Willy

[eliot_thespectacular]

Though it had certainly made things interesting for a bit, Eliot was glad that things on the ship were back to normal. He'd also noticed some newcomers around - the white haired elf, his equally hot friend. And... was that another one? He moved a little closer, hoping to get a better look at him.

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[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot rolled his eyes. "I meant the human monarchy," he said.

Then, after a long pause, he finally said, "I was a king for a while."

[willysilver]

"Did it suit you?" Willy asked with interest.

[eliot_thespectacular]

“Parts of it,” said Eliot, “and I think I was good at it.” and then, looking uncomfortable, “but it all… ended badly.”

[willysilver]

"You have your head," Willy noted. "Whatever happened, could have been worse. Few things hurt fae, beheading is one. Iron, too. Less so for you," he explained patiently.

[eliot_thespectacular]

"I've been hurt plenty," Eliot said. "Though maybe, at times... not as hurt as I should have been. But sure, I have my head, it's more my..." He felt so stupid saying this. "My heart, that's broken. I was lucky, my friends were not." Not to mention Mike. And just the brief thought of him made Eliot's stomach drop.

[willysilver]

"Fae blood is lucky, my son, but there must be balance. Someone always pays the debt," he told him with sympathy.

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot stared at him for a second. "Why would you say that? Do you think I don't feel bad enough already?"

As much as he blamed himself, it had never occurred to him that there was some other way it might have been his fault, that somehow his luck had been at their expense - he felt sick.

[willysilver]

"Bad...for what?" Willy asked.

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Because my friends are dead and all I have left are nightmares and guilt," Eliot snapped.

[willysilver]

Willy smiled knowingly at him.

”You certainly have a kingly ego, believing your actions caused their problems. If only you could wield such power. Consider, perhaps, they suffered because I have never been beheaded. They suffered because Nyx remains untouched. Why are you so special, Eliot, to cause the suffering of your own friends?"

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot scowled. "If I have an ego I suppose we know where I got it from."

[willysilver]

"Eliot, my dear, if it makes you feel better to assign all your problems to a stranger you have not known even half a day, by all means...free yourself and return to your state of happiness and ignorance,” he invited.

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot looked down at his hands. “This is a lot,” he mumbled.

[willysilver]

"I understand. Which is why I will hold it for you. But eventually, you will have to find a way to own your own truth," he said, wise and placid and calm.

He was far too old to be ruffled by any of this.

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot really wanted another drink. Or five.

Though there was something that was more important than all of it.

He forced himself to look up at Willy. "Apparently the fae blood is interfering with my wizarding," he said. "Can you help me control these wild magic surges?"

[willysilver]

Willy did laugh at that. Not unkindly, but warm and indulgent. His smile was warm enough to heat Eliot's chest.

"Sweet child," he said., "You will never learn the magic of men. Stop trying. Just...do it. No child fears a stumble, they charge forward with confidence and curiosity. Will things explode? Perhaps. Sometimes. But you will learn."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Somehow that smile actually did make Eliot feel better. But at the same time, he felt a little panicky the answer.

"But I'm a wizard," he blurted. "I was top of my class at Brakebills!" He was so proud of his skill. Though that's also way he was so upset when things went sideways.

[willysilver]

"But of course you bested a school of wizards," Willy smiled, a bit of pride colouring his tone. "...But you are no wizard."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot swallowed hard. The man he'd thought was his father had literally never expressed an ounce of pride towards him in his entire life.

"What am I?"

[willysilver]

"You are the son of the last Daoine Sidhe prince, the Poet Exile, and your mother carried magic in her blood, if not in her hands. You, Eliot, are a gift," he smiled.

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot looked down at his hands, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Well fuck, I never knew that all I ever wanted was fatherly approval."

[willysilver]

"The deepest desires are the smallest and most simple," Willy told him, easing a little closer to hold him. His touch was easy, natural. He touched Eliot with the same ease as he'd touch his own skin. Like he knew him. Had known him all along.

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot immediately relaxed into the embrace, wrapping his arms around him. Fuck, fuck, why did he feel like he was about to cry.

[willysilver]

Willy began to hum. He hummed soft and low, fingers playing against Eliot's back.

And then he began to sing. It was a common lullaby, nothing special, really. But surely it was new to Eliot.

[eliot_thespectacular]

It did calm him. Immediately. Also -

"Fuck, you have a great voice."