Mia's blush deepens turning towards Togo with a smile when he decides to sing. She found it rather creative and didn't realize he had bardic talent till now. "I think the fey will approve of that if they decide to dance Togo. Singing and music is always a improvement for such events."

OOC: Ok Morgan! look forward to seeing your post when you get the chance! Your right Ben and Steve do a wonderful job of making people laugh from time to time and laughter is good!

Pixies begin appearing.  A few at first, there are soon about ten of them gathered around.  They are clearly what some would call "Deep Forest Pixies", that is, virtually no contact with civilization.  Their clothing is just what they can make themselves out of things they collect from the forest, augmented by a little barter and theft with others here and there.

"Oote?  Who is Oote?" one says, when Mia mentions the name.

Flitter gestures to the Pixie in question.

There are a few moments of discussion, and they come to a quick conclusion.  They know no "Oote", but he matches a Pixie lost and presumed eaten, from the Purple Heron Marsh.

"Well, yes, that's the place," Oote says.

"Why didn't you just tell us?"  Flitter asks.

"Purple Heron Marsh,"  Oote says, as if the emphasis will make Flitter understand.  But it doesn't, and he continues.  "Those Pixies that live in a Marsh.  The ground is wet.  Very wet.  With big Bullfrogs.  All our homes are up high in trees.  I  can’t fly."

"You can fly." Flitter says.

"Not presently.  I probably need more lessons.  I think three or four.  Five, if you think I can learn the Invertable Loop."

The Faun speaks up.  "I know where the Purple Heron Marsh is.  It isn't far from my people.  We live near the Ivy bridge, but sometimes we go as far as the Purple Heron Marsh.  Many magical flowers there, it is a tricky place.  Very pretty, I've heard, but tricky.  Maybe we should go to my people first?"

"Yes, I approve," Oote says.

One Pixie, a little slower on the uptake than the others, speaks from the back:  "Does this mean we don't have to attack the giant folk?"

There is the sound of tiny hands slapping tiny foreheads.

Togo dispels his Spark launcher spell and says "I think Oote can use a few magic flowers...it would probably help with his flying problem too. Well that and a drop from a tall tree would probably be a good incentive." Togo smiles picturing the event in his mind.

In reply to Ben (msg # 463):

Greetings cousins. Be Thee all noweth fully freed from any ensourcerments of yon Spark. If Thee beith so let us sally forth anst capture it; least it return anst attempt to bindeth Thee once again. Once in our custody we shall escort it unto the Faunish clan for chastisement. Mystal suggests

Mia blinks looking down or up as needed at flitter and Oote. "Flitter has a point Oote it would be helpful to share with us what you know. Thankfully Florenza and the others know where the purple heron marsh is."

She pauses laughs and smiles before continuing. "Yes you don't have to attack us now. Flitter, Oote and Florenza are all our friends. At least our traveling companions I think! I also agree with Florenza let's go see her people first. I love the idea of getting to see all the lovely flowers. However wet muddy ground is not something I want to set foot in if I can help it. I might have to stay behind if we can't use a boat or have a very solid path to follow."

She glances at Mystal with a touch of nervousness. "Be careful if you approach the spark Mystal. It has the ability to somehow make you do what he wants. Remember what happened the first time we met. The spark went pretty far so this won't be easy finding him again if that's what the pixie tribe wants to do. IF not let's go to Florenza's people as quickly as possible. We can always tell them about it and I am sure the local fey will look into the situation if we don't do so right now."

OOC: I am fine with bringing in the spark IF that's what the fey pixie tribe wants to do. If not we might as well Go to meet Florenza's people. ^_^

Sparks, like other "Fire" type Fey, have one odd ability.  Okay, more than one.  But this one becomes relevant.

The Fire Fey, unlike all the Fey associated with other aspects of nature, have only a temporary home.  Well, in most cases.  There are a few lucky ones that live in the craters of Volcanoes.  But for the most part, unlike the Fey of water, air, forest, and other aspects, the Fire Fey are truly at home only when they are lucky enough to be around for a large fire.

