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Chapter Text

Snow crunched beneath his foot before melting away under the drops of green paint. Not a second passed before the grass and wildflowers sprouted from it. 

Hwei wiped the sweat from his brow and peered over his shoulder to see the flourishing green trees and vibrant flowers. A flutter of wings drew his attention away, back to the land covered in ice and snow. Soon enough, these woods would be full of life and wonder again, but that would take time, and time is what he has. 

His head turned a little, and he heard the distant sound of rustling leaves and a jaunty melody that coiled into his ear. A smile tugged at his lips as he faced the work before him. 

He adjusted his collar over his shoulders and began to paint. Bit by bit, the snow melted away, the leaves uncurled, and the colors returned to the forest. The sunlight poured through the lush branches, making the forest all the more inviting and chasing back the shadows, just enough to reveal the blackened fingertips attached to an ashen hand sticking out from behind a fallen log. 

Hwei’s brush grew still as his smile faded, even as the jaunty melody came closer. His eyes stayed on the hand as he went around the log. His fingers tightened around the handle. 

A young, stocky woman with bluish skin lay still in the partly melted snow. Sadness wrapped around her like a navy blue coat, and the yellow tear tracks stained her gray cheeks. There was a groan and a large shadow cast over both her and Hwei. 

“Good Morning, little painter.” The jovial voice chimed behind him, “Oh, what have you found there?” 

“Good Morning to you, Ivern.” Hwei crouched near the still figure as the colors shifted in his eyes to the same gray-blue tone as this corpse. “And it appears the winter had taken another lost traveler into its embrace.”

“Poor, little travelers. Humans are always so frail to wander in these woods,” Ivern commented, his tone full of sympathy. His words, though, made Hwei’s brows furrowed. He looked around from where they were and felt a frown tug on his lips. 

“It’s quite a ways away from the main path,” Hwei remarked, “I wonder what caused them to stray.”  

The leaves rustled, making Hwei look up curiously as Ivern stood at full height. Hwei sometimes forgets how much of a giant Ivern is since he spent so much time close to the ground talking to the forest creatures. “Do you see something?” 

“I do,” the light tone in Ivern’s voice faded to wariness. “It might be best that we move along, little painter.”  

Hwei’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Is something the matter?”

“I see the buds of Angel’s trumpets not too far from here. We are near his territory.” Ivern said and looked down at him. 

His territory… Hwei could feel his nerves tremble a little. “The Artist?”

“Yes,” Ivern nodded. “It means that we might be near the edge of the woods. The rest of the spirits can care for this land while we go.” 

Hwei wanted to protest, but Ivern didn’t look like he would budge on this matter. Many older guardians were unwilling to budge, and Hwei never understood why. 

No. That was a lie. Hwei knew why, or at least the explanation the others gave him: The Artist should not be trusted. 

He lowered his eyes back to the lost traveler. With another brush stroke, the body shifted and twitched before the seedlings breached the skin. Their shoots grew longer, leaves unfurled, and flowers bloomed. They covered the body as if it were just another fallen log. 

“Lead the way, Ivern,” Hwei said, standing up. 

“Let’s go this way. We can visit Ornn along the way–Oh! Do you think the Shimmerwings will try to make a nest in his beard again? I saw a flock coming in this morning… ” Ivern rambled along. 

Hwei trailed after him, smiling at the stories, but he was only half listening. He snuck a glance over his shoulder toward the snow-covered land and felt his curiosity swell inside him. Perhaps, if Ivern hadn’t caught up with him, he would’ve been able to help those Angel’s trumpet bloom–

“Little painter?” 

Hwei turned his head and felt his cheeks flush in embarrassment to see Ivern was quite a distance ahead of him. 

When did he stop walking?

“Coming!” He hurried up to catch up with the forest guardian. In his hurry, he failed to feel the eye that watched him from the shadows.

Chapter Text

The sun was setting, and the shadows stretched far and wide across the forest floor. Except Hwei’s wasn’t too worried about the diminishing light. His concern was toward the patches of forest that were still trapped underneath the winter’s touch.

“Hwei?”

…Perhaps he could get to them before it gets too dark.

“Hwei.”

He still has the morning, but he might run into Ivern again. While Ivern is always a welcome company, he does tend to distract Hwei from his duties.

