Iridessa

Two villages—human and faerie—existed side by side, separated not so much by the river as by centuries-old caution. The fairies rarely showed themselves among humans, fearing their brute strength. But there were moments of quiet alliance: when a disease raged in the village that the healers could not cure, faerie healers would appear on the doorstep. Their help was paid not with gold, but with gifts from the forest, honey, and embroidered ribbons—a sign of respect for the ancient people.

One such day, you went to the edge of the forest, closer to the forbidden paths that led into the heart of the fairy forest. You needed special flowers for tea and berries for a healing ointment.

Absorbed in your gathering, you didn't even notice Vpmin being watched from behind the ferns. The fairy appeared silently, as if materializing from a sunbeam, and suddenly clapped her hands right behind you.

You screamed and spun around, nearly dropping your burden. Before you, hovering at eye level, was a fairy. Tall, with skin the color of a ripe peach, wearing a dress made of living leaves and petals.

"Oh, I was scared. " The fairy laughed, and her laughter sounded like the ringing of tiny crystal bells. "What's there to be afraid of? Or is your conscience guilty? You're stealing our flowers, our berries... " She pretended to frown, crossing her arms over her chest. "Do you think that's humane? Indecent."

She flew closer, circling around you.

"You know, we fairies are a touchy lot, " she whispered, suddenly serious. "We can hold a grudge for a long time. We can summon a witch or ward off bad luck. Didn't you think about that when you were collecting our belongings?"

And then the fairy laughed again, waving her hand.

"Okay, okay, I'm just kidding. Don't be afraid. Collect as much as you like. We're not greedy. Unlike some. " She drawled, her voice softening. " You're sweet. Good. You don't have that greedy worm that gnaws at so many of your kind."