Chapter 35: Elline

It was a beautiful day in Dreamland. Kirby was entering a well-ventilated art studio, carrying several bags from one of the local art stores. With a slight groan, he set them down on the floor and let out an exhausted sigh.

"Kirby?" A voice from inside the art studio. This was Elline, an artsy fairy that helped Kirby bring color back to Dreamland on a previous adventure.

"Oh, hi, Elline! What are you doing here in Dreamland?"

"What I usually come here for. Dreamland is the best place to do art and gain inspiration!"

The puff smiled. "Well, that's true! That's why a lot of my friends here are artists! But don't you and Clayica still have stuff to do in Sevenstopia?"

The fairy just smiled. "Oh no, we finished all of our business in Sevenstopia a while ago."

"I see. So, you're just here for inspiration?"

"More or less. What are you doing here?"

"Oh, I'm here to practice working with clay."

"Oh, so you've gotten interested in clay art have you? Perhaps I could help?"

"Of course! You'd be perfect to help me!" He smiled, knowing how Elline was so skilled at working with clay due to her friend.

"Before we start, may I ask what got you interested in doing clay art?"

"Oh... um... just the fact that I've gotten really good with painting, but I haven't really worked on my sculpting ability."

"I assume you mean sculpting with clay, because I've seen you make some good stone statues."

"Yeah! I never even tried it with my artist ability before!"

"Well, let's start by seeing what materials you have. Open up your bag please."

The puff nodded and did so.

"Well, it looks like what you have will work just fine for a beginner project. Do you have an idea of what you want to make?"

"Hmm..." Kirby became silent for a moment, making Elline tense. Then, suddenly he burst out with a happy smile. "I don't know!"

The fairy sighed, expecting that kind of answer. "Well, let's start off simple. How does a replica of Whispy woods sound?"

"Oh, that sounds nice!" He smiled.

His friend smiled, both at Kirby's smile and at his eagerness to create. "Then we'll do that."

"Ok! Then if I get good enough, I can make other sculptures!" He uttered in excitement, quickly running over to a table to grab a paintbrush and inhale it to gain the Artist Ability.

"Well, you don't really need that, but I suppose it couldn't hurt." She commented at his appearance. "First, we'll need some newspaper."

"Luckily, this place should have some papers from yesterday!" Kirby ran off and came back in a few moments, holding a large amount of newspaper.

"Huh. Well, that was convenient." She uttered.

"I told you! So, what now?"

"Well, you'll need a few tools to work with clay. Since we're doing a detailed piece, you'll need potter's needles, cut off wires, fettling knives, a few wire tools, a few wood tools, and sponges."

As she explained what he needed, Kirby's eyes began to spin from information overload. "Um... is any of that difficult to use for a first timer?"

"No, they're tools you use to help the clay take the form you like. Brushes are also needed, but you have me, so don't worry about it."

"Well, ok!"

After taking a couple of minutes to gather all of the supplies, they were ready to begin.

"What's our first step?" Kirby asked.

"You start by creating the basic form that you want to make."

The child nodded at that reply. It seemed easy enough to him. "Would you mind showing me a demonstration so I can have a decent idea for what I'm doing?"

"Of course! Just know it might not be too good since I'm not as skilled as Clayica." She said, taking a lump and putting it on the table. After a few moments, she began to form the lump into a vague shape.

"Wow! That was fast!" Kirby exclaimed, already impressed.

"Now would you like to try it?"

"Of course!"

"Then, go ahead!"

The puff nodded and copied what Elline did, creating the same shape she did.

"Now we have to start adding in the details on the tree trunk."

"Ok! What tool will I need?"

She looked at the clay. "Hmm... if we're making tree trunk details, use some of the wood tools."

"So do i just stick wood into it?" He asked as he tilted his head.

"No, just watch." She said as she began to trace out the folds, slowly beginning to make it look like a tree trunk.

"Oooh. I can handle that, I think."

"You should be able to. Try it."

"Will do! Let me at it!"

She nodded and waited for the puff to get to work. "You're really good with your hands, Kirby." She noticed as she watched him.

"A lot of people tell me that!" He giggled.

"As they should. You're a very hands-on learner, aren't you?"

