Nordic Fairies

By Saga Berg

Svala hasn’t seen Viggo in years when he suddenly reappears as a famous movie star and she can’t get to him.

Svala and Viggo have lived over a thousand years as Liosálfar, Nordic light fairies. They are always kept separated at first and have to earn their right to be together. In this life, Viggo appears on TV as a famous movie star while they are still separated. His fame makes it difficult for Svala to ignore him and it pushes their painful secrets to resurface on public display. It soon becomes clear to Svala that the Döckálfar, the Nordic dark fairies, are involved somehow. But how much? And for how long has this been going on?

The questions she’s tried to ignore comes back. What happened to Viggo during World War II? Where were he during the seventeen years he went missing and why won't he talk about what happened to him? And how are those events connected to everything strange that happened to them since?

Nordic Fairies is a contemporary fantasy novel that slowly reveals secrets from the past. Secrets that has now caught up with both Svala and Viggo and will determine their future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Saga Berg
• Release date: Jan 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781943438525

Saga Berg

Saga Berg was born in Sweden during the snow storm of 1979 and knew already at the age of seven that she wanted to become a writer. She studied English and Communication at the University of Malmö, then took her Bachelor in Marketing- and Communications at the same University.After working a few years in marketing, Saga Berg started writing the novella series Nordic Fairies, her first published story. The Nordic Fairies series is a low fantasy novel with a new concept of fairies and introduces Nordic light and dark fairies, Liosálfar and Döckálfar fighting for balance in a contemporary world. The series has been very well received by readers in all ages with high ratings and amazing reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Nobel. 2016 she released Nordic Fairies as a full novel with lots of extra material.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Svala froze. This was it.

Viggo Storm sat between his two co-stars, behind a desk at the end of the mall. The line of fans waiting to get their pictures autographed stretched so far it would take hours for the end of the line to reach him.

Despite the multiple no pictures signs placed along the line, the herd of teenage girls snapped pictures every chance they got. Svala observed the young actors up front. Viggo’s female co-star, Amanda Jones, was beautiful with her raven black hair and spotless complexion. The other male co-star with his crew-cut anonymous hair color and predictable good looks made no lasting impression next to Viggo. Then again, it wasn’t a fair comparison. The boy was undoubtedly a mortal.

I can’t believe we finally get to meet Viggo Storm. Megan shifted her feet and glanced past the crowd. Do you think they’ll throw me out if I try to kiss him?

So worth it if they do, said Sarah with a mischievous smile.

At his movie premiere the night before, Viggo had been impossible to get close to as he was constantly surrounded by security guards and journalists. One girl tried. She managed to get past two dark suits, but as she was about to throw her arms around the handsome young actor she was caught and escorted out of the theatre. After her stunt, no one dared to get close to him.

Oh God, there he is! Sarah clasped the glossy promotional picture in her hand so hard it wrinkled. It looked like she would pass out. Megan stared at Viggo and gasped.

Svala clutched her picture with both hands, no longer sure she wanted to know what she had come to find out.

Viggo offered the girl in front of him a half-hearted smile and handed her the signed picture. His clear blue eyes, typical of all the Nordic Fairies, flickered over the mall. Svala ducked behind the girl in front of her while Megan, Jen and Sarah stepped out from the line and tip-toed for a better view. A girl in front of them wore eight inch heels and wobbled to the side while attempting to peek over the crowd.

Viggo continued scanning the mall area. He peered over the crowd until his male co-star nudged him. Then he ran a hand through his chestnut-colored hair and forced a smile to the girl standing in front of him. She handed him a picture.

Sarah consulted her watch. I’ll absolutely die if I don’t get up there before they close the line. I’ve already practiced what to say. Do you want to hear?

The girls nodded with enthusiasm and moved forward as the line progressed. Sarah presented her speech, Svala tried to focus on her words, but her thoughts drifted to the consequences of failure. She glanced at the entrance. There was still time to leave, but if she did, it might be years before she found out what was going on, and by then it might be too late.

Amanda Jones is so lucky. Sarah studied Viggo’s female co-star with a pout. It’s unfair. She’s not even that pretty.

