Monsters Under Mistletoe

Thick it and Stick it

Thick it and Stick it

I stretched my arms over my head, the sun beams glittering in through the window. The air was chilled. I had run out of magestones in the middle of the cold months to keep my fire lit, and had to go out and get the wood myself. I could have gone into town to get more, but I never went there unless I needed to.

I lived on the edge of Peradona in Conifer, close to the border of Quvill, which were fae lands. The woods leading in there bordered my land, and I spent a lot of time staring into those woods, waiting.

Waiting for tonight.

I got up and padded across the frozen floorboards to my small cottage, rushing to get the fire going again, my blanket draped around my frame.

My long, amber hair fell into my face, and I blew it away as I got the fire started once again. Once that was settled, I put the kettle on to brew my tea and got dressed. I had a lot to do before Yule came around.

A guest to prepare for.

They showed up the day my grandmother passed. It had always just been her and I since I could remember. She was getting sick and I knew it was her time. I had just turned twenty when she was finally taken from me.

It just so happened, her passing fell on Yule, and my birthday. The people of the town had dropped by all day, wishing me well. They were nice people, but I’d never taken the time to know them. I just preferred my own company.

That night, I sat on the porch, a cup of tea in hand, watching the snow fall.

Then I felt it. I knew I was being watched. I’d felt it from time to time, when collecting berries on the edge of our land, or on my walks back from town. I could never place it, but I had always felt safe. Something about that gaze made me feel warm, and it was exactly what I needed that night.

I had stepped out onto my yard, the snow crunching beneath my boots. The wind whistled through the trees, bringing the bitter cold with it.

“I know you’re there,” I called to the vast woods.

Nothing. Not a cracking branch or a rustle of leaves.

I wrapped my coat tighter as the wind got heavier. Tears streaked my face, and I only noticed I only noticed because they froze as they fell.

“I could really use a friend right now,” I said honestly.

More silence.

For a moment, I’d thought I’d gone mad. Maybe I had. I’d been told I spent too much time alone, and maybe I’d been making it all up.

As I turned to head back inside, I heard it.

A single crunch in the snow.

I whipped around and waited. Soon there was another, then another. After a few more steps, I could see a pair of glowing green eyes. They sat high above me, obviously the figure was much taller than me.

It didn’t come any further, just sat there, waiting. I decided it was my turn, and took a couple of steps forward. It didn’t retreat.

I was five feet from the tree line when I stopped. The eyes stuck on me heavily.

“Do you want to come out?” I asked.

The figure didn’t respond.

“You can if you want to. It seems a bit unfair that you can only see me.”

I saw the eyes cock, as if considering my words. “No,” the deep, thundering voice came through.

“That’s fine. Maybe you could just…stay with me.”

There wasn’t another sound, but I knew they were still there. I sat in the snow, letting my large winter skirts cushion me. We didn’t say another word that year. They sat with me until the sun began to rise, and I could barely keep my eyes open.

“I’ll see you next time,” I told them before going back inside.

For weeks after, I stood out by the tree line, waiting for them to come back. I never caught sight of them, but I could still feel their gaze on me.

It wasn’t until the next Yule I caught that pair of glowing eyes once again. This time I came prepared, with a heavy blanket to sit on and an insulated kettle for tea.

“I hoped you would come back,” I admitted.

I was met with more silence.

I sniffled. “What is your name.”

“I was not given one,” the voice said.

“No name?” I asked. “That’s a bit sad.”

They didn’t respond.

“Mine is Ivy.”

“Ivy,” the voice said. Hearing it say my name sent a pleasant shiver through me.

“What if I called you Fern?” I asked. There were a lot of Fern trees in the forest, and for some reason the name suited them.

“Fern is nice,” they said, and though we were out in the deep snow, I was warmed.

The next year, I tried to give them some cookies I’d made, but they didn’t show. I left them out, and the next day they were gone.

Last year, I tried to lure them out by leaving the cookies out the night before, but I had fallen asleep, and they were gone.

Though we didn’t talk too much each time, I felt as if I gleaned a bit about them each time. Sometimes when I would tell a joke, I swore I heard a huff of amusement, and they’d told a few themselves.

Their parting words from last year rang loud and clear in my head since then.

“I’ll be watching you, sapling.”

There was some promise in those words I yearned to understand. Whoever was out there was clever, but this year, I would do it. I would get them to come out. I’d spent the better part of the year planning this lure and it had to work.

A knock at my door stirred me from my thoughts.

I answered it and saw Koner on the other side. He was a man from the village, the grandson of the town leader, Elron. He’d taken a liking to me a long time ago, but I had no interest in him, and never had.

“Ivy,” he said, lowering his cap.

“Hello, Koner. What can I do for you?”

“Well, it is Yule,” he started, “and no one has seen you town in a few weeks. I wanted to see if you needed anything. Maybe wanted some company for the holiday? My family would be happy to have you.”

