch said. Within a flash he vanished leaving the crowd in an uproar of awe and excitement.

"Did you hear that?! Hall of Elders! Let's get home quickly, Maui!", Moana said elatedly. The heels of her feet knocked against his chest. With his freehand Maui gently caught her foot. With a wide grin he tugged at her pointed boot toying at pulling it off. Moana wiggled her foot out of his grasp as she burbled on. "Let's get the marketplace before it closes so we can get an enchanter to set up our Enchanted Mirror. I have to call the girls. This is such big news!"

Maui merely chuckled. He'd find a way to stay out of sight when they came lest he overhear a conversation about monthly bleedings and it's side effects. He shuddered at the very thought. "Sure thing, Mo.", Maui said.

Moana grabbed a red towel and lifted the cast iron tea kettle from the hook it previously rested on. She poured steaming water into four white teacups painted with intricate black swirls and sharp lines. A sweet scent of coconut and cinnamon filled the room. She placed the tea kettle back on it's hook and gently placed the red towel onto the table. Moana drummed her fingers on the table as she glared at the sugarpot. Mulan looked at her irritated expression and back to the pot with wide eyes. Kheti grabbed the pot and lifted it's top as she placed two sugar cubes into her tea.

"Moana, you either have to buy a living tea set or pay an enchanter make one for you", Kheti said, pausing to take a sip of tea.

"Oh, I didn't know! I'm so used to the Crone's house. I just expected it.", Moana said with an abashed giggle.

"I didn't know what you were looking at. I thought something horrible had gone down. I was beginning to worry", Mulan said with a smile.

"You should see the Crone's house. Everything's enchanted! I want our house to be the same way.", Moana said, with a excited sigh. A ghost of sorrow crossed her features and the sigh turned grim. "I feel like I'm betraying myself."

"How so?", Kheti said. She grabbed a cookie slathered in white frosting from a porcelain plate sitting within the center of the table. Dunking it in her tea several times for good measure she took a bite.

"I wasn't raised this way. On Motunui we didn't have any of this! Maybe I'm losing myself", Moana said, clutching her teacup. She got lost in the tiny amber waves of the tea as it's steam gently warmed her nose.

"We fae are the foundation, the originators of their human culture. My Mother is the goddess that created harvest and brought forth the tenants of motherhood to the Egyptians. Even your mate, Maui, created the lifestyle your people have come accustomed to", Kheti said, her blue eyes glinting with ferocity. "Even though they might deny it, their 'culture' has always been our creation and our gift to them. It's never was theirs to begin with".

"Damn straight!", Maui yelled from the back room.

"Maui! You're supposed to be resting!", Moana said with a chuckle. The girls all laughed at the hilarious intrusion.

"I was struggling with this a while back. Then I realized my Fae ancestry is just as valid as my human ancestry. The magic within us is every part of who we are.", Mulan said, warmly. Moana nodded as she still remained in thought.

"That's a relief because we're getting a four poster bed in a few weeks. We slept on one at the Crone's house and it was so soft. I'm never sleeping on the floor again!", Moana said gleefully.

"Personally, I like a firm bed. As my Lao Lao always said, it's good for you health", Mulan said. Her spoon made soft tinkling noises as she stirred her tea. Upon seeing Moana's inquisitive face she continued. "Lao Lao means 'grandmother' in Mandarin".

"Oh no, gurl, not me. Back at our pyramid my bed is covered in pillows and the softest of blankets. There's a giant chiffon canopy draping over my bed.", Kheti said with a dramatic wave of her hand. The numerous bracelets around her wrist all chimed as they collided with one another.

"Wait, this table is one of the items you commissioned to the dwarves, right?", Mulan said, eyeing the plate of quickly vanishing cookies. Moana winked and slid the plate towards her. With a polite nod she helped herself to three more.

"Yes, it came quickly didn't it? I thought it would take months for them to finish it. I told this to the dwarves when the delivered it yesterday and they just laughed and laughed.", Moana said, feeling her cheeks growing warm. There was still so much she didn't know. A small trembling of within her chest caused her to halt and rethink every action. In it's wake worry crept in and thus the anxiety grew. As always, the fire within her burned it all to ash. Every new adventure would be fraught with mistakes even with proper forethought and planning. This is something Maui had shown her long ago. With a soft breath she felt peace return to her center.

"Don't mind them. Dwarves can be snotty little arseholes", Khet said with a frown. Just then, several rapid knocks rang out.

"Just a minute, I think it's the enchanter!", Moana said, rising from her seat. She opened the door revealing a fellow in a brown cloak. His hood was drawn over his head casting a preternatural shadow over his features. The only thing Moana could see within the cavernous black hole where once his face should be was two yellow glowing eyes. His pale hand, upon which long black talons protruded from his fingers, held a giant bag which looked to be held together entirely of patches of cloth all comprising different colors and patterns.

