Issy has a minion!

Pixie the Suria

Deep roots

are not reached by the frost

Issy's first venture out of her home land, Saherimos, was to Ytiva in the far north - Subeta's northern most continent known for its bitter, icy cold weather conditions year round.

Issy's mirage travelled to the north to work as pack beasts and mounts during one particularly frosty, stormy winter. A species used to travelling for miles around the sandy deserts, the terrain of Ytiva wasn’t too different for the mirage; however, the glacial temperatures were something to get used to.

While the mirage lugged equipment up the mountain and helped clear paths in the thick snow, young Issy spent her days frolicking in the fluffy, white snow and exploring the central down town areas of the Arctic Frost. She especially enjoyed observing all the different people and animals' comings and goings.

After being whacked in the head with a Dainty Tiara Snowball (although it did make for a lovely tiara), Issy made sure she stayed on high alert around the Snowapult and Avalanche Emporium. Issy was amazed with the fun that could be had with snow. Used to sandy deserts, making snow angels and having snowball fights were much more fun than having gritty sand stuck in your fur or blown into your eyes.

One cold but clear day while watching a bunch of raucous teenagers hoard snowballs, Issy noticed people entering a large, brown workshop with arms full of crafting items, little toys, different kits and a sparkly, shiny red, gold and white bottle along with their beloved pet companions. After a little while the same people left the workshop with, at first glance, what looked like the same companions. But they weren't; they were different. Pets that had once been Cherry, Glacier or Reborn now looked toy-like. Issy had heard of Nostalgic pets but hadn't seen one in real life before. They hadn't made it to Saherimos yet.

Issy kept a close eye on the workshop for a few days and soon learnt a man by the name of Vanya was the toy maker. As the days passed, she became braver and got closer and closer to the workshop. It was then she noticed a pile of discarded nostalgic toys inside one of the back rooms.

Vanya caught Issy, the curious little Neela, staring through the window at the pile of toys. He invited her in to have a closer look. Drawn to the cosy, warm fire, Issy curled up and started playing with the discarded toys.

"You see, Issy. I spend my days verking hard putting together ze toy instructions, ya? When ze pet is sprinkled with ze essence, it takes on ze look of the toy, ya? Ze toys, they stay here. I don't have ze heart to get rid of them, ya?"

Issy was fascinated with the little toys. Some were soft and fluffy just like her. Others were cold and hard but still awfully cute. Some were made of wood like the carts her mirage pulled and others were smooth plastic. She loved each and every one of them and spent hours playing with them inside Vanya's workshop while he got on with his toy making.

Several hours later, Vanya, noticing Issy's captivation, asked Issy if she would mind looking after one of each species for him. Issy jumped at the opportunity and helped Vanya create a satchel that could be tied onto her so she could wear it and carry her new toys with her everywhere.

Art by the incredible Keshi, Arctic Frost background and Vanya image from Subeta.
Quote by Tolkien.