Submission (#7685) Approved

The eternal night of Silveil cast a dreamlike glow over the landscape. Bioluminescent flora and fauna illuminated the deep forests, creating a tapestry of winking lights from fireflies and glowing mushrooms. Aeong, a kittom with mostly white fur adorned with a green butterfly wing pattern, made her way cautiously along the well-marked path, her forest green eyes reflecting the ethereal light. By her side, her Pomu, black with a white face and green markings, its small form almost blending in with the surroundings.

Following closely was Nefertari, her fur a striking contrast with a white belly and dark purple coat adorned with an orange and purple gradient butterfly wing pattern. Her Pomu, black with purple and orange facial markings, stayed close to her side, its eyes alert to the mysterious forest around them.

As they approached the Starlake, the sight of Silveil's eldertree took their breath away. The dark mass of branches appeared to grow down into the water, reflecting the tiny jellyfish that glittered like stars in its submerged boughs. Aeong and Nefertari stood in awe, their eyes wide with wonder.

"Aeong, look at how beautiful it is," Nefertari whispered, her voice filled with awe. Although this was not her first time near the tree, it still brought about a sense of wonder.

Aeong nodded, her gaze fixed on the mesmerizing sight. "I've heard stories about the eldertree, but seeing it in person is something else entirely," she replied. Her Pomu nudged her gently, drawing her attention back to the path. "Come on, let's get closer."

As they approached the water's edge, something unusual caught Aeong's eye. Nestled among the roots of the eldertree, partially hidden by the foliage, was a small, brightly colored egg. Aeong's Pomu darted forward, investigating the discovery with curiosity.

"Nefertari, look!" Aeong called, her voice tinged with excitement. "It's one of those eggs we've been hearing about."

Nefertari hurried over, her own Pomu trailing behind. She gazed at the egg, its surface a vibrant green and blue. "I can't believe we found one," she said, her eyes sparkling. "What should we do with it?"

"We need to keep it safe," Aeong replied with determination. "The miasma has been thin lately, and I think these eggs might have something to do with it."

Nefertari nodded in agreement. "You're right. Let's find a cozy place to settle it in. We can't let the miasma get to it."

The two kittoms carefully constructed a nest for the egg using soft moss and leaves. Aeong's Pomu brought over some bioluminescent mushrooms to provide gentle light, while Nefertari's Pomu gathered additional soft materials to make the nest as comfortable as possible.

As they worked, Aeong couldn't help but think about the stories she had heard. "Do you think these eggs are special?" she asked, glancing at Nefertari. "Maybe they're here to help us in some way."

Nefertari paused, considering the question. "I don't know, but I hope so," she replied. "All we can do is take care of them and hope for the best."

As night continued to surround them, Aeong and Nefertari took turns watching over the egg. 

Later that evening, as they sat by the Starlake, Aeong spoke softly to the egg. "I don't know what's inside you, but I promise we'll do everything we can to keep you safe," she said. "One day, you'll hatch, and when you do, we'll be here for you."

Nefertari smiled at her friend's words, her heart filled with warmth. "You're right, Aeong. We'll be here, no matter what." Aeong could feel her friendship with Nefertari growing as they continued to care for the egg together.

The kittoms began to speculate about what might hatch from the egg. "What do you think it will be?" Nefertari asked, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "A creature of pure light, maybe, like the jellyfish in the water?"

Aeong considered the possibility, her eyes drifting to the bioluminescent lights around them. "Perhaps," she said thoughtfully. "Or maybe something entirely new, a guardian of the forests to help protect us from the miasma."

Their Pomu companions both nodded in agreement, adding their own silent hopes to the mix. 

The night was filled with their quiet conversations and the soft glow of the forest around them, creating a magical atmosphere that seemed to promise anything was possible.

The gentle sound of the Starlake's waters and the soft glow of the eldertree  while the bioluminescent mushrooms cast a soft light on their vigilant figures, a testament to their unwavering commitment. Aeong and Nefertari's dedication to protecting the egg filled the air with a sense of purpose.

"We're doing our best to keep it safe," Aeong said. Her eyes shone with determination as she glanced at Nefertari. "If these eggs are helping keep the miasma at bay, then it's worth every effort."

Nefertari nodded in agreement, her gaze steady. "Absolutely. We'll make sure this egg stays safe and sound. Together, we can protect it from harm."

With their mutual resolve strengthened, Aeong and Nefertari continued to watch over the egg. The Pomu companions, sensing the importance of their task, stayed close. 

The night in Silveil remained eternal, but within that timeless darkness, the light of their determination shone brightly.

As they stood together by the Starlake, Aeong and Nefertari knew in their hearts that something new and good was about to happen. Together, they would protect the eggs, and in doing so, they would protect the future of Eyre.