Debut - Willy

[winter_wisp]

It was a perfectly normal morning, Aspid was busy making something in his cauldron, and Winter was fluttering around in his cage, watching the wizard work.

"If there's no chores to be done, and you don't need me- you could let me out in the garden for a while," he said, fluttering as high as the delicate chain that was locked around his ankle would allow, then settling at the bottom of his cage and using the big toe of his other foot to draw playful swirls of frost that swiftly melted away. "I need some sunlight, I need it desperately," he sighed.

"Don't be dramatic, little one. I will take you out when I have time. Now stop chattering, you're distracting me. If I burn this potion because of you, you'll be very sorry," the wizard warned.

Winter's wings drooped, and he sank down to sit on the floor of his cage, picking up the sliver of cake he'd been given that morning and nibbling at it. He supposed he should be thankful to be ignored. It was certainly preferable to the days when Aspid demanded his full attention. As much as Winter enjoyed being made so very tall for a few hours, he didn't like the way Aspid touched him, or the things the wizard expected him to do.

No, this was much better. A quiet morning in his cage, with cake and a thimble full of cream.

Comments

[winter_wisp]

Winter looked a little overwhelmed at first, peeking in drawers and examining every last item- But he stopped everything at the mention of one thing.

"Honey? You have real honey? You would share it with me, fae Willy?" he asked, fluttering over to the fae and perching himself on his shoulder again. 'I have not had honey in so long."

[willysilver]

"Winter, my home is your home. Anything I have is yours," he said. "You are free now. Truly free. It will take some time for you to take that to heart, I know, but in my home you are safe. Eat, sleep, play...your magic will come back, you will grow strong. And you may stay as long as you like, my friend," Willy said.

[winter_wisp]

Winter nodded a little, then nervously fluttered off to look around the kitchen. He poked around in cupboards and the like, but was soon distracted by the sink. It took some work, but he managed to turn the tap on low, and happily splashed around in the water, peeling off his old ratty clothes and washing himself.

For the past few years he'd only bathes in cups and bowls while Aspid supervised. It was freeing to be under the spray of fresh water without anyone telling him how to wash or scold him for doing it too fast or too slow.

His wings glittered under the water, and when he was done he let them flutter until they were dry before taking off again to find something fresh to wear.

"Will you eat with me fae Willy? May we dine together?" he asked.

[willysilver]

While Winter bathed Willy busied himself with putting his guitar back, affording the little pixie some actual privacy. He had no issues with nudity or bathing and wasn't attracted to the little creature, but he could only imagine the lecherous gaze of the old wizard...Winter had probably always had eyes on him. And so, now, he purposely looked away.

When Winter was done and spoke to him Willy smiled.

"We shall feast," he said and went to the kitchen area to pull out good brown bread, honey and butter, cheese and berries, and some cold cream. "You shall eat your fill every day, Winter. I insist."

[winter_wisp]

Dressed in a simple tunic now, Winter flew over and landed on the table, wandering around as he looked at all the food.

"You live like a king, fae Willy," he said, clearly impressed as he took a small berry and held it with both hands before biting into it.

[willysilver]

Willy smiled at that. He had come up in the palace and to compare that decadence to this simple life in the mortal world...there was no comparison. But if Winter thought this was royal treatment then so be it.

"Then so shall you," he said simply. "You shall be my ward. In the event you have need of me when we are apart all you must do is call my name thrice and I shall come to you."

It was the same offer he'd made to Fin, an offer which had proved to be useful.

[winter_wisp]

"You're so kind, fae Willy," he smiled, practically glowing as he sat down.

He hadn't felt this much joy in a very long time, and his wings glittered and skin sparkled, casting a faint glow all around him where he sat.

[willysilver]

Willy feared he may well overwhelm Winter, so he ate in silence, watching the little creature glow. He wondered when the last time was that he lit up like this. In a cage at the wizard's...it was likely a long time.

He drizzled honey on a bit of bread and passed it to Winter without a word. He'd lived too long among mortals to think anything of serving the little one with his own hands.

[winter_wisp]

Winter ate in silence as well, hardly able to stop smiling, even as he chewed.

When he'd eaten his fill, he sat chirping happily, singing in the language of the birds until he found himself too tired and too full to sing any more.

[willysilver]

"When you would like to sleep, I will be quiet," he said softly, seeing that Winter had begun to droop a bit. "Why don't you go lay down, my friend? Relax and sleep peacefully."

[winter_wisp]

Nodding a little, winter yawned and stretched, then wandered over to Willy and attempted to hug him. Little arms wrapped around the fae's arm and squeezed gently.

"You are my hero, fae Willy. I will love and honour you like an older brother from now until forever, dear brave warrior mine."

[willysilver]

"Such an oath from such sleepy lips," Willy replied with a smile. He gently scooped Winter up so he would not have to fly and carried him to the plush bed.

"Rest now, my friend. You have such a life awaiting you now in your freedom. Begin it with a good night's sleep."

[winter_wisp]

Winter yawned again, then settled in to get some rest, curling up in his new plush bed and letting sleep come for him.

Yes, a whole new life awaited him now- All thanks to Willy Silver.