Chapter Text
“Outside the mountains is where monsters live!”
“Someone should put Evening out there! He’s just like those monsters in the legends!”
Evening could hear the cold laughter of his peers, he looked back behind him as they pointed and snickered to themselves, sparing whispers and vicious grins. His ears and shoulders dropped a little, he looked towards the snowy grounds… It can’t be that dangerous out there.. Not if Frosty was out there. Not that he would ever know, he knew nothing about the world past their protected village. He knew nothing about the people or plants or magics or creatures that made a home out there.. He knew.. Nothing…
The boy’s eyes opened slowly. He was wrapped up in a blanket, curled up against someone.. Long arms carrying him gently. His eyes slowly moved up to their face, only to be met with the inhuman beauty of the feywild… This Eladrin had been taking care of him ever since… the man had attacked him.
He knew that They had traveled far, he looked around the area just to see that the tall oak and birch trees had been replaced by looming mangrove and willow. The air was warmer for it being Autumn, and more humid.. They were in some kind of swamp. A few hours prior he remembered feeling sleepy. She had caught on right away and insisted on carrying him so he could nap, he didn’t have the energy to try and protest, nor the nerve to ever talk back to someone like her. He had seen her anger, he could smell her power. He wasn't scared of her, it wasn't that.. he was just so- grateful.. and he respected her higher than any other older being he'd met.
So, he had fallen asleep. And now, hours since then, he awoke.
Foggy old memory's drifted in and out of his head as his eyes focused a little. The light caused them to sting slightly.. he saw the Eladrin glance down at him and smile,
"Hello Evening, Dearest. Did you rest well? How are you feeling?"
He stared up at her In silence for a moment, it wasn't that he was ignoring her questions, he was just.. caught.. he had never experienced this kind of kindness from anyone. Even his older brother, the one who he cared for the most, had always been rather against physical displays of affection, or even verbal ones… This was kindness unlike anything he had experienced before..
Ari waited a reasonable amount of time before speaking again.
"Evening? Are you zoning out again, love?"
He blinked and shook his head a little bit, trying to refocus his attention.
"Mhm.. I'm sorry.. I feel much better… I'm sorry I made you carry me…"
"I don't mind at all my dear! We're almost to the next town, we can get you some new robes and some good food in your system, how does that sound?"
Evening went quiet again, Ari just hummed and waited for his answer as she walked. She had gotten used to him, how he took a while to answer because he was thinking or lost. How he avoided her eyes most of the time, but clung to her tightly. How his mind and expressions would go blank if held comfortably and safely. So she knew to give him some time..
"That.. that sounds really nice…"
He looked down at the quilt he was wrapped in and began to fidget with the hem of it.
"You don't need to get me anything Ms. Ari…"
"Oh I don't mind dear! not one bit! you need some warm clean clothes."
"...th… thank you.."
He looked down and to the side, then to the other side, clearly confused…
“Where.. Are we..?”
“Oh! We are in the swamps near Agwe, dearest.”
“Agwe..?”
“Yes, It's a town, quite far from the mountains but quite close to where your brother is.. I have.. Family.. Here..”
She glanced around a little bit as well, her long elf ears flicked a little. Evening just watched her, paying attention to her words as his tail swayed side to side.
“How long was I asleep…?”
“Not long. I simply travel fast when no one watches.”
Evening looked around a bit, his eyes tailing to the ground, which was muddy and thick, he saw a few bubbles come up from the viscus swamp floor, a squelching noise being made every time the Fae took a step, though she didn’t seem phased. He felt his hair stand on end just looking at something of that texture, his mind imagining how it felt before he got a chance to stop it. The boy quickly and sharply darted his head against the tall Eladrin carrying him as a shiver went down his spine.
“Oh? What's the matter, love?”
“The.. The ground looks.. Slimy.. The texture makes me.. Feel sick..”
"Yes, it is a rather icky texture, isn't it." She agreed while wrinkling her nose.
"The only reason I walk in it is because I don't have water walking- .... Wait a minute." She paused, staring down at her right hand where a beautiful silver and blue ring rested on her finger.
"I'm a fucking idiot.." She muttered under her breath with a laugh as she moved her hand up gently, the ring began to glow with a soft gentle blue light, and her feet raised up from the mud, resting on top of it as if it were solid ground.