This is fortunately rare.  To cope with the problem, the Fire Fey would never think to set everything on fire.  While that might be fun, even that fire would burn out, and then it would be a long, long time before conditions were right for another fire.  Besides, they might be devious, twisted little creatures, but like other Fey they have an instinct for the preservation of the world.  Even evil Fey do not wish for wholesale destruction.

So, faced with this, the Fire Fey are gifted with the ability to become dormant- they shrink in size, and appear to be nothing more than oddly shaped black stones.  They can remain in this form indefinitely, until a fire appears they can play in.  Or with.  Whichever.

It also means that should they choose to go dormant, they are almost impossible to find.  The Sparks are very small, and thus their dormant forms are very small, and only a skilled master of Fey Lore can identify one, and only upon close inspection.  They search, with Pixies darting through the woods, but they come up empty.  Finding the little critter is just nigh impossible.

The group of Pixies that were with the Spark get bored and scatter, but a few decide that the news of a lost Pixie found is important, and they say they are headed off to Purple Heron Marsh group to bring word.

Florenza, though, is eager to get back to her own people.  She asks that the search for the Spark be called off- it is just one nasty little Fey thing, there are many more, and home is so close.

In reply to Ben (msg # 467):

Mystal spends several minutes scouring the area of Spark re-entry and impact. she's recalls her lessons on Faekind and starts gathering black pebbles which she listens to for sounds of heart beat and clacks them against a rock several times before deciding the task is far too much like counting grains of sand on a beach. Agreeing with the Pixies and Florenza they should let the Faunlings know of this appearance. Which could herald some flaming catastrophe or indicate the presence of underground furnace. Turning to the remaining Pixies she cautions them against its return. Come alongeth, come alongeth the sooner we retyrb Florenza unto her Faunkin the sooner Togo can drinketh them under table... she promts a glint of mischief in her eye

"Mystal. Can you bend over and pick up that rock again?" Togo deadpans while pointing to a small black rock in her general vicinity.

"So off to Purple Heron Marsh we go I suppose" he adds.

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 469):

Looking about Which rock doth Thee mean she asks the long legged

Togo shakes his head and smiles "Forget it dear" he says pleasantly. He turns and chuckles to himself.

Mia helps as best she can then nods in agreement when Florenza declares she would like to be reunited with her people. "All right Florenza. I look forward to meeting your family and friends. Oote it looks like it's just a matter of time till your healthy again. I truly hope that you find happiness with the pixies again."

She glances at Togo curious as to what he might be up to. Although apparently nothing comes of it at least for now. "Flitter, Mystal please be careful of the bullfrogs. I don't want to have to catch one and force it to cough you up if either of you get to close." Oote being unnaturally serious she doubted would be in danger. "Oote if your not ready to fly yet you can ride on my sholder. However if the ground becomes to soft and muddy I won't be able to go into the purple Heron Marsh. I would ask that someone keep me company if I have to wait. Also be careful where you step I have heard that marshes can be very dangerous. Togo being a druid would likely know best."

OOC: I do have that magic to lesson Mia's weight if I have to I can use it. Could you remind me how limited the supply is? Don't want to use it up lightly as there might come a time when I really, really need it.

There is a problem now with getting to the Purple Heron Marsh.

The Pixies that know the way have scattered!

Flitter is actually relieved.  She knows about bullfrogs.  Usually, unless it is a Giant Bullfrog, a Pixie can escape, but being snagged out of the air by a giant slimy sticky tongue is a traumatic experience, and a Pixie can be haunted by it for...

Flitter has a thought.

"Oote... did a Bullfrog get you?"

Oote shakes his head.  "Nothing like that.  Just... Well... Everyone's different, that's all.  I had dreams that weren't Pixie-ish.  No one ever liked it.  I wanted to be serious, and do serious things."

