Eliam stood in the sunlight, soaking in the beauty of this unique day on Vykeli. Every day was a new adventure, and this one was no different. He had plans to get supplies together to make another run out to the Ruins. He needed new objects for his art works. Recently he'd managed to attract the attention of a few well placed noulicorns, and had received several small commission requests from them. He knew that this run of luck would only continue if he managed to produce stunning projects for them. One of the nouls had even mentioned that their daughter was starting a new venture and might need something big. Something to really attract attention. That was the perfect kind of project for Eliam. But to complete all of these things he needed supplies. And quickly.
He set out on his way to where he knew the merchants liked to gather. Wanderers and travelers of all sorts too. Sometimes they even had interesting trinkets for trade. He was sure to always keep an eye out. And of course, he made sure to bring a few small pieces of his own to trade. While not every merchant was interested in art, many were. Today Eliam had some rather pedestrian things. Little baubles for a mane or tail. Things like that were easy to move, and easily liked. He had laboriously crafted each object so it caught the light just so, and drew the eye. With hooves it was quite the task. It required deep concentration. He sighed slightly. Some things would be easier if Grandfather Tree had given him a different body. Ah, but then he'd be without magic, which was a brilliant gift in and of itself. As he approached the market he noted even more clumps of Nouls chatting than usual. Something must be going on ...
He wandered towards one group, nodded politely as he sidled up. The three noulicorns were deeply involved in their conversation. "Brightheart says she's going to resurrect the new familiar any time now! How exciting!" One of her companions responded with a giggle. "I just hope it's cute! And not scaly!" Their friend rolled their eyes.
Ah-ha, that was what the excitement was over. Another creature, soon to be restored to Vykeli! Well that was certainly excellent news. Eliam wandered over to a merchant to offered travel provisions. He nosed an elegantly painted bauble from his bag. The merchant nodded to a faery who flitted over to inspect it, turning it over in his hands, looking at is closely. As Eliam watched the faery and idea began to form in his mind. With the assistance of a familiar how much further could he push his art? What more could he do? Another set of paws or claws or hooves would certainly be a great help. If the commissions were beginning to really come in, it was time to be very serious about his work. Yes, this would be the perfect time for a familiar!
Eliam rushed away, leaving a startled faery holding the bauble. He didn't hear the calls of the merchant. He was focused on his new task. Art! He needed to create! Something worthy of Brightheart, so she'd allow him to become a guardian of whatever it was she resurrected. He galloped towards his cave, ideas racing through his mind. It needed to be something that would stand out, surely many Nouls would seek out a new companion. It had to be special - to speak of both his dedication and to Brightheart hersself. His mind raced as he ran. So many ideas, so little time.
Before he knew it, he was back at his home, and rooting through supplies. A while back he'd found the most perfect stone. It glittered just so in the light. And was the most pleasing heart shape. Ah! There it was! On a teetering stack of other odds and ends. Just where he'd left it. He snatched it in his mouth, and immediately went outside. He lay the stone down, inspecting it. Yes - this would be a good base for his project. He looked around, locating his favourite large sharp edged rock. Picking the small stone up again, he carefully balanced it, right on the edge. He then drove his hoof down, sheering the heart shaped rock in two. He held his breath, hoping the stone would be as fascinating inside as outside. As he nudged it, he was rewarded. Inside was a perfect little geode. Just what he had been hoping for! Ah, but this alone wasn't it, it needed more.
Eliam closed his eyes, focusing. His magic was still new to him, and required a good deal of effort. But he found it, and pulled it forth. He eyes opened, and he directed his gift into the stone, changing it from a standard grey colour into a brilliant, striking blue. Perfect for Brightheart! He grinned, and scooped the two halves up and into his bag, which was no small feet without hands or paws. He hoped this would impress Brightheart enough! He set out right away, he didn't want to delay at all.
