A Ribbon Strand: Raised Hackura

A Day To Celebrate Pt. 1

Haley 5 years old

        Haley ran into the main hall of the Hackura castle. Aiden wanted me to practice snapping the decorations I wanted for my birthday. I closed my eyes and snapped the whole room pink with sparkles. Then I snapped balloons everywhere. I opened my eyes and clapped. It was perfect. I giggled. Behind me I heard, “Is pink. Princess.” I squealed, “BLADE!” I ran and jumped into his arms. He laughed and spun me around. I asked, “Where’s Serion?” Serion appeared and said, “Right here princess.” I smiled and popped into his arms. He said, “What mischief have you gotten into today?” I smiled, “Who? Me?” Serion laughed, “Yes, you.” I smiled sweetly at him. I heard Harper yelling, “WHAT THE f**k?! HALEY!” I giggled and popped away from Serion. Serion said, “Prince Harper will find you.” I yelled, “But it’s my birthday! He can’t stay mad at me.” I knew Blade was following me. He always did. I ran to the spot Logan and I agreed to meet. I’d shown him my little treehouse Aiden taught me how to conjure. Aiden promised I’d get better at making them with practice. Only Logan, Aiden, and I could get into my treehouse right now. Logan had just turned ten a few months ago. We pulled a lot of pranks on our brothers. I popped up to him. 

        Logan smiled, “Did you get your decorations done?” I nodded, “Aiden will be so proud of me!” Logan smiled, “I can tell from our bond with Harper he’s discovered our prank.” I clapped, “He’s so mad.” Logan said, “Can you tell where he is?” I closed my eyes and focused on my bond with Harper. I opened my eyes, “He’s almost here. Aiden said he won’t be able to see the treehouse. He can’t hear us inside, but if we go on the deck, he can.” Logan laughed and we walked out on the deck together. Harper, Gunner, Marcus, and Bjourn were outside. Everyone but Harper was laughing. Harper said, “I know you two are here! Get out here!” We giggled. They all looked up. Bjourn said, “I sense fairy hijinks.” Harper whirled, “YOU SENSE?! SHE CHARMED MY HAIR PINK! WITH SPARKLES!” Gunner finally laughed. I said, “Even your boytoy lover thinks it funny!” Logan laughed. Gunner sighed, “I guess I should be happy she uses my actual name sometimes.” 

        Marcus said, “Little one… why can’t we see you?” I giggled, “Magic!” Logan yelled, “Really cool Fae magic!” Bjourn said, “Nonetheless…. come out or remove the magic so we can see you.” I signed. I popped down and grabbed them and popped back up. Marcus said, “Holy s**t! You did this?” I nodded excitedly. I said, “Aiden said I’ll get better! He was so impressed!” Bjourn said, “We are all impressed little one.” He hugged me, “Happy birthday Haley!” I hugged him back and kissed him on the cheek. I said, “Thanks Bjourn!” Marcus said, “Hey now… we all get birthday hugs.” I laughed and popped to everyone saving Harper for last. He hugged me tight. Harper said, “Happy birthday you mischievous little sister of mine. Can you turn my hair back?” I pouted, “Can you keep it for my party? Please Harper? Please? Please? Please? It wears off right after!” Harper sighed, “Fine.” Gunner coughed, “Sucker!” I pulled back and smiled. I chanted, “mil thinks  mil thinks meself'm   mils  da  ina (he thinks it's funny he thinks I'm sweet, turn his hair a shade of pink).” Harper laughed as did Logan, Marcus, and Bjourn. Gunner said, “Oh god. What did she do?” He ran to the bathroom in and yelled, “HALEY!” I smiled, “Bye guys!” I popped out back to the main house. 

