New Witch on the Block

Beaux was looking around at the vendors packing up their booths and equipment when Wren flew up to him. Floods of people parted around the two as they made their way towards the entrance. The summer solstice celebration was winding down but left a gentle joy simmering in the air. Beaux certainly felt it. The day had been long but full of fun with wonderful companions. The little witch beside him had stood out, her initial fiery temper cooled by her kind disposition. She had apologized profusely for the outburst, but Beaux wondered why she felt so bad when he was the one who had assumed and called her small. Shame still burned through him the many times Wren had apologized. He was raised better than that! The angel was starting to notice his strict manners slipping and was determined to keep them up.

The witch offered him one of her cat plushies, which he gently pushed back towards her. “Oh no, Mademoiselle Wren, I couldn’t take one of your prizes! You worked very hard to win those…” Noticing the pout on her face, Beaux rushed to comfort her. “I believe your anger was righteous. Amongst your family or loved ones, it's easy to find comfort in their knowledge of who you are, but strangers are unpredictable. None of us knew much about you, but that doesn’t make it right to assume or use your traits as a name.” Pale cheeks flushed pink in embarrassment. “I am truly sorry for calling you le petit, Wren!” It seemed the two would run in circles of apology, never settling.

Wren’s inquiry about the Rune Knights sent a grin upon Beaux’s face. “I do know about the Rune Knights, it’s a lucky chance that you happen to be in the presence of one! To them, I am Corporal Phacelia,” the angel said with a dramatic hand flourish, growing excited. Wren might become his guildmate, and since they got along well it was likely they would be friends too! An affectionate glance was sent to the broom-rider. She was sweet and friendly, but definitely could stand her ground when necessary. At the moment the witch seemed a little nervous, as she almost dropped all the cats in her arms. “I think you’d make a wonderful Rune Knight, if you’d like to!” Beaux reassured her. “The pay is good and we have barracks to live in, plus all the other Knights are friendly. I could take you to Era if you’d like!” The man was all too eager to offer his help. He didn’t know what Wren’s life was at the moment, but if she was looking for change then this was the perfect opportunity.

”Er… let’s just acknowledge that we both are sorry and move on, yeah?” Beaux said with an awkward laugh. He knew it would just go back and forth if they didn’t. He felt bad for counter-apologizing so he just decided to shut up about it.

Wren mentioned she thought the nickname was cute. “Oh, you think so?” Beaux replied, mentally noting to use it a few times in the future. It was habit to call people nicknames based on his first language. He had done it since childhood and never grew out of it. Most of the time people didn’t mind, but he tried to be sensitive about it. The angel was a people person and wanted others to feel comfortable.

The little witch had leaned forward in excitement, disrupting her feline friend. “Yes, I think you’d fit in wonderfully. I probably should have mentioned it upon meeting everyone today but it never came up. Dela is also a Rune Knight!” He hadn’t interacted much with his guildmate but she seemed nice enough. There were certainly some odd people in the Rune Knights, and they were about to gain one more! It was like a group of misfits.

Beaux smiled wide. Wren’s enthusiasm was contagious! “I’m ready to go now. Flying would be fastest if that’s okay with you!” He hoped she would agree, but launched himself into the air anyway. Majestic white wings flapped to hold him in place, the sun glaring off them. He reached a hand out and beckoned to Wren. “Let’s go!” Then he noticed the dirty plushies she was picking up. “Oh dear, I’m sorry they got dirty. We can clean them after we get to the Rune Knight headquarters, okay?” The offer was accompanied by a charming smile.

As the two were flying, Beaux floated closer to the little witch. The landscape zoomed by below, a blur of color. “I heard you mention something about back home. May I ask where you’re from?” The man was eager to get to know his companion and future guildmate.

Beaux grinned. He was glad Wren was content with flying to Era instead of walking or taking other means of transport. The two both belonged in the sky! “Yeah,” he agreed with a laugh and a glance down at this nearly dry shoes, “We both know that doesn’t always work out the way it should!” The angel hoped his new friend didn’t mind the teasing.

A pink tint appeared on Beaux’s cheeks with the compliment. “Oh! Thank you, le petit,” he replied, turning away slightly to hide the blush. It felt like a curse that he blushed at compliments, no matter from whom they came. His skin tone was no help either, as the color showed easily.

“Sailkia? I’ve never heard of that place,” Beaux mused as the two soared side by side. His wings flapped strong and steady, the white feathers rustling in the wind. Wren mentioned that the place was full of witches, so that made sense in a way. He wondered if they were all as small as she, but felt ashamed as soon as the thought crossed his mind. It was already established that Wren was sensitive about that, so it would be rude to ask. “I’m sorry for your situation back home,” he said with a pout of sympathy. The thought of Wren being bullied made him upset. Even though they just met, he wanted to protect his little spitfire of a friend. Though Beaux had grown up privileged in his early years, he had learned empathy from his older sister. It was something he clung to, cherished, and felt wholeheartedly.

Admiration filled Beaux as Wren vowed to use her future status as a Rune Knight to protect people. “That’s a noble reason,” he replied with a gentle smile. That seemed to be a common reason for people to join the Knights, to protect others. The angel was sure that Wren would go forth and fulfill that with everything she had.

The two soared for a while, chatting as the landscape flew by. Beaux did a few flips and tricks in the air to entertain himself, as the flight to Era could become boring if he let it. Birds passing by gave stares to the two beings intruding in their domain, but were paid no mind. The sky was anyone’s territory, a place where those who could reach it roamed free of all worldly things. It was one of the many things Beaux enjoyed about having wings.

At last they reached Era, soaring above the rooftops and townspeople. Beaux dipped down in the air as they approached the Rune Knight headquarters. He was eager to introduce Wren and sincerely hoped she was accepted as a Knight. Daydreams of the two going on jobs together and hanging out in the mess hall filled his head. Perhaps he saw the world through rose-tinted lenses, but that was the way he preferred it.

The angel lighted down on the front steps with a cheery smile across his face. As he waited for Wren to land, his baby blue eyes scoured the area for any of his comrades. It was hard to tell who all would be around at this time.