newtralize | The End Of Love

[ There’s some small bit of apprehension in Percival as the fae looks over his payment. He hasn’t had much interaction with he creatures, so he’s not sure what a good reaction is, so he waits, watching, until the other address him. That he seems fine with them lets the man’s shoulder relax, and he lets go of the breath he didn’t know he was holding when the other smiles.

He could certainly understand the worry most people had meeting the other. ] Business waits for no one, [ Percival chuckles softly. ] From stories I’ve heard you’re very reliable on these paths, and I would rather not waste time on such a long journey. [ Well, more exhaustive than long. A few days wasn’t much to get where he needed to be over the mountains. ]

Pacts can be off putting if you don’t understand or uphold them, [ He agrees. ] I picked the best gems I had for ours. I’m glad you like them. [ But to be called the fae’s sapling—that was odd. Perhaps it was just an aspect of their life he didn’t understand or know of. He’s certainly not heard anyone say anything about being called that in their retellings of their adventures through the forest. It’s no matter to him, however, so long as the other is pleased with it.

Percival nods along to the route he needs to take, agreeing with the pacing of it. It sounded right by his estimates, lest anything happen along the way. And hopefully with the fae’s assistance it wouldn’t. ] Of course, [ He begins following after the other, giving a few glances over the trees and foliage as they enter in the woods. ]

Are there many other fae here, then? [ The question is genuinely curious as he looks forward to his guide and his fiery hair. ] That they often try to steal away your... [ Charge isn’t the right word, and honestly felt rude to use. ] Saplings?

[ He hopes he used it correctly. ]

I've lived in the forest most of my life. [He did not do to well being in the city. The people didn't like him and the air was awful. Mostly, the people didn't like him. His appearance stuck out like a sore thumb. He was bright colors that were unnatural to an average person and being ostracized when he should be liked is really not how a fae wants to live their life.]

[Newt easily walks through the forest as he speaks.] I only ask for payment and to be respected. If either are not met the pact is broken and I leave whoever it is in the forest. It is as simple as that. [It's an empty threat. Newt didn't have the heart to leave someone at the mercy of his brethren, but he should at least seem serious to avoid it happening. He didn't like being duped, but he was too soft.]

This forest is fae territory. The king of our court resides in the heart of the forest. Our entire court is immersed throughout this forest and the surrounding lands not taken by other fae. [Newt stops at a fork in the road where the path seems to split into five separate paths.] We are vain creatures, Graves. There is a lack or mortality and we merely take what we want and do as we please. [Newt pulls out a match to light the candle in his lantern. The many paths seems to disappear within the light and only one path seems to illuminate.] If we want to play, we will play.

[Newt continues down the single path that had been illuminated by his lantern.] You are a strange human though. Most do not care for such details not try to understand our vocabulary.

Most don't want to talk to me if anything.

[ For all his travels, Percival doesn’t much get to enjoy the outdoors as much as he might like. Usually traveling alone does that, largely takes away the beauty and replaces it with danger even for someone more used to it. So to be lead is almost a treat, of sorts. He still stays vigilant but can also now take a moment to breathe as he listens to the fae.

His attention perks at the splitting path, almost asking which path would be best, only to silence himself at the lantern and its reveal to the safe path. The magic about it gives him goose flesh as he continues following Newt, still listening. He has no reason to doubt him or his words with all that’s being confided. ]

I think it would be a shame to let this trip be filled purely with silence, [ He begins. Though strict, they weren’t hostile with each other. Truthfully, I would like us to trust one another. ] If this meeting over the mountains is successful, my work should bring me through these woods more. I would hate to be lost to them before my time. Besides, I know little of the fae and you are a kind conversationalist. I would sooner talk with you than not. [ A partnership, of sorts. ]

[There were whispers around them. Idle chatter as they walked forward. Snippets can be caught between things like "Aww, Newt is ruining our fun again!" and "We just want to play with the human for a little bit!" Just things like that, which Newt ignores. Though, Percival may see a bit of a smirk. A glint in his eye as Newt seems to enjoy ruining the fun of his brethren for his own enjoyment.

