and some things you just can't speak about

by NeonDomino

When Sirius almost dies in his attempt to protect Remus, a fae in the forest, he doesn't expect to survive. He certainly doesn't expect to find himself bonded to the other man, or fall in love.

Prompt: Fae & Accidentally Bonding

Written for Hogwarts - Assignment 11 - Task #4: Bay Leaves - Write a story set in the woods/forest.

---

and some things you just can't speak about

When Sirius almost dies in his attempt to protect Remus, a fae in the forest, he doesn't expect to survive. He certainly doesn't expect to find himself bonded to the other man, or fall in love.

---

The worst thing about war, Sirius decides, is that they don't always tell you what the war is for, what it's about, who it's against. His kingdom believes that the soldiers are there to do as they're told without question.

Sirius became a soldier when he lost everything. His family, the most important in the Kingdom, had wanted to decide his entire life, every single moment for him. They had wanted full control, and Sirius couldn't allow that to happen. He wants to choose his own future; to forge his own path.

Unfortunately, there weren't many options when his parents had given him the ultimatum to either conform and be what they expected, or leave. Leaving had offered that little bit more freedom, and Sirius had hoped to make a difference in the world by signing up as a soldier. At least he'd have somewhere to live whilst in service. He wouldn't be hungry. He'd be doing good, protecting the kingdom.

But when they had been told that they were going to fight, without any further knowledge, Sirius had started to realise that he had made the biggest mistake ever. He should have left the kingdom, searched for a new life. His mistake had been sticking around and trusting that those who ruled were good people, as his parents had strongly believed.

But they march, weapons in hand, destination not something that the higher-ups share with the soldiers. They only know that the army is not moving towards any of the other three kingdoms. They're moving towards the forests at the furthest edge of the kingdom.

The soldiers are eager to move, to fight, to defend or invade, or whatever they're doing (and Sirius listens to each theory, each more absurd than the last). He sits quietly as the others laugh and joke whilst eating the stews cooked when they stop to camp, and he tries to figure out what is going on without listening to their nonsense.

The forests are haunted, people say. Magical creatures, magical beings. Voices with no forms to accompany them. People going missing, some reappearing many years later without having aged a day. Trees and woods that shift and move and become a maze.

People fear these forests. They have good reason to, in Sirius' opinion. He believes they're out to conquer that land and the land beyond. The forest never allows anyone to reach the land beyond, and Sirius guesses that the king wants to claim that land as his own. But the forest is in the way.

They're there to unlock the secrets of the forest. To find and destroy the beings in there that are stopping people from travelling through. In Sirius' opinion, the kingdom is more than big enough, and this isn't what he signed up for. But there's little he can do.

---

They camp at the edge of the forest. No one seems bothered by this, except Sirius. He watches the forest more closely than the others. There are guards on lookout, sure, but none seem to get the same feeling that he gets.

He feels like eyes are on them. That something is there, just beyond the trees. Something that he can't name. There's a strange breeze and he can almost hear music and voices, but when he tries to listen, he just hears animals and the wind blowing through the trees.

Sirius stands in the line and when his turn comes, he accepts the bowl of stew. It's not great food, it's cheap and thin and does little to fill them, but he's coming to realise that soldiers matter very little to the king.

He had tried to tell himself that he'd use this as a chance to prove himself, but as the days of travelling continued, and their destination became clearer, Sirius isn't sure he can do that anymore.

He believes in the beings in the forest. He grew up with his Uncle Alphard telling him so many stories about them. Beautiful stories, terrifying stories. All he knows is that this forest doesn't harm anyone who stays outside of it. Sirius can appreciate that it's like its own kingdom. They don't welcome outsiders. They don't allow anyone to come into their kingdom, and what the soldiers are about to do is clearly an invasion. They're taking the forest, and these creatures that reside in it and call it their home will not allow that.

Whatever they are, they will fight back. This isn't Sirius' fight, but to walk away, he will be branded a traitor.

He sits apart from the others, watching the nearby trees. He's sure he sees movement. Flashes of colours, designed to tempt and entice and entrance. Sirius holds his resolve though. Eyes peer back at him, gone before he can determine if they were even really there. If there's a being watching him, they're hidden beautifully in the yellows and oranges of the ever-changing leaves as they move through the Autumn.

The forest is beautiful, from where he's sitting. If they win, this will be torn down, and that doesn't sit right with Sirius.

"Black," the captain says, stirring Sirius from his thoughts. "Tomorrow we move through that treacherous forest and disprove the ghost stories that haunt and follow it. We take the land, and we take the land that it hides. Is this not cause for celebration, that you can serve your king and fix the stain on your family name?"

The stain on his family name is his very existence, and Sirius fights the words as they want to slip from his lips. A year ago, almost two in fact, Sirius would have said those words and faced whatever punishment that it would engender. But he's learnt when to hold his tongue.

"I'm merely considering what could be contained in there," Sirius murmurs. "I long to do what is right, and do not want to let my guard down this close to the land that brought about many tales from when I was but a boy."

"We have guards," the captain says, gesturing around. "This might be your last night to relax, to drink and be merry. To live."

Sirius nods. Though it seems like a suggestion, he knows that Captain Greyback is issuing an order. He will go and join the others. He will pretend that he's enjoying himself. Because, quite frankly, he's heard about Greyback.

The man is ruthless, amoral. He's known for his cruelty, doing whatever it takes to get a job done. Where many soldiers may baulk at the idea of going to a town and killing every person who resides there, Sirius has heard the others talk about Greyback's actions as though the man actually enjoys it. Others may spare women and children. Greyback takes a morbid delight in spilling their blood.

He wants to stay on this man's good side where possible. He had hoped to stay somewhat out of his radar, but that's futile, seeing as Greyback has now singled him out.

By trying to be undetected, he's drawn more attention to himself.

He takes a seat on an old overturned log, recognising soldiers that he had trained with. Some of them are looking to bring their family even more honour such as Malfoy and Nott, and some who want to elevate their family to a better class of living, such as Dolohov and Macnair.

But the best of the best are in this regiment, and Sirius should be flattered that he's considered that good. He'd trained with his father and with servants growing up, but he thought his disgraced disownment wouldn't allow him to be with those that were important. They're the ones out for glory. But perhaps the king is still considering Sirius' surname. Or perhaps Sirius' father put in a good word.

Sirius may never know what led him to this regiment, but still, he tries to be a part of things. He throws out a few words in conversation but mostly tries to keep the focus off himself. When the soldiers have a drink, Sirius allows himself one to calm his nerves but sips it slowly.

The regiment, and the ones that are camping around them are loud, merry. They have lanterns on, and they have no cares in the world. It's as though they don't see the forest or the land beyond as a threat. Sirius wonders if they're stupid and don't perceive it as one, or just overconfident in their abilities.

As much as he tries, he can't take his eyes off the forest. There's just something magical about it. Even breathing the air here feels different, and something is prickling against his skin. Magic, perhaps, or maybe that's what fear feels like.

But he's certain that someone or something is watching back. He'd stake everything on it. He'd bet his life.

---

Weapons drawn, they enter the forest. Two sets of scouts have yet to return, and Greyback believes they're dead or the forest is a maze.

They won't come back. They were due to check in after a few hours, but these are trained scouts, able to move about unseen. If they haven't come back by now, they're not returning.

