Prologue

Into the harsh silence, the air began to fold in waves, lapping through the atmosphere like the ocean, crystal clear and shimmering. At first, it seemed like the end of the world for the humans. Some ran from the waves, fearing the cold hand of death that threatened to clasp their lungs and drown them. Others accepted death openly, and sat and only watched with a look of pure tranquillity on their peaceful faces as the waves approached, eventual washing over their heads cleanly, leaving them dry and unharmed. In some parts of the world, nothing happened at all, for the people were asleep in their upside down night, and knew nothing of the dangerous beauty. However, this was not the end of the world- it was the beginning of a second. And as the waves came to gradual standstill, and the atmosphere thickened and calmed, Faerra came into being.
The Godmothers and Godfathers, by combining their powers and wisdom, had brought an alternative world to planet Earth- one which they filled with magic, and creatures superior to those that prowled the human soil. The new world existed alongside Earth, mirroring its land and climate in every way. Whenever Earth suffered hurricanes, so did Faerra. If one day a thunderstorm should devastate Faerra, so would it Earth. However, there was a gate- a portal, through which one could pass between worlds, and a select group of individuals were encumbered with the duty of guarding the doorway.
The munificent Godparents granted the potent unicorn his horn, the striking Silver Dragon his metamorphism, and the flirtatious mermaid her alluring tail. They bestowed graciousness upon the dainty Fairy, and made their skin the purest white. They tuned their senses finely, making them far superior to that of the substandard Humans. Their ears were crafted carefully, both top and bottom shaped into a perfect point. Fairies used the gifts well, employing their unique hearing to hunt and sense danger. The winged creatures could hear the faintest of sounds from great distances, but unfortunately only fully developed adults were blessed with such a power. They were given nimble wings, capable of taking flight with no need of their master's permission or instruction, and with the use of magic, they were able to perform wondrous feats when necessary. However to the Fairies' dismay, the magic could only be used when it was completely essential, and sometimes occurred unprompted by the creature.
The Godmother known as Phaedra was the fairest, gentlest of the many creators. She looked long and hard into the future of Humanity, and saw with great distain how the more attractive Humans were treated in comparison to the plainer ones. Phaedra, being incredibly fond of the Fairies, cringed at the thought of such misery befalling them. So she gave them each what she considered to be the greatest gift of all- eternal, pure and natural beauty. A beauty so glorious there would be no need for cosmetic products at all. A beauty so astounding that it would be simply impossible for Humans who had never seen one firsthand to imagine.
Well, that's what the Calaya's believed anyway.