Again thanks a lot to those who reviewed and commented to my story. I love you guys! Compliments, critics or the usual bantering, it doesn't matter. Each review is dear to me.

It is a lot of fun to write for you and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did when I created it. Remember to vote for a name (Freya, Hedwig, Hildegard, Lorelei, Leonore or Luise). While we are at names, are you guys certain that the demonic flute doesn't have a name? I am quite convinced that it had one in the anime.

Chapter 4: Farnheim, sweet Farnheim

The morning was hectic and ended just as swift as it came and right after breakfast the young king escaped to a remote balcony to start the first part of the plan. Without wasting a moment he placed the embouchure of the demon flute to his lips and started to play. In the beginning the tune was soft, but rose with each new note until it filled the castle. The melody was simple in itself but full of life and joy. Yuuri felt the pull of the demon flute, felt the ebbing of his power, but just like the first times it was difficult to stop the rhythm. It was so easy to get lost in his thoughts and in the magical tunes, so simple to blend out the world and all his worries. The clear blue sky darkened and the soft rumbling of thunder and the promise of rain added their own accent to the melody, giving the song a melancholy nature. The young king did not even realize the changes like the heavy clouds above him and he neither grasped the fact that he was soaked to the skin even before he finished the first part.

The double-black was snapped out of his thoughts the moment a warm hand and a towel wrapped around his neck and pulled him gently behind the glass-doors. After a moment of being without his sense of orientation Yuuri recognized Wolframs face. He turned his head to the window and when he saw the dark clouds and the fat drops of water, he smiled radiantly to the fire-user. Wolfram returned the gesture, but ushered the double-black back to their room to finish the last preparation for their departure and to get some dry clothes.

An hour later the nobles made their way to the stables. The rain had subdued and only few drops kept hitting the ground. Yuuri wore his usual brown contact lenses and had dyed his hair reddish-brown. As always the double-black was quite unhappy to leave without his original look, but in this one case his advisors did not bend. It was necessary, but still it felt kind of wrong to hide from his subjects. Even if part of them knew his features by heart by now.

He took Ao's reins and pulled the gentle mare to the gate. With only minimal difficulties he mounted the horse and fell into a swift gallop along with his betrothed and Conrart. A troop of soldier trailed in a respectful but short distance behind them. The company was rather small but at least skilled in combat and loyal. Some of these men belonged to Sir Voltaire, but it had been decided to let them accompany their king rather then to leave them behind along with their captain.

From the nobles Gwendal and Günther had been elected to stay behind in case of emergencies and to hold court. Yuuri was glad to have evaded this ungrateful task. The young king was just and always strode for the best of his subjects, but in trials all those involved seemed to leave with a sour mood if things turned out rather well. It would probably take more time to get used to it.

In small groups the cavalry rode into the capital to get supplies and to give new orders to the stationed soldiers. While being in the city, Yuuri listened more than once about his nearing wedding with Wolfram. The citizens were happy and they already planned what they would do on the day of the event. The Soukukou did not know how to feel - he was glad, excited, hopeful and yet scared. Sure he had improved greatly when it came to dealing with the ex-prince and he had also learnt to touch and be touched by him. For heavens sake, they had kissed shyly after waking up this morning, but he still felt like some virgin offered to the gods. Yuuri felt his face heat up at the thought. The virgin part was true. The double-black started to wonder if the blush on his face had started to become a permanent feature by now. Murata would never let him live it down if it had. Wolfram on the other hand was for once obvious and seemed to revel in the gossip. The Mazoku-prince was cheerful no matter how much the merchants wanted for their goods. Yuuri guessed that the blonde was so far gone that he did not notice that half of their supplies were not to the spoiled prince's usual taste. The young king was smart enough to keep his mouth closed.

When the first citizens started to have lunch, the demons left the capital and rode in the direction of the nearest north-eastern border. It would only take half a day if they made haste. It would definitely not be an enjoyable ride, but at least they would have time to prepare for battle once they arrived.

