by Sharp.
In a small village on the banks of the river Rhine lived Sidonie and her twin sister Saphira and they were all excited, as they were going on a six-week exchange visit to a school in the North of England. Unlike their friends though they knew very little about the area where they where going to visit, or whom they would be staying with. They along with their cousins Cindy & Melody lived in a small village on the banks of the Rhine with their mothers Mariva & Marina. Both girls like their cousins who also where on the trip enjoyed nothing better than swimming in the river Rhine near their home as much as they could. Their mother Mariva always made them put on an all in one wet suit when they went in the river. This was because of their special abilities in water and their mother did not want them being recognised for what they actually are.
All four girls looked very similar to each other having long blond hair down to their waist and blue eyes. They where often mistaken for each other, Sidonie & Saphira did not know until the very last minute if they would be able to go on the holiday as their Mother Mariva was struggling to find the money to send both of them on the trip to Yorkshire. Their aunt Marina had stepped in with the required amount of money so all the girls could be together on the trip. Now though the girls where finally going with cousins and friends on the tour, and so gave Mariva their mother one last kiss before they left on the coach bound for the port of Zeebruger.
“Mum we will ring you when we get to the port mum.” Their aunt Marina had noticed the name of the Coach Company that was taking the children. She then looked over at the driver and smiled. The driver signalled to both mothers using hand signals.
Mariva spoke, “Sister you also noticed the driver. At least we can be assured the girls are going to be well looked after. For when a Princess of the Sea is their coach driver we know they are in safe hands. We also had better go home and put both our houses in order for our cousin/sister to be here means others also know we are here, and could visit at any time. The girls do not realise it yet, but this could be the last they see of the Rhine for a very long time.”
“Yes Mariva it was the name of the coach company that made me take a second look at the driver. The children they have each other and their teacher Karen Friberg along with the driver to look after them. Golden Empress coaches can only mean one thing. The world of the Fay as we know it is changing or has already changed. Likewise I doubt that Lord Neptune would allow his daughter to drive a coach like that unless he deemed it appropriate.”
Sidonie and her sister managed to get a seat in front of their cousins near the front of the coach. They chatted about their expectations and hopes. Miss Fryeburg their teacher came and spoke to the girls. “As it was a last minute decision that you both could go. We had a little trouble placing you, but the lady your cousins are staying with has agreed you can stop with her as she has plenty of room in her home.”
Sidonie's eyes lit up. “Miss Fryeburg you mean all four of us are stopping in the ancient castle of Skipton now?”
Kurt one of the boys from the same village as the girls shouted across the coach “In that case we will have to start calling you four all Princess Sidonie, Saphira, Melody and Cindy as Princesses live in castles.”
This remark caused a bit of laughter among the remainder of the children and then Miss Fryeburg smiled and said “ Kurt you appear to remember enough history to remember Princesses live in castles. Perhaps you should be one of their knights.”
Saphira got in on the game and said, “Miss we do not mind being called Princesses by Kurt. Should we not have Knights and soldiers to protect us? Perhaps Kurt could be Sir Kurt champion of the four Princess of the Rhine?
Melody got in on the act and said, “Kurt come here and kneel in front of us so we may Knight you.” Kurt nervously did as he was instructed and knelt on the floor of the coach although he felt silly doing it.
All four girls placed their hands on a plastic ruler and spoke, “Kurt we four Princesses of the Rhine dub you Sir Kurt forever our champion and defender. In future if we need help you will be the first to come to our aid. Arise now Sir Kurt of the Rhine.” Kurt felt what appeared to be an electric charge run through his body. Kurt went back to his seat. For the remainder of the coach journey Kurt was very quiet.
Miss Fryeburg spoke with the girls. “That girls has certainly quietened Kurt down rather a lot.”
On the motorway they stopped for a refreshment break. They went into the toilets and came out giggling. Sidonie said, “That is the first time I have been in a fully automated bathroom. You did not even have to touch the taps just wave your hands under them.”
Kurt approached all four girls. “Princesses Do you mind if I sit with you? I wish to apologise for teasing you all earlier on the coach.”
Cindy looked at him and then spoke, “Kurt if you truly want to apologise you must kiss all four of us and then we will be your friend.”
Miss Fryeburg came across and said, “Kurt did I just see you kiss all four of these girls?
