Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Prologue- 

“Azure, why do people hate me?” 

“What's that, kid?” 

“I never did anything to them, yet they throw things at me! And it hurts!” 

“I know, kid, and I'm sorry I can't help more, but you know the rules,” 

“I know, I can't leave until I'm 15, but it still hurts!” 

“I know, let's just get back to the lesson, what do you last remember us talking about?” 

“Birds?”

“Well, yes, but what birds exactly?” 

“Uhmmmm, I can't remember…” 

“That's alright, we were talking about Ravens.” 

“Ohhhh, right!” 

“What do you remember about Ravens?” 

“Uhm… they're bigger than crows?” 

“Well, yes, but they can also be very loyal birds if you gain their trust, even bringing you things from their hoard as gifts at times!” 

“Awwww, that's adorable!” 

“I know! Now, I normally deal in plants so birds are a little out range of my knowledge, but I do know that information about Ravens is correct,-” 

“Ok!”

“But, I believe it is nearly time for me to go,-” 

“Already?” 

“Yes, now, kid, do you remember the most important rule I taught you?” 

“Yeah, yeah, you remind me every time you come visit this village!” 

“And what is it? Remember, this rule is very important,” 

“Never go into the woods surrounding the village, because of the dangers within, you never tell me what those dangers are though, Azure, why do you always avoid talking about that?” 

“...”

“...”

“You're too young to know about that stuff, kid, I'll tell you when you're older, alright?” 

“...ok”

“Look, I know it's difficult, but in a few more years I can bring you with me and show you all the stuff I've been teaching you about all these years! Just hold on tight, and this old village will soon be a distant memory, alright?” 

“Ok… when will you be back next?” 

“Only a couple of months, don't worry, I just have my own duties to take care of, alright? And then I'll be back.”

“Ok… see you next time!” 

“Ok kid, see you then!” 

>~~~~~<

~3 years later~ 

°Present day°

He remembered the very important rule, never enter the forest, but everyone was being so mean today! Everything hurt, and they wouldn't stop throwing things! He sighed, maybe a quick walk wouldn't hurt, just until sundown, then he could go back to that old shed the village let him use. But until then, a quick walk wouldn't hurt, after all, what's the worst that could happen?

Chapter Text

He had just been digging in the bakery trash that day, he did it everyday and no-one had said anything prior! Plus, Elliot the baker was really nice, even if the two weren't allowed to interact much, mainly because he was born a demon. He sighed, it wasn't his fault he was born this way! Azure even said that demon births were natural and had a chance of happening with anyone! But that didn't change their opinion of him, that he was some scourge. Maybe that was why the other kids in the village had chosen that day of all days to torment him, because they knew they could get away with it. 

He knew Azure had warned him repeatedly not to enter the forest, whenever he asked him why though, Azure would just get a sad look in his eyes and tell him he wasn't old enough! He's 10 now, and he's been asking for years! Yet he was always met with the same response, it was annoying! 

He remembers hearing whispers that the Forester wasn't always alone. But he's never seen anyone else with Azure, so he doesn't believe those rumors. He does remember how he would always look into the forest with sorrow, though. He doesn't understand why Azure would do that, but who is he to question adult behaviors. 

Whatever the case, it was time to explore! Sure, he probably shouldn't be doing this, but at this moment, he doesn't care, he just wants to get away from all the mean kids and judgmental adults. Besides! He can hear and smell anything dangerous that may be lurking in the forest from a mile away! He's a demon after all! 

With all the confidence he could muster, the kid walked straight into the forest. Ready for anything the forest could throw at him! Or so he believed, after all, who could've prepared him for what was to come next? 

>~~~~~<

He'd been walking for a while now, he was glad there even was a path, don't get him wrong, but nothing had really happened. Whenever Azure had talked about this place, he always talked about how dangerous it was, saying that there was danger around every corner, yet he had seen nothing. 

