Different Worlds, Same Hearts
Chapter 11
Warnings: Not Beta'd * sigh * She swore she would get off her but and do this for me.
"No! There is absolutely no way in any of the seven hells that Quatre is going to them!" Rasid exclaimed as they gathered in the council chambers. He stood in the middle of the room as he addressed the occupants: council on the right and the audience to the right. "The risk is far too great, and the king would be placed in grave danger."
Quatre and Trowa shared a worried glance, hands locked together. And just a few seats down another group was seated including WuFei, Lucrizia, Milliardo and Heero. They had been in the council chambers discussing the request that had come from the shadow lands just hours ago.
"But if we are to deal with this new threat, we must first understand it. Those leading the shadows have asked for a conference, and in order to insure peace we must meet with time." There were sudden conversations taking place at the same time.
But when Quatre slowly stood the talking ceased at once, all present giving their respect to the king. "It is most important that this issue be resolved as soon as it is possible." There were no objections. "But these dark creatures who, might I remind you were acting under orders, attacked us without the thought of compromise. They have shown only one objective, and that is to destroy us. This is a very hard decision for me to make at this time, but it must be made."
Quatre crossed the room to stand in the middle. "I refuse to risk the lives of those who would come with me. I will not go to them, willingly placing myself in a trap." Almost ever council member leapt to their feet. And at that moment Quatre wondered why he had a council, and if he really needed them. "You are to return to your normal duties." The turned and made of the door.
"What about neutral ground?" Quatre turned to look with question to the youngest member of the council. The young man was the only one left in his seat, and the only one composed of a calm nature. "I understand completely that we all have too much to lose if you are killed. So might I propose that we meet on neutral ground?" Quatre gave his full attention to the young man. Maybe, just maybe there was hope for the council if a steady head kept them upon the right path.
"What did you have in mind?" The third slowly rose to his feet and bowed deeply.
"In the letter we received, there were instructions for replying. We could send word that if they are interested in meeting next to Crystal Lake, we will discuss what has been happening." Quatre slowly smiled.
"That might be a good idea." Quatre looked back to Rasid, and then to the others important to him. "What might everyone else say on this matter?"
Milliardo and Lucrizia rose. "We came to earth to help." Milliardo started. "And to give our judgment on certain issues." The platinum blonde folded his hands behind his back. "So with that spoken, and with the possibility of a representative of the gods-"
"He approves." Lucrezia finished, tired of her husband's procrastination.
Rasid was next. "We could work this out . . . possibly."
Heero had nothing to say in the matter, and Trowa had no objections as long as he went with Quatre.
"I'm going too!" A weak and yet strong voice called out from across the room. Heero was on his feet in a second, rushing to aid the failing Elven prince.
Solaris gave Heero a mixed expression as she allowed the druid to lead her brother over to a chair. "What are you doing here?" Heero asked calmly as he helped him sit.
"You can't keep me in bed long." He winced slightly and met Quatre's concerned eyes. "It takes a lot more then that." He looked around the room with his best suspicion face. "Just in case anyone was planning on trying." There was an awkward silence before Duo burst out in laughter. "Come on, I was just messing with you guys."
Quatre shook his head. "No, Duo, you're far too weak to go with us. And it is a real possibility there could be an ulterior motive. You're still recovering, and I won't allow you to go."
Duo chuckled lightly and turned back to his sister who spoke for him. "You don't have a choice, your majesty. Because of the deaths of elves occurred, Duo has a responsibility to represent his race. Silver blood has been spilled and something must atone for our loss."
"But can't you or a different elf go?" Quatre asked. He truly did not want to see his closest friend throw himself into danger.
"No, it must be the heir to the throne." Duo continued.
"Duo, you really shouldn't go, you just got better, and you're not even fully healed yet!" Quatre stressed, panicking.
"No Quatre. I have to go, because elvish blood has been spilled. My blood has been spilled. I am going. Me, not you, not him, not her, me! I am healed enough to do this, and no human, druid, or god, is going to stop me!" Duo shot back. He was blowing hot air to stress his point.
