Fablehaven: Journey to the Eternals' Pass (fanfiction) (HIATUS)

16: Viola

First had been deliberately nonchalant on the entire drive back, sitting shotgun where he could be alone and could be kept an eye on at the same time. It was like he was trying to irritate Vanessa by feigning absolute boredom. Nothing could spark even the slightest bit of energy.

Nothing, that was, until they reached the borders of Fablehaven.

It was a very slight movement, but Kendra saw his back straighten ever so quickly, his head tilting back so he could get the full view of the preserve. In the rearview mirror his eyes were still fixed impassively ahead, but there was a change in his countenance that betrayed his interest.

Dale was squatting over a row of plants in front of the house when they drove up, and he waved at them. Kendra just caught a glimpse of a silvery dish disappearing behind the leaves. Dale winked at her and straightened up to receive them.

First got out of the car with lazy grace. Canis bounded out after him, probably impatient after being cooped up inside for so long, but Darcy was still scowling anyway. "Nice place you've got here," First remarked to Kendra. She had the sense that he was surveying all of it, trying to absorb its secrets in a sweeping gaze. A few fairies fluttering nearby paused to appraise the newcomer. Kendra shifted slightly closer, uncharacteristically curious.

"That's the one all the birds are making so much fuss about?" The redhead said, arching a thin eyebrow. "Seems as big and clumsy as the rest of them." She noticed Kendra listening in and stuck her tongue out, but the fairies had gotten used to Kendra's presence and seemed to put even more heart into their sharp-tongued gossip when she was around.

"That stupid raven from the east corner is making so much noise about him." A second fairy, golden caramel, complained. "And look, they brought the wolf."

"The last thing we need is a dog nipping at our wings." The third said, cautiously eyeing Canis all the same. "What a ridiculous pet. His owner, though..." The fairy slanted her eyes at Darcy with a frown tugging her lips. "There's something about him. Don't you see it?"

"I saw it the first time he set foot in here. It's not my fault you're slow, Kailah." The redhead responded, darting out of retaliation's way.

The caramel fairy huffed impatiently. "All of us have seen it, Kailah. No one can figure him out, is all. He's got fairy magic hanging over him, but it's different from any fairykind or fairystruck I've ever seen. Almost like..." Her friends cut her off with sharp glances. Then, abruptly, they fluttered off.

Kendra found herself taking a second look at Darcy, now hovering protectively near his wolf with Elaine rolling her eyes behind him. If the fairies couldn't figure him out...

Grandpa was in his study, but he emerged when he heard them coming in. The usual hellos were exchanged and then Grandpa held out his hand to First. "Aaron. We've met." 

A vague flicker of recognition crossed First's face, accompanied by annoyance. Apparently he didn't like being addressed by his real name. "I've met a lot of people." He said carelessly. Kendra immediately felt indignant for his rudeness on her grandfather's behalf. Nonetheless, the creatures expert shook hands. "I suppose you do seem familiar. Stan, isn't it?" Without waiting for an answer he went on. "Yes, it is. Call me First. Real names are damning when people are watching you." He had a faux smile on the whole time, indifference and self-assurance layered on thick. 

"We have a spare room upstairs." Grandpa cut in with subtle irritation. He was usually more patient, Kendra thought, but First had a talent for getting on nerves. "Dale-Dale, if you would..." 

Dale reluctantly led a smirking First away. Grandpa looked palpably relieved. He rubbed his temples. "He seems to have gotten worse over the years." He murmured.