"All right," Said Nosedive as soon as he saw Duke and Mallory arriving back, "Chow!"
"And not a moment too soon," Said Tanya, "I'm starving."
"Hunger," Said Grin, "Is an illusion. A very annoying illusion."
Duke smirked and dumped the load of fruit on the ground.
"Well," Said Duke, "Dig in."
"Wait," Said Wildwing, picking up a piece of fruit and examining it closely, "How do we know these are safe?"
Nosedive groaned and slapped his forehead.
"Oh great," He muttered. "We FINALLY get some food and now we can't even *EAT* it because we don't know if it's safe??"
Tanya picked up a piece of fruit herself, looking at it closely.
"This is an apple," She stated, then she reached for another, "And this is a peach."
"Heh, no kidding," Nosedive responded.
"If they're things like apples," Said Tanya, turning it around in her hand, "Then they should be okay."
"*SHOULD* being the main word. I've noticed what should be is rarely the case on this island," Wildwing replied.
"Oh, faboo," Said Nosedive, "We have our choice of starving to death or risking death by poison. This is just GREAT."
"They've gotta be okay," Said Duke, "The castle that the orchard went to was inhabited."
"So?" Nosedive asked.
"SO," Duke responded, "they've gotta eat some how. I'll bet those... things... on the castle eat a ton. They probably get their food from the orchard."
Wildwing shook his head in frustration. "We still can't be sure," He said. "I'll scan it with the mask and see if anything comes up."
Wildwing activated his Mask scanner, hoping for a clean scan.
"Scans don't show anything," Said Wildwing, "But that's not to say that this island doesn't have something that wouldn't show up on the scanners."
"Well then," Said Duke, snatching the fruit from Wildwing, "There's only one way to find out."
Duke shined the apple on his shirt. "Here goes nothing," He said.
Mallory sucked in a deep breathe, as did pretty much everyone else in the room as Duke took a Big bite out of the apple, chewed it thoroughly and swallowed.
"I think it's okay... Ack!" Duke made a grab for his throat and collapsed on the floor. Everyone's Jaw dropped and their eyes practically jump out of their sockets.
"DUKE!" Mallory shouted. Nosedive gulped.
"Uhhh... is he....?"
"No," Said Mallory, nervously, "He can't be."
The group crept closer to peer at Duke. The tension in the room was so thick it could be cut with a knife.
Suddenly, Duke's eyes snapped open.
"Boo," he said, grinning. The group jumped what must have been six feet high
"Sorry," Duke said, getting to his feet, "I couldn't resist."
By now everyone in the group was glaring daggers at him. Mallory looked as if she could strangle him right then and there.
"Duke...." Wildwing growled. Mallory grabbed him by the shirt collar.
"DON'T," She said, fixing Duke with a glare that would have melted through sixteen feet of solid steel, "*EVER* do that again!"
"Don't worry, I won't. You guys look like you could fry eggs with those glares of yers," Duke responded, shrugging Mallory's hand off.
"You all most gave us a heart attack!" Replied Nosedive, glaring at Duke.
"Sorry," Duke apologized, "Look guys, the fruit's okay."
Tanya raised an eyebrow, "Really?" She questioned.
"Hey, it didn't kill me, did it?" Responded Duke.
"Maybe it didn't," Muttered Mallory, "But I just might..."
"Okay," Said Nosedive, "That's good enough for me!"
He eagerly swooped up the first piece of fruit he could get his hands on, and began to munch on.
"What? No sugar?" He said.
"Only if you don't count the natural ones, kid," Duke responded.
"I hope this'll hold us over until the end of our stay," Said Wildwing. "I don't want to be here too long."
Duke thought fully munched on an apple. "Me neither, but only Puck can get us back. We've gotta find him first."
"Oh yeah, *that's* gonna be real easy. We'll just look him up in the Avalon yellow pages," Said Nosedive, now halfway through his peach.
