It's often told by personages of civilized standing that there is no such thing as fairies. They would be wrong. At least partially so. There are no such beings as fairies, but there are faeries. The sweet ones. The good neighbors. The blessed beings. However you wish to call them, it doesn't matter. They'll still laugh at anyone behind their backs for those silly names. There is only one name they seriously respond to. Fay. Fae in Ireland. Fay in England. Either way you say it, if you say it you better be serious and ready to meet Them.
It's also rumored the fae drove the ravens from the Tower of London, but that is just an old country mother's tale as an person with a mind would tell you. Not many had a mind for logic in Ireland, even in the peak of society. Oh sure, they talk a fine talk, yet behind the ladies fans and men's drinks, within their eyes lies the remains of superstition of long ago. Except for one woman. One who's part of an exclusive membership in which your eyes don't lie. No, for these eyes are tri-colored. These eyes mark one as fae.
Colleen sat in the reading room, a rather good sized tome taking up the better part of the small decorative table. It was a rather risque collection of romance stories that were altogether fascinating. Ever since she arrived at this droll soiree, she had not a moment to herself, what with reacquainting herself with old friends, catching up on latest news and dancing, it was a feat she got away as soon as she did. Now, she could enjoy a true passion of hers along with a generous repast of what seemed to be a strawberry dessert. This was bliss.
Bliss that was soon interrupted by a polite cough at the door. A butler dressed in appropriate attire for the occasion awaited her acknowledgement. Softly sighing, she shut the book and slowly faced the servant, hoping he wasn't sent to fetch her and return her to the party. "Yes?" Her voice was a soft bell tone, almost a whisper. He cleared his throat once, unnecessarily she thought. "Miss McPhage your mother, Mrs. McPhage has sent a carriage to retrieve you. You are to depart early. Shall I fetch your things?"
Colleen felt a swell of relief and worry. Mother wouldn't call her from a party early unless there was a dire need. She enjoyed displaying her daughter's natural beauty. With fiery hair that played about her waist in curls, pale cream skin and the triad eyes it was no wonder her mother had such pride in her. Shame the woman wasn't her biological mother.
"Yes. I shall be along shortly." Shutting the book, she gathered it up, prepared to turn when again he spoke, "The master informed me that you may take any three items you finding pleasing with you. As a gift of course." Colleen narrowed her eyes until only the gold in their centers showed, "Of course. Thank your master for me then... for such a generous offer." The butler and master knew as well as she did that when gifted, the fae was obliged to give a gift in return sometime in the future, usually of equal or greater value.This night just got interesting.