@Aurkanthis @Adeline

Loke O’Toole

Loke kept playing his violin, dancing partially away so Magonila and Caelum could have a conversation. However, he stayed close so he could listen to their conversation. As he kept playing and dancing, he looked over towards Magonila’s companions.

The mischievous fae smiled as he started dancing around both of them. He felt bad that Caelum was having trouble finding the right words to say to his crush. He started playing his music more fervently, singing a song that would help inspire Caelum to find the right words to say.

And felt further pity for Magnolia for making a fool of herself. His music may help inspire both of them to connect.

Magnolia’s eyes had found the partially turned sketches in Caelum’s hand. It only took a moment before the realization set in and her eyes shot back to his. The gentle warmth still on his face. He didn’t flinch. Though, she ultimately seemed to relax.

“It is nice to meet you as well,” she said with a smile of her own.

And that voice!

That was it. What Caelum hadn’t realized he’d been waiting for. That simple reciprocal gesture. Her shy smile. Those few words, wrapped in her unique timbre and lilt. His visage and stance betrayed nothing—but his little heart…

Magnolia finally broke their shared gaze. Caelum had been lost in her smile. The sudden absence jarred him for a few, rapid beats. She bent over to her companion as Loke faced away and danced a slight distance from them, allowing them to enjoy the serenade while still being able to exchange words.

Thank you, Caelum thought as he watched Loke for but a moment.

“And this is Muricle…” Magnolia said, hefting the little froglet in her arms. “He is a frog.”

Adorable.

Caelum had watched her move, catching her embarrassment after she finished her thought. For her sake, he continued as if he hadn't noticed.

“Hello, Muricle!” Caelum said brightly to the little creature. “And what a cute little frog you turned out to be.” He continued, calmly rising from his seat on the roots and bending down to meet Muricle’s face up close.

“You are always welcome here at my home, if you ever wish to visit.” He gave him a few gentle pats on the head.

Caelum then leaned in conspiratorially.

“Thanks for hopping this way, buddy,” he whispered, loud enough for Magnolia to hear if the Lagoon willed it. He sealed the moment with a wink. Muricle’s eyes blinked one after the other. Caelum grinned, choosing to believe it was the frog’s way of returning the gesture.

The ash-clad sparrowman then stood up to his full height. Smiling gently to Magnolia once more. He casually lifted the papers in his hand.

“I hope you don’t mind,” he began. “Sometimes I like to sketch... The Lagoon, she shows me different things, people, animals... I try to capture moments that feel…”

He had never had to put these thoughts into words before, and he was blatantly struggling to do so now. Especially here, on the spot, right in front of her.

He looked out across the lagoon for a moment or two, before slowly and deliberately returning his gaze back to meet hers.

“Well,” he started. “Like… this.”

He still didn’t know how to convey what it was, but maybe—just maybe—she would still understand what he felt.

A gentle breeze blew across the water as he held her gaze, the Lagoon sighing through the reeds about them. The scent of the waters graced his senses once more. His subtle smile deepened slightly. To him, it was as if the Lagoon itself was bearing witness.

And she approved.

Rainier’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, bold and a flirt,” he said with a delighted little gasp, fanning himself with one hand like he might swoon. “Careful, Orion. Call me Rain again in that voice and I might start thinking you’re serious.”

He slipped his fingers into Orion’s outstretched hand, and shook it. His other hand found its way to his pendant again, a familiar fidget.

“I was going to shop,” Rainier added, voice light and singsongy. “But now I’m thinking you might be the most interesting thing in the market today.”

He stepped just a little closer, leaning in with a sly smile, his wings catching the light behind him “Unless, of course, you’re just here to admire the view. In which case… you’re welcome.”

@Adeline

Interacting with: @Aurkanthis@Eviledd1984 as Magnolia

---

Loke the saint that you are…
Magnolia was eternally grateful for the music. She didn’t quite understand how it always seemed to calm her so, but she certainly was glad she became…friends, with the instrumentalist.

As Caelum speaks to Muricle, Magnolia unconsciously steps forward so Muricle can hear better. Her more embarrassed expression brightens as Caelum talks with Muri. Other fairies tended to avoid the frog, some being cruel seeing as how Muri was a runt.
Not only a runt, but Muri was lucky to have survived infancy.

But Caelum spoke to him as if he were a friend. She truly admired that.

