When Mabel recommended going for a swim she did not mean she goes for a swim while he is still obviously dying of heatstroke even though his legs are in the water, “Aiden,” she swam next to him, “Why aren’t you coming in?”

“I’m fine, Mabel.” She didn’t buy it and lifted herself out. He politely looked away as she put her bathing robe on, “Are you hungry?” She pressed her lips to his forehead a quick second. It caught him off guard and he could feel the blue in his cheeks peeking out.

“You’re too hot. Cool off in the water while I set up lunch.”

“But-” she arched an eyebrow, “Can I ask you something? It might be weird…” She waited patiently, “Can you promise not to look at me?” She nodded as if it were nothing to be worried about.

“Then, how about I go for a walk? I can pick some starberries.”

“Uh- are you sure?” She picked up the picnic basket, “What if you get hurt, or lost?”

“It’s not far. You’ll still be able to pick up my scent...right?” His face was a dark blue and he nodded. He watched her leave and he could still hear her walking through the woods. Occasionally she would hum a little tune, another Fae song. She seems to know a lot of Fae songs for a human.

It had been a few months since she moved in here and he already couldn’t imagine what life was like without her. Mabel reminded him of a small dog. Barging into his room in the morning to say hello. Dragging him outside to get some fresh air. Peeking over his shoulder to see how he made potions. I wonder if she wants to know how to make them?

When she returned she was glad to see he had relaxed and was on the verge of sleeping in the river, “Aiden.” He let out a high shriek, “Enjoy your swim?” Mabel smiled brightly and held her hand out.

“Uh, y-yeah.” He slid down further into the river and looked towards his coak. She understood and got it for him and turned away as he put it on, “Thank you...” She nodded and she showed off her stash of Berries.

“I could probably make some jam out of this!” she held out the basket to him so he could take a look. It was a lot of starberries, “What do you think?”

“I think that’d be good.” She gave a little hop, obviously happy with the plan for jam. He watched as she set the basket down onto a tree trunk and pulled out their sandwiches with a bounce in her step. “Are you ok?”

“Of course! We’re gonna eat!” She plopped down onto the ground and took a bite. Motioning him to sit as well.

He did and took his sandwich, “You seem happy.”

“Sho?” She said with a mouthful of her cucumber sandwich, “It’s a nice day out and we’re going to make jam later.”

He set his food down and stared at her. She was lying. She’s been away from home for a long time. Maybe… “Do you miss home?” Her pause told him everything, “I could take you back to visit if you-”

“I’m fine,” Her voice croaked, “There’s a lot to do here. And I don’t want to bother you.”

“I wouldn’t be.” He scooted closer to her, “I don’t know your Father. But I know the fact that you lost them hurts you.”

“How would you know?” 

“The Heart-Blood is described as a ‘miracle’ flower. It’s not uncommon for other people to seek it out for a dying loved one all for naught.”

She rested her head on her knees. Thinking about others who went searching for the Heart-Blood. Others that succeeded and can live a longer life. Others may have found it but got to their loved one too late. Others that could have lost their lives looking for it. She wondered if he had ever given it to anyone else. She felt him place his hand on her back. It was warm.

“Mabel, if you ever want to go visit home I’ll take you. Even though the contract states you’re to serve me for the rest of your life I don’t want you to not have a life. You’re not my prisoner.”

She cursed him. She didn’t want to go back home. She didn’t want to see her family again. She hoped never with this contract. But now, he’s saying it’s ok? It’s ok to go and have a life outside of servitude? She cursed how kind he was being. How understanding he’s being. How dare he! She thought, “What if I’m not ready?”

“Then I’ll take you when you are.”