Reign in Style: Fyora’s Best Tips on How to Rule

     So, Queen Fyora, you’ve ruled over Faerieland for a long time. How have things changed since you first came to power?

     “That’s a good question. Well, first of all, Faerieland doesn’t look the same. We’re now firmly rooted in the ground, instead of looking down on people from up above. I feel like that changed our collective perspective, and made us a bit more… down to earth, no pun intended. We’ve all also been through a lot together, from that time I was imprisoned by the Darkest Faerie to the fall of Faerieland. That’s really fostered a good sense of community, and we help each other out a lot. And more recently, we’ve gotten the huge Walein over there”, she says, pointing to a huge purple animal in the sky, just visible from her tower window. “He makes an awful lot of noise when he returns from New Faerieland, but it’s nice to be able to visit the clouds again.”

     What are the plans for New Faerieland? Will you all be returning to the clouds?

     “Oh, I really don’t know. Luxinia is working on building new places, but I’m not sure if the rest of the faeries want to move again. It would have to be their choice.”

     That brings me to my next question. What do you think it takes to be a good leader?

     “Compassion. Listening. Leading by example. Letting people make their own mistakes, even if you think you know better. Take for example the time I was imprisoned, I had to trust that my friends would figure out how to free me on their own. You can’t micromanage everything, or you end up with a bunch of people not being able to trust their own intuition when it matters.”

     What is your vision for the future of Neopia in general, and Faerieland in particular?

     “Well, I hope to see some more developments in New Faerieland to start. Luxinia is doing a great job over there, developing houses and whatnot. As for here on the ground, I would like to see some old friends find their way back to each other officially. It’s been long enough. And as for Neopia in general? I just hope we have peace, and no more of those pesky dark faeries show up. I mean, we always win in the end, but being held captive is never a good time.”

     I completely understand that. Were you ever afraid when you were in captivity?

     “Not really. I had faith that my friends would find a way to save me.”

     What about in your day-to-day life. Are you ever unsure about yourself or your leadership skills?

     “It doesn’t happen that often anymore, I have been doing this for a long time now”, she says, smiling. “But definitely in the first century or so. I think that’s normal, when you’re new at something you need to find your footing before you feel sure about yourself. But having a clear vision for what you want to achieve, and taking time to self-reflect makes you find your inner strengths.”

     Those are some great tips. Now for something a little more lighthearted. What do you think makes an outfit?

     “Oh, hmm. Well, as long as you steer clear of ruby rings, I think you’ll be fine”, she says with a wry smile. “All jokes aside though, dressing your best really makes a difference in how people perceive you. For some jobs, you do need to dress the part, otherwise, people wouldn’t take you seriously.”

     So would you say you’re dressing up for a part?

     “Yes, I guess you could say that. It’s like a uniform. Do you think I like wearing these purple dresses every day? Sometimes, I too would like to dress in all black and put on a gothic hearts jacket. You know,” she leans forward, whispering, “I’m a big fan of Twisted Roses.”

     Really? You don’t seem the type.

     She leans back, giving a small sigh. “I know. As a queen, you have to look the part, do what’s expected of you. Dressing in gothic clothing and listening to the angstiest band in Neopia just isn’t… done. I mean, don’t get me wrong, purple is my favourite colour. There’s just so much of it everywhere here, it’s purple buildings, purple food, even the Walein is purple. After a thousand years, you get a little bored.”

     So would you say it takes a bit of sacrifice to be a real queen?

     “Absolutely. You need to instil confidence in people, and you do that by being consistent. Both in your actions, but also in how you present yourself. It’s a small sacrifice to make though. And I’ll let you in on a little secret. Once or twice, I’ve gone to a Twisted Roses concert. No one recognizes me without my purple clothes. It’s amazing! I get to be just Fyora for a little while.”

     So would you ever want to give up being queen? Go off and live a simple life?

     Here Fyora pauses for a while, seemingly taking the time to contemplate the question. “You know, I don’t think so. I’ve been doing this for so long, it would feel really strange to do something else. Even though I have moments of wanting to be normal, I wouldn’t even know how to. And also, I do enjoy being the one people can come to when they have a problem. I guess eventually Luxinia could take over since she has some experience now, being the mayor of New Faerieland. But I think she still needs a lot more training. I mean, New Faerieland almost fell out of the sky! Maybe in another thousand years.”

     And with that, we leave Queen Fyora in her purple tower. As I walked out, I could hear a faint sound of Twisted Roses playing in the background.