        Arms circled around me, “Happy Birthday Princess.” I smiled, “Thank you daddy!” He said, “This room is very pink.” I smiled, “I’ve been practicing.” My dad smiled, “I see that.” I bounced, “Can I start practicing with Bjourn now? You said when I was older. I’m older.” I held out my hand, “I’m a whole hand old daddy!” My dad sighed, “You can start working a little bit with Bjourn.” I squealed, “YAY!” Veronica walked in and said, “Did you tell her what you got for her birthday present already? I swear that little has you wrapped around her finger Titus.” My eyes went wide, “You were gonna tell me my present?” I clapped my hands. Miley came running in. She said, “You told her without me? MANNNNN!” My dad laughed, “I haven’t told her yet.” All my brothers came in. He said, “Well, since all the boys are here. Let’s go see your present Princess.” I giggled and popped onto my dad’s shoulders. He laughed and we walked outside. We were heading towards the stable. I was getting really excited. I always wanted an animal. My dad walked in and stopped beside a very pretty black colt. He said, “Princess, this is Pirate. He’s your horse.” I squealed. Everyone watched the horse, but he didn’t react. In the books Aiden had given me to study I knew he wouldn’t. I was part earth fairy. Animals loved earth fairies. I hugged my dad. I popped onto Pirate’s back. Marcus and Bjourn’s eyes went wide. My dad reached for Pirate. Veronica said, “We should’ve gone over rules before showing her the horse.” I popped into front of Pirate, “Hey boy!” He neighed in response. I thought really hard about conjuring him a sugar cute. I squealed when it worked. I said, “Here you go boy. Can I ride him daddy? Puhhhhleeeeasseeee?” My dad laughed, “Let’s get him saddled up.” I snapped and Pirate had a saddle on. I popped back on top of him.

        Histeck said, “Ok…. WHY isn’t the horse startled she keeps popping all over the place? The sound should startle him. The appearance on his back part should really get him.” I said, “Silly Histeck. Animals love earth fairies. No animal would ever harm me. Some would even do as I wished.” I popped Pirate and I outside. I giggled, “Run boy!” Pirate took off. I could hear something behind me, but I felt so free. I didn’t listen. I put my arms out wide. Feeling the wind at my face while Pirate ran. He ran to the ocean. I giggled and popped off his back. I turned, “Stay here please.” He neighed in response. My light was telling me he would stay.” I kicked the water as the tide came in splashing. I turned to see my dad and Bjourn riding up on their horses. Once they’d gotten off, I called the wind and splashed them both with water. Bjourn said, “You can pop with animals?” I nodded, “Oh yeah. Animals pop just fine. It’s people who have a weird first experience with popping.” Bjourn said, “I think I’m going to have to start reading the books Aiden gives you for your fairy lessons.” I smiled, “You can. Aiden said he made me copies. I get to keep mine. You can take any of them out of my room. Did dad tell you? He said you could start training with me?” Bjourn shot a look at our dad who shrugged. Bjourn said, “We will start Monday then little sister. As for Pirate…. You can’t ride without someone with you for now.” I pouted, “Why?” My dad came over, “We just want to make sure you are safe.” I said, “But Blade was with me.” My dad looked over and Blade appeared. My dad said, “You run fast Blade.” Blade said, “Is fast. Do cardio.” Blade switched to Latin, the language our people speak, “Ego cognovi quod erit opus est paratus c*m equo obtinuit eam. Quæ est whisical et amat in faciem venti. Nuper coepi popping quia non plus sunt mihi currit circa usque ad custodiam (I knew that I'd need to be prepared when you got her a horse. She's whimsical and she loves the wind in her face. I have been running more lately since she started popping around to keep up).”

        Bjourn said, “Not a bad idea. That’s where you’ll start your training, little sister. You and me on the track. Running.” I clapped. Bjourn said, “You know…. everyone else I tell that to groans and begs to start somewhere else.” I frowned, “But you and Aaron are the bestest trainers! I want to be good like you! That means I have to listen and follow what you do. Right Daddy? That’s what you said. Study, Observe, Follow.” My dad and Bjourn were startled. My dad said, “Princess…. have you been in court?” I shook my head, “No, you said I couldn’t come to court.” Blade said, “Is not specific.” Bjourn laughed, “How do you know what dad said then?” I sighed, “I charmed the ceiling on the floor above to tell me the secrets below. I never went to court.” Bjourn laughed, “You sit upstairs and listen to court?” I nodded, “Yes. Miley said no one uses that room. We are the only ones who can hear what’s said. Aiden told me how to specify my charms.” My dad said, “Oh I’ll just bet he did. Does what you hear scare you princess?” I frowned, “Why would it scare me?” Bjourn said, “It gets intense sometimes. When did you start listening?” I said, “Last year.” My dad said, “SINCE LAST YEAR?” He turned to Blade, “How do none of you know that?” Blade snorted, “Princeps in castra sequuntur. Ut ille tuus. Salvum fac nobis est cornu, et in pelagus conclavibus duorum lectorum. (Do not follow princess in castle. That was your order. We make sure she is safe in her wing and the main rooms.)” 

