---

“No it’s alright, I can go by myself,” She says softly, tilting her head as she looks up to him, then behind him to his home, to where she sat with him and Locke not so long ago.
Her eyes draw back to him and she smiles slightly, “I should go,” she mumbles after a moment, “I’ll see you there Caelum.” Magnolia hesitates for a second before giving a small wave and a smile, starting to fly off to her own home.

She should have accepted his invite. A part of her deeply wished to. But she was getting too attached, too close. Last time that happened…it ended awfully.

She sighs as she looks to Muricle, sleeping on a small lily pad bed Maggie made for him. “Oh Muri…” she whisper, kissing his head softly.
Not wanting to wake him, and not knowing how to tell him what was going on, she pushes it back, packing up everything she needed into a small acorn.

Then, it was time. “Muri…wake up dear,” she whispers softly as the frog blinks slowly, confused as he hears to melancholic tone of her voice, not used to hearing it so…obviously saddened. “I have to leave for a while…I will be back as soon as possible, if you need someone, go to Mrs. Keys in the library.” Magnolia whispers gently as Muricle nudges her, trying to follow as Magnolia stands up.

The young fairy sighs, shaking her head, her eyes a bit blurry, watery, “No Muricle, you can’t come…I love you,” she says softly, “be good, yes?” She whispers, hugging her companion gently before leaving, unable to look into the eyes of her friend as she closes the door, rubbing a tear that escaped away from her eye.

Magnolia takes a breath, walking, leading into a hover as she flies to the Hollow tree

---

“No, it’s alright,” Magnolia answered him softly. Something in him faltered, though it only barely reached his face. He looked down for just a moment to be safe.

“I can go by myself,” she added, glancing at him, then his home, and back to him. She offered a subtle smile for a few beats. “I should go,” she added, even quieter. “I’ll see you there, Caelum.”

He returned her smile with a slight, resigned nod, trying to memorize this moment; wishing he could capture it in ash and parchment.

The moment vanished.

The fairy smiled, gave a subtle wave, engaged her wings, and floated off across the lagoon.

Caelum stood there and watched her grow smaller and smaller into the gloom of the night. Once she had disappeared into her home, he let out a long sigh. Then, the sparrow smiled in spite of things, gave a slight shake of the head, and walked the short distance to his door.

Inside, it was mostly dark, though the blaze from his lantern greeted him with glee. It burned brighter and danced about.

“I know,” he said softly. “I’m not used to being away from you either.” He walked over, picked it up, and sat on his bed. “Unfortunately… I have to go away for a while.”

The walnut-bound flame blazed brightly.

“I don’t know…” Caelum whispered.

The flame settled, diminished greatly.

“I’m sorry, though. I don’t want to leave you behind… but I also don’t want to risk losing you, either. Besides, don’t you want to see your new friend again?”

The fire grew, as if standing up.

“That’s right. She also will be going. And if I don’t go, then I won’t be able to watch out for her. It’s not like that goofball Loke is up to the task, now is he?”

The flame leaned away from him and began to sputter, as if laughing. Caelum smiled warmly, with a twinge of hidden sadness.

“We wouldn’t all be going away if it weren’t really important…” He said it to himself as much as to his companion. “The truth is, someone has to do something, or…” His voice softened as it trailed off.

The flame stabilized and leaned in closer.

“…or there will be nothing… and no one…” he whispered to the floor. “Nothing at all left.”

The sparrow set the lantern down and fell back onto his mossy bed. Staring about the place, taking in the sketches. He lingered on his favorites—especially the ones of a certain lagoon fairy. He turned over and found the one by the window. He smiled softly. How he wished he could return to that morning. It was only about half a day ago.

Time was such a strange thing.

He turned over on his back once more and shut his eyes. He focused on the recent memory he had forged. There she was, hesitating. Smiling. Knowing she needed to go, but wanting to stay. At least, that’s what he had seen. What he had hoped.

Caelum.

A sound he wasn’t used to hearing very often. Especially from her. Though his eyes remained closed, he couldn’t help but smile widely.

