fireflies | fae

[james sirius potter]

i'd like to make myself believe

that planet earth turns slowly

June 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

James didn’t really know what time it was or even how much Druid wine he had consumed. The more time he spent on the island, the less most locals looked at him like an intruding Mainlander. He tried his best to be respectful, although his self-awareness was inversely related to his excitement levels at times. At least now, he blended in better when not in his dark Hit Wizard’s robes. The warming weather clued him in on the time of year, but with such a routine life, it was easy to lose track of the day. Not to mention the routine he’d fallen into here on the island over the last few months.

Nobody was surprised seeing James around The High Druid anymore, and James rather enjoyed Fae’s company. They would discuss whatever book she was reading or whatever was in her library. And James tried to learn about the island and the community, although he never had the brain for Herbology. Still, Aurelia never hesitated to answer his random questions whenever they popped up. He could see it now. His Herbology professor in fourth year would have been so proud.

Earlier in the spring, Fae had invited James to their Summer Solstice festival as a guest. So far, he’d only run into two others who were guests of other Druids or a familiar researcher. After finding another glass of wine alternating with butterbeer, James found a corner to stand quietly in and lean against a wooden fence while he stared at a fire, lost in his thoughts. The flames lit the surrounding area, he wasn’t sure, but there was a mention of watching the sunrise? Hence incorporating butterbeer and whatever while sampling the wine. And not that James noticed, but his eyes always leaned toward a brilliant green—like his father and brother, whenever he was on Hy-Brasil.

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Activities and rituals complete for the summer solstice, Fae finally stumbled away from the large group of council members and elders. They always held her for longer than was required, as if there was anything important to talk about at this point in the evening that couldn't wait for the following morning. Quite a bit of that chatter usually revolves around reminiscing of High Druid Root and how she conducted herself throughout the years. Fae had been doing this for eight years now, not to mention the other twenty years of her life watching and participating in each festival, and they still acted like she was new at all of it. Maybe once she hit twenty years as High Druid they would finally relent a bit. At this point in the night, all she wanted to do was kick her sandals off, find a bottle of wine, and hide herself away where no one could find her. That seemed to do the trick for most festivities.

Except this one was slightly different. She had a guest. Not the first guest she had ever invited; Xiulan had taken that spot a few years prior while the two of them were researching Yrisle. Aside from when James arrived, Fae hadn't seen much of him throughout the day. That sort of thing was difficult when she was being directed every which way by elders to the next ceremony site and whatnot. With all of that done now, she could finally find him and actually hold a conversation.

It didn't take long to find him practically stuck to a fence post away from most of the crowd, a place that she would have found herself even if he wasn't here. "It is not as elaborate as some of our festivals," Fae said as she approached him, bottle of wine that she'd snagged from a table in hand. "But the celebration usually lasts far longer than the others." Leaning back on the fence post next to him, she popped the cork and generously poured herself a glass before offering to do the same for James. Wormwood wind held a special place in all druid hearts. "Have you enjoyed it so far?" she asked before taking a sip. The longer ceremonies were boring for her at times, she could only imagine what it was like to be a mainland onlooker, not even understanding the language or cultural motifs.

james sirius potter ● 402 ● Song by Artist

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[james sirius potter]

i'd like to make myself believe

that planet earth turns slowly

June 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

James blinked a few times and got out of his daze. The fire was a mesmerizing thing to watch, though his mind could only wander so far before he only saw fiendfyre. Not a happy thought and one that made his glass empty very quickly. ”Really?” James wondered honestly, his eyes darting around to the celebration, decoration, and overall cheer. It was massive to him, and that being said, coming from his large family. The Burrow at Christmas was nothing to this. He held out his glass at her offer, ”What do you mean longer?” James sipped so his glass wasn’t so full. Merlin forbid he spill any of this wonderful wine.

Fae's face had a familiar look of exhaustion, though her eyes looked gratefully at the bottle of wine. ”Not keen on staying up all night with the Elders?” James teased. He imagined it would be like sitting among old and dignified officials who knew Albus Dumbledore at Hogwarts or attempting conversation over tea with the more ancient Wizengamot members. The thought alone made him groggy. ”All this is really quite magnificent.” He drank more wine and looked around again. It didn’t matter what was attempted back home. Nothing was like the real thing. But he supposed that was true of many things. ”Everyone has been very welcoming.” It was difficult not to speak to everyone he ran into, it was James’ nature, but he figured staying off to the side was a sure way not to accidentally disrespect anyone.

