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Deep into a forest, far up north and miles away from any form of civilization is a village. L’manburg it was called. People who have visited claim that the place is run by plant life, vines cover the buildings walls, fields of flower, moss coats the paths, and the trees that surrounded the village are just gorgeous. The people there are always smiling, music plays well into the night and the streets are filled with laughter.
But as most beautiful things do, the village has its secrets.
There is a reason that sighs surround the forest, warning of the danger, the misery beyond those life filled walls. Travelers speculate it to be too dense to walk through, the wildlife must be dangerous to be around. The tree’s must act as blockers, to keep the village folk safe! But those in the village know a much different tale.
Fae.
The forest is owned by the fae, fae who have granted the people of L’manburg permission to stay on their lands. They keep the soil healthy, the animals and any other mythical creature outside with the thick layers of tree’s. They grow plants such as flowers and vines to keep the village neat and life filled. The village folk understand that the fae are what kept them alive all this time, especially since it was not always like this…
The village was once a snow-covered land, sickness ran rampant and all plant life had died off quickly in the harsh conditions. Of course, the village knew fae owned the woods, but no one was stupid enough to travel inside and make a deal. But then, a man, the founder of L’manburg traveled beyond the tree border and made a deal with a fae… The morning after the soil had become stronger, life began to sprout through the cracks in the walls, the sun shone through for the first time in months.
The last time the man was ever seen was that day, when he announced the conditions of the deal he’d made.
The fae will keep the village safe, healthy and protected so long as the village follows 4 simple things.
- Once a year, a sacrifice will be made. Someone will be sent into the forest for the fae to play with and they will be considered to be property of the fae.
- Never go out into the forest past midnight, no matter what. Again, if you do? You become property of the fae. Under no other circumstances may someone go past the 2nd layer of thick trees, they may travel before that to get food but any farther and you are property of the fae. You may however travel beyond that if you seek a deal, no promise you will return though.
- The people of the village are to not wear iron, hold iron weapons, or anything of the sort. If a fae sees you with iron, they have permission to punish you as they see fit.
- If you encounter a fae, you are not allowed to describe what they look like or what happened during the encounter.
They were simple things and the people of the village followed them like a religion. As did they follow the rules of encountering a fae, as it was not uncommon to stumble upon one in the woods, as the deal states the humans may not pass the border. Nothing of the fae.
If they offer you food? Do not take it. More like- do not eat it. Eating their food will make you no longer hunger for human food, causing you to starve.
Never give a fae your name. It will give them power over you if not full control, if asked? Give a nickname. Never your real one. Never a fake one.
Do not stand in a fairy ring. They are rings made of mushrooms typically where a tree has died. They are portals into the faeiry realm, once inside? You could be treated as a guest or as prisoner and if you eat the food, you won’t be able to leave. Or you could get trapped inside the ring, where time moves much, much slower.
Never be rude to a fae. Being inhospitable and selfish are frowned upon among the Fae. It is critical to meet their standards. A fae’s punishment is not one you want to receive.
Do not accept a gift from a fae. More so be cautious, do not turn down the gift as it would be rude but if you don’t trust the faerie who gave you the gift, it’s best to destroy it.
Never tell a fae thank you. It pimples you owe them something that is far more dangerous than it sounds. Reply with something different such as “You are most kind.” Whether it be a complement, gift or a kind act.
Never lie to a fae. Fae will never lie to you, it is seen as a great sign of disrespect and if caught, there's a chance that you won't be found again.
Nobody knows how well the rules work, as those who do return from an encounter are forbidden to talk about it. But still the village folk follow these rules with a passion. A statue was built of their founder as a sign of gratitude, as after he explained the contents of the deal, as the oldest remaining members of the village tell, a child's laughter rang out through the village. The man gave a final bow and bid goodbye before disappearing into the tree’s line. He was not seen again after that. But true to their word, the fae kept their promise, the village is vibrant with color, and full of life. People followed the rules- well… most people followed the rules.
“Come on Techno, don’t be a bitch.” A blonde mocks, swinging on his feet well holding a vine.
“Dream, I don’t think not wanting to be near a fae ring is called, ‘being a bitch.’ You making me be this close to one is a bitch move if anything.” Techno comments, scooting back from the ring of mushrooms a bit more, as well as his childhood best friend.