“Mum I cannot help myself. I want to be with them all the time. Even in the coach when I was being silly I heard voices that spoke to me and instructed me what to do.” Kurt burst into tears.
“Kurt I should have trained you better. You have no defences against them. For they are the daughters of the Rhine. Even I find it difficult to remain impartial. But I have to for the sake of the other children that I have to consider and look after.”
Cindy took Kurt’s hand and spoke. “Kurt when we get back on the coach you will move to be by us. You sealed your fate with that kiss. From now on you will be our friend and companion. Miss Fryeburg do not worry over your son Kurt, as we will look after him. He after all is one with us now. Did we not make him our champion back there”?
Back on the coach Miss Fryeburg moved some of the children so Kurt could be with the four girls. There was more banter from the other children on the coach as it set off once again for Zeebruger. Eventually all quietened down. Kurt was in deep thought and then said, “Those kisses they where no joke. I kissed all four of you.” Melody and Sidonie’s hand crossed the aisle to hold Kurt’s.
“Kurt with that kiss you became our friend forever. At school we noticed you glancing our way we have waited long enough for you to approach us. Now you can be honest with us and yourself.” Before the chat got any further they realised they where pulling in again. This time the coach pulled into the town square at Valkenberg that was just over the boarder from Germany in the Netherlands.
Linzi the driver spoke, “ Children please do not get out of your seats as we have to collect some additional children for this tour. I am going to load their bags and check their names off the list, and then we are continuing on to Zeebruger for the ship to England.” The children got on the coach and where greeted with ”Morgan” from those already on the coach.
A lady also got on the coach carrying a child wrapped in a blanket. She looked around for a seat and all the double seats had gone. Sidonie spoke to the woman. “Just put her in the window seat by me and we will look after her.” The woman did as told and then went to sit by Miss Fryeburg.
One by one the five children introduced themselves. The child spoke, “I am not actually with the school trip, but mum managed to get us on the coach via a friend from the school. My name is Conrad, but as you can see each day goes on I become more like a Constance than a Conrad. Regardless of that for a month now I have lost the use of both of my legs. My doctor suggested to mum we go and see this special doctor in the North of England, so that is what we are doing.” The children all introduced themselves and placed their hands on Conrad.
Sidonie spoke, “Well Conrad we will look after you and be your friends.”
About 2 hours after setting off they along with the rest of the group had arrived at the port of Zeebruger. There they had to wait for their turn to go on the Ferry to Dover. They had to wait their turn in quite a long queue then the coach drove on to the ship. Once on board the ship the crew fastened metal chains to the coach to secure it. While at the docks the girls had managed to telephone home, and say they had got on the ferry, and the ship would sail in about 30 minutes. Like their friends they explored the ship and visited the shop. There they bought some sweets and soft drinks for their journey. They all knew they had to watch what they bought as their money had to last them six weeks.
The cousins decided to try and rest a little as they had been up very early in the morning to get their coach. So they settled down in a reclining seat each. A while later Kurt approached them and spoke. “I have a secret I wish to share with you and your cousins. Mum has booked a cabin so we can talk in private. She also wants to talk to all four of you about your abilities.” The four girls followed Kurt to a cabin. Miss Fryeburg appeared to have changed appearance and had a silver glow about her.
“Ah good Kurt you found them all. Well girls it is time for some straight talking. Kurt you also may sit down and, take your stud out of your ear. Girls I am one of your mothers oldest and dearest friend, they both call me Karen. I have to watch over you all on this tour along with our driver Linzi who also has the same abilities you have. I know of your special needs, and that is why I told Kurt to take the stud out that he is still apprehensive about doing.” Sidonie and the others smiled and took their bracelets off.
Kurt finally took the stud out and he shimmered and changed to the same silver glow as his mother. “When I am this shape I am called Kirsty. Please do not laugh at me or call me a fairy, although that is what I am just like mum.”
Cindy spoke, “Well Kirsty you had better kiss us like your brother did previously. On the coach.”
Kirsty looked at her mother for guidance. “Look Kirsty you can see we are all Rhine maidens. Like you we have to hide our secret from normal humans. Your mother trusts us to show us your other self. We now have two new friends Kurt & Kirsty. Now will you carry out my previous instruction?”
