[Pouflon] April Showers

A group of clouds rolling lazily along the barren hills caught Mythralos’ eye. It looked like rain was coming later in the day; the tail end of the clouds darkening far in the distance suggested a deep, spring storm. Myth hummed to himself, an inkling of worry peeking in the back of his mind as he was expecting company - at least, he was hoping to expect company. He didn’t want to set any solid expectations just yet. After all, meeting someone once doesn’t automatically qualify them as a friend, right? That’s how he reassures himself it works, if you don't have high hopes then you can’t feel too let down.

The cool air the looming rain clouds bring feels comfortable. Myth wasn’t one to seek hot or even warm weather - living most of his life on the move leaves little time for leisure and things like enjoying the weather - but times like these are just right for him. Maybe minus the impending rain, though.

Meanwhile, on the edge of Obrille, a small pouflon made their way through the rocky terrain that connects the borders of the town to the Ebony Wreath. They too observed the clouds above them, watching for any sign of the sky darkening or other signs of eventual rain. Their leisurely pace quickened after a few moments, not satisfied with their conclusion about the weather’s steadiness. A small pout formed on their face, flying was not the best option for them and even if they did decide to do so, they’d likely only get half-way to their destination and be tired to boot.

“Maybe I should have brought a coat…” They pondered to themself. Huffing with determination, they picked up their pace yet again, “I’ll just hurry as fast as I can, he’s not that far.” Reassured that they would outrun the weather, and maybe just a little too eager to follow up on the letter they sent ahead of them earlier that day, Wisp was determined to make their way to the tower hidden in the mountains.

Some time had passed since his first observations and Myth had receded into his home to continue his note taking on some new crystal formations he had recently found - the very crystals, in fact, that had called for his guests' appearance in the first place. He was pleasantly surprised to find the internal structures of said crystals were distinctly unique to others found in the same area, suggesting a difference in formation conditions. These differences were entirely aesthetic and had no effect of the makeup of the stones, but interesting nonetheless. Satisfied with his work, he briefly stretched as he stood, wondering if Wisp might be on their way or even better, close to arriving. However, upon glancing up at the small, round window across from his workspace, his brow furrowed. The clouds he had predicted to come much later were fast approaching and Wisp had still not arrived. With the worry now beginning to scratch at the forefront of his mind, he went outside once again.

“Perhaps I should try to meet them halfway,” He moved before the decision even solidified in his mind. Thinking the fastest and most efficient way was to take to the skies, he flew low over the hilly terrain, keeping his eyes peeled for the sight of pale fur in the distance. Luckily for him he didn’t have to go very far to find them, unluckily, though, a light drizzle had already started as the rain clouds caught up to the two pouflons. Mythralos found himself amused at the sight of the small pouflon, almost in a full sprint, hurrying their way towards his home - which was just barely visible from this distance. The thought that it was peculiar that Wisp had been able to remember his location after just one visit crossed his mind but was quickly shot down. Convincing himself that it was likely easy for them to remember as they had spent days here, not hours. That was the only, logical, answer, right?

“Hello there!” He called as he landed a few lengths away from them.

“Oh, hello!” Wisp answered, their voice only slightly wavering from surprise, “I remember where to go, don’t worry.” Giving him a sheepish smile. Myth tilted his head in response, walking beside them as they caught up.

“I’m sure, I only worried about the rain.” Myth extended one of his wings over their smaller form, allowing them to set the pace and hoping to spare them the unfortunate fate of being soaked by the impending shower.

“I don’t mind! Actually, my wool keeps me rather dry when it rains, I hardly have use for coats…” She trailed off sheepishly, having remembered their sentiment about not bringing a coat as she left town earlier. Myth blinked and looked down at them, their wooly coat was shorn short, much in the same way it was the first time he saw them. Unconvinced that they would willingly allow themself to get soaked in the rain he hummed in response. Whether they acknowledged it or not, he did not hear.

The rain picked up quickly as they ran for the entrance of Myth’s tower. Grateful for his concern, Wisp gave him a short thanks as they reached the small overhang over the entrance to Myth’s home. He simply smiled and nodded, not quite having the words or experience to express niceties. The two looked out over the scenery before them, the spring shower wasn’t the thunder and lightning of the darkened storms that usually pass over the mountains of the Ebony Wreath, but it was still rather heavy - heavy enough, at least, that neither of them was too keen on being stuck outside at the rain’s mercy. 

A sigh escaped Wisp, “It’s rather pretty, isn’t it?” Myth titled his head again, looking out at the soaked hills; the mud would be annoying to deal with. He didn’t mind getting dirty too much, as was the nature of his usual hobby, but dry dirt and dust could easily be dispelled by a shake and quick rinse. Mud on the other hand, required a process. And yet, his companions’ contented expression had him taking another look. The sky was still rather blue, contrasted with the greyed clouds and the misty look of the rain in the distance gave the landscape a slightly ethereal look. He was inclined to agree. Wisps voice broke the silence again before he could voice his opinion.

“So, what was it that you wanted to show me?” Remembering that he had initially asked them here for more than watching the rain, he shook his head slightly, trying to ground himself.

“Ah, right, I found some interesting formations in that cave I was telling you about last, the internal structures of these crystals are fascinatingly unique to its brethren of the same vein.” Mythralos continued his tirade of information as the two crossed the threshold of his home and he continued to his work table where the crystals in question lie in wait. Wisp listened intently, only really understanding half of what he was saying - she had limited knowledge of geology, learned simply because of the town she grew up in and lives in, enough to keep up at the very least - and they still wondered why he had asked her here in the first place; surely there were better colleagues out there for him. “What do you think?” Myth’s voice brought them out of their thoughts. They glanced at the stones laid out in front of them.

“Wow… they’re very pretty!” Myths deep chuckle rumbled beside them, their breath caught in their throat as they suddenly became slightly embarrassed, “W-well, wasn’t that the point though? If the structures inside are different they reflect light differently… they… they’d be shinier!” They glanced up at him, a small pout forming on their face. Myth’s face remained stuck in a smile for the rest of the afternoon, sharing his new findings and, occasionally, going over older things he had yet to show them.

The rain continued to patter against the roof of the tower, though the sound was muffled by the distance and the floors between it and the occupants within. Time passed and the two pouflons, absorbed in their work and subsequent banter, were none the wiser when the storm finally moved on and gave way to clear, spring skies.