Traveling by Storm by Darque Queen 7

Disclaimer: Second verse, same as the first. 'Tin Man' and its characters are not mine…pooh. Valoria is though…and a few of the other new ones I bring in soon…

Chapter 7: The Emerald City

She awoke before dawn, it was still early – only one sun was peaking over the horizon. She turned to her side to look at him - her Immortal One. "Ambrose," she whispered softly. He was sleeping far more deeply than he had in the beginning. He would whisper in her ear how much she meant to him every night; she loved the fact that the prim and proper Queen's Advisor was a true romantic at heart. Some mornings he would be the first to rise, nuzzling her cheek with his nose, kissing the back and side of her neck. She had explained to him that for her, that was a HUGE turn-on. He made sure that he did it every time after that.

She studied him carefully in the dawning light. His eyelids, shaded as they were gave his eyes the protection they would require from the bright winter glare of the suns shining on snow. His skin, light; again to protect it in winter, but his eyes were dark brown. Saint Peter! No, that isn't right. Why? Why is his skin so light and mine dark? And dark eyes for both of us… She sighed – another question to be answered by the Woods People as she absent-mindedly touched the medallion of Saint Peter around her neck.

Father, she mused, wondering what he and The Emporium were doing at that moment. It was the end of carnival season; they would be breaking down the camp and packing to start the trip to the Winter Lands, as her father called them. She looked up to the lightening of the tent; to the rising of the twin suns – and felt the comfort of the green. As much as she missed her father, she knew she would never leave the O.Z.; as her father told her a year before. Father, thank you for loving and believing in me. May the Saint watch over you as you have had him watch over me.

She smiled softly as she ran her hand against Ambrose's face softly. At this moment, she was at true peace. "Home really is where the heart is," she whispered softly as she ran her hand through his ink-black hair. She kissed him tenderly on his lips then rose to begin her day.

It had been ten days since they had started sleeping together – and Ambrose swore he had never felt a deeper peace. He heard her outside of the tent preparing breakfast for everyone. He never thought a woman performing domestic duties could turn him on so. He smiled as he got up and began rolling up the bedding. They would be hitting the last settlement/town today before really roughing it. He hoped this place had a proper inn. He wanted to give Valoria a night off from cooking for everyone. Although no one designated the cooking as her job, she took to it very easily.

Ambrose smiled as he remembered two nights earlier when they were startled by the crack of a rifle being fired four times. Ambrose merely waved the guards into standing down. Valoria and a few of her prized long guns were gone. Twenty minutes later she walked back into camp with four rabbits, skinned and ready for stew. Three hours later, a very happy and full guard detail set up perimeter watch and everyone else went to sleep.

Except for the two of them.

At night, before the camp fire the pair of them would face each other, sitting on the ground cross-legged and meditate; listening to the stillness and green of the world around them. They began to understand the song of the streams and rivers – of the woods around them. Ambrose reveled in the fact that he was discovering he was at peace in the woods, that he wasn't deficient; that his discomfort at being back with the Royal Family wasn't something wrong with him. Throughout all of his childhood and adult life, he believed his place was to be at the palaces of the Royal Family at the side of the Queen that was – and the Queens that would come after.

But last night he realized his place was here – in the woods; his true home…with Valoria at his side. He would return to the castle…collect his inventions and take them away with him to the woods. Maybe one day he would return to the Royals…perhaps when DeeGee and Wyatt had their first child, or when Az and Jeb had theirs…

"Az and Jeb," Valoria said suddenly. Ambrose started. "DeeGee and Cain will want to wait for a bit. DeeGee thinks she's a little too young, Cain thinks Jeb will mind too much, Jeb thinks the whole thing is bloody hilarious." Valoria simply smiled as she turned to Ambrose, opening one eye. "You really need to learn how to think such thoughts a little more quietly."

