34 min read
One Year Down
March 12, 2018
◈ WHO: Reinhardt, Samael, Ryder, Reuben, & Evan (Byagane319 & Skyeforge)
◈ WHEN: Around 2pm on March 12, 2018
◈ WHERE: Rothmore Estate
◈ WEATHER: Slightly overcast.
◈ WHEN: Around 2pm on March 12, 2018
◈ WHERE: Rothmore Estate
◈ WEATHER: Slightly overcast.
Reuben scurried about the house the morning of the party trying his best to clean up and make everything perfect for his guests. He knew that Calista couldn’t make it, for she had to work, but he hoped to see Evan and Sam (accompanied by her new charge). He was so excited about meeting Sam’s raevan. He wondered what he would look like. What was his name again? Oh, Reinhart, right. He repeated the name over and over again in his head as to make sure to get it down.
The tarotist wanted to surprise Ryder with a newborn friend. He didn’t want to say anything or make such a big deal of it, for he wished to see his reaction. He knew that Ryder’s drive for this party (which had been all the talks the past week) was low as it had been planned he was just having humans attend. Ryder’s spirits were always peaked when the mention of a fellow raevan was involved.
Finally, after the morning of preparation was over, the kitchen smelled of delicious vegan pizza, lemonade, and there in the center of it all stood a towering cake (for the humans) and on the other side of the room nearest the sliding glass door was a compost bucket for Ryder (his favorite). Reuben didn’t think to even ask what it was Reinhart liked to eat, otherwise he would have provided something extra for him. Upon this realization, he panicked, that wasn’t planned! He thought about texting Sam right then and there, but it was too late. What if his food source was far stranger than anticipated and he wasn’t able to provide him food at all, even if they were expecting it? No, that wouldn’t do. Reuben nervously sat on the couch, inner turmoil over what to do slowly eating away at him as the clock struck two. Any minute now the guests would arrive. It was only a matter of time.
Meanwhile, Ryder hid away in his bedroom, lazily scrolling through photos on his phone. He heard the bustling of his guardian but didn’t care to take part in the craziness. He preferred his solitude. Until the doorbell rang that was, then he would make his entrance as quietly as possible, do his due diligence and go back to his room to live out the rest of the party in seclusion.
The tarotist wanted to surprise Ryder with a newborn friend. He didn’t want to say anything or make such a big deal of it, for he wished to see his reaction. He knew that Ryder’s drive for this party (which had been all the talks the past week) was low as it had been planned he was just having humans attend. Ryder’s spirits were always peaked when the mention of a fellow raevan was involved.
Finally, after the morning of preparation was over, the kitchen smelled of delicious vegan pizza, lemonade, and there in the center of it all stood a towering cake (for the humans) and on the other side of the room nearest the sliding glass door was a compost bucket for Ryder (his favorite). Reuben didn’t think to even ask what it was Reinhart liked to eat, otherwise he would have provided something extra for him. Upon this realization, he panicked, that wasn’t planned! He thought about texting Sam right then and there, but it was too late. What if his food source was far stranger than anticipated and he wasn’t able to provide him food at all, even if they were expecting it? No, that wouldn’t do. Reuben nervously sat on the couch, inner turmoil over what to do slowly eating away at him as the clock struck two. Any minute now the guests would arrive. It was only a matter of time.
Meanwhile, Ryder hid away in his bedroom, lazily scrolling through photos on his phone. He heard the bustling of his guardian but didn’t care to take part in the craziness. He preferred his solitude. Until the doorbell rang that was, then he would make his entrance as quietly as possible, do his due diligence and go back to his room to live out the rest of the party in seclusion.
Sam was excited for this day but nervous all the same. She pulled into the parking spot and looked over at the red head next to her. For the past week she'd been on leave from the zoo getting her new charge.....son....acquainted with his new home. She had taken three weeks to start, since it wasn't like she was recovering from birth or something. It'd surprised her when he'd insisted on calling her mother but she didn't correct him. In fact he seemed so different from the other Raevan's she'd met, and she'd even met a newborn!
Reinhart had proven to be far more mature than most new raevens she knew. He spoke eloquently and had more regal manners than anyone she knew. He still showed curiosity about new things but it wasn't like Dior, who's childlike look on the world was adorable. Reinhart looked at new experiences and items with reserved curiosity, like a professor looking over a student's work. It had been an interesting couple of days. But now he needed socialization beyond his parent, preferably with his own kind. Reuben's invitation to the small birthday gathering for Ryder's first birthday seemed a good start. The mushroom Frei was quite and well mannered.
The apple frei sat quietly as they drove, wondering what his new acquaintance would look like. He'd been told he would be attending the celebration of a full year's life of a fellow frei. At first he'd not cared for the idea but Sam assured him it was a very small gathering, only a few humans and the birthday frei. His mother only described him as very colorful but shy, she even told him to try and been gentle with him. She said that due to Rein's overly confidant approach to anything he encountered.
"Are you sure you are ok with this, Reinhart?"
"Yes mother. Quite. It will be interesting to meet another of my kind. Perhaps it would be best for me to present the present, as an offering of friendship in the beginning," he said as he held up the wrapped package. Another surprising aspect of Reinhart was his accent, a crisp British accent that only seemed to add to his regal character.
"Yeah that will be fine. It can be a good ice breaker," Sam smiled as she grabbed the other package, a smaller one that looked more like a mailing package. In truth it was just delivered that day. It was her mother's gift to Ryder.
The two exited the truck and went around the shop to the home of the Rothmores. Knocking she waited with Reinhart floating next to her, his red eyes looking over the building with a curious eye. In his arms was a wrapped rectangle package, simple brown wrap paper that was biodegradable and could be reused.
Reinhart had proven to be far more mature than most new raevens she knew. He spoke eloquently and had more regal manners than anyone she knew. He still showed curiosity about new things but it wasn't like Dior, who's childlike look on the world was adorable. Reinhart looked at new experiences and items with reserved curiosity, like a professor looking over a student's work. It had been an interesting couple of days. But now he needed socialization beyond his parent, preferably with his own kind. Reuben's invitation to the small birthday gathering for Ryder's first birthday seemed a good start. The mushroom Frei was quite and well mannered.