"I know, I know. To find him we have to find Dragaunus," Wildwing said.
"Another needle in a hay stack Job. You're batting a thousand, bro," Nosedive responded.
"It seems to me," Wilding said, "That Puck is Dragaunus' prisoner. If we can find Puck and get him away from Dragaunus, we can get him to send us home in exchange for his freedom."
"What about Dragaunus, then?" Asked Mallory, "We can't just leave him here on Avalon."
"I dunno," Said Nosedive, "Works for me."
"There is great power in Avalon, the forces are all around it. There is no telling what Dragaunus could do if he got a hold of any of it," Said Grin
"Oh," Said Nosedive, "Point taken."
"From what I've seen, "Said Wildwing, "While Puck is in chains, he obeys whoever holds him. We could get him to send Dragaunus back with us as captives."
"I dunno; that guy seems to be giving Dragaunus a hard time... you think he'll cooperate with us?" Asked Tanya doubtfully.
"I don't know," Said Wildwing, "But we have to try."
A breeze began to blow into the cave; the temperature was dropping with night. As the breeze continued to blow, Mallory began to shiver. Duke noticed and put his arm around her. Nosedive raised an eyebrow but said nothing; a small smile was playing on his lips.
"We'd best build a fire or something to keep us warm. I don't know how far the temperature will drop," Said Tanya, rubbing her hands together.
"Yeah," Said Duke getting up, "I'll go grab some firewood."
"I'll go with you," Said Mallory, quickly. Duke turned to look at her, somewhat questioningly, "In case the Creepasauri show up or you run into some other kind of trouble," She said nervously.
Duke Nodded and they both headed out.
Nosedive smiled and shook his head, and wondered if he was the only one to notice how Duke and Mallory were acting.
One look around told him he wasn't.
Mallory and Duke headed into the forest. The breeze was blowing much stronger. Mallory was trying to cover her shivers, but Duke still noticed.
"You sure you wanna come, Mal? It's getting colder out here," Said Duke.
"I'll be fine," She said, "A little chill never hurt anyone, and what about you? The cold affects you as much as me."
"Yeah," Said Duke, "But *I* have sleeves."
"I'll be fine," Mallory repeated, trying to hide her shiver.
"Mallory, you're shivering," Duke raised an eyebrow.
"No I'm not," She said defensively.
"You *are*," Duke persisted.
"Why do you care, anyway?"
"I wouldn't want you to catch cold," Duke answered hastily.
"I think I can stand a little bit of a night chill long enough to gather some sticks for a fire," Mallory said.
"I have no doubt that you can," Duke said.
Malloy stopped. "What do you mean by *that*?" She asked.
Duke stopped as well and turned, looking her right in the eyes.
"There doesn't seem to be much of anything you *can't* do," He responded, "Especially when you've set yer mind to it, like now."
Mallory was more or less speechless, she stood there, her mind mulling over what he'd just said.
Duke couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked, the Avalonian moon shining down upon her, bathing her in its silver glow. His heart started to beat faster.
"Come on," Said Duke, "The sooner we get firewood, the sooner we get back to start a fire."
Mallory nodded and caught up to him, walking beside him. He looked at her through the corner of his eye.
He had long since noticed she was pretty, but never before now had seen how truly beautiful she was. He didn't know why he hadn't noticed sooner. Maybe it was the magic of Avalon getting to him, but walking beside her on the cool, crisp, clear night with moon shining on her, the silver light playing on her features, he could have sworn then and there that she was just about the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen in his life. Right then, every jewel he's ever laid eyes on paled miserably. Now they all seemed like just some sparkly rocks. Mallory and Duke continued to make their way through the forest and his heart was pounding in his chest. He didn't know why. It had to be the romantic and magical atmosphere of Avalon. That had to be it. Mallory and Duke went to different spots and started gathering dry, fallen branches. Neither of them could seem to concentrate on their tasks, however.