The forest, taking its first victims, and Sirius can't take his eyes off it. The trees at the edge have leaves that are turning purple. It's so beautiful, but he's going to be the one to make it through because he understands the dangers, he's not going in there without caution.

The second he sets foot past the first tree, the border of the forests, he can hear it again. The whispers, but this time they don't fade when he tries to focus. Instead, they intensify. They're in the wind as it whips around his ears, around the dark curls that fall below his helm. It strokes across the back of his neck in a way that makes him shiver.

But worse than that, he can feel eyes on him. Eyes are always on him, ever since they approached the forest, and Sirius is terrified. Whilst the other men have their weapons up, Sirius' weapon is lowered. He doesn't want to appear threatening.

He tries to remind himself what got him here. What he has to prove, but when leaves flurry around him, getting in his face, he remembers the stories. The powers beings in the forest have. The wind pushing the leaves hits the others worse, but for him… well, it's almost playful.

He lowers his sword even more. Perhaps they're seeing that he's not as much a threat?

And with that action, the flurry eases a shade. Whilst the others are assaulted with the orange leaves, the purple ones seem to dance around Sirius, and he marvels at this magic.

"Black's worked it out," Greyback shouts. "Weapons down. It must be a defence strategy. Activated by drawn weapons."

They start to lower their weapons, and the leaves ease up somewhat, but they don't dance around the other men like they do for Sirius.

When Sirius looks around, assessing the forest, he's sure that eyes are on him. Again. But this time, he doesn't feel so scared. In fact, he feels a little amused by the antics of whoever created this magic. He's relieved that Greyback used his last name. The fae have power over names, and he doesn't want them to develop power over him.

There's rustling in the trees around him, in the bushes. Eyes from every angle. Gone the second Sirius' eyes meet each set, but he lowers his sword all of the way.

He'll defend himself, but he's not about to strike the first blow.

Greyback smirks as the leaves finally fall to the ground, and he strides forward. "Move out," he orders the men. "Keep your eyes peeled, keep track of the compass, we're going due northwest."

Sirius walks slowly, his eyes trying to take everything in, flicking down to the compass he has in his possession. The arrow spins, though Sirius isn't turning, and Sirius knows that they're being moved around. They're only a few feet in, but he's almost certain that should he turn around, he won't see the edge of the trees where they entered.

Greyback doesn't look phased in the slightest as he strides through the forest, the leaves crunching underfoot as he goes.

The other soldiers start to move too, but Sirius notes that they all head in different directions to Greyback, and suddenly the arrow on his own stops spinning, and it points ahead. It's telling him to follow their captain. He watches the ground carefully, not wanting to be tricked by hidden circles of flowers, but as they move deeper between the trees, there are less leaves, and Sirius can see the grass underneath, flower free.

He's not about to be deceived though, and still keeps a wary eye in front of him, whilst still watching the trees and trying to decipher the whispers.

There are shouts off to the side. Calls of flower rings. An unfamiliar voice shouts about finding stairs, and Sirius stays close to Greyback. The men look around as though they can't see the two of them, and Sirius wonders if this is another trick, but he continues on. If Greyback isn't calling for them to follow, that's not Sirius' concern. Plus, he doesn't want the forest-dwellers to think he's the same as the others. Calling out to them will link him to them. Saying their names will be giving away power. It's best to be silent. Hopefully the men will just be spat back out of the forest. But he knows that it won't be that kind. Some of them will never leave.

He turns his attention back to the path in front of him, and he quickly realises that there's a lack of anything on their path, and that itself is suspicious. Everyone else has been sent away, except him and his captain and he wonders if the folk of the forest have a different plan for the pair of them.

Or have they been deemed worthy to find the right path?

---

He doesn't have to wait long. There are beautiful lights around the trees in this part of the forest. It's quite extraordinary, beautiful and Sirius' gaze moves everywhere, trying to take it in. He can tell they're not lanterns. From this distance, it appears to be tiny lights just floating in the air. Sirius suddenly realises just how dark it is. How long have they been walking? At least six hours, but he's sure it's more than that.

"We're making it," Greyback says. "Be prepared." His voice is all but a growl and his fingers tighten around his weapon. Sirius is glad that the man is focused on the things in front of him, because he's not interested in fighting anymore. He's not come to harm so far, in fact, they just seem to be toying with him, playing around.

The whispers are comforting.

"This feels like a trap," Greyback decides warily. He raises his sword, and with a growl, he swings at the lights. They scatter, but Sirius' grey eyes follow the movement and he can see that they're not bugs.

He can't see as much as he wants through the visor of the helm, so he reaches up and he lifts it up, taking it from his head. He drops his arm back down, the heavy helm now at his side.

"Magic," Sirius murmurs.

"Pretty lights aren't enough to stop us," Greyback scoffs. "Some leaves and some lights? Is this all they have?" He stops so suddenly that Sirius almost walks into him. "Enough tricks. Come and face us."

Sirius steps back because he's not a part of this. He relaxes his grip on the sword and silently prays that they don't think he's here to start trouble. Of all people, he does not want to be walking this forest with Greyback. Each life the other man takes, Sirius is a witness of. Each body that falls, Sirius is a part of, and he hates this. He's so close to turning and leaving, but Greyback is just as cruel to deserters as he is to everyone else. He won't get far before the man cuts him down, and Sirius has no doubts about his skills.

Greyback laughs as nothing happens. Leaves swirl around their feet, but it seems reluctant. It offers Sirius a strange comfort though.

"It's louder," he murmurs.

Greyback turns at this. "What is?"

"Can't you hear that?" Sirius asks, frowning a little at Greyback's expression.

"The wind and the leaves," he mutters. "You hear something different, boy?"

The sound is just for him then.

"Just those," Sirius says instead. It's quicker and easier this way. The whispering softens, and Sirius can hear music over the voices. Soft music, enticing him. It's testing his resolve, he believes. He raises his chin and watches his captain.

"Perhaps we should continue on?" he suggests. "Calling them might bring them here, though it looks like they're giving us a clear path to whatever resides on the other side of this forest."

"You talk like you're scared to face them," Greyback accuses.

"You're the leader," Sirius hastens to say, "but I was thinking that if we were to fight, we're only two men and could be overwhelmed and cut down quickly. If that happens, we won't return to the castle to… to serve the king, to bring information, to…"

"If they know what is good for them, they'll stay hidden," Greyback spits. "They're watching. Things like this are lurking in the shadows. We're here to clear this forest until nothing remains to block the way. You're soft, Black. You're feeling too much for what is happening. You've never killed before, but when you taste your first blood, feel the warmth of it on your hands, you'll be a changed man. I have every faith in you." He smiles at Sirius and it leaves Sirius feeling cold.

Behind Greyback, Sirius sees movement, and his eyes widen as he follows it. For the first time since entering the forest, he sees someone else. They left the other soldiers quite early on, and aside from eyes watching, lights in the corner of his eyes, there was nothing. But this small figure darts out from behind a tree, rushing quickly. The whispers around him seem to intensify, they're urgent, calling to someone unknown.

Greyback is quick to see Sirius' change of demeanour. He turns, his eyes searching. "What did you see?" he demands.

"Oh. I thought… it may have been an animal. It startled me." He's sure the figure was small and must be a child. As he says these words, the voices calm. They're not panicked anymore, and Sirius realises for a start that whatever language these beings are speaking, they're also calling to each other.