        I said, “Don’t be mad at him daddy! He drops me off at my room. I pop to Miley then pop to the room.” Blade said, “Is fairy side.” My dad said, “Yes. It is. I guess I’ll have to be more specific in the future.” I frowned, “You aren't mad, are you daddy? I didn’t go to court.” My dad bent down, “I’m not mad at you Princess. It wasn’t your fault. I know I have to be very specific when I tell you things.” I looked down, “I’m sorry.” My dad tilted up my chin, “There’s nothing to be sorry for. It’s your birthday, and you can’t help it.” I smiled, “Promise you aren’t mad?” My dad nodded. Bjourn knelt down next to me, “Has anything you heard scared you?” I shook my head, “No, we are the protectors of the realms.” Bjourn said, “Yes, but knowing that and hearing how we do that are very different.” I shrugged, “I read about our histories in the library.” My dad said, “You don’t just wait to learn in class?” I shook my head, “I love to read.” Blade said, “Quod verum est. Ordinatim insumit eam tempore moles sunt in bibliothecam (That's true. She spends an inordinate amount of time in the library).” Bjourn said, “When do you read?” I said, “Oh...all the time! I only need three hours of sleep. I asked Aiden why I couldn’t sleep at night. He said that my fairy side doesn’t need much. Everyone else is sleeping so I just go to the library.” My dad and brother looked at each other. I frowned, “Is that not ok?”

        My dad scooped me up, “That’s fine Princess. How much have you read?” I said, “Oh...all the books on the first floor.” Bjourn said, “WHAT?” I said, “I read very fast. I remember everything I read. Aiden said that I have an eidetic memory.” Bjourn said, “Aiden apparently says a lot of things to you he doesn’t share.” I said, “He’s my brother. You don’t tell him all the things you tell me.” Bjourn said, “Yes, but these little tidbits about my little sister are something I need to know. I want you to promise to include Marcus in all your treehouses. Ok?” My dad said, “Tree Houses?” I said, “Ok. That’s easy! I included Logan in the last one, and he found it just fine.” My dad said, “Easy enough Princess? Bjourn, Tree houses?” Bjourn said, “Aiden showed her how to conjure a treehouse and hide it.” I laughed, “He was so surprised I could do it! He gets so surprised when I do things.” Bjourn said, “Does he?” I nodded, “He wants me to come meet other partial fairies. He said they aren’t as good as Emmaline and me.” Bjourn said, “Does he?” I nodded, “Can I daddy, please?” My dad said, “We will discuss that with Aiden later.” Bjourn said, “Does he have a theory as to why you and Emmaline are the most adept at your powers?” I nodded, “Yeah...he thinks it's me. He thinks that since Emmaline and I always train together I can bring out the fairy side of partial fairies.” Bjourn said, “Wonderful.” I clapped, “Isn’t it? I could help other partial fairies like me bring their powers to the surface! I could help so many people do cool things!” My dad said, “Helping people is always nice princess.” Bjourn muttered, “And very un-fairy like.” 

        I sighed, “Arion said I’m not very fairy like.” Bjourn said, “Arion is an i***t. You have all the good traits of a fairy, and none of the bad.” I shrugged, “Sometimes he doesn't like me very much.” Bjourn said, “Arion loves you, Haley. He’d be stupid not to. He’s just VERY fairy about the way he loves.” I shook my head, “He loves Aiden like you guys love me.” Bjourn said, “He doesn’t, little one. He has a lot of love and loyalty towards Aiden. He just loves in the fairy way.” I shook my head, “No... Emmaline read his soul for me. He feels towards Aiden how you guys feel for me.” My dad’s head jerked, “Has Emmaline done that for you with other people?” I kicked the sand with my toe. My dad said, “Princess?” I whispered, “Yes.” My dad sighed, “That’s why you don’t want your mother, Alania, to come to your party today?” I said, “She’s mean! Mom is my mom NOT HER! She doesn't love me like mom does!” My dad sighed, “Oh Princess…. of course your mom loves you. Your mother does too.” 

