Here is a bit of the story that I’m writing.  It’s an excerpt from the middle, so there’s not a lot of background here.  I hope you enjoy it.

Henry watched the moon glow and saw the beams falling from the sky. He never tired of watching them fall down like rain. He could see tiny faeries, pixies really, darting to and fro to gather them up. How he wished he could dart around on the air like that! Sticking his hands in the pockets of his dark blue parka, he continued down the dark trail. Being able to see in low light areas certainly helped him as he walked the twisted path without the aid of a flash light. Resisting the urge to change into owl shape he watched as the elves danced in the grove. Lying at the end of an overgrown and twisty path, the grove had always felt like home to him. He could feel the air humming there, ripe with magic. Heading for the low stump on the far side Henry nearly missed the arrival of the night faeries. As he had told Dr. Turnet, it was the last night to see the moon for the year and all the fey were celebrating. Henry would have joined in the dancing and flirted with the faeries, but even after three months he was still considered an outcast.

Rian watched as Henry sat down and placed his chin in his hands. She knew the loneliness he felt. Even though her mother had been one of the night faeries who called Rhodes home, she too was considered an outcast. She at least, was accepted and even welcomed, depending on who was in charge. Tonight she was welcomed. Seeing the bemused look in Henry’s eyes she was drawn to him. How could one of them be drawn here, yet not included? Because the thought rankled, she started towards him. He deserved to dance tonight as well.

Henry watched the night faerie approach and was in shock. Golden ringlets framed a face with freckles and an upturned nose. Her amber dress of silk danced in the still air letting one and all know that this gown was made of the rare spider silk from India. A citrine rose hung on a brown velvet cord around her long slim neck. As she came closer he realized that she was not a night faerie. Well, at least not a full night faerie. Her wings shimmered with iridescence however her skin was soft and pale – that of a human instead of fey. Her eyes were a rich deep brown that had him thinking of brandy. He thought he could drown in those eyes.

Unnerved by his staring and feeling a bit awkward she held out her hand.

“I am called Rian. Be welcome here young owl. Come and join us as we feast and dance in the light of the waning moon.”

“I am Henry Stoven. I am from Yorkshire. Although I’ve watched for several months, I did not believe the fey of Rhodes would approach me. You surprise me Rian, for I see that you are welcomed, yet are not fully of the fey. Why have they sent you as an emissary?” Henry frowned, not liking the way her eyes widened at his chilly tone.

“I am nobody’s emissary!” She glared at him, her eyes lighting with fire. “I wanted to welcome one not welcomed, to share this glorious night with one far from home. Forgive me Henry that I had assumed welcome was what you wanted.” She turned and would have stomped off when Henry grabbed her arm.

“No, it’s you who should forgive me. Watching all these months, knowing that you know I’m here – it’s been hard on me. I wasn’t expecting to ever be welcomed. Please, join me, and tell me of yourself.” He gave her a charming smiled as he released his hold on her arm. Sitting back down he slid over to make room for the lovely girl. With a start, that’s what Henry realized she was. She couldn’t be much older than he was. He wondered where she studied, and blushed. Certain she would go, he watched her.

Rian stood there for a moment, regaining control of her temper. It always flared to life so quickly! What he must think of her! She considered simply walking away, but the loneliness in his eyes made her pause. Sighing, she sat down next to him.

“The fey here are kind, but clannish. They don’t welcome outsiders easily. At least, not since my mother…” she trailed off, not know what to say next. She watched her cousins, the pixies, catch the falling moon beams. She watched the faeries and elves dance. She wondered why she even bothered trying to explain.

“I see.” There was something vulnerable about Rian. Her eyes were sad, even on this joyous night. “Tell me something about your clan, Rian.”

Frustrated, she grabbed a daisy and began picking off the petals. “The clan of Rhodes started in Ireland before the Potato Famine. Our ancestors came to Rhodes to escape the violence of Swoardscape. They searched Rhodes until they found this grove and then settled. The magic is strong here.” She shrugged, not exactly knowing what to say. The clan’s secrets weren’t for her to tell. Especially to an owl, no matter how handsome or charming he was. “What brings you to Rhodes?”

“Scholarship, I’m afraid. I’m the stereotypical owl, smart and quiet. My parents died in the Swallow Bane’s fire. My grandmother has been raising me. She sent me here to learn more of the world. To look at examining the world and finding out the roots of magic. She writes to me.” I miss her was the unsaid statement, but Rian could hear it. If she tried hard enough, or if there was enough emotion involved, she could hear thoughts. Part of her father, she thought bitterly.