"Alright dearest. Here's what we'll do. I'll walk on the swamp as if it were dry land, and you feel free to keep your face hidden so you don't have to see it, alright? Oh! Here-" She once again lifted her hand, and from it grew a small vine, which she broke off and handed to him. Evening was a little confused, it was kinda stretchy and smooth in texture..
"So you have something to fidget with if you need it. Does this sound alright to you?"
"...mhm.." The boy mumbled while pressing himself closer to her. This place was the furthest from what he was used to. Soft crunchy snow and the smell of pine being replaced with thick squelching mud and a cent of decaying plants and rain water. The air here felt sticky, and the humidity of it caused his fur and robes to stick to the skin under them. The feeling of it made his back and shoulders tighten, his neck moving side to side uncomfortably as he fidgeted with the vine in his hands.
His ears flicked at every unfamiliar sound around him, and there were lots of them.. Sounds of insects and creatures he didn't recognize.. There was a low rumbling noise from somewhere in the trees, causing Evening to flinch and curl back up against Ari, hiding his face.
"Wh-What is that-?? is it going to attack us-'
"Evening dearest.. that's a toad…"
"Wh.. What is that…?"
"Oh. It's.. It's like an amphibian of some kind- do you know what those are-?"
"I.. I've seen mountain lizards.. the ones in the rocks.."
"Yes! They're creatures kind of like that, but very round instead, and a bit bigger."
"They won't attack me..?"
"Nope! not these ones, they're harmless.. would you like to see one?"
Evening hesitated, but soon his fear overrides curiosity, and he nodded. Ari just hummed and nodded back to him. She moved and set him down gently on one of the large tree roots, keeping him away from the mud. Before she herself looked around. Her long Eladrin ears follow the sound to its source. She grinned. Easy.
She crouched down near the very tree Evening stood on, and punched her hand under it into the thick murky water. Evening covered his eyes.
"Aha! gotcha!" She pulled her hand back, and with it, a very squat creature that was kicking its back legs a little.
"Here you go dear, this is what a toad looks like."
Evening separated his fingers to peek through them at the creature. His mind didn't even notice the mud at first, too distracted by this new finding. He gasped.
"It's so round!!'
Ari laughed a little to herself and nodded.
"They tend to look like that, it is a silly fellow isn't it?"
"I love it!! look at how cool its eyes are!!"
"Do you want to hold it?"
"Yes!! wait- uhm.. no..'
His eyes moved over the thing, noticing the mud and slime that stuck to it..
Ari hummed a little and nodded,
"Too slimy?"
".. a.. a little.."
"That's alright dear, I would offer to clean the mud off, but these guys are naturally rather slimy little ones. But I'm glad you like him!'
"It's so.."
Evening thought for a moment, it was hard for him to find any word to describe the creature besides round
"so- cool."
Ari laughed happily and nodded. Setting the toad down as she did, it hopped away into the swamp..
"It is! I'm a fan of cold blooded creatures myself."
The Evening's expression changed a little bit. He tilted his head up at her.
"Cold.. blooded..?"
"Yes! So, Amphibians, Reptiles, those kinds of things."
"You like them..?"
"Yes! I love them!"
A very small smile spread onto his face. It almost seemed sad for a moment, Ari tried to understand why..
"I was.. called cold blooded in my village.. but I'm not either of those things.."
Ari frowned..
"You're a Tabaxi, a mammal, you're warm blooded."
"It was a Nickname, because I have.. ice.."
His hands ran through the tufts of fluffy fur on his cheeks for a moment before he shook his head to try and get the memory to go away..
"I'm glad you like them miss ari..! they're very cool.."
Ari stared at the child for a moment before flicking her hand to the side, snapping her fingers as she did, all muck that coated her hands disappeared.. she leaned down and scooped Evening back up.
"You feel pretty warm to me!"
She smiled and moved her head down, pressing her nose against the top of his fur, his eyes pressed shut when she did and a small confused mew escaped his mouth from the affection. She pulled back with a kind smile.
"Definitely warm blooded!"
Evening looked back up at her for a moment, a surprised, confused expression plastered across his face.. it shifted a little bit… Slowly his eyes got wider, brighter from that display of kindness, his ears went back. Ari watched his eyes become glossy, before he hugged her tight around the neck, burying his face between his arm and her collarbone..
