Her court of wonders was coming along nicely. The borders strengthened every day, and their member count had hit a peak. There was nothing standing in their way now and, as temperatures had risen and snow began to melt, it was clear spring was near. Just a moon at most did the fae give herself to establish them, if only so they could spawn their pixies before the season's end.

She fluttered out the cave of wonders into the thickest part of their forest; the left-over ice on the willow branches glittering and shimmering in the rays of sunshine. They created a rainbow of colors the queen got entranced by.

The fae was of age - she was as much an adult as the others, a yearling as far as she knew - or almost. She had endured countless heartbreaks and had observed the very best in leadership from the shadows; studied, and possessed a kind heart. Few could say they were bred and born for the position; even fewer could say they were worthy, if there even was such a thing. The queen wanted but the best for those that decided to befriend her and stand beside her - not 'neath her - to build a home. She wasn't forcing anyone among their ranks; if one was not satisfied with her ruling and her decisions, they were free to leave.

Aoibh gave off an air of deviance, despite her sweet sister that seemed more than pleased with her spot among the willows, and it worried Lumi ever so slightly. She had stood up to Orlaith and would stand up against even the meanest of foes to defend her existence - her place, for she had put in the effort to build this and not Aoibh. In fact, Aoibh was acting more childish than the youthful fae that had come from this realm.

Please, do tell me what's on your mind. She responded calmly - serenely - as she wafted her tail as a flag, proudly in the air. This was the only sign of dominance she displayed directly, but the gaze that rested upon the fire faerie was one of curiosity at best and suspicion at worst.

The fae was slow to anger, but the other toed the line. Even if Aoibh attained a hundred years of age, her actions told a different story; one of entitlement, jealousy... Lumiya had never felt entitled to anything, to stand taller than ever before was a new development that had taken much time and internal therapy. Her confidence had peaked, rising steadily, but it wasn't enough. Aoibh possessed too much of it, so the queen thought, and that revelation would become clearer in times to come.

The other spoke boldly - too boldly - and the queen felt like she didn't owe her the satisfaction of an answer. The plan had been simple from the beginning; to create a heaven of peace. Anyone that would disturb that peace would suffer the wrath of the faerie queen and those that had decided to follow her, even if the disturbance was caused by one of their own. It took her a while to realize that her own emotions and morals did not come before the pack, and if there was even a ripple in the water she would set them aside. She held no attachment to Aoibh in particular, which made the notion easier, but she could not imagine banishing her... Or could she?

This child has welcomed you into her home — has nourished and protected you, and will continue to do so for this court 'till the waves flatten and the sun dies out. There wasn't a trace of malice or anger in her melodic voice that spoke so often in metaphors and riddles. If you are dissatisfied with me or this very court that has welcomed you, I implore you to consider leaving this realm altogether. She advised, her muzzle raised in a poised manner. If the queen was being honest with herself, she did not need Aoibh - she did not need anyone that would defy her in the end and speak half-truths behind her back.

I dug the caches you eat out of - I filled them like any other. How dare the entitled brat think she was the only one doing anything around here. She had yet to see the rude woman walking borders - even her sister had walked with her before, but not Aoibh. It was fine if she was off hunting everything she could, but their caches seemed to insinuate something else; as far as the queen knew, the woman was doing very little for the court. Secretly, she did not wonder why she'd gotten thrown out of their former court... but that was so awful to think of that she would never get it out of her mouth - not even if it was forced. There has been potential for danger - not that you would know, as you never do answer the calls. We've driven off many strangers, and one day they won't be as kind as those that have now left us in peace. Keeping the peace was the key to success, so Lumi believed; but Aoibh did not seem like the peaceful kind. She then wondered if Aoibh even wanted to be a faerie, as their existence has always relied on peace and friendliness... Was she doing this just to keep close to her sister?

Wisdom only rarely comes with age — it's childish to think no one makes mistakes. It appears I've already made one by letting you join us, but that remains to be seen. She responded then, her rage calm and calculated - her anger nearly always turned to ice, not fire. Again she wanted the plan, the one she'd already explained; as if there was more to her motive than just creating a place of peace and tranquility. It was obvious all she wanted was a place to belong, one she could build from the ground up with those she cared about, and that cared about her. Neither was the case with Aoibh. Raising her chin up just the slightest bit more, she said; If you disrespect me again, I will not hesitate to banish you.

Perhaps if Lumi had known Aoibh a little better, she wouldn't have been so harsh. She knew her words could cut like knives, despite the gentle nature and tone. She had a lot left to learn if she ever wanted to become a therapist, but perhaps this was the biggest challenge she'd ever face and it was smooth sailing from here on out. That was wishful thinking, she knew, but her anger clouded her sensible mind and left only the hopeful parts of her that desperately grabbed at straws.

No. No that wasn't right. Lumiya wasn't better than any other being, everyone was worthy, you just had to work a little harder on yourself and... and... The stern expression she had held up for their confrontation softened and became one of worry. Had she gone too far with her promise of banishment for all those who opposed her? Was she to let others jeopardize her plans and disrespect her? Where did one draw the line? Ruling with an iron fist wasn't the right way, but neither was becoming a doormat. Had her judgement of the other young fae been misplaced?

No - Aoibh - That's not what I meant, please... But it was, most likely, already too late. Her voice had turned into not much more than a whisper, a whimper on the wind, trailing after a running figure desperate to escape her clutches. She wasn't planning on chasing, knowing that whatever was going on was better left in silence for the time being.