A Pinch of Moonlight

by A V Awenna

  ***

  Demi-Lee had been luxuriating in flower scented bubbles for hours. Her skin was all wrinkly, and her hair crinkly, but she felt so, so good. Eventually one of the palace staff knocked discreetly on her door, and asked if she was ready to try on her new clothes.

  Wrapping herself in the softest, fluffiest bath robe imaginable, Demi-Lee entered the bedroom, and opened the parcel waiting for her on the bed. Inside was the most gorgeous dress she’d ever seen. It was a halter-neck, like Pefryn’s, but in darker shades of green, with toning beadwork and embroidery. There was a pair of leggings too, in a toning shade, with embroidery up the side of the legs. It was so pretty, and she knew the colour would suit her.

  After she’d dried herself, the fairy helped her into the dress, then plaited her hair into a chaplet. Demi couldn’t believe it when she was guided to a mirror. She couldn’t help smiling at her reflection. Demi-Lee Jenkins had been awkward and nervous, but not Demali. Demali rocked! It all came home to her then – she had Walked the Walk, awakened her magic powers, and there was about to be a big celebration in her honour. And everything was okay for Blackbird and Pefryn, and Tefyn had finally stood up to Hafren. Everything was going to be fine.