Ari sighed and rubbed his fur a little, gently patting down the soft white and black.
"Don't worry dear.. If someone calls you that again you just let me know alright? I'll be sure to inform them that it isn't scientifically accurate."
her words managed a small laugh from the crying boy at her shoulder, she let out an amused breath before petting him again.
"Just relax.. if you think of any more questions let me know! I'll tell you everything I know."
the young tabaxi's tail flicked in response, his hug becoming a little bit tighter as he clung to her.. and they kept walking. The whole time ari hummed tune after tune, each a soft little song. Every now and then, Evening would mumble a question about his surroundings into her ear, and she'd happily give him any answer she knew as they traveled. The boy was a curious little thing.. Even despite his meek timid nature, she could feel that curiosity in every question, and she was thrilled to give him answers.
In what felt like no time at all, they began to enter this swampy town, the roads made of stone in sole spots, and wooden docks in others. Quaint shops and restaurants lined the roads, hotels and casinos. It was a fancy town, rooted deep in old money. Ari took in a deep breath, smelling the scents of southern seafood and spiced rum. Jazzy music filtered out of the buildings they passed. She laughed a bit to herself.
'right up his alley, no wonder he moved here. That boy.'
"Alright Evening, dearest. We're here! all out of the muck!"
She snapped her fingers twice, cleaning up both of them in an instant. Evening hesitantly sniffed at the sleeve of his tattered robes.. they still very faintly smelt of pine..
"Let's get you some new clothes dear. We can keep these ones and I can patch them up for you later, but some new ones would do you good."
She moved the boy off of her, before gently setting him down next to her and ruffling his fur.
"Is that alright with you?"
The boy pushed his head up more into her hand with a purr of agreement. She smiled and moved her hand off, beginning to walk forward. Only to feel a small pawed hand slide into hers, the pads on it soft and small.. She smiled, looking down at him.
"You want to hold my hand?"
He nodded. Her smile widened.
"Alright then, I'm glad you do! come on.'
The pair walked around the town for a while, trying to find a place that could tailor him some clothes.
Eventually, they found a shop for just that. Walls lined with different linens, fabrics, accessories, and pre-made clothes. Evening wandered about feeling the different materials.
Ari allowed him to choose the fabrics he liked, ones that wouldn't bother the boy with their texture or feel. Then she paid and waited, speaking with the owner of this establishment about how many things could be made and what the boy preferred.
And for that time, Evening was left to his own devices.
Under any normal circumstances, he'd have no issues with this. He was used to being told to stay put and not talk before, not like Ari had done that.. But he knew how
But this place was new to him. This shop, this town, this swamp . None of this was anything he was used to.. he was a nervous skittering mess while he waited, scared and curious of everything around him… He looked all around this shop, wandering out the open doors to look at the fabrics that hung outside. He turned around while looking up at the tall buildings, people dressed in strange clothing he wasn't used to seeing.. He stepped further away in the midst of his curiosity. Ari being heavily distracted with this woman at the counter, clearly trying to swindle her into paying more than she needed…
Evenings ended up wandering down the streets, until he came to a large building with bright lights.. Strong smells came from the inside of it. The steps up to it being made of fine wood and velvety carpet..
He sniffed the air in confusion.. the smells were new to him, unfamiliar.. Strong and cinnamony.. Smokey in some parts, an odd sweet smoke. His nose cranked up a bit and he sneezed, not feeling that great about the smells.. As he watched this building, the large ornate doors swung open, and a man stepped out.
This man was tall, not as tall as Ari but certainly taller than Frosty.. He was a human, long black hair with streaks of silver was slicked back, a few strands falling here and there bur in a way that looked oddly coordinated.. He wore a tight black three piece suit, the vest underneath being red, intricate designs across it. The suit jacket itself trailed behind him in a V shape..
His face was older and he wore a cold expression, sharp features and high cheekbones. He had rough scruff around his chin and sides of his face..
He stepped down the stairs to this building, walking with a cane he clearly didn't need, the clack of his shoes were loud.. People shot him nervous glances as he walked, checking a pocket watch as he did..