Sometimes James could still feel his mother’s hand grabbing the back of his shirt collar as a boy when his energy would be a bit much. Not to mention Bianca’s irritated voice in his head reminded him that he was representing the Ministry of Magic at all times. James had shared a few of these thoughts with Fae, but only bits and pieces, because he felt comfortable doing so. ”Oh—“ Switching his glass to his other hand, James reached into his pocket to retrieve a few small round and amber-colored candies. James leaned in as he spoke, his hand displaying the gifts. ”I brought you something.” With his things were the rest, of course, but he couldn’t help but bring a few along.

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"Longer because it is the summer solstice," Fae answered cheekily. Of course the longest day of the year would end with the longest party. Though that only meant more sunlight than actual time. That was just semantics. Every druid festival ended with an almost all night affair, and while she frequently dipped out and called it a night earlier than most, she often times still saw groups having fun during her morning walk the next day. "But I typically never make it all night. My duties can be quite exhausting." The multi-day rituals always had a habit of leaving her drained and not wanting to speak to anyone by the end. Her first year, she lost her voice after almost every single one. Too much talking and singing, not enough tea and rest. That and she realized that she didn't really need to project her voice as much as she had, especially when she could simply cast Sonorus.

She rolled her eyes at the idea of being subjected to more stories from the Elders, though she doubted James could see it in the flickering light of the bonfire. There was a time and place for her to be listening to them, and after long days like this, Fae wanted nothing else but to go and do her own thing instead of being around them further. They meant well, but still. "I think most are accustomed to seeing you around, so they are excited to see you here." Or maybe that was just her saying that. Because she definitely was.

Before she could add anything else, James was holding out a handful of candies for her to take. More hard Butterbeer candy! "Thank you! I was starting to only have them for special occasions...I was afraid they would not last before I could get back to Hogsmeade and buy more." Which was soon, but she also had zero self-restraint with the things. It always started as just one, and then a second because the first was so good. And then thirty minutes later and half the bag was gone. A slippery slope of sugary sweetness.

As she slipped the candy into her satchel, the sound of music started to pick up from the far side of the bonfire. Normally, Fae wouldn't have minded, but she was afraid of getting swept back up into the festivities and not being able to actually spend time with James. Inviting him here just to not do or say anything was rude. "Come," she reached down to take his hand, her other one still holding the bottle of wine. "If we do not leave now, we will get caught by one of the longer dances. And I would like to have some feeling in my legs tomorrow." She had done enough ring-style group dances to last a lifetime already. That and there were much better places to converse on Hy-Brasil. Quieter too.

james sirius potter ● 490 ● Song by Artist

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[james sirius potter]

i'd like to make myself believe

that planet earth turns slowly

June 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

“Nobody minds?” James could imagine the whispers or looks at the Ministry of Magic Christmas party should the Minister or a Department Head not appear. Merlin forbid a Department Head was not visible at all times. He recalled Bianca learning this lesson the hard way the year before because she’d been “missing” for the very same fifteen minutes the Minister was looking for her. Something told James at some point the party had a life of its own, and no particular person was the center of it.

James lightly shrugged in agreement. He supposed that made sense. It wasn’t just James. Many other Law Enforcement members often worked on the island as regulars. Fae’s request for familiar faces was an easy one. Some enjoyed the island's calm when the rest of their work was chaotic. That certainly was true for James. As expected, Fae excitedly took the candies, and he beamed at her reaction. ”As it happens, I always seem to have a few on hand these days.” Maybe it was because James was now considered a “regular” at the sweet shop that sold the candies, or he’d taken a liking to them as well.

The noise and commotion grew, and the party seemed to be picking up. James wondered what it might look like at its peak, but Fae slipped her hand into his before he could speculate or ask. Immediately, his head turned toward her as she spoke. ”Lead the way.” He responded, already looking back behind him as they snuck off into the night. It wasn’t all that different, in that sense, from when he was working. The job was to help patrol and protect the borders as well as the High Druid. ”You sure they don’t mind you leaving?” Despite everything, James didn’t know if the High Druid’s presence was required for the entirety of these things. Not that he was complaining, hoping Fae would confirm that she did not have to stay. ”Where are we going?”

