Exiled to the streets

He’d been on the streets for about a month, and unfortunately he’d been kicked out of the fae world at the start of winter, ever since he’d been struggling to survive not coping well in the Human world where he had little knowledge of how anything worked. His saving grace had been Tor who he’d picked to come with him, the dog was good at keeping him warm and relatively safe. He’d found a couple of soup kitchens but none of them had had the sugar he needed nor did they allow dogs, ignoring the storm that blew snow everywhere and added to the cold sludge on the ground Hroki was quietly following his faithful dog trusting that the intelligent animal had found somewhere for them to rest. Blinking as it seemed that the dog had suddenly vanished, the pale eyed man cursed to himself “Tor! Where did you go?” a replying bark sounded from one of the abandoned houses that were now more like shacks, they weren’t exactly high quality living but it was better than freezing on the streets. Stepping in the door way and finding that there was no door the light from a small fire warned him that he wasn’t the only one there, warily giving a short sharp whistle to call his dog back to him. Desperate eyes flicked about until he picked out the shaggy figure of the irish wolf hound look alike that was happily licking a strangers hands, “Tor, Heel” he didn’t know who this was but in his short time on his own he’d quickly figured out that humans were exactly like what he had been told. They’d kill one another in order to get ahead and weren’t very trust worthy, there was no such thing as kindness with these creatures, he was simply lucky that none of the homeless he’d met could see his wings, then again faerie food was rare here “Sorry about him, he forgets his manners” he croaked out once Tor had returned to his side where he belonged, rubbing the dogs ears in reward he took a step back planning to get out before he could be attacked or shouted obscenities at.

Pausing at the simple offer, Hrolf’s green eyes studied him warily uncertain as to why a human let alone a human with a child to protect would offer his space to a stranger with a potentially dangerous dog. Still he couldn’t find it in him to refuse, it was cold out there and somewhat warmer inside this tiny shabby house that perhaps one upon a time had been a home. He was still admittedly on the fence about fires, fire destroyed plants and animals without mercy and yet it seemed to be the saving grace of many humans when the snows came, his own farm and family home had no fire places as they were lucky to live south enough that the temperature dropped but not enough to snow perhaps frost if they were particularly unlucky. He hated this city, he hated how crowded it was, he hated the stink, the food here tasted bland and awful and the few plants and animals he could find were in poor health. The local park had been his previous haunt, where he’d sleep hidden in bushes and used what energy he had to offer to the plants in an attempt to perk them up and in thanks for their shelter. Realizing that he was still standing in the door way, Hrolf nodded in response to the mans long said words and entered the shack, finding a place out of the way he sat down and could almost hear his weary bones sigh in relief, Tor walked in with him and lay down infront of the fire the beast having figured out very quickly that the bright orange and yellow flames gave out a life giving heat that thawed the snow that got trapped on the outer layer of his thick wiry fur. Hrolf was grateful that he had brought the dog with him, his companionship, loyalty and warmth had saved his life a fair few times, although not from a rich family he’d always had plenty of warm clothes and good food. Without the sugar that he so desperately needed to live his wings were fading as was his strength was fading, so far he was still above stealing and so hadn’t dared to nab any unguarded pots of honey or bags of sugar. He moved his pack from his shoulder to his lap and tugged out the thick woollen blanket out of it, pulling it around himself it helped take the chill off a little, even so he knew it was unlikely that he’d survive the entire winter let alone a year. Not letting himself fall asleep, he murmured to the dog that faithfully removed itself from the fire and came over to him, snuggling under the blanket and under one of his masters arms the canines shaggy body radiated warmth much to Hrolfs relief. Closing his eyes he leaned his head against the dog, quietly thanking him, although a wry voice asked how much longer it’d be before he got desperate enough to eat meat, firmly shoving that voice away Hrolf settled as much as he could staying awake as best he could.