Oh, really? Jen crossed her arms over her chest and lifted a single eyebrow in doubt.

Svala chose to not get involved. The thought of Amanda Jones made her insides turn, and the dark thoughts it provoked were not suitable for a Liosálfar.

I’m entitled to my opinion, and I don’t think she’s pretty. Sarah tried to sound confident but fiddled with her hair, pulling a strand of her blonde bob hair cut behind her ear.

Viggo seems to think she is, said Jen.

That’s just a rumor. They’re pretending to be together. It’s a publicity stunt. Sarah rolled her eyes as if they were stupid for not getting it.

Svala glanced at Amanda Jones. The actress leaned over the table and signed a picture with slow, methodic strokes. Her long, straight hair fell over her arm and onto the desk. Black and shiny it gleamed in the bright spotlight. When she handed back the photo, she tossed back her hair and smiled, exposing a row of perfect white teeth. Her delicate features made her look like a porcelain doll. She was stunning.

Eight weeks had passed since Svala won the tickets to the premiere of Moonlight in Venice . The movie was a success before it premiered, thanks to Viggo Storm in the leading role as Colin Hunter, the rich heir who falls in love with the wrong girl. Your standard love story. Suffice it to say it wasn’t the plot which made teenage girls go into a frenzy every time someone mentioned the movie.

The seventeen-year-old wonder boy, with his intense blue eyes and contrasting dark hair, appeared out of nowhere. After a small but significant role in a prime-time TV show, his popularity had sky-rocketed overnight. Svala wasn’t supposed to have any contact with him until the High Council decided she could. It was always a struggle but this was the first time she kept running into his smiling face on the front page of magazines or up on a billboards. Not to mention the Viggo Storm mania that took place on social media. Now he sat only a few feet away, behind a herd of girls who had come for the sole purpose of meeting him. In that respect, Svala was no exception.

God, look at him. Sarah gaped. I didn’t think it possible to be that gorgeous.

Svala watched Viggo in silence. Her heart pounded. Viggo searched the room again and most of the girls stretched and tried to catch his attention. He lowered his gaze, a line crossing his forehead. Svala’s heart continued to race, and her nausea intensified. Maybe not knowing was better after all.

I honestly thought they’d tampered with his pictures. I didn’t think his eyes were actually that blue. Like, where did he come from? Jen said.

I’ve read he’s Swedish, Megan said.

He’s said that? Svala asked too quickly.

Yeah, in an interview ... In Cosmo, I think. Megan pondered.

Your family is Swedish too, aren’t they? Sarah asked.

Yeah, way back though, Svala said.

Maybe you’re related then. Like a hundred years back in time or so. Jen grinned.

Yeah. Maybe.

A hundred years back in time equaled an eternity for her friends but was only a fraction of her life. She smiled to herself and glanced at Viggo. The temptation to tell mortals the truth never arose, but she sometimes wondered how they would react if she did.

Chapter 2

10th Century

Birka, Sweden

Svala was fourteen years of age when Trym, her Liosálfar mentor, came to her the first time in the 10th century. It was a warm summer day in July, she sat on a large rock by the surf in the Swedish village of Birka, crying. Her long blonde hair covered her face. The sun had warmed the earth for weeks and the hard rocks almost burned her delicate skin. She endured the pain as this was the only place where no one would look for her.

Her father had left for another long trip out at sea, but not before he forbade her to meet that boy ever again. That boy who was only one year older and perfect for her.

You cry because you are honest.

Trym’s voice had been unexpected, his words even more so. Svala wiped her face with the back of her hand, a cool and salty wind breezed through her hair as she looked up. A stranger stood on a rock a few feet away. The waves lulled gently against the rocks by the surf with a low whisking sound. Svala eased back and pursed her lips together, not sure of the stranger’s intentions.

Your father would never know if you met the boy while he’s gone, and yet you cry because you know you won’t disobey.