“The voices are back in my head and are all telling me the same thing. So I suppose I better do as they instructed. They also say tell the girls to look out for an O’Connor.” With that Kirsty kissed the four girls.”
Saphira smiled and said nearly finished, “Now all we need is Karen to do the same. You should not mind if you are truly a friend of our mothers.”
“Girls I was there when you where born so I have nothing to fear from any of you. Kirsty will remain with you through out the trip. She will be staying near you at the gatehouse of the castle.”
Sidonie spoke, “We all should kiss Constance and her mother. I know what the problem is with Constance. One look at her hands told me she has a similar problem to us. I also noticed she appeared to be getting a growth behind her ears that look like gills.”
Kurt was sent to find Constance and her mother. After a search of the ship a short while later he returned with them. He also had Linzi with him as well. “Mum I brought an extra one as well.” Miss Fryeburg curtsied when Linzi entered the cabin.
Constance was crying and said, “I am not normal like you all. I do not know how it happened. The doctors knew when I was born I was both boy and girl and the doctors told mum my body would decide which way it wanted to go as I reached my teens. Now I also have become part fish.”
Linzi quizzed Constance about if she had recently kissed anybody? Constance looked blank and then the mother spoke, “About a month ago Conrad he fell in to the Rhone and was brought out of the Rhone by a lady diver. She had to resuscitate him and gave him the kiss of life.”
Sidonie looked behind Constance’s ears and said, “I hope we can squeeze you in at the castle as you should be staying with us. You do realise you are turning into a Rhine maiden or fresh water Mermaid? If you as the mother of Conrad have also kissed the Conrad then you also are likely to transform to a Rhine maiden. Girls you had better kiss your new companion. As each girl kissed Constance she felt a mild electric shock.
“Mum my hands are back to normal & I can move my legs again.” The mother hugged all the girls in the cabin.
Linzi spoke, “Sidonie you are correct we can not have these two going hugging and kissing all and sundry. They both are going to need coaching on what they can do or what they should do. Also now there is no reason for them to see Dr Helen.”
The mother spoke, “It was going to be a one way trip to Yorkshire for us as we sold everything back home. I was hoping to get a job once we found somewhere to live. I though am puzzled how you knew the name of Doctor Helen as neither of us mentioned the doctors name to you.”
As they where speaking the face of Constance went bright red and she said, “Mum I think I have just had an accident.” The others left the cabin to give Constance some privacy while she attended to herself.
A short while later the mother popped her head out of the cabin and asked, “would the girls would do her a favour and go to the shop for certain items. Meanwhile Constance would be taking a shower.”
The girls soon found the items on the list, and bought them. Then they noticed that Linzi was buying clothing suitable for a teenage girl. Then they all returned to the cabin. As they got near they heard screaming and then this was followed by sobbing. Linzi immediately went to the shower and turned the water off.
Constance spoke, “It looks like my body has finally decided what it is. First my manhood just dropped off and then my legs vanished and I developed a tail like a fish. Now it has gone again.”
Linzi said, “Sorry Constance I should have warned you that can happen if you are in the shower for too long. The girls have got you what your mother asked for. I also have brought you some other items you will need in future. Your boy items are now no good so I went and got you a basic kit.”
The mother spoke, “Actually Linzi I disposed of his trousers and was wrapping blankets round her legs as she could not move them. Judging on how she has changed in the shower she is going to require some decent underwear and skirts.”
Constance looked at the bra Linzi had bought and then said, “Mum how does this fasten?”
Sidonie took off her top off and also her bra. “Right Constance just do the same as what I do.”
Constance watched Sidonie and did the same. “That was easier than I thought it would be. I will put the aqua top on. Wow it makes me look massive at the top end. Why did Miss Fryeburg curtsy when she noticed Linzi the coach driver?”
Linzi replied, “Previously Karen, she had not noticed me, as she was far too preoccupied with the children. Having me directly in front of her though was different and she responded automatically as she would to any of my sisters or nieces unless they where inhibited as these are. I can see your mind is working overtime Constance. You are wondering what has happened to you and why? Well your allotted lifespan has just increased dramatically. You have to be very careful associating with males, as one kiss from you will create another mermaid. That is why we all live in an all female environment. As for your change that was accidental. The person who rescued you saved your life and gave you part of her life. You where very lucky she was their to save your life when you fell in the Rhone. Only a daughter of Neptune could save you from the intense cold of that river. When she gave you the kiss of life she actually thought you where female and, would not be adversely affected by her. Girls tend to become a little more feminine if they kiss on of us. My sister now realises though she has to take full responsibility for both of your changes.”
