(( Ooh, good tension moment. That'll be great material to come back to later, in a more private evening rest, maybe. This reminds me of a lesson in romantic shojo manga writing. ))
The wilting Kieara gave Calamus pause, trying to figure out her reaction. His first thought was of an Omega in a wolf pack, the weakest, submitting to escape harm. Not quite. Sadness, that was it! Nervous to come, sad to stay behind... The male animal faerie put two and two together. "Hey." He smiled confidently, and meant it. "It's okay if you want to stay in Pixie Hollow - you'll see me afterwards at the start of Winter, and I'll look forward to that. AND it'll be okay if you come on the mission - try your hardest, do whatever it takes, and you'll be great out there I know it."
~
The gentle spirit was interrupted as the summoning lord hovered to their cluster. The rest of the pixies in the meadow had already dispersed and this scowling superior wasn't taking any change of heart. He gave plenty of info about the lynx's Mainland habitat, what they needed to do for their numbers - save them from poachers and ensure their breeding - and said that however they accomplished it was up to them. "You're on your own in the Mainland until the season crew brings you home at the start of Winter."
Their immediate orders were to head to the Winter border of Pixie Hollow where the kitten lynxes were getting a preview of the seasons early to help them survive. "Pick up the cubs, get to know them and make sure they obey you. Make all the preparations you can think of this evening. In the morning, report to the Pixie Dust Tree for extra dust rations and make your crossing. Good luck."
The lord had a single map to hand over for the four pixies, and a nominal leader to appoint. A Tinker, a newcomer, hotheaded Calamus, and Fawn - he passed the map and symbol of responsibility on to Fawn.
Fawn sank graciously into a bow.
Calamus just shrugged, as he'd be doing whatever he thought best regardless.