I smiled. “That’s very sweet of you, but I actually have plans.”

He looked confused. “Plans?”

I nodded. “A bit of a tradition I’ve developed.” I wouldn’t tell him about the figure in the woods. He would probably tell the town and they would think I was mad.

He sighed. “You know, the people of the town are worried about you. They think you’re… well don’t you think you should consider moving into town. Maybe meeting someone nice.” The implication wasn’t lost on me. “You’re not getting any younger.”

I clenched my teeth in irritation. Insulting someone he was attempting to court seemed highly illogical to me, but what did I know about that?

“I appreciate that, but I won’t be alone. I have a guest coming.”

He clenched his jaw, the first sign of displeasure he’d had this entire conversation. “Who?”

“A friend,” I said simply. “They come every year.”

He nodded. “Fine. I also brought you these.” Pulled up a satchel full of magestones. “Grandfather asked me to bring you some. It’s supposed to be a hard winter. I can give you more if you come into town tonight.”

I took the satchel. “Have a good Yule,” I said simply as I shut the door, not waiting for his response. I didn’t have time for him today.

I set out on my rituals. I brewed my tea and chopped my vegetables for my stew.

Once that was bubbling on the stove, I stuck one of the magestones in my tub basin, happy to have easily heated water again, and ran it until it was full.

I allowed myself to have a long, luxurious bath. One where I dreamed about the figure in the woods. I dreamed about them often, what they might look like. I was sure they weren’t human. They were too tall, and their eyes glowed. They were also so still, as if they weren’t even breathing.

Something about the mystery of it all made me … warm. I’d had sex before. Though I was a bit of a recluse, I had been curious enough to make my way into town and find someone to couple with for the night. It was a man who was passing through on travels.

Though it was a pleasant enough experience, it wasn’t what I was looking for. Something told me Fern was exactly what I was looking for.

I allowed my hand to drift between my legs, rubbing small circles around my clit. Pleasure roamed through my body as I imagined my hands weren’t mine, but theirs. I was sure they would be rough, but gentle. My hand snaked up to my full breast, flicking my nipple, pretending it wasn’t me.

Then I dipped a single finger inside, trying to reach that deep spot I knew existed. Soon I added another, then another. Fern was larger than me, and I knew they would stretch me so good.

I soon felt the rush of my orgasm and cried out as I allowed it to wash over me. It wasn’t nearly as intense as I craved, but with some luck, maybe I would have it soon.

When I finished, I dressed in a simple white gown and threw my hair into a braid behind me. After checking on my stew to make sure nothing was burning, I walked about to the woods to gather berries and a few winter herbs, looking for Fern the whole time to no avail.

As I walked, I spotted a bit of mistletoe hanging from one of the branches. Deciding I wanted a bunch, I put my basket down and attempted to grab it, but it was a bit too high. I reached and reached for it, but it was no use.

I was about to give up when the branch fell forward on its own and I was easily able to grab some. I wasn’t sure how it happened, maybe a heavy breeze, but was glad for my haul.

I added the herbs I wanted to the stew and started my dough for the cookies. I even made a sweetbread with the winterberries I’d collected. Finally, I hung a bundle of mistletoe in the entryway of my kitchen. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to use it, but a bit of hope couldn’t hurt.

Just as it was getting dark, I packed everything up, making sure to heat the tea last so it would stay hot. I also put on my gloves, coat, hat, and boots. As soon as that sun was down I was walking out and setting up my blanket. Last year, I made one with a very thick wool and added a layer of dense film to keep the snow from getting it wet.

My heart rate picked up as I sat there waiting, anticipating their arrival. The wind whistled through the trees.

Soon enough, I heard a few cracks, and those glowing green eyes appeared.

“Hello, Fern,” I said with a smile, happy they showed.

“Hello, Ivy,” they said.

Their voice was the same as last year, sounding as if it was radiating through the entire forest.

“I brought more cookies, and bread.”

“Thank you,” they said, but made no motion to come forward.

“You can come have some, whenever you want,” I said, trying to hint at what I wanted.

“I will take that into consideration.”

I poured myself some tea in the lid of the insulated decanter and took a sip, letting the spicy, warm liquid rush down my throat.

“Do you have a birthday, Fern?” I asked.

Their gaze tilted. “I’m sure I have a creation date, though I do not know it.”

They were being a bit more talkative, which gave me hope. “I see. Well I know mine. It’s today. I’m twenty-five today.”

They didn’t say anything, so I continued. “On birthdays, humans usually give people close to them gifts, to celebrate. And… you’re the only person I’m close to.”

There was a brief shuffle. “So you would like… a gift?” they asked.

“Yes, but not a physical one. There is something I would like to ask of you.”

“What is it?”

I took a deep breath. “I would like you to see you this year.”

Nothing. I waited for a few moments, hoping they would answer.