Miss Fryeburg spoke, “I take it Princess that Kirsty and I will not be returning to our home in Germany either.”
Linzi looked at them all and said, “Actually you will have to accompany some of the children back home, but then you will be returning with me the fast way. As for your home that has already been emptied of all your goods. Kirsty you will find a complete new feminine wardrobe as befits a daughter of the air. Constance and Kirsty I have new documents for you both and your mothers.” Both girls read the documents and they both looked puzzled.
Kirsty said, “This calls me Kirsty von Oberon.”
The mother exclaimed ! “What let me see?”
Kirsty handed her the new travel document. “Oh my god who typed this out. It is a long time since I was called that. I take it father knows I am here with my daughter? Oh my god what will he think of me? A husbandless mother.”
Meanwhile Constance looked at her document. “My name has been changed to Constance Von Vater.”
Saphira & Sidonie had a fit of giggles while Cindy said, “Oh just like ours. We better call your mom Aunty from now on and you cousin. Linzi can we also call you aunt Linzi please?”
Constance’s mother looked at her documentation. “At least I am still called Rachel. Will I also develop a tail and fins like Constance did in the shower?
Linzi spoke, “Aunt is quite acceptable from the children while sister would be more fitting from the adults with the exception of Kirsty and mother and cousin would be appropriate in that case. As for you Karen your father Oberon has already found you an eternal partner as you will soon find out.”
Rachel spoke, “Linzi somebody is speaking to me and saying, “Greetings Rachel I must apologise for not coming in person to greet you. I am otherwise occupied by three Mer sisters who need my attention. Sephrena apologises for your changes and says to tell you she takes full responsibility for them. Personally I feel it would be better if you, Constance and Kirsty relax and become as sisters rather than mother and daughter. You both have much to and learn about being Mer or Fay. Sephrena did not realise it but that day she was at the Rhone at my request. She was also in a quandary what to do. She knew what could happen. Sephrena could sense the distress of the mother and decided to do the correct thing. Not doing the correct thing would have meant certain death for Constance. Now I wish to greet all my daughters. Be they Fay or mer. You are all now bound together. Linzi you must place bracelet’s on those who have not got one. I look forward to seeing you all soon.”
Two hours later the Captain announced over the Tanoy system that the ship would soon be arriving at Dover, and so would all coach passengers make their way back to their coaches on the lower deck. Both girls took photos of the White cliffs to show their mother once they got home. They did this before they went to the hold to join the coach party.
Saphira said, “Who would have believed that about Kurt turning into Kirsty. At least we know we can trust Kurt and Karen I wonder if we will find anymore Fay on our trip?”
“What about Aunt Sephrena? Rachel & Constance are changing to be her daughters.”
Thy watched the crew work as the bow opened of the ship and cars drove off first. They got stopped at the customs post and a man came on board the coach. He inspected their travel documents and then waved them on and said, “I hope you have a good holiday.” One of the first things they noticed was that the English drove on the opposite side of the road to what they did back home. Soon they where driving up the Motorway towards London. Their first stop was to be in London where they would all visit the Tower of London, and then they would have their lunch at a hotel.
In the Tower of London the children saw the crown Jewels and the Yeoman guard. They had a tour guide take them round the tower and told the guard told them the legend of the ravens. How if the Ravens ever leave the tower the crown of England will fall. While in the tower Kirsty stayed with the four girls. Kirsty was rather preoccupied looking around and soon got separated from the others.
In the White tower a raven appeared and spoke to Kirsty. The raven said, “Can you also sense the departed your friends certainly can. Take no notice of the story as there is no chance of us ever leaving here. As we are too well fed by the Yeoman guard and they look after us well as they do not dare risk the prophecy. The four Princesses of the Rhine do not realise yet they can converse with me and the other birds. You though have done it often in your other form. We are the Queens eyes and ears.”
“Raven I wish we actually had longer here rather than just the morning but, we have another 200 miles to travel before arriving at our destination in Yorkshire.”