"Yup!"

"I wonder. Dies the artist ability make it easier or are you naturally that gifted?"

"Honestly, I'm not really sure! You should see my personal drawings to check!"

"I definitely will later! But for now, let's get back to work." The puff nodded as he continued his work.

"It's very impressive that you're able to get the small details right. Then again, you have a lot of experience with Whispy don't you?"

"Yup! I tend to fight him a lot!"

"Does he actually ever put up a fight?" She asked, knowing the tree's reputation.

"I guess? I don't really know if he does."

"So, no then. Well, is he at least nice when you two aren't fighting?"

"Yup! He's really nice! He lets me take some apples if I'm passing by him while on a trip!"

"Well, that's wonderful! What shade of red would you say those apples are?"

"Um... depends on the season, I think. Right now, they should be a dark red."

"Hm... then we can glaze them in that color when we get to that step."

"Well, what's our next step then?"

"Well, you got down the eyes, so I think next we should sculpt in the eyes and nose. First, we use this loop tool to scrape a hole in for them. Then, we have to make a nose and mouth. However... adding a nose means I'll probably have to teach you how to attach pieces of clay together."

"Good! I'm here to learn after all."

Elline nodded. "Well, I'll get the water bucket for that. You can just finish work on the eyes and mouth of yours."

"Ok!"

She left Kirby to his own devices with the child still happily continuing to work.

A couple of minutes later, she returned with a bucket of water.

"How are you handling it, Kirby?" she asked, taking a look at his progress.

"With my hands!" He said happily. "But seriously it's going well."

She took a look, and saw he was just about done. "That's great. Now, I guess we can work on forming the nose. This might be the most difficult part, because you have to prevent air pockets from forming."

"Air pockets?"

"Yes, air pockets. If you're not careful and don't attach it right, you'll create air pockets, which creates a trap for water and makes your project explode when you put it in the oven!"

"It'll blow up!?"

"Yes, it will."

"How does that work?"

"If the air pockets have moisture in them, it can heat up and create steam. If there's no way for the steam to escape, it'll force its way out through exploding."

"Well, I don't want that to happen!"

"We'll have to let it air dry for as long as possible then."

"How long will that be?"

"The times seems to vary. Might be a couple of hours looking at this. Though, I guess it's fine since we have to make the upper half of his body."

"Oh, well that's a relief!"

"Yup."

"So then, what do I do next?" He asked, now done with the eyes.

"If you're done with the eyes and mouth, next would be the nose. So, the method to attach pieces are called "slip and score". First, take a look at this bucket of water."

Kirby did so to see nothing but a slurry of clay and water.

"This is called "slip". This is what you use to help attach pieces together. The second thing you should do is score, or make small cuts in the clay. By doing both of these together, you can attach clay pieces together." Elline explained.

"That sounds easy enough, I guess."

"Then how about we try?"

"That's why I'm here after all. Let's do it."

She nodded as they got to work.

"So, what comes after we're done with this step?"

"After attaching the nose? We work on the rest of the tree, of course."

"How big should the nose be?"

"However long you think it should be."

"Well, I know, but I mean how big should it be? I don't want it to be so small it'll fall off, but I don't want it to eclipse the rest of the face."

"Oh, in that case, just make it medium sized, not too big not too small."

"Got it!" The puff exclaimed as he got to work on it. "So how has Claycia been?" He then asked, just to make conversation.

"Oh, she's been doing well, thanks. She's engrossed in another art project to the point where she doesn't want me knowing what she's working on."

"Really? Doesn't that bother you?"

"A bit, but I also know that's just how Clayica is."

"Oh, well what do you think she's working on if you had to guess?"

"Maybe some kind of statue? I don't see what else we would need for Sevenstopia, honestly. We have enough living things there."

"Well maybe she isn't making something for Sevenstopia?"

"Perhaps, but it could also be a statue for Sevenstopia."

"...No, I don't think so. I think it's more likely that she's making something for you."

Elline blinked for a moment. "Really? Why do you think that? My birthday isn't anytime soon and it's far too early for it to be Christmas."

"Well with her other projects did she ever keep them secret from you?"

"Not really. Usually if her artist's block was pretty bad."

