Moonlight filtered down from above into the bright hall. The light beamed shone on the faeries standing at the southern end of the room. Six of the eight were sitting, watching the proceedings.

An older faerie stood to address the pair standing in front of her. Her yellow hair was streaked with white. She held her golden crown in her right hand. "Young twins, my daughters, you have reached your eighth year. I send you to off to school this day, where you will learn of many things. As your mother, I send my love. As queen, I declare that you uphold the family honor. You will return, but now…" Her voice trailed off.

"Mother, do not tire yourself. Da told you to take it easy after that fall you had last week. Sit, please." A beautiful silver-haired faerie stood calmly and eased the queen into her seat. She had silver, blue and green wings and a pair of wise, gray eyes. "Moonbeam and River." She smiled as the twins winced at the use of their real names1. "You will find friendship and sorrow, love and loss. Remember who you are, and may all our love fly with you, always. Go now, for Redwood awaits you both."

"And luck too. Don’t forget luck, Lily." Piped a young, tiny faerie. She had the elder’s wings and deep brown eyes. Her blond hair was a frizzy mess and fell to her shoulders in tight curls.

Tigerlily smiled, fingering the golden circlet in her hand. She was next in line for the throne should her mother step down. "Yes, Trey, luck flies with them too. It now flies with your big sisters. It will fly with both Rhianorra and you when you are of your eighth years." She turned to the two faeries sitting behind her, nodded and sat down.

Pale pink wings stood out against the short orange hair of the girl who stood next. She glared at the younger faerie that was sitting next to her. Walking forward to the twins, she gave them each a hug. Going back to her seat, she kicked the younger faerie into realization.

"Hey! That hurt Krista! Oh, sorry." She put down the large book she had been reading and stood. Stretching her murky violet colored wings, she too hugged the twins. "My astronomy teacher gave me a huge assignment to do. I have to write a report on the constellation Pegasus." The twins giggled as she walked back to her seat. Their sister Ralina hated astronomy.

"Well?" Asked Tigerlily. "Are you going, or are you to stand here all night? There is a robin waiting outside to fly you over to Redwood." And with that, twins Moonbeam and River walked out.