After several moments, he let out a brief sigh and rose to his feet. He grabbed the lantern and returned to his front room, setting it down on the table. Next, Caelum grabbed his soot-covered bag, lifted it over his head, and slung it across him. He began rummaging through it, removing a few things. Then he began going through his cabinets and drawers, occasionally finding things and putting them inside the bag at his hip. Once he was sure he was as prepared as he could be, Caelum closed the bag and went for the door.

“Keep watch for me, would you?” he asked, half-turned toward the lantern on his table. “I’ll make sure Sir Idris stops by from time to time. He owes me at least that much. Perhaps I can get him to feed you some leaves or pine needles. I know you like the sap…” He sighed. “Well, wish me luck.”

With that, he exited and closed the door behind him.

He looked across the lagoon once more, pausing to see if there were signs of life.

Nothing.

Caelum drew in a slow breath. After releasing it, he engaged his wings and fluttered back toward the Hollow. It was strange. Everything at this moment was so much like his beginnings to each and every day. Yet…

So much was so very different.

---

Celine’s breath shudders, a chill crawling down her spine. She felt it. The icy, frigid hand of death grabbing her by the throat. Is this what it was to die? She truly hadn’t expected it to happen so fast, but as each young fairy files in, Dandelion sitting by the fire, her eyes trained on the Queen, unsure of how to react. She could see her friend loosing life. Her sister fading away.

Elric didn’t leave Celine’s side, standing and holding her up straight. He saw that Dandelion truly couldn’t handle the death of one so near and dear to her heart. And he…would fill any role that was needed.

Celine looks around the room, her eyes sunken but a smile on her face. How, in such a short amount of time, has she come to look so much worse than before? Her skin and hair were near void of all color, her eyes dull and glassy, her wings…just…gone.

“My subjects…my friends…” her words are quiet and gentle, her voice strained. “I thank you…for your…bravery…and sacrifice…” she takes a rattled breath, Elrics eyes snapping to her as Dandelion flinches at the pained sound, “I believe in you…defeat this evil…” As she speaks, her skin slowly withers, flaking off, her muscles and veins pulling to the floor. Dandelion lets out a choked sob as Elrics hands shake while holding her, his eyes closing tightly.
The leaders present all turn away in horror, Calypso runs from the room, falling to her knees as the Queens last words float into the room. “Save this kingdom…”

.

.

.

“Celine?” Dandelions voice comes in a whisper, one of ragged disbelief. Elric stands in the center of the room, a pile of golden dust where the queen once stood, some of it dusting his hands and clothes.

“Oh…oh…” Elric stumbles back, his hand shakily covering her mouth tightly, his other hand against the wooden wall for support as Dandelion screams, sobbing as she runs to the ash, “Come back, please come back!” As she cries and holds the dust to her chest, Sir Idris rushes to her, as do the others, trying to calm her down, to process what just happened.

No one knew what would happen if a fairy died…some thought they would turn into stars, or die as the humans did…this was horrific…an awful way to fade from the world.

Elric shakes himself out of his daze, walking to the group, his breath shaking, “Listen here,” he grabs the cased star and map, pushing it into the nearest fairy, Caelums, hands, “Follow this map, kill the Bog, save us. There isn’t time to mourn or be afraid.” He looks to Blitz, nodding to him, “Understand?” He looks to the group once more. “Now go. Go!”

---

The meeting hall doors close and Magnolia stands, frigid, her hands covering her mouth as salty tears travel down her face. What…what just happened? Did the Queen really just die.

She doesn’t say anything, looking to the group, but all she can envision is the skin peeling back, their muscles ripping apart and blood dripping to the ground.
Would that happen to all of them? She supposed it didn’t matter. They made a promise, she made a promise, and she would follow through.

Maggie looks to Caelum, then to the map. If there was a map, there was another item they would need, at least one. And places to rest, it must be far to the Bogs den.

Their journey was only beginning…

When Orion approached, Rainier turned to him fully. “Could be the end of our world…” Rainier repeated softly, then let out a gentle, breathy laugh. “Darling, I’ve had bad hair days that felt like the end of the world.” His smirk tugged up, but his wings drooped just a little behind him.“But this?” He looked back toward where the Queen had stood.“This is real. And terrifying. And bigger than any of us ever imagined.” He said, sounding sincere. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared.”