Yuuri watched how the scenery swam by as he rode over the small hills and plains, bypassing two farms and a small town. Humans could say whatever they wanted, Shin Makoku was a gem and even now in times of crisis it held itself up full of pride and dignity. In fact the country seemed radiant. Especially since his ceremony, now he felt as if everything around him was more alive than it had been in the past. He could sense the magical processes rather than getting merely a hunch. Now he felt how his magic circulated in his body, it felt foreign but familiar. The feeling reminded Yuuri about lovers in these sap stories, who were parted for decades just to meet each other again. Granted, it was but a vague description for what he experienced, but the double-black could not think of another more fitting comparison. It was a part of him, had always been, but he hadn't been aware of that fact until he woke from his fever. Now he intended to take full use of his powers and once they made it back to the castle he would take some magic lessons to strengthen his magic. He wanted to find his limits and to strenghten them. Maybe he could get Wolfram to teach him more about magic. The green-eyed beauty was talented and when it came to the young king he had the patience of a saint. Just the temper was that of an edgy bull.

But before he indulged himself in his studies he would have to go through some records. The double-black had told no one, but he had sensed something off in the direction they were heading to. It was not the weather – which had taken tropical dimensions, but something else. It felt like a call, as if something was about to happen and somehow he knew he had to make it there in time. The pull was not addressed to him; it was more like a wild call into the world. Those who were able to hear should come, that was what it felt like, what the young king understood with his feelings alone, even if his mind did not. But why he was aware of this, he did not know and that made him nervous. The intenseness of the pull increased slowly with each hour and soon he would find out exactly what was going on. The Soukukou did not utter a single word to the blonde, who rode next to him. Wolfram has always been very protective of him and once he would learn about the new unknown they were heading to, he would immediately order the closest soldiers to bring the double-black into the next village and to guard/babysit him.

Time passed and Yuuri was sore from riding for hours and once the light faded, he experienced his first outdoor manoeuvre in the army. The cavalry had ridden through a forest when the sun had started to set. The dim light of the moon was hardly enough to illuminate the path they were following, but the soldiers did not seem to mind. When the light disappeared completely within in the roof of the forest, the soldiers also did not stop, but merely kept a slower pace. They used small red torches, which casted deep shadows along their way. Yuuri could only the see the pavement and was glad that his mare was so well trained. All horses seemed to cope well with the darkness just like their riders. Especially Ao seemed more alive, when she was hidden within the darkness.

The double-black did not know for how long the group rode through the darkness. Besides the tramping of the hoofs nothing could be heard. Even his own breathing and heartbeat seemed to have tuned down until he could no longer hear himself. It truly felt like they were alone in the world. The double-blacks eyes scanned over what he could make out of the other riders. Wolfram still rode dutifully next to him and caught his glance. He smiled and mouthed 'not long' to the younger male. Yuuri understood. And it seemed like the blonde was proved right not much later. The trail seemed to get broader and the number of trees receded. Yuuri could hear some animals far behind him and then the soldiers broke through the coppice and into the open field. The travellers stopped to survey the area then tore onward.

In the distance Yuuri could see the village. It was called Farnheim and was pretty famous for their healers, their cooks as well as various spices. It was placed within a small man-made forest and was a popular travel destination for vacations. Within the black shadows of the trees multi-coloured light seemed to float. The lights were soft and turned the secluded but rich village into an ethereal haven for weary travellers and sick alike. Hundreds of small gardens and cute little cottages seemed to stretch into all directions and only added to the peaceful appearance. What seemed a little out of place were the four small mansions in light-blue colouring, one at the centre of the village and the others surrounding it and the gardens.

The soldiers rode without fanfare along the gardens onto the main-street of the village. They slowed their horses and trotted into the dwelling of healers. Once they entered Farnheim Yuuri was not the only one mesmerized by its beauty and elegance. Among the soldiers were many who had never laid eyes on this place and were amazed by the sheer feel of it. Even the proud Wolfram could not help himself and sighed longingly at the atmosphere. Conrart merely smiled pleased and ordered to dismount and to walk on foot the remaining distance. The smell surrounding them was light and sweet and reminded the double-black of the palace gardens. He felt immediately at home. The colourful flecks of light turned to out to be glass-lanterns in hundreds of soft colours. The people that greeted them along the way wore longer robes in matching soft colours. The few patients that were still out taking a walk all wore pure white robes, that reminded the double-black painfully on his 'half-dress' from his ceremony.

Ulrike herself was supposed to come from this village and it did not surprise Yuuri in the least. These people were not soldiers; their eyes shimmered with kindness and knowledge just like those of the shrine-maiden. The moment the trained men made it to the inn they were smothered with attention. The people lived secluded and were curious about any small change that may have occurred in the world. They hungered for gossip and some of the soldiers were more than happy to let themselves be treated to some snacks and to a conversation. Especially for their captain had not given them orders to keep to themselves. Conrart's hand landed on the royal couple's shoulders and he directed them quickly in the direction of the house when a clear and loud voice flashed through the murmurs of the soldiers and the citizens with a single name.

