But then, "How did the Indigenous population take their arrival?"

"The first fairy settlers found a way to communicate with them and explain their situation. They respected the Aboriginal people's land boundaries and rules. They helped restore the land where weather had tormented the flora and fauna."

"So a partnership?"

"Yes." I took another few bites while he thought about his next question. He had already finished his meal in the time I spent talking.

"And these books... do they suggest the fairies are just walking around, wings out and all?"

I laughed, setting my fork down having finally finished my meal. "Noooo. Fairy magic begins when they partake in the fairy ritual. And this ritual can only occur on sacred land."

"Which was back in Ireland?"

"Bingo."

"So the fairies died out then? That's a stupid idea in the end." He threw his hands up as he leaned back in his chair, glancing around almost as if he was ready to go.

My heart sank at the thought of it, so I quickly shook my head and blurted, "The fairy still exists in the generations following. The mutation spreads on down the line. They always have their poisonous blood and zapping abilities supposedly, but that's all that remains unless the magic is activated. It's sort of... a protection mechanism for their human form. However, apparently if they want to become a full fairy again and control their powers, they just have to go activate them in Ireland."

He leaned forward again, invested in the conversation once more. "So do these fairies without their powers grow up knowing what they are? Passed down through oral tradition?"

I shook my head. "When the Dutch first landed on Australian shores, the fairies knew it was only a matter of time before more Europeans came over. Potentially ones who remembered what they were. Witches or shifters sent on the vampires' mission. They feared the mermaids may have told the vampires where they went. So to protect their line, they stopped telling their stories."

"But the vampires can't come to Australia. So the witch or whatever would have to drag the fairy all the way back to—"

"They can't come to like the top half of Australia. Down in southern areas such as Melbourne, the UV index is less intense, especially in winter."

Ben nodded slowly, lost in thought. Though that same sense of disappointment clouded his gaze as he seemed to shift more and more to the edge of his seat... as though he had outstayed his welcome here.

"Any more questions?" I almost begged.

Pulled from his mind, he gave me a small smile, laced with a touch of sadness. "No. I think that's all I need, Olivia. Thank you for your help."

"Anytime," I whispered, feeling my heart sinking a little.

Confirming my fears, Ben put his hand up, calling the waiter over and asking for the bill.

Next I knew, he had paid and we were heading outside.

"So I'll see you tomorrow?" I asked him as we walked side by side towards the bus station, desperate to hear him say yes. Needing to know that this wasn't where our journey ended.

Still not very present in the conversation, he mumbled, "Mhmm."

Holding back from heaving the deflated sigh that had built in me, I gave him a small nod, knowing he wasn't paying attention, and walked off in the direction of my bus stop to head home.