“Earth to Hwei~”

“Hm?” He turned as a shrill chortle and a warm orange-colored sphere popped up in front of his face. Quickly, he dropped his brush and held out his hands to catch the fuemigo. It gave a happy sound and smiled warmly at him. Its gentle warmth soothed his aching, dried hands. “I’m sorry, Milio,” Hwei said, looking away from the fuemigo to the young boy. Another fuemigo perched on the child’s shoulder. “It seems my mind wanted to go on a journey.”

“A good journey, at least?” Milio asked.

“Unfortunately, no,” Hwei replied. “It always seemed to wander back to all the chores I have left to do.”

“Because the seasons changed?” Milio asked.

“Yes,” Hwei replied, “I would suggest that you and your family avoid the northeastern part of the forest…” He began when a thought struck him. “Actually, why are you here? It’s much too late to travel through these woods.”

Milio’s smile dipped a little. “One of the village elders fell gravely ill, and the healers don’t know what to do. They had never seen anything like it. We’re hoping that the next village will be able to help us.”

It was then that Hwei noticed there were only two fuemigo here. The third was probably helping the others keep this mysterious disease from spreading. “I see…”

“While we were walking, I noticed you were standing out here. So, I came over to say hi,” Milio explained, but his tone was hesitant.

“Is that all?” Hwei gently pressed.

“Well… If you’re not too busy, would you like to accompany me and my family?” Milio asked, trying not to sound too eager. “You don’t even need to stay with us through the whole journey–”

“I’ll be honored to accompany you and your family,” Hwei said. “Are they ahead?”

Milio nodded, looking much more at ease. “Yes, but they’re not too far.”

A light chortle drew Hwei’s attention to the fuemigo in his hands. “Hm?” It hopped a little. “Did you want to go higher?” It bounced excitedly. Hwei lifted his hands to his shoulders, but it hopped again. “Higher?” He brought it up to his head, where he felt the gentle weight and warmth settle in his hair. “Hopefully, I look more presentable with this new hair ornament.”

Milio giggled, and Hwei smiled. He bent over, grabbing his fallen brush from the ground. The handle and brush began to shrink until it looked more like an ordinary-sized paintbrush. He hooked it behind his ear and turned to the young boy. “Lead the way, little one.”

“I’m not that little anymore,” Milio said defiantly, but he smiled as he took the lead.

“I notice,” Hwei replied, “You’re growing up like a weed, getting taller every time I see you pass these woods.” Milio beamed at the compliment.

The young boy was right. It wasn’t long before Hwei spotted the main party. The group wasn’t that large–maybe ten or eleven at most. They walked in a tight cluster as they carried their sick on a makeshift stretcher. The path was narrow, yet not a single toe stepped outside it.

“Maybe I will be as strong as my grandmother when I grow up,” MIlio said. “I hope so, at least.”

“Are you paying close attention to her teachings?” Hwei asked.

“I am! Mostly,” MIlio admitted, looking a little abashed. “But I do pay close attention to the important parts.”

“Like?”

“Hmmm,” Milio scrunched up his face in thought. “I learned about which medicinal herbs to use for specific injuries, how to prevent the fuemigos from getting too large, and also the rules of the Elderwoods.”

“And heed to those rules,” Hwei said.

“Always,” Milio said, puffing out his chest.

“Then I’m sure you will be as great as your grandmother. She is very wise.” Hwei replied. A little chirp or maybe a chortle made Hwei look up at the fuemigo. “Are you enjoying the view up there?”

It let out a happy chirp in reply.

“They said, yes, they are,” Milio replied. “I’m happy you're accompanying us. Not many would.”

“Not many would, or some are just a tad too… scary?” Hwei looked at the little traveler.

Milio looked sheepish. “Maybe both? Ivern and Daisy are always so kind. He has so many stories. Sometimes Ahri would talk to me, too! Hecarim…”

An image of an enormous, armored centaur popped up in Hwei’s mind. While the guardian was intimidating, he was not ominous–Unlike the others.

The Artist.

“Can I tell you a secret?” Hwei asked.

“Hm?” Milio looked eagerly up at him.

Hwei leaned closer to him, dropping his voice to a whisper. “He scares me, too.”

Milio’s eyes widened in surprise. “I knew I wasn’t the only one!”

Hwei couldn’t help but feel his smile grow. He glanced ahead.

