newtralize | The End Of Love

[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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