After all, it wasn't the other fae that had the other. Percival was technically his at the moment.]

Well, I will happily talk whether or not you want to reply. We do love our song and dance. Merriment is the only way one should live our lives. [Fae really were all play and no work.

Percival's words make him giggle though.] You be careful, or I'll decide I want to keep you with words like that. How cute of you. [Calling him kind and wanting to talk with him. Absolutely adorable. Humans surely can be quite cute.] Well, if you have questions, I can answer them to the best of my ability.

[ As the voices flutter around them, there’s a faint pull on Percival’s arm as he looks to the side, into the forest and to the foliage that sticks out so temptingly close. The urge to reach out and touch the bright leaves, almost glimmering in the filtered sunlight, is almost too strong. His hand reaches out and with a burst of laughter in his ear he snaps his hand back to his side and focuses back on his guide in front of him.

The thought didn’t cross him that the tricks would start so early. Then again, they did already need Newt’s magic to get where they were—he shouldn’t have been surprised. ]

I’m not always the most talkative but I’m certainly not the ignoring sort. [ He also wasn’t the dancing sort, and now all he could think about was if the fae would want a partner to join when they stopped to rest, if that merriment found him.

Those thoughts disappear at Newt’s giggle, snapping his eyes up ahead. Keep him? A warning? Surely he wouldn’t—it wasn’t in their contract. The possibility despite it has an airy laugh leaving Percival. ] I suppose I do have some. [ A small pause as he considers everything. ] You called me sapling. Is that like a ward?

[Newt glances at the other before gently grasping one of Percival's hands in his own. It was a firm grip. Almost possessive. The glare he gives out towards the foliage was as dangerous as it was beautiful. Something about it just didn't seem completely human. A certain coldness that came with someone who's morals weren't quite all there.

The half fae tugs the other along to keep walking.] You don't seem like the frolicking sort either. You should have more fun or you'll get too many wrinkles. That would be a shame because you're probably the most attractive of those that I've lead.

[Newt wouldn't. But that doesn't mean he wouldn't like to. He certainly would.] Kind of. It's more like, well, sometimes we perceive your folk as objects. Something for us to keep. Maybe a pet. It has nothing to do with your race, but that it means little to us whether what we want is living or not. There are things that humanity has that fae folk lack. [Newt stood in the middle. A mix of intellectually aware, but a struggle to emotionally comprehend it sometimes.] Morals, I believe.

[ He was captivating—it was was captivating. Percival stands stock still at the sight of Newt looking out in to the forest with that sharpness, all while not minding the grip at his wrist. Possessive, yes, but not painful or uncomfortable. There was something so surreal about it: the half fae, undoubtedly, but it’s difficult for the man to see it when Newt looks, well, human.

Percival nearly stumbles when they start again, not expecting the other to continue on while still keeping his grasp on him. He doesn’t fight though, doesn’t pull his arm away. Being a... possession, after all. Maybe it was more a display for the other fae watching them.

The laugh that finds him is bright but quiet and respectful. ] No, I'm not the frolicking sort, [ He confirms. Not that Newt needed him to. The clearing of his throat is soft. ] I've evaded wrinkles so far, I must have found some balance for it. [ The closest he was going to get to addressing being called attractive.

Still, he listens closely to the explanation—finds it interesting, if not strange, the logic of the fae from their side of things. It certainly started to make sense from all the stories he's heard, how scattered things are about the forest folk. ] Have you? Kept people, I mean. [ The stories that get passed around of fae, Percival pauses for a breath, shaking his head. ] You seem different than that. [ It's said kindly, not because he fears offending the other but because he believes it—Newt didn't seem the sort. ]

[Newt holds the lantern out as they walk through twisting paths. It wasn't a straight shot at all and would have easily gotten anyone lost if they didn't have someone to guide them through. It's no wonder people say it would be foolish to brave the forest alone.] Humans age so quickly though. [He says it in a way that is from observation, but is of someone who doesn't quite understand the phenomenon. Maybe it isn't surprising, since Newt still looked fairly young for his supposed age.]

