Caelum followed Sir Idris to the council chamber of the Hollow. He found himself eyeing each lantern as they passed, habitually inspecting them and noting any that might need attention in the near future. Realizing this, he tried to focus forward and listen to the vague “explanations” Sir Idris was sporadically sprinkling into their flight. They weren’t outright lies—Idris knew better. But the soft fluttering embers in Caelum’s wings occasionally tingled, glowing with each half-truth and deliberate dodge.

There was definitely more to this than Sir Idris felt comfortable divulging, in spite of claiming to explain on their way. So far, all Caelum could glean was that there was a something that threatened… well, apparently everything? Caelum remained silent for the journey. Something that did ring true, without a single pulse from his wings, was that all was about to be made clear.

As they made their final approach, Caelum was reminded of why he didn’t come here. Lots of unpleasant memories flooded back from his early days.

Upon finally entering, Caelum noticed he was not the only one summoned—something else Sir Idris had chosen not to share.

The radiant—well, usually more radiant—Queen Celine was awaiting their arrival, with a cluster of other fairies and sparrows. He looked to Sir Idris, whose face mirrored how he felt when beholding the Queen.

What the ash was going on?!

Beside the Queen was, of course, Lady Dandelion; as well as a sparrowman he’d seen on rare occasions but—like most of the Hollow—he didn’t know.

Lady Calypso was also present, along with a water sparrow he’d seen before—that’s right. Caelum had a sketch or two of him. He always seemed to take particular relish in his duties—and himself. Standing beside the two water fairies was another… Magnolia?! What was she doing here?!

She had noticed him, too. He smiled warmly to her, in spite of things.

Sir Elric was in the hall as well with one of his charges. Caelum had met Blitz before, though—like most—seldom had dealings with him. He had provided some lovely feathers for Caelum to adorn his home with, however.

Lady Ophelia and Loke—of all fae—had been settling in as Caelum and Sir Idris made their entry. If Loke O’Toole had also been summoned to this little gathering… Caelum’s curiosity was through the roof.

Caelum’s gaze wandered once more to the Lagoon fairy as he and Sir Idris reached the group. She, too, was still looking his way. A smile returned to his face, though was short-lived. The Queen’s words stealing both of their gazes toward her.

The Queen was not much more illuminating than Sir Idris had been. Caelum was grateful when the unknown sparrow brashly interrupted, though he gave voice to the question that Caelum himself—and no doubt the others—had been wondering as well.

@Adeline

Loke O’Toole

He didn’t seem to be listening to Ophelia mentioning how much trouble he had made in the past. That was something he had heard quite a lot before. However, his ears perked up when Ophelia mentioned the reason she chose him. He was curious about the reason he had been selected for this task.

Walking along with Lady Ophelia into the council room, he noticed the familiar faces in the room. He did see the many concerning changes that were occurring in the Hollow and looked quite concerned that they were adverse effects from using that book. And this negative effect was becoming more suspicious to the other fae.

“Do you know the source of this darkness?” Loke asked Queen Celine, dreading that they were onto him. Looking over at Orian, feeling something similar. He wanted to know what was going on.

Rainier had been unusually quiet since entering the Hollow Hall. Unusual for him, at least. His usual entrance into a room like this would have been all grand flourishes and a charming smile, but the sight of the Queen looking so frail, had dimmed even his theatrics.

Orion’s voice broke the silence, and Rainier finally let his own cut through the tension.“Careful, handsome,” Rainier said smoothly. “Snapping at the Queen won’t make the darkness any less… dark.”

He let his eyes sweep back to Celine, his usual attitude softening as he folded his arms. “But he’s right about one thing.” A pause, rare seriousness in his voice. “You called us all here for a reason. If you want us to fight this… if you want us to risk our wings, our lives, we need to know what we’re facing. We deserve to.”

@Adeline

.

.

Blitz followed closely behind Sir Elric as they made their way into the Hollow Hall. His expression was one of somber curiosity. Sir Elric never in the mood for jokes or shenanigans seemed fouler than usual. When he saw many fairies already within the hall and some arriving he nibbled on his bottom lip slightly.

What could all this mean?

He could see faces he knew, some he disliked, and even some of interest.

Blitz attention however focused in on the queen. She was not here usual bright and cheerful self. She almost seemed worn thin. Like butter scraped over to much toast.

He frowned as she spoke, and the frown deepened as she finished. This sounded an awful lot like responsibility.

It was a word he hated. Even if he could not spell it.

Yet Blitz had always liked the queen so maybe he could stomach the notion depending on what she said next.

