the fairy circle

“Oh, honey, I am always ready to face the day. That’s a fact.” She proudly stated, playfully winking at the other girl. “And by the looks of it, so are you.” She complimented, nodding in approval at the other girl’s outfit and spirit. Tessa could be nasty when it came to the same sex, especially to girls who were too friendly, but today she just felt sassy. Unless, of course, you were Wendy Freaking Darling. Then, Tessa certainly had more than sass to deliver. “Actually, you could help me. See, I don’t usually do this but, I guess today is just your special day, or worst. "She shrugged, "I was wondering, if you’re up for the adventure, would you like to be my aquarium buddy for the day?" 

She paused, pouting her lips to the side in thought. She wasn’t usually the type of girl to let another one lead, mainly because Tessa refused to allow another female to feel like she could be the leader in anything in Tessa’s life, but again, today was a different type of day for Tessa. "I’ll lead the way, but you can pick the first…two exhibits.” She compromised with herself, attempting to make an effort to not come off as such a brat to the other girl. 

At the girl’s playful wink, Fauna sent one right back. It was always interesting to think of how she could be perceived--Fauna, being over eighty years old and still able to blend in a bit with the younger crowd. “You always have to be ready to face the day,” Fauna said with an approving tone. “You never know what it might throw at you.”

There’s a small pause and Fauna tilts her head. “Oh?” Well, how could Fauna help? But--the young lady is already explaining. An aquarium buddy. Sounds--hmmm--sounds interesting. Having company in general sounded interesting. “Well, I should hope that I’m up for an adventure. Life is rather boring without them, wouldn’t you say?”

As the offer for two exhibits were made, Fauna gave a short hum. What two exhibits should she pick? If it was an adventure, should they be big exhibits? Or should they be smaller things? “What about the otters--do you like otters?” And realizing that they weren’t properly acquainted yet, “I’m Fauna, by the way. And I think the first exhibit will be the Sea Otters.”

“Yes, really!” Fawn told her with a soft laugh. “You just hold your hand out like mine is with two fingers pointing out. It serves kind of as a perch,” she explained.

Fauna looked at the bird for a moment, back up to the young woman, back to the bird, then did as she’d done. She held her hand out, with the two fingers pointed like a perch, and smiled at the small bird, even whistling a softly melodic tune in the bird’s range. “I like birding, but I never though anyone might be a sort of bird whisperer like you,” Fauna says softly. 

Aquarium Day

From the moment Tessa opened her sleepy eyes, to the moment she was out the shower, the girl knew today was going to be her day. She didn’t care if her hair was not agreeing with her, because there were always headbands for that issue, and used that as her motivation to smile even brighter today. Her nails were freshly painted pink, her lips were glossed up with her favorite clear shimmery lip gloss, and each step she took was with purpose even if the girl herself didn’t have an actual destination in mind for the day.

She found herself lost in the music blaring through her headphones, popping some of her favorite strawberry bubblegum, walking towards the aquarium. When all else failed for Tessa, she always made her way to either the aquarium or the beach. There was a pause in her music as her phone loaded the other song, which is what caused her to finally pay attention to her surroundings. A smile spread on her shimmery lips when she noticed where her feet had taken her. “Hmm,” She looked to see if she could find someone to make a quick friend with, “Psst. Hey you, yeah you. Are you busy?”

Fauna liked days like this. With nice weather and clear skies and just a little bit of a summer air. She’d decided, since there was still a flyer up in the kitchen about the aquarium, that maybe she’d head there today. She wasn’t a big artist-type, but she did like to capture the beauty of things with a note or two... a written note... to incorporate into a song. And sometimes she liked figuring out notes in the things around her.

So she went to the aquarium, and found herself a bit lost in thought--looking up at the giant mural on the ceiling of the lobby. She was taking in the sound off the walls and through the halls, when she heard someone... speaking to her? 

“Oh? I’m... not-- not really? Hi, may I help you?” Fauna replied, turning. And she smiled immediately, seeing the girl. “Oh, you look like you’re ready to face the day, don’t you?”

Waking up this morning and getting a small glimpse of how bright the sun was shining from behind her had set Rapunzel up in the best of moods. She’d sprung out of bed instantly, gotten changed and figured she’d spend as much of the day outside, soaking up the sun and enjoying the fresh air. Gathering up all her drawing supplies, her big case of pencils and her sketchpad, she shoved everything untidily into a bag along with a large throw she used to lay on the grass and she was out of the house. 

The walk to the park wasn’t a long one, and she stopped at her favorite bakery for a latte and a pastry for her breakfast on her way there. Once she made it,  she picked a spot where there weren’t too many people but there was still life and movement to inspire her. Settling down, she threw  the purple and gold embroidered throw straight onto the grass and sat down, put her things down near her and picking the sketchpad and a softer pencil and there she stayed, munching on her cinnamon roll and sipping on her coffee until they were both all done. It must’ve been about two hours, lots of pages ripped from her pad and stuffed gently under her backpack to keep them from flying away, things she didn’t want to work on now but wanted to develop with paints back home. A bit tired, Rapunzel went to grab the water bottle she had in her bag and it must’ve been the way she moved it, because all of a sudden, one of her slips went flying with the wind “Shit!” She cursed out, dropping everything and rushing after it. Luckily, someone caught it in their hand, and the brunette rushed to them with a smile “Oh, thank you! Thank you so much, I would’ve never caught it… Whof, I need to get into better shape” She said, panting a little bit with a chuckle.