Greyback doesn't listen to Sirius. Sword prepared, he strides over to where Sirius was looking, and Sirius starts to panic because that's a child and he can't allow this.

"Who goes there?" he shouts, turning the other way. "Reveal yourself." He hopes that the quiver in his voice doesn't give him away.

Greyback stops, his eyes frantic as he takes in the place where Sirius is looking now. "What was there?"

"I think… there was a figure. Just for a split second, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared," Sirius lies. He keeps his eyes darting frantically around, though he's sure Greyback's gaze is on him.

"Well, let's go," Greyback insists, and he strides over to where Sirius had lied about seeing someone. Sirius follows, hoping that whatever child of the forest was running, has found somewhere safe and will hide until Fenrir is gone.

Because he doesn't doubt that Fenrir will use this child to draw the other inhabitants of the forest out. He suspects Fenrir will be happy to torture and kill the child without a single care in the world.

Sirius can't let that happen. He's not sure what test this is, but he's here with the most dangerous and terrifying man he's ever met, and he's not sure he's going to get out of this alive.

---

They make camp as the sun comes up, both taking a couple of hours rest, whilst the other sits watch. Just needing to get back on their feet. They eat some of the supplies sparingly, not knowing when they'll get out of the forest, and they trek on.

They walk for hours, stopping only for a drink and to try and get their bearings. They've given up listening for the others now, assuming it's just the two of them, and Sirius hopes they reach the other side soon. No one has set foot on the other side of the forest and lived to tell the tale, and he knows Fenrir wants to be the first.

He's looking for any indication of the trees thinning as the arrow on his compass spins around madly. Sirius searches the area around him. He's become accustomed to the whispers and the wind, and they're distracting enough that he doesn't feel like he's going mad, walking in silence for hours.

Suddenly, Fenrir stops in place, taking a few deep breaths, and Sirius copies, trying to figure out what has the man looking delighted. He can't smell anything in the forest that stands out against the other smells, but Fenrir clearly can, because he turns off the track, into the woods, and there's a flurry of movement in the distance.

"We've played their games long enough," he insists, pointing upwards. It's night again, and he wonders if they'll see any more lights. As he searches, he notices little blue shimmers in the air, but he shakes his head.

"I've heard stories. We don't want to follow those," Sirius says.

"Of course not. We're going this way," Greyback says, storming off the track and through a small bush. Sirius rushes after him, and they hear the sound of footsteps.

The compass in his hands goes haywire. The arrow stops briefly in each direction, before changing and changing again.

Greyback suddenly pauses, taking another deep breath, and he turns once more, walking in another direction, and Sirius hears the footsteps again. He speeds up, a mere half-step behind Greyback.

"They're following, watching," Greyback growls. "They think I don't know their tricks. They haven't expelled us from this place yet, so they can't. They haven't trapped us or enticed us, which means that they're not able to do so. All they can do is trick us. All they can do is make this a maze and make us give up."

"We could be trapped here forever," Sirius notes, dismayed.

Greyback moves quickly, swiping at a bush and a figure in front darts away, running. The being is around their height, and Sirius doesn't get a good look before he sees Fenrir running after them. Sirius gives chase, because he's not leaving whoever it is alone with Greyback.

He catches up just as Greyback throws a knife, the weapon hitting the man in the side, and he falls to the ground, twisting and hissing in pain as he does. Amber eyes gleam angrily as he stares towards Greyback, before stumbling to his feet. He ignores Sirius completely.

The man goes to touch the knife, but he winces at the touch, pulling his hand away as though it's burning him, and Sirius suddenly realises that Fenrir Greyback is more aware of this place than he originally thought, because there's only one metal that can hurt the fae - and this man is clearly fae - and that's iron.

"Let's have some fun," Fenrir says. "He'll be delighted to show us the way to the town or hive or whatever they live in..." He strides over before the man is on his feet, and he grips the knife, driving it in deeper, twisting it and tearing at the skin. "Come on, boy, come and taste your first blood." He turns to Sirius, expecting Sirius to join him.

As Sirius approaches, hands shaking as he does, Greyback lets go of the knife and moves, and Sirius can see the fae on the ground, agony on his face. His fingers seize up inches from the knife that is causing him pain - the iron that he can't touch to remove.

This is cruel. The man was running away. Sirius won't do this. He moves closer, and the eyes open and Sirius sees a beautiful amber, and he's sure these eyes have been watching him since before he even entered the forest. Almost completely hidden in the trees, by the colours of the leaves, but Sirius was sure he saw someone. Lots of someones, but he's sure that this being has been following for days. But mostly these eyes. This being could have hurt him before he even set foot in the forest, but hasn't tried to harm him at all.

He grabs the knife, causing the fae to let out another hiss of pain. Sirius hastily pulls it from the man's hip revealing a horrible, gaping wound. Blood drips from the knife, and the fae's mouth drops open as though he's about to shout in pain. His eyes watch Sirius as though he half-expects Sirius to plunge the knife back into him. His expression shows he's bracing himself for that, but Sirius doesn't want to hurt him.

"Put pressure on it," Sirius says, before turning. He drops the knife, kicking it away from them, and he lifts his sword, holding it up. He stands between Greyback and the being on the ground.

"Run," he snaps, not even risking turning around.

"You've shown your colours after all," Greyback says, amused. He smiles and it's something vicious and terrifying. "I wondered whether you were brave enough to get your hands dirty, or whether you were a coward. You, Sirius Black, are a coward."

"Standing up for what I believe in is not cowardice," he retorts. He knows he's not walking out of here alive, but he's saving a life. He'd helped a child get away from Greyback earlier, and now he's helping this fae. He hopes death comes swift, but not too much so. He doesn't want Fenrir finding this being again. He draws his sword, not allowing Greyback to get too close.

"The honourable thing would be to duel you," Fenrir murmurs menacingly. "But your actions are dishonourable, and who said I was one to follow honour myself? No, what you deserve is to lie in your own blood for the animals to feast upon."

He starts to move around Sirius, but Sirius doesn't turn with him. He merely steps sideways, not allowing Fenrir to get to the body.

"I don't know what you're protecting," Fenrir says quietly. "He's gone. Self-preservation. You might be willing to give your life for it, but they're very much for themselves. Yet you're the one paying the price as a traitor to the king."

As much as Sirius wants to walk away from this, it lasts only minutes. He feels the blade at his throat, and pain and darkness.

---

It's almost pitch black when Sirius wakes up. He's in pain and his throat is throbbing and he feels like he can't breathe properly.

Hands stroke at his hair, and as his vision starts to gain focus, he realises that the beautiful lights are all around him again, and there are tree roots underneath his hands. The roots seem to spread far and wide, but someone is there with him.

It's obviously not Fenrir. He tries to turn around to look, but any movement of his head leaves him in agony. The hands stop touching his hair, and he feels someone lean him carefully back against the tree, before the figure moves in front of him.

The fae.

"Sirius," the man murmurs, tilting his head to look at Sirius. He puts his hand on his own chest. "Remus."

It's a massive show of trust, this fae sharing his own name. Names are power. Names are a bond. Names are control, and magic and so much more than Sirius will ever know. Maybe it's this Fae's way of evening the tables. They know each other's names now. They're equals.