The apple frei sat quietly as they drove, wondering what his new acquaintance would look like. He'd been told he would be attending the celebration of a full year's life of a fellow frei. At first he'd not cared for the idea but Sam assured him it was a very small gathering, only a few humans and the birthday frei. His mother only described him as very colorful but shy, she even told him to try and been gentle with him. She said that due to Rein's overly confidant approach to anything he encountered.
"Are you sure you are ok with this, Reinhart?"
"Yes mother. Quite. It will be interesting to meet another of my kind. Perhaps it would be best for me to present the present, as an offering of friendship in the beginning," he said as he held up the wrapped package. Another surprising aspect of Reinhart was his accent, a crisp British accent that only seemed to add to his regal character.
"Yeah that will be fine. It can be a good ice breaker," Sam smiled as she grabbed the other package, a smaller one that looked more like a mailing package. In truth it was just delivered that day. It was her mother's gift to Ryder.
The two exited the truck and went around the shop to the home of the Rothmores. Knocking she waited with Reinhart floating next to her, his red eyes looking over the building with a curious eye. In his arms was a wrapped rectangle package, simple brown wrap paper that was biodegradable and could be reused.
Reuben sat on his couch nervously awaiting the guests. Finally, when the knock at the door came, Reuben shot up. "Ryder, the first guest has arrived!" he called from the living room. He expected it to be Evan, but upon approaching the front door, it was obvious that through the glass, it was none other than Sam and her newborn frei, Reinhart. A grand smile appeared on the tarotist's face. Even through the door, he could see the elegance that this new frei possessed.
The man quickly opened the door and his smile turned into an outright grin. "Sam! It's so good to see you, and Reinhart, I presume. Very nice to meet you! Please, come inside," he stated, eyeing the frei up and down. He was so different from the others, his hair definitely showed the pairing of his soul and essence well. Upon ushering the two inside, Reuben closed the door behind them.
It didn't take long before Ryder began to slowly float into the living room, an oblivious little shroom, as he floated in on his cell phone. A sigh escaped his lips the moment he rounded the corner into the living room, but upon looking up, his eyes widened. What was this!? A new raevan? Ryder quickly placed his cell phone into his shirt's pocket. A lump crept up in his throat as he ever slowly floated closer to Sam and this new, strange frei. His look was so...intriguing and yet so very familiar. He looked like a mashup of two raevan he had met before.
Reuben watched with anticipation as his frei rounded the corner. Oh, the shock on his face was priceless. Reuben's smile grew even more. "Happy birthday, Ryder! You know Sam, and this is her raevan, Reinhart," Reuben introduced the pair, walking around to Ryder's side.
Ryder closed his green eyes tightly for a quick moment and opened them wide again as if to wisk away any sort of hallucination he may be seeing. An awkward smile crept upon his face. "H-hello," he stammered, swallowing the large lump in his throat. For some reason this frei oozed confidence and poise unlike any other raevan (let alone a frei) he had met before. This was definitely a surprise to the toadstool and Reuben was loving every moment of it.
"Can I get either of you anything to drink?"
The man quickly opened the door and his smile turned into an outright grin. "Sam! It's so good to see you, and Reinhart, I presume. Very nice to meet you! Please, come inside," he stated, eyeing the frei up and down. He was so different from the others, his hair definitely showed the pairing of his soul and essence well. Upon ushering the two inside, Reuben closed the door behind them.
It didn't take long before Ryder began to slowly float into the living room, an oblivious little shroom, as he floated in on his cell phone. A sigh escaped his lips the moment he rounded the corner into the living room, but upon looking up, his eyes widened. What was this!? A new raevan? Ryder quickly placed his cell phone into his shirt's pocket. A lump crept up in his throat as he ever slowly floated closer to Sam and this new, strange frei. His look was so...intriguing and yet so very familiar. He looked like a mashup of two raevan he had met before.
Reuben watched with anticipation as his frei rounded the corner. Oh, the shock on his face was priceless. Reuben's smile grew even more. "Happy birthday, Ryder! You know Sam, and this is her raevan, Reinhart," Reuben introduced the pair, walking around to Ryder's side.
Ryder closed his green eyes tightly for a quick moment and opened them wide again as if to wisk away any sort of hallucination he may be seeing. An awkward smile crept upon his face. "H-hello," he stammered, swallowing the large lump in his throat. For some reason this frei oozed confidence and poise unlike any other raevan (let alone a frei) he had met before. This was definitely a surprise to the toadstool and Reuben was loving every moment of it.
"Can I get either of you anything to drink?"
Sam smiled as Reuben came to the door, glad to see her friend and maybe feeling a bit of pride in showing off her new son. Reinhart was handsome, she knew that, but she held a mother’s view of him. She imagined he’d be quite popular given his friendly disposition and open attitude. “Hi Reuben! And yes, this is Reinhart. Reinhart, this is Reuben,” she grinned as she introduced the two.
Reinhart looked at the new human with a warm gaze in his ruby eyes, his charm already starting to work it’s way out. “A pleasure to meet you, Master Reuben. I do hope your Raevan enjoys the gifts we bring to celebrate his first year of life,” the red head spoke as he suddenly took Reuben’s hand and kissed it.
Sam giggled a bit, “Reinhart is....a bit of a Prince Charming. He always greets people like that.”
“It seems appropriate and everyone smiles when I do,” he grinned st his mother. In his hands he held the present wrapped in butcher paper with a simple twine tie. Frankly they could have at least used something flashy and pretty but Mother said they were more earthy people than flashy people.
“Yes and my mother has also sent a present, it just arrived so it’s still in its mailing box,” she said as she held up the package. But now was the moment of truth as Ryder came into the room. His reaction was adorable, obviously Reuben hadn’t told him she’d be bringing a new friend.
Reinhart looked over as the mushroom entred the room. As if fate was trying to intrude a ray of sunlight shone into him from a window, casting a bright glow over his smiling features. His red eyes watched as the green ones blinked in surprise and disbelief for a moment. Yes he really was that handsome, science be damned he was meant to look good. Floating over he took Ryder’s hand in his velvet gloved one, bringing it to his lips for a soft slow kiss, “Greetings fellow Raevan. It is a pleasure to meet one of my own kind. And one so colorful at that.” He turned Ryder’s hand, still held in his own, “You even have a rainbow here. Beautiful. You are a stunning example of our kind.”