“I know you aren’t human,” I said. Though I didn’t know what they were, I wasn’t afraid. “And I just want to see you.”

More silence.

Anger began to surge through me. I stood. “I don’t think my request is so outlandish. You see me all the time.”

Another shuffle.

I began walking towards the woods, my boots crunching across the yard to the tree line.

“You can’t just ignore me when you feel like it. I deserve an answer. I want to see you, it’s not a big deal.”

I began walking through the trees. Somehow, the brush in front of me became suddenly denser, and I could barely walk through it.

“Are you doing this?” I asked, trying to separate the dense branches. “This is a bit immature,” I muttered, not giving up.

When I was almost through, my foot caught on a branch. I braced myself to fall into the brush, but soft vines wrapped around my middle and my shoulders and caught me, righting me easily.

Once I was put down, the vines retreated, leaving me standing on my feet easily.

“D-did you do that?” I asked.

They hadn’t moved, save for maybe backing up a bit so I couldn’t see them.

“I did,” they said, sounding a bit wary. It was the first time their voice had taken on any kind of true emotion.

I took a deep breath to sound steady, I didn’t want them to think I was afraid. “That’s very cool. Not something you see every day.”

Apparently lightening the mood wasn’t working. “You still never answered my question,” I pointed out. “Can I see you?”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” they said.

“I do,” I responded confidently. “I’ve been thinking about this all year. Every year. Please.”

“You don’t understand,” they muttered.

“Then make me understand.” I knew they felt it. This connection that had been brewing between us. It had been there for all of these years, and I wanted it. Needed it.

“If I let you see me, if you let me get that close to you, there’s no turning back. You’re mine.”

Their words sent a shiver down my spine. “What does that mean?” Though I wanted to throw caution to the wind and agree, the rational part of me said I had to ask.

“It means I’ve been watching you for a long time,” they said. “And… my kind. We know when we’ve found our mate. And when we do, we claim them. I’ve stuck to the woods, keeping myself away. But if I let you in, let you get close, I won’t let you go.”

Their words swirled through my brain. I knew I should think about the consequences, I knew I should be more concerned about what it would all mean, but my heart wouldn’t listen.

“And does being yours mean… companionship?” I asked quietly.

“Among other things.” Their dark voice sounded amused.

I let myself think about it for one more brief moment. I knew what I would say, but I also knew I should at least consider. But there was nothing for me here. I didn’t want to assimilate with the town, or find a nice husband. I wanted this creature in the forest.

“Then, I accept.”

I expected them to come forward, but what I didn’t expect was for the forest to open up in front of me. A perfect path was laid, and heavy footsteps crackled over the forest floor. I waited with bated breath, ready to meet the person I’d spent so much time with over the years. Though we’d never been face to face, I talked to them often.

Some days I would sit on the edge of my property and just talk nonsense. Though I received no response, I knew they were there listening. Some days I would come out to find my favorite berries collected and set in a neat pile, or herbs that grew deep in the forest and were hard to collect gathered at my door in the morning.

I knew whatever this was, they were my future. When they finally stepped into view, my eyes widened.

They had brown, red skin that appeared raised and twisted, almost as if it were made of bark. Branches and vines roamed over their body as if it grew from them. Two came up and away from their head like horns, and their eyes were green and almost glowing, as I’d seen before.

As they got closer, I also realized how massive they were. At almost six feet, I was tall for a woman, and I still had to crane my head back to hold their gaze. They had to be at least seven feet tall. I knew they weren’t human, that much was obvious, but I’d always known that, so it didn’t bother me. They assessed me, though I knew they’d seen me many times before.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Fern,” I said, my voice breathier than I meant it.

“We’ve known each other for a long time,” they said.

“I guess that’s true, but I couldn’t see you before.”

“That’s also true.”

“Would you like to come inside?” I asked. “I made stew and more cookies.”

They looked past me to my small cottage. “Are you sure it’s alright?” they asked.

“Of course.”

They gestured and I started walking back out. I didn’t realize how far I’d made it in before they revealed themselves, which gave us a bit of a trek. I slowed to walk beside them, hoping they wouldn’t run away from me now that I’ve finally seen them. The sun was set, and the bite of the wind was even harsher now. I wrapped my shawl around me a bit tighter, trying to stave off the wind.

“Are you cold?” they asked.

“A bit,” I admitted. “Do you get cold?”

They shook their head. Suddenly, I heard the limbs of the trees around the edges of our path moved, and realized they were growing denser, so dense they almost completely blocked the breeze.

My mouth dropped open. “Did you do that?” I asked.

They nodded, looking a bit sheepish. “To keep you from the cold.”

Warmth spread to my cheeks, though I was sure it couldn’t be seen with them already red from the weather. “Thank you.”