        Bjourn said, “Alania loves Alania, dad.” My dad shot him a look. I said, “Bjourn’s right. She loves Arion the most.” My dad turned back, “Not Aiden?” I sighed, “Emmaline thinks that it’s because Aiden is more independent, and Arion relies on her more. She’s not sure. She’s still working on her soul searching power.” I kicked the sand, “She’s already planning her fifth birthday party.” Bjourn said, “It’s not for another seven months.” I shrugged, “She invited me. Can’t I go this year? Please daddy! Lexi is going…Miley’s invited too! Aiden said I could bring two of my brothers and Blade…. I really want to go!” Bjourn said, “Is anyone else annoyed with the words Aiden said yet?” Blade snorted. My Dad sighed, “We’ll talk over security with Aiden. Is it in water fairy territory?” I nodded, “Yes, it’s at cousin Marcious’ house.” My dad said, “That’s good at least.” I clapped excitedly. 

        My dad quickly said, “We will see Princess. I worry about you there.” I said, “I’ve never been there.” My dad said, “One day Princess…. you will understand how you came to be with us.” I stepped back, “You didn’t want me?” My dad pulled me into a hug. He whispered, “I wanted you from the moment I found out your mother was pregnant. You know our traditions here with the partial Hackura’s. We didn’t do that with you for a reason, Princess.” I sighed, “I know.” Bjourn said, “You don’t.” I changed the subject back to the party saying, “I was planning to bring you and Marcus with me to Emmaline’s party. No one can defeat you Bjourn.” Bjourn said, “You know that…. how?” I flushed. My dad snorted, “Have you been watching Bjourn train?” I said, “He pushes all his connections down to focus. The only person who comes close to beating him is Astrid. Can she be part of my training too Bjourn? PLEASE! She’s SO COOL!” Bjourn laughed, “I’m sure my mate will insist on it when she hears you want to train.” I smiled, “Not even Aaron can beat you. Or his dad! You’re the bestest! Benjamin is the best at finding things.” My dad said, “Oh Christ. You really have been listening and paying attention more than we thought.” I nodded. 

        Bjourn was studying me. Finally he said, “Haley….do you know a charm to make someone be calmer? Less scared?” My dad’s head whipped to Bjourn. I nodded, “Oh yeah! That was the first charm I learned. Aiden didn’t know if I could do charms, so he started with a charm that had a little difficulty to it.” Bjourn said, “Sure, that’s always a brilliant place to start with someone who’s learning. GOD! Fairy’s….” I said, “But...but I did it.” Bjourn said, “And that’s great.” He knelt down, “Have you done that charm with anyone here?” I nodded, “Oh lots of times! Your new recruits are always so nervous to fight you.” My dad said, “Dear god….” I said, “Ohhh and when the whole army went out with Daddy. Everyone was so nervous. Harper was nervous to kiss his boytoy lover the first time ....” Bjourn’s eyes went wide, “You learned that charm when you were three?” I nodded, “Yes. Aiden’s always spoken Fealish to me as well as English. I’ve always known English, Latin, and fealish. Aiden said I have a knack for languages. I don’t understand that word.” Bjourn said, “It means you pick up languages quickly. Is that a fairy trait?” I nodded, “Aiden said it’s a trait that runs in our family. Only he and I have it. It makes Arion jealous.” Bjourn said, “Of course it does.”

        My dad nudged Bjourn. Bjourn said, “Anyone else come to mind for your peace charm?” I thought about it. I shook my head, “No, not that one.” Bjourn laughed, “Then what one did you use on Uncle Zader?” My jaw dropped. I said, “How did you know?” Bjourn said, “Uncle Zader hasn’t left the realm since before I can even remember. Now he does.” I said, “That…. well…. Miley said….” My dad said, “Oh lord. What did Miley say?” I kicked the sand, “We didn’t hurt him. I promise!” My dad said, “Princess, we know you didn’t hurt him. We are just curious about what you did.” I searched my connection with both of them. Neither were mad. I said, “Well… Emmaline helped cleanse his soul and I restored his mind.” Bjourn said, “What does that mean? He didn’t lose his memories.” I shook my head, “No…. his mind was full of fear and….it felt like snakes…. Aiden said it was probably a spell.” My dad yelled, “WHAT? SOMEONE SPELLED MY BROTHER?!” I jerked back. My dad had never yelled at me. I said, “I’m sorry. That’s…. Aiden’s not sure. We did it without him. It’s just a guess on his part…. Grandpa and Grandma had a blackness inside them too. Not like Uncle Zader’s snakes in his mind. I fixed the darkness though, and the snakes. Aiden said I’m really gifted at healing. Arion’s jealous about that too.” Bjourn and my dad stared at each other for several moments. Blade said, “Is Innocent. All Heart.”