"I do serious things," Flitter says.  "I'm Very Important.  Aramil said so, so it's true."

"Hmm."  Oote replies.

With the Pixie Marsh out there... somewhere... they reach the Ivy Bridge first, after passing by many strange and interesting plants, some of which grow nowhere else.

The bridge is a rustic looking structure made of branches, logs and vine-ropes, and includes a lot of living vines, many of which have bloomed with white and blue flowers.

"It's easy for us to cross the river here," Florenza says.  "This is our place, and there's usually some of us around."

Indeed there are.  There are four or five more fauns across the river.  And a pack of Pixies- some of which you saw before, and some new ones.

Mystal popped a finger into her mouth licking it then held it in the air moving it around a few times Yoner be the way she declared pointed in the direction the wind was blowing.

There is  frenzied, chaotic discussion among two gaggles of Pixies, as Fauns rush forward to greet Florenza.  The “thank you for rescuing our lost one” will have to wait a bit; for the moment, the Fauns are more interested in welcoming Florenza back.

The Pixies approach before the Fauns do.  Each little band of Pixies tends to have a certain style, or a characteristic ornament in their clothing.  Often it is so subtle a non-Pixie will not notice it. But Flitter sees- there is a purple feather motif displayed by some of the Pixies.

Flitter meets them in the air as they approach.

“Welcome Pixies of the Purple Heron Marsh!” she says.  “We have brought back your Oote for you!”

The Pixies look confused.  “Oote?”  asks one.  “What’s an Oote?”

Flitter points, and the Pixies laugh.

“Oote?  Oote is no Pixish name!  That’s Whootlebee!”

Another says, in a confused tone, “Wait, Whootlebee was missing?”

“Hi,” says Oote/Whootlebee, not sounding entirely thrilled about the reunion.

“Where were you?”  one of the Pixies asks.

“I went to the Tower With the Big Light.”

There are gasps and murmurs.  “But no one… ever…”

“I was rescued.”

The Purple Heron Marsh Pixie in front asks, “Who rescued you?” and Flitter points out the group.  The Pixie bows in mid air and says, “I am Mintflip.  Who might be you, who have rescued Whootlebeem Doer Of Maths?”

In reply to Ben (msg # 475):

Mystal returned the mid air bow with a Curtsey Greetings Cousin Mintflip We hereth be Flitter of the Vast Glen, Oote the Rescued Adventuror, Mia the Sheened one, Morgan the Wise, and Togo the Took. She introduced considering for a moment then added Anst if Thee please One beith Mystal Fortunata of the Great Waters.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:13, Mon 09 Sept 2013.

"Greetings to you, Mystal, says Mintflip".  He gives her a long, slightly puzzled look, as Mystal is Pixie-ish but not exactly a Pixie.  "Are those... seashell?" he asks.  "What sort of Pixie are you?"

Another Pixie voice speaks up.  "At least not another like Whootlebee."

Mintflip gives an admonishing scowl in that direction.  As "Pixie in charge", he  seems to be the one with the most purple feathers in his outfit.  It's a little on the flamboyant side.  He produces a short staff (from a Human perspective, it's more of a stick) with more feathers and a little silver bell on the end.

"It is only right that we recognize those who have defeated the terrors of the tower of light, and brought back Whootlebee!"  he says, waving the staff.

The Pixies have a range of reactions, from enthusiastic agreement to grudging and reluctant acceptance.

Mintflip decides that Togo will be the first to be "recognized", and flies over to the Halfling.

"What, oh towering and heroic fur-foot, is your favorite season?"

Behind him, a Pixie excitedly bobs up and down in the air, raising her hand and saying "Ooh, ooh, say Spring, say Spring!"

Togo smiles "As it so happens, Spring is indeed my favorite season. It is when nature springs forth in the form of many plants and flowers and signals and end to what can be a harsh time of winter."

