Searching Faeries
by
Jennifer CrandallDate: 29 Mar 2001 18:42:42 -0000
From: "Jennifer Crandall" <masterjenn@hotmail.com>
To: Wicca List <wicca-l@spiritweb.org>
Subject: [wicca-l] Searching faeries.
"Ssshhhh! Errol, we have to be quiet."
"Are there really witches here Arleena?"
"Yes, this is where the witches are."
"How do you know? I don't see any."
"That is because they are lurking , silly."
"I'm not so sure I like it here, Arleena, I am afraid of witches."
"Don't be silly, Silly. Witches won't hurt you. They like faeries."
"How do you know?"
"Shivan told me so, now stop being such a nervous Nellie."
"Oh, well that's OK then, if Shivan says witches are OK, then they are OK in my books. Where did you say they were again?"
"They are lurking in the shadows here somewhere."
"Hey, there they are, I can hear them."
"Hide Errol, quickly."
Pant, pant, "Arleena, you scared the pants off me. I thought we wanted to find witches, isn't that why we are here?"
"That is a coven Errol, they are busy doing coven stuff and we don't want to get caught in the energy cone, gods only know where we could get accidently sent. Remember Willoby? He got caught in one and still hasn't found his way back yet."
"So what are we looking for Arleena?"
"A solitary. Actually several of them if we can find them."
"A solitary? What's that?"
"That is a witch who works alone."
"Why do we want one of those Arleena?"
"We don't, Errol the Silly One, Shivan wants them."
"What does she want them for?"
"She said she wants to share information and experience with them."
"Why would she want to do that?"
"Because Shivan is a Solitary witch herself, that's why."
"SHIVAN'S A WITCH????"
"Quiet you goose, you'll scare them all away. Of course Shivan's a witch. Didn't you know?"
"No."
Sigh.
"Arleena, if they are lurking in the shadows, how are we supposed to find them?"
"Shivan said to go to the sacred place and wait. One of them will surely ask us why we are here."
"Is this the sacred place?"
"Yup! It sure is."
"Where is it really?"
"It isn't really a place at all. It is between the other worlds."
"What is it called Arleena?"
"It called Cyberspace, Errol. This is where all the solitary witches can meet to share their knowledge and experience."
"Well, I hope she is friendly."
"Who?"
"The witch who finds us of course, silly Arleena, who else. It is so darned quiet here, I hope someone comes soon. I am getting scared."
"Me too Errol, me too. Oh witches, solitary witches, come talk to the faeries......+------------------------------------------------
Date: 30 Mar 2001 20:11:14 -0000
From: "Jennifer Crandall" <masterjenn@hotmail.com>
To: Wicca List <wicca-l@spiritweb.org>
Subject: [wicca-l] Errol and Arleena
"What'cha doin' Arleena?"
"Looking something up Errol."
"You're reading a book? A story book? Read it to me Arleena."
"It isn't a story book. It is a book of names."
"Why are you looking in a book of names?"
"Well, every name has a meaning Errol. Yours means autumn oak leaf and mine means spring rain drop. I want to know what Shivan's name means."
"Why"
"Because I asked her and she just smiled at me with that smile that makes you forget stuff."
"You mean like when she smiles and you just want to wiggle your wings and smile back."
"That's the one. She does that when she wants you to forget what you asked her."
"So maybe she doesn't want you to know what her name means."
"I don't care Errol, I want to know."
"Why?"
"BECAUSE I JUST DO, THAT'S WHY!"
"ok, ok, don't yell, she'll hear you."
"Drat, (closing a huge leather bound book) it isn't in here. This is really weird."
"What's weird?"
"This book is supposed to have every name since the third age in it and Shivan isn't in here."
"You mean....?"
"Yeah, her name is over three ages old."
"Well, I guess that is that then."
"Yup, we'll just have to ask someone who is old enough to remember."
"Arleena, are you nuts, who could be older than three ages? No, wait, you're not thinking of ......"
"Uh, huh,"
"Arleena, did you hit your head with your own wing again? Tell me you are NOT going looking for a DRAGON."