Quatre remained silent, studying Duo's face before he made his decision. "I can see there is no way to talk you out of this. Heero, will you accompany him?" Heero nodded and slipped an arm around Duo's slim waist. "Then we'll convene as soon as word of compromise is heard." Quatre nodded to Trowa, and the taller escorted him out.
"Why?" Duo moved closer to Heero as he led them down the hall. A small smile played on his rosy lips, laugher threatening to spill over. Duo's face was still flushed, as he was recovering. His hair was pulled back clumsily into a messy braid, whips of brown hair hanging free.
"Because I won't see you hurt. I love you far too much." Heero tightened his grip around Duo's waist.
"No, why." Heero looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Why do you feel like that towards me? I've never shown you any kind of affection, if anything I've shown you hatred. If you'll remember, I attacked you." Duo blushed sheepishly as they stopped walking.
Heero pulled them back into a spare room. He then pulled Duo into a strong embrace, tucking the elf's head under his chin. Both of his arm's wrapped around Duo and he felt a protective nature take over, he felt as if he was protecting the elf from the world. "I don't know why, to be truthful. I guess, I've always known it, deep inside. I had a leaking suspicion that I loved you right before our battle." Both males melted into the other's embrace. "But I knew, I knew the moment I saw you in danger that I loved you. I knew I had to protect you at all costs, even the cost to my own life."
Duo burrowed deeper into the druid's chest, a large grin gracing his beautiful features. "Do you want to know why I attacked you a few days ago?" Duo asked, looking upward to cobalt blue eyes. "I began much earlier then that, I'm afraid. I knew I would bond to you, the gods told me in my dreams. Don't freak out, okay?" Duo looked at him again. "I have these dreams sometimes, like dreams of the future. So when I heard you speak about my culture, my people, I felt outraged."
Duo now looked shamefully at his feet, having pulled back out of the embrace. Immediately Heero reached forward to grasp Duo's chin. He lifted it slightly so he could look into deep, beautiful Amethyst eyes. "I stepped out of line." He leaned forward and kissed him lightly; still afraid he might hurt the elf. "Now I can only hope that you forgive me, and love me as much as I love you."
Amethyst sparkled with tears as he returned the kiss. "Should I show you, just how much I love you." His soft hands drifted down to Heero's belt. He slowly unlatched lit, dropping it and Heero's sword to the floor.
Duo's mouth captured Heero's and their tongues battled for dominance. Heero's hands roamed over the elf's smooth back. Heero calmly pulled Duo's shirt over his head and marveled at the perfect, unmarred flesh. "You're beautiful." He whispered as he kissed Duo's neck.
Duo smiled devilishly and reached forward to Heero's pants. With the belt gone there was nothing to stop him from sliding them down. Savagely, Heero pulled his own shirt off and drew Duo backwards. The elf shivered when his bare back hit the cold stone of the room, but immediately moaned in pleasure as Heero's hands dipped into his pants.
Duo reached down to grab his soul mate's hardness and smirked at the cry of ecstasy. "This is only the beginning." Duo pressed himself against Heero hard, intensifying their pleasure.
"What the hell-" There was a sudden thud and then silence. Heero, caught up in his pleasure failed to notice the sound, though Duo's keen elven ears caught it immediately. Moving up to his tiptoes he was able to look over Heero's shoulder.
"Shit." Immediately any lust he had felt was gone, and he wearily leaned on Heero's chest. "We've got a problem." Duo motioned to the prone figure lying next to the door. "I'm never going to hear the end of this." Duo moaned as he searched for his pants.
"How much do you think he saw?" Heero asked, catching the shirt thrown at him.
Duo pushed his hair back into place. "Too much." Duo knelt over WuFei's slightly twitching figure, an apologetic look upon his face. "WuFei?" He gently shook the Dragon Clan Descendant's shoulder. "Are you alright?"