Perhaps. [That was a vague answer.] Would your opinion change if I did? Kept people. [It also didn't answer Percival's question.] Would you think of us foul or cruel or inhumane for keeping people like a human keeps a dog?

[He glances over his shoulder and merely offers a smile.]

[ There are more whispers the more they wind down their path. Percival tires to keep track of it and look back to where they came from, as if the human way to not get lost through familiarization would ever truly count here, but staying nearer Newt keeps the tugging of wandering off away a good deal.

He tries not to crowd though, the hand on his wrist a good gauge for it. There’s no helping the chuckle at the comment. ] It doesn’t seem like it on our end. Are you saying frolicking will keep the wrinkles away longer? [ Was that the sage of the fae folk? To keep away age with dance and joy?

Percival picks his sight up from the greenery surrounding them when Newt turns around, eyebrows raised. ] I, [ He sucks in a breath, looking down to his wrist as he ponders the question. ] Suppose I hadn’t thought of it like that before.

[ Like a human keeps a dog. A strange approach. Different some too, he thinks. ] Do they like it? Are they happy to be kept?

It wouldn't hurt. To frolic more. You humans are so much work and very little play. Don't humans enjoy having fun too? [Newt's "job" was hardly a job to him, but a means to get some nice things to fill his little cottage. To him, this was merely a walk through a familiar space with just added company.]

It wouldn't matter to us if they liked it or not. Like I said, you humans would be a means to entertain us. it matters not if they are happy or want to be kept. Most fae would probably tire quickly of their human toys and I can't say their fates would be pleasant if that were the case. [A pause.] I'm much too human for it though. [Finally an answer.] Besides. I've not found a human that I'd want to keep. Most do not like me. I believe the word you humans enjoy calling mixes is mutt. I've heard that somewhat often.

[ The laugh is breathless, his head dipping to watch his feet momentarily. ] We do enjoy having fun, yes. [ A somewhat loaded question, however. ] Sometimes we don’t have the opportunity to frolic. Sometimes work requires more of our time, so we can afford to live. That others might. [ A yenning exhale. ] I’m sure we would all like some time to enjoy ourselves if we could manage it.

[ A partly undue worry twists in him at the revelation, though. If that were the case then, yes, it changes his opinion of the fae some—a genuine sort of danger. But at least not of Newt, when his feelings on the topic come to light. So the rumors weren’t rumors at all; Newt was half fae. ]

Humans can be unjustly cruel. [ Percival speaks with a knowing, albeit regretful tone. It wasn’t an apology, he knows he could never take that sting away with words. ] And are generally foolish, truthfully. [ From what he’d come to learn of Newt so far, he didn’t deserve that slander. ]

Hmm. I don't agree with that. Working, I suppose, is something that is necessary. [Newt doesn't think much of his "work" since to the ginger, it's merely a stroll through the forest. He also doesn't really get payments that help him with his basic needs, really. Just trinkets and what not that fits his fancy.] But if there is little time to enjoy the days, than what are you working for? I guess I don't really understand what you fixate on.

[He laughs though. It's airy and light and perhaps there's something ensnaring about it. A dismissive wave with his free hand.] Such insults do not bother me, though I know that humans are cruel. [Still, the man smiles cheerfully.] I've had a few who would try to harm me. My brethren may not be fond of me, but even they do not tolerate when someone threatens one of us. [It's said so casually that it obviously isn't meant to be a threat, but it probably could be taken like one.] Do not think too badly of the Fae though. It isn't through malicious intent. There are gifts that humans have that they lack. Even those things, I have only a bare grasp of.

[They get to their first stop. It's a little clearing with a sizable pond. There were logs and a campfire area set up that Newt had set up a particular path to follow to utilize for ease. The forest itself had become less mundane and the plantlife seemed more fantastical. Mushrooms that glowed and flowers that sparkled and were of bright colors that were just a little too vibrant to be normal. A sweet aroma filled the space and there was the constant sound of giggling and rustling around them.] You are free to wander a bit, but do not go too far. My influence only goes so far. We will rest here for a meal and then we will continue to the next checkpoint where we will rest for the night. After that, we'll get out of the forest to the mountains and you will get to the next city before nightfall.