         My dad turned back to me. He asked, “Does Aiden have anything to say about the blackness in your grandparents that you healed?” I shook my head, “No, as a healer I sense things…. Gunner’s parents had it too. I fixed them and grandma and grandpa. There’s no darkness in them anymore. I didn’t tell Aiden about that yet.” Bjourn had tears in his eyes. He knelt down, “Why haven’t you told Aiden, little one?” I said, “Well...I didn’t want him to be upset. He has me practicing smaller things…. I just knew I could do it. I felt it. Aiden doesn’t want me to overexert myself.” Bjourn said, “You know how we told you grandma and grandpa are sick?” I shook my head, “No…. they aren’t. I fixed them a week ago. They aren't sick anymore. Grandma can come back to Miley and I’s tea parties. Grandpa can play ball with Logan too! Logan misses playing ball with grandpa. Grandpa can build sandcastles with me again.” My dad pulled me into a hug. He spoke in Latin to Bjourn, “qui currunt doctorum probat. Vide si non cancer periit (have the doctors run the tests. See if the cancer is gone).” I pulled back, “What’s cancer?” My dad wiped his eyes, “It’s what the darkness you felt is called. When did you heal Gunner’s parents?” I said, “I’m sorry.” My dad said, “Why?” I said, “Last night…. I left the castle. I know I’m not supposed to after my bedtime, but when I saw Gunner’s dad yesterday his darkness had gotten bigger ....” I lowered my voice to a whisper, “He needed my help. His sorrow and sickness called to me.” Blade said, “Is why Princess slept in.” I nodded, “I haven’t had much practice with that. Gunner’s mom’s darkness was smaller. Grandpas was bigger but not as big as Gunner’s dad. Grandma was in the middle.”

        My dad laughed and hugged me, “No leaving the castle in the middle of the night princess. We will talk about that tomorrow. Today is a celebration day.” I clapped and yelled, “IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!” My dad laughed. I clapped and said, “Even Katie is coming today!” Bjourn got off his phone. He asked, “Emmaline’s older sister?” I nodded, “Yup! She’s a little younger than Logan.” Bjourn said, “I know how old she is. I just didn’t know she was coming.” I said, “Mom said it was fine.” Bjourn said, “Then it’s fine.” My dad wiped his eyes. He said, “Let’s head back to the stable. How did you get Pirate to stay here this whole time without being tied to the post?” I said, “Oh...I told him to stay. It’s my earth side calling out to him.” Bjourn said, “Oh…. hear that dad? She told him to stay so he did. I’m reading all those damn books in her room.” I giggled, “Wanna see one of the other things I learned?” Bjourn said, “Yes.” I thought about which one to show them. I smiled and opened my eyes. Bjourn had been given a pillow he hated as a gift. I conjured it. Bjourn said, “Oh joy. The world’s ugliest throw pillow.” I snorted. I handed it to him and said, “Throw it really high.” Bjourn nodded and chucked the throw pillow towards the ocean. I laughed. I threw my hands out and the pillow exploded. I turned to see their astonished faces. I said, “Isn’t it cool?” Bjourn said, “Uh huh…. can you do other stuff we haven’t seen?” I nodded enthusiastically. I added, “Aiden said he’ll keep testing stuff out with me. I can do some things he hasn’t seen yet though. I’ve read about it in the books he’s given me. I tried some of them out. Like this one. Lucinda can do it. She’s cool too!” 

        Bjourn said, “Aiden doesn’t know you can do that? Making things explode?” I shook my head, “I want to surprise him at my next lesson.” My dad turned to Blade and said, “ferrum, ex hoc maneat apud illam Lectiones occultatum. Nos postulo ut scilicet animadvertas. Potens est astoundingly (Blade, from now on stay hidden at her lessons. We clearly need to observe this. She is astoundingly powerful.” I teared up. My dad was proud of me. I said, “Astoundingly? You feel proud…. very proud.” Bjourn snorted. My dad scooped me up, “You are picking up languages quickly. Are you fluent in Latin, Princess?” I smiled, “Quod loquor tam faciliter quam epistulas anglicus et fealish (I speak it as easily as English and fealish).”