Freedom

Snip took human form most of the time, moving close to the target while they were at ease. Over time, he was less about mischief and more about freedom, his puckish ways turning into a preoccupation with release. "The heart and mind may bind themselves," Snip explained to the fairy court, "although self-entrapment is rarely the intention." They had also been fascinated, and agreed to tolerate his activities as long as he brought interesting stories back. "I exist to cut the ties that bind, Your Majesties," Snip had said (bowing low). "This is very much exactly that and nothing else." He had severed connections to toxic people, devastating reliance on potions and powders, ridiculous financial restrictions, and fibers of guilt and shame that had been tightly woven through living tissue. "Ah ... here we are," Snip whispered, drawing near to someone in the park who was very close to being lost in memory forever. Floating just behind them, Snip worked his magic quickly. "Happy independence," the fairy cooed, sensing a deep cleansing breath waiting in the chest for its moment.