Snufkin could hear the sharp clack of teeth against each other, so close to his ear, his skin rippled in goosebumps and a shiver along his body, short fur standing up. The heat of Moomin's snout so close to under the corner of his jaw had Snufkin holding his breath. He should've been frightened, startled, even.
"Sorry." Moomin's voice was deep, the growl still lingering under his tone and breath hot against Snufkin's neck before he pulled away, paws heavy next to Snufkin's sides. "I'm sorry, Snufkin."
Snufkin was still processing what had just occurred, hearing Moomin's claws rip lightly against the fabric of the cushion. Why had Moomin acted that way so suddenly? He let out his breath shakily, chest heaving with it. "Why?" He asked, not sure which thing he was asking about.
"Acting impulsively like that. It's a bad habit, I know. You're your own beast." He didn't dare elaborate. He didn't want to admit that nasty side of himself that went against everything Snufkin stood for. His heart hurt. If Snufkin had a child with another, it wasn't his place, especially when he knew Snufkin thought he was dead until just recently.
"I am. As are you, Moomintroll." Snufkin replied easily enough, not liking Moomin was avoiding his gaze and began to move to stand. A cold shiver ran along Snufkin, he too, feeling the impulse to want Moomintroll to return above him. He was surprised at how much he enjoyed the heavy weight that trapped him. He bit his lip and turned his head to hide the small whine that bubbled in his throat.
"I should go. I've made you uncomfortable." Moomin said, standing before he placed the walking stick closer to Snufkin, thinking he'd want his space.
Snufkin's head turned quickly, a sharp pain in his chest having him reach out and gasp Moomin's paw. "Wait! Don't go!" His big brown eyes looked into Moomin's surprised own. He gulped, a dreaded feeling coming to mind as he tried thinking of why Moomin had lashed out. "Is it…is it because you don't like Toivo?" He hoped not, "Or are you upset with me?" He dared ask.
Moomin's ears went upright in alarm, the earrings jingling like chimes and blue eyes wide. "WHAT? No-why would-I don't even know her! I'd say she's the one who doesn't like me!" He turned his body and paw to grasping Snufkin's with both of his, trying to assure him that's not it. "And I could NEVER be upset at you!", he paused, knowing that wasn't quite true, "well…I admit the-the thought of you not returning…leaving me forever…that upsets me." He partially lied. "But that and this…I just made you uncomfortable."
Snufkin tilted his head. "No you didn't." It would've…years ago. Being FORCED to stay, it would, but he knew that's not what Moomintroll was saying.
Moomin paused, confused. That had to be a lie. He not only invaded Snufkin's space but also acted rudely. "It's okay, Snufkin. I'm not going far so you can have your space."
"Th-that's not it! M-m-maybe we could- would you like to go on a walk?" Snufkin blurted out, wanting to hurry and ease Moomin so he hadn't thought to calm his heart to try and sound smooth as his face broke into a deep blush.
Moomin looked at him long and hard, his blue eyes flitting about, searching for a sign of his discomfort, but Snufkin's belly did a flip when Moomin's expression changed at his friend's blabber.
Snufkin's breath caught in his throat at the amused glint in Moomin's eyes, the troll raising one brow and a cocky smirk making its way to reveal his canines again. "I'd be the most honored…dear Snufkin." He then reached out his paw, grasping Snufkin's hand and helping him to stand on his new leg. He made sure Snufkin could walk alright before he gently let go, a soft smile still on his lips.
"I say we go up the mountains. I haven't been too far up them in quite awhile." Snufkin spoke, walking around the garden about an hour later, both wanting to make sure the prosthetic worked fully well.
Moomintroll's ears twitched. "That sounds wonderful. Shall we make a picnic?"
Snufkin smiled, about to reply when he heard his youngling yelling out for him.
Looking over, they saw Moominmama and Moominpapa with some newer pots and pans and Toivo running towards with a large grin, not stopping until she tackled Snufkin down, the Murmrik laughing loudly and nuzzling her back. "Why, hello there, Little Troll." He licked a long stripe from the tip of her nose to her hairline.
"Papa, ew!" She giggled, getting off of him and admiring the new leg.