Maggie tilted her head curiously as Caelum whispers, but doesn’t catch what was said.
As Caelum addresses her again, her features soften. Loke’s music helping her relax into conversation. She would definitely have to repay him somehow.

“Well…you truly are a wonderful artist.” She says, her eyes moving around his face, never quite settling anywhere.

Interacting with: @Azure Bubbles as Orion

---

Orions grin widens as he pushes his hair out of his face, messing it up a little. His eyes never leaves Rainiers, in fact, it is as if the taller sparrow is attempting to burn a hole to the soul of the Water fairy.

“You certainly are something…” he hums in amusement, although he is a bit memorized at how the light seems to reflect colors in Rainiers wings.

“Tell me, Rain…how come I haven’t seen you around before?” He asks, leaning his weight on one leg.

“Well,” he started. “Like… this.”

Caelum was glad that Magnolia seemed to be here in the moment with him, and less uncertain and anxious as she had arrived. Again, his heart went out to the fiddler, who seemed to be moving on to make more mischief and merriment elsewhere for now. The sudden serenade had been quite nice, but he was glad to be left here in the hush of the lagoon again.

Left alone in the hush with her.

“Well…” she began. “You truly are a wonderful artist.”

She seemed to be growing more curious and possibly—hopefully—more open to whatever this moment might become. What was once a quiet, distant admiration now had so much more possibility.

Caelum refused to squander the opportunity.

With Loke’s music still audible, Caelum let it steady him for what came next.

“Then,” he said softly, gingerly offering his current sketches to her. “Perhaps you would like to look at my earlier sketch—it’s almost finished.”

He allowed her to take whatever time she needed, calmly holding the papers.

She was so close now.

“There’s another as well…” he started, a little more hesitant. “I only started it just a bit ago…”

He trailed off. His confidence was not waning… it was more like he wasn’t sure what to do with it.

“If you’re truly interested,” Caelum began anew. Hope burning brighter. “You and Muricle are welcome to come inside. I have many more sketches that you could look at.”

He paused, bashfully.

“They are… mostly different subjects.”

Another slight breeze through the reeds, carrying the scent of the lagoon.

Interacting with: @Eviledd1984@Aurkanthis as Magnolia

---

Magnolia pauses, carefully setting Muricle down, the frog moving over happily to Loke, hopping around him to the beat of the music, a bit off, but still seemingly enjoying the tune.

Maggie hesitated to move closer, but she trusts Loke, he wouldn’t be friends with someone he didn’t like, and Maggie thinks his judgment is actually quite good.
She moves closer, resting on her knees beside Caelum, her hands slowly reaching and taking hold of the papers, being sure to be as careful as possible.

She begins looking through each. By the Queens honor…everything Caelum created was absolutely beautiful…the characteristics in every drawing were so incredibly life like.
The pale haired fairy’s usually dull eyes seemed to brighten with each page, and at his invite she looks up, her eyebrows slightly raised, the breeze moving her hair around messily

“Are you quite sure?” She asks in a near timid manner

@Adeline @Azure Bubbles

Loke O’Toole

Loke continued playing his fiddle, enjoying how the conversation was going.. And Loke had a feeling that this was going to lead to something more intimate. He started moving away from the two, putting away his fiddle. He started to walk away from them and past Odorf. Who, by this point, was angry that he was doing the job all by himself. But Loke ignored him and walked past him. Starting to fly away so he could head to his destination quicker.

A few moments later, he landed at the home of Rainier Dewdrop. He was suddenly in the mood to play a prank. And he wanted to do so on his favourite punching bag. He didn’t know why his pranks were targeted at Rainier. But one would assume it was because he was much younger than Loke. Breaking into his home by picking the lock, which was easy enough due to his many years of experience.

And once he was inside. He rearranged his furniture and belongings so that it would irritate the hell out of him. This process took him an hour or so, and once he was finished, he flew back to Odorf to help with the finishing touches on the freshly painted buildings.

A few more hours later, the two were finished with Odorf suggesting they get a pint. But Loke declined, wanting to head back home to relax. “Not like you’ve done enough relaxing today.” Quipped Odorf, shaking his head.

“ Oh, but I’ve had such a productive day.” Loke winked at Odorf, who didn’t get his meaning. Nor did he like the implications of what he meant by being “productive.” Nevertheless, he was going to enjoy his night with or without Loke.

