Willy

[phedredelaunay]

While Hannibal was gone, Phedre went and spoke to Alcuin. He was in and out of consciousness, though it seemed not to be the injury but more whatever pain medication House had given him. He'd said something about Willy, and Phedre was certain that Hannibal wasn't going to send word to him, so after she left she went over to the inn herself.

It was evening by then, and Willy was easy to find. She ordered a glass of wine out of politeness to the establishment, so that she could wait until his song was over. It wasn't as if there was a rush at this point.

Comments

[daoine_prince]

Willy played, one song flowing into the next until he grew thirsty. Only then did he lay his instrument aside and make his way to the bar for a drink.

"Hello, my friend," hecsmiled warmly at Phedre. "Lovely to see you."

[phedredelaunay]

"Hi Willy," said Phedre, and her tone was just as warm, but also serious. "I ah... I came to tell you something. It's Alcuin. He's been... hurt."

[daoine_prince]

Willy's brow furrowed with concern.

"Hurt? Tell me what has happened!"

[phedredelaunay]

"He was attacked," said Phedre quietly. "Stabbed. He nearly died last night, but... he survived, and Dr. House says he should make a full recovery."

[daoine_prince]

"I should go see him," he said.

He took his drink and tipped the entire thing back.

"I can help."

[phedredelaunay]

"Wait," said Phedre, and put her hand on his arm. "Help how? Do you mean.... My understanding is that it can be tricky for fae to use magic to help someone, without getting something in return."

[daoine_prince]

"He has given me quite enough to settle any debt," he said.

He, himself, was in debt to Alcuin. He'd planned to pay handsomely for his Marque, but Alcuin's life was far more important.

[phedredelaunay]

Phedre found herself wondering what Hannibal would think about this. But Alcuin was no longer under his control. And if it was an issue of his feelings, then... well, he should want Alcuin to be well.

"That's beautiful," she said quietly. "Are you in love with him, Willy?"

[daoine_prince]

"My dove is precious," he replied, answering honestly without answering at all. "Take me to him."

[phedredelaunay]

"All right," Phedre said. "He... was sleeping when I left. He's in Hannibal's bed." Because she thought there was a good chance Hannibal was back when they returned.

[daoine_prince]

Willy nodded and started fir the brothel. Long strides carried him quickly with little care if Phedre kept up.

He burst through the door of the brothel. Only then did he pause, unsure which room to go to.

[phedredelaunay]

"He may still be sleeping, why don't you wait here for just a moment," Phedre said, and then walked over to Hannibal' quarters and carefully opened the door to the bedroom. She saw Alcuin first in the bed, sound asleep as she expected, but then was surprised to see Hannibal in the bed with him. Her eyes went a little wide, and met his eyes. "I - my apologies, my lord," she said quickly, and closed the door, only to find Willy standing right behind her.

"He's sleeping," she said. "Perhaps you should wait, or come back in the morning..."

[daoine_prince]

"I must seehim," he insisted and reached out to gently push her out of his way. A bit of magic encouraged her to comply and he walked in past her.

And then stood there, taking in the scene. Taking in Alcuin's pliant form. He could feel his pain.

"Oh, dove," he sighed softly.

[anamusebouche]

Hannibal woke calm, but quick, when he heard someone come in.

The fae.

"Don't wake him. He gad trouble falling asleep last night," he said, dryly. No point asking him to leave, of course. Damned fairies.

[daoine_prince]

Willy approached slowly, his eyes on Alcuin.

"When he wakes, I will restore him," he said.

[anamusebouche]

"Free of charge?" Hannibal asked. He knew not to trust fairies.

[daoine_prince]

"I am in his debt," Willy said mildly.

He finally looked up at Hannibal.

"He has given me so much."

Everything that couldn't find a home in Hannibal's heart.

[anamusebouche]

"Truly?" Hannibal replied, skeptical still.

[daoine_prince]

"I only ever tell the truth," Willy said.

Perhaps the truth as he saw fit to spin it, but the truth nonetheless.

[anamusebouche]

"How?" Hannibal asked, tersely.

[daoine_prince]

"How...is between Alcuin and I," he replied, calm and mild.

[anamusebouche]

"You will ask him first," Hannibal retorted, speaking quietly, but determined. "And you will explain the details and consequences of what you will do, especially if a debt is involved." He didn't believe in altruism and he certainly did not believe it to be a property in Fae.

[daoine_prince]

"Do you choose not to hear?" Willy asked, looking at him with both annoyance and confusion.

He reached down to stroke Alcuin's tangled hair.

"Wake up, dove," he said softly.

[alcuin]

Alcuin slowly came to waking as he was touched, and as he did, the first thing he felt was pain. He winced, but then blinked into clearer consciousness and saw Willy there. "Willy?" he said weakly. And only then realized that... Hannibal was still there as well, in the bed with him.

[anamusebouche]

If the fairy could cure Alcuin, then he wouldn't oppose that, even though every fibre in his body wanted to. He trusted Greg and his potions; he did not trust Fae.

He did not leave the room, or even the bed, but he did not interfere. He would give Alcuin that much, at least.