He was starting to question how truly dangerous this place was, after all, if it was as dangerous as Azure, wouldn't he have seen something by now? He sighed, yet another dumb thing Azure had said, he looked up at the sky and- hold on, shouldn't the sun have moved by now? Yet there it was, in the same position it had been when he entered a while ago. He started to get nervous, maybe he should leave?

Yet just as he thought that, he saw a branch off the path to the right. Temporarily forgetting his previous concern, he got curious, and approached. 

As he walked up, he saw it led to a clearing. Any lingering concern about the strangeness of the sun now forgotten, he wandered in. Completely unaware of the eyes that watched him from the shadows. 

Upon entering, he saw a few things, a willow tree in the center, a strange ring of colorful mushrooms beneath it, and, off to the right, a few colorful rocks. Being a curious child, he immediately made a beeline for the rocks. As he approached he saw a few red ones the color of his skin! How fun, as he knelt down to examine them properly, his tail brushing against the grass, he didn't expect to hear someone clear their throat behind him. 

He jumped, surprised. He quickly turned around to see… a strange… man? He had red tipped black horns, a red tipped black tail, pointed ears, and his eyes were hidden behind opaque glasses. He was wearing a strange black and red jacket, with a white shirt underneath, his pants were black as well. 

“Well hello there, little one.” The man grinned, his teeth sharp, but voice not unkind.

“Uhm, hello?” He responded, voice unsure. 

“May I have your name, little one?” The Man asked. 

“Uhm…” He was unsure how to respond, after all, he was never given a name, as the adults in the village put it. “You'll get a name when you turn 15, not before that, demon.” 

“I uh… I don't… Have one…” he finally responded. 

“...”

“...”

The Man didn't respond for a moment, simply staring at him in a moment of disbelief. 

“Kid… What do you mean you don't have a name?” The Man finally responded.

“I was never given one!” He tried to defend himself. 

“Everyone has a name though, why weren't you given one?” The Man inquiries. 

“'Cause I'm a demon, demons aren't allowed to have names until they're 15, I thought you knew that.” He tilts his head inquiringly and looks at the Man's horns. 

“Hm…” The Man looks thoughtful for a moment, considering something. The stare the Man gives him while doing this is uncomfortable, he squirms a bit, seeking to escape the uncomfortable feeling.

“Uhm…” he considers a moment before asking, “What about you? What's your name?” He tilts his head in curiosity. 

“Hm, you may call me Seven, little one.” Came the Ma- Seven's response. 

“Ok!” He responded quickly, before he couldn't help but ask, “What are you doing out in the woods, Seven?” 

“I was drawn in by something curious, and I suppose I could ask you the same, kid.” Seven turned the question back on him.

“... The other kids were being mean, I was just trying to get some food and they just started throwing stuff at me! Although that's not really unusual…” he trailed off, not really sure how to continue. 

Seven suddenly got an unreadable look on his face, as if not sure how to respond. “Does this happen often, kid?” 

He nodded, “Usually everyday.” 

Seven hummed in thought, before- “Do you know what I am?” 

“A… Demon?” He responded, that seemed like the proper answer. 

“Mmm I suppose that's true, but do you know what else?” Seven led on.

“No…?” Came his confused response.

Seven hummed in thought at that. He tilted his head in curiosity at the man, before- “You should go, little one, it's getting late.” 

“Huh?” He looked up at the sky and- the sun was starting to go down,”Oh! I didn't realize it had been that long! Uhm…” he wasn't sure how to end the conversation with Seven. 

“Can you make me a promise, little one?” 

“What kind of promise?” 

“Just that you'll come visit me at this place everyday, around noon.” 

“Uhm… Sure! I can do that!” He felt something twist around his chest, a reminder, almost. It was uncomfortable for a moment, before it faded, like it was never there. 

“Are you alright, little one?” His face must've given away his temporary discomfort, although he wasn't sure why Seven was smiling while he said that.

“I think so.” He said.

