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]

"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."

[phouka]

"I submit to your will, primrose. We can go everywhere until you are tired...but you must promise not to exhaust yourself. Will you give me your word?" Phouka asked gravely.

[winter_wisp]

"Yes!" Winter promised happily, "I will not let myself get too tired Phouka, I promise! I'll be very good."

As he spoke he led them towards the toy shop, pressing his face against the window, then letting go of Phouka's hand as he ducked inside the shop.

"Look at that stuffed lion! It's almost as big as I am," Winter beamed, picking up the large plush animal, then hugging it close. "I like it."

[phouka]

"Do yo want it, truly?" Phouka asked. "We can have it delivered if you would like."

Of course he was willing to buy it. Phouka was quite happy to indulge Winter's every whim.

[winter_wisp]

"Really?" Winter asked brightly. "Oh, Phouka- That would be wonderful!"

He wasn't used to being gifted things so freely- But it was something he was very quickly learning to love.

[phouka]

"Of course," the Phouka replied and left Winter to browse while he went to the counter to make arrangements with the clerk. Only when the task was done did he come back to the pixie.

"Park now?" he asked hopefully.

[winter_wisp]

Winter was playing with a doll's house, but he looked up and nodded with a small smile.

"Alright, let's walk in the park," he agreed, taking Phouka's hand again and walking with him.

"Do you like the mortal realm, Phouka?" he asked. "Do you think you will stay here? You could live with Willy and I in the cottage."

[phouka]

"I like it well enough, little one. Do you truly believe the Prince will come home, though? It seems to me he is more likely to stay with the mortal..."

Until he died, thought The Phouka. There was no way the Prince would survive this love.

[winter_wisp]

"But he has to come home," Winter said, looking worried. "If he does not, who will take care of me?"

[phouka]

Phouka looked at him with a queer smile for a long moment.

"Why...me, primrose," he said.

[winter_wisp]

"Really?" Winter asked. "You would come and care for me in Willy's absence?"

[phouka]

"Of course. Unless you do not like me, and then I will merely guard you from a distance," he explained.

[winter_wisp]

"No, I like you very much, Phouka," Winter assured him, pulling him to a stop, and wrapping his arms around him to embrace him warmly. "You are a better friend than I could have dreamed of."

[phouka]

The Phouka was a bit startled by the abrupt affection but he quickly wrapped his arms around Winter in return. "You are so full of love and light, little pixie. I feel I have been too long at court where fae are so much more reserved," he laughed.

[winter_wisp]

"Then I will return your warmth to you, in return for your care," Winter promised, growing serious and nodding once. "We will mend one another, Phouka. I promise."

[phouka]

There was a deep gentility in Phouka's eyes as he looked into Winter's. His lips curved just ever so slightly, the smitten smile barely there. He was too used to propriety and reservation.

Perhaps the pixie was right- perhaps he did need a bit of mending. It certainly was nice to have the freedom of the sky and the warmth of the sun along with the sweet touch of a pretty friend.

"A promise I will take to heart," he said softly, not looking away for even a moment. He felt as if he might see something, some truth or answer if only he kept looking into Winter's eyes/

[winter_wisp]

Winter beamed, catching both of Phouka's hands and squeezing gently.

"As you should," he smiled. "Come. Let's walk in the park before we return home for more rest."

[phouka]

"Do not exhaust yourself, primrose," Phouka cautioned, then began to walk on, his hand holding Winter's securely. A bird flew overhead and dropped to perch on a branch just above them. At first it looked like a pigeon, but then it cooed softly and it was clear it was a dove.

"Oh, how lovely. They are not so common within the city," Phouka said.

[winter_wisp]

Winter looked up, smiling, and whistled softly.

To anyone passing by, it sounded like a boy trying to do bird calls- But in truth, Winter was saying hello.

The dove sang back, then fluttered down to land on Winter's hand, before moving to land on Phouka's arm.

[phouka]

"We have a new friend. It is unfortunate I have nothing to offer him to eat," Phouka said, stroking the dove's wing with a light fingertip. "You can understand him?"

[winter_wisp]

"Yes," Winter smiled. "He is just saying hello and asking if we have treats."

Winter searched his pockets, finding a pack of saltines unopened in the pocket of his skirt. Old, but fresh enough for the bird to enjoy.

Smiling, he offered them to Phouka.

"He likes you."