I’ll have to try and explain it better a later point, [ An airy huff that could easily be a laugh leaves him. It was simple for him: work was a way of life in a community. Was there more hassle in his life than Newt’s? Surely, but his had more... accommodations, he supposes. Newt would also undoubtedly consider it silly, to live as complicated as they do. ] The lack of time and working tie together, but I wouldn’t call it a fixation. It’s just... how it is.

[ Percival’s attention is back to Newt when he speaks of the fae again, caught up in his laugh and further when he smiles. Some faint snickering from the woods beyond their path snap him out of it and he quietly clears his throat as his attention refocuses. The words might have sounded more like a threat if he had any intent to harm Newt. ] That does make a difference. Explaining work might be a challenge, but I might be able to explain things you already have a grasp of. If that interests you. [ An attempt not to overstep.

Though stepping into this threshold was something else. All at once he was surrounded by a different world, it felt like, and the scent of the air was no help. Percival steps away from Newt and nearer the pond, taking in the flora in all its new wonder. ] A meal, good, [ The words are muttered, proof he heard the other, but they trail with his attention. ] This is you, you said? Your influence? It's amazing.

It sounds a tad boring to me, I suppose. [Perhaps Newt would understand it more if he didn't live such an isolated life as a hermit. He didn't have a sense of what a community was like. It had always only been himself. Neither side really wanted to take him under their wing. He can't say which side was more hostile at times even.] I hunt and clean and tend to my own chores, but I get plenty of time to enjoy myself. Does it get tiring? Humans do seem to tire. [Not that fae don't either, but their physiologies differ; Newt's being particularly unique do to his mixed heritage.

And Newt is still fairly childish even for a grown man. Bright curious eyes that light up when the other offers.] I would like to hear more about humans. No one really wants to tell me much. You are the first. [And he was very curious. Something very much taken from his ethereal side.]

The deeper in we get, the more the flora and fauna will change. The plantlife we care for are much different from what I see humans grow. They have a lot of unique properties to them. I set up a perimeter for this area, but that doesn't mean nature itself doesn't take over. I just tend to them every so often. [Newt's garden is back at his cottage where he raises whatever he pleases. With the forest-] They don't like me to linger here too long.

You can start a fire if you need. The smoke will keep them away too, unless you enjoy being tempted by their whispering.

It can be tedious, [ Percival admits with a grinning sigh. He’d never known a life different than what he had so he didn’t consider it to be strange. ] Tiring, yes. Stressful, at times, when there are many things to do, or they don’t go as they should because of the actions of others. [ He pauses to think, looking intently at a bright flower by the pond. ] My world is... fairly dependent on that. [ Like this situation now, needing to go to a town far away to start a trade route both communities would thrive and grow from.

He looks up from the flowers with a smile when Newt agrees to talking more. ] Then I am happy to answer any questions you have. [ Standing, Percival finally removes his pack and cloak, folding the latter into a thick pad to use as a seat later on. Besides, it’s decently comfortable here, after all. He doesn’t want to overheat. ]

People who wander through the woods, aided or otherwise, don’t speak of the things they see. [ He thinks now that’s because those things aren’t easily describable. Or if they’re possibly some kind of horrifying. But more than that— ] I wonder if you wouldn’t be interested in another trip with me in the future, [ Percival muses aloud, turning to face Newt ]. Show me some of this flora? [ Let them linger with purpose, others be damned. Maybe.

He can’t help the laugh, taking the last of Newt’s warning as partly a jest. ] No, I do not. Thank you for the advice. [ And with it he begins to gather kindling and stones to start, looking for a spot to set up that wouldn’t be intrusive. ]

Hmm. [Newt frowns a little as he tries to understand what kind of world that Percival lives in and just why humans decided that this was how they wanted to do things.] I think I like how my life is much more! [It's almost childish to say, but the man was somewhat childish.]

I don't have any questions, but I will be happy to hear whatever you will offer. [Fascinated, really. Newt was fascinated by fae and humans alike. He was interested in the life around him and how things differed, but were the same.