Then Rainier tilted his head. “But,” he whispered, “if something awful is coming… I’m glad I met you before it got here.”

He gave a wink. “Now,” Rainier added, straightening with a little flourish,“I need to pack… which for me means deciding which outfits I’m willing to possibly ruin on a life-or-death quest.” He nudged Orion’s arm lightly. “Try not to miss me too much on the walk home, Handsome.” He stepped backward, wings giving a slow flutter. “See you soon. Don’t die before I get back. I hate wasted potential.”

—

Rainier stood dramatically in front of his wardrobe.“What does one even wear for impending doom? Something that says ‘tragic, but well-dressed…”

He flutters from outfit to outfit: a sparkling blue robe with water droplet accents, a sheer top covered in embroidered clouds, a glittery tunic that probably violates multiple laws of physics. At one point he holds up a floor-length cape covered in reflective sequins and frowns. “Too bridal. I’m not marrying the apocalypse.”

Behind him, his bed is covered with a bunch of stuff. Satchels, boots, accessories, a full makeup compact, emergency snacks, etc.

Eventually, he manages to narrow it down to two satchels. “Okay,” he whispered to himself. “Time to go.”

—

And then when he got back to the meeting point, Celine just… dies… For all his dramatics, Rainier had never seen something so cruel.

“She was supposed to send us off,” he murmured. “Not… fade away before we even left. Not like this.”

He looked up at the others, his eyes shimmering from tears.

And still… Rainier was Rainier.

“She would hate to see you crying in public, you know,” he whispered.“She’d want us all defiant and dramatic and shining like the stars she believed in.”

“Let’s make her proud,” he said, turning to face the others fully. “Let’s show this Bog or curse or whatever it is that it picked the wrong kingdom. That we are not fragile little things, waiting to turn into dust.” His voice trembled. “And when it’s over,” he added, brushing a tear from his cheek, “I’m throwing the biggest party this realm has ever seen. Celine’s honor deserves that.”

---

Caelum trickled in amongst the others as the group convened in the hall once more. He knew things were bad, but there was nothing—and no way—that Caelum could ever have been prepared... for this. The Queen had looked quite bad before, but after less than an hour, she was not even a shell of her former glory. It was beyond jarring. He had no words to describe what he now beheld—what he felt. The anxious sparrow’s stomach plummeted.

How could this be happening?!

He couldn’t even imagine what the Queen must be feeling—what Dandelion must be feeling.

This was too cruel. Something had to be done.

He lifted his gaze from where it had fallen as she spoke. Gone was the gentle warmth and quiet strength of their majestic leader and guardian. Her deathly form was struggling to speak—and... was she... was she flaking, into pieces?!

His eyes widened. His brow lifted. In mere seconds... Mighty, Radiant Queen Celine of the Great Hollow of Fairies...

...was no more.

A small pile of powder was all that remained.

Caelum just stared. Wide-eyed. Brows raised. His warm flame had turned cold. He was frozen in place, a chill running across his entire body. It was all just so incomprehensible. Someone had fled, unable to bear witness. Others had turned away or shut their eyes. Some cried out in agony and disbelief.
All Caelum could do... was stare.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. They were supposed to go on a journey. Together. To stop this very thing from coming to pass. Yet...

Suddenly, something was thrust into his grasp, jarring the sparrow back into action. He looked about, quickly grasping his bearings.

“Follow this map,” came Sir Elric’s voice beside him. “Kill the Bog. Save us. There isn’t time to mourn or be afraid. Understand?” Caelum nodded urgently, clutching the items he had been entrusted with closely to his chest. “Now, go!”

Caelum snapped back into practiced motion. Anything to keep going. Anything to avoid replaying that most horrific scene he had just witnessed. He tucked the tools safely away in the bag at his side, then quickly exited with the others.

---

Outside the hall, he found Magnolia off to the side from the others. She was in quite a similar headspace—frozen solid with shock and grief. In desperate need of warmth. It helped rekindle his flame anew. Sure, existence itself demanded great, heroic action. But right now, he could do the most good here, now, with only the slightest effort.

