Halcyon had returned from the field trip exhausted. They went to the local history museum, which sounded like a fairly relaxed trip before they’d gotten there, but upon arrival he realized just how big it was. The entire day was spent being herded about in large groups, dry lectures, and attempts to fend off some of the others. Boredom lead to teasing. Teasing got out of hand. He weren’t exactly keen on that happening- it wasn’t like he could cry out for help or anything - a fact that at least one of their bullies took advantage of on a semi-regular basis.
Once the caretakers finished counting the group for the third time, they ducked out into the hall and headed back to their room. Well, their shared room. No one got private rooms unless there was something seriously wrong with them. He’d just wanted to take a nap before dinner, but upon opening the room door, they stopped. One of the caretakers was bagging up his things. He frowned, immediately stomping over. Who did they think they were?!
”Oh, Halcyon. I didn’t expect you to be back in here before dinner.” The caretaker barely spared him a glance before continuing to carelessly stuff his things into the large dufflebag. He wanted to scream, but instead settled for frantic signing.
”You know I don’t understand you.” The caretaker rolled his eyes, then cinched up the bag - leaving behind only a pair of pajamas and a change of clothes for the next morning. ”Get ready for dinner.” With that, he hoisted the bag over one shoulder, then moseyed his way out of the room.
How… could he. Halcyon stared after him, small body shaking with anger and sadness. What did he do to deserve that? He’d never seen anyone get ALL of their things taken away, no matter how bad they’d been! Frustrated, he scrubbed at his eyes to remove the moisture that was building up, then turned to flop face down onto his bed. No. He wasn’t going to go to dinner. This wasn’t right.
If only he’d just explained to the flower man that they really, really needed to get out of here. Would he have been more persuaded if they could speak? Naiads were supposed to have voice magic, weren’t they? More tears bubbled up at the thought- a Naiad that couldn’t speak. How pathetic…
Unsurprisingly, no one came to get him when he didn’t show up for dinner. It wasn’t like it was that unusual for him to skip out- they protested in this way many times in the past and eventually they’d given up trying to force them to eat. No one really seemed to care all that much when the rest of his roommates piled in and were tucked into bed by the caretakers. Fine, whatever, he didn’t care. He knew better than to expect any special attention- there were hundreds of kids in the orphanage. He was just one fish in the sea.
But it did hurt. Just a little.
A lot, really. So maybe he knew better but still wanted some sort individual attention anyway. At least some kind of explanation? Normally if they were being disciplined they would’ve been called to the headmaster’s office or something. Not… left alone to their own devices for the rest of the night. Halcyon found it hard to sleep- his missing items and the lack of clarity behind why they were taken clouded his thoughts.
That and the kid next to him was snoring again. He hated that sound. It grated on his ears in the worst of ways. Plus, his water charm seemed to be on the fritz as he kept feeling horrifically dry for a few minutes, then utter relief. He’d have to ask if he could have it recharged tomorrow. Maybe. If he was on signing terms with the staff, anyway.
Morning seemed to take eons to arrive- by the time the doors opened for breakfast, Halcyon was two parts rage and one part exhausted. He didn’t bother moving from his bed, oh no. He was going to make them come to him. See if they continue being jerks.
But no one came.
At least, not immediately. Halcyon laid in itchy hell for what felt like another 5 years before the sound of someone approaching caught his ears. He cracked one eye open, spotting one of the higher ranking caretakers standing just near the foot of his bed. ”Halcyon, you need to get dressed.” She smiled warmly at him- and on any other day he might find a sliver of comfort in that… but on this day? It just made him even more angry. He rolled his eyes, closed the one he’d opened, then proceeded to roll over and turn his back on her. Nope. Not going to happen.
”You don’t really expect to leave in your pajamas, do you?” She seemed unperturbed. If he’d been turned around he’d see that she was examining his area with a slight disapproving frown. Where were his things…?