It was sunset by now, the air was beginning to chill as the final leaves fell off the trees around them at a steady pace, announcing the beginning of winter. The forest was beautiful, despite the nearing winter, life was still surrounding them. A river could be heard in the distance, birds sat on the tree’s, flowers fit for the cold sprouted up from the ground, a beautiful pink flower stood out among the rest. Techno may have approached it by now if it weren't so close to the fae ring.
“Oh come ooooonnnnn!” Dream whines, jumping off the fallen tree stump, “I didn’t say go INSIDE it, I said go NEAR it!”
The burnet gave a deadpan look, “No.”
Dream grounded and plopped onto the floor, “It’s my 21st birthday Tech, you gotta!”
True, the whole reason they were out here is because Dream insisted that for his 21st birthday he just HAD to see the forest. Techno wasn’t fond of the idea, but he wanted Dream to be happy, so here he was.
Still though- “I really don’t.” Techno said stepping back again. He didn’t wanna get trapped by a fae ring today
Dream made a pouting face, “You're such a party pooper.” He grumbles, leaning his head back.
“And I will continue to be one if it keeps us alive. Now let’s get back, it’s getting late and I don’t wanna get stuck in here.” Techno insistes, gesturing for Dream to stand up.
Dream groans dramatically, “Finnnnnnne!” He stands and and walks to stand next to Techno.
“Thank you” He mutters as they turn around-
“Hello!”
“AH!” They shout in unison.
Standing in front of the two is a young boy, no older than maybe 6. Curly blonde air like a mop peeks out from under a deep red colored cloak that goes to his ankles. His eyes are an incredible blue, seeming to glow under the light of the sun. His skin is pale but it seems a bit… red tinted in color almost, but only if Techno where to squint could he really see it. The boy seems to stand out among the slowly shriveling plants of winter, as if he was made for the summer time rather than winter. The boy’s smile is a bright one, and Techno can’t tell what it is, but something seems so- wrong about the child in front of him.
“Hello!” He repeats, this time sounding a bit more expecting.
“Hello…” Techno greets, glancing at Dream who just shrugs. Very helpful. Techno sighs and looks back to the kid. Why was such a young child out here alone?
“What are your names?” He questions stepping forward a bit.
Techno raises an eyebrow, “You may call me Techno.”
“And you may call me Dream!” Dream smiles, “Now what is such a young kid like you doing out here by yourself?” Dream questions, taking a couple steps forward before kneeling down to be eye level with the kid.
The kid frowns as he looks at Dream. Techno isn’t sure why the kid looks so disappointed- “I was bored.” The child shrugs, “You have very pretty eyes, they look like emeralds… your hair could be gold.” The child beams, “Dream?”
Dream smiles kindly, “You are very kind.”
“And Techno? You would look very nice with pink hair! Maybe black eyes instead of blue?” The child suggested, “Though I do quite like the articy blue.”
“That is… very nice of you to say?” Techno questions, not sure how to feel about the strange complement. Techno tilts his head, it is not uncommon for people in the village to use words other than thank you with new people, just in case. But the way the kid’s smile drops for a second is almost like he expected something else. Like a thank you? But everyone knows not to-
Oh…. OH-
“Dream.” Techno states, “I think we should go, it is getting late.” He rushes out.
Dream turns to him with a confused look, “What? We can’t just leave the kid here-”
“The kid is a fae.” Techno whisper shouts.
Dream’s eyes widen slightly. The kid smiles again.
“I knew you’d be smart!” The child cheers, reaching up and pulling down the cloak hood, revealing pointed ears with gold piercings. One on each ear, the left is a chain that pieces his upper ear and connects at his ear lobe, then the right is a simple dangling on that falls to about the kid's neck. Techno can see the kids' hair clearly now, and Techno isn’t sure if it is the lighting or if the kid- the FAE’S hair is actually gold, “Must you go so soon? I don’t get to talk with you mortals much, I only have Wilby.” The fae pouts, Techno assumes that it is a younger fae not only in appearance but in age. Not to say the fae isn’t older than Techno as fae do age much different then they do.
