Water Dance

As the sun rose Kiki slowly awoke, the light shining through the curtains and filling her room with a delicate orange glow. It didn’t take long for her to get ready for the day and quietly make her way down the central staircase to the ground floor to begin work. Kiki was always the first one to wake in the Library before the dragons but today she was ready earlier than usual. Knowing she had a busy day ahead of her away from the Library, the guardian fairy began working early on paperwork and the things she needed to look at for Lienna from the previous day. After Kiki’s adventure there were a few details she needed to give her attention to and she wanted to sort them out before anything new cropped up again to create more work for her later in the week.

 

A couple of hours later with her tasks completed and the village breakfast finished, Kiki set off once again in the hope of finding Oscar by the river again. Flying through the village, Kiki made a quick stop at the market area to wish Mishka and Kemuri good luck on their opening day before heading deeper into the forest. Once more she tried her best to remember the directions Ruby had given her and looked out carefully for trees or areas she recognised to keep her on the right track. The journey seemed to go on forever and the little fairy began to believe she was lost. Not giving up hope she continued, clutching onto her dress in hopes of keeping calm. Eventually she began to hear the quiet sound of flowing water and followed it until she reached the river bank.

 

Slowly landing onto the grass beneath her, Kiki’s body relaxed seeing the light glistening on the water in front of her. She had made it. Looking round she did not seem to recognise the area she was in and there was definitely no sight of an otter. She had definitely arrived at a different part of the river. None-the-less she had made it to the river, safe and sound. The little fairy couldn’t work out which way to head along the river bank as she had no idea where she was in comparison to the day before. With no information to go on she looked left and right and within a split second, decided to head left on foot instead of flying. 

 

As Kiki walked along the bank, the river gently rippled and flowed beside her as if it was following her. Dragonflies darted across the water and butterflies gently fluttered between the flowers nearby. It was so tranquil, thought Kiki, as her shoulders began to relax, the tension in them subsiding. It had been a long time since she was able to focus on her surrounding instead of all the work she had to do or the people around her. The gentle breeze sent a small chill down Kiki’s spine as she walked. It was not enough to make her cold but the weather was definitely turning; it would soon be autumn. Kiki smiled. She loved spring and summer but there was something beautiful about the changing of leaves from green to warm hues of red, orange and yellow. Not all of the trees in the forest changed colour but the forest floor still became covered with crunchy leaves during autumn and it was a beautiful scene to see whilst cosied up inside the library, looking out of the window.

 

Lost in her thoughts of autumn, Kiki didn’t seem to notice the air around her become misty until quite late. Reminded of her task she focused once again on looking for Oscar. Looking ahead she faintly saw a large shape in the middle of the river which seemed to be moving. It was as if there was a tower of water or perhaps more likely, a large fountain. Kiki’s wings began to tingle in excitement. It was definitely not an otter but it was too compelling to ignore; she had to see what it was.

 

Kiki quickened her pace as she made her way over. As she moved deeper into the mist it slowly became clearer what the shape was that the little fairy had seen. Kiki’s jaw dropped and her body froze in awe at the sight in front of her.

 

Growing up in the fairy village, Kiki had met many different fairies with different skills and traits. The village was full of different families so it was often hard to fully know and understand what everyone was capable of. Some fairies were born from nature, gaining predetermined skills, and others had skills and abilities passed down from their parents. Not being born from nature herself and always being buried in a book, Kiki had little experience with the skills and magical abilities of many of the nature-born fairies so what she saw before her amazed her.

Before Kiki in the middle of the river was a fairy whose almost transparent, crystal blue wings shimmered like ice in the light. She wore a light blue dress with darker swathes of fabric at the back which rippled behind her with every movement. Around her waist was a belt of blue jewels which glistened like droplets of water in the morning sun. It was if she was dancing on the surface of the water. Her indigo hair cascaded behind her as she spun and ribbons of water swirled in the air around her as she guided them, dancing as one.

She was a water fairy. Born from a thriving water source, water fairies have the ability to manipulate, create, and change the temperature of water. The mist Kiki walked through had been created by the fairy as she danced and used her magic.

As the blue winged fairy spun she noticed Kiki standing on the bank. As she slowed down her spin, the water fairy stopped her dance and the water around her fell, splashing into the river. Soon the mist had subsided and the air was clear again as she made her way over to Kiki.

Her name was Maya, a young fairy who was born at a similar time to Kiki. The two had never really crossed paths but Maya recognised Kiki from the guardian fairy’s initiation ceremony many years ago now. This was a very important occasion for the village and a large celebration had been held, making it a memorable day for everyone. Getting closer to Kiki she waved and said hello.

As the water fairy came closer, Kiki was able to see her face more clearly and recognised her from the fairy village as well. Despite never having spoken to each other, Kiki was able to recognise Maya as there had not been many fairies in the village who had such pale porcelain skin and indigo hair.

