Kae

The air is thick with the scent of roasted apples and spiced cider, the golden glow of lanterns swaying gently in the early evening breeze as the sun starts to set behind the horizon of the distant trees and mountains of this small, endearing human town. Laughter ripples through the crowd, mingling with the rhythmic thud of boots on packed earth as dancers spin and stomp to the music of a lively fiddle. The harvest festival is in full swing, and Kaeloris… does his best to blend in., his pointy ears hidden with a glamour spell, his vibrant orange wings tucked away under his clothes.

He adjusts the collar of his borrowed shirt, rolling his shoulders like he can shake off the tightness in his chest. *This should be simple. In and out. Find the one who carries the Soul Song, get them to come with him, and return to the Veilwood before anyone notices he was even here. Easy.

Except it isn’t easy... It’s been months of searching, and he’s still empty-handed. And he’s running out of time.

Kae sighs and rubs the back of his neck, glancing over at a vendor selling wooden flutes, their smooth, polished surfaces catching the lanternlight. The old man behind the stall grins at him, raising a bushy brow. “You a musician, lad?”

Something in Kae’s chest tightens a bit. “Something like that.”

The vendor chuckles and holds one out. “Go on, then. Let’s hear what you can do.”

Kae hesitates, then shakes his head. “No offense, but I’ve got my own.” He pulls a small, well-worn flute from inside his coat—a deep, dark wood that seems to drink in the light. It’s nothing fancy, not adorned with gold or gems, but it’s his.

The vendor whistles low. “That’s a beauty. You play, and I’ll consider a discount on anything at my stall.”

Kae exhales sharply. Ah what the hell. Might as well. He lifts the flute to his lips, fingers finding their place with ease, and begins to play.

The first note floats through the air, almost visible, clear and bright, carrying an aching, bittersweet melody with it. It’s the kind of tune that settles deep in your bones, that makes you stop mid-step, that pulls at something you don’t quite understand. People nearby turn. Conversations lull. The fiddler in the square falters for half a second before grinning and jumping back in, weaving his tune around Kae’s.

And just like that, the festival shifts.

More people gather, drawn in by the sound. A young girl tugs at her father’s sleeve, pointing. A few dancers change their rhythm, moving in time with the flute’s call. Even the vendor looks stunned, his usual quippy comments forgotten as he listens.

Kae loses himself in it for a moment, lets the weight of his mission slip from his shoulders. He’s just playing now, just breathing, just existing in a way that feels real and true to himself in the moment.

But then—something happens. There's a pull, a shift in the air.

His fingers suddenly still, the last note he played lingering like a held breath. His pulse jumps, and he turns his head sharply, scanning the crowd.

Something in his gut twists—recognition, relief, nerves. Finally.

He can finally feel the Soul Song. It's close by. They are close by, but where? Where are they?

Kae sits cross-legged on the grass in a local park, his back against a large tree, watching humans fawn over a golden retriever like it’s some kind of tiny, tail-wagging deity. He scribbles in his notebook, eyes narrowing in deep concentration.

Step one: Acquire dog. Step two: Let dog do all the socializing. Step three: Human falls madly in love with me.

He taps his pen against his chin. Flawless plan. No notes.

Before he can figure out where to get a dog, the air shifts—subtle, electric. A hum of magic sings, carried on the breeze right to him, something ancient and undeniable that makes his breath catch.

The Song. They’re... here?

Months of searching, and they’ve just—what, wandered right into his orbit like fate got tired of making him work for it? Well that’s just…incredibly convenient, actually. He should thank someone for that. Later.

Kae suddenly scrambles to his feet, realizing the true gravity of this moment and how stupid he'd be if he let it pass. He brushes the dirt from his pants, his heart hammering as he tries to remember all the advice Fellein gave him: Just relax. Don't try to be super cool. Just be normal. And for the love of Goddess, don't use any cheesy pickup lines. And remember, you're supposed to keep your fairy nature hidden until the time is right. Don't rush it...although, time is running out. No pressure though!

Now, if only he could remember what "normal" even is, or think of something to say other than: "Did it hurt when you fell from the heavens above, because you're the only ten I see." Er...wait, that's not right? What was it?

Before he spirals completely out of control, his mouth is already moving and saying something to get their attention, "H-hey! Hi. Uh..." he pauses, very much aware he needs to say something, like, right now, "So... I-I was wondering, do you like dogs? You see, I'm trying to put this plan together to get this very attractive person I know to fall madly in love with me. So maybe I can pitch it to you and you can give me some feedback?" He grins stupidly, not feeling completely horrible about his ice-breaker, but not feeling like the most suave fella in the vicinity.