There are stories about fairy rings. The line of mushrooms often doesn't stand out, but it is true, and it won't lead you astray. You'll find the circle, if you follow that line. And once you step inside, you've made an invitation. Fairies don't usually take long to accept it. It's funny, that; you'll always find them there, almost as if they're waiting for you, even though they'll tell you that they just happened to be passing by.

They're not always friendly.

They're not always hostile, either, though. You're rolling dice.

The stories say you should never tell them your name. Names have power, they say. As do invitations.

As do favours.

It's a dangerous game to play. You may be invited to dance, and if you please the Queen, she might give you a gift.

The stories don't elaborate on what happens if you don't.

You may be asked a favour. You may be asked questions. You may be asked your name.

Never give them your name.

You may offer to do them a favour. They're wary of favours, but usually their curiosity wins out. They always want to know what those strange, strange humans have to offer them. And you may get a boon.

It's a dangerous game to play, and losing it may cost more than you have to give. But it may win more than you have ever dreamt of.

And when you have nothing more to lose, losing everything doesn't sound so terrible anymore, does it?