Loke flew back home and made sure to lock the door behind him. He made his way over towards one of his many bookcases, pulling out a book as the bookcase spun inwards to reveal a secret room. As he came inside, the bookcase closed behind him. In the room were many of his paintings, a singular violin, and a pedestal with a large book. Loke walked over towards the book and opened it to a specific page. The book was something created by a human that Loke had acquired a long time ago. The book was bound in human flesh, and the pages were written in human blood. From what he learned studying it, it was a source of immense power. And was something he had kept well hidden for many years.

Loke picked up the violin and started playing a haunting and somewhat erratic song while chanting in an unknown language “ Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn.

Rainier’s smile curled at the edges like the ripple of a drop in still water. Orion was dangerously charming. Tall, dark, and handsome. And he was mysterious enough to pique every one of Rainier’s many curiosities. But Rainier Dewdrop was nothing if not a connoisseur of attention… and he knew how to make an exit when the moment was still glowing.

He leaned in one last time, just enough to let the sunlight catch the shimmer in his wings, and gave Orion a playful smirk.
“You haven’t seen me around because I prefer making dramatic entrances… and even more memorable exits.”

He turned with a flourish, a few heart shaped bubbles spiraling in his wake like punctuation. One of the bubbles landed on Orion’s nose, and popped. “But if you ever want to admire me in better lighting, I’m sure you’ll find me.” A wink. A giggle. And then he was gone. Floating back through the market, as effortlessly graceful as ever.

Back at his little cove-like home tucked behind a waterfall. When he got home it was… most definitely not the way he left it. There was only one Fairy he knew who would do this. Locke O’Toole. He had known him to be a prankster. “Honestly, if he wanted to date me, he could have just asked. It was annoying having to take time out of his evening having to rearrange his furniture back to where it was. There was much grumbling. But at least no permanent damage was done.

After all of that extra labor, he flopped into a petal-padded seat with a sigh. He picked up a quill and sketchpqd, and he began sketching… not the crystal trinkets. Not the earrings. But a pair of tan arms, a lazy grin, and sharp green eyes.

Rainier smirked to himself and whispered, “Not a bad day…”

@Adeline

Interacting with: @Azure Bubbles as Orion

---

Orion had never felt so…interested in a person. He found himself grinning like an idiot, his eyes never leaving the water manipulator as he flies away.

“What a…noteworthy encounter.” Orion knew it felt more than that, but he wasn’t sure how to put it. Instead, he turned, snatching an apple seed from a counter and leaving back to his home.

“Rainier…” he mumbles the name again, leaning back in his chair thoughtfully as dusk begins to fall

Blitz rolled his eyes as inwardly he thought 'I'll Schedule you old man.'

The small fairy sighed and rolled his shoulders as his wings began to reshape themselves behind him and became a nice vibrant green and change their shape ever so slightly as he could feel his bones become hollow. With a quick zip Blitz shot pass Sir Elric much quicker than a normal fairy could and got close to the shed.

He placed his fingers into his mouth and gave a loud shrill whistle.

Each of the four drakes came waddling out single file and entered into the pond swimming around.

"There Sir Elric. The lot of them are where they need to be."

The older fairy nodded and excused himself mentioning checking the other fairies as Blitz landed on top of the shed and watched the ducks. He could feel the changes in his body reverting back to normal as his eyes looked from one point of the hollow to the other. Watching the other fairies bustling about and going about their day.

He groaned as laid down on the roof looking up towards the brightening sky. He smiled slightly as he enjoyed the passing of the clouds.

---

Celine hadn’t wanted to call such attention to the growing darkness around the Hollow. She wished to be able to fight it on her lonesome, protect her people as she has done for centuries but some things…some things are too taxing, even for her.

“I call this meeting to order!” Her voice echoes in the meeting room, the other council members halting their side conversations. Lady Dandelion holds the queens gaze, giving her a reassuring nod.

“You all are…correct. In your worries about the darkness. It is growing and it is ever present.” She relents as Sir Evander raises a brow, leaning back in his chair. “And…how do you plan on killing it?” His sharp voice rings out, blue eyes ripping through Celine.
“We cannot just kill it Evander. We don’t even know what it is.” Lady Genevieve says as the two narrow their eyes at each other.

“Look, friends, now not the time to make eyes at each other yeah?” Sir Idris hums as Genevieve and Evander turn their glare to him, Evander going to say something before Sir Elric cuts in, “Would you all stop bickering like young?!” His words that of a scolding father.
“We have a crisis. If you would all keep your traps shut, we could figure it out dammit!” He says, not yelling but his tone intense.