Snufkin lifted the pant leg to allow her to, his little one ever curious. His eyes lifted up, feeling someone watching him and wasn't all that surprised to see Moomin with that soft look again, a small chuckle leaving his mouth at the duo. An idea occurred to him. If Moomin didn't know Toivo that well, and her in turn him, what better way than go together! "Say, Moomintroll?" He looked over, eyes big and tail flicking happily.
Moomin removed his paw from his mouth, smile still there. "Yes?"
Snufkin stood, going over. "Would you mind terribly if Toivotroll came with us? I know she wants some fresh air as well, away from the other little creatures in the valley."
Moomin himself seemed a tad startled at the question, but knowing he could rarely refuse any request Snufkin wanted. Besides, if he wanted to stay near Snufkin, he was sure he had to get to know the youngling as well. "I don't mind at all. If she wishes, she can come."
Part of Snufkin knew that's what Moomin would say, but it was always nice to ask. "Toivo, would you like to go on an adventure with Papa and his dear friend, Moomintroll?" He went to his youngling and crouched a bit.
Toivotroll at first looked excited, until she heard Moomin's name. A look of disgust passed her face before she let out a breath, happy in a way to see such a happy look on her Papa. "Okay, if it makes Papa happy." She smiled small, but beamed when she heard the purr come from Snufkin.
"In fact, Snufkin, why don't we invite the others as well and camp out for a couple nights?" Moomin offered, the idea coming to him. He wanted some alone time with Snufkin, but it couldn't be helped. He did miss his other friends as well, so perhaps Snufkin's child would calm a little with more people too?
Snufkin turned to Moomin, his purr louder. "What a splendid idea, Moomintroll. This old vagabond needs some new scenery and to properly test this thing." He stood, slapping the prosthetic and using his walking stick to help with walking as they left to inform Moominmama and Moominpapa.
"Why did I agree to this?" Snorkmaiden asked, her feet exhausted from walking the uneven terrain.
"Heh Heh, because we haven't had a proper adventure with all of us together since we were little." Moomin said, carrying her pack as well as one for himself.
"I better not get settled with Toivo again." Little My complained, hopping around where she could to stay elevated.
"You won't, Little My. Besides, Toivotroll can take care of herself a good deal despite her age." Snufkin assured his sister, his child ahead of them with her own pack and he with his.
"I think I'm lost here. Where did this kid come from?" Sniff asked, though he tried not staring at how shiny Toivo's scales were. It was like a crow with a bottle cap. All he wanted to do was poke them.
"The sky. You didn't know?" Snufkin answered, face neutral.
Sniff huffed. "I'm not that stupid, Snufkin." He paused, picking up a shiny rock.
Snufkin chuckled, shaking his head before continuing, making sure his little one wasn't too far. She looked to be full of energy, running in zigzags. "Careful not to fall." He called out, not all that worried, but needed to remind her they were behind her.
"I WON'T!" Toivo turned on her heel quickly and waved, stopping to jump in place. "Come on, Papa! Race! Race! Race!" She chanted, throwing her little fists in the air multiple times.
"Could you even race her?" Moomintroll asked, though he carried mostly all the weight, he didn't seem tired.
Snufkin shrugged. "No. At least not on this terrain. That, and this leg is heavier than my last."
Moomin frowned. "I'm sorry. I hadn't thought of it when making it. I should've, knowing to be swift would be better for you. I'll craft a new one when we return, if you're willing to be patient?" He turned his head from Snufkin to keep a sharp eye on the child.
Snufkin went to reply in awe, as he didn't know Moomin made the leg, thinking he simply bought it, when Snorkmaiden beat him to it.
"You made that lovely thing?! I should've known, since it was for Snufkin." She smiled, laughing lightly at Moomin's little blush.
"It didn't take long, so hopefully I can get a lighter one made soon." He lied. It took a long time to whittle the large log he was given from the townsfolk to just the right size and shape. He would never admit his thanks to the albino Murmrik for letting that bit of information, that Snufkin had lost his leg, spill one day.
Little My scowled, her frustration at Moomin growing. She knew it took him a good couple months, if not more, to work on that! At first she wondered why he lied, until realization dawned on her, seeing Snufkin's face light up. If Moomin had admitted the length of time, or even only apologized, Snufkin would've kept the heavier leg. Would've been weighed down, which equaled slower. 'Maybe he is still that lovestruck moron.'