“I hope Elder Lynston will be ok…” Hwei looked back at the little boy at his side. He could see the doubt starting to appear on the child's face.

Hwei’s lips parted to reply when movement caught his attention. His eyes darted above the boy and into the woods. In the half-second, he spotted the tip of Wolf’s tail melting into the shadows.

“I’m sure he will be,” Hwei reassured him and earned another smile he didn’t deserve. “You said that your grandmother taught you medicinal herbs, right?”

Milio nodded. “Yes, all sorts of herbs.”

“Do you think you can spot any of them here?” Hwei asked and saw the renewed light from the boy.

“Yes, I can!” Milio said and began to point them out as they continued their way. It busied the child’s mind, and the enthusiasm was infectious. Even the fuemigos were starting to join in on the game–though Hwei was pretty sure they were only excited because Milio was excited.

After a while, Hwei could see the edge of the forest. “This is the end of the road for me. Remember to stay on the path.” He collected the gentle fire sprite from his head and set it down on Milio’s pack.

“We will! Thank you, and goodnight, Hwei!” Milio smiled brilliantly at him before hurrying to catch up with his family.

Hwei lingered, watching their fleeting form as they left the forest. He glanced toward the setting sun before he turned around and headed back into the forest. His eyes drifted closed as he let out a sigh. He listened to the fluttering wings and the gentle rustling of leaves. His eyes slowly opened to see his growing shadow stretch over the path until the forest consumed it.

He frowned, then twisted around, expecting to see the forest’s edge. Instead, trees blocked his view and prevented the sunlight from getting through.

These trees weren’t there a moment ago.

Hwei turned away and continued down the path, ignoring the feeling of the looming trees closing in on him from either side. His surroundings grew darker and darker. If he were a human, he would be panicking right about now. Yet, Hwei cannot deny feeling his heart beat a little faster, even though he knew the roots would not break the path, and as the light grew dimmer, the faeries would shine even brighter.

The pale white orchids glowed like faeries along the path to guide any travelers lost in the woods. It was the path of safety, but Hwei’s eyes strayed away toward an opening between the trees.

A soft sigh slipped from his lips as he stepped off the path.

Chapter Text

Hwei’s eyes almost glowed as he concentrated on every delicate brush stroke. A slow smile tugged at his lips. Resting against his palm was a curious, elongated, yellow flower whose petals were connected and extended into five points. It should be perfectly symmetrical, but it never turned out that way.

To be honest, Hwei preferred the asymmetrical features. The asymmetry would give the blossom character and its own unique imperfection.

Carefully, his hand fell away from the delicate flower and let it hang from the vines. Hwei took a few steps back to review his work as he wiped the sweat from his brows. A curtain of golden blossoms hung from the outstretched branches as if the tree was showing it off to the world.

It’s a tragedy that hardly anyone would witness this piece. A human had to be lost and have wandered well off the path to gaze upon this. Even the other guardians would avoid these lands, even though the blossom’s hallucinogenic fragrant couldn’t affect them.

His grip tightened around his brush before he crossed the short distance back to his creation. He leaned close enough that the tip of his nose brushed the edge of the delicate petals. He breathed in.

Nothing.

Hwei pulled back.

“My dreams are never this realistic or stable,” he whispered.

Two of the blossoms blinked, revealing a disembodied pair of milky white eyes staring back at him. Hwei jerked back in time as the plants lunged at him before they recoiled and let out a painful, monstrous screech as the flames climbed the vines, waking up the rest of the yellow flowers. The petals peeled back in agony before every one of those eyes began to burst like crushed grapes.

The large roots pulled out from the ground as the tree lurched and twirled an unnatural dance of pain, sending embers scattering everywhere. A shadow of dark purple and blood red swirled beneath the tree’s roots like wet paint before it opened its maw to reveal those golden teeth. Those dagger-like teeth sank into the roots, holding the living tree in place for a fireball to slam into it and knock it down with a thunderous crash.

Hwei stood poised, the red paint dripping from his brush. His eyes narrowed as he watched the flames spread quickly along the grass and the nearby trees as if they were bone-dry and dead.

Or like sheets of paper?

His eyes narrowed and burned from the smoke as they darted here and there. “Where you are?” He hissed beneath his breath. “I know you’re here, Nocturne.”

A cold breeze brushed through his hair like combing fingers.