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[fae iona cloudbreaker]

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"I am sure some mind. Those that are more in tune with nature and their spirituality hope to maintain our traditions, despite changing times. But once I am done with everything, they let me go." The High Priest and associates were definitely more relaxed than she remembered them being with her predecessor. Considering she was younger, maybe they figured it would be easier on her and not burn her out as quickly? A lifetime position definitely had its drawbacks at times. Trying to keep her sanity on the island while also dealing with the tribulations of the mainland. She liked to think that her people understood, despite there being times where it felt like she was the only one that could hold it all together. Carrying the burden, or something like that.

Considering James consistently provided her with more butterbeer candies every time they met, 'keeping them on hand' sounded more like he did it to purposely give them to her. She wasn't sure if the fuzzy feeling she had at that moment was caused by it or the wine, but she liked it either way. Leading him off into the woods like a siren was only a consequence of being treated like a normal person. Which she was totally about to do.

"They do not. I have completed my obligations, therefore I can leave," Fae responded rather seriously. They knew she didn't like to stick around. Aside from a few festivals throughout the year, she always left early. James was asking her where they were going, and she really didn't know. Off somewhere? The light of the bonfire slowly dissipated as she led him across the field and towards the closest trail she knew through the woods. "Where do you want to go?" she asked before stopping at the trailhead.

james sirius potter ● 301 ● Song by Artist

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[james sirius potter]

i'd like to make myself believe

that planet earth turns slowly

June 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

James felt he did a good job remembering he was in the presence of an important dignitary. A couple times, a colleague would slip a comment regarding his comfort level around the High Druid, and he’d have to reset a little bit. Those times surprised him, if only because he never felt he behaved inappropriately or perhaps so obviously. Not that he could help it. When alone with Fae, they were just two people talking, just like their first real interactions years ago in London and his father’s pub. James was just “Potter” to his coworkers and “Harry’s son” to others. As much as he respected and admired his father, James wasn’t his father.

It wasn’t a topic James brought up, he’d already pushed away Ariadne with that fact once, and here he was alone again. This time on the island had helped him clear his head, and the company kept him coming back as well. Talking to Fae felt natural. He was just “James” to her. “Alright” he would drop that topic now, as she insisted the continuing festivities would no longer require her presence. James had to admit, he was happy he sort of had a bit of time with her and wasn’t working. No chance of an interrupted conversation or stroll because duty called.

They stopped at a trailhead, the light of the fire faint, as well as the participants' voices. His ears rang from the stark drop in volume for a moment before adjusting to the minute noises of nature. But where to go? James had to admit he didn’t wander from the beaten path often as he didn’t want to end up frightfully lost (and therefore, the topic of some Witch Weekly column). “Erm—how about…” James paused. They had time to go anywhere. “…your second favorite place?” They’d gone to her first, somewhere she didn’t share with others. And then her cozy little home, surely there were other places Fae favored and appropriate for the solstice. James kept hold of her hand, almost forgetting about the wine in the other.

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The option to bring James to her second favorite place was good in theory. The only problem with that was it happened to be the grove that the griffin herd lived in. While they never minded her approaching them at night, she wasn't about to bring a stranger around, and especially a non-druid. She fidgeted slightly while trying to think of a good place amongst so many. A location where they weren't going to be bothered that also wasn't her home. That left plenty of spots, but none that she really wanted to go to. "I can show you the grove where the griffins live...but we can only look from a distance," she finally decided on. She was positive that she could keep things under control if it came to that. And then from there, her home was only a short walk away...

"We will have to go this way then," Fae stated as she started to walk again, leading James through a smaller, almost unseen trail that branched off from the main one they were on. These were all over the island, usually functioning as pathways for animals, but occasionally taken by the druids that knew the forest the best. She was proud to be one that could walk the woods with her eyes closed if she pleased.