Reinhart looked at the new human with a warm gaze in his ruby eyes, his charm already starting to work it’s way out. “A pleasure to meet you, Master Reuben. I do hope your Raevan enjoys the gifts we bring to celebrate his first year of life,” the red head spoke as he suddenly took Reuben’s hand and kissed it.
Sam giggled a bit, “Reinhart is....a bit of a Prince Charming. He always greets people like that.”
“It seems appropriate and everyone smiles when I do,” he grinned st his mother. In his hands he held the present wrapped in butcher paper with a simple twine tie. Frankly they could have at least used something flashy and pretty but Mother said they were more earthy people than flashy people.
“Yes and my mother has also sent a present, it just arrived so it’s still in its mailing box,” she said as she held up the package. But now was the moment of truth as Ryder came into the room. His reaction was adorable, obviously Reuben hadn’t told him she’d be bringing a new friend.
Reinhart looked over as the mushroom entred the room. As if fate was trying to intrude a ray of sunlight shone into him from a window, casting a bright glow over his smiling features. His red eyes watched as the green ones blinked in surprise and disbelief for a moment. Yes he really was that handsome, science be damned he was meant to look good. Floating over he took Ryder’s hand in his velvet gloved one, bringing it to his lips for a soft slow kiss, “Greetings fellow Raevan. It is a pleasure to meet one of my own kind. And one so colorful at that.” He turned Ryder’s hand, still held in his own, “You even have a rainbow here. Beautiful. You are a stunning example of our kind.”
Reuben’s eyes widened. “Master Reuben, eh? You speak with such formality,” he stated, taking the frei’s hand, oblivious to the fact that the frei would kiss it. Upon the kiss, however, even the guardian had to clear his throat and hold back a blush. “Y-yes, thank you so much for coming,” he stated, turning his attentions to Sam, a very impressed look on his face. “Well, beware of some people who may take that greeting a bit...out of context,” he concluded with a smile.
“Ryder, look! Another gift from Annie!” He said after Ryder entered the room.
Ryder’s ears perked up, his awkward smile turning into more genuine happiness. He always loved Annie’s gifts. Seeing all the new mushrooms and different types of fungi she encountered on her journeys were exciting.
However, when Reinhart approached him, his breath shortened. Even he towered over Ryder, even if just by an inch, though it was rare indeed to see a frei floating higher than him. He hadn’t met many, but all seemed to float at a lower height. Though, as Reinhart took Ryder’s hand within his own, the frei blushed, pulling back slightly, only to realize that it was gloved. Phew. It wasn’t skin to skin contact. Ryder expected a quick shake, but instead what he got was far more than he ever imagined.
It seemed to happen in slow motion for the toadstool, this newborn frei slowly bringing his hand up and his face down to meet his clammy hands gaze. Upon pressing his lips to Ryder’s skin, however, the mushrooms heart raced and eyes narrowed. “N-no! Don’t!” He called, pulling back instinctively, yet the fellow frei held his grasp firm and spoke. ”Beautiful...stunning example of our kind.”
The rainbow frei’s eyes widened and he could feel his heart beating out of his chest. His pale skin turned apple red as he continued to pull away from the fellow frei’s clutch. He should have warned him, he should have pulled away faster. What was going to happen now? With a red face and a shocked expression lingering, all he could do is wait.
Reuben watched the scene and also spoke out, “Ah, stop!” Holding his own arm out, but when Reinhart kept hold, he stopped a moment, just awaiting the worst case scenario.
“Ryder, look! Another gift from Annie!” He said after Ryder entered the room.
Ryder’s ears perked up, his awkward smile turning into more genuine happiness. He always loved Annie’s gifts. Seeing all the new mushrooms and different types of fungi she encountered on her journeys were exciting.
However, when Reinhart approached him, his breath shortened. Even he towered over Ryder, even if just by an inch, though it was rare indeed to see a frei floating higher than him. He hadn’t met many, but all seemed to float at a lower height. Though, as Reinhart took Ryder’s hand within his own, the frei blushed, pulling back slightly, only to realize that it was gloved. Phew. It wasn’t skin to skin contact. Ryder expected a quick shake, but instead what he got was far more than he ever imagined.
It seemed to happen in slow motion for the toadstool, this newborn frei slowly bringing his hand up and his face down to meet his clammy hands gaze. Upon pressing his lips to Ryder’s skin, however, the mushrooms heart raced and eyes narrowed. “N-no! Don’t!” He called, pulling back instinctively, yet the fellow frei held his grasp firm and spoke. ”Beautiful...stunning example of our kind.”
The rainbow frei’s eyes widened and he could feel his heart beating out of his chest. His pale skin turned apple red as he continued to pull away from the fellow frei’s clutch. He should have warned him, he should have pulled away faster. What was going to happen now? With a red face and a shocked expression lingering, all he could do is wait.
Reuben watched the scene and also spoke out, “Ah, stop!” Holding his own arm out, but when Reinhart kept hold, he stopped a moment, just awaiting the worst case scenario.
Reinhart liked the reaction he initially got from Ryder, one of meekness and vey omega. The Apple Frei was very much an alpha male even if he seemed more laid back than the stereotype. The older Raevan seemed to show distress upon holding his hand then even more when he kissed it. Reinhart was confused; most people liked his greeting but the Frei seemed genuinely scared. He looked to the panicked guardian then to his own, “Have I done something wrong?”
“I.....don’t know?” She looked to Reuben. “What is wrong?” She asked with some concern. Upon being told of Ryder’s poisonous touch Sam became very nervous, putting an arm on Rein’s shoulder. “Oh god ok,” she took a breath, “Are you feeling faint or is your heart rate increasing?” Sam was honestly the best person for something like this given her work with venomous snakes. She could see the onset of symptoms quickly. However Rein just looked confused.
Reinhart listened to the explanation of Ryder’s poisonous skin then looked to his mother as she questioned him. “I feel fine. In fact,” a smooth pink tongue slid from his mouth as he licked his lips, “It tastes quite nice?”
Sam blinked and felt his free wrist for his pulse, given he’d not let go of Ryder's hand. He didn’t have an increased heart rate and it was obvious he was breathing normally. Eyes were not dialated. All normal signs of poisoning. She thought carefully, “Well Rein’s essence was a poisoned apple. He....may be immune to poisons. At least plant based ones.”