He didn’t bother responding. She was just teasing- or trying to get his hopes up or something. Field trip day was yesterday. They weren’t going anywhere today.
”I see you have some clothes picked out, that’s good. I’ll leave you alone for a few more minutes but you really must get dressed. We can’t send you out in those.” She patted the end of his bed, then turned to shuffle out of the room.
Now that was strange. Send him out? Send him out where? He laid still for another minute before the itchiness got to be too much, then aggressively shoved himself up and off of the bed. Frustration and annoyance climaxed in a near frantic display of ripping the pajamas he was wearing off- leaving him panting and mostly undressed in the empty room. He needed water.. Badly.
He eyed his change of clothes warily- they’d just make him even more itchy… but he knew from experience that walking out into the main part of the building in only his underwear was a bad idea. Grumbling, he began pulling the clothing on, having to pause and itch at his skin for a few minutes every so often. He was so pulled in by the activity that he didn’t even hear the door open… Nor the footsteps across the floorboards.
After getting his shirt settled into place, he turned, eyes taking a moment to register that there was someone - someone tall - standing directly behind him. He, of course, flapped his arms in alarm as he hurriedly backed up, nearly tripping over his tail in the effort to get away. The person didn’t move- it took him another moment to realize he knew this person…
’You scared me!’
It took him another moment to realize that Ambroze was, in fact, inside the building. He’d never come past the front gate before, so what was the litch doing in his room?
’Did you come to teach me magic?
He signed the question hurriedly, mood picking up immediately at the possibility. Though maybe before they got started, he’d ask if Ambroze could fix his charm… the itchiness was really starting to drive him mad.
The litch blinked slowly at him, then shook his head in the same painfully slow way. Halcyon had noticed that Ambroze seemed to move slower than pretty much any other litch or part litch person he’d come into contact with. The shaking response just sent his mood right back down into the dumps again, which must have shown as Ambroze snorted softly.
’You were not told?’
Not told WHAT? Halcyon had half a mind to stomp on the adult’s foot or something for asking such a dumb question. Instead he settled for shaking his head in what he hoped conveyed his frustration.
’Interesting. I was told that you knew. You are coming home with me, permanently. I will explain later.’
Ambroze slowly held out one of his hands once he’d finished signing, expecting Halcyon to take it. The naiad blinked up at him dumbly- all foul moods and negative thoughts forgotten for a moment. Going home? With Ambroze?? Permanently??? He couldn’t comprehend it- it didn’t make any sense. The caretakers hadn’t said it- wait, was he being kidnapped??
Did he care if he was being kidnapped?
Another blink, and then he reached out to take the offered hand- it was cold. Colder than any hand he’d ever touched before. It was a relief, though. His hands felt like they were on fire with how itchy he was. Ambroze slowly closed his hand around Halcyon’s, then turned equally as slow to walk toward the door. If this was a kidnapping, they’d surely be caught before they even reached the main hallway. He considered this for a few moments - in which they only managed to make it about ten feet - then decided to just… Tug Ambroze along. Surely he’d move faster if he had someone pulling him, right?
Apparently it worked that way- at least for now. With Halcyon’s tugging, they were able to clear the room and the dormitory hallway within a few minutes. No one seemed to be around, which was nice. Less hassle. By the time they made it to the main hall, fifteen minutes had passed. Halcyon was getting tired of pulling Ambroze, and the litch didn’t seem to move much faster than the speed they were already going. Plus, Halcyon was really starting to feel as if all the moisture in the world was gone and all that was left was unbearable dryness.
Just as he started to tug Ambroze for the main doors, he came to an abrupt halt. The litch had planted himself in place and was looking off to his right. Halcyon followed his gaze, spotting the duffle bag that his things had been so carelessly shoved into the night before. He blinked, then let go of Ambroze’s hand to trot over to it, ignoring how much it hurt to move like that. He tugged the bag over to the litch, then held the strap up for him to take. It was much too heavy for Halcyon to carry in his current state.
