A/N: I live!
Now let's do this thing!
==
After a while, the fairies gradually began discussing among themselves. Sargon released them from his hold, but even without physical contact, they stuck close, chatting animatedly as if the surrounding fairies no longer existed.
More fairies continued arriving, representing a variety of talents. He didn't see any fire-talent fairies yet—though he knew from the books that one existed—but judging by the current arrivals, she would likely take a while to appear.
While pondering this, he sensed Clarion's arrival. She and her ministers were approaching, and murmurs rippled through the gathered fairies as they noticed floating balls of light coalescing into a radiant burst—revealing the queen herself.
Clarion hovered on the platform in a long golden dress spun from pixie dust. Her hair, the color of sunlight, was tied into a neat bun, her blue eyes clear and serene, and her warm smile softened her regal presence into something maternal and comforting.
"My dear fairies," she began, her voice gentle yet commanding, "there was an incident last night that many of you might not be aware of." She paused, letting the words sink in before continuing.
"But fear not! No one was harmed. Instead, we received an unexpected visitor from far away into our home. The ministers and I have decided to hold an Arrival Ceremony as an official welcome for him."
Her words struck like a gentle shockwave among the seated fairies. Some clever ones immediately glanced toward Sargon, the mysterious new sparrowman, curiosity flaring in their eyes.
It was common knowledge that Never Fairies were born of a child's first laughter, which traveled to Neverland and transformed, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, into a fairy—or occasionally, a sparrowman. This ceremony marked only the first part of his Arrival Day.
Next came the talent-picking process. Some fairies knew their gifts by their names, others discovered them over time—Tinker Bell being a notable example. Representatives of each talent placed glowing symbols or elemental manifestations atop a circle of mushrooms. The fairy—or sparrowman—would select their element, which would either dim and drop if incorrect, or shine brighter to confirm their talent.
For most, the ceremony occurred in one fluid sequence. For Sargon, however, it would be different. Clarion had summoned him despite the blue-dust incident, a signal that he was, in some way, considered one of them. She still needed to observe him, and the talent-selection test would serve that purpose. Even before sunrise, she had convened her ministers to discuss his presence, seeking consensus on how best to proceed.
"Now, I would kindly like you all to welcome him," Clarion said, quickly gathering her composure and locking eyes with Sargon.
He could sense her internal conflict. Last night, he had glimpsed it during his stroll through Pixie Hollow—her distraction subtle but noticeable. I'll talk with her later, he mused, hearing her call him forward. He raised an eyebrow, lightly tapping the fairies to release him. They complied, albeit reluctantly.
In a blur, he moved beside Clarion, ignoring the gasps of awe that rippled through the audience. Some fairies, like Vidia, displayed predatory glances, recalling previous contests.
Sargon studied Clarion momentarily. She took a cautious step back, maintaining calm, her heart steady—a nuance unnoticed by everyone except him. Turning his attention outward, he took stock of the ministers of Pixie Hollow's four seasons.
He inclined his head respectfully, acknowledging their presence. He admired their dedication; without their guidance, the balance of the seasons would falter.
First, the Minister of Winter: a slender fairy with white hair, icy crown, and a long snowflake-patterned gown. Stern, no-nonsense, yet now he saw a flicker of curiosity in her icy blue eyes. Likely in charge of winter preparations on the Mainland, she seemed out of place in the warmer season, but he noted that ministers often held positions of flexibility.
Next, the Minister of Spring: a white-skinned sparrowman with shoulder-length brown hair and green eyes, dressed in garments woven from colorful violets, wearing a crown of leaves. He offered a small smile, analyzing this strange new sparrowman with mild curiosity.
Then, the Minister of Summer: a woman with lime-green eyes, freckled peach-toned skin, wild hair held by a tiara of tiny pink flowers, and a huge pink gown adorned with blossoms. She exuded warmth and indulgence, the type of auntie who spoiled children with chocolate and cookies, yet meticulous in her responsibilities.
Finally, the Minister of Autumn: a straightforward figure with brown hair and eyes, clad in golden-leaf clothing topped with a matching hat. He radiated steadiness, a reflection of the season he oversaw.
Each minister's demeanor mirrored their season, yet each took their responsibilities seriously. Spring's minister, despite the season's wild nature, maintained strict precision, for instance.
With that survey complete, Sargon turned to the eager fairy audience, now perched on the edges of their seats.
"Good morning, fairies of Pixie Hollow. My name is Sargon. A pleasure to meet you all."
He tilted his head with a smile, scanning the crowd.
"As well as to you hidden guests," he added playfully, voice teasing. "Now, how about you stop hiding and show yourselves? Don't be shy~"