Feylore

Contract

Ottomar von Biermann stands a distance away from his home, a bottle of half empty beer in his hand.
Between the entrance to the deep woods, and the safety of home...
He frankly did not want to go anywhere. Home didn't feel like home anymore, after all.
Two eyes peer in the lines of the forest. Someone was watching him. Yet, Ottomar did not care enough to worry about the stranger anymore.
Fey ???
You are upset.
A strange, raspy, but not unpleasant voice echoes. He already knows who was talking, or what it seeks from him. Ottomar knows of the fey, but seeing one was a different encounter. At least, for him.
Fey ???
Does it feel nice, wallowing in your own misery like this?
Ottomar von Biermann
....I am not supposed to be speaking with you.
Fey ???
Still, you speak.
The Feys were magical, so to speak. They have knowledge. Promises that they surely keep, if you simply did as they asked.
He has to be strong. The offer is already on the table.
Fey ???
Everything around you has crumbled. What will you do now?
Ottomar von Biermann
Continue being miserable, ja. What can I do, after all?
Ottomar von Biermann
My papa...is dead. And Andrei...
Ottomar von Biermann
Oh, Andrei...
Ottomar von Biermann
...I seek so much, and have nothing to give.
Even if it was tempting, to give up everything and live a life full of joy...he couldn't bring himself to do it.
His father is dead. His father had to stay dead.
Fey ???
There is always a solution.
Ottomar shakes his head.
Ottomar von Biermann
It would be...too easy. Too easy to quit. But what good would it do?
Ottomar von Biermann
I cannot give him to you. I'm sorry.
Fey ???
Grief wires people into acting. I understand. But life does not end here. Surely, you must know this.
Fey ???
...I am here if you wish to talk.
Ottomar von Biermann
Perhaps talking is all that can be done at the moment. Maybe...I shouldn't...
Ottomar von Biermann
Haha...and yet, I speak.
He loved his family. But love can only do so much. It was far more complex than he could ever understand. Maybe he doesn't want to understand, just yet.
His hand extends, and he gives up a minor offering. Compensation for having to listen at all.
Ottomar von Biermann
You may have this. A family recipe. I am...sorry that some of it went down my throat.
Fey ???
It will do.
Fey ???
I will listen to you, Ottomar. Whatever you want to tell, it shall only be between us.
Fey ???
This is my promise.
A sigh of relief leaves his mouth, only for a moment. He sits once and for all. This was not good. It was all he had now.
Ottomar von Biermann
...How long do you have?
At least someone is listening.