His strange insight into her life made her tears subside. She opened her mouth to speak but not a sound came out. Instead, she stared at him. Something about him made her calm. He was tall, wearing the traditional brown Viking attire but with a long silvery cloak over his shoulders. It was out of place, almost regal. She should be terrified. Strange men approaching young women like this usually meant trouble, yet she felt perfectly safe in his presence.

Behind him in the distance, sailed her father’s symmetrical ship with the impressive white sail raised to the wind and the dragon shaped bow and stern perfectly visible against the blue sky. It would be months, possibly even years before it returned, before her father would be able to check in on her.

I’ve been looking for you, Svala.

How do you know my name?

Trym squinted at the sun before he knelt beside her. When he studied her the light reflected off the water and onto his face. His skin was smooth and perfect; his blond hair fell like silk over his intense blue eyes.

Do you want to be with this boy for eternity?

She frowned.

Do you love this boy? He rephrased.

She nodded.

You’re only fourteen. How do you know this?

She looked at her hands and thought about it. How could you put words to something which could not be described?

I don’t know. I just feel it.

Trym smiled, like her answer pleased him. I have an offer for you, Svala. I think you’ll like it.

Svala never hesitated nor did she ever regret her decision. Trym told her what he was and what she would become if she agreed to his terms. She hadn’t grasped the whole concept at first, only the simplified version. Nordic Fairies divided into light and dark; Liosálfar and Döckálfar. Trym recruited her on behalf of the Liosálfar, the light fairies. Given her honesty and pure heart, he considered her the perfect candidate. She was to help keep the balance in the mortal world; do good and uphold a sense of honesty.

Her incentive was Viggo. He had gone through the test and agreed to the same deal. His Liosálfar mentor was a fae named Alva.

From that day, Svala’s life always started at the age of fourteen, Viggo’s at fifteen, and continued for as long as the High Council decided. They aged, like any other mortal, but rarely reached old age before their lives started over. In the beginning of each life, Viggo and Svala were kept apart, forbidden to meet. They were driven by a need to unite, but if they initiated their relationship before they finalized their assignments there would be consequences, maybe even punishment. Only when they had proven themselves worthy, could they be together for whatever period of time the High Council decided.

Their time together usually lasted for years, on rare occasions months, once only a few weeks. They always remembered their past lives and experiences, but no mortal ever remembered them.

Everything needs to be earned and should never be taken for granted, Trym often reminded her.

She lived with Trym until she fulfilled her assignments. He took orders from the High Council, and made sure Svala didn’t connect with Viggo before it was time.

Why would we be punished for our love, and what would happen if we failed?

You must focus on the assignments. That is what’s most important. If we don’t try to make this world a better place, the balance is lost. The Döckálfar might take over, Trym explained.

And what will happen if we disobey?

Then you risk losing each other forever. He must have picked up on her terrified expression because he put a hand on her shoulder and added. Don’t worry. You’ll soon find the time apart a small price to pay for eternal love.

Today, it had been two years since Svala had last seen Viggo. Their previous assignment took over six years to accomplish, yet their union had lasted only three weeks before they’d been torn apart. It felt like they’d been apart for a decade.

A few months back, in present time

Washington D.C.

Several months before Svala stood in line at the mall waiting to meet Viggo, she slouched on the beige Lawson style couch in their living room back in Washington D.C. She dug her spoon into an almost empty container of Haägen Dazs Cookies and Cream while zapping through channels. She was just about to give up and turn off the TV when Viggo appeared on the screen. Svala froze with her hand clutching the remote control. For a moment she forgot how to breathe. The blob of ice cream she’d scooped up slowly slid off the spoon and back into the box.

Her gaze fixed on the screen while she shouted out in a high-pitched, panicked voice, Trym!

Trym emerged from the kitchen, wearing a blue apron and clutching two potholders in his hands. He opened his mouth to speak but as he saw Viggo on the screen the words got stuck in his throat. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped while the color drained from his face. He sat down on the couch, his gaze never leaving the TV screen.

Together they watched in silence as Viggo walked over a tiled Italian terrace and up to a large swimming pool. The turquoise water glimmered in the sun and in the background stood an impressive white mansion fronted by several cast stone balconies with balustrade and newel piers.

My God, what is he doing? Trym asked.