Sirius' lips move but little sound comes out.

The fae gestures to Sirius' neck. Sirius knows that he should be dead right now, but somehow he's not. With a twist of the man's hand, the lights move closer, illuminating the space. They wrap around the trees, and the leaves swirl playfully around them in the same manner as before. It's gentle, kind. The slight wind that caresses his skin is warm.

Oh. This fae was the one doing all this in the first place, Sirius realises. He gives a tiny smile, but he doesn't feel good. If he hasn't died already, he's probably in the process of doing so. Maybe Remus feels it's his obligation to be with Sirius whilst it happens?

Sirius doesn't want to die alone. His hand shoots out and he finds the hand of the other man. Remus' beautiful eyes widen, and he starts to pull his hand away in a panic. But he pauses when Sirius does nothing more than hold it, looking at Remus desperately because Sirius needs this.

Remus puts his hand back, his eyes unblinking as he uses the other to push a curl from Sirius' face. He regards him curiously, his eyes moving so fast as though he's taking in everything.

Sirius' gaze moves down, trying to get a look at Remus' hip. He can see bandages. Blood leaks through them, but bandages all the same. If he's moving around, it means that Remus is well enough to do so, and Sirius' smile grows a bit as he lets out a relieved sigh.

"Gadewch imi eich helpu chi!"

'Let me help you.'

It's been so many years since Alphard told them the stories. He taught them words from the fae. He taught them how to act, how to show respect. He didn't teach them enough because Sirius doesn't understand. Though… one word does sound a little like 'help.'

"Yes, please help me if you can." He hesitates. He doesn't want to be in their debt, but he doesn't want to disrespect this man so he needs to pick his words carefully. "I saved your life. Please save mine." He hopes the fae can understand him. "We can do this. We can figure out how to spare my life, together."

The fae's perfect eyes move over him again, as though reading his emotions.

"To… together?" the fae repeats, testing the word on his lips. "Gyda'i gilydd yn golygu bondio yn fy iaith. Rydych chi am i ni bondio?"

'Together means bonded in my language. You want us to bond?'

"Together," Sirius says, nodding fervently. "Yes, let's do this."

Remus' face breaks out into a smile, shy, nervous, and looking happier than anyone Sirius had ever met before. If he wasn't so injured, so close to death, Sirius' thoughts would be focused on how completely beautiful the fae is, but even Sirius Black can put his priorities in order.

Or perhaps not, because Remus reaches up to push some curls away from his neck, and Sirius can't help himself. He's resisted this sort of temptation for years, though it's been there, under his skin. The handsome gardener, a year older than him - so Sirius would avoid the gardens. The soldier in the regiment whose eyes were always on him, Sirius made sure to always train away from him. The kingdom had laws, and Sirius trusted no one. But right now, it's just them. He's going to die anyway.

But he can't stop himself from bringing Remus' lip to his hand, placing a gentle kiss to the back of it, because he's not even sure if Remus understands his words. But he hopes that the gesture is taken kindly.

Remus stares, soft lips parted ever so slightly as he looks between his hand and Sirius' lips.

Remus reaches out with his free hand, and Sirius feels something wet on his cheeks as Remus starts to draw something on his skin. Remus winces as he reaches down, before his fingers come up again to his own face. He draws on himself, runes that Sirius doesn't recognise. Sirius stares. Remus is writing these markings in his own blood, but his head is fuzzy and he doesn't think to question what Remus is even doing.

"Rydych chi am gael eich bondio gyda'ch gilydd. Kiss mi a bydd felly."

'You do wanted to be bonded together. Kiss me and it shall be so.'

Remus moves his fingers, and figures appear. Sirius can see them in the corner of his eye, but can't seem to look at any of them when his gaze moves. They're little more than shadows. A figure murmurs words that he can't understand, but he can feel the flow of magic pulling at him, as though it's waiting for something. Flowers appear under his fingers, and the tree above him seems to glow. Lights seem to grow out from the tree, though Sirius can't get a proper look. He's feeling weaker by the minute.

Sirius is sure he heard the word 'kiss' in there somewhere, and Remus is watching his lips, and it's probably the worst time to be kissing a fae, but perhaps Remus can't help him? Perhaps this is a goodbye kiss. Well, if he's going to die, he might as well have a moment of happiness before doing so, and what could make him happier than locking lips with this beautiful being in front of him? Finally, he can give in to that temptation that has been eating away inside of him for years. He doesn't even stop to wonder if he's making some sort of deal, or breaking one of Uncle Alphard's rules, because if he's about to die, they have no way of collecting on the deal.

He reaches up, his hand on Remus' face. Remus shifts closer, his lips curving upwards as he does, and Sirius' fingers slip into the back of his dark-blond curls that finish just below the nape of his neck. The fae looks awestruck as he watches Sirius, and Sirius can't stop looking into Remus' eyes. His heart is pounding against his chest. It's an uncomfortable sensation with how his body is feeling.

It feels like eternity as Remus slowly moves closer. He looks so nervous, but Sirius is pretty sure he's not about to bolt. His hands are pressed flat against the floor as he kneels by Sirius' side, one hand moving to the other side of Sirius' legs as he leans over him, careful not to touch the iron of the armour. Sirius longs to grab him, pull him closer, but he resists. He's about to die. He doesn't want to scare Remus off and face death alone. The idea of doing this alone is terrifying.

Everything is starting to darken around him, but before he can say anything else, Remus' lips find his and Sirius gets lost in the way Remus kisses him, soft lips gently pulling on his own. For a moment, he forgets the pain. He forgets the way Greyback came at him, and Sirius was too slow to deflect one of the blows. The way the knife sliced into his skin and the man laughed, before that laugh was cut short and followed by a cry of agony.

Instead, he feels a warmth. The comforting scents of lavender, vanilla and mint surround him as though he's surrounded by the plants and flowers, and so many noises. The whispers aren't whispers anymore. They're voices, and the music is clearer. There's the gentle sound of tinkling bells. But the darkness is still there, and Sirius is so very weak.

With Remus' fingers stroking lovingly across his face, he lets the darkness overcome him.

---

Sirius doesn't expect to wake up again. For a long moment after opening his eyes, he doesn't even know what has happened. He tries to gather his thoughts, tries to piece together the events that transpired over the last few days.

The bed he's on is comfortable, not like the rolls they had when camping outside of the forest. As he remembers this, more memories start coming back and finally, Sirius' fingers move to his neck. He's scared that he'll find a wound, but his fingers brush over painful skin that is trying to heal. There's a buzz of magic on his skin. It feels raw, agonising, but not open and bleeding.

He's healing. He's getting better. Did his beautiful fae protect him? He could just lay here forever and never move, but he forces himself to roll onto his side.

His chainmail is gone, and Sirius realises how difficult it would have been for Remus to achieve this, considering that fae are harmed by iron. Either he took that risk, or someone else brought him here? Instead, he's wearing simple cotton clothing. Sirius gets up. His brain only reminds him of the pain in his throat, and that still remains, he still has what he imagines to be a long recovery, but he's sure that Greyback ran him through with the sword. He can't quite remember.

He remembers Greyback's cry of agony. He remembers Remus, the kiss, the way Remus stroked his hair and looked at him as though he were beautiful.

