Chapter Text
-1. Introduction-
Noun
1. The bringing of a product, measure, concept, etc., into use or operation for the first time.
2. The action of bringing a new plant, animal, or disease to a place.
Their introduction is rushed and brutal; a clash of minds and talons.
She, a dirty street girl far from home. He, a monster existing on the fringes of a city, wavering in and out of reality.
She's bruised and thin; filling his home with the smell of stale cigarettes and animal urine. The child; because she's really nothing more, waves a sword that appears to be hewn from ice and has the gall to order him to release her companion, the one whose sticky fingers he'd caught all over his potions.
He takes note of the defeated guardian; something any bumbling idiot of a Faerie could bypass, though it is no small feat for a human. He comments on it, testing the waters. Seeing if she's as arrogant as she seems to be playing at.
She's not.
Again, she commands him to free the thief. She's still levelling the sword at him, determined though clearly untrained. He reminds her that it does in fact, belong to him. She moves to place it down. Hesitates. His reprisal comes swiftly in the form of a broken finger, administered to the human in his grasp. The girl’s cries spur her into action, and she quickly relinquishes the weapon, though a snarl of frustration twists her face.
She tries to placate him; eyes darting between the captive and himself. Distressed. Most street kids aren't the loyal type; more likely to turn tail and run. An 'every man for himself' mindset drilled into them from years in the city.
He's thoroughly intrigued now; strikes a bargain with her, can tell by her eyes even as she agrees that she's not going to come back willingly. He instructs her to retrieve the jar marked 'Straw'. She searches through the indicated shelf for a few moments before producing the extract.
He notes that she's literate.
The human stands steadfast as he rubs the solution over her chapped lips, reciting their pact.
She's his now. To study and prod for a month, in whichever way he chooses.