Mia shivers at the thought of a pixie particularly flitter getting caught by a bull frog.  It was a terrifying and gross thought. "That's gross I hope nothing like that ever happens to any pixies especially you flitter."

Glancing at Mystal she wonders what she is talking about. "What is that way Mystal?" She was curious after all wondering why she had licked her finger.

On the way there Mia enjoys looking over the lovely flowers and various plants with interest. If appropriate she will harvest a few using whatever clerical teachings apply. "these might come in very handy someday. Do you see any you feel we should carefully pick a few of Togo?" Mia keeps it to a minimum not wanting to do any real harm. Here of all places she had a feeling the fey might take offense if they were careless.

Smiling warmly Mia greets the pixies. "It's a pleasure to meet you.  Togo is also a druid Morgan is a wizardess and I am a cleric. Mystal whom did our introductions and flitter are our fey friends that I am proud to travel with."

Mia laughs and smiles when one of the pixies decides to volunteer very enthusiastically which season to say. "I think she really likes spring. Honestly I think Spring is my favorite too although summer, fall and winter all have their beauty too. Perhaps we can have a celebration together for the returned ones. Good food, drink, music, and dancing is always fun." At least it would be for those that still ate and drank. Though she would enjoy it enough just watching!
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Sat 14 Sept 2013.

Mintflip reaches out with his short staff, and touches Togo thrice- once on each ear, and once on the tip of his nose.

“Valiant Halflit, and rescuer of Whootlebee and lover of spring, by my power as leader of the Purple Heron Marsh Pixies, I dub thee.  From this day forward, your Pixish name shall be... Budbloom!"

A pair of Pixies flies up and one hands Togo a purple feather.  “This is the token of our tribe.  It is also enchanted.  Now, we shall name your stalwart allies!".

Mintflip turns to the obvious "next".

Mystal of the Great Waters, strange Pixie with a look of far away places, surely you have a tribe already, for your name is properly Pixish.  But what of Mia the Shiny?  And Morgan the wise?  Would you share with me your favorite seasons, and be named Pixies of the Purple Heron Marsh?"

Oote/Whootlebee speaks up.

"I don't think they're fey folk, shouldn't you let them know of any catch to this?"

Mintflip looks puzzled.  "I wasn't aware of one."  He looks around to other Pixies.  They shrug and look back and forth.  Pixies are notoriously bad at seeing potential down sides to things.

Whootlebee isn't, though.  "All Wicked Fey will know them, for one." he says.

Mintflip replies, "That's not so much a catch as it is as a badge of honor, I think.  If they do not object, they shall be named, and then, we shall stay here and celebrate with the Fauns!   Cyndali, and Weatherwort, make haste, go back to our swamp and return with victuals and gifts!"

"Oh - yuck!"  Morgan concurred with Mia as regarded the bullfrog.

"A soul-scarring incident, for certain!"  She too would collect any exceptional plants, if she found such.

As to this particular badge of honor:

"Dear Mintflip, it is much generous of you to offer this. We were glad to be able to assist Oote. Such as we could." 'Oote' was comical enough. She didn't believe she could manage saying 'Whootlebee', and keep a straight face...

"Alas, for myself, I believe I would rather not be noteworthy to your darker kin. My particular role is likely to bring me into further contact with them.  And I'd rather not make anything easier for them. It is a great honor, but one I must politely decline." 
This message was last edited by the player at 21:12, Wed 11 Sept 2013.

Mystal was about to greet Budbloom when Morgan's comment prompted her to pause... How could anyone decline such an honour... she thought staring partially dumfounded by the declaration. The only explanation for Morgan’s reaction must be...Thee be ensorcelled by the Spark. Poor Morgan Mystal declared flying across to place a hand on the Mages obviously fevered brow

Mia laughs and smiles glancing at Togo. "It seems we are getting honorary pixie names. You might even be a member of the tribe now!"