 

“Good morning. I’m sorry for the mist, I hope it didn’t cause you any trouble. I don’t usually see anyone around here at this time of day so I thought it would be okay” Maya said, twirling her hair around her finger, slightly embarrassed someone had caught her. “Hi! Oh, it was no trouble at all. I’ve just been looking for someone” replied Kiki, still in awe of what she had seen. “We’re from the same village, right? I’m Kiki by the way’ she continued, noticing Maya’s hesitation to talk. Maya let out the breath she had been holding in, much more comfortable knowing Kiki had recognised her and wasn’t going to push further about what she had seen. “Yes. Do you need help finding who you are looking for?” Maya smiled, returning to her composed self.

Hearing Kiki respond with Oscar’s name, Maya knew exactly where the guardian fairy needed to go. Maya lived quite near to the river to ensure that it continued to stay healthy and she had made good friends with Oscar over the years. She would often meet him and listen to him talk about what he had found during that day so she knew where he would be at this time. Unfortunately for Kiki, she had headed along the river in the wrong direction so Maya offered to take her to his morning spot.

Not wanting to waste time, the fairies fluttered their wings and began the flight up the river to Oscar. “ How is everything in the village? I know you had to stay behind” asked Maya as she flew next to Kiki. Excited to share everything that had happened, Kiki began to explain how the village was beginning to grow with all kinds of creatures now calling it home and how she had dragons helping her in the library. Maya was surprised to hear this but was pleased that people were living there again as she loved growing up in the village.

After a short while, Kiki found herself in a recognisable place - where she met Oscar the previous day - and the rock she had sat on. “He should be around here somewhere” mused Maya slowly fluttering down till her feet reached the grassy ground beneath her. Kiki followed suit and they patiently waited for Oscar to resurface from beneath the water.

A few minutes later a brown head poked out from under the water and made its way to the bank on the other side. It was Oscar. He walked up the muddy slope onto the river bank, hands full, before opening his satchel which was waiting there for him, placing his treasures inside. “Hello Oscar!” shouted Kiki, grabbing his attention.

The friendly otter looked up towards the noise. “Maya! Kiki!” he replied with a large grin before quickly slipping back into the water and swimming over to the fairies. After a few minutes of greeting each other, Kiki took the opportunity to ask him the question she came for. “Thank you so much for the fish yesterday. Everyone in the village really enjoyed eating them at dinner time and we are looking forward to trying more fish recipes.” she explained. “We were wondering if you would like to catch fish for us more regularly? We would of course pay you. How does that sound? Are you up for it?” continued Kiki, her wings twitching in anticipation.

Silence filled the air as Oscar pondered his response. Fishing for him was not only a way to source food, but more importantly something he did for the enjoyment. He wondered if it would become less fun if he was doing it for a job instead? And yet something was stopping him from saying no. Perhaps it would be more fun if he could catch more fish per day, knowing someone else could enjoy them as well? He looked down at the ground and scratched behind his ear. How should he reply?

Noticing Oscar’s confusion, Maya placed a hand on his shoulder, supporting him. “Kiki lives in the same village I grew up in. She has told me all about the lovely new residents there, it sounds like a wonderful community” explained Maya, breaking the silence. Oscar’s head snapped up in excitement. He had always wanted to see the place his fairy friend had grown up; she had told him such wonderful stories about it. “Can I visit the village first? It might help if I can see who the fish are for?” Oscar beamed, starting to bounce on the spot in anticipation. Kiki nodded before turning towards Maya. Would she also like to come too? “May I come too? It would be lovely to see the place it has become.” requested Maya with a gentle smile. Within seconds the lively otter had grabbed onto his friend’s hand and started to bound into the forest. “Off we go!” he cried as Kiki quickly flew to catch up and make sure they went in the right direction.

The journey back to the village didn’t take long. Maya, unlike Kiki, understood the forest well and knew exactly where to go so the route they travelled was quick and direct. With so much excitement running through Oscar’s veins he frolicked through the trees at speed, the fairies flying almost at full pace to keep up and make sure they went the right way. Slowing down as the village appeared, Oscar stopped to read the sign Piccolo had made. “Kiki Lane?” questioned Maya with a smile. Kiki laughed shyly “It wasn’t my idea, but everyone decided the village would be called Kiki Lane now”.

For the next couple of hours Kiki gave Oscar and Maya a tour of the main areas being used in the village and introduced them to all the creatures living there. First stop was the inn where they were greeted by Hattie, cheerful as always. Renovations were still in full swing in the communal areas but the visitors were still given a tour of all the rooms by Hattie and Piccolo whilst Kiki went to talk to Ruby in the kitchen. There were many rooms to visit and so many details to point out that Hattie and Oscar eagerly chatted away, quickly becoming friends.

Growing up, Maya had never been the most talkative fairy. She had spent many an hour visiting the river with her family to hone her magic. She would diligently learn on her own after taking instructions, allowing her teacher to focus on the more boisterous students who found it more fun to play. When lessons where over she would stay behind to dance as it made her feel free and at peace. In the village she preferred to sit with the adults instead of play, or help look after the youngest fairies. It was in her nature to be calm and quiet. She was not shy, simply happy in silence.