He smiled at that memory…and then his smile positively turned into a wolf's grin as he realized that tonight he and Valoria could be sleeping in a bed at an inn. His desire for her of late had only increased; he had felt foolish going into a jewelry shop in Central City when they went through on their fourth day; but after he made his purchases he knew it was the right choice. The guards were going to the Royal Compound for provisions and Valoria was just taking in the sights when he told her to meet him at a restaurant in twenty minutes and to get a table for them; he was going to do a bit of shopping. He purchased a beautiful yet sturdy silver necklace for her medallion and presented it to her at dinner. He would never forget the way her eyes lit up for him. The other gift he had held onto until now.

He was still looking for the right moment to present it to her…

"Tonight," he whispered as he finished his morning ablutions. "Tonight I'll ask her to be mine. Tonight – I'll make her mine…forever."

He then remembered when they came upon his family home four days before. The house had been abandoned for so long that they camped outside rather than take a chance within its' dilapidated confines. Valoria was distressed at its' appearance. He remembered the look of abject horror on her face as she looked at the state of the small chateau, its' stables and carriage house behind it.

"Oh, Ambrose," she said softly. "Why does it feel so sad here?"

"Perhaps because…it always felt that way here," he answered matter-of-factly. "This was the land of my father and his people. I've always wondered what it was my mother saw in him. She was the one that brought any happiness to this place. My father…well, he was a hard man. She is buried in the family graveyard in the grove behind the estate.

"When she passed…my father and I never had a good relationship to begin with. We…never had any common ground. My mother was his wife – and she was the glue that bound our small family together. When she left us, I was 25 and the Queen Lavender Eyes' Royal Advisor. Az…Az was already the Witch's captive, DeeGee was five annuals gone. I was with the Queen a few years later when Az took Central City. My father was there fighting with many of the Tin Men trying to protect the city from its eventual downfall. When General Lonnet defected…I knew my father was dead."

He took a deep breath and looked towards where the overgrown family graveyard was. "I was never able to recover his body and bring him home; I had my own troubles at the time. I've since had a stone erected next to my mother's for him. Perhaps…perhaps his spirit has found my mother's and they are both at peace." He then turned to her and smiled sadly. "I can always hope, can't I?"

Ambrose was coming out of the tent and Valoria was ladling the last of the cooked bacon onto a plate when they both felt it. It was like a sharp, crisp, cold wind blew through the pair of them. They both dropped to their knees.

"Jeez, 'hello' would have worked fine," Valoria muttered as she stood. Ambrose stood, nodding in agreement. The guards, who were digging into breakfast, automatically went into protection mode, dropping their plates and drawing guns.

"What is it?" the Captain asked.

"They are letting us know we are getting close," Ambrose answered matter-of-factly. He turned to Valoria. She nodded in agreement.

"They didn't mean to frighten anyone. They mean no harm," Valoria continued. "Captain; if Ambrose or I suffer another attack, you and your men must not interfere. It may not be taken lightly by the Woods People."

"I am here to protect both you and his Lordship Regent. Nothing evil will befall you on my watch," the Captain said solemnly.

Both Ambrose and Valoria nodded their heads and taking of each others' hands, they closed their eyes. The blue light flared brightly between their clasped hands, bathing the Captain in its light.

Can you hear us? Valoria's voice asked without speaking.

Is there someone out there that wants to speak to us? Are you the Woods People? Ambrose asked.

YES, YESAND YES, two voices answered; a man's and a woman's. WELCOME HOME, YOUNG ONES. WE WILL SEE YOU IN THREE DAYS' TIME. CONTINUE YOUR EVENING MEDITATIONS; IT WILL MAKE OUR COMMUNICATIONS WITH YOU EASIER. AND TO ANSWER ONE OF YOUR QUESTIONS – the male voice continued – NO, YOUR MOTHERS WERE NOT SISTERS.

Both Valoria and Ambrose laughed out loud at that, making the Captain and his guards jump. Do not harm our escort, Ambrose answered, remembering them. We come to you in peace, but they will do whatever is necessary to ensure our wellbeing.

AS WELL THEY SHOULD; THAT IS THEIR JOB. THEY WILL NOT BE HARMED, LEARNED ONE.

Is that what you call me? he asked.

YES, AMONG OTHER THINGS. AMONGST OUR PEOPLE, NAMES ARE POWER.

