Preston Combs

For Eryx, personal space and social norms were a completely different language. One he had never learned. So of course he saw nothing wrong with stripping and as he grew to what Preston would see as a normal size and slid into the other man’s lap. The faerie could tell that the succubus was nervous, he could feel it both physically and empathically. He smiled at the way Preston whispered stunning back and nodded at the rest of what was said. “We could share the bed. I wouldn’t mind. I don’t take up much space. I could sleep in a cup on your nightstand, really.” His eyebrow raised when he was told that he wouldn’t do that. “Why not?” He did notice the other man looking at him, he didn’t mind that either. There was no transphobia in the Discworld and faeries had no shame when it came to their bodies. Eryx was no exception. “You need skin to skin contact, don’t you?” His wings fluttered behind him, gently and without making any wind, therefore not rustling anything. “How do you feel? When was the last time you fed?”

That makes sense. Okay. Are you okay with that? With it being me that volunteers? Stunning? Okay, then I’ll take your offer. You don’t have to sleep on the couch, I wouldn’t do that. Mhm, I took it off. It’s usually all that I wear. I volunteered.

I could do both. I could sit on your desk in big size. Two experiments. Do you think it’s called for? I volunteer, yes. I’m not uncomfortable. Maybe, it could be so. Stranger things have happened, right? You want me to stay with you? I could. I would like to. I think you’re good company.

You- Oh. Hello. It’s nice to meet you...Again. I think that through the course of one, we’ll come to a conclusion regarding the other. So in a way, yes. That’s- Alright, I’ll...We can begin tomorrow, then. I suppose they have, still though. It would be quite stunning. I’m offering, I- Well, thank you Eryx. I’ll pay you the same compliment. You’re welcome to stay wherever you’d like, be it in here or in another part of my quarters. My bedroom does have a large window, in direct light from the moon’s beams. I could make you a small bed, or you could...I mean, wherever you’re comfortable. If you’d prefer my bed, I can sleep on the couch here if you’d like. You’e...Your shirt. 

I can stay right here, on your desk. I can get bigger too, I don’t mind. We could do two experiments, I wouldn’t mind. I can volunteer too, I don’t mind. Maybe that’s why I’m here, to help you. I don’t, no. I was just going to find a flower to curl up in or something. Sometimes, there are some nice cracks in walls. You’re right, I don’t really need one. It’s nice sometimes, though. In places like this, city places, to have a place of my own to go. To get away from the city noises. i’m sure I’ll find something.

Whichever you’d prefer, however you’re comfortable. I won’t force your hand either way. Two...Experiments. I suppose we could, if it were called for. Are you certain you’re interested in volunteering for something like what we’ve already discussed? I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable. You’re saying perhaps I drew you here? You could do either, that’s certainly your prerogative. However, it is getting colder outside, especially at night. I might suggest finding a place inside, for that reason. You know....You could stay here, should you so desire. That could be my way of compensating you, for your time. I know it isn’t expected for volunteer work, but still. If I can fulfill a need, I will. If you’d want to, that is. 

TRANSITION TO F2F

I don’t think you’d hurt me. Hi. I’m wandering, but I’m wandering here. I don’t have any plans to leave. 

Woah, I wasn’t- I mean, I suppose I should have expected you to come bouncing in at some point. You are tiny. Please, situate yourself somewhere visible, I wouldn’t want to accidentally injure you. You don’t, hmm? Perhaps that should be the real experiment- determining what it is that’s drawing you here. I’d assume you don’t have an official place to stay yet. Though I guess in theory, you don’t technically need one. 

Is there something different about me volunteering and not being paid versus someone else doing it and not being paid? I did take your book and you said I could keep it without me paying you. Does a person need to be paid to volunteer? What if they want to volunteer for the science? I thought succubi could absorb more than just sexual energy. That’s interesting. That doesn’t scare me, no. You don’t look like you want to hurt me.

I suppose there isn’t, other than the fact that generally my volunteers have their needs met. Not that you don’t, I just mean...You’ve said yourself you’re wandering.  I suppose in the end it doesn’t matter whether you’re an official resident or not- data is data. I simply wouldn’t want to take advantage. If you’re volunteering, however, I won’t stop you, now that I’ve realized how incredibly moronic that argument sounded in the first place. We can, yes, you aren’t wrong. However, I generally compare it to eating terrible food all your life, versus actually eating healthy, at least on occasion. You seem to know a fair amount yourself, perhaps you could teach at the University, were you to look for something more permanent here. Good. I don’t. I don’t want to hurt anyone. 

Maybe. When something catches my attention, everything else goes away. I wander off a lot. Do you not want me to volunteer for your experiment? Interesting. That’s the firs time I’ve heard anyone openly talk about sex here, that doesn’t seem to be anyone’s goal. All of the conversations I’ve overheard are about magic, the Night Watch, the Guilds, and something called The Broken Drum. Oh, and fights. And meat that might not be meat. What is your hypothesis? I do know what you are, yes. I can feel it. 