After a few minutes of quiet winding between trees and branches, Fae stopped abruptly. The clearing was just ahead of them now, and she wanted to make sure that everything was okay before bringing James closer. "I will be right back. I want to make sure they are calm," she whispered to him before letting go of his hand and disappearing into the bushes ahead of her. It only took another couple of minutes of rustling through brush to finally get a view of the herd, all peacefully asleep and unaware of her presence or the fact that the druids were celebrating only a mile away from them. The natural sound barrier of the woods did wonders. She quickly turned on her heels and returned to James.

"We can get closer than so thought. Just stay quiet," she grinned up at him before taking his hand again and leading him right up to the edge of the grove. The couple dozen sleepy griffins were in an indiscernible pile, only revealing where one stopped and started with the occasional flick of their tails or wings. "They are beautiful, are they not?" she said as she beamed at her flock.

james sirius potter ● 418 ● Song by Artist

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[james sirius potter]

i'd like to make myself believe

that planet earth turns slowly

June 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

Fae didn’t answer immediately. The island was so large that James didn’t have an inkling of her answer. But she had shared her favorite spot with him months ago and invited him to her home, so it didn’t feel like a strange ask. His eyebrows raised curiously. The griffins? She mentioned them often, and James had never seen one in person. But now her hesitation made more sense. They were creatures that demanded a level of respect. James nodded in immediate agreement. He would follow her lead.

”Alright.” Again, he followed dutifully. All these paths Fae took felt invisible to James, like there was a line painted on the ground only she could see. If not for her, he would have gotten terribly lost on his own and perhaps have been found still wandering that forest. For a while, the only noise where their feet on the foliage, the wind along the branches, and the sound of his own breathing. James still marveled at the tranquility of the island. The other day he could hear a bee buzzing so clearly, along with the noise it made after landing on a flower. Not even in the quiet neighborhoods of Godric’s Hollow did that level of quiet exist.

Fae left briefly to check on the herd while James remained a safe distance away, but she returned excitedly. ”Merlin…I didn’t expect so many.” A feeling of excitement and fear passed through him. Who knew staring at a herd of sleeping animals could be so exhilarating? For a split second, his hand tightened around Fae’s before relaxing. She would not have brought him here if it was not safe. James knew her to be adventurous and curious but not reckless. ”This is brilliant.” James whispered (or tried his best to) as he scooted close to her to keep his voice low.

As much as he wanted to stay, James wasn’t sure he wanted to risk dealing with a grumpy griffin if one accidentally woke up. ”And you’re never afraid of them?” He couldn’t quite wrap his mind around that part. His eyes darted back to the herd as he heard one shift louder than the rest before settling down. ”—sorry.” James whispered. Those few glasses of wine had definitely gone to his head a bit, hence the inability to figure out the volume of his voice.

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[fae iona cloudbreaker]

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Mainlanders always asked funny questions when it came to animals. Of course druids weren’t afraid of them. Afraid for them was a more appropriate response. Especially with so many non-druids wandering the island these days. With the barrier gone and new people around, there had been some worries about how the creatures responded. The animals and mainlanders were not used to one another, and that meant it was up to her community to oversee and guide both to keep the peace. Obviously, she never would have brought James to see the griffins if she thought that it would be a bad idea. Keeping their distance was more to give her a reaction time should anything happen. Which it wouldn’t.

She spent more time watching his facial reactions than she did on the sleeping griffins. The excitement was easy to see, but she knew there was more to it by how hard he was squeezing her hand. Most people never got the chance to see this many griffins at once, let alone one at this close of range.

”Never,” Fae answered, knowing that he didn’t mean anything from it. ”I grew up with some of them. I am treated as part of their herd, in a way.” Where most druids had deeper connections with certain animals and creatures, and could somehow communicate with them, Fae lacked the skill. That didn’t change her relationship with the griffins though. That came all from mutual trust and understanding from years of work. Plus a little bonus from being a druid. That always helped. ”Someday, I can introduce you when they are awake.” And with a little bit of coaxing, maybe one would even let him fly. She wouldn’t promise that yet though. A lot of work would have to go into it, as James was still an outsider as far as the griffins would be concerned.

