Tait

Tait is a mischevious, shape-shifting phouka who does odd jobs at Kilinaire castle.

Introduction to Tait in the books

“This is Tait.” Ena waved a paw at the otter, who was settling down near the table. “He does odd jobs around the castle. When we can find him, that is.”

Tait examined his paws.

***

“What sort of faerie were you, Tait? Before you were enchanted, I mean.”

Tait slipped into the little pool surrounding the fountain and eyed the little darting fish with great interest.

“I’m a phouka, lady.” He splashed under the water and came up munching a little goldfish with an air of satisfaction.

“What’s a phouka?” I tried to remember, but my faerie knowledge was pretty spotty.

“A shape-shifter,” he said around a bite of fish. “Don’t believe anything you’ve heard about us. The rumors are greatly exaggerated.”

“They’re nothing but mischief, they are,” twittered a little gray bird overhead.

“Don’t let Geanan catch you eating the goldfish!” sang a little yellow bird before sailing off.

***

Amber slapped her hand over her mouth to hold in her laughter. And I smacked Tait across the top of his head.

“You’re just fine, aren’t you, phouka?”

Amber’s giggles burst out of her as the little otter changed briefly into a long-tailed black creature that looked like a cross between a large cat and a shaggy bunny, before shifting into a colorful bird and leaping into the sky to avoid another smack from me.

“It was her idea!” yelled the bird.

“Traitor!” Amber shook her fist at the bird’s retreating form.

Fun Facts

Basics

Full name: Tait
Profession/Title: Castle errand boy
Age: young
Race: Phouka
Affiliation: Seelie
Home: The Rose Court (AKA Kilinaire Castle)

Interests

Favourite Food: goldfish from the pond
Likes: mischief

Appearance

Cursed: a little brown otter
True form: a black animal that looks like a cross between a bunny and cat, with a long tail and shaggy black fur.

But Tait can shapeshift, and could be any animal he thinks will be the most fun at any moment.

Pronunciation: tate (rhymes with fate)
Appears in: The Rose Gate, The Faerie Tale Wedding, The Frost Gate

Article by Hanna Sandvig