That makes sense. It isn’t a bad thing, just an observation. That doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. I don’t have an answer to that. I have nothing to offer you, should you volunteer. I don’t have a means of compensation, and you aren’t taking University classes, so there isn’t anything to be worked out on that front, either. I realize it is a volunteer-based experiment regardless, I’d feel terrible. I’m sure it is, it isn’t a prevalent topic around here. Which is fine, any other time I prefer it that way, however it makes things difficult for my kind. Not that things aren’t often difficult regardless, as I said I’d prefer to simply not, though I’d die if I did. Which, really, is the point of the experiment itself. I’m working on developing a way for that particular type of energy transferrence to occur without....And, perhaps without the frequent need for others like me. Does that make sense? Yes, there is a lot of discussion about...All of those things, all of the time. In many ways, all others here are of one-track minds as well. I deduced as much. Does that scare you?

What experiments are you looking for volunteers for?

Someone has a one-track mind. That’s alright, I understand. As I said, I only have one experiment advanced enough at the moment to go into the volunteer stage. Admittedly, it is an experiment of a...Sexual nature. Not all of them are, mind you. In fact, it is rare I take on such a task, something within that realm. However, I think it may be prudent, should my hypothesis prove to be correct. I have a feeling it will be, if I’m being honest. Par for the course I suppose, regardless of how much I shirk what I am. I’m assuming, if you know who I am, you’ll know what I am. Is that accurate, Eryx?

I don’t mind being open, I’m helping. I’ve got nothing to hide. I’m not shy either. You’re a professor, and you’re curious. I like curious. Do you need help with anything else? I wanted to explore, to see new things. I had a feeling that I should come this way. I had a feeling that I should stop here too. I do know yours, Professor Preston Combs. Maybe if you get hurt, I’ll try it. Don’t hurt yourself on purpose. Oh. Hmm. That’s odd. Who is Society? You’re not offended. That sounds like fun. 

That’s another fae trait, helpfulness. Well, generally speaking, that is. Not shy, it seems you’re right about that. I won’t pry, though. Not unnecessarily. It would be rude. I am, yes, on both counts. Naturally you do. I enjoy curious myself. I have several experiments in mind, currently. One I’m nearly ready to begin, though I’m still searching for volunteers. I wouldn’t ask you to do such a thing, however. That’s interesting, I wonder where that feeling came from. Why you felt such a thing. That’s interesting in and of itself. Is that something that happens often? You feeling drawn to places? If so, do you often find the source of that drawing? It seems you do. I could, in the name of science. It isn’t as though I’d be doing it for fun. Society is...The generalized term for people collectively, as a whole. The name for the ‘Hive Mind’ as it were. Does that make sense? I’m not, that item is replaceable. However, should you feel the need to take anything else, might I request that you ask first? I suppose it is. You’d know, you have fun often. 

Good, good. Oh no, I’m not surprised at all. Faeries are illusive. All Fae are. A lot of us don’t even leave our communities. Oh! I’m Eryx Ren.I read your name on your office door. I don’t know, I’ve only tried on animals. I could try something else, if you have someone to heal. Oooh. Okay, I did that. But why am I not supposed to? I have a book, it was small and had a nice flower on it. I was going to read it and then put it back. Wandering isn’t bad. I wandered, that’s how I got here. Is that what you want to do? Wander?

That you are. I’m surprised you’re speaking as openly with me as you are, that you’re so willing to let me in on your secrets. You’re not even sure who or what I am, yet you’re talking like we’re the best of friends. Not to worry, I’m not a bad guy- at least, I don’t view myself as such. Still, You’re very open with me. Why did you leave yours, then? Eryx. I’ll remember that. So you know mine, then. I wouldn’t say I have someone to heal offhand, not in the sense you’re speaking of. I suppose I could always cut myself and see what happens. Yes, you certainly did do that. Well, because it isn’t polite. Because society says so. Because these things aren’t yours, and some people take great offense to that. Ah, I wondered where that had gotten to. No matter, keep it if you’d like. I’m sure I can rustle up another copy. Perhaps it isn’t a bad thing, no. Having experiences. Meeting new people. I want to teach, and I want to do my research. My experiments. If that means wandering then so be it. 

Yes! That’s a good way to be. Yes, that’s what I mean. I’m very empathic. We all usually have One Thing that we’re better at than most other Fae. That’s mine. Oh, a lot of things! I can go from normal size to really big, like almost as big as you. I can fly. I can tuck my wings into my back, they absorb into my skin and leave their imprint. I can talk to nature. I eat sugar. I don’t have to sleep as much because I can absorb power from the sun and the moon and recharge that way. Um! I can make plants grow and heal animals. I help the dew come in, every morning. And I keep the plants warm at night. Am I helping? Oh yes, of course. Magic does help. Breaking and entering? All of the above, I’ve been all over the city. I’ve seen a lot of people. A lot of things make you interesting. You’re smart, for one. Oh good! We’ll have fun. You’re not staying long? Yes, but I’m excited now.