There was a mumbled reply he Duo couldn't understand. He looked back to Heero who shrugged. "I said." The voice came out stronger. "Just go away. I will pretend I did not see anything if you leave right now." Duo winced at the tone of his friend's voice and accepted the hand Heero held out to him.
"I'm sorry WuFei." He stepped carefully over the man and closed the door behind him.
"Are you alright?" Heero asked as they slowly walked down the hall.
Duo sighed. "We shouldn't have been so careless." Heero wondered if it was anger he detected in Duo's voice. "This is what I get for letting love and lust rule over me in trying times." Duo looked at Heero and shook his head. "I think I need some time by myself. I'll se you later, before we leave." Duo pressed a small kiss to Heero's lips before turning away.
"You'll be careful?" Heero asked, looking quite alone, almost stranded. "You're not fully healed yet. Promise me you'll be careful." Duo nodded and walked away.
Heero looked skyward with an angry look. "You're really trying my patience, you understand, right?" He spoke to the gods. "Well this is only one druid that can take so much." And he stalked away.
*~*
"Shinigami won't lead me astray." Duo patted the horse on the head. The black mare stood silent, waiting for its master's command. "Shini has never failed me before, and I'll only be gone an hour at most." Solaris shook her head at her younger brother's attempts to go out alone.
"I don't care how many reasons or excuses you give me. The bottom line is that you will not leave this castle by yourself. We've known for quite a while that these shadow creatures sense us, they know where we are at all times. Our people are able to hide ourselves only because of the strong magic protecting us. If it were not for the alliance between Elves and Faeries, we would all be lost." The princess stroked her own horse.
"Those creatures will immediately be drawn to us, if we leave this castle." A blonde elf spoke up. "In a way, we're stuck here."
"But we have two elven mages." Duo stated.
"Three." Solaris corrected. "But they are here to hide us when we must venture out into battle. They cannot afford to accompany you and waste their energy."
Duo rolled his eyes. He was dying to go outside, and he couldn't understand his sister. She was elven like him, and she knew the call of nature. No matter the danger, elves had to spend a certain amount of time within the hands of nature. It was simply their calling.
"I could go." Duo looked at the small elf child, she couldn't have been older then a hundred years old. "I might not be the strongest elven mage, but I am an apprentice, and I will be a elven mage in my future."
"You could hide both yourself and my brother?" Solaris asked, suspicious.
The elven child nodded. "I hide myself automatically, and hiding my prince would be hardly a strain." Duo smiled at her.
Solaris looked from Duo to the girl. "Kallie, I don't doubt you, because I know you are the apprentice to our strongest mage. But even if you are hidden by magic, you are still visible to the eyes."
"Solaris, we won't go far, I promise!" Duo pleased, he had to get out of the castle, the stonewalls were driving him crazy. "Please?" Duo turned on his charm, hoping his sister couldn't resist him.
"One hour." She gave in. "One hour and then we come looking for you. And let me put this way to encourage you not to be late. If our elven mages must go out and expand their magic and are unable to fight in the next battle, then no elves will fight. If we cannot hide ourselves, we'll draw the creatures strait to us and be overrun in seconds. And when I say no elves will fight I mean it, none, not you or anyone else."
She lightly pushed Kallie towards Duo. "I'm counting on you to keep him safe." The elf girl bowed to her princess before they were left alone.
"Thanks." Duo mounted his horse. "I don't know what I'd have done if I hadn't been able to convince Solaris to let me go."
Kallie mounted her own brown mare and they both slowly trotted from the stable. "Now remember your highness, we can't go far, because if I tire we'll be done for sure." Duo rolled his eyes.
"You're beginning to sound like everyone else. Let's just have fun, don't be concerned for my safety, nothing is going to happen." Duo waved to the guard operating the castle's giant wooden doors. The guard smiled and waved back, showing Duo had conformation to go and come as he pleased.
Duo laughed as they reached an open valley. "Hurry up!" Duo called as he raced forward. "Let's go into Star forest!" Finally the young elf caught up to him when he reached the edge of Starlight Forest.
