A Trip to Town

[petty_dabbler]

John had opened a portal and stepped through in the chicken yard behind the inn. He an Q had arrived that way many times. Hilda had told him not to do it where people could see.

The chickens never seemed to mind when he stepped through.

He was not usually greeted by a nymph.

"A fine morning to you, Nyx," he smiled, as if a burning wheel wasn't closing behind him.

Comments

[prince_of_nymphs]

"No. What sort of monsters?" Nyx asked, inviting himself to sit.

[petty_dabbler]

"There's Knockers in the mines," he said. He leaned in and lowered his voice.

"Nasty buggers. All teeth and knuckles. They protect the gems."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"How exciting," Nyx grinned. "Do they have magic, or are they brutes?"

[petty_dabbler]

"Their knocking can captivate you, freeze you in terror," John said, making them sound dramatically dangerous.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Oh! Frightening," Nyx purred. "I do love a thrill. Have you fought one?"

[petty_dabbler]

"There's never just one," John grinned.

"I've killed my share. Long ago."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"You must have some thrilling stories," Nyx said. "A lifetime full of them, hmm?"

[petty_dabbler]

"I do. When Hex and Q were young, I used to tell them tales that kept them up all might," he chuckled.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"They were lucky to have you, I'm sure. A storyteller and caretaker," Nyx smiled. "Hex always speaks highly of you."

[petty_dabbler]

"He's always been a good lad. His nan was protective, hmm? Too much, I think. And he's always followed the rules," he shared.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I can imagine," Nyx nodded. "There's not a lot of rebel in that soul- But he's kind and full of love," Nyx noted. smiling as he leaned back in his seat.

[petty_dabbler]

"That he is. He'd help the world if he could," John nodded.

"And he's good to you? Treats you right?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

"He's wonderful. I've never felt so loved and cared for," Nyx assured him. "He's a good man. ...A true sweetheart."

[petty_dabbler]

"Be good to him. I care for that lad," he said, pulling out his pipe.

"I was fond of his nan. A talented witch, but I think Hex is better than she ever was."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"He's remarkable- And no worries, I'll always look after him. I love him," Nyx said sincerely. "He has my heart."

[petty_dabbler]

"True love is a rare gift," John smiled.

"Good for both of you. I think you're good for him, Nyx."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"You're kind to say. I would like to believe I bring him joy at the very least," Nyx smiled.

[petty_dabbler]

"Have you fully educated him about life in the palace?" Jahn asked, smiling around the stem of his pipe.

"I remember the court when your father was much younger."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"You knew my father?" he asked, avoiding the question about Hex and the court. He had no intention of ever making Hex deal with such a thing, not if he could avoid it.

[petty_dabbler]

"Your father and mother, both," he nodded. "Long ago, when I was much younger. Your father was a forward thinker."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Perhaps, but he made a habit of surrounding himself with small minded people," Nyx replied. "Any dreams he had of improving our realm died when he did."

[petty_dabbler]

"Your sister hasn't taken up his cause?" John asked.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"No, his advisor talked her out of it almost immediately," Nyx said, shaking his head.

[petty_dabbler]

"That viper is still hanging on?" he asked with distaste.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"He is, and he doesn't seem to have any intention of leaving," Nyx nodded.