A thousand thoughts were running through Mallory's mind and heart. What had Duke Meant when he said there didn't seem to be anything she couldn't do? It must've been something to quiet her down. That must have been it... but the words still kept ringing in her ears. Did Duke really mean what he said? What if he did? Mallory didn't know what to think. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she tried not to look at Duke. She'd never noticed before just how attractive he really was.
"I think we've got enough, Mal. Wanna head back?" Duke called over to her.
"Sure," She responded.
"I wonder how Old Lizard Lips is doing..." Duke said.
"Yeah," Said Mallory, "I wonder..."
Halfway across the island:
Dragaunus and his henchmen were sitting in a cluster of trees in the forest, having not been able to find a good cave.
"Oh, Wonderful. We can't get to the orchards to get any food because those wretched creatures keep spotting us, and the temperature is rapidly dropping," Complained Dragaunus.
"If you're cold, I can always build you a fire," Offered Puck.
"I don't think I trust you enough to ask you do that," Dragaunus said, casting his eyes wearily over to Puck.
"Oh," Said Puck, mockingly, "You know, that really hurts."
"Oh shut up," growled Dragaunus.
"I can conjure you up something to eat," Puck offered in a saccharine sweet voice.
"Everything you've 'conjured up' thus far has been a complete disaster!" Snapped Dragaunus.
"Hey, can I help it if I have sense of humor?" Puck asked, "You're the one who brought me here."
"I had no idea you would be a such a nuisance!" Dragaunus roared.
"'Sblood, do you think I am easier to be play'd on than a Pipe?... Should have read the fine print," Puck replied. Dragaunus roared and pounded his fist against a near by rock. "My, my, my," Said Puck, "We have quite the temper, don't we? You know you should really look into taking some anger management classes."
About fifteen minutes after Duke and Mallory returned to the cave with their bundles of fire wood, the Ducks finally managed to get a fire started after several failed and rather comical attempts.
"Now," Said Nosedive, warming himself next to the fire, "If only we had Blankets."
"Tell me about it," Responded Tanya who was also trying to warm herself up. "For a place with such nice weather, it sure does get cold here on Avalon."
"Just Destiny's little way of slapping us across the beak," Said Nosedive. Wildwing put his arm around him.
"Don't worry, Baby Bro. We'll be off the island and back at the Pond soon," Wildwing said.
"Really? Booked a cruise I don't know about?" Nosedive asked, yawning.
"We'll find a way Back," Wildwing said, assuring his little brother, "We'll find a way back."
"We're never going to get back," Chameleon groaned to himself as he learned against a tall oak, trying not to fall asleep.
"Oh," Said Puck Cheerfully, "I can get you *back*..."
"NO!" Said Dragaunus, "Who knows what devious trick you'd think up."
"Hey, why be a trickster if you don't play tricks?" Puck Said. "Besides, with out me, how are you going to get back?"
"Well, just have to find our own way back," Said Dragaunus. "Perhaps we can make a raft or something and sail back."
"Getting back with out my guidance is going to be hard," Said Puck, "First of all, you don't know where on the map this island is. For all you know, we could be anywhere from in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to off the coast of California. How will you find your way back? And your transporters don't work here. But above all, Avalon doesn't take you where you want to go, Avalon sends you where you need to be."
"WHAT?!" Roared Dragaunus.
"If you just sail off by yourself, it's up to Avalon where you go and Avalon sends you where you need to be... and I wouldn't say you're exactly needed anywhere," Replied Puck.
Dragaunus growled and punched a near by pine tree.
"No pathetic rock in the middle of an ocean is going to defeat the great Saurian Lord Dragaunus!" He roared.
"Does he usually refer to himself in third person?" Puck asked Siege, Wraith and Chameleon. "First of all, how do you know Avalon is in the middle of the ocean? We could be off the coast of Madagascar for all you know. And, Avalon isn't a 'pathetic rock'; it's the most powerful land this Earth has seen yet. It spawned beings such as myself, didn't it?"
