My people sent me to meet the humans for the first time. They look much like us, though they don't have our wings. I'm nervous, I've heard many things. But it's been said those that gain their favor are well protected. Powers protect me, here we go. -- Anon Guest
[AN: humanoids with wings are bad alien design, so this is automatically within a fantasy realm. Perhaps some faeries who have "gone native" in Mundis Mortalidae - aka the mortal realm ]
The chief difference between Faeries and Pixies is a certain amount of homicidal intent. Second to that is only the fierce territoriality and a fondness for teeth. Pixies kill larger creatures on purpose. Faeries kill larger creatures because they thought something would be funny. This makes little difference to those who die at their tiny and adorable hands.
They don't grant wishes. Or, not many of them. They might, if you make the right trade, say the right words, and tread very carefully, grant one. If that wish is, "I wish I get out of here alive."
Therefore it's tremendously rare that they send an envoy.
Daybight was armed with several spears made of death-thorns, just in case. One was enough to fell the average adult Human. If they dared cross the line in any way...
The Human was next to naked, clad only in a loincloth and wearing very specific plants and flowers in his hair. Most Faekindred didn't bother with alphabets, but they knew the languages of plants and flowers. These leaves and blooms said, Messenger of peace, and Servant of a higher power.
It helped that those blue eyes widened in wonder at the sight of Daybight. It helped that there was a distinct twinkle of delight there.
It also helped that he had a small handful of teeth in the palm of his outstretched hand. Those were some good, solid molars. Clean, but not fresh.
"Hail and well met," said the Human with evident optimism. "May you know my name is Camden."
Daybight snatched a molar and stowed his readied spear. "I am called Daybight by many," he allowed. "You come by the bidding of your lord. I come by the bidding of my queen. Woe bedite either who harms the messenger of the other."
"As is agreed by pact," said Camden. "I am charged to convey the thanks of my lord to your queen by your ears, for the truce between us."
It had been a thousand years since a Human had last set foot near the sacred grove. Five generations of Pixies. Untold generations of Humans. Honestly, it was a miracle they remembered it.
"And why do you come now?" asked Daybight, well aware that the Human's massive hands could squash him in one clap. "What matter of business disrupts the peace of the sacred grove?"
"Two things. Crystals that grow beneath your trees... and a war from other lands. Giants are running amok. They threaten our lands and thine. One step could crush your grove. We seek to defend you as well as ourselves."
A silk net held all the offered molars, and Camden remained still as Daybight gathered them all. "What trade you for the crystals?"
"We need them for the magic to defend us all," said Camden. "Weight for weight, we will trade teeth for what crystals you can spare."
Daybight knew he couldn't accept on his queen's behalf. "I will take this offer to my queen. You will wait."
"May I wait inside a blanket?" begged Camden. "It's mighty cold."
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