The Poet and the Thief

Ch.3 So maybe he was lost

(!!!!!AGAIN ALL CREIDS GO TO KingOfTheOranges ON Ao3 NONE OF THIS BELONGS TO ME! ANY ENJOY!!!!!)

If it had been anyone else in this situation maybe they would run, maybe they would try to fight the person touching them, or maybe they would be smart enough to do the same as Tommy. He shrugged the other's arm off of him, turning around with a neutral smile. There in front of him was a man dressed in green and white, with a mask. The dreaded ring less Fae Will had warned him about was there in front of him, and he had just saved him from knocking himself out on a tree. Normally that would make Tommy laugh, but right now he was on far too high alert. If this guy was as good, or bad, as Will said then he'd have to stay vigilant.

"Ello strange forest man." Tommy crossed his arms over his chest, eyeing the other up and down. He did dress regal, but not as nicely as Will. It looked much easier to exist in, that's for sure. Still, Tommy felt underdressed around such a creature, and he was sure the other thought the same.

"Strange forest man? Please, call me...Green." The name felt weightless in his mind, it had no power behind it. A clever move to use a name not associated with yourself. Tommy did wonder though, if he used it long enough would it gain some weight? The fae probably wouldn't know, by the sounds of it his victims were quick to fall; never around long enough to allow it to gain power.

"Well Green, I appreciate your help but I gotta go now." Tommy didn't doubt his ability to beat this creature but he desperately wanted to show off his new look to Will. He'd never admit it but the man's approval always filled him with joy.

"Now now, I help you and tell you my name and you won't return it? Seems kinda rude." Green was definitely smirking under the mask, Tommy could hear it in his voice. He also knew he had been polite the whole interaction, doing the bare minimum to survive until he could reach safety.

"You can't have my name, Mr." Tommy was firm in his decision, not breaking his line of sight as the Fae leant down to match his height. Most would be intimidated by the creature getting so close, and sure Tommy felt a small shudder go through him but he stood strong against it.

"Why is that Child?" The tone was threatening despite the cheerful tone, Tommy could practically see the signature sharp teeth of the Fae through his mask.

"A name is a powerful tool Mr., especially for a creature such as the Fae." He gestured to the man in front of him as he spoke, keeping a polite smile the whole time. As long as he wasn't his regular self he'd be fine surely.

"That it is, you're smart for a human child." Despite the compliment the creature seemed bothered, upset even. Tommy simply shrugged, knowing better than to accept it openly.

"As lovely as this chat has been, I must be going now." Tommy had two options, go to Will like he originally planned or go back to the village. The smarter part of him knew the village would be the best option, so 'Green' wouldn't know he's befriended a Fae.

"And where might that be?" Green paced around the boy slowly, like a predator watching its prey. It sent shivers down the boy's spine as he followed with his eyes.

"Why do you care?" It was a simple question, to buy Tommy time to figure out the path back. It would be simple enough, he only turned left once.

"Well I can make sure you get back safely of course." The underlying deal was there, so obvious as long as you knew where to look. Tommy shook his head before starting the trek back to the village.