***
Over her family’s evening meal, Madryn stated her case, being careful not to whine. She had considered every objection her parents might raise, and prepared a considered counter-argument. But, in the end, it was no good. It was obvious her family found the human girl and the fairies truly repellent, and feared them as if their rebellion was contagious.
So, she resorted to her lie. ‘If I can’t go to the celebration, can I at least go to Luta’s? They’ve got her brother’s sketches from his journeys, and I don’t want to be the last to see them.’
‘Oh, go on then, if it keeps you quiet,’ her mother said. ‘But don’t go fawning over her brother. I know you young people find travelling romantic, but you’ve no idea what diseases or uncivilized habits he’s picked up.’
Madryn knew her mother would trust her at Luta’s. Luta’s mother would be sure to report back on Madryn’s conduct, and Luta herself had a reputation for being responsible and level headed. Luta had never been caught doing anything she shouldn’t. Luta was good at that.