“Alright then, little one, hurry home now, I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.” Seven gave him a sharp toothed grin. 

“Yeah, see you then," he turned, and started walking down the path back towards the village, tail wagging behind him, eager to talk to the strange man again tomorrow.

Chapter Text

The kid was a strange one, Seven decided. He clearly had no clue what a fae was, with how easily he had made a promise with him. It was strange, sure, there hadn't been much fae activity lately, but most would still at the very least know of them. 

He wasn't sure where to go from here, sure, he'd managed to extract a promise from the kid, now, where to from here?

He was interrupted from his thoughts by a voice. “Seven? What’s on your mind right now?” Came the Voice of his friend and partner in crime from right behind him, walking up to place his head on his right shoulder. 

“Hello Ņ̸̫̤̏́̽ö̵̡̲̹̲̖́̋̓́̏ͅľ̶̢͙̻͈̦͔i̸̹͎͈͗, I was just thinking.” 

“About what?” 

“About that kid, and how people view demons now, it's different from back when I was out and about.” 

“I suppose, he's actually allowed to exist, different from back then.” 

“Yeah, but the views haven't changed much still.” 

“Yeah, but I must ask, what do you plan to do with him now?” 

“Well…I was thinking-” 

>~~~~~<

It was raining that night, same as every night for as long as he can remember. The shed always leaked something fierce when it rained. He sighed, tail thumping against the mat that made up his bed dejectedly. He flopped on his back, looking at the roof and ensuring the patch in the roof is still functioning. It is. He had only been able to get it above his mat, having to also snag a few rotting boards from the pile of old wood to keep himself above the water. 

He squinted at the parts of the roof leaking water. Maybe he can procure a few more rotten boards to provide at least some protection from the harsh rain. That will likely have to be something he does when it lets up. 

His tail thumps against the mat again. He growls slightly, he's hungry. Yesterday he wasn't able to get much food, mainly because of all the mean kids out that day. 

Suddenly he shoots up, an idea forming, maybe tonight, while it's still raining, he can sneak out and grab some food! 

He's kinda shocked this idea hadn't occurred to him sooner! It was a really good idea! 

He quickly gets up, his threadbare blanket falling off him when he does. It was a good day when he found it, someone had thrown it out, likely because of how little it held out the cold, but it still worked! And he had yet to find anything better… But that was fine! It was always a good day when he found someone had thrown out some functioning clothes or bedding, like the pillow he found once! Sure, it was barely holding on, but it worked! 

He hoped he found some new clothes soon… the ones he was wearing barely worked. Sure, they covered him, but they were starting to get small, and they weren't keeping out the cold as much as he would've liked…

But that's another day's problem! Tonight, he needed food. Although… his gaze traveled to the still leaking roof, he really needed something better to ward off the rain if he wanted to go out tonight. Especially with how cold it was.

Still… he needed food, as he made his way out of the shed, he looked around for overhangs that he could creep under to escape the torrent. There weren't many. Still, he had to press on with how little he'd eaten recently. He slowly started to make his way through the rain, hoping it would be gentle today.

It wasn't.

>~~~~~<

He slowly made his way back towards his shed, he'd managed to grab a small, stale pie from Elliot's trash, but it wasn't much. He knew he'd be hungry again come morning, but still, it was better than nothing! 

He was soaked to the bone though, he kinda regrets going out now, but oh well. He's sure he'll be fine. He shuffles around awkwardly, trying to at the very least, get semi dry. It wasn't going well. 

He sighed, eventually giving up and walking over to his mat, deciding to try to get some sleep before tomorrow. He did still plan on keeping his promise to the man to come meet up the next day.

>~~~~~<

The sleep he managed to get that night was restless. It was uncomfortable being soaked like that, he could only hope that was the extent of it though. 

He was feeling a bit cold still, but he's sure it'll be fine! He is still slightly damp from last night as well… he was fine though! Everything is fine! It has to be. Are you certain it IS though? 