Caelum quietly approached the lagoon fairy. He hoped proximity would thaw the poor girl from the chilling horrors that no doubt plagued her mind. Eventually, she looked up at him, and his heart squirmed to see that expression. It wasn’t quite as bad as what they had just witnessed together, but it wasn’t much easier to bear either. She looked down to the map jutting from his bag. She said nothing. And neither did he. He was simply there. A small, warm lantern, in this darkest of nights.

“Hey,” he finally said softly, his tone warm and low. He gently offered an open palm. “Shall we get going?”

Caelum slowly spread his soft, mottled wings, gently preparing for flight. The slightest glow emitted from the veins, like the very last embers of a campfire. Sad, but warm, unwittingly mirroring his present state. While he couldn't bring himself to hide the way he was feeling, he still managed to show her a soft smile—even if it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Blitz found himself standing their wide eyed. His mouth frozen open. Even when given the command from Elric it felt like he was seeing things in slow motion. The crying fairies. The despair. That bitter feeling that he could feel welling up inside of his chest. He took an unsure step back, almost more of a stagger that threatened to send him crashing to the floor.

Turning away he exited the room. He had balled up his hand into a fist and was biting down on his index finger. A strange habit he sometimes did in dire times to center himself. As he crossed the way leading up to Bill he stopped at the unfamiliar taste of iron in his mouth. Pulling his hand free he frowned at the stinging pain and the trickles of blood from where he had bit too hard.

The large drake sensed his owner's distress and slightly opened its wing allowing Blitz a safe warm spot beside his breast if he wishes. A sad smile crossed the fairies' lips. He would love nothing more than to hide away forever. There was no pain when one was alone. Even as he found himself longing for it the mental image of the queen fading into golden dust shook him free.

He swallowed as he steadied himself and leaped onto Bill's back and channeled some of his magic into the saddle causing it to expand and grow so that more fairies could fit onto Bill's back. Turning back towards the doorway he had just left he noticed Magnolia and Caelum.

"Hey!" He hollered waving his still bleeding hand.

"Over here! We will take this ride to save our energy!!"

@Adeline @Aurkanthis @Tally Dor

Loke O’Toole

Loke had a bored look on his face as if the current situation was no big deal. The Irish Fae was twiddling his thumbs while whistling a song he had heard a few days ago. However, in reality, he was somewhat panicking that this was the end. His candle was going to be snuffed out, and he would be forgotten.

The fae nodded to Blitz, responding to the other fae. He didn’t like the image of the queen taking her last breath. Perhaps he could finally prove to the others that he wasn’t just a nuisance. There was an awkward silence as the other members of the group soon arrived. His eyes looked to the others, wondering if they would be skilled enough to kill the Bog. “So Cally, where is our first stop?” The fae asked Caelum, who he assumed still had the map on him. He thought the others were just as prepared as he was. But he gave a judgmental look to the less prepared members of the group.

---

Magnolia looks up to Caelum, then down to his hand. This was a bad idea. This whole thing was dangerous. Risky. She shouldn’t have tried to be bold, but now…there wasn’t any turning back.
The pale haired girl manages a smile, tho it didn’t reach her eyes, taking his hand, “Alright…” her eyes turn to Blitz, hesitant at his idea but not saying anything.

At Loke’s words, a small laugh forces it’s way through her lips, “Yeah Cally, what’s the map say?” She hums barely under her breath, her heartbeat slowing, more calm now it seemed

---

---

Orion had, admittedly, showed up later than everyone else. He had a harder time packing than what he thought he would have. At least, until he had remembered his spare bag he had under his bed, in case he ever decided to leave on impulse. This was different though…he was leaving to face an unknown danger…something that could end in his life being stolen.
It could be worse…

•

Orion couldn’t even bring himself to look at the others. Even Rainiers optimistic thinking and melodious voice couldn’t pull him from his mind. Did that really happen? The Queen dying in front of them? Fucking hell…
His eyes move to Blitz, his breathing not as loud in his own head anymore.

A small, amused chuckle leaves him, hearing the idea. Smart kid…although, he pauses at the blood on his hand. He strides over casually, looking at the animal before back to Blitz, “You sure it’s safe?” He wasn’t much of an animal person in all honesty, but not having to fly a million damn miles sounded nice.