Jerking when something was tossed over, he studied the blanket warily, unsure as to why someone who didn’t know him would offer him something that they could keep for their own benefit. Was it so he’d owe them a debt later? He couldn’t be sure, so fresh from the backstabbing ways of court, the self preservation instinct told him to reject the blanket. There was no way that he’d be able to afford to be in debt to someone, however the instinct to survive was louder, numbly moving and picking up the blanket to wrap it around himself. After a few moments he hoarsely spoke once more “Thanks” wrinkling his face when his faithful companion lifted its muzzle and licked his cold face, Hrolf pushed the dogs muzzle away with a tired scowl “Tor, Don’t lick my face you ass” ignoring the bark he got in return, he couldn’t bring himself to push the dog out of his lap when it scrambled onto his lap and leaned into him. The warmth the dog gave of felt like it was saving his life, he was loosing energy faster than he could find anything sugary to eat. Thin and hungry, he closed his eyes and snuggled into the dog and sighed wanting to sleep but doubting that he’d get much in.

Against his better judgement the faerie ended up fast asleep, the dog in his lap remained awake and keeping an eye on everything, perking up when the human woke back up when the fire stopped. Carefully pulling out of his masters grip the dog investigated the embers and huffed, the large shaggy dog with his golden eyes was surprisingly beautiful in his own way. Padding closer and nosing the stranger humans hands, the intelligent dog had already surmised that the human wasn’t harmful, after all he’d allowed his master to stay in the house and had offered him a blanket without wanting anything in return. Of course it was highly likely that Hrolf would remember everything that this human did for him and before he returned home would do something to pay back the debt that he would see he owed, wagging his tail and hoping that he’d get a few pets the friendly enough dog’s tail wagged harder when he was patted. Curious about the little girl fast asleep, he sniffed at her continuing to waggle his tail in order to offer the idea that he wouldn’t hurt her, quite a bit smarter than any human dog the faerie hound was bred as a protector and guide for lords of the house while some other places bred small dogs for the ladies to sit on their laps and be cute. About to sit down and enjoy the petting that he was getting, the dog glanced back at his master and appeared to almost sigh, turning about on his paws he padded back to his master and snuggled back into him, the faerie remained asleep until late that next morning, when Tor decided that he needed to eat and so woke him up by slathering the mans face in his saliva which ended up with him getting cussed at and pushed away.

Stiffly getting up and folding his blankets away he neatly folded the loaned blanket and stepped about to offer the blanket to the man who'd lent it to him rather generously. Once it was taken he swung his bag onto his shoulders, feeling the cold, his wings were wrapped around himself in an attempt to keep him warm. Gaunt and hungry he wandered to the doorless entrance of the once comfortable house and wrinkled his nose, there would be no more flowers to eat, he'd have to fully rely on the homeless shelters for the rest of the winter and they didn't have much sugar. He was going to have to sell the rings, at least that way he'd get some money to be able to buy some honey and sugar, but he had no idea where to go to sell his rings. He was rather wary to bring it up to the other male, humans couldn't be trusted, and as he was far too weak to fight him off if he tried to take the rings from him. Hrolf also had no idea where he'd spend the next night and didn't really have the energy to consider that right now, he didn't know what he'd be feeding his dog either as most of the soup kitchens for the homeless that he'd found didnt allow pets. Tor had been able to hunt rats, squirrels and anything else he could catch and kill which had kept the dog in good health, now with this first snow on the ground Hrolf wasn't sure if he'd be able to hunt and feed himself. Not aware that he was staring out at nothing, the faerie leaned against the door frame with a quiet sigh, he had to survive, but he wasn't all that certain that he would be able to.

Tors tail started beating the air in a fierce wag when he heard the little girls voice, not bothered when he was rushed at by the toddler the dog turned his head around and licked her hands and face gently while she twined her fingers in his thick fur. Her giggles only encouraged him, a floppy ear swiveled as he heard the adult human speaking to his master, sentient enough to be pleased that it seemed finally someone would help Hrolf the dog remained still letting the girl do what she liked. Distracted from his thoughts at the girls voice, his eyes flicked up to the girls father as he spoke as well, "About Three or four months" his voice was somewhat raspy from lack of use, he wasn't much of a talker in this place, it wasn't worth it, the man offered him the knowledge of somewhere that'd let Tor come with him while commenting that he looked like he needed a good feed. Confused as to why he was being referred to as mate when they didn't even know each others names, the blond faerie replied "You have no idea" he wouldn't bring up the term mate, perhaps he'd be able to figure it out by itself, admittedly he was also confused that this man continued to show a willingness to help him. It made him a little wary, Faeries did nothing for free after all, and humans seemed to be the same, the more he helped him the more he was getting in debt to him. Still he had little other choice he was desperate, perhaps he'd find something out later on to repay him, for now he could only hope that this place was real and that he'd be able to find some sugar or honey to sustain him.