We made it to the cottage, and I held the door open for them to come in. They had to duck a bit to fit through the entrance, but their branches just barely missed the ceiling. I shut the door, fighting against the cold as I took off my boots, coat, and mittens, leaving me in my simple white dress. I wore one with an intentionally plunging neckline, and I was glad I did. They took me in, and I saw the slight pause their gaze made when looking at my bosom.

I padded to the kitchen to the stew still bubbling lightly there. I was glad I had the magestones to keep it going without needing to replenish the fire.

I scooped a spoon and gave it a taste, deciding it was good enough. When I turned, I jumped seeing them standing behind me, bent over slightly.

“Are you okay?” they asked.

“Yes,” I breathed. “You just startled me.”

“I apologize, I just wanted to see what you were doing.”

“I’m finishing the stew. Would you like to try it?”

They gave a single nod.

I scooped some up and lifted it over my shoulder towards their mouth. They leaned even closer to me, their body pressing to mine slightly as they took the spoon in their mouth.

I was surprised that they felt warm, and not really like wood at all, but it was hard to tell much else with the short contact.

“It’s very good,” they said.

I turned and looked up at them. They hadn’t moved, so we were still almost pressed together in the small kitchen, and I wanted to get so much closer.

“I’m glad you think so,” I said. “Could you grab the bowls from the cupboard over there?” I asked, gesturing towards it.

They grabbed two of my wooden bowls and I served us some of each, sticking some bread in each bowl to go with it.

We stood next to each other, eating in the kitchen. I thought about asking them to go to the table, but I was sure they would easily break one of my chairs if I did. Plus, standing like this, we were in close proximity, which I found myself craving.

When we were done I put the bowls in the sink and grabbed the basket of cookies I’d made this morning.

“Thank you for the berries,” I said as I took a bite into mine.

“Of course. I must provide for my mate.”

“Mate?” I repeated.

They nodded. “Do you know anything of the fae?”

“Not really,” I admitted. Humans didn’t have much contact with the fae. I knew it was a popular travel destination for some, because the fae loved putting on shows, but I’d never left my small corner of the world.

“Some fae beings, such as myself, have mates. They are considered to be our perfect match. You are considered to be my perfect match.”

My blush must have been to my toes by now. “And who makes these matches?” I asked.

“I am unsure. It’s a sense we have, and that sense tells me you’re mine.”

I was breathless. Though humans didn’t have mates, and it all sounded a bit rushed, I felt it too. This strange connection between us. The one that made me stand out in the cold every Yule. The one that told me they were in the woods watching me as I walked to town, or as I whittled on my porch.

“I think I like that idea,” I said truthfully. “Being yours.”

A deep grumble came from them. “You shouldn’t,” they said.

My brows furrowed. “Why?”

In seconds, they were on me, blocking me in with their hands on either side. “You know, Ivy, I’ve been watching you for a very long time. Waiting for you. That first night you came to me, you were sad, and you sought me out to comfort you. And you never stopped coming back. I tried to stay away, tried to let you be with the other humans, but you kept coming back.

“And then you offered yourself to me on a platter, inviting me in. How was I supposed to say no to that?”

“You aren’t,” I said with a smirk.

“I couldn’t. And now you’re really here, and I’m selfish. I can’t give you up. Can’t let you go.”

“Don’t. I didn’t want a normal life with humans. I wanted you.”

My hand traveled up their face, along their jaw. Their skin wasn’t quite like mine, but it was pliable and warm. They leaned into my touch, bringing their hand up to mine, bringing their lips to my palm. My core heated at their touch, their closeness.

They used that grip to pull me impossibly closer, pressing me into their body and wrapping their other hand around me.

I looked a bit behind them and smiled. “Come here,” I said, pulling them around and leading them to the entrance of the kitchen.

I looked up at the small bundle of leaves and berries above us. “Do you know what this is?” I asked.

“ Viscum cruciatum,” they said without thought. “I know all of the plants in the forest.”

I blinked. “Humans call it mistletoe. When two people stand under it, they’re meant to kiss.”

They looked up at it and back at me. “Why?”

“I’m not really sure. But we are standing under it right now.” I waggled my brows at them.

Their gaze turned heated. “Is that what you want?” Fern asked. “A kiss.”

I nodded, unable to speak.

Then they bent down and brought their lips to mine. I wasn’t expecting it, and gasped into their mouth in surprise before kissing them back.

Yes, definitely not human, I thought to myself. They tasted the way the woods smelled, with some added sweetness. Their lips were thinner than mine and less plump, but still pleasant to kiss. Their tongue lashed out and licked my lips, waiting for me to let them in, which I did easily. Their tongue was much larger and rougher than I expected as it explored me eagerly.

Their hands came up and grabbed my thighs, lifting my body and placing me on the counter behind us. I allowed my legs to slide open so they could stand in the space between them.

Their touch moved up, caressing my thighs and behind, squeezing me lightly. I could feel my cunt pooling with wetness from their touch alone. They continued up, their hands roaming over my middle, over my waist and up to my breasts. He took the heavy mounds into their hands, running their thumb over my covered nipple. I shuddered at the touch.