---

Celine sighs, closing her eyes for a moment. She knew there would be questions, and she despised having to answer them. Not for hate of questioning, but hate that she wasn’t strong enough to protect her people herself.
She was the Queen, one of the eldest beings on this floating island, and yet…this was too much for her to bare now.

Elric notices this in her stance, as does Dandelion, and while Elric manages to keep himself with Blitz and not leave to the Queens side, Dandelion does not share the same thought.
The red headed fairy walks swiftly to Celine, while she was still frustrated that she wasn’t told the whole truth, she loved Cel. She would stand with her for support.

Celine notices this, blinking a few times and standing straighter, Dandelions hand gently on her back. “Thank you,” she mumbles before looking to the others, “Your questions and concerns are warranted. What we face is a creature called a Bohgidail. An evil that came to be when I was young and still new to this world. I haven’t seen it for centuries, but as we all know, the mainlanders are troubled souls, and have grown more cruel. The Bog feeds on this. Growing stronger. Angrier.” She moves to step forward, faltering slightly. Dandelion helps her move as the queen takes the prism, continuing her speech, her eyes tired, pained.

“This used to hold a star, the second star to right of the Hollow which we all are so familiar with.” She says, holding it for the others to see. “I have a map. A map that will lead you to the second star, for it is not as simple as flying up. Once you have this star, you must find this Bog, this darkness, and use the light of the star to destroy it. Place the star in the heart, and the Bog will be no longer. And the darkness will dissipate,” she sets the prism on the large table beside her.

“This is the mission that I entrust with you all. Your leaders deemed you worthy, I urge you to accept.” She says, her voice seeming to grow weaker.

---

Magnolia hadn’t said a word, her eyes wide in shock and near disbelief at each word. Was this what the world has come to? Waking ancient evils?

“I accept.” She states, her eyes unblinking never leaving the Queen. Celine…she was kind. Gentle. She didn’t deserve this fate. And what of the Hollow? If this mission fails, will everyone die? She has a chance. A chance to not be who he always said she was. Who she feels like. This was the strongest her voice has been, not wavering or timid. She would help.

---

Orion grins sideways at Rainier, enjoying the pretty words, even if some might consider them chastising.

As the Queen explains and finally finishes her speech, the garden fairy exhales heavily, crossing his arms.
“Damn…” he mumbles as his hand moves to run over his face. This was…a lot to take in. Why did they deserve his help? He didn’t owe them anything. He could leave…go into hiding. What are the chances this thing finds him?

He didn’t know why that girl answered so fast. It seemed foolish.

He looks back to Rainier, wondering what he might say or think…Orion found himself wondering consistently about the water fairies thoughts, even if they met not long ago. The blond took up ample space in his mind.

Rainier looked at the Queen, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “If you’re asking us to stand between the world and whatever’s coming… then I’ll stand. Even if my wings don’t come back in one piece. Because this… this is bigger than any of us. And no fairy should have to face this kind of darkness alone. Least of all you, Your Majesty.”

There was a beat of silence. Then, slowly, that familiar glint returned to his eye as he turned to Orion.“Besides…” Rainier added with a sly smile, “if we’re risking our lives, I’d like my last sight to be something ridiculously handsome. And lucky me—”
He tilted his head, biting his lip just enough to be suggestive. “You’re already standing right there.”

He smirked for a moment, before looking away with mock innocence, as if he hadn’t just flirted like his life didn’t depend on it.

@Adeline

The Queen seemed weathered, faltering. She was making it through this by the support from her dear Lady Dandelion. That much was clear. It was hard to see her like this—when she was typically the most radiant sight, outshined only by the sun.

Caelum simply watched and waited. Looked and listened. All present spoke true. Especially when Magnolia piped up with a sudden gusto he had not known she possessed. Even without his wings, he knew she spoke true.

His gaze had held firmly on the dimming Queen until it snapped to Magnolia’s sudden fervor. He couldn’t help but smile once the brief surprise subsided. He then let the others speak their truths before offering his own.

“If there is something threatening the Hollow—no, the world in which we all live,” Caelum began in his usual quiet calm. He met each eye that turned to him. “And you believe I can help prevent the devastation from coming to pass…” He looked to Sir Idris, then back to the Queen. “Then I choose to believe in the faith you have in me. I, too, accept the call.”

@Adeline

Loke O’Toole

Loke had a concerned look on his face. He had heard of the Bohgidail and really only in hushed tones from other fae. Although he had never met one before, and from what he had heard, he didn’t want to run into them. But perhaps the Necronomicon could have something to combat this creature. The mischievous fae seemed to be in deep thought. Wondering if they could find the star. And if they could even succeed in this mission.