As if to test that theory Reinhart released Ryder’s hand and slowly pulled off one of his gloves. Reaching over to Ryder his knuckles caressed his cheek, his fingers unfolding to slide along the edge of his ear, then moving to cup his cheek. He shows no signs of poisoning, in fact he seemed to look healthier. Ryder would feel his poison slowly aborning into Rein’s hand but doing no damage. “You are perfectly safe in my hands, little rainbow.”
“I.....don’t know?” She looked to Reuben. “What is wrong?” She asked with some concern. Upon being told of Ryder’s poisonous touch Sam became very nervous, putting an arm on Rein’s shoulder. “Oh god ok,” she took a breath, “Are you feeling faint or is your heart rate increasing?” Sam was honestly the best person for something like this given her work with venomous snakes. She could see the onset of symptoms quickly. However Rein just looked confused.
Reinhart listened to the explanation of Ryder’s poisonous skin then looked to his mother as she questioned him. “I feel fine. In fact,” a smooth pink tongue slid from his mouth as he licked his lips, “It tastes quite nice?”
Sam blinked and felt his free wrist for his pulse, given he’d not let go of Ryder's hand. He didn’t have an increased heart rate and it was obvious he was breathing normally. Eyes were not dialated. All normal signs of poisoning. She thought carefully, “Well Rein’s essence was a poisoned apple. He....may be immune to poisons. At least plant based ones.”
As if to test that theory Reinhart released Ryder’s hand and slowly pulled off one of his gloves. Reaching over to Ryder his knuckles caressed his cheek, his fingers unfolding to slide along the edge of his ear, then moving to cup his cheek. He shows no signs of poisoning, in fact he seemed to look healthier. Ryder would feel his poison slowly aborning into Rein’s hand but doing no damage. “You are perfectly safe in my hands, little rainbow.”
It was only a matter of moments before the door to the Rothmore home was opened. There stood an equally tall human with a bright smile on his face holding a fancily wrapped gift. “Hey guys, sorry I’m a little la-“
“Ah, stop!”
“What the hell?” Evan slipped in, closing the door behind him, witnessing the fellow raevan holding Ryder’s hand near his mouth. “Oh shit…”
~~~~~
Upon explaining the situation to the group, Reuben sighed. “I’m so sorry for not warning you guys earlier, I should have known he’d introduce himself the same way to Ryder,” he said as Sam so calmly took care to make sure Rein was okay. Evan simply sat the present onto the coffee table and wrapped an arm around Reuben to calm him down.
When Ryder was finally pulled free of Reinhart, he clutched his hands to his chest in earnest, praying, begging whatever gods were out there to make sure this new frei was going to be okay, especially since he had given such terrible side effects to so many in his short life. The red of his cheeks slowly began to fade into a light shade of pink as the apple frei stated he felt fine. But then, he licked his lips. Ryder’s pupils dilated. What was he doing? He was just asking for trouble at that point.
“Poisonous...apple?” Ryder stammered, bringing his hand to his own mouth a moment in puzzled thought.
“Oh that’s wonderful. What a relief,” Reuben stated, exhaling a heavy sigh of relief. He smiled, patting Evan’s stomach lightly as the two began to make their way into the kitchen. “Okay, who’s up for pizza?” He asked, opening up the oven to reveal a fully formed pizza, taking it out and setting it onto the stove top.
“Mmm...smells delicious, Reuben,” Evan said, the two hovering in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Ryder continued to watch for any signs that he had infected his fellow frei. None. Not yet anyway. It wasn’t until Reinhart removed his glove and stroked his cheek that Ryder’s heart skipped a beat. What was he doing? His fingers ever-so-lightly touching his ear, moving down his cheek to completely caress it. Ryder’s eyes went wide get again, his face beet red and he could feel his heartbeat in his ears. This...feeling...this light feeling in his chest, what was it? The toadstool could feel the poison being lifted from his skin with every simple stroke of Reinhart’s hand on his skin, as if the poisonous oils were being wiped away with it, leaving naught but a simple, dry skin in its wake.
This frei had just stolen the poison right off of his skin (albeit, only temporarily), but Ryder could feel that the poisonous oils were depleted, and could slow their production (just as he had taught himself to do so many months prior) just enough to have a few moments of poison-free skin.
Furthermore, as the apple spoke, Ryder couldn’t help but feel every muscle in his body loosen, his ribbon’s tight wind fell loose, almost touching the floor. He felt himself slump a little bit like putty into this man’s hand. His voice was soothing, and he could feel that there was something more here. Strangely enough, Ryder couldn’t attribute this feeling to anything. He’d never felt like this before. It was so melodic, his voice, and his caressing touch so warm. To feel another’s touch like that caused such a reaction in the toadstool, he had no idea what to even say, or do. It was as though he was paralyzed in a deep daydream.
“L-little rainbow?” Ryder whispered as he straightened up, gulping to clear the ever-growing lump in his throat and a deep breath to try and quell the clambering heartbeat within his chest.
“Umm…” Evan said with a chuckle, watching the end of the scene unfold. “Would, uhh, ‘little rainbow’ like some food?” He concluded. He could see the signs of a crush building so clearly in front of him. This had to be something significant, though, in the frei’s life.
Ryder’s face fell redder than before (if such a color so dark existed). He quickly pulled away from Reinhart’s hand and turned around. “N-no, I’m...not hungry,” he said. “I’ll be right back,” he stated, quickly floating into the bedroom.
“Evan, why would you say that?” Reuben glared.
The bartender chuckled. “I couldn’t help myself, sorry, hah!”
Reuben sighed and shook his head as he continued to cut the pizza into slices and ready the sides for lunch.
“Sam, what does Reinhart eat?” Reuben questioned.
—--
Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Ryder floated back and forth across his room. “What was that? Why? I don’t even know…I can’t...he was just…” he spoke aloud to himself.
“Evan is such an asshat,” his own voice echoed throughout the room. Suddenly, in a flash, Erryd appeared behind Ryder. “He called you out, that is not okay.”
“Not today,” Ryder stopped pacing, only to look into the mirror to see Erryd floating behind him. He was dressed the same as Ryder, but was clearly a black and white version which looked...disheveled, melted, somewhat amiss.
“You know I won’t do that. You need to stick up for yourself. He doesn’t even know you well enough to make such an off handed comment like that.”
“He’s fine...just leave me alone,” Ryder said, his face falling into his hands, defeated.
