Nell

Mute, but expressive. While Nell possesses the ability to speak, he rarely chooses to communicate verbally. Consequently, the majority of the Unseelie Court assumes he's non-verbal - an assumption Nell has no desire to dispute given his preference for the undisturbed quiet of the Dark Mangroves. He would have been content to carry on in silence forever had his work not put him in frequent contact with Penumbra.
~
Most within the court avoided Penumbra, and though their reasons for doing so never made sense to Nell, he didn't feel it necessary to seek out the truth. Having it wouldn't have changed the fact that Nell had to interact with Penumbra on a semi-regular basis. However, as Nell spent more time in Penumbra's presence, he began to find himself curious about the others' behavior. Penumbra was kind and soft-spoken. He helped Requiem mend the souls of the forgotten and acted as liaison to the Autumnal Court. By all accounts, Penumbra should have been a beloved member of the court, and yet they avoided him like the Plaguebringer. Barring Requiem, that is.

Requiem worked alongside Penumbra without apprehension. In fact, the two were quite close, mending souls in perfect harmony without so much as a word between them. The way they worked together was almost hypnotic, and on the occasions Nell had souls to deliver to them, he always felt compelled to stay and observe. At first, Nell watched the pair work from afar, but Penumbra was much more observant than Nell gave him credit for.

"You're welcome to stay, y'know," Penumbra offered one day, just as Nell was departing. "Requiem is gone for the day and I could use the company."

Nell tilted his head, considering the offer.

Penumbra continued, "I'm aware you like to keep to yourself, so you've no obligation to speak if you decide to stay. It's easier for me to concentrate in silence, anyway."

Eventually Nell nodded and stepped back into the hut, earning himself a small smile from Penumbra.

Before returning to his work, Penumbra offered Nell some hot tea and a comfortable pillow to sit on with assurances that he could leave as soon as he grew bored. Not for the first time, Nell found himself outraged on Penumbra's behalf. Why are the others so afraid of you, Nell wondered to himself. You've been nothing but kind any time I see you.

"They worry for their secrets," Penumbra answered absently, his attention focused on the shapes morphing and changing inside the crystalline orb before them.

As Nell paled, Penumbra seemed to remember himself. His eyes snapped upward and he opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Did you just - can you... hear me? Nell thought, looking directly into his eyes.

Penumbra quickly broke their gaze and cleared his throat. "Sorry. I uh - have a habit of talking to myself when Requiem isn't here." He laughed nervously and looked back down at the orb.

That's why they avoid you. Nell thought, pointing his words at Penumbra as best he could manage. You can hear their thoughts.

Penumbra, to his credit, didn't react this time.

After a few more - fruitless - attempts to get Penumbra to respond to his thoughts, Nell huffed. Before his mood could sour completely, Nell remembered what all the other dragons did once they found out Penumbra could hear their thoughts.

With a deep breath, Nell decided to try once more. Out loud. "I won't leave."

Penumbra froze, looking up slowly this time, as if to make sure the words were said aloud this time.

When he didn't respond, Nell spoke again, letting Penumbra see the words leave his mouth. "I'm not leaving. You just... surprised me is all."

Penumbra looked away again. His voice was barely a whisper when he said, "I - I'm sorry. I've been learning to tune them out. Your thoughts are just - I don't know - loud?"

Nell chuckled at that. "First time I've ever been called loud."

"Nell, please." Penumbra looked distraught. "I don't want you to feel like you have to speak just because -"

"I don't," Nell interrupted. "I'm speaking because I want to."

Penumbra's mouth hung open for a moment. "You... want to?"

Nell nodded. After a deep breath he added, "I feel comfortable enough to."

"Oh." Penumbra blushed at that. "I'm honored that Requiem and I make you feel comfortable enough to speak."

Just you, Nell thought.

The blush dusting Penumbra's cheeks darkened. "Well... I'm honored nonetheless."

A breeze swept through the tent, touching nothing but the bones decorating Nell's wings. He closed his eyes, listening for something, then said, "Duty calls."

Penumbra's eyes followed him as he stood. "Yes. Of course. Thank you... for keeping me company, that is."

"I'd be happy to join you again," Nell said, voice quieting as he neared the entrance. "If you want."

"I'd like that very much."

As would I, Nell thought before leaving.

---

Ferries souls collected by Spade to the forgotten god. When he's not with Penumbra, or ferrying souls, he will retreat into the foliage, emerging only when needed.

---

idk what kind of grip this little pixel boy has on me, but out of all the cool dragons I've collected, this one is my favorite. momma's special boy, super ultra mega not for sale.

---