Newt pauses and taps his chin in thought.] Most don't really like the trek. I think because everything makes them uncomfortable. Especially me. [Newt tilts his head and offers the other a smile.] I have many plants you can see back home. It's much safer than going back into the forest. [Newt brightens up.] Some of them have just started blooming.

I'll let you see my cottage, but you have to do something in return. [Because fae don't give things out for free. He just smiles brightly before he wanders off, probably to wander around the area. There's always a hop in his step and sometimes it almost seems like he's gliding across the forest floor.

He does eventually come back to Percival with an armful of berries and mushrooms and whatever else he probably collected throughout the forest.]

It does seem enjoyable, [ Is the audible thought in passing as he sets down the kindling and begins placing the stones around it. Not that Percival is suddenly disenchanted with his own life, no, but there was something to be said about the complexity of it all. ]

I’ll have to think on what to share, [ He sighs, not out of frustration but unsureness. There was undoubtedly oceans of difference between their worlds and Percival suddenly couldn’t think of an interesting thing to bring up. Well, actually— ] People sometimes can’t see past their homely comforts. Our trek hasn’t been disagreeable, and I find myself rather comfortable in your company. [ Most didn’t seem to know how to adapt, it seemed. ]

What would I— [ But when he turns to look at Newt the fae is gone and he has little desire to leave this spot and get lost in these woods, nor to shout across the threshold their future plans and bring unwanted attention. The ways of this magic aren’t known to him, after all.

In the meantime he finishes building the fire to a decent size and waits for Newt to return, pausing the whittling of sticks to give a small smile at the things the other has foraged. ] What is this something I would have to do to see your cottage and its garden?

[Newt lays them out on some leaves as makeshift plates. The other could probably roast the mushrooms if he wanted to. He didn't know what the other had packed for himself for this trip. He always found that many were never quite prepared enough to make it, so he had always foraged during their stops incase. Though, some refused to take whatever he offered. He can't say he blames them though.] We still have some distance to make, so you have plenty time to think.

[He merely smiles at the other.] You have been quite fun. You're very interesting. I almost want to keep you. [Is he being serious? Who knows.]

There's a bakery. I'm very fond of their goods. [Newt didn't go into the city himself, but he was acquainted with a few people and some gifted him things every so often.] They make these delectable pastries that are shaped in animals. They're really quite charming. [Most of the time he had received them from two sisters. Queene and Tina. Queenie, in particular, seemed rather empathetic about his situation (though he didn't understand why). Once in awhile, he would get them from Theseus. Theseus was somewhat of an oddity. They seemed to be somewhat familiar with him, but he didn't know why. They would visit and chat, but it wasn't often. The company was nice even if he didn't know what prompted it.]

I would like some pastries everytime you want to visit.

[ This was not Percival’s first time into the woods, if only evident by his pack. Most of it was still tucked away, but he had pulled some small rations from it and now with the sticks he had sharpened finished, it was time to cook. The thought hadn’t dared cross his mind to take the things Newt had collected, despite there being two leaves. Still, he’ll be courteous and offer Newt some food once it’s done.

A chuckle tumbles out of him at being told Newt would like to keep him. ] That’s twice now you’ve said such a thing. [ Was it a sort of jinx, some sort of affirmation where you say it three times and it happens? Not trying to be accusatory, Percival follows it with a tease of: ] And here I thought I was too boring to be kept, let alone as someone’s first.

[ A joke? A bad joke. Be quiet, Percival. Thankfully Newt goes on and names his terms for later visits. Did he hear him right? ] Pastries, [ Percival echoes, as if he hadn’t heard what Newt asked for twice and why he liked them. ] Very well, [ He did, clearly, but it was a surprise all the same. I will bring you pastries. They were cheaper than gems and jewels at the very least. ]

Might I ask how you came by these treats? Do you go into town? [ There had been stories of tricksters coming to town and bringing a little chaos with them as they hopped around neighborhoods, but he thought the fae only stuck to the woods anymore. ]

The End Of Love

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