Submission (#3870) Approved

While staying in the Bellmoril city of Gil'dirna, Saoirse runs into the Kimet, Karli. Reminded of her first few days within the city, Saoirse helps them find their way to the outskirts where the rest of Karli's family is staying.

Word count: 1,118
Elnin AP is for: Saoirse
Elseworlder: Karli - https://toyhou.se/4739528.-karli
Mini requirement: Interact with an Elseworld being

Kimet ToS: https://www.deviantart.com/painted-bees/journal/Kimet-Terms-of-Use-583963708 - can be used in personal projects i.e. nothing that will be published/sold
I have also previously used Karli's parent, Krisek in Rynn's resonance acts.

     It was a warm summer day in the region of perpetual autumn. Saoirse had been sent on a short errand to drop off a second batch of supplies and was on her way back when she came across a very forlorn looking creature. They looked like a bipedal bird with a short stubby beak. Purple feathers made a small crest on the top of their head and a small jacket-like cape wrapped around their shoulders to give them some cover. She was reminded of when she had gotten lost in the middle of the Bellmoril marketplace and decided to help out.

     "Are you ok? Do you need help?" Saoirse tapped the bird creature on the shoulder softly, trying to get their attention in the large crowd.

     The creature startled and almost leaped into the air. "Oh ummm... yes, yes please." They looked around at the birch and maple trees . "I'm looking for the watermill, I was told it was close to the outskirts of town but they neglected to mention the direction. Do you happen to know where it is?"

     Saoirse nodded happily, "I do know where that is! We, well my brothers and I, just came back from visiting yesterday. There is a small bakery next door and we ordered a cake!" She beckoned towards the bird and started leading them down the pathway they had been walking down. The watermill was in the same direction as Mitter's house so she wouldn't be too much later than planned. Now she was familiar with the town's layout it was much easier to get around quickly without getting lost. "You were actually going the right way, it just may have been a little further than you expected because you have to cross the river first before you leave town and then cross it a second time after you get through the park."

     The elseworlder listened to Saoirse as they walked and nodded, "That must be true, I crossed the river earlier this morning and did not see it there so thought I had been turned around. I am glad you happened to run into me." She stuck out a wing, a small clawed hand partially hidden by feathers outstretched in a greeting. "I'm Karli, it is nice to meet you. Are you from here?"

     "I'm Saoirse!" she took the clawed hand and shook it vigorously for a moment. "I'm from here but not exactly from here." She realized that didn't really make sense and tried again. "I'm not from this town, we are just visiting. Well, we were supposed to be here just for a few days but it's been a few weeks now and I think we might be a little longer still." There had been a little place just around the corner from Mitter's home that was available for the summer so her mother had decided to stay on hand while she waited for their project to be done rather than head back to Silveil and then return a month later to pick it up. Saoirse wasn't complaining with the change in events as she had already made a few friends within the town and had plans to set up an apprenticeship with the local seamstress in apparel design after her success with birch-patterned fabric.

     They traveled through the park, a pretty area that had been crafted to lead visitors into a spiral path towards a small fountain in the center and then a spiral back out to the other side. Each quadrant had been filled with flowers native to Bellmoril: poppies, tulips, begonias, carnelians, petunias, and daisies, each reminding her of the colours of the sunset. Spaced at intervals there were benches that were shaded with birch and maple trees, the golden leaves providing some cover from the warm summer sun. After reaching the fountain and starting the second spiral back out, Saoirse had finished describing the school house they were currently going to as well as the marketplace and other areas of note within the town.

     Karli was quiet through most of the chatter, asking questions every now and again to gain some clarity from the more excitable descriptions. After listening to Saoirse's grand rendition of 'the time they got lost' they gave a nod at the mention of tea at the end. "I think I have been to that tea shop, they have these cute little cakes that fit within a cup and have different fruit flavors." They had especially liked the floral and honey flavors but had enjoyed the simple strawberry cupped cake.

     "Oh! Those mini cakes come from the bakery next to the watermill we are heading towards!" The kittom had decided at that point that not only was she going to show Karli around, she was going to treat her to the sweet honey cakes that Bellmoril was famous for. She had a few trinkets she was sure that the baker would find useful to decorate the bakery window. Either that or she did have a few stash of coins in the off-chance that was preferred. Saoirse let them out of the park and across the second bridge where the watermill was now visible close to the base of a hill that lead out of town. "It's just along the path here." She pointed with a large flourish.

     With a low bow, Karli placed both hands into Saoirse's paws and stopped her in her tracks. "Thank you greatly for leading me to where I am needed. I appreciate the help and I can take it from here." They smiled and give the kittom a wink. "Didn't you say your family was waiting for you to return?"

     "Well yes... but..." Saoirse was a little disappointed with the turn of events.

     Karli chuckled lightly, "You should head back then. I will be here for a few days. Maybe if you came back with your siblings you can meet mine. That way we can all get to know each other together." While the bird would have welcomed the extra company and chatter, after hearing about the story of Saoirse getting lost they figured this would be the better situation. "In fact, let us make a plan for it tomorrow. We can have a picnic in the park we just passed through. It was very beautiful and would be right between where we are both staying."

     Saoirse nodded, her mind already racing with ideas of what to bring to a summer picnic in the park. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, I will see you then!" With a heartfelt goodbye she turned and raced back towards her temporary home feeling like a good deed was well done. She even made another friend in the process!