Holding the drawing in her hand, Fauna finds her eyes flitting to the approaching woman--young, bright--running after the page. Fauna nods to her, smile wide, and offers the page back, even laughs at the young lady’s exclamation. “Ah, it’s not trouble, dear,” Fauna says--and then reminds herself that she must not appear so physically different. Ah, ages. Well, in any case, Fauna hands the paper back, kindly. “An artist? I think I’d passed you an hour ago--concentrating, I’d expect. It really is a lovely day for it, isn’t it?” 

Fauna wasn’t the sort to be into visual art. She couldn’t sculpt or paint--but she could sing. And that--among people now in Arendelle--was what she was known for. “I’m glad you’re taking full advantage of the day. The park has been a bit underutilized lately. Probably in favor of the beaches and sea--but anyhow... I’m glad you enjoy it. I much prefer trees to tides.”

Fawn held her hand out for the bird to perch itself on it. “Come here, sweet birdie,” she said. The bird twitched it’s head before fluttering over and landing on her hand. “You didn’t steal her. She’s just friendly is all.” She smiled at the older woman. “Do you want to try holding her?”

Fauna smiled warmly, having expected the exchange to be brief. Fleeting, even. But when the woman offers the chance to hold the bird, Fauna’s eyes light up. “O-oh? Really?” A smile widens and Fauna comes a bit closer. “How should I--what should I do?”

“Oh, little songbird. You’ve grown happier, have you?” There’s a pause. Fauna can’t actually speak to birds, strictly speaking. But the pitch of this songbird has grown, and Mary finds herself unable to ignore it. Turning to see, Fauna finds herself face to face with another, and her smile grows. “Ah, hi. Seems this little songbird is quite happy to see you. Sorry to steal your companion for a conversation.”

“It has! I feel terrible for how long it’s been. Work takes up so much time though, especially since we’ve been filming a new season of my show. You would be surprised how insane some of these people are. I probably shouldn’t use terms like ‘insane’ as a therapist but no one’s perfect.” Hera picked up the menu and began skimming it. “We can at least try. Progress not perfection I always say.” She looks back up at her friend and smiles. 

“That it is! Summer is the off season for therapist. Everyone’s serotonin is boosted so there’s not as much to talk about. Luckily for me though I don’t deal with your every day client. I deal with couples and there is always trouble in paradise.” She shook her head. “Oh, stop. I could never stop you. I love the nice weather. My dog loves it too because she can go to the dog park a lot longer.”

Fauna can’t help but find it funny how similar and how different she and Hera were. Hera, who was so casual about so many things, but even serious as well. And Fauna who was mature in some ways, but entirely spacey in others. A smile overtook the Fauna’s face, and she nodded. “Yes, I see. It really must be busy, I can’t even imagine,” she says. And it is in no way sarcastic. Fauna doesn’t think she could ever be on television. For the obvious reasons of magic, but also due to the fact that she doesn’t think she’s made for it. “Is it scary? Being on television?” Fauna asks Hera out of interest, and out of curiosity. What it must be like, Fauna thinks.

There’s something humorous as well to Hera’s comment about an off season. About couples in this climate and how there really is always trouble in any sort of paradise. Relational ones and otherwise. “Well, there’s something to keep it interesting!” Fauna says, ever trying to keep things optimistic. “Unless it shouldn’t be. I mean--I hate that people are having struggles of course. But all the better if they’re receiving help.” She takes a look around them, watching the people. Fauna loved that. And in a moment, she’s back, the mention of a dog catching her attention. Fauna loved animals. “Oh, I ought to come with you sometime. I wish I could keep a dog, but I don’t think it would go over well with... well... you know--” she trails off. Housemates? Sisters? Whichever she were to say. “I love the dog run,” she admits. “I used to go with some friends on daily walks to different dog parks--I miss that. And I miss the nicest weather--... if only it were sunnier now, you know? I’d be birding.”

𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚋𝚒𝚛𝚍

name: fauna fae age: eighty-six / thirty-eight occupation: music teacher other: magical.

𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚙 ( 𝚙𝚕𝚞𝚜 )

she loves small things. she loves to protect them. birds, flowers, animals– fauna will do what she can to help protect the magic in the things around her.

she sings around the house, livening up the space and air with just her voice. she enjoys the way sounds carry. she enjoys the way that it is an intangible, emotional connection.

she is horribly optimistic. she isn’t naive, but she does like to look on the bright side if she can.

she doesn’t believe in daily quotes, but she will make herself a promise at the beginning of every day. she’ll only share if she trusts you.

𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚊𝚕 ( 𝚗𝚎𝚞𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚕 )

fauna is easily confused by the concept of age. or the concept of how old she “should” look. while she is eighty-six years old, she often says that she is thirty-eight to hide her magical heritage and divert suspicion. she wonders what it would be like to appear older, and sometimes people would take her more seriously when they talk down to her for her appearance.

she doesn’t have a favorite season, she loves them all.

𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚝 ( 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜 )

she cannot bake. she tries so hard, but the best she can do is cookies from a premade mix. cakes are the worst. easy as pie does not exist for her.