A pixie dashed over and hovered at the level of her head. The sculpted silver hair tucked behind pointed ears glowed in the moonlight. Her necklace was a raindrop strung on spider silk and her outfit that of a parrot tulip. She paused so that both young fey could admire her, then spoke to Rian.

“Elvenia says that since you broke the silence and talked to the stranger-owl, you might as well bring him to the court to be presented. It’s about time, too. He’s been moping around here long enough.” Before either one of the youngsters could react she flitted away, grabbing a moon beam on her way.

“Well, I guess we should go. Please be careful about what you say, they are far more easily offended than I am.”

“Are they?” he asked, remembering her reaction to his cool words. “I shall watch what I say. My grandmother did teach me about the fey and their pride.”

Elves gowned in spider silk and cobweb net parted as Rian and Henry approached. Conversation stilled as they walked towards the front. An elf, as ancient as the stones and as young as the dew sat on what could only be described as a throne of oak and chestnut carved with scenes of the fey. Henry could tell she was tall despite the fact that she sat. Her hair of gold was swept up in a twist with the ends trailing around her face. Silver cat eyes lent an exotic air to the sculpted cheekbones and small mouth. She wore a gown of midnight blue kafta, a fabric made only by the elves. The embroidery was the color of her eyes and at her throat was the biggest and clearest moonstone Henry had ever seen. Her left eyebrow winged up as the young owl approached.

“Good evening to you Henry Stoven. I see Rian has brought you into our gathering.” He made no reply. She smiled at his caution and stood. I am Elvenia, Carar of the Rhodes fey. Be welcome at our table, at our feast, and at our hearth. May those of Yorkshire be friends with us of Rhodes.”

Henry bowed deeply. “I am honored Carar. I bring good tidings from the Pinelene of Yorkshire.”

Elvenia looked at him sharply. “The Pinelene of Yorkshire? Autumn Skies? Tell me how you know of her.” As she stood, Henry took a step back. What was this?

“Pinelene Autumn Skies is my grandmother. She sent me to Rhodes for study. In her last letter, she begged pardon for sending me unannounced.” Not sure of what her reaction would be, Henry stood his kept his eyes downcast. The last thing he wanted to do was offend her!

Laughter rang out through the glade. Henry’s eyes whipped up as Elvenia came down the steps of the dias to approach him. Rian looked on in astonishment as the Carar embraced Henry.

“Autumn Skies’ grandson! Once I knew you were of Yorkshire I should have known you were kin of hers. Only those in whom the power runs strongly can find the magic hidden in Rhodes unaided. Tell me, how does she fair?” Leaving Rian standing in the audience chamber Elvenia guided Henry to the feasting table. Rian sighed, though she did not know if it was in relief or frustration. While she obviously was no longer in trouble with the Carar, she hadn’t expected to be completely ignored! As frustration won out Rian stamped a foot clad in golden ice shoes and crossed her arms. She was the one who had offered greeting to the owl. What did it matter that she did it more out of loneliness than out of a knowledge of his ancestry? She had made first contact. Mumbling under her breath, Rian followed the crowd to the feasting tables. She would have to move quickly in order to find a seat at the low tables. After the welcome he received, she doubted that Henry would be down with the children.

With a shrug she flew through the glen to the tables. Her favorite part of last moon night was the feast. The fey cooks had definitely out done themselves this year. The banqueting table was covered in cocoon bowls filled with goodies. She could see sautéed mushrooms in a dew sauce, Hickory-smoked salmon steaks, and her favorite – air bread. She could almost taste the fluffy bread melting in her mouth. A dish of asparagus wrapped bacon was nestled next to a pan of breaded pork chops. Obviously, they had made the necessary trades with the humans to get such a variety of food! Squirrel pot pies and barbeque rabbit was sitting next to trays of dainty ham salad and egg salad sandwiches. And on and on. She only hoped that there would be some of the best left for her.

“Rian. Rian, child, where are you? You must join Henry and me.” Elvenia’s golden voice echoed throughout the feasting hall. “Ah, there you are. We must reward one who was brave enough to approach a stranger.” Rian eagerly hurried over to the Carar’s side. Third in line! How was she going to carry all that food back to the tables? Maybe tonight wasn’t going to be so bad after all!