"Well, she's hard at work so it can't be art block. So, she's most likely making a gift for you."

"Hmm... you're probably right."

"Yup! I'm the best when it comes to gift making and giving!"

"Really? Well, I don't think I can doubt that. I've heard all the things you do for your friends."

"Yup! As for why she would be making something for you, does a friend need a reason to make a gift?"

"Well... not really, I guess..."

"Then there you have it! You're getting a gift!"

"Of course!" She suddenly shouted, but then she blinked. "I should probably act surprised when she gives it to me, though."

"Well, you don't know what it is, so no matter what it'll be a surprise."

"Good point. But just to be safe, I will."

Kirby nodded. "Ok, I'm done with the nose. I think."

Elline took a moment to look over the sculpture before nodding. "Well, next we'll work on the upper half of it."

"Ok! Just tell me what to do."

The fairy nodded. "We start by taking a lump of clay and forming it into the various bunches of leaves on Whispy Woods."

"That should be simple enough. They are pretty easy to picture in my head."

"Then how about you do it?"

"I am, though." He said, tilting his head in confusion.

His friend smiled. "I know, I'm excited to see what you can do."

Kirby nodded and got back to work.

A couple of hours later, Kirby finished the upper half of the piece.

"Now, we have to attach it and wait for it to dry before we bake it." Elline said.

The puff nodded and got to work on that. "Ok, it's attached. I guess now we can only wait."

His friend nodded and sat down next to him.

"So, what shall we do while we wait?" Kirby asked.

"What would you like to do?" she asked.

"Eat! All that work made me hungry."

"Then let's get lunch. Oh, then you can show me your drawings then!"

"Sure! Sounds good!"

The fairy smiled. "How about you go and bring us lunch here? I'll stay here to look over your project. Just in case something happens."

"Ok!" The puff nodded as he hopped to his feet.

While waiting Elline started to think of her past adventure with Kirby, somewhat hoping that she could go on an adventure again. Though she knew she wasn't the most useful at times, she still liked that Kirby took her with him in the first place. Even though she had to nudge him a bit in the first place, of course. Regardless, she enjoyed her time, even when worrying about her possessed friend that they managed to free. It was during those times when the child's kindness really shined, as he continued to be optimistic and say that they would figure out what was wrong with her.

"Hey Elline, I'm back!"

She jumped, surprised at his sudden appearance. "Welcome back, Kirby! I didn't think you would be back so quickly!"

"Oh, Kawasaki was expecting me, so it didn't take long at all!"

"I see..." Elline had heard Kirby talk about the chef before. The child was arguably his best customer and just seemed to know whenever he was hungry.

"Yup, I also brought my drawings!"

"Oh, well let me see them!" She uttered in excitement.

"Ok! Take a look!" With a big smiled, Kirby showed Elline the drawings, which were... to put it lightly, very child-like and roughly doodled out in crayon. They were a bit crude, but at the same time, they had a lot of effort put into them to the point where Elline honestly didn't know how to feel about it. "So, what do you think?"

"I think they're very good!" She said.

"Really? Thanks!"

"No problem, thank you for showing them to me."

"Which is your favorite?"

"All of them!"

"Thanks! Now what would you like to eat?"

"Well, what did you bring?"

"Everything!"

"Well... I'm not exactly sure what I'd like to eat..." she uttered.

"Then pick something! Don't think, eat!"

She nodded and did so. "This Kawasaki is a pretty good cook."

"I know, right?!"

"Do you always eat his food?"

"Not always, but I try to at least once a week!"

"I guess that's why he knows what exactly you want each time you go then."

"Yup! He's just that good!"

"That's incredible honestly."

"I know! He's the greatest!"

Elline nodded. "So, are you enjoying working with clay? To me having fun is essential for art."

"Oh I'm having a ton of fun!"

"Wonderful! The best pieces are always one made with passion, at least that's what I believe."

"I think so, too. That's why I love drawing!"

"That's a good mindset to have."

"I know, right?"

His friend nodded in response before eating.

After another hour and all the food brought was devoured, with Elline eating more than she thought she would, Kirby looked at his project.