Evening stared at him, he had seen humans before, in that town back by the mountain, there were many humans.. but this one seemed.. different.. He was scary, he had a charismatic air about him. But Evening could smell that magic that he radiated from here.
The man closed his pocket watch and slipped it into his suit. His eyes moved up and across the street, before landing on Evening for a moment. The boy could feel the eyes, almost like he was being evaluated.. A deep pit began to grow in his stomach.. his ears went down and he quickly turned around and hurried back towards the tailoring shop as quick as he could, looking for Ari.
As he neared the shop he saw her turn a corner quickly, panic on her face.
"Evening-! Where did you run off t- Oh! there you are! Thank the stars-"
She quickly hurried over to him and knelt down in front of him, checking him quickly for any wounds before sighing in relief,
"Where on earth did you run off too my dear? What happened? You look rather anxious…"
Evening didn't answer and just hugged her arm tight.. She looked confused but didn't pry..
"We should get going, I have your new clothes in my bag, you can change before we get to the carnival, we could maybe stop and get some food?"
He just nodded, pulling back and holding her hand tightly. She gave his a small squeeze before moving to leave that street and head to the next.
As the pair walked, Ari got the strangest sensation of being watched.. Her war flicked, the hair on the back of her neck standing up. She subconsciously pulled Evening closer. It wasn't long until the source of the feeling made itself known.. Stepping out from one of the side streets was a very tall human man.. black suit, slicked back hair…
Ari felt Evening move behind her a little.
"Pardon me miss, I don't mean to intrude, but are you two by chance new in town?"
His voice was deep, a thick silky southern accent hanging on every word.
"Just passing through."
Ari replied while looking the man up and down suspiciously, he seemed to be doing the same with her.. different intent behind his eyes. Those snake eyes moved then, down to Evening, examining him almost with a glint of inhuman greed.
"Well, My name is Mr. Garou, I own the casino just down the road. I noticed you two from afar, ya don't fit in too well, what might your names be?"
Evening opened his mouth a little to speak, but Ari put her hand on top of his head and cut him off.
"My name is Petunia, this is Nevermore."
she said it so calmly, sternly, as if it were the solid truth..
The man smiled widely, his teeth showing,
"A pleasure to meet you, doll. What brings you two lovely souls down to Awge?"
"Just passing through…"
She repeated again, clearly not charmed by this man in the slightest… Evening looked up at her, only to see her eyes filled with worry and annoyance..
"You two look a little hungry, I could offer you a meal at my casino? We got some mighty good cooks."
"I'm sorry, but I wouldn't want to bring Nevermore anywhere near a casino."
The man's eyes shot back to Evening, and again.. they flickered with greed, as if looking at a product to be sold..
"I can have a few of my men watch him and bring him some food, they're nice chaps, very kind. And I could buy you a drink~?"
“I’ll have to politely decline, I do not want to be anywhere near a casino while with my child, and I have no intention of leaving him with people I don’t know. ”
"Oh come now, my fine beauty. Don't you trust me?"
"Whether I trust you or not, sir, has nothing to do with it. The fact remains that I do not know you.”
"We could get to know each other. Surely, my company has known no light like yours, my darling~”
"The offer is incredibly kind, my good man, but I am afraid we will have to decline."
“Ah, I see, in that case my dear, why don’t you allow me to buy you both dinner, you must be starving~ I can pay of course, and it won't be near my establishment? I do enjoy our fine conversation, beautiful?”
His eyes moved again, as he turned to Evening, leaning down a little, one arm behind his back, speaking charismatically with the other hand… The boy whimpered silently in fear while looking up at him, clinging to the Eladrin beside him.
"You could use some food hm? don't you look awfully thin. Those tattered little robes just hang right off your.. fascinating fur.."
His hand he was motioning with reached out almost subconsciously, to try and touch Evenings fur, specifically his face-
But before his hand even got close to the boy, tye Eladrins voice spoke up, so sudden and cold that his hand froze.
"Do Not. Touch. My Child."
Garou moved his hand back quickly, his fingers curling around against his palm tightly as he stared up at her. Her eyes were briming with rage, he felt it. Her soft pink freckles shifting to a red hue, the tips of her hair growing orange for a moment..
The man cleared his throat quickly and adjusted his posture.