"Your highness!" Kallie reached forward to stop her prince from going in. "We cannot take the risk!" She exclaimed. "The Starlight forest takes us too close to the Dark Castle in one direction and the Dark Morning Forest in another. Neither are places we should go."
"But Star forest is safe, the Southern Elves protect it." Duo stated, he couldn't understand why she wanted to stay clear of the forest. "Our strongest allies live in the forest, we would be in no danger."
"I don't trust these woods. I would rather have gone towards Lake Side town or the Centaur Villages. We should not go any closer." Kallie's frown deepened as Duo dismounted and began to steadily walk towards an opening in the thick trees. "Your highness, what are you doing?" She panicked as slid off her own horse racing to catch up with the one she had sworn to protect.
Unfortunately Duo was already in the forest when she caught his arm. "Prince Duo -" She pulled hard on his arm, hoping to stop him before they went too deep into the woods. Decades ago Starlight Forest was a wonderful place, and the elves of the North and South had a great alliance. But that was decades ago, and Kallie knew the dark castle was influencing the elves into dark thoughts.
"Duo!" Her eyes widened when she caught sight of her prince's eyes. The once brilliant Amethyst was now a dull, glazed over black. From her training as an apprentice she immediately recognized the symptoms as a spell, and if she wasn't mistaken, it was a powerful spell. It had to be one of the strongest to work against an elven prince. Those with royal blood were the most impervious to evil magic, but when their shield was broken, the most damage was done.
Kallie followed him silently, waiting for an opportunity to free the prince. When they reached a shaded, open space dread consumed her every feature. Dark creatures incased them and two human figures stood in the middle.
"I only wanted the prince!" The blond whispered. Duo had stopped walking and Kallie placed herself in front of him, ready to protect him.
"Set us free!" She demanded. "We are under the protection of the Southern, Northern and Western Elves, you would bring war upon yourself to continue this coarse of action." In a spilt second she pulled an arrow out and knocked it. She pulled back tightly ready to shoot the first thing to move close to them. "Now release the prince from your spell!"
"My dear young elf child." The blonde stepped forward. "Do you have any idea what you're messing with?"
"Hurry up! I can't hold him forever!" The other female called. Kallie noticed her hands shook; she noted it could be a weakness ready to be exploited.
"Leave now, and your life will be spared for the moment." The blonde commanded. "Though I highly doubt you'll do that." A strong breeze shook the trees and the blonde's pink dress moved with it.
"Relena, I can't hold him any more!" The second female lost her hold on the magic and Duo's eyes closed. He fell unconsciously to the floor with a soft thud.
"Fifteen more seconds, Hilde!" Relena screamed back at the other female. "Well, we can just as easily take him back unconsciousness."
"No!" Kallie lunged forward letting her arrow fly at Relena. What she did not expect was the arrow to bounce back and imbed its self into her own skin. The young elf fell almost immediately, putting up no real fight to the other women.
Relena was satisfied when she saw Kallie's eyes close and her chest remain still. "Oh, how much do I dislike elves." She looked down at Duo's slumbering body with disgust. "If he didn't want this elf so bad I'd kill him right now." Shaking her head she began to walk away. "Think you can keep a good hold on him now?" She asked Hilde before she disappeared into the forest.
The woman looked at the fallen elven prince and raised an eyebrow. "If I had any idea how good he looked I wouldn't have lost him the first time." Raising her hands she caught him in her spell again and levitated his body off the ground. "After Treize is done playing with him, I want a turn."
It was only when Hilde had disappeared with a very important prince and the dark shadows disappeared, that Kallie opened her eyes. They were covered in confusion as she struggled to a sitting position. She knew the wound was fatal, and even if it wasn't, she was dead already. Her magic was failing her and now every dark creature within miles would be advancing on her spot. Still she struggled on, knowing she had to warn the other elves that their prince was in grave danger.
More danger then she knew herself. A danger that would rip the very fabric of the little balance left. And this danger would come with jealousy, and with torture. This danger would come in the form of a person.