It was starting to get closer to noon now, so he started to head out. Best to get there on time, after all, he didn't want to be late.

>~~~~~<

After slowly making his way through the village, hiding when needed, he didn't want to be seen by the mean kids after all! He made it to the edge of the forest, nodding to himself, he started walking down the same path as yesterday. 

He started humming gently to himself, wanting to pass the time, his tail flicked behind him in tune with the melody. Soon, he came across the same clearing, quickly heading in. 

He found Seven leaning against the willow, just on the edge of the circle of mushrooms he noticed yesterday.

“Hello child.” 

“Hi Seven!” 

“I see you’ve returned.”

“Yeah! I did promise.”

“That you did.” He seems to grin a little while saying that.

“So, uhm… What now?”

“Hmmm, perhaps some questions? So we can get to know each other a little better.”

“Oh! Yeah! That’s a good idea!”

“I’ll start, what should I call you, little one? Surely you have something that people call you.”

“Uhm, well, I’ve been called demon, scourge, pest, stain, parasite, good-for-nothing, oh! And my friend calls me kid! I think that’s it, but I could be forgetting some.”

The man's face seems to get more and more shocked with every word he says, almost as if not expecting what he said, the kid couldn’t help but tilt his head in confusion at the man. Not understanding his shock. 

“Uhm… alright then… I'll just call you kid…” 

“Oh! Is it my turn to ask a question now?” 

“Uh.. Yeah, it is.” Seven still seems to be reeling in shock. 

“Uhm… do you have any friends?” 

“I've got a few. So, who is the friend you were referring to?” 

“Oh yeah! Him! He's a wandering forester that comes to the village once a month, usually for supplies, but he teaches me things as well! He taught me how to read and write, and a bunch of other stuff!” 

“Oh? And what's his name?” 

“Uhm, he did say this isn't his real name, but he goes by Azure! Hm… that was two questions, so… now do you owe me two questions?” 

“I suppose you're right, kid, I do.” 

“Hmm… What's your favorite food?” 

“I prefer spicy foods, they leave a rather pleasant burning after taste.” 

“Really? I've never had spicy food before.” 

“That is strange, spicy foods should be quite prominent in demons' diets. Also, you used your second question there.” 

“Oh…”

“My turn then, who are your parents?” 

“I dunno, when a demon's born the parents immediately give them up, after that, I don't know much, I just know at a certain age they're expected to fend for themselves on the streets. Shouldn't you know this?” His voice held pure curiosity.

 “I suppose you could say that I'm a little… Out of touch with modern society.” 

“Huh.”

“That was also a question, so it's my turn again, hm… let's also have this question of mine and your next question be the last.”

“Oh… okay!” 

“How do you get food, if you are left to fend for yourself?” 

“Well… mostly I dig through everyone's trash, there are some nice people who throw out only mostly stale food for me! Although they aren't allowed to interact with me much…” 

“Hm.” Seven gets a thoughtful look on his face at that.

“My turn! I know you said that you're a little out of touch with modern society, but what does that have to do with asking about my life?” His tail flicks a little as he says this.

“Well, as I said yesterday, it's been a bit since I was last able to wonder, I've been a little… busy.” He smiles when he says that last part. “It's starting to get late again, little one, you should hurry home.” 

“Oh! That was quick, see you tomorrow!” 

“I'll be here.” 

>~~~~~<

As the child hurried back, eagerly recounting the conversation he had just had in his head. He was unaware of the eyes that watched where he went.

Chapter Text

He awoke sweaty and feverish the next morning. He felt like could barely pull himself off the mat, that’s how bad it was! Still though, he had agreed to meet with Seve again today, so he needed to do that. He hummed discontentedly before slowly getting up.

He sluggishly walked over to the one clean bucket he had, he'd managed to set it up to gather clean water at some point, gather some watch up in his hands to drink. After that he slowly made his way to the door, it was still early, late enough for the rain to have stopped, but still early. 