Techno smiles, “I am afraid so, as I said it is getting late and we have dinner soon.” Just be polite, then they can leave, plus they do have dinner soon.
Dream stands up and backs away from the fae.
“Oh, okay.” The fae pouts, “I wish you a good meal then!” The fae perks up, grinning brightly, revealing much too sharp teeth to be considered normal.
Techno nods, and begins to turn.
“Thank you-”
Techno freezes, as does Dream. The world seems to grow slightly colder as the seconds tick by. Every silent moment just grows the feeling of dread building in techno’s gut.
“Excuse me?” Techno turns around slowly, the once cheerful and childlike features of the fae are now dark, dangerously calm, “Care to repeat… THAT. ”
Dream opens his mouth before closing it a few times. The fae’s hands are folded in front of his body, a scarily blank look on his face.
“I- My apologies, I was not thinking.” Dream stammers out, Techno remains silent, not risking interference.
Shit- SHIT- His best friend just did maybe the worst possible thing he could have done. Saying THANK YOU to a fae? Is seen as one of, if not THE most disrespectful thing you could say in their minds, AND DREAM JUST SAID IT.
The air grows still, “Clearly, that was very disrespectful of you Dream.” The fae states, stepping forward, “I believe you should make it up to me.”
It wasn’t a question.
The fae circles around a dangerously still Dream before stopping in front of him.
Dream gulps, “And how- how might I do that?”
The fae smiles yet it is not sincere, “Your name, your true one. I want it. Give it to me and you are forgiven.”
Dream blinks, “That- that is it? I can just go?” He tilts his head.
The fae perks up, “You will be forgiven.”
Techno loves to read, the books in the library always fascinate him. Especially the ones on the fae, Techno knows more about the mischievous creatures than some of the elders even. So Techno can hear the loop hole from a mile away. The fae did not lie- Dream will be forgiven. However he may not leave. Fae twists their words to work for them and them alone, so it should be expected, however, Dream is not exactly the brightest.
“Dream be quiet.” Techno snaps quickly. Techno bites his lip, what does he do? Techno furrows his brows. He has known Dream since they were young- Techno… Techno doesn't have a family of his own. Dream’s mom basically raised him. Techno looks down at the ground, he thinks of Noah- Dream's older brother. He disappeared 3 years ago, seemingly into the forest. Puffy can’t lose both her kids- she won’t survive it. Techno won’t survive it. But…
Techno takes a deep breath, “Can we make a deal?” He questions, looking the fae in the eyes.
The fae tilts his head and perks up, “A deal?” He questions, eyes seeming to glow.
Dream looks at Techno quickly, “No, no no, don’t even think about it.”
“Quiet please. It is rude to interrupt.” The fae states, holding up a hand. The forest seems to grow silent around them, and Dream’s mouth snaps shut, “Now, what kind of deal?” The fae asks, stepping towards Techno.
“Let me take his punishment. I will give you my full true name if you let him go.” Techno states.
Dream shakes his head vigorously, “Techno, please no.”
“Hmm.” The fae tilts his head, “May I add?” The fae requests.
Techno nods, “Yes, of course.”
The fae smiles, “Your friend will be forgiven and allowed back to your village, if you give me your full true name, you will also have to allow me permission to alter your brain as I see fit. You will also have to join me in my forest.” The fae tilts his head, “That seems fair to me.” He holds out a hand, “Do we have a deal?”
Techno stares at the extended hand for a long moment, “Deal.” He whispers, taking the hand. He won't let Puffy lose another son, he just- won't.
“Techno!” Dream Shoutes.
A dark mist imites from the fae’s hand encasing Techno’s arm up to his elbow. His eyes widen as the sounds around him become muffled, the only the he can hear is the giggling of the fae in front of him.
“Tech…” Dream grabs his arm, turning his head to look at his best friend, “What have you done?” He whispers, Techno isn’t sure what he means… Why does Dream look so sad? Why is everything so fuzzy?
The fae apparently has gotten impatient, “Wellll, you have been forgiven, just as I promised.” The fae says in a singy voice, it sounds echoey to Techno but it reminds him of bells, “So you may go, unless you wish to join him.” The fae raises his eyebrows, and points to the darkening sky.