Warnings: Not Beta'd * sigh * She swore she would get off her but and do this for me.
"No! There is absolutely no way in any of the seven hells that Quatre is going to them!" Rasid exclaimed as they gathered in the council chambers. He stood in the middle of the room as he addressed the occupants: council on the right and the audience to the right. "The risk is far too great, and the king would be placed in grave danger."
Quatre and Trowa shared a worried glance, hands locked together. And just a few seats down another group was seated including WuFei, Lucrizia, Milliardo and Heero. They had been in the council chambers discussing the request that had come from the shadow lands just hours ago.
"But if we are to deal with this new threat, we must first understand it. Those leading the shadows have asked for a conference, and in order to insure peace we must meet with time." There were sudden conversations taking place at the same time.
But when Quatre slowly stood the talking ceased at once, all present giving their respect to the king. "It is most important that this issue be resolved as soon as it is possible." There were no objections. "But these dark creatures who, might I remind you were acting under orders, attacked us without the thought of compromise. They have shown only one objective, and that is to destroy us. This is a very hard decision for me to make at this time, but it must be made."
Quatre crossed the room to stand in the middle. "I refuse to risk the lives of those who would come with me. I will not go to them, willingly placing myself in a trap." Almost ever council member leapt to their feet. And at that moment Quatre wondered why he had a council, and if he really needed them. "You are to return to your normal duties." The turned and made of the door.
"What about neutral ground?" Quatre turned to look with question to the youngest member of the council. The young man was the only one left in his seat, and the only one composed of a calm nature. "I understand completely that we all have too much to lose if you are killed. So might I propose that we meet on neutral ground?" Quatre gave his full attention to the young man. Maybe, just maybe there was hope for the council if a steady head kept them upon the right path.
"What did you have in mind?" The third slowly rose to his feet and bowed deeply.
"In the letter we received, there were instructions for replying. We could send word that if they are interested in meeting next to Crystal Lake, we will discuss what has been happening." Quatre slowly smiled.
"That might be a good idea." Quatre looked back to Rasid, and then to the others important to him. "What might everyone else say on this matter?"
Milliardo and Lucrizia rose. "We came to earth to help." Milliardo started. "And to give our judgment on certain issues." The platinum blonde folded his hands behind his back. "So with that spoken, and with the possibility of a representative of the gods-"
"He approves." Lucrezia finished, tired of her husband's procrastination.
Rasid was next. "We could work this out . . . possibly."
Heero had nothing to say in the matter, and Trowa had no objections as long as he went with Quatre.
"I'm going too!" A weak and yet strong voice called out from across the room. Heero was on his feet in a second, rushing to aid the failing Elven prince.
Solaris gave Heero a mixed expression as she allowed the druid to lead her brother over to a chair. "What are you doing here?" Heero asked calmly as he helped him sit.
"You can't keep me in bed long." He winced slightly and met Quatre's concerned eyes. "It takes a lot more then that." He looked around the room with his best suspicion face. "Just in case anyone was planning on trying." There was an awkward silence before Duo burst out in laughter. "Come on, I was just messing with you guys."
Quatre shook his head. "No, Duo, you're far too weak to go with us. And it is a real possibility there could be an ulterior motive. You're still recovering, and I won't allow you to go."
Duo chuckled lightly and turned back to his sister who spoke for him. "You don't have a choice, your majesty. Because of the deaths of elves occurred, Duo has a responsibility to represent his race. Silver blood has been spilled and something must atone for our loss."
"But can't you or a different elf go?" Quatre asked. He truly did not want to see his closest friend throw himself into danger.
"No, it must be the heir to the throne." Duo continued.
"Duo, you really shouldn't go, you just got better, and you're not even fully healed yet!" Quatre stressed, panicking.
"No Quatre. I have to go, because elvish blood has been spilled. My blood has been spilled. I am going. Me, not you, not him, not her, me! I am healed enough to do this, and no human, druid, or god, is going to stop me!" Duo shot back. He was blowing hot air to stress his point.
