Propelled by experienced wings of silver, Iona flew with confidence above the gentle land below, basking in the warmth of summer. Familiarity was her one and only guide as her sapphire blue eyes glimmered along, from side to side, sighting the vibrant fairy folk that called Pixie Hollow their home. She could feel her wings tightening as her presence closed in on her destination, eager to meet up with a friendly face. Together, with Melina’s superior glass-blowing talents, they always found a way to create unique and beautiful works of art. Reminiscent thoughts flowed through her mind, keeping her ears oblivious to another female voice calling out.
“Iona, hold on a second!” An energetic, brunette haired fairy in a red dress leaped off the ground, and took off in hot pursuit. “Iona, please wait, I have something to tell you!” Knowing exactly where Iona was heading off to, she had no choice but to intervene before it was too late. This was far too important of an occasion to just let Iona casually fly on by.
Not until a final push and an urgent hand reached out to hold onto Iona’s did she halt to a hover. “Hey Abby, long time no see.” Iona looked upon the fashion talent fairy with concern, aware of that pleading glint in her eye. “You alright there, Abby? Why all the rush to see me?”
Abby looked around with wandering brown eyes, before composing her racing thoughts. “Well, I just thought I would show you something before I lose you to those elusive sprites and elves again.” A frown followed, accompanied by a saddening twinkle in her eye. “Please… you just have to come see the outfit I made for you. The one you requested I make you.”
Iona remained in a confused hover, having no memory of asking to have one made. “What do you mean at my request? I don’t remember asking for a new outfit.” Her words trailed off quietly, thinking over whether this was indeed an oversight on her part.
“Of course you did, don’t you remember?” How awful that would be if Iona didn’t have any recollection. “Oh no, don’t tell us our big sister has grown so much that she is now of a forgetful age.” Abby turned around, away from Iona, in an attempt to hide a sarcastic smile. “Must be rough getting old… especially in the looks department. Could use some improvements if I say so myself.”
“Now, now. I am not old or forgetful. At least I think I’m not.” Now why did she have to go and put doubt in Iona’s mind. She placed her hands on her hips in disappointment. “What exactly do you mean by improvements?”
“I don’t know, just a little something. If you want to take a look for yourself, just follow me to my place.”
Seeing Abby flying back to her workshop, Iona followed along, still uncertain about the outfit she never requested. Even so, Iona ventured inside, curiosity taking hold as to what she had planned. “Abby, I’m here to take a look.” A quick glance caught her stepping forth from the back room.
“Iona, I am so happy you decided to come along. Please follow me into the dressing area. We have quite the number of things to do.” A hand motioned to step inside the other room. Not until Abby was done doing the final touch ups did she insist Iona take a look for herself. “So, what do you think, does it look good? Being the summer season, I thought you might want a change in attire.”
Standing in front of the mirror in silence, Iona took to studying her new appearance. What was she to say regarding all of these changes? Her naturally flowing blonde hair was no longer simply tied up haphazardly in a ponytail. Instead, a sophisticated French Braid greeted her sights. There was even a purple ribbon tied throughout the center of the entire braid, reaching down to her shoulder blades.
A smile widened on Iona’s face, feeling the comforting texture of an orchid around her slender frame; the long flowing sleeves draping down to her hands. The entire outfit matched perfectly, from her top, down to the very tip of her shoes. A white predominance covered her body in a calm embrace as it delicately intermingled with a purple elegance along the trim of each piece. Every exuberant flower petal displayed an iridescent transition between the contrasting pair of colors. Not even the flower petal skirt, the leggings, or the shoes could diminish its pleasing harmony.
“I take it that you like the outfit.” Receiving only a nod of approval in her direction, Abby felt relieved. “Good, because there was never a request for me to do this for you. After all you’ve done to help me, I thought I owed you something in return. I know how much the Orchid is your favorite flower and you absolutely love the color purple. Tried to make it is as perfect as possible. Even the buckle on your skirt has the symbol for wind.”
Iona looked back at Abby and grinned from ear to ear, realizing her own fallacy, believing that she could forget such a thing. What a crazy fairy Abby was. “I am actually impressed that you do listen to me that much. And here I thought you were too distracted to lend me an ear.”
“Hey, that’s what sisters are for. Even if they do have their moments.” Once again, her words softened, bracing for sarcasm’s return in her direction.
“You know, you’re right… this dress is beautifully done. Thank you so much.” Iona followed up with a tightening hug. “Even if you did kind of fool me to get me here.” Teasing words furthered the playful antics.