"Hello Mrs. Potiki, we spoke earlier this week", the Enchanter said. His voice was soft and it gently echoed as though he were standing in a cave.

"Yes, please come inside! Have some tea and sweeties, if you like", Moana said, gesturing inside. The Enchanter walked in and went directly to the large ornate mirror laying against the wall.

"No thank you, Mrs. Potiki. I desire to begin my work", the Enchanter said. He placed his bag on the floor and unlocked it's clasp. Reaching inside he withdrew a piece of chalk, a large leather tome with arcane symbols painted on the cover, several candles, and bottles of all manner of size containing various shimmering liquids.

"I don't know how I'm going to get my mirror past Shang", Mulan said with an exasperated huff. She thumped her elbow on the table as she rested her cheek on her hand. "I could just tell him it's a regular mirror."

"Just have it enchanted here and then bring it back home. He doesn't need to know it's magic", Moana said an impish smile.

"That's true", Mulan said. Her eyes lit up as her spirits began to lift. A idea seemed to arise causing her lips to droop. "Then there's another problem. I'll be spending a lot more time in the Fae Realm because of the new council. Fae leaders from all across China are migrating here".

"Shang wouldn't be okay with it? Even if it was for a good cause?", Moana said. It was as though she could feel Mulan's own weary heart seeping into her very skin and working it's way into her chest.

Mulan shook her head. Her black locks of hair tossed gently to and fro. "It bothers him. A lot.", Mulan said, with a sigh.

"You're on the council! Gurl, why didn't you tell us sooner!", Kheti said elatedly.

"I've been distracted a lot lately.", Mulan said. A small weary smile pulled at her lips.

"I'll tell you somethin'. You go and tell that husband of yours that you're gonna be on this Council, there's nothing he can do about it, and he better get used to it like it or not! That's what I'd do", Kheti said, crossing her arms.

Mulan smiled once more in a vain attempt to quell the waves of weariness. "It would just start another argument and I just… I just can't take anymore of that", Mulan said softly.

Moana patted her on the shoulder. "You have to talk to him about it, Mulan. It's not like you can just lie and say you went to the market", Moana said with a small laugh. Mulan's eyes widened in response causing Moana to quirk a brow. "Wait, you did tell Shang you were visiting us? Right?"

"Well, I technically didn't lie. We did go to the market!", Mulan said. She broke into a titter and it's infectious joviality spread to Kheti and Moana. Just then the cloaked fellow rose from his seat on the ground. Lifting up the enchanted mirror his spindly fingers fascined it to the wall. Afterwhich he packed up his patched bag and once again grabbed the handle.

"Mrs. Potiki, I am finished.", The Enchanted said with a slight bow. He placed a smooth oval stone into Moana's hand. The stone covered her entire palm and atop it were several symbols carved into it. Each symbol was a different color. "This stone has been enchanted to channel the magical frequencies that drift through the ether of the faerie realm. Press your finger upon each sigil to conjure an image on your mirror. I bid you good day".

With that the enchanter vanished. "Sheesh, such drama. He could've just went out the front door just like he came in!", Kheti said rolling her eyes.

"He could've given more instructions too! I don't know what any of these symbols mean!", Moana said with a frustrated groan. She furrowed her brow as she looked over each swirly and jagged mark. "Kheti, could you help me out?"

"I haven't used one of these in years. But I think I remember a little somethin'", Kheti said. She grabbed the oval stone and pressed a glowing red symbol. The mirror made a buzzing and humming noise as white and black flickered across it's face. Suddenly the static cleared and a cubby crone appeared. She sat atop a large red mushroom. A stone firepit was behind her and from within it the red and orange flickers of the roaring flame caused a soft halo around her form. She smiled gaily as she began to speak.

"Good Yule, poppets! Welcome back to 'Mamma Crone's Garden' where I show practical application for the daily usage of herbs, flowers, and plants.", The Crone said. Her voice sounded pleasant and saccharine. It was as though a piece of cake had gotten the ability to speak.

"What's this!", Moana squeaked gaily.

Kheti's brow crinkled as she scratched her head. "I should've really paid attention in school when they were teaching sigils and runes", Kheti said in frustration. Catching Moana's exhilarated gaze glued to the mirror Kheti looked up to the image on the mirror. "Oh, this brings back memories. My Mom enjoys this show. She watched it all the time when we were little".

"Show?", Mulan said with intrigue.