And what do you call me? Valoria asked

The voices were silent for a moment. HIS WIFE, the female voice answered.

HIS APPRENTICE, MISTRESS ASSASSIN, said the male voice. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, YOUNG ONES.

And as suddenly as they felt the presence of the Woods People, it vanished.

Ambrose immediately took control; telling the guards to stand down and that everything was well. He asked if they would finish their breakfasts and begin breaking down their camp; he wanted to be off within one hour. The Captain bowed and began barking orders to his men. Ambrose then turned his attention to Valoria. She had paled considerably and was seated on the ground. He went immediately to her side. "What is it? Why did they call you Mistress Assassin? His Apprentice? His Wife?"

Valoria swallowed deeply, pulling her hair away from her face nervously. Ambrose took her hand in his, the blue glow emanating between them, softer this time.

"Mistress Assassin was my stage name in Dad's Emporium. Dad said it came to him one night before bed. Mother was furious…but Dad and I didn't see what the big deal was. I…I thought it was cool. You see, it is a very good name for me. Any target I pick, I hit. Even when I was younger, I was afraid – not because I thought I would not make the mark, but because I knew I'd make it every time. I used to lie…to pretend that I was afraid of hitting a spectator…but Mom always knew. She tried to tell me…but I didn't get it. Now I understand. That is my true talent; just like it was hers." She then looked up at Ambrose; her cheeks suddenly flaming pink. "As for the other names…I am your apprentice; you've taught me a great deal about the O.Z. As for wife," she paused for a moment, then looked back to the ground. "Do you see me like that? As your…apprentice? As…your -."

"Wife?" Ambrose continued; cutting her off and pulling her face up with his other hand so that she would face him. "Yes, more than any other woman I've ever known. When I was younger, I thought… I had thought that perhaps I would one day marry the Queen. She is only a few years older than me. But, well… I just wasn't the one for her." He then rose and helped Valoria to a camp chair and put a plate of food in front of her. He took another plate and sat in a chair next to hers. Keeping his own head down, he took a deep breath. "Am…am I the man for you? Would you consider me…husband material?"

Valoria put one of her hands to his face and raised his to face her. "Yes," she whispered, smiling softly. She then leaned over and kissed him on his lips. "I love you, Ambrose Regent. And you are without a doubt the best husband material I've ever found." She then went back to her plate; Ambrose doing the same – but they both couldn't get the smiles off their faces.

And the two that had been watching them couldn't stop smiling either.

They will reach The Emerald City by mid-day, the woman said to the man.

Yes Annith, they will be home soon enough, the man answered. But they will become one before evening's end.

But their enemy; Sandahl. He will be close, Annith replied.

Would they still consider him an enemy? Sandahl asked.

Ambrose may; Valoria may not because she has not seen the evil he has done. But she will key in on Ambrose's memories. He has changed, but there may be danger… Annith's voice trailed off.

We will be close…besides; he is a very changed man. And his woman will hold him in check. No harm will fall our Young Ones, Sandahl proclaimed. Besides, they have five Royal Guards for protection. They will be safe.

As you say, Sandahl, Annith whispered. Sandahl took her hand in his; a blue light glimmered between their hands.

They will be safe, he said again as they faded into the foliage.

The little village called itself The Emerald City, not because it had any riches or any semi-precious stones, but because it was literally built into the fringe of the Great Northern Forest. Ivy and great trees adorned the decaying Brick Route as it went through the village. The houses and shops that lined its only main street were covered in ivy and some were even hewn into living ancient trees. It touted a good inn and a good trading post; Ambrose sent the guards on for supplies and gave them time to themselves until morning. He was very pleased as he made arrangements with the inn keeper, who was also the town's magistrate. With the guards' horses taken care of and the transport truck tucked away for the evening, Ambrose and Valoria explored The Emerald City. There were several quaint shops, which Valoria went through thoroughly. She even found a tailor and a ready made dress that caught her eye. Ambrose purchased it immediately. "My Lady will never want for anything," he said kissing her hand as the tailor wrapped up the purchase.

