Submission (#2098) Approved

The winter holidays were over, and Marco could already see the cheer and warmth from them disappear from his town all around him. Even though the nights were getting shorter and shorter they felt darker and lonelier as Miasma season rolled in. The world around him was nestling down to wait out the winter, awaiting the warmth and life that spring brought. He watched as elnin were missing their pomu companions from their sides. Instead, their companions had taken to hibernation in a state of floating crystals. To keep them near, elnin built lanterns to carry their pomus until they were ready to spring to life once more.

Marco had made his own lantern. Carefully he collected resources from all around town, picking the sturdiest sticks and the toughest cloth to make sure neither land or wind could tear it apart. He used several dyes to paint intricate patterns onto the lantern to make it stand out above the rest. Even he was impressed by how well the yellows, reds, and browns on his lantern looked. He knew his pomu would love to be carried in such a strong lantern that was built with the utmost love and care.

If he had a pomu, that is.

Marco hadn’t met his pomu yet. This wasn’t all too uncommon for someone his age hadn’t met their pomu yet, but that didn’t mean Marco couldn’t feel lonely from not having a companion. That also didn’t mean he couldn’t have a lantern for one. After all, a pomu’s arrival could happen without warning! He wanted to be prepared for when that blessed day came. Until then, the lantern that Marco tied to the base of his tail and now dragged around behind him would remain empty, ready at a moment’s notice for a pomu to move in.

One morning after Marco washed up and ate breakfast, he wondered what sort of adventures he could share with his pomu. Adventures were fun but they were much more fun when shared with someone else. Marco decided to go on an adventure that he’d like to share with his future pomu. With a bounce in his step the kittom excitedly put on his clothes, tied the lantern to his tail, and made his way out the door.

Since he lived in Bellmoril, this pomu would see the sights of this homeland plenty. Marco decided that for this adventure he’d head to the beautiful region of Faerindell that was nearby. He had been there several months ago helping pick apples and figured it would be nice to return to see more of the region. He was sure that his pomu would like seeing Faerindell too.

The reds and yellows of Bellmori slowly faded into shades of pink and pastels, telling Marco that he had officially left home and was now in Faerindell. The cobblestone paths under his paw pads felt familiar as he looked around, slowly remembering his surroundings. The air was a little colder than last time but everything else was the same. The greens, blues, purples, and pinks were once again a little difficult for Marco’s eyes to take in, much used to the familiar shades of red and yellow of Bellmori. It took less time for him to grow used to them compared to last time. The small houses were a delight to look at still, holding a certain charm with their mismatched stones and wooden staircases leading up to the front doors. Some houses had moss on them, making it difficult to see where the moss stopped and the grass began near the ground.

While the streets were less crowded than they were during the harvest, there were still elnin going about their day-to-day business. They too all carried lanterns, though more floral and color than his. He imagined the hanging faerie shrouds and the pink petals from nearby trees were what inspired them, just like how his home inspired his own lantern. Marco didn’t notice the curious glances he got with his empty lantern trailing behind him. He was too focused on heading out of the city into the farmlands.

It didn’t take long to reach the farming area. Like in town, there were still many faerie shrouds looming overhead from trees, structures, fences- anywhere that flowers could grow. They looked beautiful against the lush green grass and the bright pink leaves of the trees. The faerie shrouds even looked nice against the green leaves of the more rare trees that had green instead of pink leaves, though it was hard to tell what part of the tree was branch and leaves and what part were the petals of the green faerie shrouds. 

Unlike in town though, there were many hills out in the countryside. In one direction, all Marco would see were vast grassy green hills that went on for miles and miles. In another direction, the one that Marco was headed towards, there were miles and miles of pink trees. The last time he was in the orchard there were lots and lots of elnin helping with the harvest. Now it was Miasma season there were no more fruit on the trees and the orchard was silent. All Marco could hear were the leaves rustling in the cool wind, the sound of his own footsteps, and the sound of his lantern dragging behind him.

It wasn’t until Marco stepped into the orchard and began looking around with a thought dawned on him. Was this considered trespassing? There weren’t any apples to steal, and it wasn’t like he was capable of taking a tree with him. He hadn’t asked anyone if he could step into the orchard though. Marco supposed that since he was already here, looking around wouldn’t hurt. 

His steps and movements were a little more cautious now as he walked through the orchard, making his way between the trees in search of a particular tree. He wanted to find the tree that he personally helped pick apples from and show it to his pomu. Maybe next year when he was back in town to help with the harvest he would have a pomu to help him grab apples. Oh! That was a wonderful idea! His pomu could be in the tree, and after grabbing an apple they could drop it down for Marco to catch. Once Marco had the apple he could put it in the basket. Wash, rinse, repeat. They’d be an amazing team! And if his pomu didn’t like heights? They could always trade places! Marco could be on the tree branch, grabbing apples and tossing them into the basket. His pomu could pick up any stray apples that managed to avoid the basket and put them in. Truly they would be an amazing team during the next harvest!

Marco’s train of thought about his future adventures with his pomu were broken by the sound of a twig snapping. The fur on the back of his neck and his tail stood up. Someone was here! He was going to get in trouble! Quickly the kittom sprinted off towards the exit, his lantern tumbling and fluttering behind him. Thankfully the lantern didn’t get caught on anything as he ran. Marco didn’t look back as he continued to run out of the orchard and back into town. 

Thankfully whoever was in the orchard with him didn’t pursue him, if anyone was there at all. When he finally stopped to take a breath he was in town near an inn. He wasn’t going to return to Bellmori today, so he decided he would get a room and spend the night here in Faerindell. Marco went inside to the front desk, paid for his room, and headed back outside to climb the wooden steps that led up to his cozy inn room.

It wasn’t until he was in his room that he saw the state his lantern was in. There was a broken stick and several pieces of cloth had been torn, no doubt from his speedy escape from the orchard. His heart sank in his chest for a moment before his spirits perked up. It wasn’t as if the lantern was beyond repair. Maybe this was a good opportunity to add to the lantern to make it better and sturdier. Then, when he finally meets his pomu, they’d have the ebay lantern ever ready for them when they went into hibernation.

Marco untied the lantern, gently placed it on the table, and headed to bed. His head was full of plans for his new pomu lantern and what other sort of adventures he could have with them once they were together. Until that day arrived, he was content with his plans and dreams of his future pomu.