Fantasy •Thaddeus' Blessing• HTCOR

[Bastet]

•Thaddeus' Blessing•

Under a blood moon you came into being.
Your face sparkled with youth and soul so pure.
Your clean skin glowed in the dirt-ridden brambles.
Darling child, do not weep
In the half light of moon, you are loved.
Darling child, do not struggle
The spirits guard you as you now sleep
You are the blessing the forest gave to us.
For you were saved for this beautiful night.


The druids were a mysterious group to all, but you were in their midst. Found as a child, the group had raised you as one of their own in a time where their intrigue was unwelcome and persecuted. You traveled with them, learning of the fae and great spirits, always fleeing the watchful eye of the misunderstanding. It was a life filled with peace, love, and forgiveness. It was a life filled with magic.

After all, you had a gift.

"Come on, Thaddeus. Just a little further!" A girl cried out from ahead. Her brown eyes peeked from the ancient oak ahead of you, fawn-colored hair falling wildly over her freckled face. Thought she ran haplessly ahead of you, no branch nor leaf stirred in her wake. In fact, the only reason why you could see her at all was because of your gift. You could speak with the Great Spirits of the forest. Many of the druids said you were blessed with the gift because the forest took care of you after you were abandoned, but others said you were saved because of the gift. Either way, the Great Spirits never answered when they were asked about it. Not even the one who had followed you from day one. Naileen.

Naileen was often compared to a fae by other Spirits for her daring and rambunctious nature. She could never sit still and in all of the years you had known her, she had never aged a day in either form or mind nor did she ever show signs of wanting to. You were her little brother, her best friend, and the one she always found to drag along into some strange adventure.​

 

[HTCOR]

Having Litha needed a peaceful venture, and it dominated his mind. Yet he still found the time to chase after the 'Fae'- which was an interesting comparison for the other spirits to make. "Sis, wait up!" He'd call out, weaving and slipping through the brush. His pace stayed steady as he made his way forwards, eyes flicking around- locking onto the gaze of Naileen. "I can't run as fast as you, geez." His voice was softer, as he got ever closer.

The young man's mottled cloak fluttered behind him. Eyes of an old world blue, with a broad grin forming on his face, those were how the druids tended to remember him. That, and his general appearance since after all, they had raised him. Quickly planting his soft boot on a log, he propelled himself forwards in a leap. With that, he intended to close the distance between the two of them. A swift step, as he barely stuck the landing, followed by a few others, as he finally slowed.

"Where are we going, because really, I don't know where you're headed to." As his words rolled out, it transformed into a lilt at the end- eyes shining in joy at the Great Spirit. Having adventures like this were always fun, especially when he got to avoid the chores and tasks that he was almost always assigned.
​

 

[Bastet]

She smiled widely at him as he found her at last.

He was getting better at keeping up with her. She could almost see him years from now, able to keep pace even in the densest of brush and thickest of groves. She feared the day this child would be able to beat her race, not that any human ever could, right? Right??

"We're looking for your sense of wonder since, apparently, you've lost it," She teased as she tried to bump against his shoulder playfully. Of course, only the slightest pressure could be felt before the feeling was gone, long before she had finished the bump.

"Although, I guess I should prepare you. It's about time that you've seen your first Fae and there are many rules you should keep in mind when near them. Have the druids told you any of them already?"​

 

[HTCOR]

A brief pause, as he tilted his head at her. "I'm sorry that you're just so amazing that other things aren't as thrilling to me." Thaddeus rolled his eyes as he spoke, sarcasm laced in his voice. The small touch did get him to jump a little- the sensation always caused him to feel a little off, but he would start to answer her question to the extent of his abilities.

"Don't accept anything, even food or drink, and especially don't give them anything, be careful of what they say because they only speak the truth, yet can deceive you still. Uh, don't stare too much, because they're apparently beautiful creatures, make sure not to say my full name, and...." He'd halt. "...And don't be a flirty idiot?" He'd say, uncertain of that one. That last one was common sense, but it still applied. Right? Or were the Fae the ones who flaunted common sense like a group of the insane?

He'd shake his head, glancing back up at Naileen. "I feel like there's more, however, so mind...filling in the gaps?"​

 

[Bastet]

She couldn't help the pride swelling in her chest at his answer. Both of his answers. He was a sharp boy without question. This made her smile more as she looked on ahead. Even though it was midday, the trees here were thick enough to blot out the majority of the sun and it would be difficult to find one's way through it going any direction without a spirit guide to light their path. Already she could see an ominous red glowing in the trees to their left, watching like a pair of eyes when they were, in fact, four. They were nearly to the spot.

"You are correct so far, though I have to warn you of three other rules that are most important. The first is to never follow a faerie for any amount of time, lest you never want to return. The second is to always be polite. Rudeness may earn you a curse or worse. The third, and most important rule, must be followed at every moment otherwise none of your other precautions will mean a thing. Never imply that you owe them anything. A faerie may act as though they are doing a charity for you, perhaps give you advice. Be short and polite and never leave it open for interpretation. Thank them for their charity- for their gift- but never thank them for their help. Otherwise it's a debt you will repay with your soul and freedom."

