Cardan and Jude

Adapting to a New Situation (And Struggling)

Days turn into weeks which turn into months. I run errands endlessly, marching to and from different Faerie's doorsteps like a loyal soldier, earning money for our upkeep while I'm at it. Heather ignores Vivi's texts and slowly she shrinks into a shell of her former self, heartbroken by the loss of her girlfriend. Oak remains oblivious, he barely acknowledges me unless I offer to play with him or, after some cajoling on his part, agree to read comic books in silly voices. As a reward, I hear him laugh. I learn the map of the city off by heart so I can walk confidently through the streets, like I belong there. I have to remind myself constantly that I do belong there now. I deliver Nevermore from door to door, make threats and sometimes carry them out. The folk who were banished and the few who live here by choice come to understand my name and my background, rumours floating through the streets like mist. I create an odd sort of camaraderie with them, something I was unable to do back in Faerie as most of the folk there considered themself above me. But in this world, where the Fey are shunned, we reach a sort of level ground. Besides, I deliver them the cure to their iron poisoning. If they made an enemy of me, they would very quickly regret it, as some have found out. My name is not feared, but warned of which in some ways is better.

I trudge up the steps and bang open the door to Ravus' residence at the foot of Manhattan Bridge. It smells odd down here, a mixture of blood and waterlilies. Ravus crouches over a cauldron, bubbling with some new elixir he's been working on for a little while. I wouldn't call him my friend, but he has never been unkind. It was strange how I found myself in his service, although he pays good money. Usually I would bring Vivi with me when grocery shopping so she could glamour leaves into notes but she's been too heartbroken to work her magic properly - this means I can pay honestly. Although the only thing I really care about is being able to feed Oak and keep him healthy - if he would just stop eating so much damn jello. 

'Good Eve, Jude,' Ravus greets. 

'Is it?' I ask, flopping into one of his tattered armchairs. His lover, Valerie ('Val' as he so often calls her.), is curled up in another chair, sorting his array of tinctures by color.  

'Long day?' She asks, looking up. Her shorn hair has grown out a little, just coming to meet her eyes, small curls tickling her ears. She pushes them back, seemingly annoyed by their invasiveness. 'I want to shave my head again Ravus.'

'Okay love.' He says, finally getting up. 'Not much to do tonight Jude. Just a few visits. How are your sister and brother?'

Ravus doesn't know about my brother's heritage nor his importance. He knows Vivi from meeting her unexpectedly when she was in search of someone to provide her with a cure for her sickness. They get along fine.

'She's suffering. Heather still won't speak to her.'

'Would you like a potion to ease her pain? I can brew something up within the month.'

I recoil at the idea immediately. Vivi needs to feel this so she can understand it. We all have to at some point... I'm almost experiencing the same thing. 

'No it's okay. She'll be fine soon enough. Where am I going?' 

'Finrond, Thurinor and Ciyradyl.'

'Easy enough. I'll see you again come dawn.' 

'See you.' Val smiles softly.

'Farewell,' Ravus echoes. 

I exit the same way I came in and trundle back down the stairs, my satchel heavy with glasses of Nevermore. 

The night passes quickly with no hindrances. The Fae cough up their money quickly and snatch their savior from my hands without question, shivering to get the cure in their bloodstream.