Svala stared at the screen, her lips still parted. I don’t understand. What’s he doing? What does this mean?

Trym let his fingers linger over his lips as Viggo removed his white cotton shirt. The tattoo on his tanned left shoulder blade confirmed it was indeed Viggo. The wind caught hold of his short brown hair, and something deep inside Svala ached to reach out and run her hands through the soft strands. She eased closer to the TV.

I don’t know what this means, Trym said. He has to know we’ll see this. I can’t imagine the High Council have approved it. They would have informed me.

Shouldn’t we do something?

The remains of the ice cream had turned into a slow moving liquid at the bottom of the carton, and the cold box left her hand numb. Svala placed it on the coffee table but never lost sight of the screen.

We have to find out what this means, Trym said, a worried frown on his face. And we have to be careful while doing so. If he's not trying to get your attention someone else is.

The Döckálfar? Svala tore her gaze from Viggo and her eyes widened in fear. You think they’ve gotten to him?

I don’t know. Trym observed the screen, lips pressed tightly together. Let’s hope not.

They waited patiently for Viggo’s next public appearance, the movie premiere. Once the release date was announced, Trym made the necessary arrangements and bought them tickets to attend. No one would suspect four sixteen-year-old girls going to the premiere of a movie most teenage girls were dying to see.

Svala packed for their trip. A red suitcase lay open on her bed, clothes spread all over the room, on the bed, over the armchair and hanging from the closet door.

I know it’s difficult, but try to stay out of his sight. The more you find out without contacting him, the better, Trym said.

She ran her fingers over a red dress with a low back she planned to wear to the premiere. Feeling the smooth fabric under her hand, she sighed. That’s asking a lot.

I know, but you must.

Would you? I mean if it was... She trailed off, feeling bad for bringing it up.

Trym said nothing. He pressed his lips together, avoided her gaze and reached for her dress. I would suggest you wear something less... eye catching. He moved the red dress to the side and pulled out a black Filippa K with clean straight lines, typical of Scandinavian design. And dye your hair. Dark.

How dark? She didn’t want to meet his gaze again, too upset with him for pointing out what she already knew.

Just dark.

Svala grabbed the end of her thick, blonde hair and groaned. She didn’t mind going dark, but Viggo would not be searching for a brunette.

Can I trust you? Trym leaned against the white bed frame and offered his most intense look.

She nodded but her gaze drifted towards the red dress, the one that would make Viggo notice her the second she stepped into the movie theatre.

Trym sighed. You have to be stronger than this. You know that.

She managed another nod. Her eyes welled up and Trym looked helpless. He slouched, and his gaze never settled. She knew he only wanted to protect her from what he had been forced to go through. She was being unfair.

You can trust me. I’m sorry, I... She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. I just miss him so much.

They flew up to New York for the premiere. Trym told her friends’ parents he would accompany them and make sure they returned safe. To Svala’s friends, Trym was her uncle who raised her since her parents died in an accident when she was five. They’d used that version the last two hundred years so it was well rehearsed. Trym was too young to be her father and too old to be anything else.

In the taxi from La Guardia airport to their hotel in central Manhattan, Jen turned to Trym. Mr. Linné, do we have to go back to the hotel right after the movie, or can we stay out longer?

I’m afraid I promised your parents I’d have you back in bed by eleven. I won’t be able to go with you to the premiere, so I trust you do as I say. Trym let his gaze wander over Svala. She gazed out the window, hiding her tense expression.

Trym wasn’t her uncle, but until she reunited with Viggo he still decided what she was allowed to do.

But what if there is a party after? Sarah asked. Could we go?

No. Trym eased the rejection with a smile. I need you to come straight back to the hotel.

But what if we get to meet Viggo Storm in person? Sarah insisted.

Svala bit her tongue and evaded Trym’s worried gaze.

Then definitely no, he said.

Sarah’s smile grew stiff, as if she tried to pretend she wasn’t disappointed. Trym was usually more easygoing than the other parents; he didn’t give them a hard time for coming home late or going to parties. That was only because he didn’t think of Svala as a teenage girl and sometimes forgot her friends were.