"Conrad!" The group of healers and farmers parted and revealed a woman at the end of her forties. Her hair was an intense pink and braided down to her waist and in her slightly aged eyes swam merriment and wisdom alike. "Conrad" she repeated and strode towards the group of travellers in swift and determined steps, before throwing her hands around the tall man's waist. Even on her tiptoes she barely reached Conrat's chin, but when her arms closed around the soldier, Yuuri could see the tall man being lifted up a little. The fact that something in his body seemed to crunch at the attention did not seem to faze Conrart, while some of the soldiers looked a little freaked out.

"It's nice to see you again Marianna. You haven't changed at all." The brown-haired half-demon said once his feet were back on solid ground.

"You haven't either. I told you to call me Mari. I'm not old enough to be in need of honorific and I do not like the full-name basis." She answered, a wide smile dancing over her features. The young king's eyes shifted over her form, taking in the kind of person she was and judging her as much as he could. The female's behaviour was good-natured, but her strong eyes, the noble clothing in light-blue and her natural authority displayed that she was highly respected in this area.

The elderly female's attention shifted from the visitors to something behind them. She tip-toed lightly and her eyes scanned over the mass of heads hovering in front of her, when she spotted the inn-keeper. "Gerhard, these soldiers are my guests. I asked for their assistance due to the bandits. Make certain they won't regret coming to us, the bill is on me" she shouted with amusement. Her words were rewarded by cheers by the exhausted soldiers and without delay the men swarmed the tavern. Many of the villagers followed their example, to giddy to continue whatever they were doing before the sudden visit.

Gerhard barked for some of his children to gather the horses and to bring them into the stables and before long the troops and the horses were gone from sight. Swallowed by the night, and the happy chattering filling the air. The only ones remaining were Yuuri, Wolfram, Conrart and Marianna. The light-grey eyes of the energetic female seemed to search in their faces before she nodded to herself. When she continued her voice was more neutral but still had a happy edge to it. She asked them to follow her to her place and to keep a low profile, to not disrupt the sick's rest.

As they treaded deeper into the village Yuuri took in the general situation of the village. He had read about it, but seeing it was definitely different from being told or reading about it in some old scroll. But no matter how much he focused on the surroundings he could not ignore the eyes he felt on his person. The young king was aware that his guide kept throwing glances in his direction. The double-black was certain that the female didn't want to harm him, but it was a little annoying to be eyed like some animal in a circus. The fact that the feeling had increased and then just disappeared was not helping his mood. The youngster hardly realized how they entered a rather large house, with tiny carvings in the wooden doors and light-blue dots painted on the walls.

Marianna opened the door and invited them all in. The inside was decorated simple, but lovingly. The furniture was covered with vases and baskets full of flowers and herbs, while the ground was covered with a soft carpet - yet again with a blue colouring. It seemed to be the theme for the entire house – or village. When Marianna closed the door behind them a man entered the room.

"Mari! About time ye made it back. I already thought ye we-" his words stopped when he spotted their guests. The man who had come out from the shadows reminded Yuuri a little of these models found in magazines, where man presented the fashion for the next season and for the bureaus. The only difference was his choice of clothing and the fact that he looked as if he had fallen head first in a bush. The huge male did not really match with the tiny woman, especially if one considered their age. But if they were happy no one should intrude.

"Hush Glenn, it's not that late. Beside what has happened to you? Were you asked to watch the children?" the woman laughed.

With slight irritation he answered that one of horses got spooked and managed to make it for a run, only to get stuck in some bushes. He was the only one around with enough strength to pull the animal out of its prison. Once he finished talking about his little adventure he asked if the visitors were the soldiers, they had been expecting.

Marianna's eyes wandered from the dishevelled man to her guests. Then she introduced them to each other "Corad, this tall beauty is my husband Glenn. Glenn, this is an old friend of mine. His name is Conrart. I have told you about my time in the temple, where I had met him." She paused and looked into the two younger's faces, before she continued "Now let's see, this young blonde should be his brother Wolfram and if I am not mistaken then the other boy should be his majesty Yuuri."

Glenn's smoke-like eyes widened until they seemed to reach the roots of his red hair in surprise. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times before he snapped himself out of it with a small and clumsy bow and a murmured "Welcome". He seemed to be shy, even if he was huge like a bear and looked like a young businessman.