They reached the top of my plunging neckline, feathering their touch over the seam.

“May I?” they asked.

“Yes,” I practically begged.

Their finger hooked the seam and pulled it down, exposing my breasts to the cool air. Fern gazed at them, their eyes somehow glowing brighter.

“You are beautiful,” they said.

Before I could respond, they took my nipple into their mouth, rolling over it with their tongue.

“Fern,” I moaned.

“Yes, my sapling?” he asked. “What do you need?”

The endearment warmed me. “You. I need you.”

A deep groan reverberated from them, shaking my kitchen. “You are even sweeter than I expected. Better than any cookie you’ve left for me.”

I laughed. “I thought you liked my cookies,” I said, pretending to be offended.

“I do like them,” they said. “But I think there’s something I’ll enjoy much, much more.”

They dropped to their knees in front of me. Their head perfectly alined with my cunt on the counter.

“Spread yourself for me.”

I did as they asked, opening my thighs as they pushed my skirt up. I wasn’t wearing any undergarments, hoping this would happen.

“Moons, sapling, you’re dripping wet.”

It was true. I had been since the moment they cornered me here. As soon as their tongue touched me I craved more. Their initial taste was tentative, but they let out a groan that vibrated my clit.

“You taste divine,” they said before going back in, much more intentionally this time.

They licked and sucked my clit, rounding it before biting it lightly, and starting the entire process over.

I’d never been eaten out like this before. As if I was dinner served to them on a platter.

I was nearing the edge when I heard a knock on the door. We both froze as I looked at it.

“Just be quiet,” I said lowly to Fern, “they’ll go away.”

The knock came again, louder this time. “Ivy?” Koner’s voice said. “I’ve just come to check on you.”

I grumbled low to myself. Why couldn’t that man take a hint?

Fern stopped and lifted their head to look at me questioningly.

“Keep going,” I whispered. I was so close, and I wasn’t letting Koner take this from me.

Their tongue lashed at me again and I settled back against the counter. Moons, they were good at what they did. I felt myself climbing that edge once more, getting closer and closer to relief.

Knock, knock, knock. “ If you don’t answer I’m coming in, I know you’re in there.”

I let out a long sigh and Fern stopped once again. I sat up and readjusted my dress.

“Let me answer that so I can send him away,” I huffed.

“Of course.” Fern put their hand out and helped me off the counter.

I stomped over to the door and threw it open. “What do you want?” I asked.

He looked shocked at my tone, and probably my disheveled appearance, but I couldn’t care less. “I came to see if you were alright,” he said. “I heard yelling as I was walking up.”

“I’m perfectly fine, now if you’ll excuse me.” I went to shut the door, but he stuck his hand out, keeping it ajar.

“Are you sure? You said you had a guest, but no one in town said they were meeting with you.”

“Why are you checking up on me?” I asked, my anger rising. “I’m not a child who needs looking after.”

He narrowed his gaze. “I was just trying to help,” he insisted. “Women need someone to look after them, and I try to look after you, no matter how stubborn you are.”

“I don’t need—”

“What the fuck?” Koner yelled, stumbling back.

I didn’t know what his problem was until I felt Fern’s large presence behind me. “Is this human bothering you, sapling?” they asked. Their expression was cold, their gaze sent fear through me I’d never felt from them before.

“Ivy! There’s a monster in your house,” Koner yelled, pulling on my hand and yanking me through the door.

“Stop,” I tried, but it was no use. I turned back to Fern who had reached for me, but just barely missed as Koner pulled me out and down the porch steps, towards the path to the town.

“Let me go!” I insisted, trying to pull away, but his grip was too firm.

“We need to get away from that thing,” he snarled. “Do you know what that is? It’s a fae beast, one that will drag you to the forest, never to be seen again.”

That’s kind of the point, I thought.

“Will you stop!?” I said, finally pulling hard enough to make him break. “Fern isn’t dangerous.”

“Fern?” Koner repeated.

“Yes, Fern. We are… friends.” I didn’t feel the need to reveal the true nature of our relationship, despite the fact that I didn’t really know the nature of it either.

“You can’t be friends with a fae being, are you mad? They lie, deceive humans to get them into the woods and eat them, or whatever they do to them. It’s tricking you. Come on, I’ll get you to town and—”

Before he could finish, the ground beneath us began rumbling as roots shot up, twisting around Koner’s arms and legs, rooting him to the spot.

He began screaming and thrashing, pushing me down in the process. I braced myself ready to hit the hard ground. Before I did, however, the same roots attacking Koner caressed my back, catching me and righting me easily before sinking back into the ground.

When I turned, Fern was there. I didn’t think, I just ran into their arms. I didn’t realize before now, but being separated from them made me uneasy and afraid. Now that they were here, I felt centered and calm once again.

