willysilver | Winter

It wasn't warm but it was pleasant. The wind was light and the air crisp. Willy needed nothing to guard against the weather but knew mortals would look at him strangely if he did not wear a jacket. So he wore his leather with the buckles and studs that he was so fond of. It was punk as punk could be and was a signature look for him. He wore a black Blue Oyster Cult t-shirt, black jeans, black belt- his uniform, practically. The only color was his white forelock and the silver triple moon earring he wore that was so shiny it glinted in the merry light.

The London Eye was a popular destination. The sun was only just beginning to set and people clammored to ride the wheel to see the sunset over the Thames. Willy played not far from the queue. Tonight it was his violin that filled the air with music.

So rock me mama like a wagon wheel
Rock me mama, any way you feel
Ooh, ooh mama rock me...

He sang the original, not the newer country version. Willy was quite partial to the Old Crow Medicine Show's repertoire.

He was to meet Winter soon and they would spend the night together. Willy had promised the little one dinner and was thinking Indian food would be a delicious treat. On an autum night like this perhaps a pumpkin curry. He kept his eyes out for the pixie, unsure if he would have taken his potion or not.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

winter_wisp

"I could never live down there," he said softly. "A mortal took me there while I was searching for you. It was awful."

From:

willysilver

"It astounds me that the mortals see nothing unnatural about racing around below the streets. In the darkness. Under the Earth. And it's not like King Brian's Kingdom under the mountain," he said.

From:

winter_wisp

"They're so very odd- But lovely. I've liked all the mortals I've met so far, Willy," Winter chirped.

From:

willysilver

"There are some more like Aspid. And some who do not believe in the fae...or wonders at all, really. When You have lived amongst them longer you will be able to pick those ones out of the crowd," Willy said wisely.

From:

winter_wisp

Winter wilted at the mention of Aspid, but nodded his understanding.

"I have you to keep me safe though, Willy," he said, holding onto the Fae's arm and leaning lightly against him.

From:

willysilver

"Indeed you do, my friend," Willy replied warmly.

With coffee in hand, Willy lead the way outside so they could enjoy the chill in the air. He was of the summer kind, but he did enjoy the change of the seasons, though he was not looking forward to winter.

"Do you like the cream warmed like this?" he asked, already feeling a bit giddy after just a couple sips of the cream.

From:

winter_wisp

"It's wonderful, Willy. I could drink this always and never tire of it. It's divine, really," Winter smiled, taking another long sip and sighing contently.

From:

willysilver

Willy kept quite close and cast a bit of a charm to make the foot traffic break around them so that no one bumped them or even really came close.

"Tell me, my friend, how are you finding things? You are slowly getting stronger- that is heartening."

From:

winter_wisp

"I like it here Willy. I feel as though I could find a home here eventually. I know I can't stay with you forever- though I wish I could. I feel safer with you," he confessed. "Though I fear that when I run out of my potion, I will have to return home. This world isn't built for someone my size."

From:

willysilver

"You are aware it is within my power to charm you," Willy said in all seriousness. "It will create significant debt, but if you wanted it I could make it happen."

From:

winter_wisp

"No!" Winter squeaked. "I can not be in your debt any more than I am already. You freed me, I wish to remain free, even if that means being all alone."

From:

willysilver

"Very well. Very well, my friend. But the offer is there. Perhaps you will find a mortal you love, or may choose to live among them seamlessly. In that case you may ask it of me," Willy said warmly. He had no idea what sort of thing Winter could give him in return for something so large, but thy could surely come to an agreement.

From:

winter_wisp

"Oh, I could never love a mortal," Winter giggled, shaking his head. "No more than I could love a flower or a ladybug. They are lovely, but they are gone too soon. You are so much stronger than I, Willy, to give your love to a wilting bloom."

From:

willysilver

"Do not say such things," Willy said, a sharp edge to his voice. "Finlay is ill, but I will find a way to freeze time. I need only...I know there are ways. If I must I will turn to the wizards."

From:

winter_wisp

Winter shrank away slightly at that, but nodded a little.

"Alright, Willy. I am sorry for upsetting you."

From:

willysilver

"Ah, my words were too harsh," he said, apologizing without actually saying he was sorry. He wrapped his arm around Winter's narrow shoulders and pulled him in close.

"I understand your meaning," he continued. "I believe being in love makes me quite susceptible to slights. I am painfully aware of his mortality. It is truly distressing."

From:

winter_wisp

"Perhaps we can brew a potion to make his life longer," Winter offered. "I am very good at it- I watched Aspid brew often."

From:

willysilver

"It may work. He seems to be, mm, too ill. I used my own power and yet he almost died. His heart may be too weak for magic. He may be beyond help, Winter," Willy said gravely. The truth of that crept up on the pixie. Fin was Willy's beloved...and all fae and kin knew what happened when they loved a mortal. No fae was spared- not a single happy ending among all the tales.

From:

winter_wisp

The thought of something happening to Willy made the pixie turn grey, and he made a sad sound as he tried to think of another option.

"What if we were to get him a new heart? A magic heart," Winter whispered, aware that dabbling in the dark arts wasn't something one suggested lightly.

From:

willysilver

"I have thought of that," Willy admitted. "I do not know if he would consent..."

From:

winter_wisp

"He would not need to if your hearts were bound," Winter pointed out.

From:

willysilver

Willy had not thought of that, that much was obvious. But he turned the idea over now and his eyes grew wider at the notion.

"Winter, you are right!" he said happily. "I shall simply get him to bind with me. Surely that will be easy enough with the love we share. And then I will not need any further permission!"

From:

winter_wisp

"Is he familiar with our rituals though?" Winter asked, looking thoughtful. "I fear some mortals may find them unsettling."

From:

willysilver

"He is not. I believe he is eager to learn, but I go home so seldom..." Willy said thoughtfully. "I wonder if I could get my mother to do the binding ritual. Unlikely. She would realize the risks."