Submission (#7244) Approved

User

bisflorescentia

Prompt

[S-2] Spirits Stirring

URL

Submitted

30 June 2024, 23:45:44 PDT (5 months ago)

Processed

4 July 2024, 16:59:09 PDT (5 months ago) by Angelos

Comments

thank you sm for letting me know !! i hope this works out better <3
i ended up breaking the 900 word count, but i have no idea if i'm still eligible to opt in for the bonus reward :Oc

Content

Time and time again, he has never forgotten the enchantress that lurks within the wading pools of water in Bellmoril. Granted, they're much more concentrated than the wild magic that hums through the veins of the great Eldertree of Ealei. He remembers partaking in this ongoing tradition from when he was a kit, alongside his father and his father's father -- they would lug along glass stained every which color and fill with the fresh spring water that housed this great sea serpent that frightened the tourists but made the hearts of the natives sing. Basil remembers the birch trees with their ever-golden leaves swaying in the breeze, this sight was for sore eyes. He truly felt like a child again, massive grin settling lopsided on his face as two bulky paws dipped beneath the water's surface to gently stroke the scales of a frightened fish in order to soothe it's frazzled state. One by one, more of these fish appeared to get away from the Great Spirit, and instead linger with a friendly touch. There were more curious stares from the water below him, golden crabs with the pattern of foliage soon began to crop up, claws snapping in anticipation to be stroked lovingly next. It's not a common occurence for Basil to see such things, let alone with a desire to be handled. Sparing a few seconds to touch upon the surprisingly hard shell, the elnin is quick to retract his hand when a particular pincer gets too close for comfort. Shuffling a little ways away, Basil grabs a bowl and dips it below. Subtle guidance to coerce each fish into their own respective bowls, Basil hoists out the remaining ones with such delicacy it's no wonder why the fauna chose to flock to him.

In some ways, he considered returning home to Strynhalde, to thank the Great Spirit for this blessing that would surely keep himself and his kin fed for days as they do each tradition... But upon further examination and a paw trailing over the welded pieces of the display, his heart was not up for the task. They would not be consumed, no, but they would certainly be allowed to witness the wonders of the world outside their tiny makeshift pool. Once tied into the wooden cart in a secure fashion to ensure none would be rocked out of their temporary homes, Basil set off for a quick visit to the city of Il'durahn. A castella cake seems perfect about now, and right on cue his stomach rumbled with such fervor that the man couldn't help the faintest flush to dust his cheeks and laugh. Peddling himself through the cobblestone pathways, occasional and literal bumps in the road had the golden elnin pause to assess his surroundings, check in on the fish and secure their safety before continuing onward. The journey was mostly pleasant, taking in the sweet breeze that tickled under his ears and carried an assortment of warmly colored leaves like a stream down shore. An occasional chill of jitters when he passes through rickety bridges connecting two mountains together, the man still makes sure to check on his passengers above himself, allowing the grip of anxiety to release him back into regularly tempered breathing.

Memories drift to and fro, his eyes lighting up with such profound nostalgia it's almost enough to bring a singular tear to his eye. Oh, to be a child experiencing the call of the great sea serpent and all of it's charming attributes that made it a remarkable phenomenon for children and adults alike. He thinks back to the care of both his father and grandfather, about the careless worries he was so fixated on as a young boy -- and noting how silly some of his dilemmas were. In a way, though, it was nice. He solemnly has time to think about his past, his only guiding force to continue pushing towards the future for his children is his light. The view of an older, but not quite run-down cobblestone house with a painted red roof sends a burst of warmth rippling through his chest. Lugging the cart inside on its own, without the large bike to get in the way, he greets the elderly woman settled about on her rocking-chair. They share a dialogue amongst close friends, he notes how lovely it was to see her and to share in the delights of the Ancient Spirit stirring once more -- especially when that familiar fondness is reflected back at the visiting fish. Basil sets a single jar with a lively one for the shopkeep, and in exchange she presents him with strawberry castella cake that makes his mouth water. Dividing each portion into equal pieces, Basil serves one to the elderly woman and nabs a piece for himself.

Still, his stomach rumbles and she remarks about how a growing boy such as himself needs to eat as many times as he can throughout the day, and he smiles, knowing that despite his older age, he is a child to someone out there. Rolling pieces of cake crumbs between two fingers, he indulges in this delight alongside her and has no qualms sharing such a delicacy with the fauna he has brought out for this adventure. It's not quite his typical tradition, but he was happy to share this with someone else who might even need it more than him.

Nightfall overtook the town in one quick sweep, for what once was vibrant rays of sunlight dancing off of the metal that anchored the well to the center had shifted into a beautiful moonlight. A breathless sigh escapes his lips as he prepares to move to the outskirts of Il'durahn where the water connects to the rest of the regions rather than the miniature man-made pools of water or winding rivers that eventually lead back up to each other. Aside from the gifted, all fish remained in their glasses, swishing about as if they had known they were to return to a bigger, better home.

Kicking his feet to dip into the sudden chill of the ocean, Basil chews on his lip to refrain from a miniature yelp of surprise. One by one, the bowls come off of the cart and are dipped below the surface so that they he may relinquish temporary guidance over them. With bowls all empty and piled beside him, he figures he has more time he can waste just admiring what comes from the Ancient Spirit.

Rewards

Reward	Amount
Elecite Coins	8

Characters

MYO-ELN111: Basil

Reward	Amount
AP (Bellmoril) (Currencies)	1

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