Chapter 41: Thetis’s Power
As Faye expected, the difference between planes could not be more distinct. The path between Innerworld and Outerworld was anchored at both ends by a shrine, but whereas the faeries’ was a beautiful temple grown from the trees and guarded at all times, the human side was a run-down construct hewn from refined, dispirited stone and wood with nothing to prevent demons from abusing the conflux and invading. Queen Thetis, a sweeping blue freshness in a dull grey world, did not seem perturbed by the area’s poverty.
“Can you not sense the purity of this place?” she asked.
“Indeed I can,” said Faye, “However, I can also sense the memories contained within these walls and the earth upon which we stand. This abode may not presently be tainted by the corrupt hearts of humanity, but its state of ruin serves to tell me how little they value their holy territory,”
“They fear this place,” explained the Queen, “Since the fall of their civilisation it has been a centre point for much activity they do not understand.”
“And rather than strengthen this place against the forces of the Underworld, they have abandoned it,” said Faye, “This proves to me that they are a ignorant and pitiable people,“
“An opinion I myself once shared,” said the Queen, “And many others before me. Your experience with humans shall change that,”
Faye pondered how experiencing the corruptive tendencies of humanity first-hand would make a difference from hearing about them. Had it not been Queen Thetis herself suggesting such an occurrence, she would have had difficulty accepting it as a possible outcome.
She then noticed two thought-patterns approaching the church. “Are the humans approaching the delegates you informed me of?” she asked. The male was worried that his appearance was not worthy of a Faerie Queen, while the female was lost in infantile daydreams about what one would look like.
“They are indeed,” said the Queen, “I assume you have noted their surface thoughts already?”
“Rembrandt Payne does not believe himself worthy of your presence,” said Faye, “While Amber Thorburn has not encountered you before. She will be overwhelmed when her expectations are exceeded.”
“Perhaps I should alter my appearance to something more fitting of those expectations?” asked the Queen, “Something that will also place Rembrandt Payne at ease?”
“It is unreasonable for you to diminish your majesty to appease the whims of humans,” said Faye.
The Queen smiled then, with a flick of her wrist, changed from her majestic beauty to a woman with shoulder-length hair and a trim dress. “It is also unreasonable to cause them discomfort,” she said, “We are not Earth faeries, Faye Delphinus. Like water itself we adapt to our surroundings.”
Faye looked down at her own uniform. From the myriad of possibilities she had chosen the conservative appearance of a jacket, shirt and tie with an ankle-length skirt. It was design that had survived through human culture for a millennium, forever associated with the intellectual and serious of mind.
The Queen led her towards the entrance of the shrine. The two humans, now approaching the entrance from the outside, were wondering whom this Faye Delphinus person was going to be. On first visual contact Faye was as taken aback by their appearance as they were by hers.
“I did not expect the human ageing process to be so apparent,” she said.
The Queen moved towards the dark suited Rembrandt Payne, who dropped to his knee in submission. Amber Thorburn followed his lead but her thoughts were conflicted between awe at meeting Queen Thetis and insecurity regarding her own appearance. Faye stood back and allowed the Queen to deal with the situation.
“I do apologise for Lady Faye’s tactless statement,” she said, “You both look radiant for humans of your age.”
“Do not apologise, Your Majesty,” said Rembrandt Payne, keeping his face bowed low, “We were prepared.”
“It has only been several weeks since our last meeting,” she said, “Already I hear Princess Phantasia has had quite an impact on your Academy,”
Rembrandt Payne rose. “Things have certainly been interesting,” he said, “I was beginning to wonder if you sent her here on purpose,”