"Have to Errol, nobody else is old enough to remember."
"OK, but we're going to get eaten alive, or fried or cooked or magicked somewhere aweful or...."
"Stop it Errol, we are going to be very polite and just ask a reasonable question. Nothing is going to hurt us."
"Hey where are you guys going?"
"Oh hi Willoby, glad to see you made it back OK. Me and Arleena are going dragon hunting."
"You guys are crazier than me, oh well, it was nice knowing you."
"Come on Errol, stop wasting time."
+------------------------------------------------
Date: 31 Mar 2001 19:42:42 -0000
From: "Jennifer Crandall" <masterjenn@hotmail.com>
To: Wicca List <wicca-l@spiritweb.org>
Subject: [wicca-l] They're Back
"What'cha doin' Arleena?"
"Looking something up Errol."
"You're reading a book? A story book? Read it to me Arleena."
"It isn't a story book. It is a book of names."
"Why are you looking in a book of names?"
"Well, every name has a meaning Errol. Yours means autumn oak leaf and mine means spring rain drop. I want to know what Shivan's name means."
"Why"
"Because I asked her and she just smiled at me with that smile that makes you forget stuff."
"You mean like when she smiles and you just want to wiggle your wings and smile back."
"That's the one. She does that when she wants you to forget what you asked her."
"So maybe she doesn't want you to know what her name means."
"I don't care Errol, I want to know."
"Why?"
"BECAUSE I JUST DO, THAT'S WHY!"
"OK, OK, don't yell, she'll hear you."
"Drat, (closing a huge leather bound book) it isn't in here. This is really weird."
"What's weird?"
"This book is supposed to have every name since the third age in it and Shivan isn't in here."
"You mean....?"
"Yeah, her name is over three ages old."
"Well, I guess that is that then."
"Yup, we'll just have to ask someone who is old enough to remember."
"Arleena, are you nuts, who could be older than three ages? No, wait, you're not thinking of ......"
"Uh, huh,"
"Arleena, did you hit your head with your own wing again? Tell me you are NOT going looking for a DRAGON."
"Have to Errol, nobody else is old enough to remember."
"OK, but we're going to get eaten alive, or fried or cooked or magicked somewhere aweful or...."
"Stop it Errol, we are going to be very polite and just ask a reasonable question. Nothing is going to hurt us."
"Hey where are you guys going?"
"Oh hi Willoby, glad to see you made it back OK. Me and Arleena are going dragon hunting."
"You guys are crazier than me, oh well, it was nice knowing you."
"Come on Errol, stop wasting time."
+------------------------------------------------
Date: 4 Apr 2001 23:34:42 -0000
From: Jennifer Leigh Crandall <jlcrandall@nf.sympatico.ca>
To: Wicca List <wicca-l@spiritweb.org>
Subject: [wicca-l] Questing faeries
Merry Meet good folk of the list,
Thank you for all the kind words. My original intention was to introduce myself to the list and hope to gain a few like minded pen pals. However, it seems as though those faeries have taken over. Oh well, maybe that is as it should be for now. Anyway, here they are again:“Wow Arleena, she is beautiful, who do you think she is?”
“I don’t know who she is Errol, but I know what she is. She is a Woods Elf.”
“A Woods Elf, are you sure?”
“Sure I’m sure Silly, Just look at her long silvery hair and her graceful fingers.”
“She is almost taller than a human too. Is she friendly Arleena? Do you think we can talk to her?”
“We have to Errol. We’re lost, maybe she can give us directions.
Ooohhh, look how she makes the plants bloom.”
“Hmm Hmm, excuse me Elf lady.”
“Oh hello small one, aren’t these pretty flowers?”
“Why yes, they are. How do you do that anyway. Make them bloom like that I mean.”
“I’m not so sure I can explain it. Can you tell me how you fly?”
“Well, no not really, we just do that’s all.”
“It is like that for me and the flowers.”
“I think I understand.”
“I don’t.”
“Hush Errol, mind your manners.”
“It is alright, come Errol, sit on my shoulder and rest, you too little sister.”