He decides to go out and try to get some food before the mean kids come out. Even though he wasn't feeling well, he decided to take his chances with the butcher, he was feeling the need for some meat and, although the butcher only had the barely edible meat in the trash, it was still edible. He just had to be cautious of rotting meat. 

>~~~~~<

He slowly starts making his way towards the butcher, hoping he'd still be asleep. His luck was never that good. 

Groaning slightly in discomfort, he keeps his eyes on his surroundings, not wanting to attract attention. Doing so could lead to a beating from the butcher if he wasn't careful. He was glad for his enhanced senses at that moment, he was able to sneak up to the trash and carefully, quietly rummage through it. 

Score! He found some decently edible chicken, and a few thrown out scraps from some steak! Sure, they're, as always, barely edible but they're still better than nothing in his current state. 

He ducks into a hidden corner to consume his prize, finishing quickly, he looks around and- the butcher is coming out! He quickly looks for an escape route, managing to find one, even if it risks getting caught. Still, it's a better chance than none, he quickly bolts, hoping he'd be quiet and the butcher wouldn't see him. 

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“HEY!” He heard the butcher shout behind him in outrage. 

He panicked, willing his small, thin body to go faster, he started racing through the smaller areas of the village. Small areas that most adults couldn't fit through but most children could, the kind of areas he mostly avoided during the day. Mainly because of how many kids hung around those areas.

He heard the man throw something behind him. Panic consumed him for just a moment, barely managing to squeeze into a crawl space that was still mostly filled with water. Then he felt something hit his back.

He couldn't help the pained cry that escaped him. Before he quickly made his way to the other side and out of the small crawl space, quickly running back to the shed. He curled up, shivering and feeling horrible, wanting nothing more than to curl up with Azure as he told him about some obscure plant. 

He looked up from where he rested on his side over at the bucket. Azure had helped him set that up, using his weird forester magic to ensure the water reached the bucket clean. Tuning onto his back he stared at the roof, Azure had also helped him set up that patch.

He would never understand Azure's weird magic, or why he carried around a weird weapon that he called a “scythe” and said it was mainly meant as a tool. It was too weird looking to be a tool he'd decided when he first asked Azure about it, but that was fine.

He wished Azure was here right now, but it would still be a couple days before he returned. 

He looked out through the gaps in the roof, nearly noon, time to go. 

>~~~~~<

As he made his way back towards the clearing, back hurting, feeling horrible all around, he was miserable in that moment. He knew Seven would be able to tell instantly, he wasn't exactly tryna hide it. 

He saw Seven already there, as usual, He felt a little dizzy so he walked over and sat down by the willow. 

“You don't look so well, kid.” A statement, as Seven walked over to the tree to sit near him.

“Mm.” 

“Something happen?” 

“Mhm.” 

“Well, I don't really know how to help unless you say something, kid.” 

“The butcher was mean today, I was just tryna get food from his trash and he chased me down and threw something at my back! My bad hurts and everything's sore now.” 

“Everything's sore?” 

“Mhm, I think I might be sick, Aurora always says to eat warm food and keep hydrated when sick, oh! And lots of bed rest, but I can't stay in bed if I wanna get food…” 

“Oh? Who's Aurora? Is that her real name?” 

“Her? She's a wandering healer, goes from town to town teaching people proper medical practices. And, as far as I'm aware, that's not her real name, it's just the closest translation from her native language.” 

“Hm,” Seven seems to pause for a moment, before grinning and asking, “You hungry, kid?” 

“A bit, why?” 

“I got something for you.” The grin isn't leaving his face as he's mentioning this.

“Really?” He tilts his head confused. 

“Yes indeed, here.” Seven reaches into his jacket and pulls out a small box. 

He tills his head in curiosity at it, “What's in it?” 

“You'll see.” He says as he hands it over, “Open it.” He seems very eager as he says this.