“Tch, I knew you wouldn't say anything. What a pathetic waste of space you are,” Erryd stated, crossing his arms across his chest. “Can’t even defend yourself when you need to. All you ever do is run away from your problems. Look at you, hiding away in your room...on your birthday...like a loser.”
A tear fell from the toadstools cheek to the carpet, so many emotions just today, and with no knowledge of how to process any of them.
Reinhart just smiled as the other frei seemed to almost melt into his touch. His entire continence relaxing in a trusting gaze. He could feel the frei's heart rate jump just under his jawline. How long had it been since he'd felt the touch of another being? Had he always been poisonous? Either way, Reinhart knew he'd staked his claim. Everyone seemed to be calming down now, Reuben even going to provide the.....pizza? It smelled interesting. However almost as fast as he'd appeared Ryder ran off to his room.
Sam felt relieved, knowing Reinhart wouldn't hurt on his first visit to another Frei. That would not set the tone for future friends if he got sick the first time. Sam patted him on the shoulder as Ryder ran off, chuckling softly, "Just give him some time. I'm guessing he's never been able to touch someone before." Moving to join Evan and Reuben in the kitchen she chuckled a bit, "Don't be too hard on him Reuben, Reinhart seems to make it a habit of naming things. And he actually eats apples....or absorbs them. However that works."
Reinhart was not paying much attention to the humans talking, his eyes still remained on the stairs where Ryder had disappeared. Why did he run off? He didn't like that. He wanted his new friend back downstairs. Taking advantage of the adults being occupied with food Reinhart floated up the stairs. It didn't take him too long to find Ryder's room....then he heard a second voice. It was rather rude, speaking of the Evan person that apparently had arrived. Reinhart immediately disliked the voice and floated into the doorway.
What he saw confused him a bit. Across the room from Ryder was.....another Ryder. Only so plain and boring looking he couldn't even call him interesting. Simple grey colors, no pretty rainbows like Ryder. "What's going on? Who are you?" he demanded.
The plain jane's last comment irked him dearly. He didn't like people insulting what was his. And Ryder was his. His friend. He belonged to him. Reinhart had no concept that labeling another frei as a possession was bad, but he felt the same as if it were. Possessiveness of what was his rose in him. Rising to his full height he stood between Eyrrd and Ryder, glaring with cold red eyes. "You do not speak to him like that. Ryder is my rainbow and you are nothing but a little storm cloud. You rumble and thunder but in the end you disappear and no one cares you are gone. If there is any waste of space, it is you. You do nothing for this place. You add nothing. You do nothing. You are nothing! Now begone! Leave my rainbow alone!"
Sam felt relieved, knowing Reinhart wouldn't hurt on his first visit to another Frei. That would not set the tone for future friends if he got sick the first time. Sam patted him on the shoulder as Ryder ran off, chuckling softly, "Just give him some time. I'm guessing he's never been able to touch someone before." Moving to join Evan and Reuben in the kitchen she chuckled a bit, "Don't be too hard on him Reuben, Reinhart seems to make it a habit of naming things. And he actually eats apples....or absorbs them. However that works."
Reinhart was not paying much attention to the humans talking, his eyes still remained on the stairs where Ryder had disappeared. Why did he run off? He didn't like that. He wanted his new friend back downstairs. Taking advantage of the adults being occupied with food Reinhart floated up the stairs. It didn't take him too long to find Ryder's room....then he heard a second voice. It was rather rude, speaking of the Evan person that apparently had arrived. Reinhart immediately disliked the voice and floated into the doorway.
What he saw confused him a bit. Across the room from Ryder was.....another Ryder. Only so plain and boring looking he couldn't even call him interesting. Simple grey colors, no pretty rainbows like Ryder. "What's going on? Who are you?" he demanded.
The plain jane's last comment irked him dearly. He didn't like people insulting what was his. And Ryder was his. His friend. He belonged to him. Reinhart had no concept that labeling another frei as a possession was bad, but he felt the same as if it were. Possessiveness of what was his rose in him. Rising to his full height he stood between Eyrrd and Ryder, glaring with cold red eyes. "You do not speak to him like that. Ryder is my rainbow and you are nothing but a little storm cloud. You rumble and thunder but in the end you disappear and no one cares you are gone. If there is any waste of space, it is you. You do nothing for this place. You add nothing. You do nothing. You are nothing! Now begone! Leave my rainbow alone!"
Ryder spun around as Reinhart entered the room, shocked, embarrassed, and with tear filled eyes. He glanced over at Erryd, who was surprisingly still visible.
Erryd, shocked by the presence of another being, decided to stay (considering he was caught, last time he was able to disappear before Reuben saw him). Listening to Reinhart's earnest speech, Erryd's eyes narrowed before a cackling laugh escaped his mouth. "You've got some courage to puff your chest and run your mouth at me like that, Reinhart. You have no idea who you're talking to," he began, floating over and getting close to Reinhart's face. "Your little rainbow here always needs some sort of bright sun to save him from the storm. Pfft. Like I said...pathetic."
The tears welled up in Ryder's eyes. He didn't need Reinhart to save him, he could do it himself, right? He just needed time to be alone, to focus on what was really important, figuring out this sudden surge of emotions. That was all he wanted. Then, Erryd spoke once more, "But storm cloud...mmm...I rather like that," he said, stroking his chin, floating over atop the bed, only to open his mouth one last time, "Very well. I'll leave...for now. You two obviously have something to discuss," Erryd stated, an echoing maniacal laughter filling the room as he spun around, disappearing into nothingness.
Ryder's eyes followed the scene. Reinhart made him go away. He's never listened to him. He'd never leave when Ryder told him to. He was always there. But Reinhart...all he did was speak and away Erryd went. That was all he wanted and Reinhart did it for him. "Reinhart...you did it. He...actually left," Ryder said, floating closer to him. He looked down at his hands, clenched them slightly before grabbing Reinhart's wrist in both of his hands. He could feel his hands drying out as the poisonous oils seeped into Reinhart's skin, something else he had always wished for.
"Thank you," big, green eyes with tear stained cheeks looked into Reinhart's darting reds. This frei was full of courage. To top it off, he had basically made Ryder's personal boogyman go away with just a spoken word. What a savior he was...but...Ryder didn't need a savior...no, no he didn't...did he?
Meanwhile, Reuben realized the two were gone from the living room. "Where did they go, anyway?"