Sirius wonders if the fae are a mere figment of his imagination, because they're so beautiful, so stunning, that Sirius can't believe one would look at him and see anything but a plain human. His looks - as proud and vain as he is of them - don't even begin to compare.

As Sirius stands from the bed of furs and flowers and whatever else is making him feel like he's had the best sleep of his life, Remus appears in the doorway, a bowl of food in his hands. His face lights up at the sight of Sirius, and he moves into the room.

"Rydych chi o'r diwedd yn effro. Rydw I wedi bod mor poeni amdanoch chi fy nghariad. Rhaid I chi fod yn ddryslyd, dwi'n dychmygu. Ystafell dros dro yw hon, fe'ch sicrhaf. Bydd ein iachawr I mewn I wirio arnoch yn fuan. Unwaith y budd gennym yr holl eglur, gallaf ddangos ein cartref I chi. Nid yw'n llawer. Dywedodd mam wrthyf fod bodau dynol yn hoffi bod yn berchen ar lawer o bethau. Nid ydym yma, ond gallaf gael pethau os bydd eu hangen arnoch. Unrhyw beth i chi."

'You're finally awake. I've been so worried about you, my love. You must be confused, I imagine. This is a temporary room, I assure you. Our healer will be in to check on you soon. Once we have the all-clear, I can show you our home. It's not much. Mother informed me that humans like to own many things. We don't here, but I can get things if you need them. Anything for you.'

He sets the food down, his gaze intently fixed on Sirius. Sirius opens his mouth to answer. "I'm sorry," he wants to say. "I don't understand." But no words come out. He tries again, before looking at Remus with utmost panic.

Remus smiles softly.

"Bydd defnyddio'ch llais yn arafu iachad."

'Using your voice will slow down healing.'

Unfortunately, Sirius doesn't understand that either, and he jumps up, ignoring the food (which he wouldn't have eaten anyway, everyone knows not to eat the food of the fae) and moving towards the door.

Remus grabs his arm and pulls him back. He puts a hand on Sirius' shoulder, and the expression is firm, as though he's now realised that Sirius doesn't understand.

He holds up his hand, signalling Sirius to pause, and he looks stern. There's something more formidable about this fae now, and Sirius has no choice but to keep trusting him. But that doesn't stop this panic. He looks into Remus' amber eyes desperately, seeking answers. He knows that he could have fared worse than losing his voice. It's a small price to pay for his life.

Remus twists his hand, causing a shimmer of magic, and then points at Sirius' throat, ending the motion by putting a finger to his lips.

Sirius doesn't get it. He shakes his head, but Remus is patient. He does the motion again. Magic. Throat. Quiet. Again and again, not getting annoyed, merely being patient and trying his best to get the words through to Sirius in a way he can understand.

It takes Sirius a long time to realise, mostly because of the panic. Finally the gestures click, but he's still not a hundred percent sure.

He understands the first two parts. The magic healed him. But the third part leaves him confused. He's not sure if his voice will return, or if he's lost it. But there's no way to get an answer about that from Remus, because he can't voice his concern, and even if he could, his lovely fae can't understand him.

He nods slightly. He's a little calmer. There's no point panicking right now. There has to be someone he can communicate with, somewhere.

Remus looks relieved that Sirius is panicking less. He nods for Sirius to follow him and he takes Sirius' hand in his own and starts to lead him from the small hut.

They step out into the sun. Rather than the dark forest and the expanse of trees, they're beyond that and there are small huts set up, and different fae and beings are milling about. But the moment a woman looks their way, Sirius panics once more. He pulls his hand from Remus', because people might see. They can't - there are laws. He looks at Remus, because he can't tell Remus these things, but Remus is frowning. Remus slowly reaches out, and he takes Sirius' hand again, his look returning to the stern one.

Sirius lets him, though his heart is pounding in his chest. As Remus leads them from the hut, several of the fae straighten. Some salute, some bow, and Sirius reckons that this man is someone important. Maybe they won't get in trouble. From the looks coming his way, there's some curiosity and a little hostility, but he gets the feeling it's not because he's holding hands with another man.

They reach a tent. It's silk and it doesn't seem to be tied down like the human tents back in his own encampment, and he realises that this is the fae encampment. He also realises that they're on the other side of the forest, but before he can look around, he's pulled inside, and there are two fae standing over a table. Both look up as Remus comes in. They don't move to hide the hand-drawn map, they merely regard Sirius curiously.

"Mae gennym broblem. Nid yw'n fy neall I. Ni allaf esbonio dim iddo. Efallai na fydd yn gwybod ein bod ni'n bondio. Helpwch fi I drwsio hyn, mae'n llanast."

'We have a problem. He doesn't understand me. I can't explain anything to him. He might not know we're bonded. Help me fix this, it's a mess.'

Sirius doesn't know what Remus is saying, because of the languages, but he can see Remus looks devastated, and he can't help himself but to reach out with his free hand, using it to lift Remus' face up. He's beautiful, and Sirius is sure that he's just as beautiful inside. He smiles reassuringly, because none of this is Remus' fault, and when Remus shifts closer, Sirius puts his arms around him.

"Human, do you consent to me doing magic to assist you with speaking? It turns out we have a matter to sort out." The fae pauses, glancing towards Remus for a moment. "The magic we used to heal you was strong, but sometimes magic reacts in strange ways. I can make it so you can understand us… for a short time. It's not lasting magic."

Sirius nods. He wants to know what is going on. A moment later, what looks like a shimmer of pink silk comes from the leader's hand and it wraps around his neck like a soft scarf, before warming his skin.

"What is your name?" the leader asks. He reaches up to fix his glasses, and Sirius wants to know exactly why this fae has glasses on. Why would he need them?

Sirius hesitates in just handing over his name. He's always been told that fae can't be trusted.

"A name for a name. I won't be taking it or using it, or whatever you humans suspect from us." The dark-haired fae smiles slightly. "That is for more dire circumstances. You have my word that your name will remain safe amongst my people, and it won't be taken from you."

Sirius nods again.

"Sirius," he offers. His voice is little more than a whisper, but it's better than nothing. It hurts to talk, but this is a conversation he needs. He can rest his throat later.

"Sirius, I am Prince James," the man says. "Magic will allow you and Remus to talk. He brought you to me so I could use my magic to make you understand each other, no matter the language you speak. I have some questions for you when you're finished."

"Sirius," Remus murmurs once more. "We're bonded."

Sirius frowns. "Bonded?" he asks.

"You… you consented," Remus tells him. "But now I realise you didn't understand what you were agreeing to. I'm not going to force you to stay with me, so I will release you from the bond."

"The closest thing humans have to bonding is marriage," James explains. "But that doesn't even start to compare to what a bond means here. Humans take their vows to each other so lightly. To bond here… it's to pledge yourself fully to each other. For magic to bind you. For—"

"It can be broken," Remus interrupts.

Sirius can only stare between the pair as he takes in this information. So much is going on right now. Firstly, he's married to a fae? More than that, it's to another man and he can't even begin to consider that life, because it's something that's been denied from him in the Kingdom of Slytherin. But they allow that here, and… and Remus' voice. He heard the hurt, the disappointment like ending their bond is the worst thing that could ever happen.

Remus chose to bond with him, and Sirius needs to think about the implications of that. But he's reeling from everything and doesn't know what to say.