Sidonie found Kirsty and said, “Did you see all those weapons and suits of armour Kirsty? “Some of them must have been very tiny to get in to those suits of armour. Your mum told me to find you, and say make your way to the exit as the coach is waiting.”
Shortly after the talk with the Raven they had to go back and board the coach. They where all clutching souvenirs they had bought at the tower along with the guides they had been given. Now they where going across London to an hotel run by the society of friends who had agreed to put the meal on for them.
The girls took many pictures of the Tower bridge and the Millennium wheel. They drove past many other famous buildings unfortunately there was not time in their schedule to stop and look at them.
Miss Fryeburg said, “Children on our return we will have a bit longer so we will be able to look at some of them.” All too soon the coach arrived at its destination The Friends hotel. They all got off and headed straight away for the nearest toilet. Then they found the restaurant and where led to their respective tables.
A man in a penguin suit spoke, “Welcome to the Friends hotel. We hope you enjoy your lunch with us.” With that waiters brought out the food for the party. Kirsty stared at the meal placed in front of her as if an alien had been placed in front of her.
Miss Fryeburg called the waiter over and said, “There has been a miss understanding all on this table are vegetarians.”
The waiter said, “Sorry Madame we did not realise it was this table.” The offending plate was quickly removed and another brought.
Kirsty smiled and said, “Thank you.” All too soon the lunch was over they just had time to look in the gardens and take more photographs before they where off once again on their journey.
The girls made use of the break to once again telephoned home and informed their mother they had a good crossing and that they had been to the Tower of London. They also mentioned they had become friends with Kirsty and her mum Karen. Mariva smiled at this news. Then she turned to her sister Marina. “Thanks for the help with their money. I could not have afforded for both to go on the trip otherwise.”
“Did you tell the girls not to take their bracelet’s off while away?”
“Marina, I did and I also told them to watch out for halos. You know as well as I the girls are going to their ansectoral home land, So there is a possibility they might meet some of our kin whilst there and I know Karen will watch over then.”
Meanwhile the coach was had rejoined the motorway and was been driven towards their final destination. The children where enthralled as the landscape changed to the rolling dales of Derbyshire. All too soon they where having another refreshment break and this time pulled into Woolyedge service station near Sheffield. There the children had another refreshment and toilet break. In the shop they looked at a map of Yorkshire Cindy said. “It looks like we have still around 60 miles to travel.”
In the service stations shop they spotted a very tiny man with red hair. “Look Sidonie he has a green Halo. That means he is a leprechaun.” Both girls approached the little man and spoke. “Hello we are Sidonie & Saphira our mother Mariva told us we could trust the likes of you.”
He stared hard at them and then said, “Princesses of the Rhine I would have missed you both had you not spoken to me. I am O’Connor and I need to get back to my ‘mistress. Would you be so kind as to give me a lift?”
Sidonie heard a voice in her head that said, “ Tell O’Connor you will help him if he changes himself to a doll.” Sidonie obeyed the voice and O’Connor did as instructed.
Both girls took turns carrying the doll. Back on the coach the doll attracted many oohs and arrr’s from the other girls. Several of the girls wanted one also.
All too soon the coach was leaving the M1 and joined the M62 and then the M606 heading for Bradford. After coming off the M606 they joined the A650 the children noticed a sign little Germany as they drove through Bradford. Their teacher explained at one time there was a high concentration of German peoples living and working in this area of Bradford. Soon the scenery and smells changed again as the coach passed the Mosque and curry houses on Manningham lane. Then they where back on too dual carriageway again of the A650. 30 minutes later the coach was pulling up outside the school.
The teacher read the children’s names out and they where collected by an adult and taken to their host’s home. Soon only Saphira, Sidonie and their cousins Melody & Cindy where left on board the coach along with Kurt and Miss Fryeburg. A mini coach drew up and a young woman got out. Sidonie immediately ran across and threw herself at Lindi. “You are fishy just like us are you Linzi’s sister.”
Lindi spoke, “Sorry about the delay in collecting you. There was an accident on the A629 that delayed me. Now who is who? Lindi noticed the doll Cindy was holding
Sidonie smiled and said, “I just knew we where correct because you have a halo just like us. I can prove it if you wish. I only have to take this off and you will see.”