He was not the only one caught off guard. Yuuri had a similar reaction - his was merely more controlled. Meanwhile Wolfram was busy reaching for his sword, but was subdued by a stern glance from his brother. The blonde seemed to pout, before he crossed his arms and looked warily from his brother to Marianna. His body half covering Yuuri's slim form.

It was Conrart, who mouthed what probably everyone thought "How would you know my little brother or his majesty, Mari? You have never met them and I've never shown you pictures."

Marianna waved him off with the words "True, but I have treated Lady Cherie many years ago. It's hard to forget somebody like her and I have heard that her son Wolfram looked strikingly like her." Inwardly Yuuri agreed with the tiny woman. Then she continued "The fact that he came here with you, unlike the other soldier, is also proof enough for me. As for the young king, well it was merely a guess, but I am convinced to be right. He has the right age and looks quite cute. Furthermore he is accompanied by two great warriors and last but not least he has managed to get himself involved in quite the tricky situation. Shin Makoku's king is quite famous for his 'reckless travelling'. You see, even we, who live so secluded, know some gossip. Have I forgotten something?" she asked slyly and with a big smile on her lips.

Yuuri smiled sheepishly and answered "I think you mentioned everything, but I am a little surprised by what people seem to remember about me." It earned him a soft laugh from the energetic pinkette. Glenn also chuckled a little, it seemed like he had also heard of his common-known description. The little giant said simply "It's nothing to be ashamed of your Majesty. Shin Makoku probably has the greatest king in the world and we take great pride in this little detail."

"Told you it would be better for you to stay at home. How about this: The next time the troops work incognito you will stay at the castle." Wolfram whispered annoyed to his future-husband. Yuuri choose to not reply to the blonds 'suggestion'. Conrart seemed to have heard his brother's words and his smile brightened lightly before he asked for what they had come to this building.

Surprisingly it was Glenn who supplied them with an answer. "You have probably heard that soon the bandits will come here. And from past events we are certain that they have a source of information within our village. We fear that some of our patients are connected with these lowlifes. That is why none of you three, especially you your Majesty, should stay at a public place for too long. It would be best if you stayed with us. We have some spare rooms we would like to offer you for your stay."

"What makes you think that there are bandits among your patient? Couldn't it be a mere coincidence?" Yuuri voiced his doubt.

Marianne shook her head. Her voice was sober and neutral when she muttered "Sadly its not. About a week ago things started harmlessly. A single bandit came and stole some goods from one of our travelling merchants. Then the next day three of them appeared and assaulted a wealthy young man. For some reason they knew that this man was one of our regulars and which route he preferred when coming here. And yesterday, some of our healers including myself were robbed, when we went out collecting herbs in the surrounding lands. You must know that our collecting grounds are always in different places, so to find us this easily they had to know where we were beforehand." the woman's eyes lost some of their light and made her look her actual age. She faced Conrart when she said the next words "None of these events were enjoyable, but three days ago we started to get really scared. A village far in the east of here send us a letter via pigeon. They wrote that a large group of unidentified armed men were heading in our direction. Up to this moment all raids happened in the surrounding lands, but if they decide to attack us our city will be overrun. Those who could leave have done so, but many of us do not wish or are unable to leave this place. That is why we are hoping for your assistance in this stressful summer."

Conrart nodded in understanding and also the two younger had grasped how dire the situation was. Farnheim was a place created for the sick. There were no soldiers to protect this place and no borders to shield it against any attack. Additionally the inhabitants were normally spared from most if not all attacks and were overstrained with the situation. Conrarts eyes hardened when he said "We will receive these criminals in a fitting manner and protect your patients."

Wolfram added "And while we wait for them, we will scan the area and dig out the thieves that should have their base somewhere around here."

Yuuri finished their little speech "I've got no objections, but we will need your support for we have little time and these lands are unfamiliar to us."

The pair looked relieved and immediately gave their consent. Glenn left and returned later with a small map and together they made plans for the coming days.

- AN -

You know, using these old German names sure is very enjoyable. This story in general is a lot of fun to write. Especially these minor characters have wormed their way into my heart ^^

Personally I already think of "To Cherish" as a very good story (is this arrogance?) and I try to write it in a way that should please many of the fans/you.

Just so you know Farnheim is not part of the original series. I created the village and all inhabitants for myself and to experiment a little.