Submission (#4662) Approved

The city was bustling with elnin scurrying across the cobble stone pathways that covered the city of Il'durahn, the season of miasma in full swing as more elnin than usual flooded the city for the season.

Dax bemoaned the fact that he was in Bellmoril like the rest of these elnin, rather than down in Palu’au with Pax. Is that where he was right now? Dax tried to recall the last place he’d gotten a letter from him! Oh, it felt like it had been so long since he last seen him!

Dax walked alone down the road as he moved in and out of the crowds. Restaurants were packed as Dax walked along the main road, his sunset coloured wings bouncing with each step as he walked.

He sighed wistfully, thinking of the pastel, prismatic kittom he met on the beach in Palu’au… the sweet and beautiful Pax who had stolen his heart. He blushed as he walked, his head down in embarrassment. He was so glad Pax wasn’t here to notice!

He stared at the cobblestone until he felt a thud as he bumped into something. As he looked up to see what it was, he could see the stone buildings and autumnal trees that blazed in the background of the city. Some were in the city, bringing colour to the otherwise grey city.

“Oh, I am terribly sorry,” he muttered as he caught sight of what he bumped into. It was another kittom, an all white kittom with intricate gold markings to highlight the pale fur. She had gold eyes, looking up at him from the ground below. She had packages scattered all around her.

He put two and two together, quickly scattering to pick up what he’d caused her to drop.

“Oh, thank you,” Angelia said. “I am afraid I wasn’t looking where I was going! Are you all right?”

Dax looked at her in silence.

…

…

Oh, so awkward.

“You didn’t walk into me,” he said.

“Oh no, did I stumble on the path then?” She looked absolutely distraught as she asked that, her little paws brushing off her white fur.

Could it be more awkward?

Yes. Yes it could. Hundred percent yes.

“Allow me to help you carry these,” Dax said stoically, trying to move on from this awkward conversation direction.

Angelia’s face lit up as Dax mentioned helping her. “Oh, thank you so much! Father sent me to bring these orders home but I am not very strong or fast… I am afraid I’ve been stumbling home for awhile now.”

Angelia looked like she was going to cry and Dax’d face tightened.

“Lead the way,” he said.

As Angelia nodded, she slowly began to walk toward where she was going. She walked slow, unbelievably slow. She swerved back and forth, oohing and shiny as she walked past stalls.

It was easy to see how she’d take all day to do an errand.

She chitter chattered the whole way but after awhile Dax sort of just spaced out, watching the red leaves as they moved in the breeze.

Eventually they reached a large building with fancy doors that beckoned them in. As Dax followed Angelia in, he noticed a sign above the door that said “Elnin Only.” He followed her past what appeared to be a restaurant where many elnin were drinking, to the back of the building where another door was.

Behind the door, an adult elnin stood sorting packages.

“Angelia?” He called.

All Dax could see was a fluffy tundra tail when the adult turned around.

“Father I have returned!”

“You’re early,” he said softly.

“I received help,” she said happily, pointing to Dax.

Immediately Dax could feel the eyes cut into him. There was suddenly a very protective father looking at him as if he was the biggest threat in the world.

Very slowly Dax out the items down as he slowly backed away.

He could hear Angelia calling, “Thanks so much,” as he scurried away.