“And I assume Bohgidail has forces that will try to stop our quest? I will take part in this task. ” He took a look at the map, having a sense of deja vu, like he had seen the map before. He didn’t want to be the only one to cause any kind of mischief and mayhem in the world.

Blitz was listening intently as he scratched his left side. He was unusually quiet and still safe for scratching. He listened to each of the other fairies speak. Pledges of allegiance. Words of affirmation.

Send me!

I'll go!

They were all saying. Blitz found himself chewing on his bottom lip before he released a sigh. The queen had always been sweet to him. Sides if the whole island fell only the drakes and those with wings would survive the fall. He could not realistically allow his animal friends to suffer just because he'd rather flee from responsibility.

"I..." his words seemed to catch in his throat.

"I'll do it." He said far to quietly for anyone to hear. His usual bravado absent. Then he spoke louder. With more conviction. Almost like he was hyping himself up.

" The Hollow must not fall. Especially not to something called a Bog...Bohg... That thing!!"

---

Celine didn’t know whether to cry in relief or to fall on her knees and thank her subjects profusely in her gratefulness. So she didn’t do either. Sentiment will have to wait. Something short for now will be fine, and she is overly sure that they will understand her briefness.

“I thank you, and applaud your braveness, as does your leaders and fellow friends and family.” She says, her voice slowly sounding more strained with each word.
“Go to your homes, tell no one of this. Pack as little as possible, and then report back here immediately.”

From there, the map will be given, roles will be assigned…and the journey will truly begin.

---

Magnolia exhales softly as everyone else gives their answer. So…this was happening? This was really happening?
At the queens direction she nods, swallowing thickly as she moves to the door with the others. Pack and come back.

Magnolia smiles slightly at her thought of the rhymed repeating. Then she stops immediately. Cause there wasn’t actually much to smile about.

She couldn’t bring Muricle, it’s too dangerous. Who would watch him? Perhaps she could ask…? Fuck. She had no one to ask. Would he be alright on his own? …Will she be alright? Will she even return?

The chance of surviving this seem…slim.

---

Orian gives a small, near sarcastic salute as he hears the final words the queen gives.
He turns on his heel, aiming to walk straight to the door, but his legs seem to lead him directly to the water fairy. He couldn’t help it, every remark Rainier made was just simply…intoxicating. He found himself enjoying the company of him more and more.

“So…could be the end of our world.” He says blankly, watching Rainier with interest in what he genuinely thinks about all of this.

Caelum let out a silent breath. There was now at least a slight release of tension. Once they returned here, however…

He nodded to Idris and started for the door. Looking about, he found Magnolia. She seemed distraught—no doubt lost in some very bleak thoughts and fears. Seeing as they were going the same way, he fluttered over beside her on the whisper of his moth-like wings, offering a gentle smile as he arrived.

The sparrow had planned to say something, but nothing had come to him by the time he fell in beside her. What on Earth was there to say? Any phrase he might have said would have felt empty or trite.

Instead, Caelum offered no words—only his presence, steady and sure. His silence carried what words could not.

---

Magnolia glances over to Caelum, offering a slight smile, moving a bit closer. His presence…it was comforting. Warm. Ironically enough. The moon seemed to be much duller tonight, the breeze from before having dissipated into nothingness once again. It was like nature was afraid.
Maggie had a feeling he came over because he knew she was troubled, and she appreciated it. Deeply. So, she decided to break the ice, her hand subconsciously picking at the skin on her thigh.

“Are…you afraid? Of what we are needing to face?” She asks softly

---

Caelum glanced to Magnolia as she spoke. He briefly looked ahead when she finished, then slowly shifted his gaze back to hers once more.

“Afraid?” Caelum echoed warmly, the slightest smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“Of course not. What could there be to fear?” He turned slightly, guiding her gaze toward the brilliant, warm glow that emanated from the heart of his mottled wings.

“Honestly?” he said even softer, gaze lowering. “Yeah…” Then, in almost a whisper: “I am terrified.” The ember glow of his wings remained cold.

The sparrowman let his words linger as he continued on beside the fairy, absorbing every peaceful moment with her that he could. He had no clue what was to come, but he doubted it would be like it had that morning anytime soon… or, possibly, ever again.

Caelum looked forward again, steeling himself as best he could. Then he glanced back to Magnolia. A gentle smile returned the moment he laid eyes on her face.

“At least… I won’t have to go alone.”