It was strange. Usually he challenged the Queen, but now, it seemed that he realized the extent of the danger.

“Go ahead Celine.” Dandelion whispers as Celine sighs as nods.

“What we are facing is known as a Bohgidail.” Celine lets her words hit before she continues.
“I had been trying to figure out what we could possibly be up against, I hadn’t recognized what it was until…until it began corrupting me.” She says, her voice nearly a whisper as everyone’s faces drop, their bodies going still.

“Celine…you hadn’t told me this, what…” Dandelion is cut off by Celine shaking her head. The old fairy sighs heavily, removing the cloak on her dress.

Her wings…they were gone…not entirely but they were slowly disintegrating, even as she stood there, the ends turned black, smoke lifting from them slowly.

“Good gods…”
“My Queen…”
“By all the heavens…”

Worry spread through the council as Dandelion gasps, her hands flying to her mouth as Sir Benedict looks away, his eyes wide, the most emotion ever seen from him.

“Celine…when did this happen?” Lady Ophelia asks, her soft British accent putting an emphasis on her words, her hand moving to hold Genevieve’s tightly for support, a latter squeezing her wife’s hand in comfort.

“It…” Celine sighs, “I have not been honest with you…any of you…” she says, glancing to Dandelions confused face.

“This began last month. I have known what the darkness is…I just didn’t want to spread a panic.” She stresses her words as the others stare in silence.

“We…we can discuss that later…” Came Dandelions now quieter voice, trying to shield hurt. “For now…how do we stop this? What…what is happening to you?”

“…I am fading. I hadn’t realized how severe it was until my wings. I will return to the earth soon. Or rather to the sky.”

“You’re dying?” Dandelion whispers as Celine sighs, not answering, the others staring in shock and fear at their queen.

“There is a way to defeat a Bohgidail.” She says, standing and going to a knot in the wall of meeting hall. She presses on it, the knot falling out along with a map and a prism of what seemed to be a container for…for a star.

“We need a group,” she begins, walking back over to the ones she considered family, setting the items down. “At least six fairies, ones that you believe are strong. Capable. Bring them back here once you have them found.” Celine orders, the room once more going hush.

Some members of the council avoid her eyes, some stare at her directly. They don’t know what to say. Dandelion and Elric have unshed tears in their eyes.
“Cel…are you going to die-“ before Dandelion can finish her question, her voice timid. It had never once been timid before, Celine raises a hand, cutting her off.
“Find your people. Bring them here. Please. I don’t not wish to speak of it any longer. Dismissed.” She says, turning away from the council, pulling her cloak over her shoulders again.

“Celine…please,” Dandelion starts but Elric walks up, placing a hand in her shoulder. They exchange words through their eyes and Dandelion follows the others out.

Elric sighs, going up to Celine. “You are dying. This is what dying is for us? Isn’t it?” He asks gently, moving in front of her, only to find her eyes closed, trying and failing to stop the tears that flow down her face.

“Oh my heart…” he whispers, pulling her into his arms, holding her close. “I didn’t want to scare you all but I couldn’t hide it anymore I…I’m sorry.” Celine says, trembling in his hold.
“It’s alright…we are going to fix this…we will. I swear this to you on my honor.” Elrics words are firm. Strong. Even if on the inside he too was breaking.

“And I know exactly who I must assign this task to.”

---

Elric left Hollow Hall with a heart heavier than he knew. He loved Celine, adored her…and although he knew that they couldn’t be together in that way…he had never seen her so low. It hurt him.

He tried to push away the image of her tears and brokenness away, rubbing his eyes harshly as he makes his way to the home of such a troublemaker.
Elric knew who to pick. He felt called to him but…if his instincts were wrong…he was fucked. And the Hollow would be doomed.

“Blitz Star.” His voice echoes in the young sparrows home, the graying man having let himself in.

“I have a task for you.”

---

“Bohgidail…” Idris tests the name on his tongue, immediately regretting it. Names held power. He sighs, running a hand over his face as he made his way to the light fairies area on a small hill.
He felt a bit…annoyed at the secret keeping…but he would have done the same had he been in Celine’s position.