"Here, Papa! Let's camp here! Look at all the flowers and plants and look at these fruit trees!" Toivo yelled, catching the adult's attention.
The youngling was right. A waterfall kept the land around lush and green, the harsh sun not able to dry the grass and trees out. At least not until closer to fall.
Snufkin was enjoying the scenery, until Toivo ran to go under the trees, the foliage thick. "TOIVOTROLL, HALT!" He yelled, setting his bag down and about to go over until she stopped. She wasn't in trouble, but she did stop, turning her head with an apologetic look.
"What the Hell, Snufkin?" Snorkmaiden asked, hand against her chest as she saw his body lax once the little one stepped farther from the trees, him having given them all a fright.
Moomin as well as the others were startled as well, not having expected Snufkin, out of them all, to yell at a child. "I'll go up to her, don't be mad." Moomin tried easing the Murmrik, whose attention was on the trees.
Snufkin was as quiet as he could be, going under the treetops and looking above, using his good eyesight to spot anything unusual, which he didn't, breathing a sigh of relief. "I'm sorry, Toivo. Papa just got worried. These trees aren't like the ones down South." He smiled, going over and properly apologizing to his startled child.
Toivo nodded. "I understand now, so don't be scared."
"I wish I did." Little My spoke, sending a glare to her brother for his out of character behavior.
"I think we agree with My. You've never yelled like that as far as we know." Moomin observed, a part of him interested in the change.
"Sorry, just a little cautious. Too many run-ins with The Joxter jumping from the branches." He didn't want to admit he had an ambush from Faeden shortly after his amputation and it frightened him, leaving him with endless rest until he had no choice but to sleep, so he felt the need to look above as well.
"It's okay, Papa." Toivo kissed his hand.
"A little excessive for a few jump scares from an old Murmrik." My looked suspiciously.
"It doesn't matter. It's getting late so let's prepare for the night." Moomin interjected, smiling as he'd found the perfect spot for them all.
"I call near the cherry tree!" Snorkmaiden yelled, grabbing her pack from Moomin.
Sniff chose his near a large rock and Little My stayed suspicious of what was going on even as she set up her place.
Snufkin played his mouth organ while Snorkmaiden, Toivotroll, and Moomin danced around the fire. Sniff was off treasure hunting before it got dark and Little My sat next to Snufkin. It was a content time as the sun set.
With a playful smile from Snorkmaiden, the dancing became playful as the trio began a game of chase until it was time to eat.
"Yummy!" Toivo grinned, munching on her own fat fish that Moominmama packed them.
"Do you like the seasoning?" Snufkin asked his little one as they all ate around each other.
Toivo nodded fast, almost choking. Snufkin smiled almost rottenly, knowing of her reluctance to get to know Moomintroll, but knew food was always a way to someone's liking. He still had to ask her why she was reluctant, he remembered. "Moomintroll made that blend for us, so you should thank him."
Toivo paused, mouth wide and she slowly pulled the fish from her mouth, setting it down, making Snufkin frown. He thought his little one grew warmer around Moomin with their trip up and her having fun with them during the afternoon. "Thank you." She mumbled.
Moomin's brows furrowed a bit awkwardly. "It was nothing."
Snufkin opened his mouth to eat a few bites, his appetite vastly different from before Toivotroll was born. "I am sorry about her. I thought she'd warm up by now." He patted Moomin's leg.
"Is that all you're gonna eat? You're skin and bone." Snorkmaiden asked, pointing her fork to his plate.
"Yes. I can't eat much anymore. It's difficult sometimes, depending on where we are, but I can't change it." Snufkin smiled softly, giving the rest of his to Toivotroll.
"Why's that?" Sniff asked, eating more of the fruit.
"It's not healthy for you to be so thin, Snufkin." Snorkmaiden warned, knowing if they travelled so much he should know to pack on the calories when he could. "I thought Moominmama was fattening you up?"
"I knew it!" Toivotroll yelled, having finished her food, she crawled to between Snufkin's legs and put her hands on his cheeks. "Papa, you need to eat!" She put her nose to Snufkin's.
Snufkin chuckled, always enjoying the liveliness of his child. "I can't. Papa's tummy is too small."
"So you are thinner than when I saw you last." Moomin said, a frown on his face, eyes scanning Snufkin.
