that faekin are animals that have faerie blood. They are actually our closer genetic ancestors than humans are. Faerie folk are some of the greatest helpers of fae, and are eager to lend a hand when we are out in the field hunting monsters.”
Lady Iris gestured for us to follow. She led us to a tree beside the fountain, which was surrounded by large ferns and rocks. Built into the side of the tree and hidden in the leaves of the fern were the tiniest little houses. They had thatch roofs and walls made of twigs. Other houses were constructed into mushrooms that circled the base of the tree, or carved into the inside of the rock. A miniature wooden bridge spanned from the tree to the fern, while tiny little lights hovered around the houses, lighting up the space.
A little leaf door opened on one of the houses. Out flew a miniature blue horse, with pink butterfly wings. It was barely the size of my hand, and had curly antennae on the top of its head. Lady Iris held her palm out for the horse to land on.
“This particular faerie folk is a filly faerie,” Iris said. “They are massively intelligent, and are very good observers. The mind of a faerie folk is an incredible thing. They have a photographic memory. Once they see something, they never forget it.”
The filly faerie reared up in her hand. After she was done explaining the filly fairy, dozens more malyludwy came flooding out of the houses. A bat with butterfly wings swooped around a tiny llama, which galloped upon the air as its tiny bee wings kept it aloft. A faerie fawn danced in the flower petals of the Conservatory, being chased by a fox with big green wings like a moth. Every animal you could imagine was part of the faerie folk, insect wings fluttering and none of them larger than my finger.
A tiger faerie with big antennae and pretty monarch wings fluttered around my face, pawing at my nose. Two kitten faeries with wings like dragonflies nestled in my hair and tugged on the strands like they would a string toy. I laughed. They were so much fun!
“These creatures don’t look very powerful, but they’re actually magnificently magical,” Iris said. “In some cases, they can influence the weather, much like Elementai can— this is why some elementals bond with them. They are also very good illusionists, and like playing tricks on the mind. They don’t harness aggressive magic, but if you have a faerie folk on your side, rest assured they will do everything in their power to keep you safe.”
“How do you keep them?” Delmare had her palms open and was playing with a faerie lizard that was tumbling in her palms.
“Faerie folk are attracted to gems and other rare stones,” Lady Iris said. “The easiest way to catch them is to set out a valuable piece of jewelry, and wait for one to flutter by. They will come eventually, if you are patient. Other ways include a thimble of wine— they love wine— or small candies. Growing bell-shaped flowers in your garden for faerie folk to harvest their nectar from is one way to sustain a population in your garden. If they gift you their honey, the faerie folk consider your property theirs, and will protect your homestead with their powerful magic. A sustainable faerie folk community is a must for any sorceress garden. Beware, though— they like to sneak into your home and rearrange your things. It’s a funny game to them.”
As we were studying the faerie folk, the tiger faerie wouldn’t leave me alone. The other faeries fluttered this way and that, but the tiger faerie twirled between my fingers, then flew upward to lay on my head. He twisted down my face, and I felt the soft brush of his wings caress my skin as his antennas felt out my skin.
“Hey little guy.” I laughed as I stroked his back. “You having fun?”
The tiger faerie showed his teeth, and I laughed. He was so cheesy. What a goofball.
“Looks like that one likes you,” Iris said with a smile. “You’ll have to take him home.”
“Really?” My eyes widened as I looked up at Iris.
“When faerie folk choose a fae to protect, nothing you can do will sever the bond,” Iris replied. “Take the little one back to your dorm. He’ll live with you until his death. Make sure he has plenty of flowers to feed from,