Anatole

Andra

Clan Improbable (seige)

Andra descended quickly, her eyes darting rapidly from the multiple lightning strikes. “Shifting Expanse again, I see. Am I going round in circles?” she muttered to herself. She huddled close to the boulder and scanned her surroundings, looking for better shelter.

“It’s all right. Everyone I’ve met so far has been perfectly nice,” she reassured herself as she watched two Faes come to a landing not far away.

“Greetings, little one!”, exclaimed the female who towered over Andra. “We are jewel and Sterling of Clan Improbable. We are delighted to have you here, but what in the Stormcatcher’s name are you doing traveling in such a storm? Never mind, we must get you to the lair. Such storms aren’t safe unless you are born to the Lightning. It recognizes it’s own, you see. . . ”

The green and yellow male touched the other’s arm, “jewel, let the girl speak, love.”

Andra hesitated until she was sure that jewel was quite finished. “I’m Andra. I have no money to pay, but I can work for my keep. I’m quite good with hatchies and pets.”

Sterling shook his head, “Nonsense, if you had money we wouldn’t take it. Guests are honored here as guests. Everything we have was given by the Stormcatcher. He gave it to us to share -- not to use visitors as a source of income or free labor. Come with us and we’ll get you trained and settled.” The trio of Faes lifted into the sky.

Andra was dropped off with Nugget and Vyrek, who gave her some quick lessons in battle before whisking her off to the main compound. The tree sap roosts along the walls spoke to Andra’s heart. And the moth wing cookies and pauper tea were delicious.

“Hi. I’m Anatole. Most just call me Tolie,” a handsome older Fae Introduced himself. “Enjoying the snacks?”

Andra hastily swallowed, “Yes, the cookies are the best I’ve ever had. I’m Andra.”

Anatole perched beside her, “A pleasure to meet you, Andra. Good luck on getting the secret cookie recipe out of jewel. I’ve been trying for years. Are you looking for a new home or just visiting.”

“Just visiting. Um . . . I don’t want to be rude, but is there something wrong with your frills?”

Anatole chuckled, “Nothing at all. I was born in a Mirror body, but I always knew my heart was Fae. Never quite got the hang of the frills, though.” He reached into his worn leather pouch and pulled out another pouch. “Here,” he said. “It matches your jacket.”

Andra nibbled the edge of another cookie, “It’s lovely, Tolie, but I’m afraid I have no money.”

Tolie pushed the Gold Aviator Satchel closer to her. “Doesn’t matter. We look at things differently here. Stormcatcher gives us all we need. We measure wealth by how much we give away. Take it -- it’s already packed with some food that travels well. I knew you weren’t staying. You have the look of a chaser of horizons.”

Andra teared up a little. “Thank you, Tolie. I shall cut quite a dash in my matching ensemble.”

She slept blissfully through the night in the tree sap guest roost and ate a hearty breakfast of grubs dusted with crumbled Pillbugs.

Her new friends escorted her to the clan’s boundary. All of them insisted she should return if ever she was in the area. She hugged them all and blew kisses from her wingtips.

Andra adjusted her jacket and stachel and lifted onto the breeze.

Gifts received: Food, Gold Aviator Satchel, Fifth Level Training Certificate