A Moderne Faerie Tayle

Gather around one and all, and I'll tell you a tale that will make you weep with laughter, gasp in astonishment, and paralyze you with fear. Well maybe not - I tend to exaggerate. Grab yourself a cup of cocoa, and prepare to be amazed as I give the Brothers Grimm a run for their money.

Once upon a time, there was a young prince who lived in the noble land of Registeria. The prince was well loved both by those within the court as well as the peasants that visited the castle. He worked with the peasants to resolve some of the issues that the might have. Those with a broken heart might get the love potion Cardiola. Those that needed a bone set he arranged to be taken to the Fountain of Diagnostyc Images. Still others came to him with aches and pains, and he arranged carriage rides to the nearby land of ERtopia. But dark times were about to befall, for a terrible giant named Debto began causing unrest within the kingdoms. Several lords and ladies were lost in an attempt to subdue Debto, but he was yet to be appeased. Those that remained of the nobility became fearful for their lives, and rightfully so. They voiced concern for the prince, but he was sure that his reign within the kingdom was secure.

Sadly, our prince had a consultation with a visiting oracle named Schedula. She informed him that his reign was not as secure as he had thought. Through no fault of his own he would only be able to aid the peasants one day out of seven. The prince was shocked at this divination. Sure he enjoyed his leisure time. In fact, he was booked to perform at a local tavern with the show "Damsels on Broadway II: Prithee, who let in the Knaves?" One night in a fit of despair, he confided this news to one of the damsels he rehearsed with. She told him to meet her later, and she would see what she could do.

Later that night behind the tavern, our prince met with her. She revealed that her name was Parkina, the princess in training from Rowhar. Noticing how poorly the prince felt, she told him of a quest he might go on. Eager for information, the prince listened with rapt attention as she explained what he had to do. Before the sun set the next day, he would need to find the legendary sword of Resoumay and bring it to the sacred spring in the wood of Thyrdflore. Once there, he would need to sprinkle the petals of the rare flower Reference. Parkina cautioned him that this was not a quest that was guaranteed to work, but our prince was determined.

Our prince returned home, a hopeful spring in his step. Because all good heroes are prepared, he knew that he had all the requirements for the quest tucked away for just such an occasion. Early the next morning he journeyed forth (with his imp Ala) and made his way into the wood. He quickly performed the ritual. Unfortunately for our prince, there was no immediate response. Feeling more dejected then ever, he turned and left the woods. The very moment he did, a white dove flew out of the woods. "Come back! Come back!" her voice rang. The prince was shocked, but obeyed. Back at the spring a variety of people were waiting for him, including Parkina. They asked him several questions about how the prince dealt with peasants, and his experience in these areas. The prince answered as truthfully as he could, then the crowd left to make their decision. Leaving for home, the prince was hopeful once more.

Three dawns later, the white dove made another appearance. The poor thing was tired from zooming all around the kingdom, but her voice rang out the the message the prince had been praying for. He had been accepted into the order of LeaFamHealTea, a new way of helping peasants. This acceptance meant five days out of seven, leaving plenty of time to also remain in the land of Registeria.

It has now been two weeks since the prince began working with LeaFamHealTea, and he is as ecstatic as ever. Don't you just love happy endings?