~Fathom

Fathom was having a reasonably good time until he read Darkstalker's letter.

Dear Fathom

Vigilance took Clearsight. I'm worried she's going to do something awful to her. Don't worry though, I'm working on a way to fix it

Your friend, Darkstalker

Several things about the letter made Fathom worry. The fact that Clearsight had been captured, what Darkstalker meant by "a way to fix it," and also how Darkstalker told him not to worry. He knew that he was trying to help, but to Fathom, when a dragon says "don't worry," it means that whoever they're speaking to should be worrying.

Fathom was working on a reply when a servant came to his room.

"Your Majesty, Queen Pearl would like you to come to the throne room." The servant said.

Fathom looked at the small SeaWing. "Did she say for what?" He asked.

"No, just that your attendance is not required but appreciated." The servant replied.

"Tell her I'll be there in a few more moments." Fathom said. The servant nodded and walked away.

Fathom stood up, and looked over at one of the carvings he had done. He had finished ten or so, having nothing else to do. The one he liked the most was a tiny version of the Summer Palace. He had done it out of memory from the designs he had studied with Albatross. It didn't include the trees and leaves that shielded it from above, but like most of his carvings it was wonderfully detailed. He picked it up and carried it with him, and decided he could give it to his sister. No point in keeping it otherwise.

He entered the throne room, which still had decorations in it from the ball that was thrown in honor of the MudWings a night ago. Pearl sat on her throne with elegance that only she could manifest.

"I brought something for you," Fathom said. He held out the small carving. "It's not much, but I received a letter from Darkstalker and I'd like to go back soon."

Pearl gestured for one of the servants to bring her the small carving. She smiled. "Thank you, Fathom. It's beautiful." She said. "And I asked you here concerning the search for Indigo. It seems that they found her spear and some of her other belongings. When they asked the RainWings, they said they saw two SeaWings and a NightWing heading towards the Night Kingdom. The search party will head there after a few days' worth of resting. If they can't find her, they'll come back and you can continue with your mission."

"Thank you." Fathom replied. Honestly, though, he wished that they had gone to the other side of the continent. How could he warn them without giving too much away?

When Pearl dismissed him, Fathom walked out of the throne room and into his own bedroom.

He knew exactly what he wanted to say.

Dear Darkstalker

I'll try to be back as soon as I can. My sister has sent a SeaWing search party for Indigo, and they're searching the Night Kingdom next. Don't panic; you have nothing to hide.

-Fathom

It was short, but it was enough. Fathom gave it to the passing servant with instructions on who to give it to, then sat back down to continue on a wooden figure he was making.

…

Fathom was getting ready to go to bed when someone lightly knocked by the entrance of his room. When he looked over, he was surprised to see his sister.

"Come in." He said. Pearl nodded, and walked farther in.

"How has your day been?" Pearl asked. "I realized that since we haven't seen each other in so long, we haven't had a normal conversation in forever."

"My day was good." Fathom replied. He gestured for Pearl to sit. "Yours?"

"Good as well. At first, I didn't think I would be able to replace Grandmother as queen. But now, I finally think I truly understand it."

"I was used to being unnoticed, and when I became an animus, I became quite the opposite. Everyone who looks at me now looks away or glares, thinking I'm still like Albatross."

"I promise, tomorrow I'll try to change that. Would you like to eat breakfast with me tomorrow? I noticed that you normally eat it in your room."

"That would be fine. Thank you."

Fathom smiled at his sister, who brushed his wings in return.

"I should go." Pearl said. "I'll see you in the morning."

"You too." Fathom replied. He watched as his sister left the room.