Lindi said, “You already showed me what you are. While at home you may remove the bracelets but when out it would be better if you kept it on. Now to the runaway the mistress wondered where you had got. Always chasing after the girls. Girls this supposed doll is a Royal Leprechaun.”
This got O’Connor’s attention and he spoke. “No I am not a Royal leprechaun daughter of Neptune.”
Lindi spoke, “Oh yes you are do you not remember stopping a girl from going in the gents toilet on the A1 a little while ago? You called her mistress and promised you would be always there for her.”
“Oh I fled because I noticed there was somebody I would rather avoid. Luckily she did not see me. I though have to find that girl and keep my promise to her.”
“Well in that case it is lucky you met these Mer children and you appear to be the third Leprechaun the mistress has chosen as her own. No doubt her two companions will also be pleased to see you, as will Lady Justine who I understand has also been searching for you.”
The colour went from his face. And he fainted. He came round and Melody spoke, ”I take it you have a problem with Lady Justine?”
“I am no head banger like Lord Draco I had to run while she slept. I did not want to be eaten by her. He can have Lady Justine. I do not intend ever becoming her prey. Did you just say I would be the Third leprechaun? The little mistress I did not notice her halo. Is she perhaps a young queen? Maybe she can keep me safe from Lady Justine?
Lindi laughed and said, “Actually O’Connor I am in need of your services now. As for Justine I doubt that she ever wanted to kill you as she never kills her babies. Girls you are about to learn O’Connor’s secret. He can only survive on milk.” He fled from his mummy Justine. When all Justine wanted was to be his mother and love him. O'Connor gave a shudder and cried. Now though he cannot flee as he bound himself to a Golden Queen.“
Sidonie spoke, ““Look he has changed to a baby!”
“Baby he will stay until he learns not to run away from his mummy.” The Baby was passed around the coach. “Now girls when we get to our destination you are to telephone home, and say Mother the Empress orders the return home of all the Rhine maidens and their companions.
Melody spoke, “Lindi we can do that now if you wish as I have a mobile phone to call home.”
Lindi said, “In that case please put it on speaker mode as it is the first time I have spoken with a Senior Rhine Maiden.”
Both mothers where still together when the telephone rang. Marina answered it.
“Mum, Mum you never guess what the ladies got. We are staying with. She has an aqua halo with a golden tinge. She also says we have to give you and aunt a message. The message is the Empress orders the return home of all the Rhine Maidens and their followers. Mum, Mum aunt has to be told the same message.”
Mariva spoke, “Girls switch the telephone to video mode so we can confirm message.” “Greetings Princess your instructions are fully understood. Neither of us expected the girls to be staying with a Princess of the Sea. Although we noticed the coach driver appeared to be a daughter of Neptune. We though told the girls to look for Halos because of where they where going. Your halo tells us you are tied to a great Queen ”
Sidonie noticed her mother was crying and said, “Mum we are all fine and Lindi will look after us.”
Marina spoke, “It is the shock of seeing a daughter of Neptune after so long that has made your mother cry.”
Lindi spoke, “The Empress has sent a removal team along with her youngest daughters, Astrid & Cleo to collect you. They should be with you soon. As for the coach driver your daughters will see much more of my twin Linzi”
There was a knock at the door and Mariva opened it. “Oh, Oh Marina we have guests already.”
Lindi said, “I presume they have just arrived. Astrid remember you also have to bring Sephrena and her attendants home as well as these two.”
“Oh, Oh, Oh, you know we have a sister Sephrena. We had a slight disagreement with her and have not spoke to her for quite a while. She lives in Nymegan which is about 30 minutes away from here.”
Astrid spoke, “Saskia will you take charge here and collect all that is needed. Make sure no Fay are left here as our mother has decreed they all have to return with us. Marina & Mariva are going to drive us to see their sister Sephrena. Once we are there your assistance will be required again. Mariva please give the keys to your house to Saskia so that she can ensure that your home is emptied completely after this has been done.”
Saskia looked at them and said, “Hurry up you two, the way you are staring I take it you have never seen a Royal Hobbit before.”
“Sorry it was not that as we have seen your kind before. It is that we have never seen so many before. Do you all have a named mistress?” We fell out with Sephrena over a hobbit as you call yourself. We all found an injured Hobbit and took turns nursing it back to health. We said it was a free spirit but Sephrena said it was hers.”