"You will remain here for a few days," James continues. "Our healing takes time, and we cannot break the bond between you and Remus until your throat is healed. Stopping that magic now will cause your wound to open back up, and this time, you will die. You saved Remus' life and now we save yours. You saved a child of the fae, and we give you shelter and a promise of safety that we don't tend to extend to people who invade our lands."

"It will give you time to think about what path your life will take next," Remus adds quietly. "You do not have the heart of a soldier. Perhaps this is fate, telling you to find a new way to live your life?"

Sirius nods his head, though the movement is painful. Fae can't lie. They can twist words, refuse to answer, or evade. But they can't outright tell a lie, and he can only choose to believe them. They're keeping him alive, and he knows that Fenrir's sword pierced his throat. He knows without a doubt that they're what's keeping him alive.

"What makes the bond final?" Sirius asks. His voice sounds louder in the silence of the tent, though every word uttered is a mere whisper. Because he should know this. Just in case… though of course it's so he can avoid doing whatever it is, not because he wants to work out what he can do to stay here with Remus. Forever.

James smirks, and Sirius knows the answer without him voicing the words. His cheeks redden a little. But… the thought of being in bed with Remus. Well, Sirius will struggle to think of anything else in the days to come, he just knows it.

"Peter will show you where to gather your own food, as you can't eat fae food unless you intend to stay. But… before you go, can you please provide us with information? Why is this attack happening? Why are we at war? We have not harmed your people, we did not come to your lands uninvited. We do not want your land, we only want to live in peace. Sirius, the forest that separates us grew hundreds of years ago to protect our world from yours, putting up a magical barrier. We use harmless means to keep you away, but I think we're deserving of an explanation at least."

"I didn't know where we were coming until we were here, but I suspected," Sirius says. "It can be summarized in one word: greed. The king wants this land, he wants whatever treasures you may have and he wants his kingdom to be bigger."

James nods slowly. "That is all I needed to know for now," he says. "I suggest you get some rest. You'll find yourself tired for a while as the magic does what it needs to do."

"Thank you for what you've done for me," Sirius says, bowing slightly, though it hurts to do so. He leaves the tent and Remus grabs his hand again and leads him back to the tent that they were in.

"A healer's tent," Remus explains. "Come, let me make you all better." He reaches for one of the small bottles and a piece of fabric that looks as soft as a petal, but with a strange glow to it.

Remus dips the material in and gently dabs Sirius' neck, causing him to hiss in pain. But as Remus pulls his hands back, Sirius notices the bandages.

He wasn't the only one hurt. Remus' bandaged hands - possibly from getting Sirius out of the iron armour. Remus' side where the dagger pieced him.

"My turn," Sirius says. Remus starts to shake his head, but Sirius stands firm. They're bonding. He's not entirely sure what that means, because James said it's so much more than marriage, but the point is - they are bonded and he's going to look after Remus.

"I'm looking after you," Sirius adds, leaving no room to disagree. He glances towards the bottles and Remus finally nods, reaching for a red bottle with a cork pushed into the top.

"It draws out the…" he sighs. "It heals against iron," he says. Sirius senses that there is a longer, more detailed explanation, but Remus is avoiding dumping that information on him.

Sirius smiles as he starts to unwind the bandages. Remus' hands are in a horrible condition, the skin looking like it had touched red-hot pokers, and then some. The skin underneath the bandages is patchy and discoloured and Sirius is horrified.

Remus put himself through this for Sirius.

"You shouldn't have taken off my armour," he tells Remus. "I don't want to see you hurt like this, okay?"

"I had to get you back somehow," Remus tells him. "Someone had to remove the armour. I chose to, because… well, we're at war, and it became my duty to be with you." Sirius can see that Remus is unable to even mention their bond. As though he doesn't want to think about it.

"You drew something on both of us," Sirius murmurs as he reaches for the medicine. He carefully uses the soft cloth, dipping it into the concoction and massaging it into Remus' hands. "I'd love to know more."

"Runes," Remus admits. "I thought…" he trails off, looking sad for a moment. "Picked on the spur of the moment. I picked them for you since you were hurt and unable to do so."

"Oh, what did they mean?"

"Love, happiness, healing, protection." He gestures to Sirius' chest. "On bonding, you'll have a rune on your body. It'll disappear when the bond is taken away."

"Oh. Do they make us fall in love, or—"

"There's no power in this world that can imitate love," Remus tells him. "It can help us express it better, help us realise it. But it can't make it exist where there is none."

Sirius is relieved at these words. The idea of something forcing love or any other emotion scares him, but he trusts Remus with his life.

"You know, you come in and are so very wary of our kind," Remus points out. "But I think humans don't realise how wary we are of yours."

"How so?" Sirius asks. He moves onto Remus' other hand, being as gentle as possible.

"The bloodshed of your kind," Remus replies. "Cruelty. Humans can allow lies to drop from their lips so easily, which means that they can be untrustworthy. If we are to lie, we can't do so."

"You're right. So many people are for the bloodshed, and people can be cruel," Sirius says, thinking about his own family. "But there are also kind people in the world."

"I see that now," Remus replies softly. "And I hope that you realise it too. Maybe we're all so hasty to judge each other on stories and on lack of information, and on opinions of a small quantity."

Sirius nods. "Your circles?" he asks.

Remus smiles, despite the pain in his hands. "Warnings," he tells Sirius. "There are small spots of extreme magic that we harness. When we find them, we mark them with circles of flowers or mushrooms or… well, it depends on the magical being and their talents. It's so we can keep track of them. Humans can't feel that surge in magic and they wander in. We don't always monitor those circles, so it takes time to get humans free. Or if it's a more powerful circle, it takes our more powerful beings."

"And fae food?" Sirius asks.

"Magical food created by magical beings. A human could learn to become tolerable to it over time, if they introduce it slowly to their diet. It's not something we can control," Remus tells him. "Not everything is designed to hurt humans or to entrap them."

Sirius finishes with Remus' hands and reaches for clean bandages. "Can't you use magic to heal your hands?" he asks.

Remus shakes his head. "Not when it comes to iron," he admits, and Sirius realises that Remus is giving up something that he'd assume is a pretty big secret of theirs. He knew iron could hurt fae, but not delay recovery.

"Tell me where to put the armour so it's out of the way, and I'll do so," Sirius tells him. "I don't want you touching it again. I don't want you to get hurt." He glances up into Remus' eyes and he can't help but smile. "So… we've got a few days before I can go home. Do you need to go back and fight? Or… do I have you all to myself?"

"I'm all yours," Remus says. "James has put me in charge of you, so for the time being, someone else is taking over my station. I will return to it when you've left the forest."

"Will there still be fighting?" Sirius checks.

Remus laughs softly. "Perhaps. I'd like for the fighting to have stopped. We just want to live our lives and be happy. Humans… not all, but some… you have so many rules. It's why you were scared of holding my hand in front of others. Because I'm male?"

Sirius doesn't like the thought of leaving. But… he doesn't belong here. He doesn't reply, he merely finishes wrapping the bandages around Remus' hands before standing up.

"Since you're all mine, how about you show me around?" Sirius suggests, changing the subject. "Anywhere, anything. I'm all yours."

Remus beams at him.

"But first…" Sirius holds the cloth tightly as he gestures to Remus' side where he's bandaged. "I'm not finished looking after you."

