[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/JoCptIT.png[/img]
[img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjQwLmZmMzUyOS5XbVZ3YUhseWFXNWxJRWw2YTJsbGJDQSwuMAAA/popsies.regular.png[/img][/center][hr][center][h2][color=f6989d]The Night Before[/color][/h2][/center][hr]
The night had fallen upon them quietly. After eating the delicious supper Kenia had prepared for them, Zephyrin had snuck off to bathe in a stream not too far away from where they had set up camp. She had cautiously scanned her surroundings to ensure there were no prying eyes - the moth fairy's, specifically - before stripping herself bare until she was essentially one with nature. As she dipped herself into the placid water, the coolness of it felt refreshing against her bare skin, a mellow harmony amidst the fragrant flowers. 

Zephyrin looked up at the moon and sighed. Such sighs were more frequent lately as she found herself thinking more about the future. Her mind wandered, and Bowyn's questions suddenly rang in her head.

[color=6ecff6][i]“You don’t care about the rebellion? What about the winter fae stolen and sold into slavery in the black market? The Dark Elves and their reign of torment and slaughter? The destruction of forests, the rising tides of poverty and suffering? How does all that sit with you, Zephyrin? All of it caused by the lich, fueled by him."[/i][/color]

Frankly, she didn't care at all. So then, what was this upsetting feeling tugging at her heartstrings?

Zephyrin splashed water onto her face, breaking herself away from those unwelcome thoughts. She began to wash herself, starting with her hair, untangling it gently with her delicate fingertips. She thoroughly washed away all the grime that concealed her luster, taking her precious time as she hummed a tune and watched in light amusement as the pixies came out to play.

As soon as she was done, she felt better and much more like herself. Her silver hair, illuminated by the moonlight, looked as soft as silk and fell over her shoulders like the finest cloak. The strands fell down her neck to her collarbones, her supple skin so fair it seemed carved from ice. When she caught a glimpse of herself in the water's surface, Zephyrin raised her chin smugly and smiled to herself. 'Twas a shame there was not a single mirror around for her to admire herself in. The hazy reflection did not do her beauty any justice.

Realizing that it was almost her turn for watch-duty, Zephyrin quickly got out of the water. In that instant, a layer of ice began to wrap itself around her dainty body, covering her female bits like a makeshift undergarment made out of frost. It was quite a sight. She had simply refused to put on her soiled clothes right after such a therapeutic bath. She'd at least wait until she was fully dry.

When Zephyrin made it back to camp, Bowyn was sleeping so soundly it seemed a shame to wake him. "[color=f6989d]Hey, wake up and take my shift. A defenseless lady shouldn't be on watch duty![/color]" said Zephyrin nonetheless, nudging Bowyn's cheek with her damp toes. The male fairy did not awaken. Fed up with him sleeping so obstinately, Zephyrin was about to raise her voice again, but then she stopped. Suddenly, she crouched down and examined his features scrupulously, stroking her chin as she studied every inch of his face. He had smooth and fair skin, nice eyelashes and a beautiful pair of dark blue horns. [color=f6989d][i]'Hah.. He's quite endearing when he's not being a grumpy old man.'[/i][/color] Zephyrin mused.

[color=f6989d]"Fine, I will let you sleep."[/color] She whispered, then stood up and tiptoed away.

[hr][center][h2][color=f6989d]The Next Day[/color][/h2][/center][hr]
Zephyrin felt spritely this morning. The thought of reaching the port filled her with so much excitement that she even woke herself up early in order to avoid getting left behind. If they continued to travel at this pace, then perhaps it would only take them another day.

The journey had been a lot more lively now that Arwen was around. Zephyrin was glad that she was no longer alone with two brooding rebels. She even proudly wore the floral crown Arwen had given her, placing it on top of the jewels that already decorated her head. 

Zephyrin stifled a laugh as she watched Bowyn wear a floral crown of his own. It was quite a contrast to his serious demeanor, but he at least looked to be in a better mood today. He even seemed more eager to wear the crown than Boreas, who was not so amused by it.

To her delight, Kenia had decided to provide them with lunch. Arwen had even offered some lalaberries, or [I]lalas,[/I] as she had referred to them. Perhaps elves liked to call them that. However, Zephyrin couldn't help but notice that something about Arwen was.. different. 

"[color=f6989d]Thank you, Kenia! Oh, I'll take some of those lalaberries, too![/color]" She chimed.

Zephyrin began to munch on her food, tuning out the others as they talked among themselves. After all, eating was much more important than talking. Who knows when they might decide to abandon her, just as they have done with the moth fairy? When that happens, she would have to go back to foraging her own food. 

Now that she was used to company, Zephyrin frowned at the thought of being left behind to fend for herself. She shrugged, brushing those thoughts aside as she popped the last lalaberry into her mouth. [hr][right][@Helo][@Tae][@Princess][/right]