I woke up this morning as the Birthday Faery,but instead of being full of energy, I took ages to gather my thoughts enough to rise and bathe. Two cups of raspberry and acai berry tea later, I was finally ready to put on my multi coloured robes to meet the day. I had a few bits of tidying up to do in several rooms,and also various items of clothing to wash and press for Pendragon,just in case his favourite doublet and hose were lying in the laundry bin. He might want to wear them this evening at my birthing day soiree. When the cuckoo, Walter, emerged from his wooden chiming house at noon, I realised just how much time I had wasted, and how little time there was left before I had to meet Pendragon in downtown Dingley Dell. I was just parking our four wheeled motor carriage at the supermerchant's parking bay,when I heard Pendragon's lilting tones,hailing me from behind. A big kiss and two hugs later,we headed arm in arm towards the Buttercup Bistro for a healthy lunch. There was still an empty table by the window when we arrived,so we lost no time in making it our own. The Big Water rolls by outside the bistro and the tide wasc oming in. I felt as though I could have touched it, as it lapped against the window. Not a quiet river today,but a slightly frisky one, rather cold and grey,and tinged with white foam, - driving waves ever closer to the pebbley shore. Lunch for me was a large bowl of carrot and parsnip soup,and for Pendragon a salad of tomatoes and endive.Two steaming hot cups of acorn coffee followed, as we sat day dreaming by the full bay window. We walked along the shoreline afterwards, sharing our thoughts about birthdays, our forthcoming wedding , and Pendragon's duty at the hospital last night.We love to be together,so we didn't really notice that the wind had become quite cold and the rain had started to fall. On our return home, Pendragon fell to snoozing by the log fire, clutching my copy of this week's crossword in the Saturday Scandal.He had completed a few boxes,but evermindful of the consternation caused last week by his completing the whole thing by himself, he had held back after the first few clues. Meanwhile I spent the rest of the afternoon in my faery boudoir ,putting the finishing touches to my look for this evening. Hair was washed in the sparkling water gathered from the stream, nails were polished with a rosy pink glaze, and my outfit of black satin palazzo pants, black silk free flowing top decorated with tiny black jets, and my full length brocade black topcoat, were laid out on the lacy coverlet of the big oak bed .When I finally descended the little staircase, Pendragon had awoken from his slumber, and in a sleepy haze,just smiled over to me, and said "Lovely,really lovely". We arrived at the restaurant in good time (faery folk are never late).Inside it was decorated in a very modern ,slightly oriental theme. Lots of black chairs and tables,alongside low level purple glowworms lighting from above and at table level. Our meal was of very modern design,using new ways with forest ingredients and homegrown vegetables to deliver classic dishes. The waiting lads and lasses took great care to see that we enjoyed our meal,and extended their desire that we should visit again sometime. Pendragon was in a particularly romantic mood.Dressed in a fine suit of navy doublet and hose, he was the perfect companion over three courses.As the milky acorn coffee was served, he produced two parcels , both of them my birthing day gifts. One contained a new black case for my gigabyte box, and the other a stunning two strand necklet of natural fresh water pearls .I suspect that he had fished for them himself as Pendragon does not stint on effort when it comes to gifts.They looked particularly bright and sparkling against my porcelain skin and in the purple light of our restaurant last night. I love them and I know my pearls will be worn a great deal in days to come. We came home in the late evening,sat by the last dying flames of our log fire, and just rejoiced in the wonder of being together.Two acorn coffees later,and with much soul searching and deliberation, the Daily Scandal crossword was completed, and we went cheerily to bed.Much love and good fortune to you all,from Amarantha the Rainbow Faery.