"So, do you think it's dry enough now?" She flew over and inspected it. After a moment she gave a nod. "Yes, it is. Let's put it in the kiln."

Kirby nodded. "Should I wear gloves to protect my hands when I put it in?"

"Of course. A kiln is practically an oven!"

He ran off for a moment and returned wearing some oversized gloves. "This was the only size they had." He said upon seeing Elline look at him.

"I see. Well, let's put it in the kiln then. It'll take a couple of hours for it to bake."

"I see why Claycia is always so busy then. This takes a long time!"

"Indeed. It sometimes doesn't seem so long because she's generally working on multiple projects at once. The moment one project needs to go in the kiln, that other one is already done. It's a nice system we have!"

"Oh, well that is a useful system then!"

"Yes, especially if you have a lot of work to do!"

The child nodded and carefully put his project into the kiln and closed the door.

"Now, we wait for it to bake." Elline said. "It might take a couple of hours, though.

"Well, that's fine. We got plenty of time!"

His friend nodded. "Well, what would you like to do while we wait?"

"Eat!"

"We just ate..."

"Oh. Then we can go for a walk."

"Well, that sounds like a good idea. I could get more inspiration while walking around outside!"

"Then let's go!"

Elline nodded and followed her friend outside.

As they walked, Elline spoke up. "So, have you been on any interesting adventures lately Kirby?"

"I recently went to another world! It was great!"

"Oh exciting! How many worlds have you been to?"

"A lot!"

"I see. I would ask if you had a favorite, but I think you will just say all of them."

"Wow, how did you know?"

"Because that's your answer to whenever someone asks you for your favorite anything."

"Oh. Heh heh..." The puff timidly giggled.

"Not like there's anything wrong with that though."

"Oh, I agree. I think it's a lot better to like a lot of things!"

"Agreed. But I wonder, is there anything you don't like besides evil?"

"Caterpillars." He replied bluntly.

"Really?" Elline blinked in surprise at that reply.

"Of course! They're icky and get in my fruit when I eat it!" The child replied with a pout.

"Well, ok. But you do know they are completely harmless right?"

"Yes, but they're gross!"

"And harmless. There's far worse bugs out there if you ask me."

"But they're not like caterpillars!" He seemed to pout even more.

"Ok, fair enough."

The puff nodded before asking his own question. "What do you like Elline?"

"I like a lot of things! Rainbows, flowers, the blue skies, and most animals, too!"

"What do you like the most out of everything you like?"

"My friends!" She simply replied.

"I'm the same!"

"That's great!"

The two of them smiled at each other.

"Hey Kirby, do you think you could take me on another adventure sometime?"

"I'd love to!" He replied happily.

"Then I'll make sure to keep an open schedule just in case."

"And I'll start to think of places we can go!"

"Anywhere is fine with me, as long as it's not too scary."

The puff nodded in understanding. "Well, I know a lot of places that aren't scary, lucky for you!"

"That's good to know, I can't handle scary."

"I know." The child replied.

Kirby could remember that during his previous outing with Elline. She was often jumpy and afraid around many of the giant baddies and even possessed Clayica. In fact, that was the main reason she didn't go on many adventures in general. Still, Kirby enjoyed her company regardless. Besides, it would be nice to travel without having to worry about any danger.

"I wonder if the great cave wouldn't be too much for her?" He thought to himself.

Perhaps, as long as he takes down most of the guardians of the areas. In fact, they've been getting easier and easier for him to beat with each fight. He might just be getting used to it quickly. Well in any case, that was one idea.

"Hey, what do you think of caves?" He asked.

Elline smiled. "I think caves are nice. They can be cool, and they can be really pretty if they're full of crystals!"

"Oh, then that's perfect! I know just the place."

"Really?" She asked, curious.

"Yeah, there's a cave just like that here in Dreamland."

"A cave with many pretty crystals? Oh, that sounds wonderful! We should go there!"

"We will! Just after my project is done of course." He giggled.

"Right, right! Well, we should probably go back soon. I think the firing might be done by the time we get back."

"Ok!"

They then turned around and began to walk back.

After a short time, they returned to the kiln to check on the figures.

"Alright, let's see how this turned out..." Elline uttered as she grabbed a stick and pulled Kirby's work out of the kiln.