She blinks wondering what Whootlebee meant by all wicked fey would know them. Then giggles smiling again when Mystal places a hand on Morgans brow. She knows Morgan isn't ensorcelled though she hasn't the heart to challenge Mystal's belief. Besides it's touching that she's concerned for one of her traveling companions. That and she was certain Morgan could handle it.

"I don't understand. How could all wicked fey know if we have a pixie name? Not that a wicked fey would be nice to us anyway. Well for me I would have to say it's either spring or summer. If I had to chose I would go with Spring. All the lovely flowers bloom and so much more for the first time in a while."

Morgan laughed in reply to Mystal:  "Ah, well, with a foot in a divergent pair of cultures like I've got, it's common enough for somebody to think I'm fevered! I'm merely living up to expectation. No ensorcellment necessary." 

To Mia she said- "My feeling is that this goes deeper than a name." She glanced to their acquaintance from the healer's lighthouse "Oote's opinion would seem to support that."   

It occurred to Morgan that Oote was the most sober pixie anyone could hope to meet. That provided an opportunity to draw upon pixie lore, and actually be assured of a straight answer.

It was rather unique.  She began to have the beginning of an idea, that, if Oote was no longer at home here, there might be potential in taking him along.  He was one of a few pixies who could lodge at a court, or a school, without disruption.  Albeit he'd bore the tar out of everybody.

But many sages were like that, too.   He could get by, probably.

She certainly didn't want him to lose his opportunity to return to his people.  But, if things did not wind out that way, if it truly wasn't what he wanted...
This message was last edited by the player at 21:38, Thu 12 Sept 2013.

Much as it may surprise some to learn, Pixies do not live a life of gentle harmony with the creatures of the forest.  Yes, they fly, they are agile, and they can become invisible, but there are predators with keen senses, quick reflexes, and cunning traps.  Pixies do not fear bears.  As big and obvious as a bear is, a Pixie would have to be truly inept to be caught by one.   But a Beech Martin, that’s a creature that can climb trees, and jump, and a Pixie that is not paying attention may well end up as a Beech Martin’s dinner.

On the other hand, Dean the Beech Martin is not exactly a factory-finish standard Beech Martin anymore.  He is a familiar.

Like all familiars and animal companions, he has an excellent instinct for when to lay low and keep out of trouble.  (Togo’s bear specializes in this, and if Togo permits it will happily spend most of its day doing this.  Preferably, in a sunny meadow after being well fed.)    However, the Martins, like all of their kin, are instinctively curious, and Dean cannot contain himself for ever.  He winds his furry way between Morgan’s feet.

Perhaps Mintflip would have been offended by Morgan’s decision to decline a Pixie name.  But with the sight of Dean, suddenly, that gives him a fine excuse not to press the issue with the wizardess.

“Well, if that is your wish,” he says, “Pixies would never impose an unwanted honor.”

“But truly she is as…”  another Pixie begins.

Mintflip hastily gestures towards Dean.  That is all the other Pixies need.

“oh.”

Keeping his distance from the carnivore, Mintflip decides that Mia is next.

“Oh heroine of strangely solid structure,” he says, “your name must be of spring, and purity, and strength.  I dub you Magnolia, because it has lovely flowers in spring, but is a strong tree.  Also, Mia is short for Magnolia.”

“No it isn’t,”  Whootlebee objects, “she was Mia first.  So Magnolia is long for Mia.”

Mintflip glares at him.

“I am beginning to suspect something,” Flitter says quietly.

"ohhhh! So there is some form of magic involved. Well Oote maybe you could explain the details to the rest of us?"

She smiles at Oote and Whootlebee. "It's ok I am fine with the name. thank you. Though everyone may feel free to call me Mia. I won't mind if you use the other."

Glancing at flitter she asks softly. "What is it that you suspect flitter?" She was aware that more was going on then a simple naming. She just didn't see pixies as deceitful or manipulative. Which might be foolish still it was how she felt so she waits to see what Whootlebee/Oote and Flitter might have to say.