"Can we stop talking about it?" Snufkin asked, rubbing the long scar along his stomach through his clothes.
"Only if you explain the sudden changes. Snorkmaiden said you didn't update even her on much of what happened through the years." Little My butt in, a nosy creature and she feared for if Moomin's hunch was right.
"What sudden changes? A lot can happen in 6 years, My." Snufkin rose a brow, doing the nightly routine for Toivotroll's bedtime.
"Oh, I don't know, what you've been avoiding telling us, like, say…BECOMING A PARENT?!" My lost it, her curiosity and the stress making her impatient and irritable.
"Jumping right to it then? That's also unfair. Since when did you and Moomintroll become pirates?" Snufkin asked. Explaining Toivo wasn't just as easy as "I had a child", as much as explaining the mess from the beginning.
"I asked first!" Little My pointed her finger.
"Doesn't matter." Snufkin turned his head, purposefully ignoring the question.
"Okay, okay. Let's do this in the style of a game and we go around. We each ask one question and the person has to answer before we move to the next. Sound good?" Snorkmaiden asked, clapping her hands together.
Moomin chuckled, trying to hide it. "That sounds fun. Who goes first?"
Little My sent her glare to Moomin next. "How about YOU, you dumb bastard? Tell them. How DID we become pirates?" She tapped her little foot.
Moomin shrugged her glare off, it not affecting him too much anymore. "The goal was to search for Snufkin while I fully healed. There was only so far we could search and gather information on land. So, we went and boarded a boat."
"I thought it was to look for treasure too?" Sniff added.
"Only you were concerned with that, Sniff." My rolled her eyes.
"Did you find treasure and beat up bad guys?!" Toivotroll asked, punching her fists out with a serious expression and messing up what work Snufkin was doing for her hair.
"Not as much treasure as Sniff and some of my crew would've liked." Moomintroll answered the youngling, smiling gently to her, happy she showed some interest and not scowling at him.
""Your crew"? Are you the captain, Moomin?" Snorkmaiden asked, eyes sparkling in amazement.
"Unfortunately, he is." Little My replied, rubbing her temples.
Snufkin tilted his head to that but kept quiet, the position explaining some of Moomin's new habits and the presence his old friend seemed to command since he'd arrived.
"I have to agree with Little My on that note." Sniff shivered, he too having experienced Captain Moomintroll. "If I'd known, I'd have stayed home. Treasure isn't worth THAT." He grabbed his blanket and covered himself.
Snorkmaiden and Snufkin both looked to each other then to the trio, obviously curious as to why Little My and Sniff were so traumatized. "What's wrong?" Snorkmaiden asked.
Snufkin patted Toivotroll and motioned for her to go to bed, but the child shook her head, wanting to learn more about pirates. He didn't like the sudden energy shift and knew Little My well enough to know she was gonna go off. He technically could make her go into the tent, but she'd still be awake. 'Maybe I can tell them to wait?' He wondered, about to open his mouth to suggest it, but Little My beat him to it.
"I'll tell you what's wrong!" Little My yelled, tired of having to deal with a crazy Moomin and having dealt with him for YEARS, it bringing her to a full rant.
"Little My, I don't think that's-" Sniff began, his eyes nervously going from her to Moomintroll and back, but she threw a fruit at his face.
"No! These two grew up with this buffoon too so they should know!" She yelled at the beast who was rubbing his head.
"Little Mymble~~…" Moomintroll's voice deepened, almost a growl, "this can wait until the youngling goes to sleep, yes?"
Snufkin felt a chill of apprehension go down his spine. He'd never felt that kind of energy from Moomintroll. It wasn't directed at him, but Snufkin didn't like the pinch to his gut and the hair rising on his neck. "Toivo-", Snufkin began, but stopped when Little My huffed, turning her head to Snufkin.
My took a deep breath and tried to calm down, walking farther from Moomintroll and towards her tent. "Right."
"What's going on, Moomintroll?" Snorkmaiden asked, angry her fun idea seemed to upset My.
Moomintroll took a deep breath as well, shaking the tension from his shoulders. "My is just mad at me more so than usual. Pirates aren't known for good things, you know. She's beyond angry at what I forced us into to get to this point."
"Oh, do explain." Snorkmaiden waved her hand, brow raised and hair turning a reddish color.
