– If you want to live among us, then learn the language. Our language. There are thirteen grammatical errors in your breath.

– They don't teach that in my school. What's your name? " asked the astonished girl. The lady butterfly had spoken to her – was it not a miracle? So Louise really wasn't quite human. And not quite ordinary.

– Linda-Jane-Madam-Wood-Mistress-Sarah-Wizard Field. Well, goodbye," she said, and then she flapped her wings and flew off into the sky. Louise remained on the ground.

"I had a chat with her. She is such a sweet mistress! I wonder if butterflies have kings and queens? In the City, as far as I can remember, some sort of Ministr rules. Or Minister."

– Galya, explain to me why mom left me here with you? Why don't I live in the City, because I don't have wings yet? " Louise stopped by the house for lunch and decided to do a little questioning.

– You'll find out a little later, baby," she replied affectionately, but Louise insisted:

– Why not now? I don't want to wait six years! It's like half my life from the one I've already lived.

– Your mother thinks it would be dangerous for you to be with people.

– And Dad? Isn't he a regular person?

– He is.

– So what…

– You'd have to ask them yourself.

– How can I do that?

– Don't be mad.

– I'm not mad! Not at all.

– Okay, if you are.

– How can I talk to my parents?

– Can't you write an e-mail? " Galya grinned.

– Who? Write what?

– Okay, forget it. You'd better stay out of the modern rhythm.

– But I'll be taken to the City when I grow up? " the excited girl went on. What if she could learn something very important now?

– That's what I said, but plans have changed.

– Whose plans? Mom's and Dad's? " Louise exclaimed, nearly knocking over a bowl of nettle soup.

– Almost.

– You hang out with them, and I'm not allowed to! " Louise even clenched her fists in indignation.

– Is that what you want? " Galina asked.

– What?

– To talk to them.

– We're having a stupid dialog. I talked to a butterfly today.

– That's weird.

– What about my parents?

– Do you want to?

– Yes, I do. I do!

– Then write a letter to your mom. I'll tell you where to send it.

– Where does mom live? Does Daddy live with her?

– Have your lunch and get started. There are sheets of parchment in the drawers," Galya continued to explain nonchalantly.

– Okay," the girl replied, but she could not calm down at once: the spoon was running in her hands, and the soup threatened to spill all over the table.

"Why didn't Galya say anything before? Why didn't tell the child that he could write to his parents? His own! Hmm, something's not right here. And I should know what awaits me after my eighteenth birthday. It's unlikely that the crown of some magical princess will fall on me on the same day".

The school day of the hot summer was coming to the end, but Niels was in no hurry to go home, even though he didn't like to miss his Latin lessons (he had to have time to eat and get his textbook). His red hair was even hotter, and it was as if the boy had suddenly become a walking sun himself. At the entrance to the school, Roxy and her friends lingered too. The girls were discussing their current idol, Edol, the boy from the eleventh grade. They were saying that he had single-handedly slain some terrible forest monster, though they all knew that no one had ever seen one. And no one ever will.

Niels would be a warrior, but Edol knew nothing of the border, nor of the Forests and Fields beyond it. Fairies and elves certainly didn't live there (but you never know!), but ancient priestesses or witch doctors might.