((Just me. This is my first and is probably going to be my only fanfic. I got the idea while working on something else and decided it would make a good distraction. It has now taken over. Just to warn you this will be a long one (did not start out that way) but I want to do it right. I have several chapters awaiting proofreading and I will make every effort to finish this. Thanks for checking out my story.))

*** I do not own or any of the characters or plotlines of the Hellboy movies or comics as my own original work. I'm just a fan. ****

Chapter One

White moonlight drifted through the bare branches of the late autumn trees illuminating the floor of the ancient forest. A group of five stood just inside the protective ring of trunks out of sight of the glowing windows of the recently built keep and growing city. Mud paths were quickly being transformed into paved roads ahead of the winter's cold. Nuada seethed as he watched the sprawl progressively eat away at the edges of his home. His father, King Balor, had insisted that they wait for replies to the missives he had sent to the lord and the king reminding them of the treaty and the boundaries. No answer had come. He had not thought for a moment that it ever would but his father had still given them time to respond. So his anger simmered while he watched a hollow that a group of fairies called home be cut down for fire wood and pasture, watched as various fey creatures fleed past him, deeper into Bethmora as axes destroyed their homes for kindling, watched as they pleaded for the king to do something, and watched while the king counseled patience. Now there was this. The black leather gloves creaked in his tightening fist as he surveyed the ring of stumps surrounding a muddy hole. Sheep dung was scattered everywhere. Once there had been a sacred grove surrounding a spring whose waters had been prized for their healing properties. His eyes narrowed. Now it was nothing more than a befouled pit, unfit even for the sheep to drink from. "Let us see what you do now father. Now that they have destroyed one of our hallowed sites."

Courtiers backed out of the prince's path in haste when they heard his angry steps approaching. Dressed in full black armor, a dark cape billowing behind him Nuada cut an imposing sight. He strode purposefully in the direction of the throne room where the king was holding court, fully intent on making him see reason when he spotted her and stopped short. The fierceness in his amber eyes faded.

"Nuala?"

"It has been a while, brother."

It was good to see her hesitant smile again. "Months. When did you get back?" He did not know how she did it but seeing her always put him in a better mood.

"Just today. Father called me home." Her brow creased as she got closer to him. She could feel his banked fury. "What is wrong?" She looked at him more closely. "Why are you in armor?"

He opened his mouth to tell her about the humans when the Chamberlain butted in. "Excuse me your highnesses," he said in his sorrowful sing-song voice, "but King Balor would like to see the prince now."

Nuada's temper roared to life again as quickly as it had gone. He glared at the cringing Chamberlain before turning back to his sister. "I'm sure we'll talk after." He leaned in and kissed her gently on the cheek. "It's good to see you again sister." He made for the door but his way was barred by the wide swords of the raven headed guardsmen.

The hunched Chamberlain knotted and flexed his long jointed fingers. "Forgive me sire but you will have to enter without your weapons."

Annoyed Nuada quickly stripped the baldric from his waist and the spear from his back and thrust them into the Chamberlain's unexpecting arms before turning on his heel and entering the throne room. Courtiers lined either side of the isle leading to his father. Some shot him curious looks, some disapproving. He ignored all of them focusing soley on the elderly elf sitting on the throne in front of him. His father's age had slowly begun to change his appearance. The king had let his previously short cropped bead grow long. Strands of white hair now outnumbered the blond, but he still looked regal. Nuada bowed gracefully to him.

"Why are you in armor my son?"

"The humans have gone too far yet again father. They are not leaving their settlement. Quiet the opposite. They have fortified it with a keep and building permanent roads. They are expanding. Not only has their greed consumed a large tract of the forest, ousting dozens of fey but now they have destroyed Danau's Grove and the spring that stood there."

He watched as King Balor straightened in shock. "Have we heard back from our emissaries?" He asked the Chamberlain who stood at the back just outside the chamber clutching Nuada's weapons.

"No sire," he called, "Shall I send another messenger?"

Nuada suppressed the urge to scream in frustration. It took great effort to keep his voice steady and calm. "Father we have already sacrificed enough to the humans for the sake of a peace which they do not care to uphold. How much more must we lose before we act?"

King Balor stared at his son for a long moment. Nuala squirmed at the exchange. The tension between her father and brother had been getting worse lately. She did not know how her brother could stand the silence of their father's unwavering gaze. The king sighed in regret and looked away from his only son. "We have indulged the humans over much. They have trespassed on our land and taken advantage of our forbearance. They need to know our patience is not without limits." He returned his gaze to his son. "You will assemble a force. Destroy the keep, make it clear we will fight for what's ours but go no further. Not all humans are like this one man. King Gilroy might yet be unaware of his servant's work."

Nuada did not voice his doubts to the last part as he bowed again to his father. It was, after all, at least a step in the right direction.