I ran to close the small distance between us and jumped into their arms. They caught me easily.

“What took you so long?” I asked.

They wiped a piece of hair from my brow. “I wanted to make sure you had no interest in returning to the humans,” they said. “Wanted to make sure you weren’t just afraid of me and agreed.”

I blinked, anger and confusion filling me. “You don’t trust me? You were testing me?”

“Of course I trust you. I don’t trust me. I am a selfish creature who’s wanted to claim you from the very beginning. Like I said before, I wanted to give you the life you wanted, and I had to make sure I wasn’t ignoring the signs.”

I smiled. “If I didn’t want to be with you, I wouldn’t have come back all these years.”

They kissed me deeply, and it was as if something within me clicked into place. This decision may have seemed impulsive and reckless, but I knew it was right for me.

They pulled away before I was ready. “Let me deal with this human,” Fern said, “then we can get back to what we were doing.”

“Okay,” I whispered.

They set me down and walked over to Koner, who was still dangling there, his mouth covered with a root so he couldn’t speak.

“You will leave Ivy’s land, and never step foot back on it,” Fern said. Their voice was no longer the sweet, rich, deep voice I was used to, now a harsh, growly tone that was meant to be frightening. “I’ve been watching you, Koner James Tove.”

When they said Koner’s full name, the man stopped thrashing around and looked almost dazed. “You won’t tell anyone in town what you saw tonight. If anyone mentions Ivy to you, you will act like you’ve never heard of her. If someone even mentions traveling through the forest, you will insist on staying away. Have I made myself clear.”

Dazed, Koner nodded as much as he could in agreement. The roots fell to the ground, dropping Koner so hard he stumbled before righting himself.

“Now go,” Fern said.

Koner stumbled off, running back towards the town.

I watched the whole thing with my jaw to the ground. Once he was out in the distance, Fern turned back to me.

“What was that?” I asked.

“Just a small perk of being fae,” they said, wrapping me up once again.

“Explain it to me,” I said.

“If a fae knows someone’s full name, they can… control them. Not all the time, but I can give a direct order.”

That made me pause. “So if you knew, for example, my full name, you could do the same to me? Tell me to fall for you?”

They didn’t look apologetic, or defensive like I expected, like most people I knew would have been.

“I was untruthful when we met,” Fern said. “I do have a name. I was not given one by my creator, but the fae are given a true name, one that we’re told in a dream once we’re of age. With a fae’s true name, the same can be done. I can be controlled, ordered to do anything.”

They looked to consider me for a moment. “Mine is Misseldine Doniferous. Now you can, if you so choose, control me.”

I blinked at him. “How do I know you aren’t lying?”

“The fae cannot lie, which I’m sure is common human knowledge, and one of the things that are true.”

Fern was right, I did remember that. “Why would you tell me that?” I asked.

“Because I want you to trust me. To know that I would never do anything to hurt you. I only wish to bring you happiness forever.”

Tears sprung to my eyes. “Has anyone ever told you how sweet you are?” I asked.

“No.” They answered without a hint of sarcasm.

I laughed. “Now what?”

“Now,” Fern started, pulling me close and whispering in my ear. “I hunt you down and show you how happy I could really make you.”

My heart thrummed in my ears as my blood whipped through my veins.

“Hunt?” I asked.

They hummed their confirmation. “I wish to chase you through my woods. Show you what it means to be with a monster. I’ll even give you a head start.”

I pulled away, my eyes wide. “Run, little sapling.”

I did as they asked, without much thought. My feet carried me away from them, to the edge of the woods. When I was young, I spent a lot of time in this forest, and even more time now, foraging for berries and herbs, sometimes looking for Fern out there absentmindedly. Though I couldn’t see them, I knew they were always there, watching me.

As my feet thumped against the dense, snow covered ground, I knew Fern was there, watching me.

When the snow fell, it made the world quiet, and that included the woods, making the sound of my harsh breath and beating heart all I could hear.

I made it to the clearing I was at earlier in the day foraging. There was a stream further up I could hear, but all else was silent. I didn’t want to be fully exposed while I took a moment to catch my breath, so I leaned up next to a tree, figuring out where to go next. I didn’t hear any snow crunching around, so I thought I had a moment to rest. I was also getting cold without a jacket, and needed to go inside soon.

I screamed as I felt soft vines wrap up my arms and yank them above my head, pinning me to the tree. The roots weren’t painful, but they were firm. I gave an experimental tug, but they didn’t budge. I was also surprised to find the tree felt very warm, as if giving off heat.

A few moments later, Fern appeared, their green eyes glowing in the dark forest.

“This little trick of yours makes this a bit unfair, don’t you think?” I chided playfully.

“I think it makes it all the more fun.” They stalked towards me. I wriggled helplessly, but it was no use.