Her voice was quieter as she spoke and though her eyes remained light and full of vibrancy, there was a serious set to her brow and squareness to her shoulders she scarcely ever had. There had been a few occasions where he had seen her this way. When he was in danger was when it especially came out, but sometimes it seemed unwarrented and random.​

 

[HTCOR]

He gave a small nod, adjusting his cloak for another moment as to delay the trip for a few seconds. Foolishness was grand and all when you could use it, but fear would still win out in the end if you didn't have enough courage to compose yourself properly. "Alright. Don't accept gifts nor give them, don't imply debt . That, and I like my soul. It settles right in rather nicely." With a deep breath, his features relaxed, strain shifting out of mind. It wouldn't do to show weakness to something that could certainly capitalize upon it.

"I guess it's time to follow you then, Big Sister Naileen?" He emphasized her name and title, giving a cheerful smile towards her. As the shadows wreathed him, he would turn to look in the direction she had been headed, curious if that was the way they were going- or if they were hunting the fae, instead of going directly to their home. Thaddeus had a few thoughts about the home of the fae, and...well. There were supposedly Fae 'Queens' in the stories he heard from time to time, and it made him wonder about the relationship between the Great Spirits and them. But those were questions for another time. For now, he turned to face Naileen, awaiting her to start moving.​

 

[Bastet]

Naileen smiled warmly at him and pinched his cheek fondly, "You'll be excellent. I just know it."

Then, before he had time to respond, she turned and called out to the forest. "Hilm! I know you're there. Don't be rude."

"To accuse a faerie of being rude, you really are odd," A gentle voice came from the brush and briars ahead of them. A man stepped out, out of place among the darkness. His skin was pure, the color of ceder wood, and seemed to almost glow in the faint light. Perhaps, instead, it was his aura itself that radiated from him and caused the illusion of glowing. His eyes were nearly black within amber sclera and his face was round and youthful. His hair was the same black, long and tied back in thick braids. Besides his eyes and countenance, he looked human. Adorned in animal furs and bones, sure, but human.

"You must be the Gifted One, Thaddeus. It's a pleasure," His wispy voice mused as he held out a hand for the boy's. Naileen gently kept Thaddeus from reaching forward.​

 

[HTCOR]

Thaddeus had a few conflicting emotions flashing across his face as he saw the figure that Naileen called 'Hilm'. However it all steadied out, turning into a neutral mask. "Hello." He'd almost move to greet him, yet Naileen's hand...proved that he should be highly careful of what his actions might mean.

"I don't recall anyone calling me by that title." He'd say, still hesitant on what to do. "A pleasure as well, Hilm." He'd keep his eyes upon the Fae's, not intending to give an inch in this- nor take an inch. Thaddeus paused, glancing at Naileen. "Naileen, can I ask why we're meeting this particular fae?" He'd pointedly say the name, as to make sure there was no gap in the words for Hilm to 'misunderstand' and contract a question of debt out of.​

 

[Bastet]

"I introduce you to the King of the fae in this region, Hilm," Naileen answered, "He agreed to meet you in neutral territory, though I recall you saying you would come alone."

"I did come alone; they came before me," Hilm smiled cunningly before he looked to Thaddeus again, "And, boy, everyone who matters knows who you are. You are just lucky that no one knows your mother's maiden name. Not even Naileen here."​

 

[HTCOR]

A brief narrowing of his eyes was all that Thaddeus revealed for the new information- it meant that his father was known, but not his mother. Which meant she was the important one of the duo, it seemed. Mayhaps she was someone highly important. Who knew.

"Noted dutifully. And thank you for your kindness to meet us in neutral territory." His words were a little choppy, as he had to figure out what he would say word by word- and Thaddeus paused inbetween some. He wasn't...exactly certain as to why they were meeting. Such was fate today, it seemed.

 

[Bastet]

"Hm. At least it's a start, but it's such a pity the spirits got to you first. Dull ghosts from days past," Hilm sighed as he stepped closer, "They haven't even helped you hone your ability. They held you back. If you joined with us, we could change that. We could show you your full potential."

"Haha! Always full of jokes, huh?" Naileen countered, "I guess we should be going now."

Hilm's hands wrapped around Thaddeus' wrist faster than the blink of an eye.

"Surely you're not going too soon."​

 

[HTCOR]

"If you wish to be so forceful, I'll have to recall that." Thaddeus eyes scanned Hilm's, once, twice, thrice. "I don't understand what is so important." He'd mumble to himself, before he would slip his fingers underneath Hilms', intending to gently lift the Fae's hands away.

