Her Truest Form

Crystal stared at the flickering flame, her brows furrowed in contemplation. She couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

"Who are you?" Crystal asked, her voice filled with intrigue.

The flickering flame stopped in front of her face, tilting itself to get a good look at Crystal. Crystal did not quite enjoy the fact that she couldn't perceive any aura from the flame, as if it existed outside the realm of reality. This encounter seemed so surreal, like a mirage in the desert that might vanish as soon as she would reach out to touch it.

"My name is Flare," the flame replied with a crackling voice. "I am the essence of the book you just touched."

Crystal furrowed her eyebrows, trying to comprehend the nature of this peculiar flame. She turned to Ambrose who was just confusedly staring at her with his bewildered face and asked, "Did you just hear that?"

"Hear what?" he asked, tilting his head, his head spinning with all the drama.

"So, you're like an audio version of this book?" Crystal asked looking back at Flare.

Flare went silent for a few seconds, seemingly trying to understand Crystal's question. Ambrose shared the same confusion, his gaze traveling between Crystal and the empty space she kept looking at and talking to. Crystal rolled her eyes at her own choice of words and decided to rephrase her question.

"Let me ask again," she said, her tone determined. " Are you like the embodiment of the book's contents? Do you like possess all the knowledge that should have been in the book?"

Flare flickered and shimmered, its flames dancing with renewed energy. It seemed to understand Crystal's question this time.

"I am indeed the essence of the book," Flare replied. "The book does not bear written words; rather, it harbors a wisdom that is only accessible to the truest of its owners, the Aether faeries. They alone possess the power to summon me and unlock the knowledge enshrined within. It is a sacred duty bestowed upon them, to receive and safeguard this invaluable inheritance."

Crystal gazed at Flare, contemplating her next question. She wondered if this ethereal flame held any knowledge about her own past, particularly her time on Earth. With a glimmer of hope, she asked, "Flare, do you know anything about me? How I ended up on Earth?"

Flare's flames flickered and danced, conveying a sense of curiosity. "I apologize, but my knowledge primarily revolves around the Aether faeries and their abilities. Unfortunately, I do not possess specific information regarding your personal journey or how you went to be on Earth."

Disappointment washed over Crystal, but she understood the limitations of Flare's guidance. Despite that, she couldn't help but feel a growing connection to the mystical world she was now a part of. She smiled and continued, "Well, Flare, as an Aether faerie myself, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Crystal, and I'm eager to learn more about the Aether faeries and their enchanting powers."

Flare's flames pulsed with a warm glow as it seemed to acknowledge Crystal's introduction. It hovered near her, emitting a gentle heat that felt strangely comforting.

...

Crystal and Marina found themselves in their shared guest room, the air filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming banquet. Crystal continued her conversation with Flare, her attention fully absorbed by the flickering flame. Marina sat on a plush velvet sofa, observing Crystal with a puzzled expression on her face.

Interrupting their discussion, Marina chimed in, "Crystal, we should initiate our preparations for the banquet without delay. The time draws near, and it is imperative that we make ourselves ready."

Flare suddenly emitted a bright, radiant glow, catching Crystal's attention. It seemed that the flame had something important to convey. Crystal turned towards Flare, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Flare spoke in its crackling voice, "Crystal, being an Aether faerie, you possess the extraordinary power to materialize your truest essence. It grants you the capacity to transform your physical appearance at will."

Crystal blinked, slightly taken aback by Flare's revelation. "But I am not the faerie of hues," she replied, unsure of what Flare meant.

Flare flickered and crackled, illuminating the room with its vibrant purple light. "Aether faeries embody a comprehensive range of faerie abilities and elements. Among these, the mastery of hues stands as a fundamental capability bestowed upon Aether faeries."

Crystal nodded, her understanding deepening. Aether faeries possessed a vast range of abilities, far beyond the four basic elements. With Flare's encouragement, she felt a surge of determination to bring forth her true form.

Closing her eyes, Crystal concentrated with unwavering focus, her mind clear of any memories of her past but she still tried her best to gather her mind to herself who was a part of the Fae Kingdom before she was sent to the Earth. She focused on the essence of her Aether faerie nature, letting it guide her transformation.

As she delved into the depths of her being, a sensation of warmth and energy enveloped her. A soft glow emanated from her fingertips, and a gentle breeze rustled through the room as Crystal was now enveloped in the purple smoke.

When Crystal opened her eyes, Marina gasped in awe. Crystal had undergone a stunning transformation. She now stood before Marina, radiating a mystical aura.

Crystal wore a maroon gown that seemed to shimmer with its own ethereal light. The fabric was delicate and flowed gracefully, draping elegantly around her figure. The gown was adorned with intricate patterns reminiscent of delicate vine tendrils, embroidered with violet thread. The neckline was adorned with iridescent crystals that caught and reflected the ambient light, casting a mesmerizing glow.

Crystal's hair, now a lustrous shade of burgundy, was styled in loose, flowing curls that framed her face. It seemed to possess a subtle, enchanting luminescence, as if infused with the very essence of magic.

Marina, her eyes wide with wonder, exclaimed, "Crystal, you look absolutely enchanting!"

Crystal blushed, her heart brimming with newfound confidence. She smiled warmly at Marina, appreciating her friend's support. "Thank you."

She walked towards a mirror and looked at herself instantly and felt like she had known the one standing in front of her for ages.

"I suppose Chroma was indeed correct. She is the most skilled fae when it comes to hues in the entire academy," Crystal remarked, turning to Marina who chuckled and nodded in agreement. Crystal hadn't even imagined how Chroma had previously adorned her for the Love's Day Masquerade, but there she was, resembling that exact appearance. It made her wonder if this was truly her truest form.

...

Crystal and Marina entered the vast banquet hall, their eyes widening in awe as they took in the magnificent sight before them. The hall seemed to stretch endlessly, an opulent display of grandeur and beauty befitting the realm of the Fae.

The room was adorned with intricate tapestries, sparkling chandeliers, and exquisite floral arrangements that filled the air with a delicate fragrance. Flickering spheres of light floated above, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the scene.

The hall was filled with faeries of all shapes, sizes, and colors, their enchanting presence filling the space with an air of magic and anticipation. They fluttered about with graceful wings or roamed over the ground mingling with their peers, their attire adorned with shimmering fabrics.

Crystal was momentarily overwhelmed by the sheer number of faeries gathered in celebration of the King's birthday. The neverending room buzzed with excitement and lively conversations as guests mingled and moved gracefully through the hall.

As they navigated their way through the crowd, she couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of the faeries present. Each one possessed a unique beauty and aura, representing different magical abilities, and appearances. It was a true spectacle of the enchanting world she now found herself a part of.

She whispered in awe, "This is unlike anything I've ever seen. It feels like we've stepped into a domain of dreams." Marina smiled looking at Crystal enjoying the moment.