“You’re cute like this,” they said. “All helpless, at my will. I’ve dreamed of this for a long time, and I plan to take my time with you.”

I whined. “Then do it already.”

Fern was finally close enough to touch me, trailing a finger down my chest, just barely shy of my breasts. “Impatient little thing.”

They pulled my neckline down, exposing me once again. Though the air was cool, between the heated tree, their body, and my own desire, it felt as if I was set ablaze.

“I will never tire of these.” They took my large breast in their hand, squeezing it gently. Their tongue came down over my nipple, flicking it before sucking a bit too hard. Then they moved to the other, giving it the same treatment as they flicked the first with their thumb.

“Please, please touch me,” I begged. Their teasing was driving me insane.

“Whatever you need, sapling.” They reached up with both hands and ripped my dress straight down the middle, leaving me fully bare.

Fern took a step back, looking at me from head to toe. “You are the most gorgeous creature I’ve ever laid my eyes on.”

Moons, no one had ever talked about me that way, and it made me want them even more.

Vines moved until a few wrapped around my middle and my legs, making me feel supported as I was flipped, my entire body turned until my head was lowered and my feet were in the air.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Getting ready for my meal,” they said, running a finger through my exposed pussy. “But don’t worry, I have something for you too.”

As I looked back in front of me my eyes widened. I was looking at a cock unlike any I’d seen before. It was large and wide. There looked to be no normal, blunt tip, but many ridges that looked like wrapped together vines ending in a single, tapered end.

I leaned in and took an experimental lick, feeling all the ridges. It was just like the rest of him. Though it looked like it would be a hard tree-like texture, it was pliable and warm. When I went in this time, I suckled on the tip a bit, earning a drop of pre-come. I was surprised to find it was sweet, tasting almost like maple syrup.

Craving more, I took them deeper, almost hitting the back of my throat.

“Yes, just like that, sapling,” they moaned.

I had them to the back of my throat when they finally lapped their tongue over my clit. I tried to moan, but was muffled by their cock.

They licked and sucked my cunt in quick succession. With all the blood rushing to my head and the lack of air I was getting from sucking their cock so deeply, I was getting close very quickly.

I moaned around them, trying to urge them on, make them go faster, but I wasn’t able to talk.

“Moons, you taste sweet,” they said, their mouth never leaving me.

Their tongue left my clit, dipping into my cunt and fucking me hard. Yes. This was what I needed. Their tongue was long and reached places I couldn’t even reach with my own fingers.

They rubbed against that sensitive spot within me, and I cried out, the vibrations going straight to their cock. I felt it pulse, and knew they were close as well.

“You liked that, didn’t you?” Fern asked, dipping their tongue inside me once more and fucked me without abandon. As they did, their hips began to move, fucking my mouth as well, bringing themself closer and closer to pleasure.

They lapped at my sensitive spot once more and I shattered. I cried out in ecstasy, as every nerve ending burst with pleasure.

As a final wave of pleasure washed over me, Fern thrust into my mouth once more before coming, sending mouthful after mouthful of cum down my throat. It was that same sweet, maple flavor, and I gulped down as much as I could, not wanting to waste a drop.

When they were finished, they pulled from my mouth gently and let the vines right me, facing me back up slowly so I didn’t get lightheaded.

Once I was face up, they planted their lips on mine. The kiss tasted like the two of us, and I was thoroughly addicted.

I was still balanced on the vines, almost sitting now, lined up perfectly with their member. Their still hard cock brushed my thigh and I leaned into it, craving more. They grumbled their appreciation at the friction I provided, pushing against me even harder.

I needed them to fuck me like I needed my next breath. I pulled up and wrapped my legs around them until I was firmly locked to them.

“I want to bury my cock inside of you,” they slurred, sounding drunk on lust.

“I need that, fuck me. Claim me. Make me yours.”

It was as if the entire forest groaned. The trees shook and the wind whipped hard, though it wasn’t cold.

The tip of their cock lined up with my entrance. “Relax for me, Ivy, let me in.”

I took a deep breath as they pushed into me. Their cock felt even larger than it looked, stretching me beyond what I thought possible. I felt every ridge pushing on my insides, making me feel almost too full, but so right.

Once they were about halfway in, they pulled out slightly before sinking back in a bit further. Fern’s fingers came down and started toying with my clit, making me wetter and easier to slide into.

We continued this rhythm until they were sunk all the way in. My eyes squeezed shut as my body adjusted. They kissed my forehead, relaxing the wrinkles that formed between my brows.

“You’re doing such a good job taking me. You feel so fucking good.”

I shifted a bit, finally feeling comfortable enough to move. “Fuck me, Fern. I’m ready.”

Fern pulled all the way out before sinking back into me, slowly all the way back down. They continued this slow, agonizing rhythm. Making me feel every inch each time. The wrapping vines pushed on all my sensitive spots, making my lower spine tingle every time.