"Regrettably," Replied Dragaunus. Puck was about to reply when he caught Chameleon yawning. A mischievous grin crept across his face.
"Tired?" He asked sweetly.
"Yeah," replied Chameleon, "A little."
"Why don't the lot of you take a little nap? I'll stand guard," Suggested Puck.
"You expect us to fall for that one?" Dragaunus replied, "You really expect us to trust you enough for that?"
"Why not? You're on my home turf, who better to guard you?" Replied Puck.
"Or stick a knife in our back, " Muttered Siege.
"I can't do anything to you while I'm under your power. Besides, the Ducks are quite comfortable, why shouldn't you be?" Said Puck.
"What?" Dragaunus hissed. "How would YOU know about how the Ducks are doing?"
"I'm just talented like that," replied Puck, "The have a fire going, food to eat. If this were the evolutionary scale, they'd be six steps ahead of you."
"You don't have to rub it in," wined Chameleon. Chameleon abruptly shut his mouth as he received a glare from Dragaunus.
"If you can't get the other advantages they have," Said Puck, "You might at least catch some sleep and be well rested. They're all ready able to wipe the floor with you as it is."
"He has a point, Boss," said Siege.
"But he's obviously trying to trick us, you idiot!" Roared Dragaunus.
"Who?" Said Puck, pointing to himself innocently, "Me?"
"Some sleep would be nice right about now," Said Chameleon.
"Then go to sleep," Said Puck strangely. With that, The Saurians immediately fell into a deep, sleep. Puck chucked. "And in sleep what dreams may come…" he grinned, knowing for sure that none of his captors would have any pleasant dreams. "Now, to check up on the competition…"
Puck floated to a near by tree and waved his hand over a large knothole. The Know immediately began to shimmer and transformed into a viewing portal to the cave where the Ducks were. If Dragaunus was going to keep him chained, he might as well have some fun. He studied the Ducks and their surroundings. They did look comfortable. He looked from duck to duck, smiling as he came to Nosedive and Wildwing. The two brothers were sitting closely together, Wildwing's wing around Nosedive who had all most fallen asleep. Wildwing himself was looking exhausted and as if he himself were about to nod off. They were leaning against a large rock in the cave.
Awe, Thought Puck, Now isn't that just too cute? I'll have to arrange a bonding scenario for them…
They group was ensconced deep in the cave, near the back. Wildwing and Nosedive were to the left of the fire, Tanya and Grin to the Right, Mallory was to the back of the cave and Duke had his back to the front of the cave. Grin was meditating and next to him Tanya was leaning against a rock, starting to fall asleep. Mallory looked tired as well. Duke and Grin seemed to be the only ones not falling asleep. Grin was meditating and Duke was staring across the fire at Mallory. Puck noticed and smiled broadly.
Now this could be promising, thought Puck, studying the two. Time to play a little Matchmaker. They're obviously perfect for each other, anyway.
Duke stared fixedly across the fire at Mallory. With the orange glow about her and the fire accenting her flaming red hair, he found her just as beautiful in the firelight as he did in the moon light.
He shifted his attention around to the other members of the Circle, Grin seemed to be meditating, next to him, and Tanya was beginning to fall asleep. Wildwing also looked exhausted, Nosedive had all but fallen asleep at Wildwing's side. He wasn't surprised that the group was so tired, after all that had happened today. His attention shifted back to Mallory, who seemed to be falling asleep, herself. Duke sighed. He needed to think.
"Hey, Grin," Duke whispered, so as not to wake up his sleeping Comrades. Grinned slowly opened his eyes.
"Yes?" Grin Replied.
"I'm gonna go take a walk, I'll be back in a little bit," Duke informed him, getting up.
"Is that wise?" Grin asked.
"Sure," Said Duke, "I'll be fine."
