The group flew up away from the mushroom monster, and towards town. Along the way, Juniper pointed out the sights. Including some poisonous mushrooms she warned them not to touch. Who would have thought mushrooms could cause so much trouble.

Things should have been easier when they got to the city, but it wasn’t. The place was eerily empty. A chill went down Sky’s back. After some time searching, an officer came up to them, and said fairies had been turned to stone here too. Even Mrs. Greypetal herself had been affected. Sky’s wings faltered, and he frowned. So much for saving his parents quickly. “Sir, my mother and father, the king and queen of Feydellia have also been turned to stone. This is a matter of utmost importance. Especially if it’s spreading to other kingdoms. Anything you can tell us would be helpful.”

Zircon and Surge were quick to ask questions, and Officer Sundew was quick to answer. “Unfortunately, we don’t know what caused it. But we do have a few leads… We’ve discovered fairy dust residue at the scene. At least… We think it’s fairy dust residue.”

“What do you mean you think?”

“You know Fairy dust residue shines and sparkles. But this was completely matte black. Also, we also found these mysterious symbols etched into the trees nearby.” The officer pointed out a few of them. We’re researching what they mean, but not having much luck.

Sky wondered if this those clues were there back in Feydellia. He wouldn’t have thought to look for them at the time… “I still think it was rogue dark faires!” Sky said matter of factly. “Although, what motive could they have for doing this to others? I thought they just hated my kingdom…”

The officer gave the prince a perplexed look. “If you ask me. I suspect whatever did this isn’t of fairy origin.”

---

“I’m fine fine.” answered Vyvien as they flew away from the mushroom monster. Thankfully, it didn’t seem dexterous enough to chase after them. Vyvien looked back towards where the they had leave the fungal creature and let out a small sigh, “but I couldn’t retrieve my voice amplifier. I hope the mushroom doesn’t break it.”

Once the group had arrived at the city, there was a sense that something wasn’t right. Vyvien really couldn’t say how the city of Lumina was supposed to be, but she didn’t expect it to be as quiet as it was. Even the sound of wildlife seemed to have been muted to some degree. She looked around the emptiness of the city square when an officer approached. Vyvien was only half listening when something the officer said caught her attention.

“Wait wait. Fairies are turning to stone here, too?” she asked with some panic. It was more surprise than panic, but the news made the situation worrying. Feydellia was already fairly high up over the clouds, so to hear that whatever infection this was spreading down here in the forest made Vyvien’s heart skip a beat. Officer Sundew nodded before continuing his explanation.

“Fairy dust, but not?” Vyvien pondered, “Could you show me the scene? Maybe I can figure something out. The tree carving and the black dust. Maybe this can be of use.” As she was speaking, she summoned her rune tool wheel and retrieved her newly invented magic detector.

“If if it is the dark fairies, this should tell us. But I don’t think they, or any fairy, is capable of this. I just can’t imagine them having any reason to.”

@Crimson Flame @Randomness

Studying the symbols the officer pointed out, Zircon frowned. They weren't like anything she'd seen before. She thought back to the nightmarish scenario in the ballroom, the panicked and rushed search for clues - if only they'd spent longer looking. If they had, they might have more information to give.

She bit back an exasperated sigh when Sky decided to take this as proof this was the dark fairies' doing. "Doesn't look like shadow magic to me," she muttered. "But if it isn't earth magic... Then what is it?"

Nothing of fairy origin, according to the officer. Zircon's frown deepened. Who could have it in for their kind? And why? Vyvien set about trying to find the answer, putting her magic detector to use. "Any luck?" Zircon asked Vyvien. "Hmm, do you know anyone who might be able to help? I hear Feydale's quite the knowledge hub."

She turned her gaze back to Sky before continuing. "Or... I doubt the dark fairies did this, but they might have some useful information. I've visited Transfeyvania a few times on business journeys, and they have an impressive library." She'd been in search of crafting guidebooks, but the place seemed to contain texts on most anything and everything. Ancient arcane languages and symbols, rare branches of magic, historical conflicts - there had to be something relevant.

Of course, putting the idea in Sky's head may well have been a mistake, as he'd undoubtedly offend plenty of people there and make a prize fool of himself. Still, if it brought them closer to breaking the curse, it was worth suggesting.