Submission (#7680) Approved

In the foothills of the Rajasana mountains, the gentle patter of waterfalls echoed through the dense forests of Kyendi. The air was thick with the earthy scent of damp foliage, and the mist from the Mistmere lake shrouded the ancient ruins that dotted the landscape. Zelrae, cautiously navigated through the overgrown paths, his Pomu companion nestled comfortably in his shadow.

As the duo ventured closer to the city of Sulapei, whispers of the mysterious eggs filled the air. 

Elnin communities had been abuzz with tales of these vibrant wonders appearing on doorsteps and in bags. Zelrae's black eyes scanned the surroundings, alert for any sign of the rumored treasure. The Pomu, with its fluffy feather coat and red and teal facial markings, mirrored his alertness, its small form darting through the shadows.

Suddenly, a glimmer of bright green and blue caught Zelrae's eye. Hidden among the roots of a massive, ancient tree, an egg unlike any other lay nestled in the soft moss. Zelrae approached it with cautious curiosity, his Pomu emerging from his shadow to investigate. Though non-verbal, the creature was rather expressive with hand gestures and expressions. 

The egg's vibrant colors seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, and the young kittom couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. "Wow, look at this," Zelrae whispered, his voice filled with wonder. "I've never seen anything like it."

Zelrae's Pomu nudged the egg gently with its hand, its feathered tail twitching in excitement. The Pomu's movements were careful and deliberate, as if understanding the importance of the fragile object. Zelrae behind it, his tail brushing against the moss as he considered their next steps.

"We need to keep it safe," Zelrae murmured to his Pomu, his voice filled with determination. The Pomu chirped softly in agreement, its black eyes reflecting the kittom's resolve and together, Zelrae and his Pomu set to work. 

The small waterfalls nearby provided a soothing backdrop as they carefully constructed a cozy nest for the egg, using soft moss and leaves to cushion it. Zelrae even used some fallen branches to create a shelter over the egg, shielding it from the elements.

As night fell, Zelrae settled beside the egg, his Pomu curling up at his side. The kittom's lightning bolt pattern glowed faintly in the moonlight, casting a gentle light over the egg. Despite the encroaching miasma, Zelrae felt a sense of calm.

"Don't worry, little one," he whispered to the egg. "We'll keep you safe."

Over the next few days, Zelrae and his Pomu took turns watching over the egg, where he spent hours talking to the egg as if it could understand him, sharing tales of their adventures and the beauty of Kyendi and the places he and his Pomu had traveled so far.

"I can't wait to see what you'll become," Zelrae said one afternoon, his eyes shining with anticipation. "The world is such a beautiful place, and I want you to experience it all." It would be nice to hae another travel companion since his journey so far had been quite lonely.

One afternoon, as Zelrae sat by the egg, he noticed his Pomu seemed particularly restless. It darted in and out of the shadows, its fluffy coat ruffling with every movement. Zelrae furrowed his brow in concern.

"What's wrong?" he asked, approaching the Pomu to brush his cheek against its black feathers. "Do you sense something?"

The Pomu chirped and pointed toward the horizon with its tiny claw. Zelrae's eyes followed the direction and saw dark clouds gathering ominously.

"Miasma," he muttered. "We have to protect the egg." A task that would be made easier if his mentor was present but alas they were far away.

As evening approached, the thin miasma crept closer, a dark fog threatening to engulf their nest. “The faefolk must be struggling to keep the miasma back.” Zelrae's heart raced with fear, but he steeled himself for action. "We need to find a safer spot," he said to his Pomu. "Quick, help me carry the egg."

The Pomu carefully lifted the egg, cradling it gently in his paws, staying close to Zelrae, ensuring that the egg remained steady as they moved. They navigated through the forest, searching for a place that would provide more protection.

They were new to this region and did not know where the smaller towns were at exactly. 

They soon found a small cave nestled among the rocks, its entrance partly concealed by thick foliage. Zelrae's heart lifted with hope. "This looks perfect," he said, leading the way inside. The cave was dry and spacious, and a small stream ran nearby, providing fresh water.

Zelrae and his Pomu set up a new nest in the cave, using the softest moss they could find. "There, this should keep you safe," Zelrae said to the egg, gently placing it in the nest. "We'll stay here and make sure the miasma doesn't reach you."

As the nights passed, Zelrae couldn't shake the feeling that the thinning miasma and the appearance of the eggs were connected. He often found himself pondering this as he gazed at the egg, its surface reflecting the soft glow of the moonlight. "Maybe these eggs are a sign," he mused quietly to his Pomu. "A sign that things can get better, that we can fight back against the miasma."

His Pomu chirped softly in agreement, their bond growing stronger with each shared moment of hope and determination.

One evening, as Zelrae and his Pomu stood on the edge of the Mistmere, watching the sun rise over the mountains, they knew that their journey was far from over. The miasma was still a threat, but with the help of their fellow Elnin and the mysterious eggs, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.