Nodding as he was told that it wasn't too far away, Hrolf was silently thankful that it wasn't far away, he wasn't sure how much energy he had left. Watching a little numbly as the little girl leant her head against his dogs shoulder, dimly finding her rather endearing with how keen she was on Tor hopefully asking that he'd come along whilst patting him. Tor barked cheerily watching as the little girl was scooped up and settled on her fathers hip, Hrolf watched and waited for them all ot move out. Following when the other man tilted his head and told him what way it was the Noblefae did his best to keep up pushing tired aching legs to continued forward. Tor stayed by his side, the shaggy irish wolf hound looking beast set apart from normal dogs with his bright golden eyes that glittered with intelligence. Doing his best to keep his master warm, Tors gaze was however mainly focused on the little girl, fond of children the dog was particularly good with Hrolfs cousins son who was usually quiet and withdrawn. Hrolf was rather unaware of anything that going on around him, too busy doing his best to keep up, he wanted to be warm and find sugar and he had to survive he had to not for his sake but for his cousin Toris too. The pair were close like brothers, he didn't want to leave Tori to have to deal with Toris mother on his own.

Thankful once they finally made it, he kept silent listening as the woman was addressed as Mary greeted him, nodding and managing a smile to greet her with. Sitting down where he was shown and seeming to relax in the warmth, Hrolfs eyes closed with happiness, studying the food worry returned to him. It was porridge topped with honey but it wouldn't be enough, briefly moving to add much more sugar he returned to his seat and feeling a little more content began eating. Tor was quite happy when the todler was set down, lying down over his masters feet he was quite gentle with the little girl, licking her hands when they came close enough. Devouring the warm food hungrily, Hrolf was left carefully scraping the bowl for any left over bits of sugar, once he had done so he glanced over at the man who'd helped him "I'm Hrolf, as you may have guessed Sir lick-a-lot is called Tor" it seemed only right that since he'd helped him as much as he had that he give the human his name. Although he was still fairly wary about how much humans could actually be trusted, Tor seemed to like him and the dog was a good judge of people.

Setting the spoon back into the now sugar free bowl, he remembered his manners that'd always been well drilled into him as a child "Its a pleasure to meet you both, Thank you" he wasn't sure that he would have survived the night if he hadn't found the hovel where the man and his child were taking shelter from the storm. The shield from the elements had undoubtedly saved his life and now he was here having had the first sugary thing to eat in the past week or so. Visibly gaunt and pale, his unseen wings were also pale, indicating his incredible craving for sugar, his body needing honey to be able to survive. Half hoping that he'd be allowed more, he didn't move instead he watched the irish wolf hound look alike play with the little girl. A faint smile appeared on Hrolfs face when the dog rolled onto his back hoping for a belly rub from the child, he quite clearly liked the little thing and Hrolf surmised that he wouldn't want to be parted from the girl either. With that thought taken into consideration he summoned the energy to speak again, it was easier to think and talk with the sniff of sugar in his system and he wanted to take advantage of it as long as it ran through him. "Well, if you'd be comfortable with it" he hesitated briefly, the internal instinct to look after himself and his mistrust of humans hampering what he wanted to say "We could team up so they don't have to be separated, if you don't mind me slowing you both down" he wasn't stupid, just as he'd put Tor before any one else here he knew that Jons main priority was his daughter and so he didn't really expect the offer to be taken up on. He was clearly weak and in his own mind quite pathetic, reaching down to rub Tors head gently taking comfort from the wiry warm dog the Faerie's gaze flicked towards where food was still being served mainly at the jar of the honey that he'd had on his porridge. Human honey was pretty average compared to the fine artisan honey that the bees on his farm made, still it was sugary and honey so it was far better than nothing however he wasn't sure if it was worth the risk of taking it, every cell in his body craved it, needed it, screamed for it and yet he had to resist to follow the logic in his head that bottled with the instinct that insisted he needed that honey now to survive.

