If. The codicil to a lot of Life's bargains, often toxic, usually starting in learning years, where you often learn more than what's on the syllabus. -- Nonny the Mouse
Sadi hadn't known what they were getting into when they got into it. What they were used to getting into was Miss Tiven's Crap List. This time, Sadi had accidentally wandered into the Feywilds. It wasn't really Sadi's fault, they were just following instructions as best they could remember... so they thought. And now? Now they were lost.
They tried reciting the instructions again. In a made-up rhyme that should have helped matters, but the words kept getting away from them. Sadi could not remember what they had forgotten. It was so annoying. Then Clever Hanz appeared out of nowhere. "What a marvelous poet you are," she cooed, lounging on a tree branch that should never have held her weight. "What are you doing all the way out here?"
There is another rhyme, it begins, My mother said I never should... but Sadi didn't have a mother to say such things and quickly forgot about it. They really should have remembered it. It could have saved so much trouble. There are things one should never do in fae spaces. Reciting poetry is one of them. Rehearsing plays is another. Engaging a fae in conversation is definitely going to be added to the list. Sadi said, "Well, if I could remember that, I wouldn't be in so much trouble." And, because they had just noticed, they added, "I like your wings. They're very pretty."
Faeries love compliments. They are made out of ego and mischief, so appealing to their vanity can be advantageous. It was certainly advantageous for Sadi in that moment. Clever Hanz smiled like something ancient that waited for unsuspecting prey on riverbanks. "Oh you are so nice, perhaps I could help you. Let me ask you a question... If you could wish for anything... anything in the world... what would it be?"
Clever Hanz was waiting, of course, for the words, 'I' and 'wish' in that order, but Sadi had learned never to do that at the end of Miss Tiven's switch.
"I just want a friend," said Sadi. "A real friend who'll never be mean or play jokes on me or make me do things that are bad. Can you be my friend?"
A mortal may have had their heart broken at that point, but the fae are a little more resilient. Nevertheless, Clever Hanz had a moment of an unfamiliar emotion - pity. "I could do a little bit better than being your friend," she singsonged. "I can give you gifts... and all you have to do is help me."
"Well that's fair," said Sadi. "I still won't do anything mean. Promise you won't make me do anything mean?"
Clever Hanz was already figuring out three different ways around that codicil. "I promise."
Sadi held up a crooked pinkie finger. "I promise to help you. You promise to help me. And neither of us ever be mean."
Had either of them known, then, what began with a pinkie swear... they might not have done it. Nevertheless, Clever Hanz joined her finger with Sadi's and they shook.
Some of the initial gifts would naturally sow chaos. All Warlocks do, regardless of their otherworldly patron. The first to learn enforced kindness was going to be Tiven the Tavern-keeper.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / marilyna]
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