[@shylarah]

[quote]If you really need to be somewhere in a hurry, it'd be worth teleporting or wind-riding or whatever.  It wouldn't be done all the time, but it's a skill worth having.  Sini's fairly strong or she wouldn't have been a candidate for Guard Captain.

As for short-range teleportation, sure it takes more energy than walking, but it's also much faster.  Running is faster and takes more energy too, so that's a fair exchange.  And practice makes it easier and increases endurance.  If she's going to use it in battle, Sini would have practiced extensively.

If there are designated portals and landing spots, I think much of the cost of the magic can be waived.  That'd be the point of having those gates set up, after all.[/quote]

You basically summed it up. Most Fae find it more reasonable to walk, or otherwise, simple because then they can use their magic for other things. Bargains, defense, to help with their own lives, ect. While the realms are safe I can promise you nothing is 100% safe.