"A-Apologies-.."
Ari got the feeling this was not a man to stumble over his words, his temporary faltering brought her an immense satisfaction.
Still… behind her she could feel Evenings hands shaking. There was something about this man that was fueling a fear inside of the poor boy. A terror so deep it was radiating off of him.. It caught her off guard. This man was slimy, tricky, and dangerous no doubt. But this kind of fear..? It made her worry.
Garou had quickly righted himself after that slip, and was already trying to fix the damage.
"I.. meant no offense... Just being friendly with the boy.. We've been talking this whole time I'm sure he feels.. excluded.."
"He is a shy boy. I am not in the habit of making him speak to strangers when he does not wish to."
There's the slightest smirk on her face as Guru trips over his words in his retreat, but she takes a breath, to the other too. It was done with such grace it just seemed like it was to take in the afternoon air, but really, she was trying to compose herself.
"This conversation has been truly riveting, Mr. Guru, but I am afraid we must be on our way. We have appointments we must keep, I am sure a man of your standing would understand."
She did not wait for an answer from him, she moved past him, holding onto Evenings hand tightly as she did. Walking as normally as she could away from this man, trying not to seem obvious in her attempts to get away, but being quick with her strides.
Evening stayed close to her the whole time, and even as they began to leave the town, he clung to her, hiding behind her.. he still looked spooked…
trembled a little.. Something about that man had spooked him, and he clearly wasn’t used to such an imminent feeling.
Once they were a safe distance away out of town, by the many acres of private land and farm plots, She squeezed the boy's hand again very gently..
"Evening, dearest?"
"Yes, Miss Ari..?"
Ari stopped moving and turned to look at Evening, kneeling down next to him.
"When we were speaking to Mr. Guru... how did that feel?"
"Uhm... not... not good."
"You too, ah?"
"You.. you felt it too..?"
"Mhm. Something about that man... It is dangerous. He is someone used to getting what he wants in very subtle ways. But that feeling, the feeling of this doesn't feel good? This doesn't feel right? That is what is known as intuition.”
She moved her hand up and pet his head a little, hoping he would focus on her words.. He seemed very interested, taking in every one.
“It is your body and your subconscious working together to keep you safe when your active mind cannot see the possible danger. If something bothers you, about the words a person uses or the way they act around you, that is your intuition. That is your body and your subconscious telling you that something is wrong. And when it does that, it is very important for you to listen to it, yes?”
The boy gave her a nod, showing her understood.. He looked like he was genuinely thinking hard about this.. Ari smiled and held a finger up, poking him in the chest a little.
“It is there to keep you safe. So it is wiser to heed it than ignore it. Does this make sense, dear?"
He was quiet for a moment..
"... that makes sense.. alot.. a lot of sense...."
He paused again, silence, thinking..
"... that feeling.. I.. I wish I had known it sooner... My.. home was.. drenched in it.."
Ari frowned, but then came a sigh, and a nod of understanding.
".... When threats are all you know... it makes it difficult to recognize that it was."
She began to absent-mindedly pet him between his ears. Lost in thought.. And for but a moment... Evening felt like she sounded… As if she was speaking from experience
She shook her head a little and took another deep breath, and smiled down at him, still petting his head. "Still, it is good for you to learn. Better late than never, right?"
Evening nodded, leaning up into her hand as he began to purr a bit..
"Thank you for.. teaching me.. I never.. really.. learned before.."
"Well, you will with me. Now, let's get out of this swamp and find your brother, ah?"
"Thank you m..."
He cut himself off, his ears went back a little..
".. mam.."
Ari looked down at him one more time, a soft smile spreading across her face. She hummed a little and leaned down, picking the child up with ease. He just leaned against her and purred quietly.
“Off we go then..”
The pair walked for a long while, past fields and farms and swamp lands. Anytime they passed any sort of muck or grime or swampy water, Ari used her ring and moved across it, leaving the ground undisturbed..
