“The Return of the Prince” - 17 June 2020 - MARA
Whisper had placed scouts at the edge of her territory, and Mara's recon groups brought back word daily of their activity. Whisper knew, but he did not advance. He could steadily see the growth of her own army, wherein once was it small, now had grown in considerable size. Mara lay atop a rock, watching out in the direction the scouts were said to be in waiting. "Are they sure...?" She asked the small fae near her, her eyes holding sorrow. "Yes, my Queen; Abyss is among them. I fear what would happen if we --" "No, it's all right." Mara slowly got to her feet, turning her head toward the scout. "Let them know that I do not want them advancing. It's too dangerous. If Whisper's forces come closer, we will relocate. It is not time to face them yet. We are still growing, and training." "Yes, my Queen." The scout said. "We --" Mara began, but a shrill voice from her left caused her to stop, turning her head with surprise. "MY QUEEN!" A young pearlcatcher ran over, eyes wide, tail curled tightly around their glittering pearl. "You must come quickly! Salix has come, said she's found.. she's found your..." "My what?" Mara moved closer, anxiety rising. "What did she find?" "Your firstborn!" Mara was off like a shot, following the pearlcatcher. It couldn't be, could it? After so long? So many years? How was it even possible? She thought they'd all be destroyed by now, or succumbed to the Darkness. Had Pixel... No. There was .. it wasn't possible.. She flew faster, and eventually she could see the wildclaw standing over a small form. "Hey! Look! Heh, I found your --" There was an awestruck expression on Mara's face. "...Noomi...?" She watched as the fae male gave in to unconsciousness, however. Mara looked quickly to her gathered comrades, and gestured with a claw. "Here, take him. Help him to rest. Use my nest if you cannot find another spot for him. Be gentle. He looks to have had a hard time of things." "Yes, My Queen." Were the collective responses. Noomi was helped away, and Mara turned her eyes to Salix, who grinned at her widely. "Where did--" "He can't hide very well." The wildclaw leaned and ruffed up Mara's crests with one clawed hand before heading off. Mara blinked at her younger sibling, watching her go. Noomi was home.