Warily flicking a glance at Jon when he mentioned that it'd be okay to get more, he debated over the idea for a few minutes before slowly rising to his feet, collecting the three quarter jar of honey and returning to them. Reminded that humans for some reason didn't eat honey with their fingers he lifted the spoon from the empty bowl that'd had his porridge and began eating the honey v happily. Jon spoke again saying that he didn't mind Hrolf sticking around and that the extra two bodies would help keep the shack nice and warm, of the opinion that a door would keep the shack warmer and more secure he filed that specific thought away for later when he had a little more energy. Half way through his sugary treat, Jons movement drew his attention, watching him twirl what looked like a wedding ring around his finger made Hrolf feel a little more secure about approaching him about selling his own. "Where can I find somewhere to sell a couple of things?" he no longer wore his wedding ring, he wore it and his wifes ring on a chain that was hidden down his shirt in a bid to keep them safe from anyone who'd try to take them.

Listening carefully to the instructions, Hrolf decided that once he'd finished his honey he'd go and sell the rings they all matched and so should hopefully sell well together. The advice of what to buy clothes wise made sense and so he nodded, using his spoon to scrape out the last bits of honey he v sadly eyed it before setting the empty plastic jar on the ground and licking any remenants of the sweet substance of the spoon. Once that was done he sighed, it was cosy and warm in the building and he was reluctant to move even if it had the potential for him to get his hands on more honey, gathering strength the thin pale man who's blonde curls had grown longer down his jaw far longer than he would have liked; managed to get up onto his feet "Is there somewhere I can meet you later then?" the dog looked up as his master got up and scrambled to his paws with a sigh not really wanting to leave the little girl who was giving him lots of attention. Leaning against his masters leg, he continued to gently wag his tail happy go lucky as ever, a hand moved to rub the dogs floppy ears affectionately as always the nobleman was so thankful for his dog, his blue eyes briefly flicked to the little girl, she was young and innocent it was more than likely she'd be able to see his wings. Her father wouldn't believe her, but others who knew Faeries were real might take the chance to try and capture him while he was tired and weak so he'd have to be very careful and perhaps convince her to keep it a secret.

Tor gave a short sharp bark of agreement when the girl was told that he was going to go and come back, a softer yap followed that sounded almost like a 'yup' when Jon added that she could play with him at the park later. Hrolf had a look of amusement decorating his features at the conversation between lilli, Tor and Jon, his features grew more serious when Jon began speaking to him mentioning that he was thinking of heading to the park with his daughter. It'd be a good place for her to interact with Tor perhaps he'd be able to get his hands on a ball for her to throw for the dog, watching as they left to go head for the park he glanced down at his faithful companion before heading out himself. Walking down to the shop he spent about ten minutes in there, talking to the man behind the counter and setting the three rings down on the counter he wasn't exactly sure how much they were in human currency however he kept that to himself. Given a substantial amount, he tucked it away into various places on his person and wandered out of the shop where Tor had been waiting at the entrance, making his way to a place that had supermarket written on it where he'd already scouted out that food was sold there he was reluctant to leave tor again yet had little choice.


Wandering through the store he was able to find where they stored the honey and perused over it, he wished he could take off the tops and taste test each brand. In the end he went for what looked like natural raw honey, wandering the store he found maple syrup which he got some of too, ending up in the pet isle by mistake he was able to find a ball for the little girl. Unable to find clothes in the large store he ended up clumsily paying and leaving v bamboozled by self service checkouts, he had no idea why this strange machine was yelling at him and repeating itself like he was four. he'd paused outside the strange store to pack away the items he'd bought and was still Displeased with the strange machine that yelled, and the big market place that had music emanating from where he couldn't tell he couldn't see a band or anything. he was still a little sour over it by the time he reached the park, entering it, Tor gave a loud bark and galloped over towards where Jon and Lilli were his long tail wagging fiercely as he did so. Walking up after his dog and feeling a little more hopeful about the world a large oak tree near bye caught his attention, it had a heavy branch that had started to break off, he filed that away for later perhaps the wood could be manipulated into something like a door to board up the entrance of the shack while they were asleep in there. Reaching back into his pack he rummaged around until he found the ball and moved to offer it to the girl "here, throw this for him, fetch is his favourite game" his voice was gentle for now he'd forgotten that the girl would likely be able to see his wings.