After a few more moments of silently watching them sleep, Fae slowly got to her feet. She had forgotten that she still had the unopened bottle of wine with her and was starting to feel like she wanted to pop it open. ”This way,” she directed James with her hand, heading off into the direction of her home. It was only a few minutes away, though felt much longer under the cover of night. There, they could talk and drink for however long they wanted. Uninterrupted and undisturbed.

james sirius potter ● 400 ● Song by Artist

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[james sirius potter]

i'd like to make myself believe

that planet earth turns slowly

June 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

James still recalled the first time his Uncle Charlie took James and a few of his cousins to see a dragon when he was young. Naturally, James’ mother and grandmother were not fond of the idea, but his Uncle had kept them a safe distance away. But it was exhilarating and terrifying all the same. And yet, his Uncle had appeared so calm and collected. Much as his Uncle Bill whenever he brought an old artifact around from his Cursebreaker days. And now Fae regarding this huge herd of griffins, who more likely than not could have easily trampled James within seconds if they so chose to.

James didn’t respond, only looking at Fae after her offer. He could already hear the hundred questions his grandfather would ask him should he share he got to interact with a griffin. Opening his mouth to ask another question, he closed it as he watched Fae stand up. The question was far from his mind as he stood up to follow, absent-mindedly brushing off any grass or dirt from his clothing. Even in the dark night, James recognized where they were headed.

And, of course, it didn’t take long to arrive. Whenever James was with Fae, he never felt lost, but when alone, it felt like such a vast and unknown place. He almost hardly noticed how his arm would brush hers as they walked closely. ”I’m glad you were able to escape.” James spoke up as they approached her home. He stopped at the entrance, recalling an earlier discouraging thought. ”I was afraid you wouldn’t have time for me.” His confession felt silly, this was the High Druid he was speaking to, and James was just a run-of-the-mill Ministry Hit-Wizard.

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The one problem with her home was that it was small. Fae had started to feel self-conscious of it each time she brought a new guest by, and even more so with James. Had she tidied up quite a bit the day before, knowing that she was eventually going to be bringing him back? Yes. And the clutter of books that normally littered the floor was now safely hidden away on a new set of shelves she had constructed on one of her walls. One of these days she was going to have to expand her lodgings, as it currently looked like nothing more than a shack. Which was fine for her in so many different ways except for instances like this. She did have an expansive ‘yard’ of sorts. Her trees where she kept her hammock, and a small shed of sorts for anything too large to put in her home but still needed to stay dry.

”I have built a reputation for myself of leaving earlier than past High Druids,” she responded, as if doing what she did was completely normal. If anything, she had stuck around a little longer the last few rituals, knowing that she’d need to if she wanted to escape this one early. ”And I would not have invited you if that were the case. I enjoy every moment we spend together, James.” She hoped that wasn’t coming on a little too strong, but it was the truth after all.

Tapping Merlin’s staff on the ground once, the bottle of wine she had been carrying and cups floated around their heads. ”The stars are very easy to see from the hammock,” she said as she started to head back outside, floating objects bobbing behind her head. She was certain it was big enough for both of them. The best part about it being June was that a fire didn’t need to be lit. Keeping down the light pollution would help immensely. Balancing herself on the edge of the hammock, she waited for James to join her. It was going to be a real test of strength for the hammock in a moment here…

james sirius potter ● 359 ● Song by Artist

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[james sirius potter]

i'd like to make myself believe

that planet earth turns slowly

June 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

James often forgot Fae wasn’t like previous High Druids. He supposed it never crossed his mind as he’d never met any of them, let alone know their names. Still, he’d grown far closer to Fae than he ever imagined. James was just a Hit-Wizard. Only his name and family put him anywhere on a tiny map. As they entered her home, James noted the missing stacks of books. Though that was about as observant he got, let alone with Druid wine in his system. While small, it was a warm and cozy place. James only had his family home and Grimmauld Place as a reference, which was hardly a place for visitors.

Feeling a tinge of pink creep up his ears, James tried to settle the light fluttery feeling in his stomach. ”I do as well.” He replied as he followed Fae and the wine outside. It was a nice night, peaceful in every way. And a tranquility James hadn’t realized he craved. And then there was the company, of course. The stars took center stage since the moon was merely a sliver in the sky. Carefully, James sat on the hammock's edge, praying it wouldn’t flip them over on his account. And hopefully, it was charmed in some way because since James was quite tall, hammocks were not typically his thing.

