A Pinch of Moonlight

  ***

  Madryn was sitting on a low wall, hunched over with her face in her hands. She hated this stupid realm with its ridiculous inhabitants and their incomprehensible ways. And it was stupid of her to think she could pass as one of them – why had she wanted to, anyway? They were no higher than fairies.

  She tried not to think of the mess she was in, but it was difficult. True, she had the sun crystal, a marvellous extra prize should she complete her task. But she still hadn’t obtained the MegaMeal, and she’d left all her money with the crystal seller. Could she return to the fayre somehow and retrieve her change? Maybe Jenna would help her – or Katalin! Yes, that was it, surely she could bargain with the human witch for help. Sitting upright, Madryn dusted herself down just as a young girl turned the corner and stood in front of Madryn, hands on hips. She was short and plump, with fox-coloured hair in wildly curly bunches on top of her head. There was a determined look to her which contrasted with her dress – the frilliest, most be-ribboned garment Madryn had ever seen, the colour of cheap berry juice. It was clear the little girl hated the dress, and would merrily have thrown it on a fire given the chance. She was just starting to leave childhood behind, Madryn could tell – 10 or 11 years old, maybe.

  ‘There you are,’ said the little girl. ‘You’re weird. And funny. What are you doing now?’

  ‘Hiding,’ Madryn sighed. Sometimes, having to tell the truth was a relief.

  ‘What for?’ the girl asked.

  ‘Because I made a fool of myself. And I need time to think.’

  ‘Are you an alien spy?’ the girl asked.

  ‘What?’ Madryn said.

  ‘An alien spy. Have you been making crop circles?’

  ‘No,’ Madryn replied. ‘Well, not for a few years. No, if you really want to know, I’m on a quest from the land of the Elves. But I’m in trouble. Maybe you can help me.’

  ‘Do I get three wishes?’ the girl asked.

  ‘Sorry, that’s not possible.’ Silly human, thought Madryn. ‘But…if you want, I’ll come back and visit you, and see if I can teach you magic.’

  ‘Can you teach me to fly? I’ve always wanted to do that,’ the girl said.

  ‘No, but I can find out what you’re good at, and help you get better. If you do three things for me, I’ll give you this crystal,’ Madryn indicated her pendant, ‘and you can call on me whenever you want.’ Although I won’t always answer your call, she thought.

  The little girl’s eyes were shining as Madryn explained her first task. ‘First of all I need you to carry a message. Go to the Esoteric Fayre and find the man who sells crystals. Tell him – tell him you’ve come to get the change for the girl who had to leave in a hurry. Bring the money to me – I’ll be waiting outside Burg-A-World. But if anybody tries to follow you – a guard or anybody like that – return to the wedding party. Don’t be too long.’

  There was an outdoor seating area outside Burg-A-World where people could consume their purchases, so Madryn found a quiet, discreet table. She was starting to feel desperately tired. It was early morning back in Annwn, and she’d missed a night’s sleep. Hungry too, but she tried to ignore that – the food here was just too strange to contemplate.

  She watched the humans as they came and went between their little transport machines and the buildings, disappointed that none of them was communicating about where they had been or what they had experienced when they’d arrived. There were so many people coming and going, there must be some real wonders at the end of the journey. She was aching to find out what they were.

  Despite that, she was paying full attention to everything around her. So she spotted the little fox-haired girl as soon as she left the venue of the fayre – and noticed that Charlie the crystal seller was with her. Webs and snares, what was he doing? But at the same time, she had to admit she was quite pleased to see him. She’d had enough of running away. She couldn’t sense any guards nearby, so she may as well trust them both. Although Madryn was waiting in shadows, the little girl spotted her easily, and dragged the crystal seller over by the hand. Perceptive, then – and persuasive.

  ‘I got your money,’ the little girl smiled. ’Only he wanted to come along too. Can he join in?’

  ‘I was concerned about you,’ the young man said. ‘The way you ran off, I thought you were about to throw up. But I’ve brought your change.’ He handed her the money, and she thanked him.

  ‘Tell me,’ Madryn asked Charlie, ‘is this enough for a MegaMeal from Burg-a-World?’

  ‘A MegaMeal ? Jeez, what do you want that for? Heart attack in a bun!’

  ‘It’s not for me.’ She took a deep breath and explained the situation.

  ‘Wow,’ said Charlie, ‘That’s one hell of a story. J-Maz here told me you were an elf, but I thought she was just having me on, as usual. I’m her uncle. Her dad’s brother. And that’s her mum’s best friend getting married. I’m considered a bad influence, which is probably why J-Maz likes me so much. That and the fact I’d never dare to call her Jessie-May.’ He fended off the little girl’s blows, pretending to cry with pain. ‘But,’ he continued, ‘if you need a MegaMeal, that’s plenty of money there. Enough to buy yourself something too – although I’d recommend the salad bar.’

  ‘Demali demanded a giraffalump with her meal – a toy, not a real one – and the low-place behind the counter said he’d only give it to a cute little girl. Why are you laughing?’

  Between bursts of laughter, Charlie explained that giraffalumps weren’t real, but characters from a book and film for children called, ‘The Giraffalump and the Rose.’

  ‘Rose? What is that?’

  ‘You’ve never seen a rose? Well, maybe one day I’ll present you with one. They’re flowers, famous for their beautiful smell. But if you need a cute little girl, J-Maz can act the part, for a few minutes at least. You wait here and we’ll bring your meal.’

  It was as simple as that. A few minutes later Charlie and his niece returned with the meal – and Jessie-May returned to being J-Maz. Madryn handed over the crystal pendant she’d promised the little girl, and took her leave. She noticed the way Charlie smiled when she promised once again to return and visit.

  Madryn was elated that she’d achieved her quest – and so relieved she didn’t notice the ragged grey clouds that were gathering.