Blue Blood

Fae Nectar

James' house is not what I expected. At first it seemed like we were brought to an old dead tree but then the troll pulled an enchanted rock from his pocket and the house appeared from thin air.

It was a modest house with vines and flowers seeping from every window and crevice. The fresh scent of wheat flew through the air and the house felt overall welcoming and warm, quite odd seeing as how a troll occupied it.

"Hey James, what's your job?" Rody inquirers.

"Oh I do people's taxes. Ya know, it's not much but it's how I make a living. It was especially hard when my daughter, Charlie, decided she was ready for full gender reassignment magic. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she did, but things where a little rough for awhile. Thankfully we're sitting Alright now." The beast answers kindly.

I can't help but smile; what a nice man, I feel bad for misjudging him.

"Wow really? I thought about it when I was younger but I decided I liked being a boy." Rody says skipping happily.

I remember the day he told me that, it came as quite a shock but I assured him that whatever decision he made I would be there for him. I miss our talks.

Rody looks around a bit confused, "where's your daughter?"

James chuckles, "probably studying for her final. She wants to get into Mary Harbers Magestry school and I think she can do it."

He holds the large door for us and welcomes us inside. The room is neatly furnished. Nearly everything is made from wood but it looks lovely, especially the kitchen.

We climb on top of the oak wood kitchens chairs as James reaches up into an elaborately decorated kitchen cabinet.

"Do you boys like fae nectar?"

"Never had it." We say in unison. Rody laughs and I smile.

He assures us we'll love it and sets down the smallest cups he has (which are still quite large teacups). From his cooling unit, he grabs a large pitcher and pours us each a cup.

"I'll be right back, I'm gonna go check on Charlie, don't start without me."He sings walking up the stairs.

Rody is about to take a sip but I yank the cup from his grasp. He gawks at me offended.

"Let me taste first."

I press my lips to the other side of his cup and taste. It's sweet like a mellow candy and I find it quite delicious. I lick the rest of the drink from my lips and return it Roman.

"What was that for, you have your own." He whines.

"I was checking for poison." I state blankly.

Rody starts laughing but his laughs slowly die off as he realizes I'm not laughing with him.

"Wait, are you serious?"

James stomps down the stairs smiling fondly and I decide not to answer Rody's question, he knows the answer.

"The poor girl was so tired she was already asleep."

He sits down next to us and pours himself a glass and raises his cup.

"To friendship." It sounds more like a question than a statement but I brush it off and down half my cup. I wanted to drink the rest but I don't know how much there is so I'll savor it's sweet, sweet goodness.

"See? I knew you'd like it." The troll remarks taking a drink from his mug. Rody happily sips his slowly like a cup of hot tea.

My face starts to heat and me body feels tingly warm as I down the rest of my glass. James asks me if I'd like another and I decline.

"Are you sure? Theres plenty if you want, I won't make you though."

I give in without much pushing and continue drinking the delectable sweetness. After downing the second cup, I think of something funny and start laughing. The others give me an odd look which makes me laugh even more. I feel great!

"You okay buddy?" Rody asks placing a hand on my shoulder.

"No, when have I ever?" I say bursting into laughter.

"Uh oh." James mutters.

"Uh oh? What do you mean uh oh?" Rody exclaims panic rising in his voice.

"Oh, no no it's okay it's just that he's having a minor allergic reaction; very uncommon, like .1% of the population have it."

"WHAT!?" Rody yells, his voice cracking. "Is he gonna be okay!?"

"Oh yes he'll be fine, it'll wear off after some sleep."

"Ah, fuck sleep." I mumble.

Rody smiles with worried eyes. "How about you head up to bed huh?"

"Only if you'll go with me." I laugh but the laugh soon turns to crying and I rest my head on the table.

"This sucks." I hiccup.

An idea flies into my brain and my head shoots up.

"Rody, Rody, Rody, we should dive off a cliff."

"WHAT ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND-don't answer that."

"Yeah yeah we should practice some diving ya know but I have a secret, come here." I stumble. Cautiously he inches forward.

I giggle. "I didn't bring a bathing suit." I just barely burst out before erupting into laughter. Rody blushes and looks to James for help and he shrugs.

"How-how about we go take a walk, huh?" Rody suggests.

"I'd follow you anywhere, lava, the desert, the rainforest, the pits of hell-" I don't get to finish before I fall out of my chair. Hard. I burst into laughter again on the floor and mumble things I don't even understand.

Rody jumps down and throws my arm over my shoulder and walks me outside. The cool air feels nice. He walks me to a stream as I talk about . . . What was I talking about?

"Okay you just sit here and try to relax okay cause you're kind of freaking me out here."

I smile stupidly and say, "crazy for-" I can't even my finish my sentence before I throw up in the stream. Rody looks away like he might just throw up as well.

I look at my reflection in the water and start laughing my ass off. I look like a total fucking mess and it's hilarious!

Next to me I hear quiet crying. It sounds weak, helpless, vulnerable. Suddenly I feel very awake.

"Rody?"

"I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to but I just . . . It's kind of scary." He cry's, slowly descending further into sobs. His body shakes with each hiccup. My heart aches so bad I feel it might wither away.

"I'll . . . I'll go to bed now if you tuck me in and . . . I'll stay in bed all night. Promise."

He smiles weakly and sniffs. "I'm sorry." He responds in a whisper.

I pull him into a gentle hug, honestly we're barely touching, and he gasps at the sudden touch. Quickly he accepts it and wipes his tears.

We stand up together, me leaning on him, and stumble back to the house all the while I go in and out of consciousness and fits of quiet giggles.

"Sorry . . ." He mumbles one more time with a sniff.

"Don't be." I smile as my eyes get heavier and heavier.

James helps me to a bed I think? It's soft and seems to envelop me whole. I sigh happily feeling more and more tired. It's so warm!

I feel a hand gently rub my head but I don't bother to open me eyes, they're too heavy. Within a matter of minutes I'm fast asleep and free from the waking world.