[center][h2]𝒯𝒽ℯ ℋℴ𝓁𝓁ℴ𝓌[/h2][/center] [hr] Have you ever wondered if magic was real? If mermaids…dragons…or even fairies, existed once? Maybe they did years ago, or maybe they still did today. Well? Perhaps you are right. Perhaps they still exist in a small of a wise old oak tree that had been hollow for decades, near the bank of a river and a small lagoon, with a large field. But it’s all just stories. Or maybe…just maybe…you’re right. [hr] “My Queen…you know as well as I that this darkness is spreading, if it reaches the Hollow-“ “It will not.” A sharp voice is heard through the hall of the council, several fairies, leaders, sit around a table, discourse spreading like a weed amongst them. “Sir Idris. Have I ever failed this kingdom before? Have I ever failed you all before?” The Queen asks, her voice holding thousands of years of knowledge. Idris sighs, looking down, “…No,” he says softly as she nods, looking to the others around the table who all voice their trust in Celine. “And I never will. Please, trust me on this. Go about your days, take care of the ones I have trusted under your commands.” She says, standing as the others rise alongside her. One by one, they all leave, except for Lady Dandelion, Celine’s oldest friends. As the large widen doors close, the red haired fairy hovers to her friend, who had sit back down in exasperation. “I don’t know what to do Dandi…” she sighs, “Idris is right, the darkness is drawing nearer. One that I’ve never felt with before.” She says as Dandelion sighs softly, placing a knowing hand on the Queens shoulder, “Then tell the others. We can help. You did not give us these titles for no reason.” She says, a light English accent ringing her voice as Celine nods. “Maybe…call another meeting for tonight. I need to think. For now, go about the day as normal. Fall is coming soon, we need to be ready to meet the deadlines.” She says as Dandelion nods, giving her friend a reassuring squeeze on the should before moving away, leaving the room. “What will I do…?” [hr] Magnolia inhales sharply, her first breath of the new day, sunlight streaming through the window of her cottage. She scrunches her nose, feeling a heavy weight sitting on her chest. “Muri.” She whispers, “Muri you’re crushing me,” she chuckles slightly as the stunted frog croaks before hopping off and onto the floor. “Good morning friendly.” She smiles softly, standing up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “Alright, today is…” she trails off, getting lost in her thoughts as she moves to her dresser, pulling out her clothes. “No that was yesterday…” she mumbles, pulling on her dress and arm bands, trying to remember her job for the day before she snaps her fingers, “That’s it,” she hums softly in realization, “The new frogs, your friends, they need their new little mud alcoves. Yes?” She looks to Muricle who stares blankly, blinking one eyes before the other. “…that’s a yes,” she mumbles, going to the door, hesitating slightly. Maggie rests her forehead on the wood, closing her eyes tightly. She hated leaving her home…it’s fine, it’s fine, she finishes her job, then she comes home. “Okay.” She whispers to herself as a pitiful encouragement before walking out the door.