"Snorkmaiden…" Moomin began, unsure where to actually start, but he sighed anyway, taking a quick glance at Snufkin and keeping it there.
Snufkin startled a bit, having been staring at Moomintroll himself, but didn't avoid his gaze, seeing the familiar shade of regret in his eyes. It was a rare look, but one Moomin always had reasons why he'd done it in the first place.
"I had to adapt and in turn, Little My had to keep me in check. If I didn't do what I had to to become Captain, who knows how long I'd still be at sea, or worse, what state I would be in?" Moomintroll continued, giving an uneasy smile.
Little My huffed quietly, turning her head. She supposed she could let him off a bit, since he was at least explaining a bit. She knew why he said it how he did, there being a child present, but she hoped neither Snorkmaiden or Snufkin were dumb enough to not realize the implications of what they had to do. Yes, she had to put up with Moomin through it, but there was only so much even she could control of him. There was a bit of relief in her though, seeing him truly be regretful for actions he had to take. "That's a bit better." She muttered to herself.
There was a silence after that, everyone processing or reminiscing for a bit and letting the bad energy leave the area. It seemed to work as Toivo and Snufkin were relaxed enough where she snuggled into Snufkin's lap and Snufkin soothed her by running his fingers through her hair.
My looked over and saw Toivo's gaze move, looking towards some trees behind them, though, a small amount of time later as Sniff and Snorkmaiden went to retire for the evening. She was going to do the same when she noticed and tried following the child's gaze, but didn't see anything except trees and their fruit.
"Papa…are you feeling good?" Toivo turned to Snufkin with a confused look.
Snufkin mirrored it. "For the most part, yes, just tired as you should be. Why?"
Toivotroll looked back over his shoulder where she had been. "He's gone. But…I saw him." She looked all over, but didn't leave Snufkin's lap.
Snufkin tightened his grip but turned his head to see if he could see what she did. "Who?" His instincts had him alert.
The odd behavior caught Moomin's attention and he paused in his sketching to listen. "I don't hear anything off." All he could hear was Sniff's snoring, the wind rustling the branches and the fire crackling.
Toivotroll pouted. "But I saw him! It's been a long, LONG time, but I know him." She crossed her limbs and huffed. "I've been good so why is he making me look like a liar?"
Snufkin got a bad feeling, using his stick to stand after he moved Toivo from his lap. "Who, Little Troll?" He tried scanning with his eyes again, hearing Moomin stand and felt his body heat as he got closer.
"Why're you guys so on edge? There's nothing that dangerous in the valley, even on the mountains. Could've been a bird." My asked, knowing little kids could make up things.
"Nuh-uh! He came when Papa was super sick a long time ago. I was trying to find some herbs but then he appeared and-BAM-he had some medicine for Papa." Toivotroll went to Little My, her hands on her hips.
"When I was sick? Toivo…no one came when I was sick. I told you we'd leave after I got better, didn't I? Did you leave the tent?" Snufkin asked, trying to think back to when he was last sick. It had been a good year or so, maybe two. He'd been wracked with nightmares at the time and Toivotroll was a handful. He'd tried making sure he kept an eye on her almost 24/7 after he'd realized she was far too friendly and someone tried taking her, thinking she'd be an exotic prize somewhere.
"Snufkin…" Moomin began, making sure Snufkin could see his paw before he went to get the Murmrik's attention. He was worried. Snufkin was beginning to tense and panic. "Snufkin, I got you. What's wrong?" He placed his paw on Snufkin's cheek.
"Can someone tell me what's going on now?" My asked, wanting to know if it was something where Snufkin had to go off on his own or if she had to wake their companions.
"Papa, see? Here, I'll grab it." Toivotroll pointed to something on the ground that none of them noticed was there before and she let go, running to grab it.
"W-wha-…TOIVOTROLL!" A smell Snufkin recognized reached his nose and he grasped Moomintroll's arm tightly before letting go, Snufkin's own body bound to be too slow. "Moomin, grab her now!"
Moomintroll didn't have to be told twice, getting up and taking a couple large steps and reaching for the youngling, his movements fast but rough.
