Submission (#488) Approved

413 words

Normal shards:
+8 (prompt)
+4 (400+ words)

= 12 shards

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When the small Faelidh had reached them, Xiaovi and Weisheng had been on their way back home, the smaller of the two having decided it was safer to go back together than risk something happening to either of them. Xiao had little doubt that his smaller companion wasn't exactly scared, but he figured it was more of a case of... better be safe than sorry, and he had thus complied eagerly, as was his nature. Thus, walking down the deserted streets, it had been easy to notice the small figure flying directly at them, and though he had immediately agreed to help in both their steads, Sheng had crossed his arms over his chest and remained silent; A clear indication the smaller woolyne was either not entirely sold on the story or he thought something was up.

The look had intensified, into a near squint as they approached the forest and the first growl was heard in the distance.

"Well... that sounds ominous," he voiced out loud in an attempt to quell the rising fear clawing up his throat, but his companion again did not answer. The smaller, black wool narrowed his eyes and stared off into the distance into the forest, waving a hand slightly. The moment the movement was completed, the glow that emanated from his back due to his bond with the space elemental... brightened, and allowed them to see a touch better in the growing darkness provided by the trees.

It was little comfort, for the mild glow did not penetrate the trees, and did not provide much safety other than their immediate proximity, but as far as Xiaovi was concerned, it was better than nothing, and he shrugged, an attempt to relax his shoulders.

The glowing lights that they come upon and decide to follow, finally the straw that broke the camel's back as far as Xiao's companion is concerned. The bulkier wool noticing the way the black wool's lip curls up into a silent snarl, "It's fine, Sheng, I'm sure we can help this little guy find his mate and get back home in time to enjoy a lovely supper."

His normally stoic companion turned to him and shook his head minutely, still not speaking, as if he didn't want the small Faelidh leading them to hear him. Xiaovi respected that, and thus did not push. Instead, they continued pushing forth, following the lights into the darkness where the growling could still be heard in the distance.