“My name’s Arleena.” (Landing on the elf’s shoulder.)
“I am Ketdryn, how can I be of service to you this day?”
“We are hunting dragons and we got lost.”
“Errol, hush. We aren’t really hunting dragons, we just want to find one that’s all.”
“Now why would one so young and small seek out one so large and old?”
“We just want to ask a question.”
“A question , so you are on a quest then. Perhaps I can help then, what is your question?”
“Go ahead Arleena ask her. Maybe she might save us a long trip, not to mention our lives.”
“Oh hush Errol. OK, all I want to know is what my friend’s name means. She won’t tell me and I can’t find it in the book of names.”
“The book of names? Did you see my name there?”
“Ketdryn, lady of grace and beauty. A woman of great wisdom and healing power. Usually given to an Elf of the royal house.”
“Mmmm, thank you Arleena, I like that. So tell me the name you want to know.”
“Shivan.”
“Oh, you are friends of Shivan. So am I. So she won’t tell you what her name means?”
“No she won’t and it is driving me crazy.”
“Well, she does like to tease, doesn’t she. I am sorry I can’t help, I don’t know what it means either. Perhaps a dragon is the right one to ask after all. They are so very old and wise.”
“Do you know where we can find one?”
“Of course Errol, just fly to the top of this tall tree. When you get to the top, look away to the east, there you will see a tall mountain. In a cave on the mountainside, you will find Daggoth the Silver Toothed.”
“Ohh, he sounds scarey.”
“No Arleena, Daggoth really isn’t very scarey, although you must never tell him that.”
“Why do the call him Silver Toothed?”
“Once a very long time ago Errol, Daggoth had a bad tooth ache. The dwarves pulled it out and gave him a silver one to take its place. It really looks quite nice when he smiles.”
“Is he really old? We need a really old dragon to be able to remember what Shivan really means.”
“Yes Arleena, Daggoth is the oldest dragon of them all.”
“Perfect. He is just the one I want to see. Thank you Lady Ketdryn for all your help.” (Flying high into the air.)
“You’re welcome, happy questing my friends.”
Enjoy,
Bright Blessings
Shivan+------------------------------------------------
Date: 9 Apr 2001 11:37:07 -0000
From: Jennifer Leigh Crandall <jlcrandall@nf.sympatico.ca>
To: Wicca List <wicca-l@spiritweb.org>
Subject: [wicca-l] Arleena and Errol.
“Ssshhhh! Be quiet Errol.”
“Arleena, are you sure we should be doing this, poking around a dragon’s lair I mean?”
“We are NOT poking around Errol, we are here with a purpose.”
“A death wish more like.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing Arleena, nothing at all.”
“Then be quiet.”
“If purpose there be, then why skulk about ?”
“Because if the dragon is sleeping we don’t want to startle him, silly Errol.”
“That is very kind of you it is.”
“Listen, don’t get smart with me, Mr. Smarty Errol.”
“Arleena, I wasn’t talking.”
“Huh?”
“I wasn’t talking, Arleena, someone else was.”
“Uh Oh.”
“Now where could you be? Small voices, must be faeries. Let’s see now (shifting massive bulk to block out all light from outside the cave) yes, there you are, two small points of light. Has to be faeries.
(Greeted with silence.)
“Oh, I see, of course, just a moment. (Gigantic dragon shimmers with golden light then shrinks down to a tall man dressed in green robes. His hair and beard are grey, but his eyes are bright and lively. Smiling at them he shows a silver tooth.) Yes, yes, this is better. We are closer to the same size now. I an Daggoth, welcome to my home. I don’t get many visitors these days. Come now, state your names and purpose.”
“My name is Errol sir.” spoken in a squeaky voice.
“I’m Arleena.” Flies in closer to the old fellow. “Come on Errol, he won’t bite you.”
“How do you know?” (Greeted with much laughter from Daggoth.)
“Come on Fraidy Errol, we didn’t come all this way for nothing.”