Svala glanced out over the New York skyline when the cab closed in. The city held so many memories, good and bad. This was where she and Viggo first arrived when they moved to the States during World War I, and where she’d lived most of her lives. If Viggo expected her to seek him out, he’d know this was where she’d come looking for him. 

They stayed at Park Hyatt in the balcony suite. Trym said it would make the pretense of a prize more credible if anyone was paying attention. Svala was unsure if by anyone he meant anyone from the High Council or the Döckálfar community but knew better than to ask if Trym didn’t provide the information on his own.

When the other girls unpacked in their rooms, Trym took Svala aside. Are you sure you can handle this? he asked. You don’t seem focused.

Her mood shifted the moment they entered the city and she wasn’t very good at hiding it.

You need to find out what’s going on. And you don’t approach him unless it’s absolutely necessary.

I know what to do. Her response came out more annoyed than she intended.

Trym leaned closer and lowered his voice. If he's only trying to meet you, you have to be stronger. You have to walk away. If the Döckálfar is using him as bait to have you break the rules you might never get to see him again. You understand that, don’t you?

You don’t have to keep telling me. I know.

Trym stepped back, crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. I know you do, but I don’t think you know what it actually means. If he’s been compromised by the Döckálfar, and if we don’t handle this right, we might not only lose him, we might lose him to them. I don’t think the balance would ever be restored.

I know. Why do you think I’m so nervous? What if I’m not strong enough to resist him and we... She closed her eyes.

Just try to remember what’s at stake. Never let that thought out of your head. Because you will lose him forever if you break the rules, there is no question about it. Especially not after what the two of you did.

A light tap on the door interrupted their conversation. It was Jen.

Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt. Her gaze flickered between the two of them.

Svala relaxed and smiled at her friend, trying to prevent all of her fears from mirroring in her eyes. She had hundreds of years of practice trying to pretend she was a normal teenager. This should not be so difficult.

Chapter 3

With time to spare before the premiere, Svala and her friends headed out for a day in New York. After two hours of shopping, followed by a stroll down Broadway, they ended up at Dean & DeLuca . Svala ordered a tall Cappuccino and a chocolate-chip cookie, then took the seat next to Sarah by the window. Outside, people hurried past with their suit cases and Starbucks cups, missing the whole point of living. It always surprised her with how little time they had to live their lives.

While she listened to her friends’ expectations on the upcoming evening, Svala watched a middle aged lady in a red coat rush down the street. The woman’s hair was short and blonde and the tight fitting coat with a matching belt and large black buttons made her stand out in the crowd. She thought of her . She could be one of the people walking by, and Svala wouldn’t even know it. Life could be so cruel.

I wonder how close we can get to him. Jen pushed her long brown hair from her face.

The lady outside answered her cell phone as she crossed the street, then disappeared down the stairs to the subway station.

Sarah placed her blue cup on the black table and pursed her freshly glossed lips together. Her short bob hair cut framed her slender face and her brown eyes sparkled with excitement. What if... She bit her lip with a concentrated frown. What if I tripped and fell on him. Then he’d have to catch me and fall desperately in love with me. She met the others’ doubtful expressions. That could happen.

How could that happen? Jen’s tone of voice indicated Sarah was in fact an idiot.

Svala stayed silent through her friends conversation, and her thoughts drifted to the last time she had been with Viggo, two years ago. At the time, she appeared to be twenty years old, but in reality she was closer to nine hundred. Three weeks earlier they’d reunited after the y 'd finished a six year long assignment. Usually, their time apart was much shorter. At one time, it had taken only three months to get back together, though normally it took between one to three years. Six years was a long time to wait to be with the one you loved and three weeks not nearly enough to satisfy their need.

This time, Svala moved to Viggo’s life. He lived in Los Angles during their six years apart, finishing his Masters Degree in Economics. Svala spent her six years working with environmental issues in the Antarctic, and didn’t mind moving from the cold to sunny Los Angeles to be with the man she loved.

She remembered that last morning together when Viggo stepped out from the large tiled shower in their Hollywood mansion. Steam filled the room along with a fresh scent of shampoo and soap.