Thankfully Ambroze seemed to understand. He slowly took the bag from him, easily lifting it up and securing it over a shoulder, then offered his hand again. Halcyon took it, noting that it seemed… slightly warmer… then began tugging him toward the exit again. He wanted to get out of there before anyone noticed- was it really kidnapping if he willingly went along with it?
It seemed like eons before they were out the front gates. He paused, panting a little as he looked around. He realized he had no idea where Ambroze lived… The litch seemed to know why he’d stopped, though, and took up the lead. Maybe all that tugging had sped him up- or maybe Halcyon was just tired- either way they seemed to make better time outside than they had inside. It wasn’t long before the orphanage was out of sight entirely.
A burst of glee rose up within Halcyon, which showed itself in little fin wiggles as they walked. He was free of that place! And with someone that knew magic! He was sure he’d learn all sorts of cool things that he’d never have learned if he spent the rest of his life at the orphanage. The glee slowly died away as he realized they’d been walking for a long time, and Ambroze didn’t seem to be stopping any time soon. There weren’t even any houses near by- just shops. Where were they going? Would it be much longer? Nine, he needed a pool or something… He was so dry.
By the time they made it to the house, Ambroze had stopped to pick him up. He was dragging his feet, barely able to concentrate on anything but itching his dry skin. The litch had easily cradled him in one arm, using the other to open the old, half rotten gate at the front of his house. He slowly made his way up the porch stairs, each one creaking in dangerous protest with their combined weight- and then brought out a key to unlock the door.
He eased it open, ducking slightly so that Halcyon didn’t hit his head on the way in. The decor was fairly sparse and looked more like it belonged in an antique store than someone’s house. Old things that smelled of dust and disuse- but also an array of magical tools. If Halcyon weren’t in so much pain he might be itching to touch it all- but the thought of moving much just made him wince.
Ambroze slid the duffle bag off of his other shoulder, then turned his head to examine Halcyon- piercing pink eyes looking over the scratch marks on his skin. He then wordlessly reached out to lift the hem of his shirt for a moment- as if looking for a rash. Upon seeing nothing, he let go and then began making his way into the back of the house. Halcyon would have been more observant during the trip to the bathroom- but he was itching himself again, nibbling at his lip a little in frustration.
He was pulled out of his itching spree when Ambroze settled him down onto the bathroom counter. The bathroom itself was rather large- and the bath actually had feet! Who had a tub with feet anymore? He watched as the litch strode over and slowly turned the water on, then stood upright and faced him again.
’You will have to choose the temperature. I cannot feel it.’
Halcyon nodded, then slid off of the counter carefully. He didn’t even bother waiting until he’d confirmed the temperature to start stripping clothing off- he wanted out of those itchy clothes immediately. Ambroze seemed unperturbed, instead just signing an advisory to be careful and that he’d be back before he lumbered on out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Finally. Halcyon stripped off the last of his clothes, the shuffled over to the tub and stuck his hand under the water. After some fiddling, he got it to a nice warm temperature, and then plugged it up before crawling into it. Sweet, sweet relief… He slid down to the bottom of the tub, curling up as small as he could and simply waited until the water was deep enough to go over his head before sticking a hand out to turn it off. Wonderful.
He wasn’t sure how long he was in there before he felt a tapping on the side of the tub. Halcyon opened his eyes, staring up at the face overhead. Ambroze was back- ah… He wiggled into a sitting position, blinking the water out of his eyes. The stitches were removed from the litch’s mouth- maybe he was tired of signing?
”I made you a new charm.” He held it out, a little teardrop shaped stone attached to a silver chain.
Halcyon blinked again, then took it from him and then slid it over his head, letting it dangle from his neck. ’Thank you. Mine went bad last night.’ He glanced past Ambroze to look at the pile of clothing he’d left on the floor- but found it had all been folded neatly and left on the counter.
