#willowing way

[willowingway]

Please

Looking down at her now finished plate, Eve flickered her gaze over to Ally, who was looking content to lean back in his chair and rest a hand on his stomach. How he got the food past his veil, Eve would never know. The girl herself had politely moved it to the side, though kept it still over most of her face. That seemed to be what most of the people were doing, so why not tag along and fit in? It wasn’t until she was startled from her thoughts by an elbow lightly tapping her side that she noticed Lexxia was staring at her.

“Could I talk to you?” They questioned, standing up as though she had no choice in the matter. Looking around at everyone who seemed to be now staring at Eve expectantly, the universe jumper stood up, pressing her hands to the table.

“Sure, of course I will. Lead the way.” Nervously she looked to Ally, who was now straightened up and ready to take action if needed. However, the piercing look Lex gave him, one of distrust and unfamiliarity, made him sit back down. They were in a rock and a hard place. Taking in a deep breath, Evealine wrung her hands together, before following after the ruler of this planet. They seemed to be calm, their hands clasped behind their back, as they lead the way to another room.

“I have a request of you, Evealine of Bathalone. I wish to.. go with you on your quest, with your permission of course. I know that you are the leader between you and your friend, so I need’nt his say so.”

“I-- Wha-- Don’t you have to control this world?” Blinking her eyes widely, the smaller girl cocked her head slightly, observing the fae.

“Yes, this is true, however... there is an underling to take my place if something were to happen to me. Say, if I were to.. disappear?” Giving her a coy grin, they cocked their own head, bringing their hands forward to lace them together. They seemed to have thought this through for a bit now.

“I really should ask Ally...” Moving her finger up to her lips, Eve peered up at Lexxia through her bangs and veil, examining them thoroughly. They were properly poised, waiting for her decision. They.. really wanted to go with them? “I mean, I don’t see why not. Though you should know a bit about my species first...”

“Go on.” Gesturing with a palm to continue, Lex seemed content to listen, which surprised Eve greatly. Clearing her throat, she nodded, brushing some hair behind a ear.

“You see, Lexxia, I am immortal. I don’t just journey from planet to planet, but from universe to universe. Any child I have will be a universe jumper as well, and they too will be immortal. Anyone who ‘bonds’ to me, becomes my familiar in a sense, will live as long as I do. If I were to be killed at a young age, you -- as someone who will bind to me -- will basically drop dead. Do you.. want to really put that burden on yourself.”

“As I said, I want off this planet. It’s repetitive and.. I’m tired. I’m so, so tired Eve. I don’t care if I were to, as you call it, ‘drop dead’ because it were to be better than living a long, dull life where everyone looks up to you for guidance. Please, I’m--” Their voice cracked, and they looked down and away, pursing their lips, “I’m begging you. Not as a ruler of a planet, but as a newly found friend. Take me with you. Please.”

“...Okay.” Smiling up at them, Eve tried to calm down their worries, going so far as to put a hand on their shoulder, “You may come. When you are ready to leave, let me know.”

[willowingway]

A Feast To Remember

Walking down what felt like a forest pathway, their hands clasped together rather nervously, Ally and Eve followed this ‘Lex’ fae. They hummed to themself, waving to people as trees turned into stone houses. On those houses vines snaked up the sides, flowers blossomed, and moss grew -- it must rain here quite a bit. Of course it rained here a lot -- the people here were literal trees. Chop one down and you kill a person.

The farther they walked, the more extravagant the stone homes became, until they came upon what looked like a castle. Grinning in a predatory way, Lex turned to address their guests, raising their hands up, “Welcome, ‘friends’, to my home.” This was their home? Well, nothing but the best, for the ruler of the world, eh? Gulping down their unease, or at least Eve did, the travelers smiled back. Better to not get on Lex’s bad side, right? Right. How did they even get here? Oh yeah, Ally couldn’t keep his big mouth shut, and now the ruler of the world knew that they weren’t from... well... their world. However, that seemed to save them, so that was good. Hopefully. “So... that feast you spoke about,” Not trying to be impolite, Eve tried to strike up conversation, only to be cut off by none other than... “Yeah! I’m starving.” Rubbing his free hand over his stomach, Ally looked downright foolish, causing Eve to giggle nervously. Would he have offended Lex? 

“....” Stopping to stare at them with inquisitive eyes, the fairy nodded their head, before smiling, “Where are my manners. Of course, just this way.” Turning around, they walked into the building, ushering Ally and Eve to their deat-- to the meal. Whispering softly to the staff of the large home, Lex smiled once more back at the duo, cocking their head, “Dinner will be ready shortly. I’ll escort you to the dining area.”

Sharing twin looks of confusion, Ally and Eve finally let go of each other’s hands, trailing behind Lex obediently. Guess Ally’s stomach was in control more than his mind. Taking a left into a large room, the two stopped when they saw the long table that already had food on it. It... looked like a normal meal. Something had told them they’d be eating bugs, but instead normal plateware and silverware held what looked like a flower salad, with glasses of... was that nectar? Did you put the nectar on the flowers, or drink it like normal water?

Eve stood there as everyone, including Ally, took a seat. She didn’t know what to do. That’s when Lex’s face actually softened and they ushered her over. Walking over silently, a blush on her face from embarrassment, she sat between her long time friend and... new friend? Possibly?  Watching the people eat, it’s the latter of what she expected -- they were eating the salad without any dressing, the dew drops giving it enough liquid to not choke them, whilst drinking the nectar. Grabbing a fork, surprised they even had forks, Eve started to eat. A surprised look crossed her face, and she looked over at Ally who was scarfing down his salad like he’d never seen food before. It was sweet! Smiling to herself, she didn’t notice the look Lex was giving her, nor did she notice how they looked away quickly. 

