The Flicker

The Flicker

 

Field Guide to the Creatures of Whim

Companion Entry — Flicker

Common Name: Flicker
Also Known As: The Reminder, The Spark-That-Returns
Realm: Wherever Boggenderps linger; libraries, worktables, thresholds, and quiet rooms
Disposition: Curious, loyal, softly mischievous
Threat Level: Harmless (occasionally distracting)

Physical Description

Flicker is a small, luminous creature no larger than a teacup lantern. Its form shifts subtly—sometimes moth-like, sometimes sprite-like, sometimes appearing as a floating flame with wings. Its body glows in warm hues: honey-gold, candle-ivory, ember-peach.

Unlike the steady lights carried by the Boggenderp, Flicker moves.

It darts.
It hovers.
It lands where it should not be ignored.

Relationship to the Boggenderp

Flicker is the natural ally—and frequent companion—of the Boggenderp.

Where the Boggenderp holds the light, Flicker brings it back into motion.

Boggenderps are patient enough to wait forever.
Flicker is not.

Flicker is often observed:

  • Circling the Boggenderp’s candles to keep them seen

  • Tugging gently at stillness (never rest, only stagnation)

  • Following humans who linger too long without remembering why they began

Field scholars believe Flicker is born from candle flames that want to be noticed again.

Behavior & Habits

Flicker appears most often when:

  • An old idea is revisited “just to look”

  • A project is touched after long rest

  • A memory returns without ache

  • Creative momentum begins quietly

Documented behaviors include:

  • Knocking pens from desks

  • Flickering lights at meaningful moments

  • Appearing at the edge of vision, then vanishing

  • Causing the sudden urge to “try just one small thing”

Diet

Flicker feeds on:

  • Curiosity

  • Half-formed intentions

  • Gentle momentum

  • The first step back—not the whole path

Flicker cannot survive without nearby patience, which is why it remains close to Boggenderps.

Signs of Presence

You may be accompanied by Flicker if:

  • You keep reopening the same tab or notebook

  • “Maybe later” replaces “never”

  • A forgotten idea feels warm instead of heavy

  • Excitement appears without pressure

Interaction Guidelines

✔ Follow small impulses
✔ Allow imperfection
✔ Move without committing

✘ Do not demand clarity
✘ Do not rush outcomes
✘ Do not smother curiosity with guilt

Flicker does not want completion.
Flicker wants movement.

Magical Correspondences

  • Element: Fire (wandering flame)

  • Season: Early Autumn & Late Winter

  • Symbols: Sparks, moths, matchsticks, bookmarks

  • Associated Feelings: Return, readiness, quiet excitement

  • Astrological Influence: Air & Fire signs; moments just after hesitation

Lore Note

Whim teaches this pairing:

When the Boggenderp stays, something is safe.
When Flicker appears, something is ready.

They are never urgent.
They are never accidental.

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