Hwei immediately threw himself to the right but was not fast enough. He hissed, then glanced to see the torn sleeve and blood. His gaze rose as smoke curled around a creature. Its broken armor shimmered against the flames. Across the helmet was a pale blue, tattered flower that looked like claws shredded it. Nocturne charged at him, and Hwei immediately sent a fireball straight through it, breaking up the illusion.

Hwei whipped around, searching for any signs of Nocturne. The fires continued to burn, and smoke billowed in all directions. Trees toppled, and cinders floated all around him like fireflies.

Movements snapped his attention to his left. His brush was ready to cast the next spell but stopped in midstroke.

Away from the flames, near the treelines, a tall, lean figure stood. Even as the fires burned, Hwei couldn’t see a face but knew the stranger was looking at him like he always did.

Hands, numerous hands, suddenly grabbed his arms, waist, hair, and throat. Another clamped onto the side of his face, claws stabbing into his mouth as it held him in a vice. He pulled against them. He bit down on those fingers, tasting metal or blood. A glimmer of light sparked just on the edge of his periphery. Against the grip of those hands, he turned to see that the stranger had changed position, and the rifle’s barrel was pointing at him.

The shot silenced the roaring flames. The bullet crossed the distance in a matter of seconds and hit its mark: his heart.

Hwei jerked upright, his head catching a low branch with a solid thunk that sent him back down on his makeshift bed with a groan. “Ow…ow…” He turned on his side, holding his head as the pain slowly subsided. His eyes crawled open, and one hand lowered and clutched the front of his shirt.

A dream. It was a dream.

A trembling breath escaped him as he gathered his wits and rubbed the center of his chest. He could still feel the bullet breaking through his sternum, his heart, and bursting out of his back and into Nocturne. He closed his eyes. He won’t be sleeping anymore today. Slowly, he dragged himself out of bed and got dressed.

The air was cool and damp, and the sky was still dark. A sight like this typically has Hwei back in bed, curled up under the sheets, but not today. He wanted to wake up.

He pulled his collar over his shoulders, walked away from his tree, and down a path that would take him to a stream, where he usually goes to clear his mind.

“Now, isn’t this a rare sight to behold?” A soft, playful voice crooned. “I thought a busy painter like yourself wouldn’t be up this early. Midday is more your mornings.”

“Only in between seasons, Ahri.” Hwei turned to the sound of her voice.

The clever fox stepped out from behind the trees and walked alongside him but didn’t try to approach him. Her ears twitched and swiveled, probably catching sounds Hwei could not hear. Her tails almost seem to float behind her like fluffy clouds or a train to a dress. There was nothing but confidence in every step she took. The sort of confidence that would lure more than a handful of men to her. Not him, though.

“Is that why you’re up?” She didn’t bother trying to hide her disbelief. “You want to get ahead of your chores?” She shot him a look and quickly averted her eyes, but Hwei saw it. She wasn’t just confident but tense, and her eyes were almost as red as his.

“No,” Hwei replied, “I do not plan on starting my chores so soon. I want to clear my mind first.”

Her expression remained relaxed and indifferent, but Hwei noticed how her ears twitched. “Did you have a rough night?” Ahri asked, “Or a very active one?” She tossed him a look and a wink.

Hwei ignored how warm his neck became.

“A little bit of both, I suppose,” Hwei said, then looked ahead. “But I am pretty sure I’m not the only one.”

“Oh really?”

Hwei looked at her from the corners of his eyes. “Yes, because I’ve seen your handy work on Nocturne.”

Her playful, almost coy demeanor slipped away. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and her eyes almost glimmered like the sharp edge of a hungry blade. She looked practically feral. “Good. That pest deserved that and more,” She looked at Hwei. “I hope you managed to take a piece of them, too.”

“Somewhat.” Hwei replied, “I am surprised they would be this bold.”

“As if a parasite needs any reason to be a parasite,” Ahri almost growled. “I dare them to try to visit me again. I want to finish what I started.”

Hwei huffed, and Ahri turned her sharp gaze on him. “And because of that, I doubt Nocturne would.”

Ahri let out an airy laugh. “How disappointing.”

Hwei shook his head and looked ahead. He relaxed a little, but only a little. He felt eyes bore holes into this profile. He glanced back, and sure enough, Ahri was looking at him. “Hm?”