Quatre remained silent, studying Duo's face before he made his decision. "I can see there is no way to talk you out of this. Heero, will you accompany him?" Heero nodded and slipped an arm around Duo's slim waist. "Then we'll convene as soon as word of compromise is heard." Quatre nodded to Trowa, and the taller escorted him out.
"Why?" Duo moved closer to Heero as he led them down the hall. A small smile played on his rosy lips, laugher threatening to spill over. Duo's face was still flushed, as he was recovering. His hair was pulled back clumsily into a messy braid, whips of brown hair hanging free.
"Because I won't see you hurt. I love you far too much." Heero tightened his grip around Duo's waist.
"No, why." Heero looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Why do you feel like that towards me? I've never shown you any kind of affection, if anything I've shown you hatred. If you'll remember, I attacked you." Duo blushed sheepishly as they stopped walking.
Heero pulled them back into a spare room. He then pulled Duo into a strong embrace, tucking the elf's head under his chin. Both of his arm's wrapped around Duo and he felt a protective nature take over, he felt as if he was protecting the elf from the world. "I don't know why, to be truthful. I guess, I've always known it, deep inside. I had a leaking suspicion that I loved you right before our battle." Both males melted into the other's embrace. "But I knew, I knew the moment I saw you in danger that I loved you. I knew I had to protect you at all costs, even the cost to my own life."
Duo burrowed deeper into the druid's chest, a large grin gracing his beautiful features. "Do you want to know why I attacked you a few days ago?" Duo asked, looking upward to cobalt blue eyes. "I began much earlier then that, I'm afraid. I knew I would bond to you, the gods told me in my dreams. Don't freak out, okay?" Duo looked at him again. "I have these dreams sometimes, like dreams of the future. So when I heard you speak about my culture, my people, I felt outraged."
Duo now looked shamefully at his feet, having pulled back out of the embrace. Immediately Heero reached forward to grasp Duo's chin. He lifted it slightly so he could look into deep, beautiful Amethyst eyes. "I stepped out of line." He leaned forward and kissed him lightly; still afraid he might hurt the elf. "Now I can only hope that you forgive me, and love me as much as I love you."
Amethyst sparkled with tears as he returned the kiss. "Should I show you, just how much I love you." His soft hands drifted down to Heero's belt. He slowly unlatched lit, dropping it and Heero's sword to the floor.
Duo's mouth captured Heero's and their tongues battled for dominance. Heero's hands roamed over the elf's smooth back. Heero calmly pulled Duo's shirt over his head and marveled at the perfect, unmarred flesh. "You're beautiful." He whispered as he kissed Duo's neck.
Duo smiled devilishly and reached forward to Heero's pants. With the belt gone there was nothing to stop him from sliding them down. Savagely, Heero pulled his own shirt off and drew Duo backwards. The elf shivered when his bare back hit the cold stone of the room, but immediately moaned in pleasure as Heero's hands dipped into his pants.
Duo reached down to grab his soul mate's hardness and smirked at the cry of ecstasy. "This is only the beginning." Duo pressed himself against Heero hard, intensifying their pleasure.
"What the hell-" There was a sudden thud and then silence. Heero, caught up in his pleasure failed to notice the sound, though Duo's keen elven ears caught it immediately. Moving up to his tiptoes he was able to look over Heero's shoulder.
"Shit." Immediately any lust he had felt was gone, and he wearily leaned on Heero's chest. "We've got a problem." Duo motioned to the prone figure lying next to the door. "I'm never going to hear the end of this." Duo moaned as he searched for his pants.
"How much do you think he saw?" Heero asked, catching the shirt thrown at him.
Duo pushed his hair back into place. "Too much." Duo knelt over WuFei's slightly twitching figure, an apologetic look upon his face. "WuFei?" He gently shook the Dragon Clan Descendant's shoulder. "Are you alright?"