"But I can listen to what you have to say, at the very least. I will not promise that I will accept any offer you have to give." If Hilm spoke, it could give more pieces to the puzzle that was his past- or his heritage, more like. Although, he'd have to decipher each comment, figure out what was the truth- and what was the words meant to confuse and dismay him.​

 

[Bastet]

Naileen looked a little pale as she uneasily silenced herself. She wouldn't insist he left now, especially when the fae had captured his attention with the promise of answers. Her muscles tensed slowly, coiling like a spring ready to release its tension, but Hilm seemed oblivious to it as he laced his fingers with Thaddeus' own to hold him there, His eyes narrowed deceptively as he let out a little purr just like a cat's own.

"Unfortunately I can't give you much without you swearing yourself to us, but I will tell you this much: we can and will teach you everything you can be. When the spirits let down the safety of you and those who cared for you, you will see that our arms are the best to escape to. There's no rush to accept now, though there is one to get home I'm sure."​

 

[HTCOR]

"...A rush to get home?" A slight sense of confusion went over him- before he gained at Naileen. He'd cock his head to the side, befuddlement on his features. Why? Why did he need to get home- was it a warning? It had to be. But why would a Fae warn him of all people? And escape? Why would he need to escape-

A shake of his head, as to clear his thoughts. "I'll be going with Naileen now." Thaddeus kept his voice firm, as he would step back and away. If Hilm kept his grip, then he would try to pry their fingers away- even if the Fae was by far and away stronger than him, if he recalled correctly.

If Hilm let him go, then Thaddeus turned away from the Fae- a sign of trust- before flashing a brief smile at Naileen. Perhaps he could ask the Spirit what that meant, if she could answer. If. Maybe it was a bad subject like the other one, the one he could never get answers on. "Big Sis, let's head out."​

 

[Bastet]

As expected, the king released his hands with a pleased smile of his own, then faded back into the greenery as though he had never been there in the first place. Naileen herself turned stiffly, still tense and distrusting as she glanced behind them. Fae could travel both the realm of the living and the dead so they could be dangerous even to the likes of herself.

"How could you stand him touching you like that? Creeoy and definitely out of line! I am so sorry, Thaddeus," She shuddered with revulsion, "I didn't know it would go sour so quickly."​

 

[HTCOR]

"Because I don't think I could have stopped him." He'd admit. "And that was really odd." Thaddeus scowled slightly, before starting to move through the brush with a practiced ease. His thoughts were elsewhere, until his attention was brought back forwards by Naileen's presence.

"Big sis, would you answer if I asked about my father?" He piped up, as he passed through the woods like it was his home- which it was, to a degree. Wilds called to him, after all- the Druids were meant to be attuned to the wild, and he certainly felt that connection, most of the time.​

 

[Bastet]

Naileen glanced behind herself again as she pressed through the woods back toward safety. Distractedly, she forced her attention back to Thaddeus and took a moment to think about what he had asked her. Finally, she shook her head.

"What makes you think I know anything about him?" She asked as she set her gaze ahead and shook the tension out of her arms and shoulders. Sunshine was back over the ground and warming their skin, birdsong had returned, and the rustle of fleeing rodents was back to its rightful place. They were safe once more.​

 

[HTCOR]

"Because my mother was the important one between the two, I figure. So I honestly don't think you know much about him." His eyes glanced upwards, towards the light. A hand stretched to the sky, grasping for some unknown- before lowering itself down once more.

"But I just thought maybe that meant I could ask about him. But if not...well. I'll just have to grin and bear it." His gaze finally lowered to face Naileen once more, cocking his head to the side akin to an inquisitive puppy. He would be quiet for a few seconds, before continuing on with his thoughts. "Because if my mother's maiden name is the important part of it, it means that she most likely was an unknown who came in, right?"​

 

[Bastet]

"She was unmarried," Naileen said quietly, looking a little distracted before she shook her head and smiled to him, "But don't worry about it for now, okay? Some things are better kept secret until the day you need it. It's safer that way. Come on, I'll race you home!"

She was about to start running before he could respond, but the sudden yells and screams of a group of people reached them through the distance. The druids.​

 

[HTCOR]

Thaddeus froze in place, before he bolted in the direction of the screams- that sort of sound was- no. It couldn't be. It had to be just another group that managed to find their campsite...

He'd bolt through the woods, surpassing his normal speeds by a long shot- the screams were starting to echo in his head, as he tried to get back as quickly as possible. He had to help- there was no other choice. None.​

 

[Bastet]

Naileen was hot on his heels as she bolted after him, calling out his name as she tried to grab at his hand. Of course, her grip slipped through his hand again and again. Curse being a spirit! Just when she needed to stop him most, she couldn't even grab for his hand!

"Thaddeus! Thaddeus stop!" She called desperately as the screams simultaneously got closer... and quieter. This was a massacre. She could tell already that the druids had been found by the King's men and she was desperate not to let this boy fall with them.

"We have to go! Please!" She pled.​