"If you think it all right," Said Grin, and he then went back to his meditation.
Duke nodded and began to head out. Mallory, now more awake. Watched him go.
"Grin?" She whispered.
"Yes?" Grin replied again.
"I'm going to go with Duke, and make sure he doesn't get into any trouble," Mallory said.
"That is probably a wise idea," Said Grin, "Two sticks together are harder to break than one stick alone."
Mallory Nodded and left to follow Duke.
Perfect, Puck grinned as he watched the scene unfold in front of him; Some Avalonian atmosphere, and the right environmental settings and a little nudge from the Puck are all they need.
As Dragaunus and his henchmen slept fitfully, Puck watched the two ducks. Atmosphere, atmosphere, He thought. He'd observe his projects for a few more minutes before making any changes.
Duke hadn't gone too far by the time Mallory caught up to him, just a little ways ahead of the forest.
"Hey Duke," She called, stopping about a foot behind him, "Where are you going?"
Duke Stopped abruptly, unaware until now that he had been followed. He turned acutely to face Mallory, "Ah, just takin' a walk. I wanted some time to think," He replied.
Mallory hesitated, and then asked, "You want some company?"
Duke smiled a small smile, "Sure," He replied.
Mallory smiled and walked up beside him. It was increasingly cold, but she ignored it. Duke, however, still noticed her shivering. So did Puck.
Ah HA, Thought Puck with a wolfish grin, That's the ticket. Let's see if the cold beings them together…
Puck waved his hand in front of the portal, causing it the temperature to drop.
"Cold?" He asked. Mallory was about to deny it, but turned to look at Duke and looked him right in the eyes. For a few minutes, they just stood there, speechless, looking into each other's eyes. Mallory found that she couldn't quite lie to him with him looking at her like that.
"A little," She admitted.
"Yeh wanna go back to the cave?" He offered. Mallory thought a few minutes.
"No," She decided, "I'll be fine."
"Are yeh sure?" Duke asked, "Last thing you need is to catch a cold or something."
"We all ready had this discussion," Said Mallory, "Besides, I need to clear my head as well."
"Oh," Said Duke, not knowing what more to say.
"So," Mallory started awkwardly, "Were you walking to any place in particular?"
"No," Said Duke, "Just walkin' I thought it might be nice to see more of this place before leaving."
"Oh," Mallory replied, turning away, pretending to be looking at the surroundings, "It *is* beautiful here."
Duke continued to gaze at her, not able to help himself. "Yeah," He said, "Beautiful."
He shook his head to clear himself from the daze he was in.
"It sure is a clear night," Mallory said, looking up the stars, "The sky was never this clear back in Anaheim."
"This place seems to be set apart from the rest of the world," Said Duke. He and Mallory both stared up at the clear sky. The stars were burning brightly and the Moon was full, shining down on them. Duke and Mallory continued to walk into the forest, which was also beautiful. The forest looked like something out of a Fairy tale book. It probably was enchanted, to boot. The trees were tall and majestic looking, and full of leaves. The flowering trees and bushes were exceptionally breath taking. All along the bath they walked, the grass was lush and green and beautiful flowers were sprinkled everywhere. There were a few babbling brooks and streams around them and they could hear the far off sound of a waterfall. The light from the full moon made the streams glitter. The forest was filled with the melodious sounds of the night. Duke thought that the girl beside him had to be the prettiest attraction of them all. The two of them kept walking until they came to a medium sized, rocky hill. It was in a round clearing, the circle of trees framing the clear sky above like a frame.
"Wonder what the view is like from up there?" Mallory mused.
"Only One way to find out," Replied Duke, as he began to climb up the hill, Mallory following him up. The Hill was small and relatively easy to climb, with lots of hand and foot hold and protruding rocks to grab hold of. Duke was the first to reach the top.
As soon as he got up he turned around and lowered his hand to Mallory and pulled her up with him.