[willowingway]

True colors.

“Something is up with you two. Something I can’t place. We’re born here and raised as a community, and yet you’re not following everyone to place the baby in their new home and take shifts to raise them. As ruler of this world, I demand to know -- who are you?” Oh shit.

It was always Alexian who pulled the both of them out of these tight situations. He’d be the quick thinker when it came to being on one’s toes -- which was strange, as Eve was the one who thought of the laid out plans. Voice not wavering in the slightest, he cocked his head to Lexxia, smiling. “We’re travelers.” “I would know you. I know every tree born, as I birth them.” Their own voice not halting its hollow tone, Evealine started to bubble with panic in her chest, and her hands squeezed into Ally’s arm. He just... laughed? This caused both Eve and Lexxia to look at him, surprise on both their faces. Why was he suddenly laughing? “I didn’t say we were from this world,” Ally, what are you doing? “What?” “We’re…as I said… travelers. I can prove it. Try to find a tree for us. If you try to hurt us, I’ll just have to fight you -- or have Eve open a portal and allow us to leave. We don’t have to stay here. However… we are pretty content here on this world. Why leave so soon? Consider us ambassadors of our respective places.” Smirk in place, he just watched Lexxia evenly, and Eve was glad he was good at what he did -- though the panic stayed. What was he doing? “…” Smirk appearing on their face, Lexxia brushed some hair behind their ear, voice getting a hint of amusement, “I could kill you on the spot, though the portal would cause some problems, that much I can tell. Hmm. Then… you may call me Lex. Since you are not from this world, I will agree to make you ambassadors of your respective planets. Though do not think foolishly of me. You merely amuse me, and the moment you double cross me is the moment that you’ll find I’m not as kind as my people assume. What is your names and of what planet are you from?” “…Evealine, though you can call me Eve… I’m from Bathalone.” Swallowing thickly, she hid more behind Ally, not liking the dark aura that settled over the royalty. “Alexian. From Crystalian. Charmed.” Smart ass. “Well, Eve of Bathalone and Alexian of Crystalian, I welcome you to Eitheria, home of the tree faes. As long as you do not cause problems, then there is no reason for anyone to harm you. We are a peaceful species… however, do not mistake that for naivety. We will protect ourselves if needed.” Giving a sharp toothed smile -- with literal sharp teeth that caused a chill to run up Eve’s spine -- Lex turned on their heel and started to walk. “Follow me. We shall have a feast in your honor. We are very hospitable to those who we guest.”

[willowingway]

Enter the new world.

Art and design by my moirail @10yrsy

-----

In the world of Eitheria, the dominant species are tree fairies. When a new tree is born, so is a fairy. The community as a whole raises the young fairies that are born -- working together to maturity. These fairies are neither male nor female, though they may look the part . All are agender. They have no concept of the gender spectrum, as their entire planet is made of forest and rivers. It’s a beautiful world, really. 

When a fairy becomes a “teenager”, they wear a veil on their face, a right of passage more than anything else. It symbolizes their shielded view of the world, and how one day they, as adults, will have to shed this ignorance and childish ways. Almost all tree fairies have horns, as they’re.. well... trees. If the tree is to die, then so is the fairy -- it is forbidden from harming another’s life force. To do so is punishable by death, as is the saying ‘an eye for an eye’. 

[willowingway]

Eve, and her nice white sneakers. 

[willowingway]

Run

Running through the forest, her sneakers slapping through the mud on the ground, Eve held the hand of Ally. Face flushed from the exertion of keeping a fast pace, both screamed as the beast chased them. Not the best idea to go poking into a brooding mother’s den, was it? Grabbing Eve around the waist, Ally kicked up off the ground, shadows wrapping around his legs and forming into nothingness. Flying through the air, Eve still screaming her lungs out, Ally found footing on a nearby tree. Covering the girl’s mouth, he brought her closer to his body, slowly letting his arm down to bring it up to his mouth in a ‘shhh’ motion.

Gulping down her shrill noises, the younger of the two nodded, holding onto Ally tightly from their high vantage point. It wasn’t that she was scared of falling; her wings would easily catch her. It was that she was scared of being ripped into pieces by the beast that they’d disturbed. Whose idea was it again to see if the offspring looked cute? Oh well, it didn’t matter… Breathing out a sigh of relief, Eve relaxed against Alexian slowly, still tense from their running. After making sure that she was okay, Ally cleared his throat, pointing ahead of them. “Open a portal? If you can, that is. If you need rest, we can wait up here.” “No, no, I’m okay,” Smiling up at him, she closed her eyes, concentrating and raising a hand. Palm glowing, she jerked back a little from the pressure building, glad Ally was holding onto her so she didn’t fall. After a moment, a bubble appeared in her fingers, growing into a large circle and… exploding into a blue portal with a golden symbol. Knocking her small horns against his large ones, Eve grinned widely, pointing to the portal that float in front of them. “See, I told you I could do it.” “Yeah, yeah, the great and marvelous Evealine can do anything if she puts her mind to it.” With a joking tone, he picked her up, jumping through the portal easily. It was as if they’d done this a million times. As their world changed, so did they; skin turning purplish-grey and face getting a veil on it. What Alexian didn’t know was the dress he was wearing -- however, Eve did notice her wings disappearing. Who knew what type of adventure they’d be on, in the end.

[willowingway]

What happens when a shadow being and a universe jumper join forces to spread their mischief throughout the universe?