The guardian walked into the living room and called out, "Ryder, lets open your presents, shall we?" He was just as eager to have Ryder's present setup as he hoped Ryder would be in receiving it.
Erryd, shocked by the presence of another being, decided to stay (considering he was caught, last time he was able to disappear before Reuben saw him). Listening to Reinhart's earnest speech, Erryd's eyes narrowed before a cackling laugh escaped his mouth. "You've got some courage to puff your chest and run your mouth at me like that, Reinhart. You have no idea who you're talking to," he began, floating over and getting close to Reinhart's face. "Your little rainbow here always needs some sort of bright sun to save him from the storm. Pfft. Like I said...pathetic."
The tears welled up in Ryder's eyes. He didn't need Reinhart to save him, he could do it himself, right? He just needed time to be alone, to focus on what was really important, figuring out this sudden surge of emotions. That was all he wanted. Then, Erryd spoke once more, "But storm cloud...mmm...I rather like that," he said, stroking his chin, floating over atop the bed, only to open his mouth one last time, "Very well. I'll leave...for now. You two obviously have something to discuss," Erryd stated, an echoing maniacal laughter filling the room as he spun around, disappearing into nothingness.
Ryder's eyes followed the scene. Reinhart made him go away. He's never listened to him. He'd never leave when Ryder told him to. He was always there. But Reinhart...all he did was speak and away Erryd went. That was all he wanted and Reinhart did it for him. "Reinhart...you did it. He...actually left," Ryder said, floating closer to him. He looked down at his hands, clenched them slightly before grabbing Reinhart's wrist in both of his hands. He could feel his hands drying out as the poisonous oils seeped into Reinhart's skin, something else he had always wished for.
"Thank you," big, green eyes with tear stained cheeks looked into Reinhart's darting reds. This frei was full of courage. To top it off, he had basically made Ryder's personal boogyman go away with just a spoken word. What a savior he was...but...Ryder didn't need a savior...no, no he didn't...did he?
Meanwhile, Reuben realized the two were gone from the living room. "Where did they go, anyway?"
The guardian walked into the living room and called out, "Ryder, lets open your presents, shall we?" He was just as eager to have Ryder's present setup as he hoped Ryder would be in receiving it.
Reinhart disliked this person, even if they looked like a colorless version of Ryder. When Erryd spoke like he was someone important, Reinhart just scoffed loudly. "As if you are anyone important to me. And it's not courage that makes me speak to you as such, its the way you deserve to be spoken to. Like the nothing you are," he glared away from Ryder's view. It was for the best given the very cold and very dark look in his eyes as he glared at the pompous fake frei. His red eyes looked more like dark blood rather than brilliant rubies when angry and could be quite intimidating. Reinhart took a stance between the two, shoulders back and chin up like the prince he felt himself to be.
Finally the thing left, his eyes softened back to their ruby brilliance and he turned to look at the tearful Frei. Ryder's hands wrapped around his wrist, he could feel the poison absorbing into him. It would never sustain him, too little contact over a small area. It was more like a one cookie snack. Apparently the creature would often torment Ryder. "Of course. Today is a day of celebration, not a day for tears," he said softly as he reached up and brushed the boy's tears away. "If I am around, I will send him off again. Do not fret my rainbow."
He spoke as if he were speaking to a pet, something cute he kept on a leash and took for walks. Perhaps that was a better description of how he looked upon the other frei. Something innocent who didn't know better. Looking to the door smiled, "Come, let us see your presents. I believe my grandmother has sent you something special."
Reinhart took Ryder's hand into his ungloved one, lacing his fingers with the mushroom's and pulled him out the door. He guided him back down the hallway to the main room where Sam was enjoying some pizza. "What were you two doing?"
"Ryder needed a moment to collect himself. But he's alright now," he reached over and picked up the present from Annie. "Here Ryder, open this one first as it just arrived today."
In the package was, as usual, a collection of mushroom and fungi photos for Ryder with names and descriptions. There was also a picture of Annie and her husband Sean, a red headed man, holding up a sign that said "Happy Birthday from your Crazy Grans!" Also in the box was a small container with a note.
Finally the thing left, his eyes softened back to their ruby brilliance and he turned to look at the tearful Frei. Ryder's hands wrapped around his wrist, he could feel the poison absorbing into him. It would never sustain him, too little contact over a small area. It was more like a one cookie snack. Apparently the creature would often torment Ryder. "Of course. Today is a day of celebration, not a day for tears," he said softly as he reached up and brushed the boy's tears away. "If I am around, I will send him off again. Do not fret my rainbow."
He spoke as if he were speaking to a pet, something cute he kept on a leash and took for walks. Perhaps that was a better description of how he looked upon the other frei. Something innocent who didn't know better. Looking to the door smiled, "Come, let us see your presents. I believe my grandmother has sent you something special."
Reinhart took Ryder's hand into his ungloved one, lacing his fingers with the mushroom's and pulled him out the door. He guided him back down the hallway to the main room where Sam was enjoying some pizza. "What were you two doing?"
"Ryder needed a moment to collect himself. But he's alright now," he reached over and picked up the present from Annie. "Here Ryder, open this one first as it just arrived today."
In the package was, as usual, a collection of mushroom and fungi photos for Ryder with names and descriptions. There was also a picture of Annie and her husband Sean, a red headed man, holding up a sign that said "Happy Birthday from your Crazy Grans!" Also in the box was a small container with a note.
"Dear Ryder,
I do hope this makes it through customs! Gave me quite the headache getting it to you. But these are spores from the luminescent fungi I showed you the first time we met. I've included instructions on care and growth, be sure to have it in a nice dark place! I hope you enjoy it!
Love Annie and Sean"
Ryder could do naught but nod in agreement. He felt it was definitely a day for celebration. He quickly wiped the tears from his cheeks and followed airily behind his newfound friend. This was special. First of all, Reinhart wasn't affected whatsoever by his poison, in fact, Ryder got the feeling that he was absorbing it off of his skin completely, if only for a small while. And secondly, he had sent his worst nightmare away with a few words. How amazing was that!? A real life prince charming, if he did say so himself. He couldn't help but imagine himself as the 'damsel' in distress. It definitely made the toadstool much more at peace knowing that there was someone -- anyone -- that could help him in this way.
When he was told there was a special present for Granny Annie, Ryder's face lit up. Today was a great day! He didn't truly understand the whole 'gift giving' idea surrounding birthdays; but it was certainly nice receiving said gifts!