The view from the top of the hill was awe-inspiring. It gave them a commanding view of the forest. But it wasn't the first thing they noticed.
As Duke pulled Mallory up, they came face to face. They both noticed how close they were to each other. They seemed to be only inches a part. They stood there, silently for a few minutes, just staring at each other. Duke's heart was racing a mile a minute and Mallory found it hard to breathe. Mallory then turned away for look around.
"Wow," She said, "It's beautiful up here. You can see most of the forest."
"Yeah," Duke agreed, also looking around, "But that's not the only beautiful thing about it," He added before he could stop himself. Mallory just kept looking around, and much to Duke's relief didn't seem to notice.
Am I good or what? Puck mentally congratulated himself. Now to drop the temperature a little more and add a few more touches…. Puck waved his hands in front of the portal a few more times.
Duke and Mallory were standing side by side atop the hill, admiring the view when Duke happened to look down. Right next to his feet grew two flowers. A violet and a miniature red rose.
"Would you look at that," He mused.
"What?" Mallory asked."
"Right on the top of this Rock, two flowers are growin'. There must be something about this place. It seems its plants can grow anywhere."
"Yeah," Said Mallory, "You're right."
Duke reached down and swooped up the two flowers, surprised when they came up by the roots. He was also surprised that none of the thorns stuck him.
"Here," he said, handing them to Mallory, "They might make nice souvenirs."
Mallory hesitated, and then accepted them. Their hands touched for a brief second as Duke put the two flowers in her hand.
"Thank you," Mallory smiled.
"Don't mention it, sweetheart," Duke said, smiling back. A Circle of tree seemed to surround the hill, making viewing the stars of the clear night sky all the easier.
Duke and Mallory both sat down enjoying the beauty of the surrounding forest and clear night sky. The moon was directly above them, and seemed to shine down on them in full strength.
"It's so beautiful..." Mallory sighed, looking around, "Too bad there aren't more places like it."
"Yeah," Said Duke, "And too bad we had to get zapped here like this... but it's not so bad I guess. At least we're here."
Back at the cave, Tanya stirred from where she was lying next to Grin. She slowly awoke and sat up, to find everyone asleep except for Grin. As she began to wake up more and more, she noticed Mallory and Duke were gone.
"Grin," She whispered, "Were are Mallory and Duke?"
"Duke left to take a walk. Mallory decided to go with him should he run into any trouble," Grin calmly explained.
"Do you think you should have let them go?" Tanya asked.
"They needed to clear their minds and find inner tranquility, as well as each other," Grin explained.
"Oh," Said Tanya, "I think I got that. But what if Dragaunus finds them?"
"Duke and Mallory are more than able to take care of themselves, and they must find peace with themselves. I doubt Dragaunus will be of any trouble. Puck isn't letting his inner tranquility be tranquil," Grin replied.
"Point taken," Said Tanya. "But still..."
"You're worried," Grin finished for her.
"Yeah," Tanya said, "I'm worried. Like you said, they'll probably be fine."
"You do not seem convinced," Said Grin.
"I'm just kinda worried about 'em, That's all," Replied Tanya, "I'd feel really bad if something happened to them. I'd really miss them."
"Undoubtedly, as we all would," Answered Grin. Tanya was silent for a while.
"You seem troubled," Said Grin.
"Like I said, I'm just kinda worried about them," Tanya said, "What I wouldn't give to be back home at the pond right now."
"Are you sure you will be all right?" Grin asked, genuine concern showing in his voice.
"Yeah," Said Tanya, "I think so."
Duke and Mallory sat on the hill, watching the stars and enjoying the picturesque beauty of Avalon and each other's company. However, the down side was that the weather was getting colder and colder... unbeknownst to them, the dropping temperature was dropping compliments of Puck. Mallory began to shiver more and more as the chilling night winds nipped at them. Duke noticed and smiled to himself.
"Still cold, huh?" He asked.
"Yes," Mallory replied.