Piccolo still found new creatures and conversations intimidating but something about Maya’s demeanour made him feel very peaceful and calmed his nerves. Having the courage to converse with Oscar was still too much for him, but he could talk to Maya. In each room he stood by the doorway with the water fairy and quietly explained the theme for the room, pointing out his favourite parts. After the final room Hattie and Piccolo guided the visitors to Ruby and Kiki in the kitchen before heading back to work. Waving goodbye, Maya watched as Piccolo collected his broom. There was something about him which made her want to visit again; perhaps they would become good friends?

After pushing open the kitchen door Maya’s face lit up as she saw her old friend Ruby. The two fairies got to know each other quite well just before everyone left the fairy village and had kept in touch ever since. Ruby occasionally visited Maya in the forest but they had met up multiple times in Pearly Shores when Ruby had been learning from a cook there and Maya went to visit the ocean. On the surface, they didn’t seem to have much in common, but they got on very well and enjoyed each other’s company. After a few minutes, Ruby had explained the idea for a fishing agreement to Oscar. He had a better understanding now of why Kiki had come to find him, but was eager to see more of the village before making a decision. Saying goodbye, Kiki led Oscar and Maya out of the inn to meet the other villagers.

Walking down the street towards the library Kiki spotted Prickles walking back to his home and gave him a wave before he scurried inside. “That’s Prickles. He doesn’t talk but he is an incredible author” Kiki explained, introducing the hedgehog before they arrived at the Great Tree Library. As Kiki and Oscar entered, Maya placed her hand on the rough trunk of the tree. “Hello old friend” she whispered looking up. It had been a long time since she had seen the library but she was glad to be back.

Inside, Oscar marvelled at the sight. He was not much of a reader himself but it was an amazing space none-the-less. Not wanting to waste too much time, Kiki quickly introduced all of the dragons to Maya and Oscar. As the introductions went on, Maya and Lumi’s eyes met. Maya had never met a dragon before and had no idea about the different types. However, something about Lumi made her wings tingle. Everyone else’s eyes were fixed on Kiki but it was if the pair were in their own little world. Focusing a small amount of her energy, Maya created a small ball of water above her hand. Lumi’s eyes lit up at the sight of magic. Carefully he walked closer to Maya and breathed a small stream of cold air onto the ball, turning the water into ice. Maya was stunned. So that was why her wings were tingling, they always did when she sensed water abilities. Carefully she turned the ice back to water before freezing it again, this time in the shape of a snowflake. “Keep it safe” she whispered passing it over to Lumi whose eyes were wide in wonder, a large smile plastered on his face.

After introductions were complete, Kiki led Oscar and Maya outside once again, heading towards their final stop for the day.  Turning round the corner onto the village square, Oscar was delighted to see a shopping area. Kiki flew over first to Kemuri’s coffee cart. “How’s it been going? Any customers today?” Kiki asked before introducing the grey cat to Maya and Oscar. “Hello! I’ve had people in the village visit and even a couple of creatures from the forest. A brilliant first day I would say.” replied Kemuri waving at Maya and Oscar. “It’s been wonderful, hasn't it?” said Mishka as he walked over to join the group. “I haven’t had as many sales but a few customers have said they will be back for lunch” he continued glancing at the large clock in the square. “This is Mishka, he owns the bakery stall. Mishka, this is Oscar and Maya, I’ve been giving them a tour.” Kiki explained as her tummy growled. Looking over at Oscar she saw a twinkle in his eye. “I think it’s lunchtime now. How about lunch on me? Pick what you want from the bakery and choose a hot drink and then we can discuss where to go from here” continued Kiki to Maya and Oscar.

With all of the villagers busy and the stalls opened, the villagers had decided to just meet for evening meals so Kiki wanted to offer something special to their guests and also support Mishka and Kemuri on their opening day. After collecting their food and drink, the trio sat down on an old bench and began to talk about the next steps.

“You are doing such a good job Kiki, I am so pleased to see the village growing again and with such lovely creatures” Maya said, before tucking into the croissant she had chosen. “Everyone is lovely and there is an inn, and a library, ooh and dragons and…”Oscar added biting into his sandwich mid sentence. Kiki giggled. “I’m so pleased you enjoyed yourself. Have you had any more thoughts about our fishing request?” Oscar nodded, finishing his bite of food before speaking “I love the market that you have starting here, I think it’s my favourite part.” A market? Kiki hadn’t really thought of it like that. They had only spoken about a couple of stalls but maybe it could turn into a market. 

“What if I had my own stall? Instead of simply supplying fish I could sell my fish here along with some of the treasures I find in the river” Oscar continued, the sparkle in his eyes returning. Kiki smiled; it wasn’t exactly what anyone had expected but it was certainly worth a go. “I’m happy with that plan if you are. Do you need help setting something up? We had the cart and stall made especially if you want something as well.” offered Kiki, pointed back at where they got lunch. “No, I have an idea. If I am successful I will come to you to help expand” replied Oscar before stuffing in the last bite of his sandwich and leaping up to get a cookie from Mishka. Maya and Kiki looked at each other and laughed. This was going to be a fun ride.