Truly amazing, the practical guidance one can pick up at Dragon Con!  For instance, consider the  helpful hint potential from “The Fae: Friend or Foe?” panel on Monday 1PM, International BC (W), featuring Jim Butcher, Leanna Renee Hieber, Alethea Kontis, Ted Naifeh, Jana Oliver, and Kalayna Price. Not to be unprepared in case disguised fae attend the panel as well (what better place to judge human intentions for good or ill?), the Daily Dragon recruited Princess Alethea (rumored to be a genuine fairy princess) for a confidential, advance briefing.

Daily Dragon (DD): You meet a strange being on the road. How can you tell if she or he is a fae?

Alethea Kontis (AK):

• Check the ground for a ring of a) flowers or b) mushrooms.
• Does the person in question carry their own food and drink with them at all times? (It’s not a good idea for fairies should not eat human food, and vice versa.)
• Hug the person. Check for glitter.

DD: If you are able to determine that this is a fae that you’ve met, what’s next? Do you introduce yourself, offer to shake hands, smile? Would any of these be viewed as hostile? Is some other form of greeting more appropriate?

AK: Politeness is always a good watchword when encountering strangers. But no matter what: always be kind and generous. If the stranger is fae, he or she may curse you if you are not kind, generous, and true. If the person is not fae, then you’ve just made a friend!

DD: How can you tell if a fae is offended or angered?

AK: Check your ears. Have they turned into donkey’s ears? If so, you’ve just angered a fairy.

DD: If the fae that you’ve encountered becomes angry or should start a fight with you, what should you do? And what are your chances against a fae if you do respond with force?

AK: This is a last resort, of course…though if you’re dealing with a vengeful fae in the first place, it’s going to be hard to avoid. Silver sometimes works, though cold iron is always a sure bet. And if you have any sort of musical ability and an instrument at hand, start playing immediately. Fairies can’t resist that stuff.

DD: Any other cautions you can offer in case of a fae encounter, friendly or hostile?

AK: Don’t drink the water. Don’t brush off the glitter where they can see you. And if they’re wearing a guest badge or staff lanyard, offer them chocolate.

DD: Disclaimer: No representation is made that the quantity or quality of chocolate offered will stave off a fae attack.

For more on Princess Alethea’s credentials, visit AletheaKontis.com.