I'm just going to stick a random story here and see if anyone notices ( Link [phovos.net])

As part of keeping the Twelve Anew in touch with their mortal races, but also to keep them united and understanding of one another, Dalosisaar often requested that they all occasionally partake in various events, mostly political meetings or interviews. Akusasiiri on the other hand regularly insisted that some of her fellow Twelve Anew accompany her to various events that were much more fun. Normally these were Athren carnivals or Temthan or Vrekan celebrations, and she always brought some extra friends along, to prove that they were all “one of the people”.

Today was no exception. Akusasiiri was going to an Air of Colours parade on the Athren home world, celebrating the turn of the season, the return of cooler breezes and the leaves changing colour, and she had brought a few of her friends along to join her. And, as always, she had insisted they wander the crowds with her.

Unusually though, one of her companions today was Litvir. While Litvir did often enjoy these events, they were normally too busy to actually join Akusasiiri. Their duties meant that Litvir was busy patrolling the edge of the universe, sometimes for days at a time (if they forgot that they needed to go home occasionally, and whenever they weren’t working, they spent their free time sleeping or trying to learn things with their adopted parents.

Also with them were Elkay and Maresia. Maresia always wanted an excuse to go to a party, even if this was more of a carnival with a load of floats and they were just in the crowd. Elkay was mostly there to keep an eye on Litvir, after Litvir had mentioned that they didn’t know what a carnival float was, and had only ever seen one balloon.

Currently, while Akusasiiri was off talking with people, Maresia, Elkay and Litvir were all just walking through the crowds. Athrens were somewhat tall, most of them reached the 2.3m mark. Litvir could happily see over everyone, but Elkay was trying to avoid being trod on, which was why he was constantly leading Litvir closer to groups of Athren kids, who were closer to Elkay’s height. Maresia was vaguely following them, pausing to chat to anyone who poked at her. She was having fun and, as always, everyone was enjoying talking with the beautiful Temthan.

Really, Elkay was more concerned about Litvir, but they seemed to be utterly in awe by the large balloon floats that were drifting by, pulled by groups of Athrens in colourful feathery costumes. As the floats finished up, the street filled with more of the general public, and they followed the floats down the road, where it all ended in a big square of partying and music.

However, there were lots of people still in the main street, mostly Athrens buying things from various stalls. One of the stalls caught Litvir’s eye, and they dragged Elkay over to have a look. Elkay admittedly didn’t have much choice, Litvir was much taller and much stronger than he was. The stall in question was someone making balloon animals and giving them to a crowd of kids who had gathered around.

Litvir patiently watched on from the back as a pale purple Athren was blowing up very long, thin helium-filled balloons. They took each balloon and twisted it around into different shapes, before trying it to some string and handing it to a nearby kid, who would cheerfully run off back to their parent. However, the balloon artist spotted Litvir and beckoned them over. Litvir smiled uneasily and approached, dragging Elkay with them.

“Helloooo!” the Athren cooed. “Would you like a balloon animal, my tall, skinny Rethan friend?”

Litvir nodded. “Yes, please!”

“Of couuurse! What animal would you like me to make for you?”

“A fluffy kitty, please!” Litvir bounced excitedly.

The Athren glanced at Elkay. Elkay rolled his eyes.

“Just made something vaguely cat shaped.”

The Athren went back to smiling. They grabbed a purple balloon that matched Litvir’s eyes, and, with a few twists and turns, they made a cute little balloon dog. They tied it to some string and handed it to Litvir.

“Here you go, darling!” the Athren beamed.

“Thank you!” Litvir beamed back. “I love it!”

Elkay muttered a thank you as well, then dragged Litvir off, so they could find Akusasiiri and Maresia. Litvir cheerfully skipped behind Elkay, following him as he tried to work through the crowds. The entire time, Litvir was clutching the string of their balloon as if their life depended on it, constantly repeating the word “balloon”. They weren’t really paying attention to where they were going though, and Elkay had to routinely call to Litvir and get them to focus.

However, as Litvir and Elkay pressed against a building to get past a rather thick and unmoving crowd, something popped. Litvir’s balloon animal disappeared, and the string drooped to the ground. Something else broke as well. Litvir’s heart.

“My balloooooon!”

Tears streamed from Litvir’s eyes as they cradled the string their balloon had been attached to.

“My balloon!”

“Litvir, it is just-”

“MY BALLOON!”

Litvir became almost inconsolable, their words dissolving into snot and bubbles. Elkay was at a loss with how to deal with the now wailing baby Rethan, and quickly sent a telepathic message to Nanik, who had picked up on Litvir’s heightened emotions. She immediately sent a message to Akusasiiri.

After a minute of Litvir crying and Elkay trying to nudge them into an alleyway so they weren’t so obvious, Akusasiiri appeared, with Maresia in tow. The Goddess of the Arts had brought with her a new balloon, this one clear with glitter inside it, and a plaster stuck on the side.

“Litvir, little one?” Akusasiiri whistled, catching Litvir’s attention.

“My b-b-balloon…” Litvir stuttered.

“It’s okaaaay, Litvir!” Akusasiiri smiled. She gently took the string out of Litvir’s hands, then gave them the new balloon.

“I… I b-broke it…”

Akusasiiri patted Litvir on the shoulder. “It’s okay. It is just a balloon. I got you a new one.”

“B-b-but I b-b-broke it…”

“Balloons are temporary. They don’t last very long. They are pretty but fleeting. A lot of beautiful things are brief. But we cherish them while they last, yes?” Akusasiiri smiled some more. “But more importantly, you made a nice memory with the balloon. That memory will last a long time. Now though, you can look after this balloon, learn a thing and make a new memory, yes?”

Litvir rubbed their eyes, then nodded. “I… I think I understand… I am sorry I broke the balloon.”

“It’s alright, darling. Come on now. Bring your new balloon with me, and we will go and get some candy floss.”

“Candy floss?”

Akusasiiri grinned and held out her hand. “It is pretty and soft and cute. And taaaaasty. You will like it.”

Litvir hesitated, wiped their free hand on their stomach wrap to get rid of some of the snot and tears, then took Akusasiiri’s hand and let her lead them away.

“Thank you.”

“No worries, darling. We learned something today, yes?”

“We did, yes.”