Then Orion pulls a small piece of cloth from his bag. He always kept a number of things in the satchel, just in case. “Try not to get hurt before we actually fight this demon, yeah?” He didn’t know why, but Orion felt a soft spot for the kid.
He walks back to Rainier, sighing and pushing his hair back, “A party huh? I’m sure it’ll be lively if you’re the host,” he grins before putting an arm comfortably around the water fairy’s shoulder, “Now let’s go ride a duck-goose thing.”

---

Caelum held her gaze, even as the lagoon fairy glanced down at his hand before finding his eyes once more. He had slowly begun to lift off the ground as she took his hand. Her lips curved into the ghost of a smile despite the darkness that remained within her gaze.

“Alright…” she answered him.

"Hey!"

Caelum's face snapped over to the sudden shouting, pausing his ascent; maintaining the firmly gentle grip of her hand.

"Over here!" It was Blitz, atop one of his Mallards. "We will take this ride to save our energy!!"

He glanced back to Magnolia before him as he set back down. Loke had sidled up to her as they both looked to the fire fairy. He suddenly felt as though all eyes were on him—including the duck’s, which made it worse somehow. His fair features began to flush.

“So Cally," Loke began, "where is our first stop?”

A small laugh escaped Magnolia. Caelum couldn’t help but feel a gentle smile replacing his perplexed expression. Seeing joy return to her eyes and voice once more made him immediately forget his friend’s use of that name.

“Yeah Cally," Magnolia added softly. "What’s the map say?” Her usual calm seemed to be returning, if only a little.

Caelum shot a look at Loke, then Magnolia, before he closed his eyes and shook his head slowly. With a slight, resigned smile, he drew out the rolled map from the bag at his side. He allowed it to unfurl so that they could inspect it together.

"Well..." he began as his eyes took in the details. "According to this... we head straight toward the mainland. Before we get there, though, there will be an island. That is our first destination."

Caelum glanced up to the pair before him, remembering those halcyon moments they had shared together just that morning. They weren’t on the bank of the lagoon anymore. Hopefully, the three of them would return there again, someday, together.

He looked over to the bird-bound sparrow, then back to the fairy.

"Well then, Maggie" he said as warmly. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Shall we?"

@Adeline @Aurkanthis

Loke O’Toole

Loke smiled as Magonila and the others joined in on calling Caelum by his nickname. The mischievous fae smiled and waved over to the others, who joined the group. “Mhm, an island, good thing I brought my sunscreen.” A light jest, as he knew they would not be there long. Loke was floating a few inches off the ground. And was positioned behind the group.

“So do any of you have any idea on how we're gonna kill this Bog fella?” A question that was constantly placed in his mind. Of course, there was an option of using the dark magic he learned over the last decades. However, he was not sure how useful it would be.

Blitz reassured the fairies that Bill was quite safe. If this had been Bartholomew then there might have been some tomfoolery, but Blitz had specifically chosen Bill for this reason. Bill was a mallard of business. That was definitely something you could take to the bank with this drake. He thanked Orion and wrapped his finger up in the cloth and clenched his fist tightly to make sure it couldn't unravel. When he saw all the fairies were safely on board he smiled and rubbed the back of bills head.

"Yip Yip!"

With the command word the massive duck took off. A small transparent forcefield of magic courtesy of Bill's equipment engaged to shelter the fairies on the saddle from the wind and force from the flight. Only Blitz sat outside this as he enjoyed the abrasiveness of wild nature rushing against his body.

He turned towards the rest of the party.

"So..." Blitz spoke.

"Where am I going again?" He asked sheepishly with a grin.

---

Maggie hums, looking over Caelums shoulder. Once on the duck, she sat next to him, leaning over to look at the map. “Well…it looks like we are going North.” She hums, tilting her head to get a better read before she looks up to Caelum.

“It’s North, right?” She asks, raising a brow. Everyone seemed calmer now that they were in the air and away from the grief of their queens death, the emotions bleeding out

---

“It’s North, right?”

Realizing someone was talking to him, Caelum turned sharply. The sparrow’s face was suddenly met with Maggie’s—so close they were all but nose‑to‑nose. His breath caught. He snapped his gaze back to the map, hoping he had concealed the blush that had begun to slowly warm his cheeks. He’d been so fixated on the task at hand that he hadn’t anticipated her face appearing that near to his own. He swallowed.

