The Nuclear Reign of Strottimar [Part 1]

Chapter 2; Harvest

My breath felt short approaching the entrance to the hollow with Hansen. It wasn't that I wasn't comfortable around people, there were just so many of them, the whole event sometimes just felt... overwhelming. I was just one lander, and I was still tired from my hunting duties yesterday, nevermind the encounter with that egliptie.

The whole fall harvest event was most important right now, get yesterday out of your head now, Solstice! Hansen turned to me with concerned eyes before giving his usual charming smile. "Hey, take a breath. It's going to be alright. You need to relax." I felt his wing brush up against mine as I shuttered. "What, do I look okay?"

"Yeah, just a little pale, that's all." he said honestly while I fixed the color of his fancy shirt. "Sorry." I felt the need to say as Hansen shook his head and focused his attention forward. He still smelled of river from our quick trip down this morning, otherwise, the prince you could say, looked spot on. A light brown leather suit and vest, as well as darker shaded pants to match, with gold and brass buttons. He was down to the detail, drowning in luxurious perfection crafted by my own hands as he looked complete with his off-white teeth and a great big grinning smile. "I have a feeling today is going to be good."

"Well of course, we go home with full bellies, how could that not be good?" I teased as Hansen brightened his smile and entered the hollow. "I want you to have fun today, Solstice. You are relieved of your duties concerning me for today." he announced with a hint of pride as I smiled. "I have my doubts that you will not need to call for me at all today." I stated, looking ahead at the growing crowd of landers and flates, all sorts of hybrids in between ahead. "No, want to make a bet? I want to get laid today, I won't have to worry about you!"

I let out a half hearted laugh. "I admire the fact that you worry about me, sir." with a smile, I brushed him off as he went on talking. "Maybe you could try and get yourself a girl today, eh? Add a little spice to your bland life, how about? You know, girls from over at Oakwood will be here..." he teased, yet I didn't find it all that funny. "I'll think about it, maybe I'll get back to you." I tried to sound optimistic. I failed. "Agh! Whatever, just let loose today, go, run off or find Xander or something. I'll find you again later if my mission is unsuccessful, how does that sound?" he said, meeting my eyes once more as I nodded in agreement, "Fair, fair. I'll be sure not to budge into your loft later."

"You're the best." he nodded before finding his way into the cluster of people while I now stood, rather alone, in a huge, too familiar scenery. I decided to start walking around a bit, the hollow was rather large, and I'd prefer if my thoughts weren't to eat me whole standing in my own lonely silence. Luckily it wasn't too long before Xander caught me. Thank The Sun.

"Solstice!" he pranced over as I turned and formed a genuine smile. On his hip he brought Quincy, who I'd been acquainted with for a good number of seasons now along with Xander, but we'd never really conversed. Quincy was a pureblood flate. I knew she and Xander were close, but I was unsure of what their current status was now, somewhere between together and friends with benefits. I greeted her and Xander with a bow. "Good to see you both." I exclaimed as Xander smiled, wrapping his arm around her with this warm look on his face. "Hey, have you heard about yesterday? Solstice, tell her what you did!" Xander said with excitement as Quincy's attention was turned to me, causing me to fluster easily with this amount of attention. Their eyes were both on me, some pressure kocked my gut but I forced it down the best I could. "I- oh, with the egliptie?"

"You met an egliptie?" Quincy blinked in surprise as Xander showed me off. "Yeah, fought 'em off with his own hands!"

"Well- I don't know about th-" I muttered but her excitement was unmatched. "Cool!" Quincy easily radiated his energy. I laughed it off, I was too happy to see them getting together so well. "What'd he look like?"