Later that evening, after a sumptuous dinner served at the inn, Valoria and Ambrose danced in the main room with the locals that gathered there every seventh night for a night of fun and frivolity. Valoria swore she hadn't laughed so much in a very long while. But what stirred her even more was Ambrose. He was charming, suave…and incredibly sexy. She saw the way the women present looked at him as they danced; and she just reveled in the fact that when the night was over, he was going home with her!

And tonight…tonight she was not going to deny him…anything. Tonight she was going to make him hers as he wanted to do the same with her. She smiled as she took another drink of the local wine in their room; remembering how tight he held her as they danced the waltz, the nightclub foxtrot – and a slow but sensuous tango. He commented on the beautiful gown he had purchased for her; the emerald green color of it matched the emerald green of all the living beauty around them. Her heart positively soared at the way he drank in her appearance. She had smiled as she took in the room when he led her up the stairs to what the inn keeper called 'The Bridal Suite'.

It was a beautiful suite – simple, purposeful and in the wonderful earthen shades of browns and greens that colored the entire village. She sat before a vanity built into a wall of the room as Ambrose came out of the bathroom in a robe, rubbing his hair dry with a towel. She had taken her bath before him and had since rubbed a lotion into her skin that was scented lavender with a touch of sandalwood. Ambrose approached her slowly; she watched him through the mirror as he came closer. And yet she gasped when he touched her, then he began kissing her exposed neck as he kneeled behind her. She turned, the movement making her bathrobe gape open; exposing her legs. Ambrose looked down, then up to her looking for silent approval. She nodded and then he ran his hands up the length of her legs from her ankles to her thighs. She leaned forward and pulling open his robe slightly, began kissing the juncture between his neck and shoulder. She ran her hands through his damp hair as her lips found his. The kiss was long, deep and soul stealing. They both broke the kiss when oxygen depravation was imminent. Valoria slid off the chair into Ambrose's lap, her robe opening to the point of no longer serving its purpose. Ambrose groaned as he realized his robe was the only piece of cloth between the two of them. Valoria then kissed his forehead tenderly; then leaned her own against his.

"Ambrose," she whispered thickly. "Take me to bed."

He took her lips hungrily at that, drawing the air out of her lungs. His kisses traveled to her face, cheeks, neck, chin; then both eyelids. He then rose gracefully up carrying her to the bed. He lowered her tenderly onto the bed and stood above, admiring her.

She smiled as she raised her arms to him. "Join me," she whispered. He shook his head and he kneeled on the side of the bed. She rose to look at him questioningly. She then realized he had a ring box open in his hands, bearing a beautiful silver ring with a moonstone in its center, surrounded by alternating aquamarine and quartz stones.

"Do you know the significance of the stones? They all have to do with the moons…the heavens. I looking into the heavens, knowing that something wondrous was coming…and it was you," he began softly. "The Woods People called you my wife. In my heart, I know that you are…but I want you to be sure you want this. Because once you give yourself to me – I'm never letting you go. Valoria Strandeski, I ask that you pledge yourself to be my wife, and when we get back to Finaqua I will have the Queen marry us."

Valoria recovered from her shock and leaning down kissed him on his lips. "I love you Ambrose Regent; I pledge myself to you. I ask that you pledge yourself to me, my love, and I will be yours forever," she whispered into his ear as she kissed his temple. "I will marry you before your…our Queen and I will wear your ring." Ambrose rose slowly, taking the ring out the box and putting it on her finger.

"I am already yours," he whispered as he slowly removed his robe, letting it drop to the floor. Valoria shrugged out of hers and slipped under the bed covers, Ambrose following close behind. Hesitantly, he reached for her nude body, pulling it closer to his. They both gasped at the contact of skin against skin.

And outside, the green hummed its approval as two sentinels named Sandahl and Annith added theirs to their song as they faded into the forest…

AN: Wow – this was a hard one – and really long! I hope everyone that has been reading likes…Next up: An enemy repentant and the Woods People…in full glory. Please review…the Rabid Plot Bunnies are really getting thin…and they're threatening to eat my cats! D;-)!!