“Ah yes, the purpose of your visit. Come, let us go and sit in the sun while we talk.” Leads the way outside, both faeries follow, Arleena right at his shoulder, Errol at a safer distance.
“Ah, I do love the warmth of the sun on my old shoulders. Now what can I do to help such distinguished guests?”
“Lady Ketdryn said you are the oldest of the dragons.”
“Yes, I guess I am at that.”
“Well, I have a question and I need somebody with a long memory to answer it.”
“Well Arleena, my memory is pretty long, just how long does it have to be?”
“More than three ages long.”
“Well, I can remember quite a bit from at least five ages, what do you wish to know?”
“I want to know the meaning of my friend’s name, it is a very old name.”
“Indeed, an old name you say, did you try the Book of Names?”
“It wasn’t in there.”
“Oh my, then it is an old name indeed. Before we speak the name, there is something I must ask you Arleena.”
“What’s that?”
“You know about the power of names don’t you?”
“Yes, your name tells everybody who you are.”
“That’s right, but there is more. If you know the true meaning of a person’s name it is said you can hold great power over them.”
“Really?”
“Hush up Errol. But if that is so, then everybody trying to learn magick for power would be using the Book of Names to control others.”
“Yes, that would be true, but the book only gives part of the meaning of a name, never all of it. Some folks even have secret names known only to themselves as a special secret and protection.”
“Wow! I wonder what my name really means.”
“Errol!”
“Why do you want to know this person’s name Arleena. Don’t tell me the faeries are getting into dark magick.”
“Aaaahhhhh, don’t ever say that out loud. We’re made of light, silly dragon, man, dragon.”
“Errol, don’t insult him. I just want to know because she won’t tell me and it is driving me crazy. Although, maybe it would be better if I don’t know.”
“Hmmm, I guess there isn’t any harm in it, if that is your only reason. I suppose since you have come so far and risked so much, I should at least try. What is the name?”
“Shivan.”
“Ah, so, I should have guessed. She does like to tease, doesn’t she?”
“You know her?”
“I gave her the name myself.”
“What does it mean then?”
“It is a very old name it is. It comes from the time of the first age of Dragonkind. It is pronounced Shheeevaaahnnn in the Elder Dragon Tongue.”
“BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN?”
“ERROL, HUSH, HE’S GETTING THERE. Just try to be a bit more patient. So, Daggoth, what does it mean?”
“Its meaning lies in layers, one over the other in layer after layer. Spoken quickly it means “Wisdom”. Now think of our friend and think about the way she is and the things she does and see if you can guess more.”
“Well, she knows a lot of neat and strange stuff.”
“And she is always trying to learn more.”
“And then she tries to find new ways to use the stuff she knows to help others.”
“WISDOM LIVED!”
“Well done Errol, that is pretty close. ‘Wisdom sought, wisdom lived’ is as close as we can get without switching to Elder Dragon, and I think I might be the last one who can remember how to speak it.”
“Wow, that is a really great name. I wonder why she wouldn’t tell us.”
“She will have her reasons. What will you do with this new knowledge now that you have it?”
“I think we should forget it Arleena.”
“So how are we supposed to do that Errol?”
“Maybe if we just pretend like we never found out and never ever talk about it, it will be the same as forgetting.”
“Maybe you’re right Errol. Yes, let’s do that.”
“You are both very wise my friends. Won’t you stay and visit for a while longer?”
“I’m sorry Daggoth, but we have been gone a long time and Shivan might worry if we don’t get back soon.”
“Very well then, fare well my friends.” Shimmers back into dragon form and crawls back into cave.
“So what are we going to tell Shivan when she asks where we have been?”
“Let’s say we were at that nice lady’s place, playing with the crystals.”
“Good idea, maybe we should even stop off there on our way home.”
“Safe it is Shivan, gone they are.” She steps from the shadows, smiling broadly. “Are you so sure this was a good idea? If anyone else should find out....”
“Ah, but you forget, My Brother, I have another name as well.”
“Oh yessss, so long it has been since I heard it spoken I had nearly forgotten. Ah well, Shivan suits you better, I have always said so.”
+------------------------------------------------