“You know the Springtide Bloom is coming up,” She said as a slow smile crept onto her face, causing dread to coil and wriggle in Hwei’s stomach. “Have you decided on your attire yet?”

“I have not.”

“Perhaps you should. I mean, you wouldn’t want to repeat last year’s disaster.”

“My outfit was not that bad.”

“You look like you raided Ornn’s closet and took a few of Xayah’s feathers.”

“There weren’t even any feathers in my wardrobe.”

“And you still looked like a bird’s nest.”

Hwei rolled his eyes. “Always so honest.”

“I do try.” Hwei was startled and nearly tripped on his feet when he found Ahri right beside him. Her sharp, yellowish-orange gaze curved a little in delight. “I can help you, you know.”

“And why would you help me?” Hwei asked.

“Because I think it would be fun,” she said, brushing his bangs aside. “Though you would probably need to take care of that bruise first.”

Hwei swallowed hard. “Yes, I know.”

Ahri chuckled. Her hand withdrew before she turned around and started to walk away from him. “Think about my offer, Hwei, but not too long. Even if I can’t perform a miracle in a single day.”

“Duly noted. Thank you, Ahri.” Hwei replied, “I hope you get a restful sleep tonight.”

She tossed him a smile. “And you too, Mr. Painter. Perhaps you should take a break from your midnight paintings tonight to recover.” She advised as she continued her way.

“Perhaps…” He replied, but he knew he wouldn’t. He just hoped she didn’t know that.

Chapter Text

It was the dead of night with just a sliver of moonlight passing through the branches, yet he could feel the disturbance through the shrubs and the crushed grass. Someone had entered his territory and they weren't some lost traveler either.

Branches and vines parted enough for him to step through as he drew closer to the source of the disturbance. His steps were hardly above a whisper as he moved in like a stalking predator. He reached out with an ungloved hand, and the hedges parted a little, giving him the perfect view.

A young forest guardian stepped into the clearing. He was a slender stranger wearing loose garbs that made him look even thinner but added drama with every motion of his arms. From a distance, the intruder looked harmless, defenseless, almost human. Perhaps he was. His posture didn't reflect confidence, and his lithe form made it seem like a strong wind could carry him off like fallen leaves.

Yet, there was more to this little painter. Jhin could sense it the moment he entered this part of the woods. After all, what sort of artist would sneak out during the middle of the night to paint? Let alone tread on lands that even other guardians choose to avoid.

What a curious Little Painter you are. Had Ivern failed to warn you, or had you stopped caring? Or perhaps you're starving for something more than what they're willing to give?

The reasons were endless and varied from the mundane to the interesting.

Where would you fall, Little Painter?

Jhin's fingers twitched, and a frown tugged at his lips. His hand curled into a fist, closing the gap in the hedge and sealing off his window.

"And what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Jhin asked but didn't bother to look or hide his obvious irritation.

"I was merely in the neighborhood, and I figure I might as well visit. It has been quite a while." A silky, sultry, coy voice replied. It was a voice that would make men and women weak at the knees, begging for more and then begging for her to stop.

"I suppose it has, but I prefer the peace," Jhin replied with a weary, drawn sigh.

"Oh?" She quipped, "And here I thought you could only perform with an audience?"

"A refined audience," Jhin finally turned to see this unwanted guest who stood quite far from him. "Feeling natural today?" He commented as he noted her lack of disguise.

There was just the bare outline of her curves against the shadows. It led up to the blazing pink sockets of her eyes, horns, and the unnatural wide smile that threatened to split her face in half. On either side of her were two serpent-like lashers, poised like a snake, ready to strike. Their red eyes glowed from their skull masks. They would've been identical if the left skull was still in one piece. Instead, a quarter of the mask had broken off, leaving behind the jagged remains to cover a portion of the creature's face.

"The skin was starting to itch," She remarked. "Besides, there's no one here I need to impress…"

"My apologies for having excellent taste," Jhin drawled, almost smirking when he saw the demon's charming smile soured. "Why are you wasting my time? Did you break your toy already? Is that why the woods have been quiet lately?"

"Oh, the toy is proving quite resilient for a human. It's quite impressive and delicious. Syndra is having her fun at the moment, and I don't feel like waiting." The demon crooned.

