Love's Tears (Gloxinia x Oc)

~Christmas Special~

It was a chilly evening in the Fairy King's Forest, the new Winter snow had started to fall a few hours ago along with the sun setting beyond the horizon. A starry night sky lay above them, the silver moon drifting on cloudy seas -illuminating hot breaths and tiny snowflakes. Even the few flowers left on the Sacred tree could not be seen beneath the blanket of fluffy white. The bird left for their slumber leaving a peaceful quiet in their place; well, almost quiet.

"She'll get here when she gets here Gloxinia."

Gloxinia looked over at his sister, "I know, I know, but there's nothing wrong with keeping an eye out."

Gerheade rolled her eyes, floating over to where he sat. "You've been waiting for hours, you should come inside."

"I'm not cold."

"Fine, but I better not come back and your face is blue!" Gerheade huffed, flying back inside.

It was true, he'd been waiting for a while. Throughout the whole day he'd been waiting, distracting himself with decorations, presents, anything really – yet it didn't help his want to see her. But she'd be here soon! She was always a little later... just a bit.

He sighed, his breath floating into the frosty winds. Adjusting his red woolly scarf, he watched the world move by. The gentle falling snow and the distant giggles of other fairies. The light singing of ruffled tree branches and glow of cosy fires. The smell of steaming hot-chocolate and sweet melted marshmallows. Everything needed for a perfect Christmas.

Overhead, the moon glided across the sky as another hour passed. He'd almost given up hope when he spotted something from the corner of his eye. A silhouette stepped out from the dark, the shine of bright pink eyes illuminating in the night.

"What are you doing out here, it's too cold to be sitting about."

Gloxinia jumped up, "Neri! You came!"

She laughed as he wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her grey wolf-fur cloak. Her long braids brushed against his face as he breathed in her scent of cinnamon and pine. Pulling back, he finally got a view of her face. Her face was decorated with lines and dots, the small symbols diagonal from her eyes painted in charcoal grey. A crown of holly and twisted silver branches sat upon her head with a black veil reaching down to her waist. Intricate lace framed the veil rim along with delicate glistening chains that matched her earrings of little bird bones. Images of emerald willow swirled across her collar bone and up her neck like creeping vines; a crow feather tied to a flint-beaded string for a necklace. Her black floor-length dress, although mostly plain, was embroidered in light patterns of holly and bone. The long sleeves hid beneath the thick fluff of soft wolf fur. Smiling, she held the sides of his face to bring him closer, fluttering her purple lashes. She looked beautiful.

"How's home?"

"Busy," she exhaled, "but that's pretty normal with the festival and all."

He chuckled, brushing a finger along the edge of her face. "You look gorgeous," he murmured with a grin.

"You say that every time I'm here," she whispered, a small giggled trailing at the end of her voice.

"Well, it's true!"

Taking his hand in hers, she let go of his face. "Come on, let's go inside."

The two headed indoors, whisking away from the cold outside. The fire crackled as embers danced in the air with the meandering smell of smoke. Singing chit chat echoed the Sacred tree wall as they laughed the night away. Talk of silly stories, tricky tales, and Nerium (without fail) told distant Fae legends she loved to share. No one minded, the abundance of myths never ceased to amaze him – that and her ability to remember them all like she was reading a script. They split cakes and fruits between them, and Nerium had baked a batch of sticky biscuits! He'd admit, Fae food wasn't really his thing, but her sticky biscuits were the best. Golden honey dripped off the sides of the gooey baked deliciousness, trying not to drop any crumbs. Even beneath the strong sugary flavour, he could taste the floral lavender.

As the night went on, the chatter began to fade. More and more fairies left to sleep; all until only Nerium and Gloxinia remained seated by the calm flames. Nerium's ears pricked up. Leaning to her leather bag, she rustled through and pulled out a little box. It was a simple thing, a dark blue ribbon neatly tied around it.

"Here," she reached it out to him, "it's for you."

Gloxinia tilted his head, "but it's only Christmas eve-"

"-Yeah but I wanna see you open it! Besides, we open our presents on the 21st, so technically you should've had it by now." She gently shook it, beckoning for him to take it.

Carefully, he took the wooden box and unravelled the ribbon. Opening it, he cradled what appeared to be a stuffed toy; one of a red stag. Chestnut cotton made the body with sturdy twigs for antlers. It had cute button eyes, and tiny curved ears; symbols and sigils carved into the curled twig antlers. Thin brown stitches formed a nose – along with other sewn in details.

"It's a bebejḣii, they protect you from bad spirits and other nasty entities. I made it, and they smell good too."

Gloxinia held up the toy to his face, she was right. Scents of rosemary, cinnamon, and hazel were the strongest; added with layers of mint, lavender, and pine (and a few more he couldn't name).

Nerium smiled sadly, "I know it's a bit childish if you don't want it I could-"

"No!" Gloxinia interrupted, cutting her off. "I love it," he whispered – hugging the stag against his chest. His eyes sparkled with child-like wonder as he stared at the stuffed toy. Ok, maybe it was childish, but who doesn't have at least one favourite cuddly thing. Whilst he'd been distracted by the present, a thought occurred that he'd left her present elsewhere.

His rainbow wing fluttered awkwardly, "I, um, left your present somewhere else."

"It's fine, give it to me tomorrow," she said, sliding along her seat to sit beside him. Pulling back her veil, she leant her head on his shoulder. She held his hand with a quiet yawn, tilting her head to glance at him.

Gloxinia grinned, pressing his forehead against hers. They stayed there, and for a moment, everything was perfect. The white snow, the timid fire, the celestial night sky. The way her fangs bared in a smile, her pointed nails in his hand. He noticed the pupils of her eyes had grown to a larger size, their pink colour outlining the rim. Her long hair brushed on his arm, her ears relaxed upwards.

Closing his eyes, he muttered. "Merry Christmas, Neri."

She squeezed his hand, "Merry Christmas, my butterfly."