Svala stood by the sink, finished brushing her teeth and met Viggo’s gaze in the foggy mirror in front of her. He held her gaze and reached for a white cotton towel, perfectly folded on a shelf beside the shower. He ran it swiftly over his face and hair before he wrapped it around his waist.

Do you want to get married this time? he asked.

Svala placed her electric toothbrush on the white marble sink, then met his reflection in the mirror again and smiled. His eyes shifted to a lighter shade of blue and his smile warmed her heart.

What? he asked amused.

Water dripped from his hair onto his shoulder. She admired the view, completely content just to have him there.

Nothing.

Viggo walked up and wrapped his strong arms around her small frame. The back of her thin silk robe, turquoise with a Japanese print, clung to his wet chest. Svala closed her eyes as his lips pressed against her neck and his hands slid in underneath her robe.

I love you, he whispered and inhaled her scent in one sharp breath.

She leaned her head against his shoulder and his unshaven cheek brushed against her smooth skin. He kissed the tip of her nose and placed a hand on her hip. She turned, tip toed, and circled his neck with both arms, locking her hands in place behind his head. The movement made her robe slide slightly ajar and Viggo glanced down with a shy smile. I think I’m going to have to stay home today after all.

She chuckled and he pulled her closer. His body was firm, the hair in the back of his neck still wet, dripping onto her hands.

You’ve been away from work for almost three weeks. If you don’t go back soon, they might fire you.

He nodded and rested his forehead against hers. I know, it’s just... Six years is a long time. Clasping her face in both hands, he tilted her head back. I’m terrified they’ll make us start over too soon.

She released her hands from behind his neck to caress his face. His bristles scraped against her hand. I’m sure they’ll give us enough time to compensate. We’ve learned our lesson.

He pulled her into a kiss. Soft yet determined, his tongue found hers. She kissed him back, and allowed him to push her against the sink. She didn’t want him to leave either, but they had to live their lives like normal people now. They had to be responsible.

She placed a hand on his chest and broke the kiss. He eased back and tucked away a blonde string of hair from her face. In this life, she had cut her hair just above her shoulders.

Promise we’ll still be here in the end of the day. he said.

She stood on her toes and planted a soft kiss on his lips. I promise.

He lingered on her lips, then pulled away and turned to the sink. Svala tied her robe, catching him watching her with a shy smile. She tip toed to give him a last kiss then walked toward the door that lead out to the master bedroom.

You never answered my question, Viggo said

She turned and met his gaze. What question?

Will you marry me?

She smiled and met his beautiful eyes. Of course, honey. Always.

Aren’t you going to eat that?

Svala snapped out of her day dreaming as Jen pointed at the chocolate chip cookie on her plate. Svala held her Cappuccino clutched in both hands on the table, the cup full, the content lukewarm. She released the cup and pushed the cookie toward Jen. No, go ahead.

Jen shook her head. Uh-uh. I need to look gorgeous in my new dress tonight. There is simply no room for dessert.

Svala consulted her watch. Four hours until the premiere. Her heart skipped a beat.

We should head back to the hotel, get some rest. Sarah collected her shopping bags under the table.

Jen glanced at the clock on the wall. Yeah, we should get some sleep. There is only so much make-up can accomplish.

Out in the street a warm wind swept past her. Steam poured out from under the ground and dissolved in the sky. The humid air mixed with exhaust made it difficult to breathe.

The sun had come out from behind the clouds so the girls took off their summer jackets and tucked them into their shopping bags. After a short debate whether or not they had time for more shopping they agreed it was better to go back to the hotel and relax.

Svala lingered at the end of the group. With hours to spare, she had time to do something she’d been itching to do ever since they arrived in New York. The girls walked along Broadway Street and Svala followed behind for a few minutes before she made up her mind, and stopped.

Listen guys, you go ahead back to the hotel. I have something I need to do.

The girls stopped short in the middle of the crowded sidewalk. Sarah’s brows shot up, and the other two girls mirrored her expression. Svala wanted to kick herself for being so impatient. She should have waited and snuck out when they didn’t notice.