---

It was the vulnerability that drew Magnolia in. He trusted her enough to show that he was scared. She supposed she wished to trust him as well, her eyes roaming over him, his wings. They were beautiful…a small part of Magnolia ever wondered if fairies and sparrows like Caelum ever felt lonely, rarely meeting others with talents like theirs.
Magnolia was enamored with the warmth though. It brought something…steady.

Her eyes find his again and she nods, her nails running subtly across the skin of her thigh, “Yes…having to face this…thing alone would be impossible,” she manages a breathy and short laugh, pulling her eyes away from him and back to the ground, leaf bits crunching under their feet as they walk

@Adeline

Loke O’Toole

Loke had listened to the situation and felt a sense of dread. He didn’t like the feeling that there were forces that could end their existence. However, he was excited by the fact that there were other extraordinary powers outside of the fae realm. As he got home, he packed a small suitcase with essentials for the trip. Taking a moment to look at the bookcase that hid his secret room.

Part of him wonders if he would need the book to help deal with these unknown forces. But bringing the book would only get him more trouble. Something he brought was some clothes, a magical tool, an alchemy apparatus, a pad of paper and pens, and a dagger in case he gets into any trouble.

A few moments later, he returned to the meeting, pointed, and waited for the others to arrive. Thinking that if this were the end, then he would want to go out with a bang.

Blitz listened and nodded as they were dismissed for the moment. He folded his arms in thought, as his wings began to beat and he slowly hovered up from the ground and was carried forward out of the throne room. Moments passed and he found himself floating outside of his hovel that he called home.

He knew already that he was going to take nothing. His whole life had been a singular purpose of caring for his creatures. Much to the dismay of Sir Elric and perhaps quite a few fairies. He basically owned the clothes on his back and only replaced them as needed. Placing two fingers into his mouth he released a shrill piercing whistle and all of his charges came waddling out at top speed.

Bartholomew, Nicodemus, Theophilus, and Bill each came out standing in a line and at attention.

The young fairy did not mince words and quickly explained that he would be away for a time, and they each knew of their jobs, and he fully expected them to all behave in his absence or he was going to tar their tailfeathers. This resulted in a nervous honk from Nicodemus as the youngest drake stole a sneak peek at his tailfeathers that were only now really starting to be right.

Blitz beckoned towards the biggest drake Bill as the others were dismissed. Bill dwarfed the fairy in size, and he followed Blitz obediently much like a dog would as they rounded the hovel, and Blitz began putting a saddle on the drake. He attached some anklets and small woven helmet onto his mount.

Each piece was enchanted and held a specific purpose. As he climbed upon Bills back they soon took off. Blitz had ignored the saddle and found his usual spot holding onto the back of the drake's neck and began to whisper commands to the duck he had raised since it came from an egg. The pair landed outside of the throne room and Blitz itched the back of Bill's head resulting in a cooing noise from his mount as he hopped off and went back to join the other fairies.

Blitz leaned back against a wall noticing that only Loke was here currently. He gave the fae a slight smile but said nothing.

---

“Yes…” Magnolia replied softly. “Having to face this… thing alone would be impossible.” She chuckled nervously and lowered her gaze to her feet, fidgeting all the while.

Caelum maintained his soft smile and focused ahead, allowing his stride to match hers.

She hadn’t quite caught his meaning, but she wasn’t wrong—not in the slightest. He didn’t have the faintest idea what the ash they were going to have to do, or endure, but there was no sense agonizing over the unknowable. Not now. Not when there was such good company to enjoy. Good company, and a pleasant nighttime stroll.

“Yes,” he replied, warm and low. “It would be quite the daunting task.”

Clearly, the pair could have reached the lagoon much faster if they’d chosen to engage their wings. But the fairy at his side wanted to walk—and honestly, so did he. It was nice to enjoy the beauty of the night, slowly, and with more company than just himself or the flame of his lantern.

After a few brief stops at lanterns in need of mild attention, the two arrived near the edge of the lagoon some minutes later. Caelum turned his head to Magnolia as they padded closer to the water’s edge. His house was now only a stone’s throw away. Hers, still a fair distance across the lagoon—further still if one were to follow the bank.

Caelum could almost make out the faint impressions of Loke and Muricle’s joyful steps, still embedded in the moist earth below. They had passed through mere hours ago—though somehow, it already felt much longer.

“Well,” Caelum said, finally ending the peaceful hush. “Here’s me…" he gestured to his small hollow. "If you don’t mind, I will just gather a few things of mine. Then, we will go break the news to Muricle—together. We can then grab whatever you want to bring along, too… He trailed off for a moment. "Or, we can just meet back at the hall…”

He trailed off again, suddenly uncertain. He had always been so… resigned.

This feeling, however... was new, strange—and exciting.