The commotion had woken Sniff and Snorkmaiden, who came out of their tents utterly confused. Little My went to Snufkin who looked to be having a panic attack, the Murmrik shaking and muttering. She only stopped when a Murmrik she'd only met once before showed his face, walking to behind Snufkin so quickly, her brother didn't have a chance to even notice until the albino's arms were wrapped around him.
Moomintroll didn't know what was happening at first, even as he swept Toivo up in his arms and turned, freezing in place at the being so close to Snufkin, not moving immediately as he saw a few of his crew from behind some shrubbery, aimed at his friends. Moomin's blood began to boil hotly. He didn't have a large crew, but to know and also wonder how long these members were traitors, made him angrier, almost as angry at seeing the albino there. He'd thought he'd lost him.
"What's wrong? Papa, are you okay? Hey, hey, my Papa was fine, so why're you here?" Toivo troll asked, holding a small vile she'd picked up and pointing to the Deer.
Snufkin felt ill. He turned his head, familiar pink eyes staring back. With the sudden feeling of arms about to be around him, he tried swiping his claws quickly towards Faeden, jerking his body backwards, not caring what was happening. His body began to shake.
"It seems I got here too late. I'm sorry I couldn't keep my patience, my darling Snufkin." Faeden cooed, pulling Snufkin by the back of his neck towards him, holding out the small gem that had been causing a ruckus for years. "If I'd known before…oh, how wonderful it could've been." Faeden looked right to the growling Moomin before he grinned.
"Hey! You're scaring Papa! Leave him alone!" She struggled in Moomintroll's grasp, wanting to make it to her Papa.
Little My assessed what she could and ran to attack the albino, even in the dark, not expecting something to be thrown at her to knock her to the side.
"My! Hold on!" Snorkmaiden yelled, having snapped out of it and tried running to help, but was grabbed from behind before Moomintroll could warn her.
"Snorkmaiden! Wait…" Little My got up, not expecting to be picked up and placed in a small cage, like an animal. "Moomin, aren't these some of our's?!" She looked over to Sniff when he yelped, a beast sitting on him and tying him up.
"Let go, Faeden!" Snufkin struggled, a growl ripping from him as he moved his body oddly in an attempt to free himself.
"Apparently…" Moomintroll growled, hackles raised and eyes dark, "loyalty in a crew is more difficult to come by than I'd learned." He moved Toivotroll in his arms so he could grab his dagger he kept on his belt.
Faeden snickered, squeezing Snufkin tighter against himself, the Deer Murmrik only stronger since he didn't have the restrictions Snufkin had. "That's true. You were raised in this peaceful little valley, not out there, so you can't expect to learn all the tricks within 6 years."
"What do you want? Y-you're obviously not here just for me." Snufkin asked, calming outwardly knowing his child was safe in Moomin's arms, but no less frightened. He tried keeping a calm thought, hoping he could at least get his friends and child out.
"Oh? Calmed down, have you? Wonderful, my darling." Faeden complimented, placing a kiss on Snufkin's head.
With one step forward from Moomintroll, Faeden whistled curtly, a knife being held to Snorkmaiden's throat and a gun to Sniff's head, Little My out for the count as she was still held inside a too small cage. "Ah. Ah. Ah~, Moomintroll. Try to get near and your life won't be the one at risk."
"Release them, Mincemeat." Moomintroll growled, his words barely recognizable. He could feel his control slipping and he couldn't have that. Not while he was holding Snufkin's child and while his loved ones were in danger.
Snufkin felt the twitch Faeden made when Moomin spoke, but he was more concerned about what was happening. If Faeden met Toivotroll, why did he allow her to live? Why allow Snufkin to be free after? Why corner them now? How? "Faeden, if it's me you want, then fine, but you've always pulled others into it. Why? Why not wait until it's just me? Why did you allow me to be free even after Toivotroll met you?"
Faeden hummed, standing, but before Snufkin could take his chance, Faeden grabbed him by his hair and grabbed the prosthetic, undoing it before dragging Snufkin with him towards the fire, where he threw it in. "If it were just you, you'd run. I couldn't take you before since The Fae still wanted The Siren's Marble, but…" he paused, manhandling Snufkin to where he was on his back, skin burning from being so close to the fire, but not close enough to suffer actual burns, and crouched, sliding his hand up under Snufkin's clothes to poke at his scar, "it seems there was a reason why they couldn't find it. Say, Snufkin, who was the doctor who operated on you?"
