Chapter Text
Cardan dismissed me from my duties in order to ‘take in the revel’. I think he’s just sick of having a chaperone. He sits on his throne legs draped over the sides, lounging as he asks a servant for another drink.
Usually, I would retire to my rooms, but for once, I am in the mood for a revel. I take a drink off a tray and inspect it carefully. I bring the cup up to my nose and can smell no traces of any poisons, and it is evident in its plain appearance, I don’t have to worry about it being faerie wine. Good. I need a drink.
I take a sip, and regret taking it. My nose scrunches up and my face contorts in displeasure. Wine is so incredibly dry. I really don't know how Cardan drinks it so much. He has poor taste, I suppose. Evidently.
“I prefer the taste of wine coolers, personally.”
I whip around to find the source of the voice. I find a lanky blonde boy with emerald eyes gesturing to my cup. He is beautiful but that isn’t shocking here in Elfhame. What's shocking is that he knew what a wine cooler is. The only reason I know, is because I remember my mother drinking them when Taryn and I were kids. She would take sips, and every so often let us blow across the lip of the bottle. The lower the liquid, the lower the pitch. Taryn liked playing with the notes, but I liked the smell more. Just as there are no fish sticks in Faerie, there are no wine coolers.
“You know what a wine cooler is?” I ask, half joking, yet I am curious to hear his answer.
“I do,” He smiles. “I’m half mortal.”
“Usually, people prefer to say half fae,” I raise an eyebrow at him.”
“I prefer my mortal side more.” He shrugs. “I just recently came here anyways. I’m Beck.” He reaches his hand out to shake mine.
“Jude,”
“I know. You’re the mortal seneschal. Everyone knows of you.”
“A mortal seneschal certainly isn’t well liked.” I scoff, even though I am the one who put myself in my position. Even though I like the power I get from it. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.
“Well I think that’s stupid.” Beck smiled at me, “Truthfully, it seems you’re the only person here with half a mind.”
“That’s what I used to think when I was first taken here. Eventually, it’ll become your new normal.”
“I hope not.” Beck sighed.
“Why?” For a half faerie, his lack of enthusiasm at the world around him surprised me.
“I’m not happy with the way they treat mortals here. It’s ignorant. My mom was a mortal, and she far exceeded any kindness or skill my faerie father had. When she passed, I came here looking for a new start, but seeing the way mortals are treated makes me sick.” Beck became more frustrated as he spoke. “Most are enscrolled and stripped of their personalities, and those like you, are treated as less than, when they all know it’s not true. Mortals are smarter, more caring, and actually make good music. Unlike whatever is playing now.”
I am taken aback by his words, as I listen to the music swell. He’s not incorrect. The music here does pale in comparison to mortal music. It lacks authenticity. The musicians here play songs of old kings, and foolish wives tales. The folk do not have the same ability mortal musicians have. Mortality provides a means to life. Life the folk take for granted.
“You’re right,” I say as Beck finally begins to relax after his rant. “Mortal music is way better.”
“That’s what you got from that?” Beck laughs, and I cannot help but to laugh along.
“Well, yeah, it’s a big complaint of mine as well. I have my father to blame for that. I ended up taking his electric guitar when we were taken. I didn’t even know how to play it back then.” I feel a heavy weight in my heart, at the thought of my parents.
“What was his favorite type of music?”
“Rock and grunge. He would play his guitar all the time for us. Vivi and I loved it, but my mother and Taryn, not so much. My mother would say: ‘It’s too loud, you'll hurt their ears!’ but all he had to do was smile at her, and all was forgiven.”
“And what’s yours?”
“My favorite genre?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
“Emo and alternative. I can’t even blame my dad for that. My very first album was snuck into the stronghold by Vivi.”
“What a coincidence.” Beck’s eyebrows raise slightly, his face appearing to be pleasantly surprised.
I cock my head to the side in question.
“You see,” Beck continues, “Those happen to be some of my favorite genres too. I didn’t take anything with me though. I would’ve brought my bass, or some albums if I had known.”
“Do you want to see my collection?” For one of the first times, someone seems to share my interests. I would be a fool to pass up on a possible friend who views mortality as something to be proud of.
“Are you allowed to leave?” Beck subtly gestures to Cardan sitting on the dais. He sits up straight, his eyes glaring daggers into me. He was the one who dismissed me, and yet he looks at me as if I have betrayed him. Perhaps he thought I would leave the revel, or perhaps he dismissed me to ruin my fun. Not tonight.
“Of course, His Majesty dismissed me from my duties.” I take one last look at Cardan before leading Beck through revel, to the exit. Cardan gets up from his throne, but Beck and I are gone before he has the chance to ruin my life once more.