Dream’s eyes look watery- why do Dream’s eyes look watery?
“I-” He turns to Techno, and pulls him into a tight hug which Techno loosely returns. He feels weak, “I’ll find you again, I promise.” Dream whisper. He pulls back, gives the fae one last sad, desperate look before turning and running out of Techno’s line of sight.
“Happy birthday.” Techno whispers.
The moment Dream disappears from sight, the air feels warmer, more comforting in a way. The fae walks up to him with a tilted expression, “Follow me please!” The fae states, grabbing Techno’s arm.
He doesn't seem to get much choice in the matter as his legs begin to move on their own, legs following after the fae who holds his arm tightly.
“You may call me Tommy! That is what Wilby does.” The fae- Tommy, instructed, leading Techno deeper into the forest, “You will love our home! There are waterfalls, and animals! I have a picnic too, Wilby plays guitar sometimes, you seem like the type to play violin? Do you? You do now! I will have to get you one. Do you like to pretend? I really, really do. will you play with me and Wilby?” Tommy rambles on, skipping slightly as they walk.
Techno feels extremely fuzzy, his vision is blurry and he relies solely on Tommy for support now, “Sure.” He mutters, “I’ll play.” His own words feel distant as they pass a thicker patch of trees. That sets off alarms in his head- why? Why were the thick tree’s bad again? Something is wrong- why is everything spinning?
Tommy seems to notice his panic and frowns, “I want your name?” He demands, stopping near a willow tree. How pretty… Techno has never seen a willow tree- No.
No this is bad- he needs to get out-
“Name?” The fae insisted.
“My name is Technoblade jay Beloved. ” He answers. Why are his ears buzzing? He feels like he is falling-
“Technoblade, you are home! Calm down please. ”
Techno calms almost instantly, blinking as the world becomes a bit clearer, right- home. Why was he so worried before? He looks down at Tommy, his little brother, why was he so worried before?
He shakes it off and smiles, “Of course, my apologies Tom’s, don’t know what came over me there.”
The forest awakens it seems, the trees and bushes seem to cheer, the animals dance and sing, the vines provide comfort, even the grass shouts with joy.
Tommy smiles, just like the sun, his little brother, the embodiment of summer and everything warm, “Neither do I Tech, don’t worry though! I made it better, right?”
Techno laughs and leans down, scooping Tommy up into his arms making the ball of light begin to giggle. The sounds of bells, sweet soft bells chimed during celebration fill the air, “You always do.”
Tommy smiles brightly at him, “ I always do .” He states, playing with a strand of pink hair. Was his hair always pink-? Yes, yes of course it was.
Techno nods as they walk further, and further into the forest. Their home. His home.
Techno goes unaware of the frantic blonde crying in his mothers arms, the mother who cried herself. For that night, she lost yet another child to the fae.
“We're home!” Tommy shouted as they enter the clearing. Water falls are everywhere yet somehow it is silent, comfortingly so. The grass is a pure green, mountains surround them, the tips reaching far above the clouds. Flowers cover the ground, except for a clear path of stones that lead to a lake near the edge of the- what? Glade? Valley? The middle is beautiful as well, vines seem to fall from the sky, covered in flowers and small thorns creating a curtain of sorts.
A Burnett with ember-like eyes looks up curiously from where he was sat near the water on a red and white blanket, “Tommy, who’s this?”
Tommy hums, “Wilbur, This is our brother, Technoblade. Your twin?”
Wilbur blinks, curiosity melting into familiarity, “Yes, of course! Welcome home Tech.” His older brother greets, standing up and walking over to the two.
Techno smiles, “Good to be back, Will.”
Tommy giggles, swinging his feet. Eyes becoming a ruby red for a second.
“Can we dance , nowww?” Tommy complained in his brother's arms.
The two laugh, “Yes, yes of course.” Wilbur agrees as Techno sets Tommy down.
Tommy grins, “Finally! Come on!”
He drags the two out into the middle of the field, the vines parting like a curtain for the three to step inside. The two don’t need instruction, they know the dance by heart. The two get into position, and when Tommy claps. They begin to dance.
"Mine." Tommy whispers as he sits down, watching as the two begin the dance he created. The forest cheers for its caretaker, “All Mine."