The End Of Love

[newtralize]

We were reaching in the dark
That summer in New York
And it was so far to fall
But it didn't hurt at all
And let it wash away, wash away

Comments

[periit]

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. ]

[newtralize]

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.]

[periit]

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?

[newtralize]

[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.

[periit]

[ 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. ]