Being a little confused but mostly curious, he does so, it holds…a strange round piece that seems to swirl with color. 

“What is it?” 

“Candy, it's good, trust me, just try it.” His grin is very present as he says this.

“So it's… Food?” Seeing Seven's nod at this, he picks it up and, after a moment's hesitation, pops it in his mouth.

“Huh, you're right, it is good!” He's starting to feel a little sleepy though, he leans against the tree further as his eyelids start to droop. Humming a little in confusion, he feels Seven bring him closer, before he finally falls asleep. 

>~~~~~<

Azure knew he was a little early this month, but he's sure the kid will appreciate it. The question is, where is the kid?

He checked his shed, not there. He checked near where Elliot's trash was, not there. He checked the rest of the areas the kid would usually frequent, not there. 

He was starting to get a little frantic, did the villagers kill the kid while he was gone? But no, the shed looks recently used, he had to have been there at least this morning. 

His blood runs cold when he realizes, there is one place he has yet to check. He hopes he's wrong, but all the signs are there, he could only hope he wasn't too late. 

>~~~~~<

Rushing through the woods quickly and carefully, following the trail the plants said the kid took. He knows he vowed to never return, yet here he is. Rushing through the forest, for a kid he failed to protect.

He's nearly there, he can feel it. Then he feels a hand grab his left arm, and with far too much strength, he's ripped to a stop, left arm hurting. Before he hears, “Hello, old friend, it's been too long.”

Chapter Text

As he was thrown to the ground under a nearby tree, he couldn't help but gasp at the sight that greeted him. Holding onto his arm where they grabbed him, he feels his breath start to stutter. 

Staring at the person, no, the fae he had once called a friend, stupidly. The pale, grinning form stared back at him, it was unsettling. His eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the wings and tail made of bone that extended from their back. 

“I thought I told you to stop calling me that, Two Time .” His breath hitched as he said this, it had been a hard day when it became apparent that his old “friend” was a fae . He kept trying to block it out, kept trying to forget , and yet, history kept catching up with him. 

He didn't call for the forest's help for this, it wouldn't interfere. Getting up quickly, he draws his Scythe, getting into a battle stance. 

“I had hoped for a more civil conversation, but it seems I pissed you off too much last we met.” 

“Pissed me off!? YOU TRIED TO DRUG ME!” He shouted back, fully prepared to lunge now, breathing erratically.

“You wouldn't have listened any other way. ” They respond while drawing their dagger, knowing how tense the situation has gotten.

“ Listened!? We could've had a civil conversation about how you chose then and there to reveal to me you were a fae! ” He can see something dripping off the dagger, they had likely coated it in something ahead of time, figures. 

“This forest is my birthplace; no other place would've been better! And as for the timing? Well, it was the first time I had managed to convince you to enter this forest!” They subtly start to get ready to lunge as well, being careful to not set their dear Azure off. 

“Then why the hell did you think the best course of action was to try and drug me!” He hisses back; their unsettling smile is still on their face. 

“You looked about ready to bolt when I told you, and I couldn't bear to lose you. ” Their grin somehow widening as they say this. 

At this, he narrows his eyes, “ Where's the kid?” 

“He attracted the attention of another fae, I believe that they're placing their claim now.” They tilt their head slightly while saying this.

With their words he lunges, no more time for words , how does he fail EVERYONE he meets!? 

He cries out in anger as he swings his scythe at them, but they seem ready for this. They duck under his swing and bring their dagger up to slash his side. Noticing this, he barely manages to twist his body out of the way. 

Their grin never leaves their face.  

He attempts a downward swing in an attempt to catch them off guard, but they manage to dodge to the side. Before he can attempt a follow up, they bring their dagger up and attempt to slash his side again. He's over committed to his last swing and can't get out of the way in time, he still manages to make a little distance, but the dagger still grazes his side, drawing blood. 