Ryder nodded when Reinhart explained that he just needed a moment. He wasn't wrong. As he was handed the present, his eyes sparkled incessantly with intrigue. He couldn't wait to see what was inside!
Tearing back the paper, it revealed a few small photos to add to his collection as well as a letter. Reading it, Ryder's grin appeared. The luminescent fungi!? The beautiful one from her book!? Taking a look at the the smaller container, it did contain some seedling spores which could be planted. Oh, how he loved it! The best gift ever!
Ryder sat the whole box, everything within, onto the coffee table and scurried off to his room quickly. Bringing back a scrawled note with what looked to be the handwriting of a four year old on it. "Here. Can we send this to Granny Annie?" he said, showing the note to Reuben. Supposedly, a thank you letter.
Reuben could hardly make out each letter. "W-well, Ryder. As much as I'm sure Annie would love a letter from you...I don't very well think she'll be able to understand this. But...here. Open up the present I got you. I think this may help in writing an actual letter."
Ryder was then handed a small package and a letter. "Thank you," he said, curious as to what could possibly help him write a legible letter. As he tore the wrapping paper, he saw a computer mouse. "What's this for?"
"That is a computer mouse..." Reuben stated with a chuckle. "...to go with your new computer!" The excitement in Reuben's voice was apparent, he was so happy for his charge.
Ryder's face crinkled.
Evan burst out laughing.
Reuben, upon realizing that his charge wasn't enthused, shook his head. "What's the matter?"
Ryder shrugged. "What's a computer do that my phone can't?"
Reuben's face fell. He was somewhat right, but also, he knew that his charge would absolutely adore the aspect of having a whole computer. "Trust me. I'll set it up for you tonight and teach you the basics. You can do so much more," he said, rubbing his hands together.
Ryder sat the mouse on the table next to his first present.
Evan then offered his gift and Reuben set out a gift delivered earlier from his aunt Calista.
The wrappings went quickly, and Ryder revealed that he had gotten a 'time card' for an online video game from Evan and a letter with some money in it from Calista stating that she would take him to the bookstore later in the week for some new books. And finally, from Sam, a book on Egyptian Mythology.
Looking down at his look, the frei smiled. "Well, thank you for the gifts," he said, looking over everyone.
Reuben and Evan nodded.
"You're welcome, Ryder. Who's ready for cake?" Reuben inquired, standing up and making his way to the kitchen.
When he was told there was a special present for Granny Annie, Ryder's face lit up. Today was a great day! He didn't truly understand the whole 'gift giving' idea surrounding birthdays; but it was certainly nice receiving said gifts!
Ryder nodded when Reinhart explained that he just needed a moment. He wasn't wrong. As he was handed the present, his eyes sparkled incessantly with intrigue. He couldn't wait to see what was inside!
Tearing back the paper, it revealed a few small photos to add to his collection as well as a letter. Reading it, Ryder's grin appeared. The luminescent fungi!? The beautiful one from her book!? Taking a look at the the smaller container, it did contain some seedling spores which could be planted. Oh, how he loved it! The best gift ever!
Ryder sat the whole box, everything within, onto the coffee table and scurried off to his room quickly. Bringing back a scrawled note with what looked to be the handwriting of a four year old on it. "Here. Can we send this to Granny Annie?" he said, showing the note to Reuben. Supposedly, a thank you letter.
Reuben could hardly make out each letter. "W-well, Ryder. As much as I'm sure Annie would love a letter from you...I don't very well think she'll be able to understand this. But...here. Open up the present I got you. I think this may help in writing an actual letter."
Ryder was then handed a small package and a letter. "Thank you," he said, curious as to what could possibly help him write a legible letter. As he tore the wrapping paper, he saw a computer mouse. "What's this for?"
"That is a computer mouse..." Reuben stated with a chuckle. "...to go with your new computer!" The excitement in Reuben's voice was apparent, he was so happy for his charge.
Ryder's face crinkled.
Evan burst out laughing.
Reuben, upon realizing that his charge wasn't enthused, shook his head. "What's the matter?"
Ryder shrugged. "What's a computer do that my phone can't?"
Reuben's face fell. He was somewhat right, but also, he knew that his charge would absolutely adore the aspect of having a whole computer. "Trust me. I'll set it up for you tonight and teach you the basics. You can do so much more," he said, rubbing his hands together.
Ryder sat the mouse on the table next to his first present.
Evan then offered his gift and Reuben set out a gift delivered earlier from his aunt Calista.
The wrappings went quickly, and Ryder revealed that he had gotten a 'time card' for an online video game from Evan and a letter with some money in it from Calista stating that she would take him to the bookstore later in the week for some new books. And finally, from Sam, a book on Egyptian Mythology.
Looking down at his look, the frei smiled. "Well, thank you for the gifts," he said, looking over everyone.
Reuben and Evan nodded.
"You're welcome, Ryder. Who's ready for cake?" Reuben inquired, standing up and making his way to the kitchen.
Reinhart just grinned as the frei opened his gifts. The fungal spores seemed odd though perhaps it shouldn't considering Ryder's soul. When the toadstool set down the pictures Rein raised one up, the one with Annie and Sean. So these were his grandparents. He'd been told lots of things about them but hadn't yet been given a picture. The father's present was a...computer. What was that? And why did it require mice? He'd have to ask his mother about that one. He didn't recall Sam having such a device. In truth she had a laptop but hadn't shown it to Rein yet. Also he received a "time card" for the computer? Interesting. Finally he got some money for books and a new book from Sam. It seemed the Frei was a reader. Good to know. it was something to remember. He put a hand on Ryder's shoulder, "It seems you've had an excellent day of celebration. My congratulations on a full year of life. We shall have to spend more time together. Perhaps you can show me the ways of things as a Raevan as you are the elder."
Sam just smiled, glad Ryder liked the gift. Though she did hope her mother wouldn't send too many fungal spores for Ryder to grow. Some might not be good for you. She seemed so happy that Rein was making a friend and already showed interest in another meeting. She let them be, allowing friendship to form naturally she hoped. "I'd love some cake. What kind of flavor do we have today?" she asked with a smile as she followed Reuben into the kitchen.