What? Megan asked when Svala didn’t elaborate.

Lying had never been her strong suit so she told them the truth, thinking they wouldn’t be interested in coming along anyway. I found this shop on the internet. I wanted to check it out.

What kind of shop?

It’s a shop that sells gemstones. You don’t have to come with me. Go back. Get your beauty sleep. I don’t mind going on my own.

Gemstones? Sarah frowned as if Svala’d suggested they’d go and buy drugs.

Svala hid her annoyance over the condescending tone in Sarah’s voice with a smile. Yeah. She shrugged, like she realized it was a stupid thing to take an interest in. But seriously, you don’t have to come with me.

Jen looked at her wristwatch. We still have a couple of hours. You shouldn’t have to go alone. She looked at the others.

Of course. We’ll come with you. Sarah agreed.

The silver bell at the top of the door chimed when the four girls entered the small shop in Brooklyn. A comforting scent of incense met them inside. Svala’s friends inspected the place with forced smiles, their discomfort shining through.

Along one of the walls stood a long table with small wooden boxes filled to the brim with different gemstones. A large round table was placed in the middle of the room. It held similar boxes filled with silver ornaments. Necklaces and earrings hung from tiny wooden constructions that resembled miniature leafless trees.

The middle-aged woman behind the register read from a thick leader bound book when the girls came inside. At the sight of costumers, she removed a pair of black-framed reading glasses, and closed her book. Welcome. Please let me know if you need any help.

Svala nodded a silent thanks, willed herself to focus her attention elsewhere, and went over to the display by the window. The woman placed her book on the counter, and studied Svala.

Fairies remembered everything from every life they lived, but the people in their lives didn’t always. To them, it was sometimes as if they’d never existed. And if they did remember them, they could never be recognized. Even so, the woman kept studying Svala, like she was trying to place her.

Svala walked over to the gemstones by the window and focused on breathing calm. Her hands trembled. This had been a bad idea from the start.

Her friends remained quiet. They walked over to the table with the silver necklaces, pretending to take an interest. Svala ignored their silent ridicule as they picked up a pair of earrings and exchanged looks of amusement. In a way, it was a good thing they came along. It prevented Svala from initiating contact.

A bright amber necklace caught Svala’s eye. The sun outside the window reflected against the necklace’s heart and made it glimmer in a familiar way. Svala reached out and ran her finger over the smooth surface. As a child, she thought amber the prettiest thing in the world. Her mother had a necklace made of this particular gemstone, though much smaller.

She removed the jewelry from the stand and let it weigh in her hand. How much for this?

The woman walked out from behind the register. Her heels clicked against the wooden floor and the heavy set of necklaces around her neck clattered to the beat of her heals.

There is something special about amber, isn’t there? The woman’s blue eyes lit up. She had been stunning in her younger days, and still had an elegant charm about her. The lines on her face and the streaks of grey in her blonde hair only emphasized her beauty.

It’s always been my favorite, Svala said.

Their eyes met, and the woman tilted her head to the side. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but you aren’t one of those teen celebrities, are you? Her smile grew hesitant.

Svala bit her lower lip. Her friends caught the odd question and listened in.

No. Svala shook her head.

The woman kept observing her, obviously not convinced. It’s so strange, I could have sworn I’d seen you somewhere. Are you from around here?

No.

A moment of silence passed, their eyes met again. Svala examined the necklace mostly to focus on something other than the woman’s eyes and the urge to throw her arms around her. She wanted to tell her how much she missed her and how sorry she was for the life she had to live because of them.

I’ll take this. She closed her hand around the amber stone.

The woman studied her a while longer. Good choice, she said, then walked across the room toward the register.

Svala’s friends eyed each other as she followed the woman, necklace in hand. The woman reached under the counter and retrieved a small paper box. She placed the box on the counter and shook her head. Don’t you just hate it when you can’t place people? You’re the second one today.

A chill went through Svala.

"The last one was a boy, a very handsome boy. Must have thought I was checking him out the way I stared at him, trying to place him. He bought an amber necklace too. Isn’t