It was getting rather dark, the sounds of the swamp surrounded them as they walked. Frogs and toads croaking, insects chittering, occasionally a bird would call out into the night. The stars above them were bright and beautiful.. Evening leaned against Ari's chest sleepily, his tail swaying back and forth as he listened to everything. A deep rumbling noise coming from his chest subconsciously as he purred.. Trying not to doze off. Ari hummed as she walked, the music resonating in the cubs ears.. He watched the sky and stars as he was being carried and held close by this Eladrin, like how a mother would hold her child.. Something Evening really wasn’t familiar with. And now, here in the dark swamp lit by the moon and stars.. He was able to see the clearest he ever had.. He blinked a little bit before cuddling up against her a little more. He felt the most comfortable he had in years…
“... Miss Ari..?”
“Yes Evening, dearest?”
“... Thank you..”
“For what love?”
Ari asked, sounding mildly confused, but not letting it show. Evening was quiet for a while longer before poking his head up over her shoulder to watch the sky behind them.
“Well.. you.. You saved me from that mean man.. And.. healed me.. And.. got me food… And then you… are taking me to my brother.. Even though it's far out of your way…”
He went quiet for another moment…
“And.. You got me new clothes.. And you cleaned me up.. And.. got me food.. And taught me stuff.. And you’ve been carrying me this whole time..”
Ari just hummed and rubbed his back a little, “You were in a spot I wouldn’t wish upon any child… You deserve to be cared for, you deserve fresh food and clean clothes, and you need to get to your brother safely.. I’m old, my dear, I don’t mind going a little off the path for you.”
Evening stayed quiet, but she could feel him move and bump his head against the side of her jaw gently, a quiet cat's way of showing affection..
“I don’t mind at all. You’ve been good company for me.”
“You’ve been really kind to me, Miss Ari..”
“And I didn’t mind one bit.”
She said confidently a small hum in her voice as she spoke. Evening let that sink in.. She didn’t mind.. He smiled a little and nodded.
And with that, the two continued to walk. All around them, the trees began to shift and change, Arincould feel the feywild fading in and out of where they walked. But she kept her feet above the mud, leaving the ground undisturbed, and as they moved further and further, the distant sound of music and laughter began to fill their ears.
Evenings ears flicked and perked up, he looked around confused on where those distant noises were coming from. Once they had gotten close enough however, the source became quite clear.
They stood atop a hill, overlooking an large area. Lights of all colors danced around an enormous carnival. Music and laughter and sounds of joy and fun radiated from this spot. Evenings nose twitched a little as he smelt the air… the smell of foods, sweets. But as Evening stared down at this place, a deep pit seemed to grow in his stomach, a deep anxiety wracking his insides. This place.. it was just like his dream.. He placed his hand over his amulet quietly, only to feel it was cold to the touch, as metal often is.
He smelt the air again, no iron meeting his nose.. he took a deep breath as Ari set him down, taking his hand.
"Are you ready to go now Evening dearest?"
"Yes Miss Ari.."
The pair made their way down the hill and too the carnival. It took all the strength in Evenings body not to gasp at everything- even from here. He looked around wildly, squeezing the eldarins hand tight.
At the entrance there was a ticket booth. A kind gentleman was there taking tickets and allowing others to purchase theirs. If you didn't have the money? No problem! they offered a temporary fae pact for the night in exchange for a ticket.
Evening watched all these interactions very intrigued, He watched as Ari pulled out a small coin purse, gently placing down two gold pieces for Evenings ticket. Then putting the small purse up.
"And I'd like to make a pact for mine." She caught sight of Evenings perplexed face and smiled down at him. "For fun."
That certainly made the man at the ticket booth happy, he beamed and held out his hand to shake, and once she did, a small pumpkin seemed to appear out of thin air and fall into her hands.
"You'll need to take care of this pumpkin for tonight! don't let it touch the ground, keep it on you." The man said with a smile. The Fae smiled right back, before looking back down at the pumpkin. The man reached his hand out and handed her a second ticket.
"Alright! have a wonderful night!"
"You as well." She said with a hum in her voice, taking from that same small bag, a scarf, and tying the pumpkin around her like it was a baby. Evening watched her the whole time, curiously.
Once she was done, she looked back down at him and knelt down beside him.
"Alright.. Evening dearest, You see this ticket?"
She held up the small price of golden paper. He nodded.
"You must keep this on you at all times, alright? under no circumstances should you ever have it anywhere off your person. Do you understand, dear?"
He looked between her and the ticket for a moment, before nodding and holding out his hands. She set the ticket in them and he tucked it away in his new robes.