Reinhart took some apples, making little ash piles with them as he absorbed their essence. He was quite neat with them, ensuring they were on a little plate where cake would normally go. For the rest of the party he spent more time with Ryder, allowing the Frei to hold his hand. Perhaps it was his version of a present, the ability to hold his hand; to touch another person with no fear of poisoning.
Soon the time to leave was upon them. Sam said her goodbyes and thanked Reuben for allowing them to come. She'd been so worried about socializing him but Ryder had been the perfect first friend! And it seemed they got a long so well.
Reinhart moved to say his goodbyes to Ryder. He removed both gloves, held Ryder's and in between them and placed it on his own chest. "I hope you enjoy your gifts my Rainbow. And keep your color bright. I shall see you again, I hope."
Sam just smiled, glad Ryder liked the gift. Though she did hope her mother wouldn't send too many fungal spores for Ryder to grow. Some might not be good for you. She seemed so happy that Rein was making a friend and already showed interest in another meeting. She let them be, allowing friendship to form naturally she hoped. "I'd love some cake. What kind of flavor do we have today?" she asked with a smile as she followed Reuben into the kitchen.
Reinhart took some apples, making little ash piles with them as he absorbed their essence. He was quite neat with them, ensuring they were on a little plate where cake would normally go. For the rest of the party he spent more time with Ryder, allowing the Frei to hold his hand. Perhaps it was his version of a present, the ability to hold his hand; to touch another person with no fear of poisoning.
Soon the time to leave was upon them. Sam said her goodbyes and thanked Reuben for allowing them to come. She'd been so worried about socializing him but Ryder had been the perfect first friend! And it seemed they got a long so well.
Reinhart moved to say his goodbyes to Ryder. He removed both gloves, held Ryder's and in between them and placed it on his own chest. "I hope you enjoy your gifts my Rainbow. And keep your color bright. I shall see you again, I hope."
When Ryder began setting his presents to the side to make way for platefuls of cake, Reinhart placed a hand on his shoulder. That touch was so...warm. It felt so different from Reuben's touch. "Y-yes I did, in large part because of you. Thank you for coming today, and of course. I don't have many months of life on you, but I can definitely show you whatever I have learned," he said, his cheeks glowing a rosy red.
Reuben smiled as he entered the kitchen and upon hearing Sam's question, he responded. "It's vegan vanilla with layers of vegan vanilla frosting and fresh strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries on top. And of course some powdered sugar sprinkled over the top of that for some extra sweetness and bit of beauty," he said, making a larger deal of the vegan than need be and a smile on his face the entire time. Oh how he loved a good vegan recipe.
Evan couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah, he's been talking about it nonstop. Couldn't wait to try it. Let's see how good a baker this alchemist really is, shall we?"
"Hey, I make poultices and potions all day long. I know my way around a stove...sort of. Plus, I make this cake every year for my birthday, so it's a wonderful recipe..." he began, taking a few moments to pick up the knife before speaking again, ...that I didn't bake at all and bought at the local store," he chuckled.
Evan scoffed. "Ah, man...really? You said you were gonna bake it yourself?"
Reuben laughed quietly. "I did...I attempted it. It's in the fridge if you really want to see it. When it didn't turn out, I ordered this one as quickly as I could and they delivered it within a couple hours, which was the best. So lets hope it tastes as good as it looks."
Evan laughed, he couldn't help but think that it was probably falling apart left and right.
Ryder smiled at the entire interaction between Reuben and Evan. It was nice to see them getting along so well lately. When offered cake, Ryder couldn't help but shake is head. Though little did he know he'd be given a plateful of rotting wood collected fresh from the morning. It was honestly the best thing the frei had tasted yet. Fresh rotting wood, delicious!
As the party went on, Ryder had a few chances to hold Reinhart's hand without fear, without worry. It was the best feeling. The warmth permeated and just felt amazing. It wasn't anything Ryder had ever felt before, especially since he was unable to do this with so many others.
Once the party was coming to an end, and Sam, Reuben and Evan had said their goodbyes, Ryder got one last moment with Reinhart before he followed after Sam. Upon his hand being grabbed and placed on the Apple's chest, Ryder's heart skipped a beat, his lime green eyes widened once more and is cheeks blasted forth a red which was deeper than even a tomato. "I-I...I- hope so too. Thank you again for everything today. It was the best first birthday I could ever ask for."
Reuben smiled as he entered the kitchen and upon hearing Sam's question, he responded. "It's vegan vanilla with layers of vegan vanilla frosting and fresh strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries on top. And of course some powdered sugar sprinkled over the top of that for some extra sweetness and bit of beauty," he said, making a larger deal of the vegan than need be and a smile on his face the entire time. Oh how he loved a good vegan recipe.
Evan couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah, he's been talking about it nonstop. Couldn't wait to try it. Let's see how good a baker this alchemist really is, shall we?"
"Hey, I make poultices and potions all day long. I know my way around a stove...sort of. Plus, I make this cake every year for my birthday, so it's a wonderful recipe..." he began, taking a few moments to pick up the knife before speaking again, ...that I didn't bake at all and bought at the local store," he chuckled.
Evan scoffed. "Ah, man...really? You said you were gonna bake it yourself?"
Reuben laughed quietly. "I did...I attempted it. It's in the fridge if you really want to see it. When it didn't turn out, I ordered this one as quickly as I could and they delivered it within a couple hours, which was the best. So lets hope it tastes as good as it looks."
Evan laughed, he couldn't help but think that it was probably falling apart left and right.
Ryder smiled at the entire interaction between Reuben and Evan. It was nice to see them getting along so well lately. When offered cake, Ryder couldn't help but shake is head. Though little did he know he'd be given a plateful of rotting wood collected fresh from the morning. It was honestly the best thing the frei had tasted yet. Fresh rotting wood, delicious!
As the party went on, Ryder had a few chances to hold Reinhart's hand without fear, without worry. It was the best feeling. The warmth permeated and just felt amazing. It wasn't anything Ryder had ever felt before, especially since he was unable to do this with so many others.
Once the party was coming to an end, and Sam, Reuben and Evan had said their goodbyes, Ryder got one last moment with Reinhart before he followed after Sam. Upon his hand being grabbed and placed on the Apple's chest, Ryder's heart skipped a beat, his lime green eyes widened once more and is cheeks blasted forth a red which was deeper than even a tomato. "I-I...I- hope so too. Thank you again for everything today. It was the best first birthday I could ever ask for."