Remus smiles and he leans in, his lips pressing softly against Sirius'. "I'll miss you when you go home," he admits.

As he pulls away, Sirius can't help himself. He grabs Remus and pulls him closer. His fingers wind into blond waves as he crashes their lips together urgently, and he feels Remus' long fingers tangle into his own curls with a mirrored desperation.

If he only gets a few days with this fascinating, beautiful man, he'll make the most of them. A few days to not have to hide who he is. A few days of freedom.

---

Sirius watches as the soldiers who aren't in the forest train. So far, none of them has acknowledged his presence, but Sirius knows that if he isn't allowed to watch, he would've been told about it.

He picks at the fruit that he picked from the forest that morning, longing for something real. Remus and James have been adamant that Sirius not eat the food there, keeping promises to him.

They practice into the evening, and Sirius sees sights he had never thought he'd see. Each small section of the soldiers have their own abilities. Some are making the leaves swirl through the air, the winds building and twisting. Another group manipulates the ground beneath their feet.

But whilst the sight is amazing, Sirius notices that not one of them lift a real weapon, and that's where the issue is. These fae want to protect their land, they want to live in peace. But magic isn't always going to work - it's how Remus ended up getting hurt.

He waits until they all start to move towards the forest before standing up and approaching James. He's not really sure of the rules of how to act around royalty, so he feels a little wary, stopping a short distance away, but James glances over and grins.

"You looked quite impressed," James comments. "Fancy learning a few tricks?"

"You mean magic?" Sirius asks. "I can't. I'm not fae."

James shrugs. "Only two people could find the path through the forest. Somewhere in your bloodline is magic, you just need someone to teach you to bring it out."

"So, I can make the weather change?" Sirius asks.

James laughs softly. "Small tricks, not large ones," he says. "Though you might be stronger than you look."

Sirius raises an eyebrow. "That sounds like a challenge, Prince James."

"Just James, and it is, if you're up for it," James replies, a smirk on his lips.

Sirius moves closer. "One day I'll challenge you when I know magic - if I learn. But… your people have a weakness. One that I don't."

James rolls his eyes. "Oh very good, you can touch iron. You know what I can touch and you can't?"

"Men?" Sirius asks, grinning.

"Humans and their strange customs," James mutters, shaking his head. "I won't ever understand why they're so against love. Of course that, but also… well, we're magic. We can touch anything that'd harm you."

"We can fight," Sirius says. "Humans learn to fight with weapons, with shields. You have magic, James, but what happens when one of them ends up in a situation like Remus?"

James' smile fades. "We run. We try to get numbers to protect ourselves."

"Remus couldn't run," Sirius points out angrily. "You need to learn to defend yourselves at the very least. If you learn how to fight like I do, you can at least buy yourselves time."

James considers this. "You didn't fare all that well against Fenrir," James points out.

"Well, there's a reason he was the leader of my regiment whereas I'm merely one of many soldiers," Sirius points out. "The stories that follow that man…"

"He's not human," James corrects him. "I have no idea what he was, but it wasn't human. Or maybe he was, once. But something twisted through him, dark, like poison and turned him into an aberration. The world is better off without him. But… we've heard the stories about him, since stories like that travel far and wide through all kingdoms. Knowing that you stood in front of him, having heard those stories yourself…" James sighs. "We could benefit from learning to fight. I think my kind did, many years ago. I learned some fighting skills. I was very good with a sword."

"Not as good as me," Sirius says.

James smiles again. "You think?" he asks. "You're all talk, Sirius. Perhaps you should prove yourself?"

"Get me a sword and we'll spar," Sirius insists. "Let's see if you can take me down."

James laughs at that. "You know, my dislike for humans is fading with each moment I spend in your company," he says. "Before, I thought you all to be fiendish. But you surprise me at each turn, Sirius."

"Perhaps we were taught to see the worst in each other's kinds," Sirius murmurs. "But now we get to learn the truth for ourselves."

James nods. He requests two swords be brought to him.

"I just want to go back to my life," James admits quietly. "You must miss yours."

Sirius shrugs his shoulders. "It's nice here. Remus is… kind. I have a brother out there, and… and he'll think that I'm dead."

James nods, his hazel eyes fixed on Sirius.

"You'll be sent back here to fight, I suppose? Though I know you won't fight. Will you get in trouble for not fighting?"

Sirius nods. "Unless there was a way to convince the army that you're too much of a threat," he says. "Perhaps… there is a way to get rid of them."

"If you can find a way, we'll be in your debt," James says.

"Stop," Sirius says. "Look, I get how fae do things with deals and debts, but I'm not like that. I don't do nice things to get something in return, but also, I don't want to feel like I owe someone if they do something nice for me. I do good things because I want to, and that's that."

James smiles. "We're more alike than I thought," he says. "I thought humans were all about bargaining and deals too."

"The stories we grow up with, right James?"

James nods, and he reaches for the offered sword as another fae approaches with them.

"And Remus?" he asks. "What do you make of him?"

"Remus. Remus is… so very special to me, and whatever happens, that won't change," Sirius murmurs quietly. "Who is he to you?"

"My best friend," James responds. "My most trusted advisor. Someone I care about and don't want to see hurt."

Sirius knows that he's the one who can possibly hurt Remus, and that's the last thing he wants.

The other is offered to Sirius, and he grins. James might have him beaten when it comes to things like magic, but he's a little uncertain even handling the sword and Sirius can see someone who is more talk than action.

Right now, James hasn't a clue what he's doing, and Sirius is going to win this spar.

---

Sirius knows his time in the forest and the land beyond is coming to an end. There's something very solemn about Remus' behaviour. Usually there's something more fluid about the way the man moves, but he's wearily walking next to Sirius, as though he's not looking forward to where this journey will take him.

Over the last few days, he's seen many sides of this man. The kind man who tends to his wounds, the passionate one who can't get enough of his lips, and the commander who quietly issues orders with an intensity that makes Sirius quite weak in the knees. It's hard to realise that these are all the same man.

Remus still has duties out in the forest, and Sirius worries when Remus is away, because he could get hurt again. It's why Sirius has taken it upon himself to teach James, Remus, and Peter all how to fight. They can learn and pass their skills on.

He prides himself on being a good judge of character and he trusts James' word that they're just looking to live in peace. Should the Slytherin army find that the magical beings are armed, can fight, it might be enough to persuade them to withdraw.

But still, he teaches Remus and they spar until Remus is able to get a sword to Sirius' throat, and Sirius is sweating from the length of the spar, of the effort it takes to hold his own, and is completely and utterly enraptured by how powerful and quick Remus is, and he thinks that maybe this is all throwing off his concentration. Because Remus is mesmerizing.

"Something on your mind?" Sirius asks, as they walk through the forest. They've been in here a few times since Sirius' arrival, and he doesn't panic that they'll run into any of his army anymore. He trusts that the forest will make sure they don't meet.

"There are many fae," Remus says, pulling at the sleeve of his vest. The bandages have been off Remus' hands since yesterday and the skin is only just starting to look better. "Every time I look at you, I wonder to myself how this happened."

"How what happened?" Sirius asks.

Remus smiles, somewhat sadly. "You're beautiful, Sirius. More beautiful than those of my own kind. James thinks you may have our blood in you and can do magic. But, even if you're just human, you're still… I don't have the words to describe how I feel, what I think."