Astrid spoke, “In that case all three of you have equal share in the hobbit as Rhine maidens. By any chance did any of you feed the hobbit?
Mariva spoke, “Both of us managed to feed the hobbit a little but Sephrena did not have children like us so could not. That is why we let her keep the hobbit although we felt it should be allowed to go free. I better ring Sephrena and let her know we are coming to visit with guests.”
Ring, Ring, Ring, “Hello.”
“Sephrena it’s me Mariva, we are coming across to see you. You sound as if you have been crying Is everything ok?”
“No she has gone. I found a note to say she was going to visit her mums and sisters and did not know when she would be back. I should have listened to you both in the first place. I liked having her here and thought she liked being with me.”
Astrid appeared to be playing with an object and said, “We need to go now but do not take the Autobahn use the country road.”
Cleo spoke “Have you a fix on her yet?
“Yes we have got her, she is sleeping by a hollowed out tree. You know she has made good progress for one so small.”
Mariva got out of the car and went over and picked the sleeping form up. As she did so another being appeared and said “Rhine maiden can you give us a lift? We found her and stayed with her. She told us she is looking for her four sisters.”
Astrid came across and spoke. “You heard the summons and obeyed so you will not get in trouble for looking after a hobbit you found on your travels. Now let me aid you in your quest by opening the doorway for you and then all of you can go directly to mother. I will inspect you all when I return.”
Mariva said, “You can open portals? But you are only a child?”
Cleo spoke, “All of our sisters can do that. We have a direct link to our mothers.”
Mariva looked at her sister and then spoke. “Astrid you are more than a Princess. No normal Princess can open portals. We are Rhine maidens and certainly cannot do that.”
Astrid looked at the sleeping form and said, “Take the hobbit with you and place her in bed with her sisters Sidonie & Saphira. If anybody questions you say it is the instructions of Astrid. Now be gone.”
“Astrid as in Queen of Hobbits destroyer of the Black flight? Grand daughter of Lord Draco?”
Mariva and Marina both curtsied. “Sorry your majesty we should have realised earlier.”
“Both of you relax as we both suppressed our halos. Now though you should see us as we truly are the daughters of the Golden Empress.”
Back in England the four girls where getting settled in to their room at the castle. Saskia appeared and said, “I have to take you to the dinning room as we have somebody who has been looking for her sisters.”
The sleeping girl awoke. She was in a strange place; She looked around and then noticed the Fay she had talked to previously. “Where are we? I was supposed to be looking for my sisters. Did you bring me here?”
“I myself do not know where we are. All I do know is I was ordered to bring you here. This place is strange to me I was told to keep you safe or your mothers would not be happy. They both kissed you before they sent me through the portal. They had dragons with them so could not take you. I was supposed to place you in bed with Sidonie & Saphira and I was to keep Cindy & Melody Company, but I was instructed to wait here by the one who looks like you. I myself have just realised where we will be. We are in the heart of a Golden nest. My nose is telling me that and there are many like you here.
Saskia came in and looked at the Hobbit. “So you are the one who has claimed three Rhine Maidens as your mother. It looks like you will be a permanent fixture here like I am. Now I believe you know these four.
“I tried to find you, I realy did. I was sad when my mums argued about me. I missed seeing you all and I needed a dose of my mums and my sisters.”
All four girls hugged Crystal and then they turned and hugged Opal. Sidonie spoke, Thank you for returning our sister Crystal to us we have missed her. Now though she will never leave us again. You are obviously Fay but now you are also our sister. Aunt Sephrena now has two daughters just like our mums. Please do not argue as we all know all there is to know about you.”
Opal spoke, “I saw Crystal touched her and there was like an electric spark between us. She talked and told me her hopes. I told her I had to get to the land of Angels. She smiled and said my big sisters are going there and I have to find them. I promised we would search for you together. Long ago I became separated from my family and Crystal was the first of any Fay I had meet for a long time. I would not object if the Rhine maidens wished to call me their daughter.”
Rachel & Constance entered the room and the girls ran across to them. Rachel said, “It appears the words spoken meant I have much to learn and apparently the two of us have become teenage Rhine maidens. Opal and Crystal apparently you two now have six sisters to look after.”
