Chapter Text
The world had plunged into chaos and war, squabbling over resources that were more precious than gold to some. Nobody noticed the small bundle wrapped in blankets and laid at the water's edge as if hoping the sea would carry it away. With luck, it had been a pixie who heard the child’s hungry cries, curiosity driving them to investigate, duty following when the soul’s color was clearer.
“Well, my sapling had to go get herself in danger without calling me for help. You have her soul, so you are my sapling and I shall be your branch, small one.” The pixie set their hands on their hips, looking at the child’s red face that peeked from the bundle. Her cries had stopped when the pixie spoke, “Now, where to take you. Up here’s no good for one small as you.”
An idea struck, and with child in tow, they journeyed beneath the waves to a city Feo Ul had heard of from their lost sapling.
Thankfully the child had fallen asleep at some point in the journey. Mortal children were so fragile, it would be a wonder if the one they sought would be of help.
They found him, face hidden behind a white mask, body slightly transparent. “Who might you be?” The language was old, but the King could understand well enough.
“I bring a mortal child, I trust you can see her soul just as I can and see my sapling’s within her.” The taller figure tilted his head before inspecting the child.
“I see, you believe she will be safer with the ghosts of a world long gone?”
“Well she very well wasn’t wanted above.”
The child moved within her bundle, a small feline ear found its way free, soft blue fur brushed against the shade. The sensation was rather unexpected from one who knew he was but a memory of another. It sealed Hythlodaeus’ decision. “I will care for her if you can bring what she needs from the surface.”
Cautious fingers moved to tuck the infant’s ear back within the blankets, yet when they brushed her forehead Hythlodaeus’s smile faded to a more concerned line, her skin hot and clammy. It appeared she was not as healthy as first impressions gave, but his word had been given and his new-old friend wasn’t one to be abandoned.
“If you could find her some medicine, I will find a place for… Artemis to call home.” He watched as the faerie king vanished with a nod, sure they would return and set about to search the phantom city for a place the child could reside as small as she was.