Now, for the matter of choosing someone to go on this treacherous journey…he had a few options…but all of them ended the same way. Failure.
He finally landed on a more unique choice. A sparrow with abilities not seen very often in a fairy. Fire…a beautiful and dangerous thing…yes. Perfect.

“Caelum!” His voice calls with his familiar drawl as he stands outside the fire manipulators home.

---

Calypso had never seen her Queen so…defeated. It was unnerving. As usual in meetings, she stayed silent. Observing. She would do whatever was needed to keep this Hollow safe, to keep her friends safe. Her family.
A group huh? She could do that. She charged thousands of fairies, if not millions…although two came to mind.

First she thought of the Lagoon fairies…a young woman, Magnolia. She was quiet, but she was damn good at her job. She had a way of doing things…she would do.
Standing in front of her home, Calypso knocked.

Magnolia answered relatively fast, obviously having not planned to sleep for a while longer.
Her doll like eyes widen at seeing the Lady, nodding her head in respect.

“Lady Calypso…what brings you to my home at this hour?” She asks softly, Muricle hopping to her side.
“I need your help with something Magnolia. Something serious. Something…dangerous.” She says, her words cryptic.
Magnolia wants to ask questions, but she can see the look in Calypsos eyes…something truly was wrong.

“Um…alright,” she says softly, looking to Muricle. “Stay here love,” she whispers, walking out alongside her overseer.
She was only in her nightgown, the fabric sheer and slightly see-through, but if her help was needed, her comfort was not important.

Calypso walks down to where Rainier lived, knocking on the door as Magnolia keeps her eyes down, rocking on her feet.

---

“Oh Gen…I have never seen Celine so…upset.” Ophelia whispers softly to her wife as Genevieve nods, her arm around the waist of her lover.
“I know…but she knows how to defeat this darkness. You have good judgment dear…do you have any idea for a member of the group? I can’t think of a single one of mine who is up to the task.” She sighs as Ophelia looks to her, nodding.

“Actually…I do…go home, I’ll meet you there.” She says, exchanging a small kiss with Genevieve, the taller fairy smiling softly at the feeling before resting her head against Ophelia’s, “Alright…I’ll see you there.”

•

“Loke O’Toole, I must see you!”

---

Dandelion has never felt so…betrayed. Was betrayed the right word? Her longest friend…the woman she was so close to, the woman that was a sister to her…she lied. She left her in the dust and now what? She would die?

Dandi couldn’t accept it. And now, she needed someone who would have the strength and the will to go against some mysterious force that was killing her closest companion?! Who was trying to wipe out the fairy population entirely?!
It was entirely too much.

But. She had a duty. Even though she was hurting, she would do the right thing. She would find a fairy or sparrow worthy of this journey. And she thinks she knows who.

“Orion!” She calls, standing outside of the small, hollowed out dead orchid that the sparrow called home.
“Well damn-you know it’s like- the middle of the night?” She hears the tired voice of the rebel ring out as he lifts a petal.

“What?”

“You want to go to the mainland? This is your chance. You want to prove yourself? Okay. You have an opportunity. I need you to come with me, be quick about it.”

…

Orion usually questions anything and everything. But right now…something was wrong. He had never seen Lady Dandelion so…frazzled.
His posture straightens, his expression more serious, “Alright.” He nods, Dandelion sighing in relief, obviously glad to not have to explain anymore.

“Thank you, come with me.”

Rainier had dozed off while sketching Orion, and was awoken by the knock on the door. He grumbled, and fluttered to the entrance. He was expecting a nosy neighbor, maybe Orion figured out where he lived, or Locke stopping by to apologize for his actions. Instead, he was met with Lady Calypso herself, Magnolia was standing beside her, Interesting.

Rainier tilted his head. “Oh my. Either I’m in trouble, or someone’s throwing a midnight gala and I wasn’t invited.” His tone was airy and teasing, but the concern behind his eyes was hard to miss, especially as he noticed how serious both of them looked.

“Come in,” he said, voice quieter now. He stepped aside to let them both in, brushing a curl from his face. “Tell me everything.”

@Adeline

Interacting with @Azure Bubbles

---

“There is no time.” Lady Calypso says, her voice soft and firm as she holds her hand out, “Come child, we are going to the Hollow Hall. There all will be explained.”

---

Magnolia watches with slightly wide eyes. Whatever was going on really is serious…she hadn’t ever met Rainer before, but she knew who he was.
She was honestly glad that he was coming…she found his presence to be comforting

Rainier blinked at Lady Calypso’s outstretched hand, the gravity in her tone leaving little room for questions or quips. “No time huh? Well then… Lead the way.”

