100 Learn Something New Part 2

Four little fairies appeared in the air. Each one was ivory in skin tone and looked as though they were carved from the finest jade. Long streams of hair like water floating and swaying behind them as the flittered on little translucent wings. The sunlight caught on the thin flowy fabric of their dresses and glowed, casting pretty colors across the fairy's body.

"Will you dance for us, daughters of the rain?" Kyera asked watching each fairy as they set the stones on a bubble which they seemed to sink into. The stones disappear beneath the surface of the bubbles into the fae realm beyond.

The fae seemed to think a moment and fluttered closer to Kyera and Raina. The smallest fairy, maybe 6 inches tall flew forward and the other three formed a diamond behind her. In perfect unison the swept a bow and seemed to wait patiently. Kyera chuckled.

"Ahh I see... " Kyera lowered herself to her knees and lifted her hand into the air. After several moments of concentration a instrument floated into her raised hands.

A long thin piece of wood elegantly carved with vines, flowers and a sleeping tiger came to rest on her thighs. Strings traveled the length of the Zither and wooden bridges crossed at a angle further up. Kyera smiled and looked at Raina, who was awestruck.

"Where did that come from?" she asked looking at the sky. Kyera chuckled.

"The Realm of Shadows. You were told I'm a disciple of the Shadow Lord, yes?" Kyera waited for her young friend to nod. "well music is how I please him as well as the earth below and sky above." Kyera explained patiently. Her fingers traveled over the carved wood.

"but why bring it out now?" Raina asked tilting her head to the side. Kyera motioned to the fairies who were watching her with interest. They had not expected Kyera to be the one to play for them.

"It is hard for humans to hear fair folk music. So, in order to enjoy their dance they wish for us to provide the music." Kyera explained and Raina looked a little sad.

"Oh… it's okay. I don't know how to play." she replied a bit crestfallen but Kyera chuckled again. Her long elegant fingers passed over the strings. The soft sounds of a sweet dark melody flowed from the Zither under her hand. She caressed, plucked and stroked as the strings gave up their voices.

The fairies were moved by the dark melody and began a slow graceful dance. Swaying and spinning while letting their bodies move with the music. Each fairy moving in sync with the next. Raina was mesmerized but was torn as well. The music was enchanting but the fairy dance was beautiful. She was lost in the display of art before her.

"I could never play something like this." Raina said glancing lovingly at the Zither. She had seen so many played but never touched them. Kyera shook her head, all the things this child had been told she couldn't do...it angered her.

"My dear Princess. Come here." Kyera proceeded to move the Zither and place the child on her lap. Settling the Zither across her knees Kyera began teaching her to play. Her hands slowly showed the smaller ones when to pluck the strings, explaining in a soft patient voice what sound each string made and the meaning behind it.

At first, the little girl's music made the fairies cringe and fly away. However, one little snow fairy fluttered closer letting her tip toes lightly rest on the Zither's wooden frame. she watched as the girl's moments became more fluid. Kyera began playing the strings while Raina watched her hands. Kyera began to sing.