Submission (#5024) Approved

Sorry.. I got inspired last minute u_u;

Elnin: https://worldofeyre.com/character/MYO-ELN491
Elnin 2: https://worldofeyre.com/character/MYO-ELN577
Word count: 1041
Regional Affinity: Silveil
Payout: 6 EC + 2 EC ( over 900 words ) + 1 EC ( description of pomu lantern / interaction with pomu lantern ) = 9EC

It took Jasper by surprise at how quickly he grew used to living in Silveil City. The sky above, dark and vast with glittering stars and swirling colors of deep purples and blues, was the same sky as the one above his home deep in the forest. However, the city was much brighter, and much more noisy. His temporary lodging, a cozy room within a library that stood near the center of the city, had a large window that allowed in the lights of street lamps at all hours of the day and night. Jasper had figured he would get tired and irritable at the constant glow of the lamps outside, but he was quick to use them to his advantage for reading the various books he picked up from the library.

Secretly, deep down inside his soul, he longed for companionship. Ruby, his beloved pomu, was still in her crystalline form. Miasma season was still here, meaning that his pomu would stay in her dormant state for a while longer. Encasing her was a pomu lantern that he had created with the help of Ruby. The lantern was made of black and red fabrics, colors close to the crystal form she was in now, and adorned with yellow shiny bells. Whenever the lantern moved ( primarily when Jasper moved ) the bells would jingle, reminding Jasper that Ruby was by his side. So close, yet still so far away for a little while longer. 

Jasper knew he wasn’t alone, yet he still wanted someone to talk to. Even if he’d never admit it outloud. The brown elnin found himself letting out a soft sigh and looking out the window towards the busy streets of Silveil City below. If he wanted companionship, or just wanted to be close to someone else, all he had to do was get up and head down to the street. Given what the city was known for, what with all the thievery and debauchery, more likely than not the company wouldn’t be what he’d really want, but it’d be better than nothing, right? Maybe? Perhaps not.

Right as Jasper was about to turn away from the window and return to a book he randomly picks out about herbal medicines, something caught his eye. Or rather- someone. Standing out from the crowd of elnin on the streets, illuminated by the soft yellows and oranges of street lamps, was an elnin with pink horns and white fur. It took Jasper a few moments of looking to notice the markings on her arms and legs and that her tail had swirls of green and pink among the white fur. It took him an embarrassingly long time to notice what the mostly-white elnin was doing- trying to carry a stack of books that was almost as tall as she was. Carrying around a stack of books that high, on the streets of Silveil City? That was asking for trouble. Jasper didn’t realize until moments later that he had placed a bookmark in his book, stood up, and was heading towards the door. Well, if he was already up, he may as well go help that elnin.

Once he was outside the library he saw that the other elnin hadn’t made it far from the library. He was more surprised that the tower of books in her arms hadn’t toppled over yet, though he could see that the top most books were threatening to slide off the pile and come crashing down at any moment. Jasper weaved his way through the crown of elnin and made his way over to the elnin he was following. It seemed that his timing was perfect as once he was within paw’s distance from the elnin the books finally gave out and began to fall. Jasper quickly caught the two books that slipped off the pile, catching one in each paw before they hit the ground. He felt his cheeks burn underneath his brown fur as he managed to surprise himself, then felt them burn even hotter when he saw the elnin was looking at him.

“O-Oh! Um, thank you! Or, should I say sorry? Both! Are you alright?”

Jasper felt his heart flutter in his chest as the mostly-white elnin spoke to him. Must be embarrassment, or some similar unsavory emotion. That was the only reasonable explanation. He cleared his throat and said “I’m alright.” before reaching up to the pile and grabbing several more books. When the other elnin flashed him a confused look Jasper straightened the books in his arms and stated “You’re carrying way too many books for one elnin to handle. Next time I would suggest bringing a cart, or checking out a smaller number of books that can be carried in a bag. Until then - I dont mind helping you carry these for a while. Either to your destination or near your destination, whatever you’re most comfortable with.”

He tried to ignore the smile that appeared on the other’s face before she nodded and began to lead them to her destination. As they walked the two exchanged names and small talk, all while avoiding the streets where there was heavy gambling and darkened streetlights. The other elnin was named Poppy, and she was staying here during miasma season like Jasper was. She enjoyed reading and found it easier to pass the time with a good book. Jasper couldn’t help but agree with the sentiment.

Eventually the two arrived at the inn Poppy was staying at. She thanked him for the help, and once again Jasper had to ignore the feeling in his chest.

“As I said, I’d suggest being better prepared next time. Silveil City isn’t the friendliest of places. But… if you find yourself needing lots of books at one time, I’m staying at the library, so I could help you out again.”

“Thank you, Jasper. I’d appreciate that. Be safe getting back, alright?”

After they exchanged goodbyes, Jasper headed back to the library. He wasn’t used to helping others like that. The feeling hadn’t been unpleasant, though. In fact, he was looking forward to seeing Poppy and helping her carry books again. Until then, it was time to go back to his room and curl up with his book.