Collaboration with @Adeline for Magnolia.

---

“Are you quite sure?” Magnolia’s endearing timidity returned.

Caelum couldn’t handle it. A subtle breath escaped from his nose as his slight smile deepened and his brow furrowed upward softly. A sudden ache—something too precious to bear—squeezed his heart for a beat.

He offered an open palm.

“Quite,” he said. His voice finally wavering. A flame flickered by the Lagoon's breath.

Magnolia slowly, tentatively grasped his hand. He gingerly led her a few paces to the hollow log. Suddenly looking over his shoulder, Caelum paused, searching. He quickly spotted Muricle gradually making his way toward them. Smirking, he turned back to the door.

It was a large, rounded thing. Made out of driftwood and entirely coated in a deliberate layer of deeply verdant moss. He placed his free hand on the only part exposed—a gnarled handle of sorts—and smoothly pushed it open.

“Welcome,” he said warmly as he led her inside—being sure to leave the door open for his new little friend.

Inside, it was dimly lit by his walnut shell lantern and ambient sunlight from a couple of carved holes that served as windows.

The fire danced with a life of its own. The fairy might notice, but would not know how closely the flame mirrored the flutter in Caelum’s chest.

“Please, make yourself at home,” Caelum said—as much to the frogling as to the fairy. Out of necessity, he slowly laid her hand down and walked toward the lantern.

The door had opened to a spartan, though cozy main room. While plenty wide enough, the room stretched back most of the length of the log. There was a couch of sorts, as well as a couple of chairs—one with almost no wear—and a small table, some shelves and cabinets for storage, too. Everything was entirely coated in the same, thick, emerald moss. The deep green and brown palette gave everything a pleasant earthiness—especially the scent.

Caelum plucked the lantern from the table. Turning to her again, he smiled. She was looking about, absentmindedly stroking Muricle while her eyes slowly took in the space.

”This way, if you wish,” Caelum said, offering his hand again. She approached him and took it, with a bit more confidence this time. Caelum then guided her gently to the back—toward his sanctum.

After several paces he stopped at a door-less entryway. A pair of Mallard flight feathers hung from above acting as a barrier between rooms. The sparrow gently released the fairy’s hand—once more feeling the absence—and parted one of the feathers so that Magnolia could enter.

Once they were inside, the living lantern revealed a mossy bed nestled in the center of an otherwise empty chamber. Caelum followed behind.

Magnolia's eyes widened, the lantern making them glow brighter as she slowly took in the space.

“Here,” Caelum offered softly as he held out the lantern.

After a moment she tore herself away and curiously turned toward him once more.

”Feel free to look around, but this will make it easier." Noticing the puzzlement on her face, Caelum let out an involuntary, breathy chuckle. "Don’t worry. She won’t bite.”

The flame stirred, its light dancing in quiet joy. It curled upward, brightening briefly—as if in recognition.

“Oh?” Caelum began with a hushed awe, tinged with mirth. "I think she likes you."

Magnolia cautiously accepted the lantern. Caelum went the few paces to the center and took a seat on the edge of the moss—leaning back on his arms. He watched as the quiet young fairy perused his secret gallery, never venturing very far from his side.

Strewn across the curved, mossy walls were a great many sketches—some still lifes of flowering plants and quiet foliage, others of a variety of animals—especially birds, with a clear fondness for waterfowl. A great deal more depicted various fairies and sparrowmen of the Hollow going about their days or at rest, as they lingered in quiet communion with their surroundings—including one of a rather languidly lounging Sir Idris, shirt parted, chest bared, gaze half-lidded.

“I’m particularly proud of that one,” Caelum said just as Magnolia’s eyes found the sketch. His smirk, audible.

Magnolia studied the walls. Caelum studied her—lantern light caressed her Lagoon-blessed features. It traced the soft contours of her face, her iridescent wings aglow, her silvery curls damp and gleaming.

Once she was finished, he accepted his lantern back and sat it beside him. He patted the space next to him, offering a place to rest. Muricle instantly hopped into the space with a gentle croak. A surprised chuckle escaped Caelum’s grin.

A smile finally graced Magnolia's lips at Muricle's antics. She decided to sit right where she was, upon the floor before Caelum.

