Phouka

[winter_wisp]

Winter's colour was slowly returning to him, and his wings were still weak, but were starting to shine once more. He slept often, and for long stretches of time, but it was clear he was slowly mending.

...It was also clear that being kept inside was driving the little pixie mad. He craved sunlight and the kiss of the moon, and he'd taken to spending much of his time pressed against the window looking sad. More so today than ever, since Willy and Fin were out and about. Something to do with Fin's 'work', that was all he'd been told, and he'd blown a raspberry at their backs as the pair had left, then wasted the morning gazing out the window.

"Phouka," he said, whining just a little. "I am bored- The mortal's home is so dull. Give me my potion so I will be tall, and we can go and have hot chocolate in the park," he grinned.

Comments

[willysilver]

Phouka was, likewise, going mad being trapped inside. He needed air and soil and sunlight. And so it was nothing he would contest, Winter's request. He fetched the potion and dosed the little pixie and soon enough they were both ready to venture out.

"Ah, wait," Phouka said, pausing at a note pad on the kitchen counter. He tore off several sheets and ripped them up, then with a puff of breath he had a handful of money.

"There we are. Shall we venture out?" he smiled.

[winter_wisp]

Winter had gone to get dressed, but as he returned he nodded, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Please," he chirped, catching hold of Phouka's hand and tugging him toward the door. "We'll have hot chocolate, then go to the shop that has all the pretty things in it. Perhaps we can buy fae Willy a gift! ...Or me a gift. I like gifts."

[willysilver]

"You need a coat, primrose," the Phouka said, himself decked out in tight breeches and a silk shirt with ruffled collar and cuffs, along with a bright blue Hussar coat with miles of gold braid and brass buttons on it.

He waved his hand and a lovely grey coat, long and trimmed with fox, fitted onto Winter nicely. And then the Phouka opened the door.

"If you get tired let me know and I will open a portal. We shall not be riding in any infernal vehicles, nor the forsaken train," he said, making that much quite clear.

[winter_wisp]

Winter hissed softly at the mention of the train, then nodded, keeping close as they made their way to street level.

"Phouka, do you know why Willy's mortal is blind now?" he asked curiously. "Willy said he was attacked, but not by what or why."

[willysilver]

"I do not understand it, but from what I do know...another mortal attacked him with chemicals- the agents and acids and vile potions men make to clean and to kill. Perhaps he hated him, perhaps it was love or jealousy. For whatever reason, this mad man saw fit to try to ruin Finlay and he has succeeded in stealing his eyes at the very least," the Phouka explained patiently.

[winter_wisp]

"Oh," Winter said softly, frowning a little. "That seems mean. I don't like him, but I wouldn't take his eyes. ...Maybe a kidney. They have two of those, but only need one. I read so in a book."

[willysilver]

"You should take nothing from a mortal that they do not give freely, little one," Phouka said sagely. "To steal is quite bad."

[winter_wisp]

"Maybe I want to be bad," Winter replied. "Maybe I'll become a dark pixie- Or a pirate! I'd like being a pirate, they go on boats."

He smiled at the thought, then turned to Phouka again. "Why did you agree to help fae Willy? Are you in his debt?"

[willysilver]

"No, Winter Wisp. I agreed because I am his friend," Phouka said smoothly. It wasn't exactly a lie but it was hardly the truth. Friend sometimes had such a loose definition.

[winter_wisp]

"And now you are my friend also," Winter smiled, wrapping his arms around Phouka's arm and squeezing it happily.

"Tell me you will not become the mortal's friend and abandon me as Willy did."

[willysilver]

"The Prince has hardly abandoned you, little one. Do we not all live together? I t is almost a village in the flat," Phouka chuckled, tugging his arm in to pull Winter closer.

[winter_wisp]

"Now he is attentive, but before I was harmed he was gone for so long," Winter sighed, leaning against Phouka as they walked. "He loves the mortal and has no time for poor Pixie Winter."

[phouka]

"You are not taking into account the power of love. When it grips someone, fae or mortal, they are helpless. It is not his fault. Be kind, Winter. He will surely die because of it," he replied, a note of sadness to his voice.

[winter_wisp]

"Will he?" Winter asked, looking shocked. "But the mortal can't die now. Willy put a magic heart in him. He will not age, or die... Did fae Willy not tell you?"

[phouka]

Phouka was quiet for a long moment, weighing the truth of that. Oh, Prince, he thought, what have you done?

"He did not tell me," he said quietly. "He must be truly happy."

Phouka did not sound pleased about that. At all.

[winter_wisp]

"The mortal was very cross, but he seems fine with it now," Winter said, tugging Phouka towards the cafe he favoured.

[phouka]

He gladly followed along and soon enough they were inside and Phouka was passing his enchanted notes in exchange for rich cocoa topped with the sweetest whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

"Shall we sit outside and enjoy the sunshine?" he asked.

[winter_wisp]

Winter nodded, sipping his drink as he held it with both hands.

"Yes. I have missed fresh air. The mortal's home is sealed so tight, and the windows hardly open."

[phouka]

"The air in this city chokes me," the Phouka said. "But some places are nice. The parks are good. I have always preferred the countryside when I have needed to coome to the mortal world."

[winter_wisp]

"I have never been to the country," Winter said, sitting at one of the empty tables outside. "I have not seen much of anything, anywhere," Winter confessed.

"Not our realm, or here. I was trapped so long, I have hardly lived."

[phouka]

"You have so much time now, Winter. So much life. You do not need to hurry to catch up. Simply let the world unfold for you. You will find more delight that way," The Phouka said sagely.

[winter_wisp]

Winter smiled at that, then nodded. "You are very wise, Phouka," he chirped. "Wise and kind. I am very fond of you already- I feel we are fast friends."

[phouka]

He flashed a smile, his white teeth slashing like a white blade shadowed by his lips. His eyes were bright, though, and full of mirth.

"You will need to learn to take care with making friends, primrose. Not all are as worthy as the Prince and I," he laughed.

[winter_wisp]

"I intend to collect many. So many that I will never be alone for a moment!" Winter replied. "They will all be good, I am a good judge," Winter assured him.

[phouka]

"Are you?" Phouka laughed. "Perhaps you are. A good a pixie as you will surely have only good luck with the creatures you choose to surround yourself with. How are you feeling? Is the chocolate lifting your spirits?"