That clarified things, thank you, that’s precisely what I needed. You’d think that after 2350 years, I’d have a bit more knowledge than this. Though, fae aren’t my wheelhouse, precisely. At any rate, I appreciate your time. What’s your name, by the way? So that I can document that as well. It wouldn’t be complete, otherwise. When you say you can heal animals, is that only animals, or do you have abilities relating to other species as well? You are, yes, this is all excellent information. Yes, breaking and entering. Meaning...Going into places you aren’t supposed to be, places that aren’t yours. Have you taken any of my things? I’m sure you have, the city is full of all types. Right. Yes. Smart. That’s an observation. That would be nice. Most likely not. I don’t have anything tethering me here. I can’t imagine why. 

I’ll answer any questions you have, I don’t mind. Especially if you find it so interesting. Both, really. Some Fae are more in tune than others, we all have a little bit of something. They say that we live so long because we have a sixth sense for danger and know where not to be. Yes, I have! For fun. I like to watch people and look at their stuff when they’re gone. Sometimes I take things. You’re very interesting, trust me. Oh! That makes sense. I’m sure you’re not, you seem very smart. I could take you, if you wanted. I could show you around there too. You want to help? That’s sweet. Thank you. I’ll lay down again soon. There’s just so much to see.

You’re eager. I do find it interesting- I find most things interesting. I am a Professor, after all. You say both, does that mean your abilities, your intuitions, are more prevalent than other Fae? Or were you simply meaning as a generalization? What other abilities do you have? Rather, what other heightened senses? I’m aware of the general abilities of faeries, I’ve come across more than a few in my studies. Perhaps that’s so. Then again, that’s alluding that the magic has nothing to do with your longevity, which simply isn’t true either. So, you enjoy breaking and entering then. Noted. Me in specific? Or Professors? Or my kind? Be more specific, please, I am taking notes. What makes me interesting? Or, Professors interesting? Or, my kind interesting, whichever the case may be. Thank you for noticing. Oh I...Well, I suppose it would’t hurt to map the area. Take more notes. I’m not certain how long I’ll be here, though while I’m here it would be prudent to get as much research done as possible. Perhaps I’ll take you up on that. If you’re tired, you need rest. That much is simple. Yes, but it’ll all be here when you’re no longer tired. 

I get feelings, sometimes. I know things. And I’ve been spying on you and the rest of the University for a few hours. This place is really big– and who is this “Bloody Stupid Johnson” person? His name is on a bunch of different stuff, like the Archchancellor’s showering chambers. I found it behind a boarded up door in his rooms. A lot of magical creatures come from The Ramtops, the free ones, at least. Like faeries. There are a lot of us in Lancre and Uberwald too. I’m a little tired, but I’m so excited it’s hard to lay still.. I’ve tried a few times and just end up getting back up.

Interesting, very interesting. Fascinating, almost. Is that you, or is that all Fae? You’ve been spying on me? Us? For what purpose? I can’t imagine we’re very interesting, the lot of us. Oh, he’s...An ‘inventor’ of sorts, I suppose. A gardener. Never truly does much of anything correctly, until he somehow...Does. Crystal clear explanation, I’m aware, though you’ll find a lot of that around these parts. Of course they do, I’m not completely devoid of education when it comes to the geography of the Disc. But, that doesn’t make the location any less interesting. I can’t say that I’ve been there myself. But, I’ll take your word. If you’re tired, you should rest. I’m sure I have an elixir for that around here...Somewhere. Wherever that might be. 

I’m sure you didn’t, I get the feeling that you wouldn’t. I can help with that! I know a lot about the city already. Of course you know, I knew you’d know. It’s different, for sure. I’m from the Ramptops, so this is definitely much different. Almost like the total opposite. But that’s reason enough to be here, right? To check things out. See what it’s like. See what’s here. Who’s here. You’re here. I just got here a few days ago, I’ve been exploring since.

You get the feeling? How, we’ve only just met? Naturally, you’re a faerie. Your kind make the best tour guides, even in cities you aren’t familiar with. You speak as though you know me, when I haven’t even been given your name. The Ramptops, what an interesting hometown. I can see, it certainly would be. I suppose that makes some sense, though most around here does not. I am here, we’ve determined as much. Are you not tired?

Weeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllll, it’s polluted, for one. I saw some people wearing a lot of jewelry throwing a guy in a rug into it once and the guy in a rug floated. And my circles… you know what a faerie circle is, right Professor?

That makes sense, I simply wanted to ensure I hadn’t missed something in my studies. I may be a Professor, what I am not, however, is familiar with the environmentals in the city. That is disconcerting, though still none of my business. Of course I know what a faerie circle is. It is interesting that you’re as drawn to the city as you are. How long have you been here?

The moonlight will always be my favorite thing, so don’t be surprised when you find a circle in every spare patch of grass in Ankh-Morpork. I know they’re few and far between, which is just more reason to mark them all. As long as you stay out of the river Ankh, this place is great.

Interesting...Explain yourself further, please. Why are we staying out of the river?