“Well…” Caelum began softly as he gently patted the frogling. “Where do you think the latest addition should go?”

Magnolia glanced up to him before looking around his art strewn home. After a moment, an open space next to a small window caught her eye and she smiled again. Without looking back to him, she gestured at the space.

“What about over there?” She asked softly. “That way the picture catches the light.”

Caelum could not have imagined a better place for the sketch.

Catch the light, Caelum echoed in his mind. You certainly do just that...

---

It was now about an hour or so past when Caelum usually found sleep for the night. The restless sparrow stared up from his bed in the dimmed light of the resting flame. His dark orbs were locked on the image he had sketched that morning—Magnolia, reluctantly departing her home—where it was lovingly nestled among the multitude of other sketches. Nestled in the very spot the fairy herself had chosen. He couldn’t stop replaying that morning.

It was mere hours ago... it felt more like a week.

The rest of his day, after he had walked her—and, of course, Muricle—home, Caelum had done exactly what he was doing now—the second sketch remaining unfinished. There were the hours where he had to return to his duties: an endless daily slog of gradually scouring the Hollow for rot and carefully burning it away. But even then, his thoughts remained only on the events of the morning. The job wasn’t particularly stimulating—perfect for a preoccupied mind—but it was necessary. Hell, it was the main reason the council… tolerated him.

And then, as the evening approached, came the lighting of the Hollow’s lanterns. Another menial task, dulled by over a century of repetition. Yet each flame reminded him—of the glow of her wings, and the gleam in her hair.

The moss around him still held the warmth of her presence. The flame seemed quieter tonight, as if remembering. Even with the lantern of living flame, the room felt colder in her absence...

“Caelum!” A sudden voice shattered the reverent silence. The flame below roared to attention.

In the dim of his private hollow, Caelum stirred. He rolled over toward the door, eyes squinting in the sudden flare of light that was now casting ominous shadows across the space. Caelum knew who it was, even without seeing him. The unmistakable voice of Sir Idris, the Lord of Light himself, stood just outside his door. Then he sighed and rose from his bed of moss and strode down the length of the log to the door, gently pulling it open and peering out.

“Good evening, Sir Idris,” he said, curiosity concealed by practiced formality. He noted the thinly veiled concern on his mentor’s face. Caelum's own brow furrowed with caution. “Do you have need of me?”

Idris grinned, despite himself.

“That’s why I like you, Caelum. You’re always so calm, polite, and direct,” Sir Idris said, his famous cadence rapid yet fluid. “It saves a lot of time—of which, we have precious little, and are running out of ever so quickly. Come. Throw a shirt on, and I’ll fill you in on the way.”

@Adeline

Loke O’Toole

Loke continued playing his violin while dancing around in the secret room. Noticing a dark cloud that was looming above his home. The roaring of thunder could be heard in the distance. Loke’s chanting became louder, and his playing was becoming quite erratic. His chanting and playing were a chaos of noise, in an effort to drown out the thunder and rain. After a few hours, he stopped playing and put the violin back on the pedestal. His naked body was covered in sweat. He felt a bit tired and quite famished. Walking over to close the book before leaving the room.

Washing up and getting into some comfy clothes, and sitting down on a chair with a book in one hand and some leftover scones in the other. Sitting beside him on a nearby table was a cup of green tea. Thinking to himself that he was going to have a pleasant evening. His clothed body was covered in a warm blanket. Occasionally, he covered himself when thunder struck the ground.

10:00 PM.

His good evening was interrupted when he heard a knock on his door.. Loke got dressed in casual clothes before heading over to the door. Being surprised, he saw Lady Opheila at his door. Usually, she wouldn’t be at his door so late in the evening. This must have been a dire situation. “Greetings, Lady Ophelia. What is the reason for your visit?” Loke said, feeling annoyed that his pleasant evening was interrupted.

Interacting with @Eviledd1984

---

Ophelia raises a brow, sensing the annoyance that radiated from the sparrow.
“Yes, hello Loke…” she sighs, wondering if this really is the right choice. It could go so…so wrong. Whatever the case, she made the decision, this is who she is feeling she can trust.

“An…issue has arrived in the Hollow…I need your assistance. Come, there is much to discuss.” She says, her voice wavering, an unusual trait in the normally very held together woman.

Blitz laid on Bill's back with his arms resting behind his head. His charges were all asleep. They made horrid night company. This whole going to sleep when the light goes down is quite frankly for the birds. He had grown accustomed to it long ago however as he watched the star lit sky.