He can feel whatever was coating the dagger start to take effect, he stumbles back and attempts to use some of his magic to mitigate some of the effects. No good. 

He starts to feel dizzy, and his vision starts to blur. Still, he raises his scythe again, and gets ready to continue the fight, he won't give up.  

Their grin seems even more eager after their successful hit on him. He snarls and prepares to attack once more. He's starting to struggle to move, it's not bad enough that he's unable to attack, but it's noticeable. 

He swings once more, too slow, they capitalize on his mistake quickly. Coming in for another slash, this time aiming for his leg. He didn't react in time, he cries out slightly as it hits, going down on one knee. 

Breathing heavily, he struggled, trying to get up, but found he couldn't. He was really struggling to move now, struggling to think as well. 

Panting, he goes for another swing, missing completely. He overbalances and falls on his side, dropping his scythe, he tries to get up, failing completely. His vision blurs further, thoughts turning sluggish, he blinks slowly, trying to keep his thoughts together.

He vaguely feels someone pull his head onto their lap, his hat falling onto the ground. The person starts to gently run their fingers through his hair, it feels nice. His eyes close and his breathing starts to even out, he falls asleep.

>~~~~~<

He feels faint when he next wakes up, his tail curling slightly over his legs. He’s lying in someone's lap; there’s something soft surrounding him. He feels a hand in his hair, scratching against his scalp, it feels nice, he starts purring. 

He hears people talking around him, he can’t make out their voices quite yet though, he does hear someone chuckle above him. His tail starts wagging and they scratch just the right spot, he settles in further. 

He starts to make out more of what’s being said, he slowly opens his eyes, his vision is blurry, but he could make out a vague black and purple figure in front of him. He blinks sluggishly a few times, humming in confusion. 

The voices had stopped when he opened his eyes, he stared up at the blurry figure before he felt the person whose lap he was clear their throat. 

“Hey kid,” The person said, “How would you like to have a name?”

Chapter Text

Aurora had just returned to this village after another year stuck at home. She sighed, wings ruffling behind her, her brother was starting to become suspicious of her, she needed to be more careful with this or she risked not being able to do this again. 

She's pretty sure Azure should also be here around this time, the two of them had made an agreement to exchange goods and information this year. Although she has no idea where he is right now, they had also agreed to travel to the next village together before splitting up again. 

She may be blind, but she knows his scent, she knows what his mana looks like, and she knows the sounds he makes when he moves. Frowning, she didn't hear him, they had agreed to meet up quickly, and he was supposed to be the first one here. 

She can smell a lingering trace of him around a few buildings though. Following the trail, she freezes, just outside the woods. She lets out a shaky breath, before turning around. 

Another lost to the woods.

She sighs, already knowing she will never see him again, after all, the woods don't let go of what they claim.

Instead, she heads for the town center, tail brushing the ground slightly and wings drooping as she keeps her head pointed straight ahead. Running a clawed hand through her hair, being careful to avoid her horns, she knows.

There's nothing she can do now.

>~~~~~<

Eliot hadn't seen the kid in a good while now, he had been leaving out extra food, being careful to keep it stale enough to avoid questions. But it's all just continuing to get more and more stale, he's getting concerned. 

He knows he can't interact directly with the kid, but he has to check on him, especially after Azure had been looking quite frantically around town, then disappearing himself. He'd seen Aurora come by recently, her white, feathered wings practically dragging against the ground, he knew at that point there would be no finding the forester.

But maybe… He could look around? See where the kid could've gone? He sighs, maybe when everyone's starting to get ready for the nightly rain. 

>~~~~~<

When he goes and checks, there's nothing there, not even any sign of the kid being there recently, he's concerned. 

He feels a tug around his chest at that moment, it's time. 

He turns and walks to the edge of the woods, just after reaching just inside the tree line, he turns around and leans against a tree. And waits.

Soon, he hears a voice behind him, “Time for you to fulfill your end of the bargain, so, let's get started.”