”That is what I thought. When you are older I will teach you to make your own.”
Halcyon perked at the words, eyes snapping back to Ambroze. He’d learn how to make his own dampening charms? Oh, this was wonderful. He hated relying on the caretakers at the orphanage to remember to make him a new one on time. And sometimes they weren’t able to for a long time so he’d just have to take a lot of baths. Which… wasn’t the best way to handle things with so many kids in one place. They were supposed to be getting a pool, but construction kept getting delayed…
’Did you kidnap me?’ He had to ask- not that he really cared, he was more than pleased to be away from that place.
Ambroze snorted softly, looking just barely amused. ”No, I guess that they did not tell you as they promised. I signed official adoption papers, I am now your legal guardian. It was simpler this way.” Truth be told some people might find it a bit overkill to adopt a kid just to give them the opportunity to learn how to read and do magic, but it seemed like the logical thing to do as far as Ambroze was concerned.
Halcyon blinked a few times in disbelief. ’What?’ He wasn’t sure how to absorb that information. Adopted by the magic guy. Really? It dawned on Halcyon that he didn’t really know much at all about Ambroze except that he had a magic shop and didn’t like to speak.
”I have adopted you. You will adjust in time. I have set your room up if you are ready to see it.” Ambroze pushed himself upright, then turned to leave the room. Though with how slow he was Halcyon had plenty of time to respond… he just wasn’t sure what to respond with. He was sure he’d be stuck at that orphanage until he was too old to live there. He remained still in stunned silence for another few moments, until a knock at the door reminded him he needed to get out of the tub.
Halcyon pushed himself up, then carefully slid over the side. He then unplugged the drain, and sought out a towel. There was a rather fluffy one nearby- he grabbed it and then lightly patted himself dry- not too keen on fully removing the moisture from his skin. His hair… was going to just have to air dry. Eugh.
He then pulled his clothes back on before opening up the door, nearly starting at Ambroze. The litch was just. Standing in front of the door. Waiting. Was he going to do that all the time? Halcyon hoped not. ”This way.” Ambroze slowly turned to venture further down the hallway, going past three doors before finally stopping at an open room off to the right. Halcyon shuffled after him, curious about the closed doors but not daring to ask just yet. If he really lived here now, surely he’d find out what was behind them at some point?
He peered into the room- it was sparsely decorated but it was more than he’d ever had. At least, more than he’d ever let himself remember having. Halcyon took a few steps inside, eyes exploring every detail as if trying to memorize it all at once. The bed looked a bit old- not that he cared. As long as it was comfortable…
”I do not have a pool, but I suppose we can get a standing one at some point. How is the charm?” Ambroze’s voice almost caused him to start again. He turned to note that the litch was somehow right behind him again… when did he come in from the hallway…? His eyes flitted down to the charm hanging over his chest, then back up to Ambroze.
’Its nice. Better than the old ones ever were. Thank you.’
Ambroze nodded, then looked to the closed. ”There is space for your things in there. I will acquire shelving later. This was just a guest bedroom so I have not bothered to outfit it with much furniture in the past.” He shifted his weight as if he were about to turn and leave, but didn’t quite finish the action.
’I don’t have a lot of things anyway.’
Halcyon shook his head. Shelves? For what?? Most of his stuff was clothing or a couple plushies that would sit on his bed with him. Why bother with shelves if he didn’t have anything to put them on? He moved over to the closet, opening up the accordion style door to peer inside. Plenty of space to hang things, there were even hangers. And a dresser, with far more room than he’d ever need…
”You do not right now but I am certain that you will acquire things in the future. That is how life works.” Ambroze really did start moving for the door this time, though he paused at its opening- ”I will make breakfast. Make yourself comfortable. Do not open any of the closed doors, please.” He then disappeared into the hallway, leaving Halcyon alone in the room and with an ever-growing feeling of being overwhelmed.
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