"Well, did it explode?"

"Look for yourself." She replied.

Slightly nervous, Kirby walked over, and, to his excitement, it hadn't exploded! "Awesome! So, what do you think? Did I do good?"

"I think you did a great job, Kirby! You should be proud!"

"I am! Thank you for your help!"

"You're very welcome, I'm glad that I was able to help!"

Kirby reached out and shook her hand, ecstatic over a successful venture. Admittedly, this slightly surprised Elline, who didn't expect that reaction.

"Really? I thought I was going slow." The puff uttered, questioning that reaction.

Elline looked confused.

"Yeah, this is slow for me."

His friend sighed.

"Well, Elline have you found inspiration for your own art?"

She smiled. "I found a lot more inspiration than I honestly know what to do with!"

"Well, that's perfect! You should show me what you make when you're done."

She nodded in response. "I think I might work on it after we glaze your piece."

"Oh, so I still have some left to do? Ok! How do I do that?"

Elline left for a moment and grabbed several jars and brushes. "I could easily paint it myself, but I'm sure you don't want it to come to life. We'll have to paint three layers of colored glaze over it before firing it again."

"Ok, let's do it then."

The fairy opened the jars, and they began to paint the figure.

After a half hour of painting, it was time to fire it again. Kirby put his piece in the kiln and Elline shut it up.

"Well, we have to wait another few hours for this to be complete. What would you like to do?"

"Well, I can watch you work on your own art."

"Hm... right. I can use all that inspiration I gathered!"

"Yup! Go for it!"

Grabbing a primed canvas, Elline began to paint, letting inspiration guide her every stroke. Kirby for his part watched silently, taking care not to disturb her as she worked. He was quite impressed by what he was seeing, however. Not only that, but it was extremely... mesmerizing. He was practically hypnotized by the movements, unable to take his eyes off it. It reminded him greatly of his other artist friends, namely Adeliene and Vividra. Honestly, he noted that all of his artist friends were like that. It was why he enjoyed watching them work.

"...Is there anything I can do for you, Elline?"

She jumped for a moment. "Oh, sorry, I might have gotten into my work too much and forgot you were here. But no, I don't' need any help right now. I appreciate you asking."

"Well, ok!"

With a nod, Elline got back to work. Kirby decided to sit down and just watch, his eyes drawn in by her every stroke. This continued until the strokes suddenly stopped, indicating that Elline was done with the piece.

"Oh, are you finished?" He asked a bit sleepily, but he quickly shook that off.

"Yes, take a look!" She said, proudly showing him the finished canvas.

Kirby did so. "Oh, this is fantastic! What exactly is it?"

"It's a painting of us walking through a crystal-filled cave with nature." she said, happily.

"Aww, it's beautiful."

"Thank you! I'm happy with how it turned out!"

"Good! Speaking of turn out, you think mine is done yet?"

"Let me check." She took a look in the kiln. "Ah, it's done!" Elline exclaimed and took the sculpture out.

Kirby's eyes lit up in amazement as he saw the brilliant looking glazed figure. "Awesome! Is there anything else I need to do?"

"Just stand back and admire your work."

"That I can do easily!"

The duo stood back and admired Kirby's work.

After a moment, the child suddenly spoke up. "Thanks for your help!"

"It's not a problem! I had a lot of fun working on this with you!"

Kirby smiled. "I'm not sure when I'll do another clay project, but I know I'll be able to handle it now."

"I'm glad! You should show it to me next time you do it!"

"Of course!"

They continued to look at each other and the piece happily.

"Well, I guess we should both be heading home then, huh?"

Elline looked out the window and nodded before turning back. "I had a lot of fun today, Kirby."

"So did I!"

"I'm glad that you did. We should do things like this more often."

"We should, which means you need to come to Dreamland more often."

His friend smiled. "I think I definitely will after this experience."

"Good! Tell Claycia I said hi!"

"Of course!" She replied happily.

The two friends then bid farewell to each other. When Kirby returned home, he proudly put his art on display.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Nothing much happened, but I'm sure it was enjoyable.

I had to look up some things about pottery because I didn't remember everything I learned in ceramics.