”Are you sure this is stable…?” He mumbled, carefully leaning back into the material and making sure his feet didn’t leave the ground. To steady himself, James leaned back and extended his arms behind Fae to feel balanced since she had not sat back yet. And then James realized how close they were, though it was impossible not to be while sitting in a hammock like this. Even from a distance, James always thought Fae was beautiful. She had kind eyes capable of any color and a smile that lit up a room when she laughed or was amused. He thought of the year so far—healing from a breakup, Aurelia, and time on the island. Almost on a whim, James slowly reached out to move a lock of hair from Fae’s face, letting his finger run down it. ”What does it mean when your hair is this color?” He’d never really asked before, and even without moonlight, he could see.

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”It should be.” While there wasn’t a hint of uncertainty in her voice, the hammock was untested with anything over her own weight. Theoretically it was strong enough to hold at least two, if not more, people. There was a point where she had contemplated letting one of the baby griffins get into it with her, but she didn’t want to start a bad habit that they continued whilst older. Constantly having to repair her hammock wasn’t her idea of relaxation.

Feeling James settle back into it, she could tell that despite its strength, there was going to be quite a balancing act to get comfortable. Maybe this wasn’t as great of an idea as she had thought. The Wormwood wine was definitely making her not think as clearly as she would have normally liked. Her feet lifted off of the ground slightly as James’s weight acted as a counterbalance to her own, and it felt like it was now or never to move into place.

Before she could do so, a strand of her hair was plucked away from her face by him, and he asked what the color meant. She hadn’t even noticed that it had shifted, a rare occurrence for her. From conversations with other metamorphmagi on the mainland, many had little control over how their hair or eyes rotated through colors when experiencing strong emotions. While she had personally had that happen a few times, it typically was accompanied by an extremely strong feeling – one where it was instant and unavoidable. It was possible that the wine had made it easier for it to happen to her as well, as she felt relatively normal.

Collecting the hair strand to look at it, she realized it had turned into a soft reddish pink. That wasn’t exactly a unique color to her, but as her eyes flicked from it up to James’s face, who was closer than he’d ever been before, she suddenly felt extremely self-conscious of it. Enough so that it turned an even deeper pinkish-red hue. ”Usually it is curiosity, embarrassment…excitement,” Fae explained, almost teasingly, before pulling her legs all the way up into the hammock and finding herself nestled comfortably in it. ”What do you think it means?” she asked in return, wondering if their answers were going to be the same. How could they not be at this point?

james sirius potter ● 395 ● Song by Artist

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[james sirius potter]

i'd like to make myself believe

that planet earth turns slowly

June 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

Iridescent impatiens. James recalled the plant that had opened a door into his life for Aurelia Flint to walk through by speaking the unsaid thoughts in his mind. Was that the life of a metamorphmagus? Or maybe he simply projected what was on his mind again. The soft pink strand shifted darker as James’ fingers let it go. Fae shifted, and James felt at some strange crossroads. In front of him was a beautiful and intelligent woman who enjoyed his company, but also the High Druid of Hy-Brasil. A leader in the magical world whom he was supposed to help protect under orders from the Ministry of Magic.

”Well, you’re always curious.” James began, shifting a bit or as much as he could while keeping the hammock balanced. ”And you don’t seem embarrassed.” Nor had James seen much embarrassment from Fae over the years. Pink reminded him of red, although obviously a softer color than that. Had the wine not settled into his system, James might have taken a step back out due to a sense of propriety. But instead, he moved the hair out of her face again, letting his fingers trail lightly down her jawline to her chin. ”So that leaves excited. But about what, I wonder.” James tilted his head as he asked, the corner of his mouth pulling up into a playful expression.

”Or perhaps it’s the wine.” He also offered as a suggestion. But what he offered was also an out because he only waited a few moments before deciding to act boldly. ”Fae…” And before he could change his mind. James wasn’t the same man of a few years ago who acted almost with impunity at times. That confidence had taken a hit and left James in a place he was still rebuilding from. Leaning in, he didn’t have to travel far. James paused as his face hovered closely to hers. And he kissed her, wondering if acting on his feelings would leave him on the wrong side of a hammock.

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