"Yes, there are other shows on the enchanted mirror. Some come from lands several seas away from here. In old days the Enchanted Mirror was only used for emergencies and communication. Then Fae realized you could broadcast pretty much anything to the entire realms and people began creating their own shows. It was pretty unpopular for a long time but that's been changing lately". Kheti said, rather distracted. She continued to puzzle over the possible meanings of the symbols.

Moana grabbed the oval stone from her and pressed another button. The mirror flickered and thus appeared a vast stadium in which two elves donning velvet robes stood within it's center. The crowd roared as they two elves whipped their hands through the air like a whip. Streams of light blasted from the fingertips blasting here and there within the arena. Chunks of stone and debri flew through the air causing the crowd's cheers to increase. Moana pressed another button and the mirror flickered once more. On it appeared a tall fae woman whose skin was brown and leaves as well as flowers decorated her skin. Her large curly green hair likewise was filled with twigs, a nest of baby birds, and flowers. Within her hand lay a skinny bottle filled with a shimmering purple substance. "Madame Talbots Lavish Apothacary! Come to the market and buy our new line of body oils, seaweed body wraps, and sea salt scrubs. For the decadent Fae with lavish tastes!". Moana began pressing each button in flurry of excitement. The screen flickered and flashed through each show.

"Wait! Go back to that last one!", Mulan shouted. Apparantly one sigil raised the sound and Moana hadn't figured which one would lower it. "I think I saw the newscast Father Enoch was speaking about!"

Moana pressed a sigil and upon the mirror appeared a Fae with white hair and pointed ears who sat at a crystal table. "It is now the witching hour and as Father Enoch pronounced earlier, we shall begin the newscast. I am Falmoor, a chief keeper of the Grand Library of the Faerie Scribes. I will be your newscaster", Falmoor said. He took a sip from a silver goblet and licked his finger, which had long pointy translucent fingernails, before turning the pages in a large tome. "Ah, let's see. First things first, the Council of Elders has created a mandatory list in which all names written shall serve in the gathering armies of the realms. In order to fight the Mare, and any other Unseelie Fae they have brought to their aid, we will form small factions so that we may sweep the Unseen realm. You will be given a week to make preparations. Afterwhich we all shall meet at the great lake to enter the Unseen realm and off into battle. Now let's see… Kheti daughter of Hathor, Fa Mulan daughter of Fa Zhou, Moana Potiki Great-Grandaughter of Atarau, and Death daughter of the Unseen god shall form one faction…."

"Death! I've met her a few times. She's nice", Moana said, brimming with excitement.

"I'm more surprised about going into the Unseen Realm! Who knows what kind of spirits live in there!", Kheti said with a tremor. "Of all the legends I've heard of heroes of olde going into the Unseen Realm, although all were victorious, many of them died in the process. Girls, if we're gonna fight be prepared to die. This is the real deal".

"It would be my honor", Mulan said. She noted how Moana sat quietly staring at her hands. "Moana?"

"It's not the dying that scares me", Moana said. The voice of the newscaster turned to white noise all around her as sorrow touched her soul. "I told you guys about how I died before. Death is such a sweet person. She's caring and gentle as she guides you to the place of your ancestors. When you get there it's all white and shinging like the sun. It's beautiful. What I'm afraid of is leaving Motunui behind and leaving Maui there's you guys".

"What about us?", Kheti said with concern.

"For the first time in my life I have friends.", Moana said sheepishly. She turned away from their gazes as she felt her heartbeat in her throat. Would they laugh at her for such a revelation? Maybe she had jinked whatever perfect spell was in effect and they'd walk away forever. She looked into the soft ripples within her teacup. Taking a sip she felt it's warmth bringing comfort to her wrenching insides. "Being the taupo, and going against the grain, meant that no one wanted to have me around. You probably think I'm such a loser".

"Actually, I can relate", Mulan said gently. Moana looked up from her teacup with wide eyes. Mulan smiled in reply. "When I was thirteen I used to sneak away and watch the men play Mahjong in the town square. I eventually got my chance to play and ended up wiping the floor with all of them! That is, until they chased me out. No one really wanted to be around someone like me".

"I'm so happy to have friends that aren't family. Do you know what it's like having 30 aunts and uncles and 300 cousins? We all live in pyramids that are within a little ways from each other.", Kheti groaned and rubbed her temples. "Moana don't worry about us. No one can separate us. Even in death we'll be together in the afterlife with our ancestors. But, please, consider it. It wouldn't be the same without you, girl. We need each other. If we fail you'll lose more than Motunui, us, and Maui. We'll lose everything".

"Think of it this way, if you join the faction we have to go get matching bras. The metal will make great armor and awkwardly lift your mimi at the same time!", Mulan said. They broke in a roar of laughter.