There was a mumbled reply he Duo couldn't understand. He looked back to Heero who shrugged. "I said." The voice came out stronger. "Just go away. I will pretend I did not see anything if you leave right now." Duo winced at the tone of his friend's voice and accepted the hand Heero held out to him.
"I'm sorry WuFei." He stepped carefully over the man and closed the door behind him.
"Are you alright?" Heero asked as they slowly walked down the hall.
Duo sighed. "We shouldn't have been so careless." Heero wondered if it was anger he detected in Duo's voice. "This is what I get for letting love and lust rule over me in trying times." Duo looked at Heero and shook his head. "I think I need some time by myself. I'll se you later, before we leave." Duo pressed a small kiss to Heero's lips before turning away.
"You'll be careful?" Heero asked, looking quite alone, almost stranded. "You're not fully healed yet. Promise me you'll be careful." Duo nodded and walked away.
Heero looked skyward with an angry look. "You're really trying my patience, you understand, right?" He spoke to the gods. "Well this is only one druid that can take so much." And he stalked away.
*~*
"Shinigami won't lead me astray." Duo patted the horse on the head. The black mare stood silent, waiting for its master's command. "Shini has never failed me before, and I'll only be gone an hour at most." Solaris shook her head at her younger brother's attempts to go out alone.
"I don't care how many reasons or excuses you give me. The bottom line is that you will not leave this castle by yourself. We've known for quite a while that these shadow creatures sense us, they know where we are at all times. Our people are able to hide ourselves only because of the strong magic protecting us. If it were not for the alliance between Elves and Faeries, we would all be lost." The princess stroked her own horse.
"Those creatures will immediately be drawn to us, if we leave this castle." A blonde elf spoke up. "In a way, we're stuck here."
"But we have two elven mages." Duo stated.
"Three." Solaris corrected. "But they are here to hide us when we must venture out into battle. They cannot afford to accompany you and waste their energy."
Duo rolled his eyes. He was dying to go outside, and he couldn't understand his sister. She was elven like him, and she knew the call of nature. No matter the danger, elves had to spend a certain amount of time within the hands of nature. It was simply their calling.
"I could go." Duo looked at the small elf child, she couldn't have been older then a hundred years old. "I might not be the strongest elven mage, but I am an apprentice, and I will be a elven mage in my future."
"You could hide both yourself and my brother?" Solaris asked, suspicious.
The elven child nodded. "I hide myself automatically, and hiding my prince would be hardly a strain." Duo smiled at her.
Solaris looked from Duo to the girl. "Kallie, I don't doubt you, because I know you are the apprentice to our strongest mage. But even if you are hidden by magic, you are still visible to the eyes."
"Solaris, we won't go far, I promise!" Duo pleased, he had to get out of the castle, the stonewalls were driving him crazy. "Please?" Duo turned on his charm, hoping his sister couldn't resist him.
"One hour." She gave in. "One hour and then we come looking for you. And let me put this way to encourage you not to be late. If our elven mages must go out and expand their magic and are unable to fight in the next battle, then no elves will fight. If we cannot hide ourselves, we'll draw the creatures strait to us and be overrun in seconds. And when I say no elves will fight I mean it, none, not you or anyone else."
She lightly pushed Kallie towards Duo. "I'm counting on you to keep him safe." The elf girl bowed to her princess before they were left alone.
"Thanks." Duo mounted his horse. "I don't know what I'd have done if I hadn't been able to convince Solaris to let me go."
Kallie mounted her own brown mare and they both slowly trotted from the stable. "Now remember your highness, we can't go far, because if I tire we'll be done for sure." Duo rolled his eyes.
"You're beginning to sound like everyone else. Let's just have fun, don't be concerned for my safety, nothing is going to happen." Duo waved to the guard operating the castle's giant wooden doors. The guard smiled and waved back, showing Duo had conformation to go and come as he pleased.
Duo laughed as they reached an open valley. "Hurry up!" Duo called as he raced forward. "Let's go into Star forest!" Finally the young elf caught up to him when he reached the edge of Starlight Forest.
