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

[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?"

[winter_wisp]

"Yes," Winter nodded, smiling softly. "But, my wings still ache, and I feel tired even though I have slept so often lately."

[phouka]

"Perhaps we should do something active. We could ice skate. Or there are bicycles for rent. Surely not the same as flying free, but fun," he suggested.

[winter_wisp]

"I would love to do both, but I'm not sure I'm strong enough yet," Winter confessed. "We could walk through the park though."

[phouka]

"I would enjoy that very much," he replied, warmth and gentleness radiating off of him. Phouka took a sip of his cocoa and savored it, oblivious to the plot of cream on the end of his nose.

[winter_wisp]

Giggling, Winter leaned over and whipped the cream away, then kissed the tip of Phouka's nose.

"Messy," he smiled. "Delicious though."

[phouka]

He made to bite at Winter's fingers, a theatrical gnashing of his teeth, and then he laughed.

"I could have licked that off, you know, if only you had told me," he said.

[winter_wisp]

"Perhaps next time I will not clean it, or tell you," Winter grinned, looking positively mischievous.

[phouka]

"You are wicked. You are a wicked pixie already working on becoming dark," Phouka accused teasingly.

[winter_wisp]

"Yes," Winter agreed proudly. "I will be the wickedest pixie ever one day. Pure mischief."

[phouka]

"You will be Unseelie then and we will have to go to war," Phouka pointed out. "Mortal enemies. Nothing to do but fight..."

[winter_wisp]

"I will best you in battle!" Winter grinned, still laughing as he pulled his stirrer from his drink and held it like a sword.

[phouka]

Phouka laughed out loud, the sound ringing long and deep.

"Oh you are a threat," he grinned. "But I think I would rather have you on our side, fighting the foes we have warred with for so long. You will come, will you not, this summer? To battle with the Prince and I?"

[winter_wisp]

"If I am well. Though I would fear for my safety. My parents were both killed in battle you know, aiding the fae," Winter said, his smile fading.

[phouka]

"You need not go to war, my friend," Phouka said softly, reaching over to touch his hand. "Tell me of your parents."

[winter_wisp]

Winter shook his head a little, but accepted his touch.

"No- Let's not talk of the past or sadness. Only happy things for now," Winter insisted, finishing his drink, then smiling. "Come, let's walk. We can watch the mortals and talk to the birds."

[phouka]

"Of course, young master. Only happy things," he agreed, drinking down the dregs of his own cup. Then he stood and pulled his jacket round himself securely.

Phouka offered Winter his hand, his own skin quite warm. More than warm enough to keep any chill off the slender's pixie's delicate hands.

[winter_wisp]

Winter took Phouka's hand, his grip betraying how unwell he still was as he held on.

"We could go to the toyshop first," Winter said cheerfully. "I like going to toy shops. They sell tiny versions of mortal things... Or we could go to the bookshop, and buy all the books we want."