Lavender Snow

Arrival

Kristin turned and forced herself not to gasp.

The stranger was clothed in black and teal, with ribbons tying his clothes to his ankles, wrists, and waist. An ornate copper dandelion coiled around his arm. And from his back. . . were wings, massive and pitch-black, almost blending into the void behind him.

Wilbur was the first to recover, bowing his head respectfully. "We're travelers from a very distant land. Is the city nearby?"

"It is," the man said. "And you aren't the first wingless to come."

Uh oh. Kristin stepped forward. "We don't associate with the Elytrians. We mean no harm."

The man blinked. "The Elytrians arrived yesterday. They're strange to us, yes, but you're strange too. I believe you mean no harm, if you're anything like them."

"What. . ." Tommy swallowed. "What? You're fine with the Elytrians?"

The man shrugged. "Yeah, I mean, they're really interesting people. Do you not like them?"

"We've had bad experiences with them in the past. . ." Kristin glanced at Wilbur. He gave her a confused look.

"Perhaps they've changed since your last encounter with them." The man smiled warmly at them. "Now, what's your reason for visiting the city? I'm on patrol, I kind of have to ask you before you're allowed to enter."

Wilbur gestured a little, then let his hands fall to his sides. "I don't know, we're just traveling. We're exploring."

Kristin jumped in. "If it would be possible, we'd like an audience with whatever ruler governs the city concerning the Elytrians. I have reasons to believe they may have ill intentions."

The man's eyebrows furrowed. "I don't know what gives you that impression. They've been very pleasant so far. But the queen allows anyone to see them provided they meet one at a time. Here, I'll escort you to the city. I know where a bridge crosses over to the other island. Follow me."

He turned and folded his wings behind his back. From this side, they could see that he had a patch of turquoise feathers on the tops of his wings, interrupting the solid black.

Tommy gave Kristin an excited grin and sprang forward, coming up beside the man. "Thank you so much for taking us! I'm Tommy, by the way."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Pix." The man stretched as he walked, sighing. "I hate walking. It takes so long. How do you folk do this for your whole lives?"

"Lotsa practice." Tommy swung around and skipped backward, kicking up the sand.

Pix coughed and flapped his wings, clearing the dust.

"Behave yourself, Tommy," Kristin scolded.

"Mum! You're treating me like a toddler!" Tommy gave her a look like stop embarrassing me in front of the Enderian.

"So, Pix," Wilbur said, "I heard you all have powers. What's yours?"

Pix brightened. "I'm a phasing type! I can manipulate metal, it's a really useful gift."

"So did you make that?" Wilbur gestured toward the dandelion on his arm.

"Oh, yeah." Pix activated his power and the copper melted, flowing down to his hand and then reforming. "It's something called a flower, they're really rare 'cause they only grow from plant types."

"Really," Wilbur said, as if he had never seen a flower before. "Well, it's very nice."

"Thanks." Pix peered across the island. "I think I can see the bridge, I'm going to fly ahead and check it out."