"We should go back to the cave then. The last thing you need is to catch a cold or something," Duke suggested.
"No," Said Mallory, "I'm fine, really."
Duke sighed and chuckled, "You are one of the most stubborn people I've ever met in my entire existence," He said.
"You can be pretty stubborn yourself, L'Orange," Mallory shot back.
"Yeah, but you have me beat by a ten-fold, McMallard," Duke responded.
"Look, I just don't want to go back yet," Mallory said.
"Me neither," Replied Duke.
"Then why are you pushing so hard?" Mallory asked.
"I'm worried about you catching something," Duke responded, "I want you to get back to Anaheim in perfect health."
"Very considerate, but I'll be okay. I'm just a little cold," Mallory assured him.
"Sure, whatever you say, Sweet heart," Duke replied. When Mallory began to shiver even more violently, Duke cautiously slipped his arm around her, and drew her closer to him. He was surprised when she didn't pull away, but snuggled into him, enjoying his warmth and sighing contently. They sat there like that for what seemed like an eternity, both wishing it would never end.
YES! Puck mentally cheered himself on, And Puck Scores! Am I good or am I GOOD?! Just a few more atmospheric touches and they're bound to admit their feelings.
"Mal," Duke said after a while, "We really should be heading back, as much as I hate to admit it."
Mallory sighed. "Yeah," She said, "You're right."
Duke reluctantly got up to break the embrace. He reached down a hand and once again helped Mallory up, and they both climbed back down the stony hill again. Duke made it to the ground first and held his hand out to Mallory as she hopped down the remaining few inches to the ground. When she landed She and Duke again stood there, face to face, only inches apart, hands clasped hand hearts going a mile a minute. Duke looked down at her, a million thoughts going through him mind.
Come on, Come on, though Puck anxiously, Go for it, Pal, go for it. You know she's got it bad for you…
After a few moments of delegation and thought, he leaned his head down slightly and gently kissed her. He was again surprised when she didn't pull away but instead kissed him back. As the kiss deepened, he slowly let go of her hand wrapped his arms around her, pulling her ever closer. Her hands rested on his chest as they kissed.
"All right!" Puck congratulated himself, "Who's the man? Let's add a few more romantic touches…"
A few moments later, they reluctantly broke for air. The two hadn't noticed that several of the flowering trees had burst into white blossoms around them, and they also didn't seem to notice the night air was getting warmer. All they could see was each other. Duke gazed down on Mallory, admiring her beauty and drinking in the sight of her. He let go of her with one arm and brought his free hand up to stroke her face. Mallory rested her head against his chest as he continued to stroke her hair with his free hand. They stood there in silence, both not knowing just what to say. It was Duke who finally broke the silence.
"I love you, " he whispered into Mallory's ear. He knew it was a little quick, but he didn't know what else to do except say what was in his heart. "I don't know when or how it happened, Mallory, but I've fallen head over heels in love with you. "
"I love you, too, " Mallory murmured in reply. Duke smiled broadly and held Mallory even more tightly. "You managed to steal my heart. "
Duke chuckled a little at this, "And it's the most valuable thing I've gotten so far, " he said, "I'll never break it, Mallory. I promise. "
"I know you won't," Mallory replied, "Some how, I know you won't. "
"So, you finally trust me now? " Duke Smirked
"Yes, but don't let it go to your head, " Mallory smiled.
"Come on, let's get back to the cave before it gets much later," Duke replied, letting go of Mallory. She smiled and Nodded, and the two walked back to the cave, hand in hand.
"Awe…" Said Puck, smiling broadly. Aren't they just adorable? Who's the Puck?
Okay, probably not the best place to leave off but writer's block plagues me again.
In chapters four and five I plan to get around to the Wildwing/Nosedive Bonding I've promised you all as well as the Grin and Tanya quality time, a long with more Duke/Mal romance and the ever popular antics of Puck and the Saurian Slime balls.