"Thank you Miss Ari.."
"Of course, now, stay close to me alright, hold my hand until we find your brother.. I don't want to lose you in the crowd."
He nodded again and reached up, taking their hand and holding it tight. She hummed a little, and then led him into the carnival.
He had never seen anything like this place. So many lights, so many noises, and colors, and smells. There were people everywhere, all different people, it was crowded, filled with laughter, yelling, sounds of joy and competition. Stripes of white. Stripes of red.
He was curious.. and overwhelmed. He clung tight to the Eladrin guiding him, staying close to her side the whole time they walked. She seemed to catch onto how he was acting, because only around 10 minutes into this carnival she turned to him.
"How about you describe your brother to me again? I need to make sure I know exactly what he looks like to find him."
Evening looked up at her, then down at the ground beneath his feet.
".. okay.. I can do that.."
She smiled and nodded, listening to him the rest of the way as he spoke on and on about his older brother, describing him, talking about him, telling little stories. It was clear the boy missed him dearly… And it was clear the Eladrins destruction had worked. The small tabaxi seemed much less panicked, though, still nervous all the same. Ari tried to aid his nerves, getting him some food and drink from the carnival to hopefully aid. She knew the boy was hungry.. He seemed to enjoy it, but the anxiety never left his face.
Ari knew she just needed to buy some time, she needed to be able to use sending again, and that required a bit of food on her part too. They were already an hour or so late to the opening of the carnival for tonight, but she couldn’t control it. Right now she just needed to make sure Evening stayed with her, at least until she found his brother… Ah.. there it is, she knew it was coming. The pang of pain she felt in her chest all of a sudden. She had grown rather attached to this small cub.. But, she knew her first priority should be getting him back to what family he had. After thoroughly making sure his brother was all Evening said he was, of course.
After they ate, and had something to drink, Ari found them a nice spot to wait while she attempted to contact this Morning Frost again..
“Just wait right here for one moment, Evening, and I’ll find us a place to meet him, alright?”
Evening simply nodded.. She frowned a little.
“What's the matter, starlight?”
“... I’m scared..”
“What for?”
She asked him a little sadly, he had been much more chipper before getting here.. Now he was nervous..
“What if.. What if he changes his mind and doesn’t want me anymore..? Or- or what if he’s.. Totally changed..”
Ari watched him for a moment before taking a deep breath
“Evening.. Your brother is here, and he will want to see you, he wants to take care of you.. And.. and if anything does happen, I will be here no matter what, alright?”
“.... okay miss Ari..”
She moved over and gave him a small kiss on the top of his head. His ears went down and he purred a little.. That brought her smile back.
“I’ll just be one second alright?”
“Okay..”
She stood up and moved to the side, counting the words out on her fingers first to make sure she had the right amount..
‘We have arrived at the carnival, Evening is safe and well, but he is very anxious. Where can we find you?’
Silence for a few moments.. She tapped her foot a little out of anxiousness and impatience, before finally she got a response.
‘Leaving the lake, heading to the Big Top, meet halfway. He has nothing to worry about. All is well.’
The familiar voice rang out in her head, what a strange man.. She shook her head with a small sight, but smiled to herself. All is well.. Hopefully that would be true. She turned around with a brighter smile across her face.
“Alright Evening dearest, come on, we’re meeting your brother near the Big Top, okay?”
“He- answered again..?”
“Yes he did, my love!”
A small timid smile began to form on Evenings face, he looked down at his new clothes and fidgeted with the hem..
“I’m.. I’m ready to go..”
Ari nodded and took his hand again. They headed through the crowds of people, past rides and game stands and oh so many people. Evening looked up and saw the roof of the massive tent not too far away. The red, the white, the lights.. He took in a deep shuddery breath.. That was it..
They passed it, inside, carnies were setting up for some kind of show, more lights were being strung about, music was playing… He watched every bit of everything around him. Each step felt so heavy, anxiety gripped at his chest but also, a strange excitement. He was going to see his big brother again… for the first time in a long time..
And as he tore his eyes away from the massive tent behind them, they landed on something else, in the distance.
A flash of a vibrant green, a glimpse of a brilliant orange…
“.. Frosty..?”