"Yes," he began evenly. He indicated where they were to go with a slow slide of a fingertip up the page. "It's almost directly north of the eastern coastline. We should be able to see it from a ways out, so once it's in view Blitz and Bill can take over."

Caelum casually turned a subtle—less rosy—smile back to her.

"For now, I'll just make sure the obvious landmarks are where they all should be." His smile deepened slightly. "Mind helping me spot the cliff that looks like it’s, uh... smiling?"

He turned his gaze back to the map, gently tapping the location with his finger.

"It should be up ahead on the left. Once we pass it… that’s when everything really begins."

Blitz was holding onto Bills neck as he listened in on the conversation behind him. A small bead of sweat had rolled down his neck at the start of the ride as he had been told to head north. The sun set in the east right? Or was it west? He sort of did a meany miny moe in his head between the two directions before finally pulling Bill to face what he hoped was north.

Thus far no one had corrected him, so he figured he was going the right way.

@Adeline @Aurkanthis @Tally Dor

Loke O’Toole

Loke had been flying beside them as some of the group were seated on the duck. Occasionally, he would scan the area in case something would try to ambush them. But perhaps he was being too paranoid. But it was best to be prepared for anything that could come their way. “ I sure do hope this is not a dead end, and we’re not on a wild goose chase.” He said to himself, but he said this out loud for the others to hear.

Loke’s eyes were looking for a cliffside or some sort of landmark he could spot. His eyes noticed something in the distance. Squinting his eyes, trying to figure out if the odd shape was the landmark they were looking for. “ Is that it?” Loke had pointed to the shape, wondering if Caelum would recognize the landmark.

---

Caelum was keeping an eye out for the marker when he heard Loke. He followed Loke's gaze. Suddenly, he looked down at the map then back.

"Yeah," Caelum muttered. "I believe Mr. O'Toole is correct."

Looking to their pilot, Caelum called out while pointing.

"Blitz! We need to course correct! That cliff, there. It should be on on our left."

---

Maggie looks to Locke at his doubt, chewing on the inside of her mouth. What if that is all this was? If the map was wrong and their entire livelihood was doomed?
It was a horrific thought. It could end in the collapse of nature, leading to the demise of the world as the knew it. And then what would become of Muricle?

Magnolia sighs softly, looking back to the map, then up, squinting her eyes to see where they were flying.

Rainier didn’t immediately say anything as Orion draped an arm around his shoulders. He just stood there, wings fluttering faintly, eyes still fixed on the place where Queen Celine had been. A lot had happened in so little time. Too much for someone like him. But then he let out a breath. “You keep putting your arm around me like that and I’m going to start thinking you actually like me,” Rainier teased.

He leaned just slightly into Orion’s side.“We’re not ready,” he said quietly, so only Orion could hear. “None of us are. But ready or not, we’re all this realm has.” He straightened with a flick of his fingers through his hair. “And you’re damn right it’ll be lively. My parties always are. Just survive long enough to see it.” He gave him a soft poke in the ribs. “Or I’ll make you haunt me. Preferably shirtless.”

—

Rainier had been unusually quiet on this trip so far. He seated side-saddle on the mallard with legs crossed at the ankle.

But then he caught the tail end of everyone’s talking. “Alright, alright,” Rainier finally spoke up, waving a hand lazily from his perch. “Sweetheart… is our duck-chauffeur actually flying in the right direction or are we just trusting his vibes?”

He leaned back with a soft exhale, letting the breeze ruffle his curls. “Well… we’re past the point of no return now. Might as well save the world.

@Adeline @Aurkanthis @Tally Dor

Loke O’Toole

The mischievous fae shook his head when he was once again called Mr.O’Toole. “Just call me Loke hun. Well, it’s good we are going in the correct direction.” Loke smiled as he flew along with the others. He flew effortlessly with the others. He was no slouch when it came to flying; he could outfly anyone if he really wanted to. But perhaps he was being too prideful, but that wasn’t going to stop him from tooting his own horn.

Loke flew over towards Caelum so he could see the map as well. He made a humming noise as he looked over his shoulder. “Looks about right..” He said, being sure they were going in the right direction.