"So you're hoping for what, exactly? Entertainment?" Jhin scoffed as he felt his irritation rose.

The demon looked unconcerned, almost amused. "Maybe I am," Evelynn admitted. "The Springtide Bloom is coming up, isn't it?"

Jhin's brows furrowed, and he cocked his head to the side. "Are you hoping to receive a formal invitation, or will you crash the party? If it's the latter, do let me know. I would like to see how Hecarim would react to your presence."

She rolled her eyes. "As if I want to attend something dull as that," Her expression turned thoughtful. "While the guest list may be interesting, it doesn't stoke as much curiosity as you do."

Jhin resisted the urge to brush his fingers against Whisper. He remained poised and relaxed, looking almost bored. "Oh? What have I done to garner such attention?"

"Your garden has been terribly quiet lately. It's rather concerning, is it not?" Evelynn commented as her eyes focussed on him, looking coy and predatory simultaneously.

Jhin held her gaze. "Your concern is unnecessary and unwanted."

"But with that loose tongue of yours, it seemed like you are forgetting our deal." She said with an idle gesture with one of her clawed hands. "Would you like a reminder? I would happily give you one."

"I would have to decline your offer. After all, it's not like any of you wenches would let me forget." Jhin didn't mince his words. "Though, what you fail to recognize time and time again is that art takes time. A masterpiece takes time, and so does a well-made trap. I can't have all the creatures of these woods be too afraid to come here."

Her eyes narrowed a little, and her smile grew. "I'm sure the silence has gone long enough for people to forget. I find it hard to believe no one had crossed your path." Her eyes glinted with hunger. "In fact, I swore I heard a rustle just earlier."

"Did you forget where you are?" Jhin cocked a brow that she could not see behind his mask. "The forest is just as active now as it is during the day."

"So you wouldn't mind if I take a little peek then?" Evelynn inquired.

Jhin's jaw clenched as his irritation began to simmer. He held her gaze and could feel her confidence and smugness radiating from her.

His shoulders lowered, he opened his right hand and gestured toward his garden like an artist guiding their audience's attention to a particular piece. The vines and hedges parted for her. "You are free to enter if you like," Jhin began. His voice exuded just how bored he was with this circumstance. "Akali was bold enough to, though she never quite found the exit."

Evelynn's eyes darted from him toward the entrance and then back to him. She didn't budge from her spot.

"No?" His hand curled into a fist, and vines sealed the entrance again. "That's too bad. It would've been quite entertaining for me." His hand fell back to his side.

She cocked her head, and her smile grew, making him tense a little. "Well, if it's entertainment you're after, we could always humor each other." She began to grow and shed away her soft curves for straighter lines. Her shoulders broadened, her hips narrowed, and her legs grew until she was at the same eye level as he was. She pushed back her hair as her face lengthened, erasing the last soft feminine lines. The shadows peeled back, and Jhin looked back at his unmasked self.

A smirk played on Evelynn's new lips. "What do you think? Care to have some fun?" He held out his hand toward Jhin.

Slowly, Jhin's eyes roamed over Evelynn's new form, taking every little detail before settling on that familiar, symmetrical face. He barely managed to turn away from Evelynn before the laughter tumbled past his lips. It was raucous, almost obnoxious, as he held his shaking sides.

"Oh, sweetheart," He crooned, looking straight at Evelynn's confused and slightly disgruntled face. "What makes you think I would settle for just a shade of true perfection?" His lips pulled back into a sneer. "Crawl back to the human pubs and feast on the filth there instead of wasting my time unless you want me to make your right lasher match your left. All you have to do is come a little closer." Jhin beckoned the demon. "Though it might take a little longer to recover this time."

The humor and appearance melted away into the shadows. Evelynn's eyes flashed with annoyance. Her lashers twitched and jerked with agitation, but no threat to him. He was out of her reach. On the other hand, he was a different story, and she knew that.

"I have better use of my time." She drawled before fading into the shadows.

Jhin stood there, waiting until he could no longer sense her presence. He couldn't feel the other intruder either. The painter must've retreated for the night before someone could find him. How disappointing. They would return, of course. Jhin was sure of that, but did he want to wait until that curious guardian returned? He had bided his time for quite a bit. A change of scenery may provide some answers to his curiosities.

And what do you know, the Springtide Bloom was coming up. He might as grace that dull crowd with his presence along the way.