Snufkin grunted at the weight that was put on him and tried moving from Faeden's touch. "I don't know. It was an emergency. You haven't answered me either." He tried clawing where he could.
Faeden looked smugly to Snufkin before he turned his head, seeing if Moomintroll made any attempts. "You know, Snufkin…you hear a lot of things when traveling. Have you heard of "The Kind-Eyed Snake"? Huh? Have you?" He giggled.
"Fuck." Little My muttered under her breath as they were distracted, her trying to find a way to grab the key to the cage.
"You're insane." Snufkin spoke plainly, trying to school his emotions as his eyes moved about, trying to see his friends but only getting hot and watery eyes.
Faeden shrugged. "I've been called worse." He played with the small marble, so close to looking like The Siren's Marble, and mouthed some words as the marble reacted, the lush grass beginning to dry up. "Now, there's only a couple things I want from you." He booped Snufkin's nose.
Seeing how easily and without remorse Faeden began to kill off the healthy land, Snufkin felt his heart sink. "Y-you live on this land too. The Fae as well, so how can you use your magic for this?" He gasped, a cold chill running down his spine at Faeden's caress. It was annoying.
While Faeden was distracted with Snufkin, Moomin put a finger to his lip as he looked at Toivotroll, whose skin looked dry and her eyes wide in concern. She didn't seem to understand, but kept her mouth closed. Making sure the others working with the Deer Murmrik weren't looking, he carefully put her down, her sliding off in confusion and fear. Worried his dagger would be too heavy for her, he looked for anything to help with a distraction. That's all he needed.
He made eye contact with My, the Mymble nodding and throwing hers to the ground.
Moomintroll tried not to smile and used his tail to motion Toivotroll to it. He knew it was risky, Hell, stupid even, but Little My was the only other beast small enough to not be immediately seen and she was locked up.
"-so, what do you think? If you knew someone like that, who was feared for being sneaky, wouldn't you chose someone like me over them?" Faeden explained, having been speaking about "The Kind-Eyed Snake".
Snufkin tried scanning for any out, not liking the idea of someone like that versus the psychopath above him, when he saw Toivotroll sneaking lowly near the boot of the beast holding Little My's cage. 'WHY WOULD MOOMINTROLL LET HER GO?!' He panicked, heartbeat kicking up. He didn't want to call attention to her, even as his parental instinct told him to get her away from there. His head kept moving, trying to get away from Faeden, when he saw Toivotroll look behind herself, nod, then pick up the small dagger that had been at the person's feet.
With a few more glances and nods, Snufkin was helpless as he saw her go behind the creature, only to slice his heels as deep as the dagger would go. A painful howl ripped from their mouth as My's cage landed hard on the ground, along with him, and Snufkin witnessed a few more glances, a couple more nods, and his sweetling climbing up the shoulder to stab them in the neck, blood spraying over her as she was tossed down.
He didn't expect Faeden to cackle, getting off Snufkin and lifting him, Snufkin still in shock, seeing Moomintroll rip Snorkmaiden from another, only to push them down and use his weight to cave their chest in, the noise sickening.
"Hahahahaha~, hahaha, ha! You fell right for it. You've now revealed what a monster you've always been to your "treasure", Snufkin. Isn't that right, "Kind-Eyed Snake"?" Faeden laughed until Moomintroll fixed his gaze on him next. "Oh?" Faeden challenged, even as Sniff, Little My and Snorkmaiden were freed, unsure what to do next, aside from Little My, who immediately went to tend to Toivotroll who crinkled her nose in disgust, still too young to realize what she'd done.
All of it was too much for Snufkin. He was always used to an easygoing nature. A happy Moomintroll who'd greet him at the bridge with sparkling eyes. Stay from Spring to Autumn, then leave. Rinse. Repeat. He was happy with that. Even when Toivotroll came into his life, he was somewhat content, though he adapted to be a parent, being a vagabond was in his nature.
Anger.
Blood.
Possessiveness.
Those were foreign…and if Faeden let go… even if Snufkin wanted to…he couldn't run.
His body went limp until Faeden let go…then he curled into a ball, unsure if he wanted to scream, cry, be silent. Unsure if he wanted his child, his secret love, or no one at all.
"Why…why was it me?"