The Tranquil: Part 1

A mote of light drifted through the darkness. It danced between crimson-striped legs, and skimmed over a flank mottled in browns and burgundy. Eventually the spark of phosphorescence came to hover beside a sturdy Vayron, his scarlet coat marked with dizzying swirls of white. 

Hotaru snorted at the light and stretched out his neck to bump it with his snout, sending it flitting down the tunnel ahead of him, past a fourth, larger, figure. After nearly two months in The Beneath, the puller had made a reluctant truce with his erratic magic. The glowing orbs that flared into existence in his wake were convenient in this world of darkness. 

The cavern before them was unfathomable in scale. Arching high above their heads, the ceiling bristled with clusters of pale yellow crystals, their glow akin to a false daylight. Massive pillars of stone rose from a sea of green; a subterranean forest, trees swaying in the gentle breeze. 

Cailu’s serpentine neck arched as he turned to face the small group of Vayron, a gleam of amusement bright in his eyes. “Not all of The Beneath is starvation and brutality. There is beauty, too.” With that he spread his wings, giving them an experimental flap before simply dropping from the cliff.

The motley group of Vayron followed at a slower pace, painstakingly picking their way down the scree. A handful of stones clattered their way down the slope, knocked loose by a misplaced paw, accompanied by scrabbling and a stream of growled curses.

Once at the bottom they trotted after Cailu, under the dappled shade of wide-spread branches and false daylight. Eventually the canopy opened up; warm light poured into a wide glade. Curled in the grass, paws neatly tucked under her chest, was a Haedian. Her pale gray coat was splashed in vibrant whorls of pink. She watched silently as they approached, gracefully inclining her head in greeting. 

Cailu bowed, wings fluttering in response, before ushering the Vayron forward with his tail. “Greetings, Pyrri of The Tranquil. I’ve brought more Surface Dwellers. They have offered their aid, in exchange for a place to rest on our journey.”

The Haedian, Pyrri, blinked slowly at the group.

One of the two Pullers stepped forward; he was massive in size, with a broad chest and a well muscled body. His short crimson fur was lashed with darker stripes, and each leg terminated in brilliant white feathering.

“You may call me Red,” he rumbled, voice surprisingly soft. “This is Hotaru. You have our thanks for your hospitality. We will do what we can to repay your kindness.” Hotaru started at the sound of his name, but bowed his head in agreement, not moving from where he was half-hidden behind the larger puller. 

The third Vayron huffed at their shy companion, stepping around him. Unlike the other two he was a Runner. Crisply defined muscle, visible even under his scruffy coat of patchwork browns, lent bulk to his otherwise lean frame. “Name’s Tonrar. Just lemme know what needs to be done.”

“Do any of you have experience healing?” Pyrri queried, gaze softening as they each indicated they did not. “Do not worry. I will guide you.”

The Haedian swung her head to point southwards, nostrils fluttering as she sampled the breeze. “Last night there was a collapse in one of the southern passages. There are some injuries, and the tunnels need to be cleared and reinforced. Any aid would be welcome.”

She rose to her paws, wings folding tight against her back. “Follow me.” Then, she set off through the trees, three Vayrons at her heels. 

Ahead lay a scene of quiet chaos. Nearly a dozen hurt Haedians lay curled in nests made of moss and soft grasses. More Haedians flitted between them, applying poultices and wrapping injuries with woven bandages. 

Pyrri led them straight to the largest of the nests. Curled within was a massive male Haedian, his pale blue hide smeared with blood. He was asleep, from herbs, exhaustion, or both. 

“Thistle helped clear the path, and shielded the rest from rockfalls. He’s the reason no one was lost.” The corner of Pyrri’s mouth curved upwards into a fond smile. “I’ve also been told he’s been refusing treatment until the others have been seen. We are going to change that.”

The lead Haedian flicked one wing towards Red, beckoning him closer. “His worst injuries are on his back and wings. We need to get him rolled over so we can treat them.”

Red nodded and moved into place, planting his paws firmly into the mossy nest. Then, muscles bunching under his thin coat, he set his shoulder into the flank of the Haedian. With a massive heave the injured Reosean rolled to his side, revealing his battered back. 

Pyrri immediately ran her forepaws down his spine, avoiding the deepest gouges, many of which were still seeping blood. Her eyes flickered to Hotaru, who had been watching with apprehension from the fringes. 

“You wield fire.” It wasn’t a question. Hotaru slowly inclined his head. 

Manipulating his wings and tattered scales with practiced ease, Pyrri pointed out several of the worst cuts with her claws. “These need to be sealed. If you can keep the flames to a minimum, you can cauterize the flesh and stop the bleeding.”

Tiny glowing lights flared to life around Hotaru, dancing around him before streaming towards Thistle and alighting on the injuries that Pyrri had pointed out. A moment passed, then they all burst into flame simultaneously. 

Hotaru flinched back at the scent of seared flesh. Pyrri appeared unbothered, and scrutinized the other Haedian’s back. “Tonrar. Pass me the salve.” She held out one clawed paw, not looking away from her patient. 

Tonrar passed over the clay bowl full of astringent-smelling paste, then held out a stack of woven fabric pads before Pyrri could even ask. 

She glanced over at him before taking one. “You’ve done this before.”

“I’ve had to patch myself up a few times. I just don’t know that I did it well,” Tonrar responded with a chuckle. 

Pyrri wiped her paws off on a square of fabric before finally turning away from the pale Haedian. “Seems you lads learn fast. Care to keep going? There are more in need of help.”

The Vayrons glanced at each other. Hotaru shrunk back a bit, then staggered when Red bumped him with his shoulder. Sparks flared around the smaller puller for a moment, but faded as he planted his feet, squaring his stance. Tonrar grinned, baring sharp teeth, and butted Hotaru with his head.

“There’s a lad,” the runner rumbled, tone fond. “You’ll be alright.”

Three pairs of eyes met Pyrri’s.

“Let’s go.”