Though their speed never increased, their movements because harder as they snapped into me with an extra bit of force. Fern’s fingers found my clit once more and circled it.

My only other experience had been very quick and frantic, with the snap of his hips being quick and without rhythm. This was much different. Fern was methodical and intentional, making me feel every part of them.

The build of this orgasm was so slow, it almost snuck up on me. “I’m gonna come,” I gasped, almost surprised by the feeling.

“Come around my cock, sapling. Let me know how good I made you feel.”

A few more thrusts and I felt myself tighten around them as my orgasm pulled me under. This one was more fervent than the first. Though it was a slower, less frantic build, it felt like everything that had happened that night had built to this one moment, As soon as it came crashing down, I was able to let go and losemyself to it.

It felt as if I had blacked out for a moment, and when I came to Fern was there, grinning at me slightly. “Did you like that?” they asked.

“I loved it.”

“Good. Now it’s my turn.”

They were still inside of me, and they thrust in deeper, their pace picking up as they chased their own pleasure. This pushed me from one orgasm into the next until they finally froze within me and their warm, sticky cum filled my insides.

My entire body felt limp, held up only by the roots. They fell away as Fern took me into their arms, lifting me easily. I closed my eyes and let them carry me into the clearing, and lay us down with me bundled on their chest.

“Isn’t the snow uncomfortable?” I mumbled.

“I cleared a patch with Oberen leaves,” they explained.

I cracked an eye open and reached down. Sure enough, there was a patch of red leaves below us that felt warmer than they should, and slightly damp from melted snow. “Why are all the plants warm?” I asked. First the tree, now the leaves.

“They’re thermogenic plants. They can create heat. Add a bit of magic to it, and I can use them to keep my little human mate warm.”

I smiled. “Is there anything you can’t do?”

“I don’t think so, but I’ll let you know if I find something,” they said with a sly grin.

I liked seeing this playful side of Fern. I hoped to find all sides of them as we spent more time together.

As I fell asleep, I couldn’t help but think that this was the best Yule I’d ever had.

I awoke the next morning, stretching my arms above my head before wrapping my covers around me and nestling back in.

Wait.

I shot up and looked around. I was sleeping in my bed, in my pajamas, alone.

“Was last night a dream?” I asked out loud. Everything in my house was quiet as normal, no sounds of large, dryad footsteps.

I launched up and ran into the living room. Empty. I was convinced it couldn’t have been a dream. I knew Fern was real, I knew yesterday was real.

I threw my door open and had to hold my hand up to block the sun bouncing from the snow. It looked to be fresh, so there were no tracks. My door faced the tree line, and it looked the same as it did yesterday morning. No glowing eyes.

I slid on the house slippers I had sitting there and ran out, my body falling through the snow to my calves.

“Fern?” I called out.

No response.

“Fern!” I called louder, frustration rolling through me. Though I knew last night wasn’t a dream, so was it all a farce? Was Fern playing a trick on me? Was Koner right?

As I stood in the freezing snow, I jumped when a blanket was dropped around me.

When I turned to see where it came from, Fern stood there, a slight smirk on their face. “What are you doing out here with so little clothing?” they asked. “You get cold.”

I sighed a breath of relief, the fog coming from it clouding my vision of them for a moment. I jumped into their arms, letting them catch me. “Where were you?” I asked. “I woke up and you were gone.”

“Sorry, sapling, I don’t need to sleep as you do, and I had something planned for the morning.”

While I was glad they didn’t flee into the night, I was curious what they were up to. “What plans?”

They winked playfully at me. Seeing them in the full light of day like this made me warm, even in this chilled air.

“I’ll show you.” They continued to hold me, wrapped the blanket a bit tighter before leading us towards the path to town.

I was confused until I saw it. Around the area the path used to lead was now covered in a dense forest all the way across, wrapping back around to the tree line, encircling my cabin in.

“What did you do?” I asked in awe.

“I thought it would be best to keep the other humans out,” they said. “I can always let you back in if you wish to go, but that way we can have our space, and you can keep your cottage.”

“This is so sweet,” I said. “And I don’t really need to go into town. I can catch whatever I need from the forest. I only go to get recharged magestones.”

“Ah, well I can charge them easily.”

“Again, nothing you can’t do.”

They smiled at me. “Would you like to go back home? I’ve seen you eat in the morning and I’m sure you need sustenance after last nights activates.”

“I would love that,” I said, kissing them briefly.

They walked me back and set me down in front of the door. When I led them in, I noticed the mistetoe I’d hung the day before still above the kitchen entryway.

“Come here,” I said.

Fern came easily, wrapping themselves around me. “Yes?”

“We’re under the mistletoe again,” I said with a grin.

“Indeed, we are,” they said. “I think that means we must kiss.”

“I think so too.”

They pressed a kiss to my lips, and I melted for them. Though I couldn’t truly predict the future, I was sure we would now spend every Yule just like this.