The fairy could feel his body changing. Various features warping into place as his skin stretched or twisted. Despite many calling him lazy, he took to training his skills fairly often. His blue eyes drifting down to his forearms that were now encased in a brownish carapace. Closing his eyes with a tense expression he could feel it slowly beginning to travel across his body.

He strained slightly before sighing as he noted that the armadillo like armor stopped at his waist. Seems completely encasing himself was still out of his reach. As the armor melted away like mist Blitz iris's began change color as the pupil shifted from a circle to a slit and the world around him seemed to sharpen and the color spectrum dulled.

It was then that Blitz heard the voice before he saw the old man.

“Blitz Star.” His voice echoes in the young sparrow's home, the graying man having let himself in.

“I have a task for you.”

Blitz quickly rolled himself onto his stomach before his wings eagerly flapped and set him down on his feet. This was a strange, timed request. The moon was still raising high in the sky and there was work to be done?

"Sir?"

@Adeline

Loke O’Toole

Loke had a strange look on his face. It was a state of confusion because he had not seen Ophelia look so frightened before. There have been problems in the Hollow, but it wasn't something that made Ophelia have an anxious or worried look. “What seems to be the problem, Lady Ophelia?” Loke joined Ophelia, walking to what he assumed was the council room.

The first thing that came into his mind was that Rainier had told on him. No doubt he would be reprimanded for pranking the young fae. But that didn’t seem to be the case, as Ophelia would have done so as soon as he opened the door.

Elric sighs as he watches Blitz roll, rather unceremoniously, out of bed. He was truly…a peculiar sparrow.

Which meant he was ideal for this job. The mission.

“Blitz. There has been a severe complication in the depths of the Hollow. I believe you can help. I want to trust you.” He says, stepping closer, his almost fatherly gaze stern and pleading, “Can I trust you? That is rhetorical, do not answer.” He stands straight.

“Now come with me.”

---

“Listen closely. You have been a trouble maker since you got here. You play pranks. You cause mess…but you have heart.” The lady’s voice began stern, as a strict overseer, and then the last sentence was anything but, her voice became soft and she looked over to the sparrow.

“Loke, this problem, I cannot discuss here. But I believe you care about this place. It is your home. And you may need to help save it.” She says softly as they enter the council, they others who have chosen their own operatives.

---

---

Each member stands in the room, the table moved to the side as Queen Celine stands in the center, the light of the small fireplace and firebugs keeping the night away.

“My subjects…my loyal children…I am sorry to keep you away from your rest, but as you may have each guessed by now, this is not a simple mattered gathering.” She begins, looking to each fairy, being sure to make eye contact with each one. Celine believed that eye contact was the most meaningful form. She wished to convey the importance of this night. She hoped she could.

“There has been a sickness spreading through the Hollow. You may have noticed, water getting lower, plants dying easier, the sun rarely shining…” she sighs, inhaling deeply before continuing, not catching Elric and Dandelions worried stares.

“It is a darkness. One the Hollow has never seen before,”

---

Had Magnolia done something she shouldn’t have? No, because Rainier was here too, walking with her. It really must be something serious. If she could help she didn’t know, but she would certainly try.

When she enters the hall, they are the first to be there, save the Queen, Lady Dandelion and a fairy she was not aquatinted with.
Although her eyes stay on the Queen. She is worried, and something is seriously wrong. She looked weak. Scared. It…made Maggie uneasy.

Soon others arrived and the door closed. A few fairies and a few Overseers. Along with Loke and Caelum. What was this?

Magnolias eyes stay on Caelum for longer than they should when he enters, but she tears her gaze away when the Queen begins to address them.
•
A darkness…? That could mean so many things…she knows darkness, but this seemed to be so much more. Deadly in a way that didn’t seem possible to stop.

---

Orion didn’t like this. Not one bit. Why was the queen here? Why were there other fairies and council members? He pauses his confused and frustrated thoughts when he sees Rainier.
Now…what was he doing here? Orion grinned slightly, his stance relaxing a bit to seem more laid back. Was it pathetic? Maybe. Did he give a fuck?

No.

Now he was hardly paying attention to the Queen, but once he hear danger his eyes snap to her. “What kind of danger?” He interrupts as Lady Dandelion sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Hey, you want our help? We deserve to know.”