A cloud of screaming sprite lights broke away from trees as a group of victorious children came bursting on deck, each cupping a small piece of Yuik cream, honey cake in their hands.
Child and Sprite alike squealed as the cloud whirled about the deck, tagging noses and tugging stray locks of hair amongst the giggling masses. Little balls of light and dense fluff perched in little outstretched hands; nibbling cake, picking at icing coated mittens, singing, and merely chirping up at the children in a pitch that only their gentle ears would hear.
Kihzlings, or sprite-lights, were thankfully very docile entities; they loved attention, relishing the children's kind attention. The sprites dispersed over the deck as they played, covering everything in sparkling clouds of fading yellow, blue, and green dust. They were circling just out of reach of outstretched little hands.
The children screamed joyfully, chasing the little lights. They batted at clouds of powder or grabbed handfuls to chuck in each other's faces.
The Captain came to observe as more sprites danced from the forest line, trying not to sneeze as a few tugged playfully at his beard.
As they spread out, they sensed Emery's magic. They formed about her in a whirlwind of chirps and trills. Obliging their pestering, she drew little ether circles in the air, smiling despite herself as the cloud glowed with happiness, infecting everyone around them with their mood.
The children were enraptured, and vice versa. Emery would have to make sure the Sprites left with only sweets.
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Hours of play led into Mid-Night Supper at last. Emery made sure all the thoroughly exhausted children were back with their less fatigued caretakers, adamantly denying payment as they tried to push it into the scout's hands.
Twinkling like little stars, the Sprites flew off with their reward of firm honey sugar cubes and ether dust. No children.
Passengers that came out during the fun shuffled back to the galley one last time for tea and supper or lazed about the rails to river fish and drink.
Within the calmer waters below, massive Gem-fish swam along beside the ferry. Large multicolored scales the size of Emery's hand glistened in the dimmed ferry lights. Much to the passengers and crew's delight, a bold fish or two would leap from the water close to the ship.
Taunted by the display, Emery whined, remembering the leftover Gem-fish dinner her family cooked last night, then cursed her forgetfulness for not packing any for her travels. Sending a mental prayer, she hoped that the cooks would catch one for Mid-Night supper when a cry came from the other side that a lucky rifleman wrangled one.
Emery remained on deck scanning the forest line until fatigue set in and a growling stomach reminding them of their interrupted pre-midnight meal. They decided to grab a quick bite, maybe barter for some leftovers for travel, and return to her cabin until her dock came.
Shuffling down the hall to the galley, she heard a shout.
Leyotan Scout Emery Leao is out on their 3rd rotation of the Terras of the mist. There are many dangers in the fog world; and many friends if you know how to look. For a price.
Follow an adventure of one scout as they try to keep a balance in unbalanced places. Travel great distances for visions that may never come, or maybe stop disaster from striking before it arrives...
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