"Your highness!" Kallie reached forward to stop her prince from going in. "We cannot take the risk!" She exclaimed. "The Starlight forest takes us too close to the Dark Castle in one direction and the Dark Morning Forest in another. Neither are places we should go."
"But Star forest is safe, the Southern Elves protect it." Duo stated, he couldn't understand why she wanted to stay clear of the forest. "Our strongest allies live in the forest, we would be in no danger."
"I don't trust these woods. I would rather have gone towards Lake Side town or the Centaur Villages. We should not go any closer." Kallie's frown deepened as Duo dismounted and began to steadily walk towards an opening in the thick trees. "Your highness, what are you doing?" She panicked as slid off her own horse racing to catch up with the one she had sworn to protect.
Unfortunately Duo was already in the forest when she caught his arm. "Prince Duo -" She pulled hard on his arm, hoping to stop him before they went too deep into the woods. Decades ago Starlight Forest was a wonderful place, and the elves of the North and South had a great alliance. But that was decades ago, and Kallie knew the dark castle was influencing the elves into dark thoughts.
"Duo!" Her eyes widened when she caught sight of her prince's eyes. The once brilliant Amethyst was now a dull, glazed over black. From her training as an apprentice she immediately recognized the symptoms as a spell, and if she wasn't mistaken, it was a powerful spell. It had to be one of the strongest to work against an elven prince. Those with royal blood were the most impervious to evil magic, but when their shield was broken, the most damage was done.
Kallie followed him silently, waiting for an opportunity to free the prince. When they reached a shaded, open space dread consumed her every feature. Dark creatures incased them and two human figures stood in the middle.
"I only wanted the prince!" The blond whispered. Duo had stopped walking and Kallie placed herself in front of him, ready to protect him.
"Set us free!" She demanded. "We are under the protection of the Southern, Northern and Western Elves, you would bring war upon yourself to continue this coarse of action." In a spilt second she pulled an arrow out and knocked it. She pulled back tightly ready to shoot the first thing to move close to them. "Now release the prince from your spell!"
"My dear young elf child." The blonde stepped forward. "Do you have any idea what you're messing with?"
"Hurry up! I can't hold him forever!" The other female called. Kallie noticed her hands shook; she noted it could be a weakness ready to be exploited.
"Leave now, and your life will be spared for the moment." The blonde commanded. "Though I highly doubt you'll do that." A strong breeze shook the trees and the blonde's pink dress moved with it.
"Relena, I can't hold him any more!" The second female lost her hold on the magic and Duo's eyes closed. He fell unconsciously to the floor with a soft thud.
"Fifteen more seconds, Hilde!" Relena screamed back at the other female. "Well, we can just as easily take him back unconsciousness."
"No!" Kallie lunged forward letting her arrow fly at Relena. What she did not expect was the arrow to bounce back and imbed its self into her own skin. The young elf fell almost immediately, putting up no real fight to the other women.
Relena was satisfied when she saw Kallie's eyes close and her chest remain still. "Oh, how much do I dislike elves." She looked down at Duo's slumbering body with disgust. "If he didn't want this elf so bad I'd kill him right now." Shaking her head she began to walk away. "Think you can keep a good hold on him now?" She asked Hilde before she disappeared into the forest.
The woman looked at the fallen elven prince and raised an eyebrow. "If I had any idea how good he looked I wouldn't have lost him the first time." Raising her hands she caught him in her spell again and levitated his body off the ground. "After Treize is done playing with him, I want a turn."
It was only when Hilde had disappeared with a very important prince and the dark shadows disappeared, that Kallie opened her eyes. They were covered in confusion as she struggled to a sitting position. She knew the wound was fatal, and even if it wasn't, she was dead already. Her magic was failing her and now every dark creature within miles would be advancing on her spot. Still she struggled on, knowing she had to warn the other elves that their prince was in grave danger.
More danger then she knew herself. A danger that would rip the very fabric of the little balance left. And this danger would come with jealousy, and with torture. This danger would come in the form of a person.