"You're the beautiful one," Sirius says, stopping to take Remus' hands carefully in his.

"But I'm not," Remus comments. "I'm the commander of an army. I have scars that won't ever heal, I…" he sucks in a breath. "Sirius, you could win the heart of anyone here. How have I managed to catch your eye?"

Sirius smiles. He uses his hold to pull Remus closer. "Because they're not you," he murmurs. "Remus, you're beautiful inside and out. I saw you watching me, though I couldn't make you out properly and there was something about your gaze that made me feel safe, protected. Even coming into the woods, I felt those same emotions - and all because of you. Someone who would hurt themselves to help me - who would bind themselves to someone so ordinary as me...you don't realise how special you are or what you mean to me."

Remus' lips curve up. "I saw you from the forest. I came to understand who we are fighting and I saw you and… you captivated me."

"So, we're equally captivated," Sirius murmurs. "Where do we go from here?"

Remus steps away slightly. "I heard that you have a brother. Tell me about him? Your life outside of here?"

"My little brother. He's amazing, I haven't seen him in so long," Sirius says, realising that Remus wants to change the subject. "I'm not on good terms with my parents. They're… they're cruel people, and I had to leave. My brother… well, he didn't. Leave, that is." Sirius pauses, thinking about Regulus. He misses his brother.

"When I left home, there was little option for my future," Sirius continues. "I realised that becoming a soldier was my best bet. It was honourable to protect the kingdom, but… I never knew we'd be sent to wage war. The kingdom hasn't waged war in almost a hundred years, and there was nothing indicating that King Riddle would break that pattern. But being a soldier was the way to earn respect, to get noticed. To… to build a reputation of my own, and not go by my parents' name. There's more to me than just a name."

"You're so much more," Remus agrees. "You want to matter, you want to be important and earn the respect of others, and you want to see your brother." He smiles softly, stepping back into Sirius' space.

He reaches up and his fingers brush over the wound across Sirius' throat. Sirius feels a sharp pain as the magic fades. The wound is healed, but there's still pain there as he still has some recovery to go.

He opens his mouth, but the words fail him once more, without the magic to help.

Remus puts a hand on his chest, and draws a symbol, and suddenly he feels the bond between him and Remus blacken, turn to ash, and it physically makes him feel sick, empty, wrong.

He stares at Remus and Remus stares back, looking just as broken.

He wants to stay, but he hears voices behind him, and he turns because what if someone is coming to attack? He needs to protect Remus.

He sees no one. When he turns around again, Remus is gone.

Sirius starts to move. Remus couldn't have gone far. He's here somewhere, Sirius is sure of it. But before he can get too far into the forest, he finds himself falling through the edge of trees leading out to his own encampment.

The pain in his throat and the agony of losing Remus with the bond breaking and the heartache are too much for his suddenly-more-frail body, and things go black.

---

"Their army, thousands upon thousands," Sirius whispers. It's taken a week for him to find the ability to talk again. "More than I could count."

He's shaky as he kneels before the king, presenting his information. He's had a week to work out what to say. "Magic that we could never hope to achieve, swordsmanship that we'd never achieve. I watched them tear Fenrir apart. They took me prisoner, one attacked me…" he gestures to his throat. "But they decided to spare my life. I was locked up like an animal for days, before they told me to come here and warn you that they're done playing games. To get me to tell you their numbers."

Riddle paces the room and Sirius keeps his head bowed. "What bargain was struck between you and these beings?" he checks.

"They spared my life so I could bring the message. I know better than to break a deal with creatures beyond my understanding," Sirius replies. "I did not want them to come for me for failing to pass on a message."

"You fought them?"

"I engaged the Prince himself in a fight," Sirius confirms.

Riddle nods. "With numbers like that, magic and fighting skills, we're choosing the wrong place to bring this war," he says. "But we can't bring it to any of the three other kingdoms, because they'll band together to fight us." He continues moving as he tries to think of a plan. "Perhaps we expand the kingdom at our other free border?"

Sirius knows that he's not actually being asked a question, so he doesn't answer. He just listens to Riddle murmuring to himself.

"Excellent work, Black," Riddle finally says. "You survived, you faced them and lived to tell the tale. Perhaps there's a chance of advancing in the ranks for you. I'll withdraw my men and bring them to the other border. You have a week to recover before you're due back out there. When you arrive, your new rank will be revealed to you. You can go now." With that, Riddle returns to his throne and he doesn't look at Sirius again.

Sirius leaves the castle. He knows what he has to do now. He's known what his choice is before leaving the forest, but Remus made a choice for him and Sirius is not accepting that.

He uses his money to buy food that won't spoil. He buys equipment for staying in a forest, and a sleeping roll, and he buys some parchment and some ink.

He misses his brother and he wants Regulus to know that he's safe. He knows that Regulus won't tell another soul a word from this letter either, because he won't want to admit to anyone that Sirius fell in love with a magical being and ran away to be with him.

So he sends him a letter, telling him just that. Telling him that Regulus is welcome to visit him anytime, he'll work out a way to allow them to let Regulus in.

Once the letter is sent, Sirius sets out once more for the border. He loves Regulus, but he wants the life that beyond the forest offered him.

---

The forest seems darker as Sirius enters it. He walks through the first layer of trees, bag on his back as he follows a trodden path that he's sure he followed before. He can't be sure, because the first time he was lured by beautiful amber eyes and soft whispering voices.

This time he's alone. But he found them once, he'll find them again. Somehow.

Sirius uses his compass to try and stop himself from turning back on himself, but he walks, trying to feel for something familiar as he walks. He ignores the noises around him, listening only for the whispering voice.

He can feel the cold around him as he walks. It's night, but there's no comforting breeze with leaves floating around him, there are no whispers or lights to lead him, to comfort him.

When it gets too cold, Sirius finds an old tree and he sits against it, using the tree to block the wind as much as possible, wrapping himself in the blanket he had brought with him. He hopes that fae eyes will land on him. That his presence is reported to James. That James will find him and bring him to Remus.

He wakes in the morning. Birds sing in the trees and the sun shines through the canopy of leaves, and Sirius packs up his blanket and eats some of his rations before starting on.

He finds himself outside of the tree line back where he started several times, before he discards the compass. It doesn't help at all, in fact, he's too reliant on it, and he places it against the base of a tree at the edge of the tree-line.

He trusted the voices, the eyes on him. He was more aware of his instincts the first time, though he still used the compass.

They think he has a hint of magic in him, which helped him stay on the right path. Sirius can only hope that it's the case, because he wants to find that world again. He'll give whatever he needs to in order to become a part of it.

He steps past the trees again, hearing the sound of leaves crunching underfoot as he does so, and he starts to walk. He pays no attention to the path this time, he doesn't try to use the sun for direction, and he doesn't look for familiar trees. He just walks and he hopes that something will lead him to Remus. He tries to feel for the bond that they had between them, but he just feels a strange emptiness where it had once been.

It gets dark again, and Sirius stops to rest, snacking on his rations and wrapping up in his blanket and hoping that he's safe for the night, but nothing approaches.

He marches on. Night falls again and again, but he's not giving up. He's here for the long run. He walks day after day, not encountering the trees that lead him back to where he started, but not finding his way out of the forest on the other side. There are no fairy circles, nothing to entrap him. No doors, no staircases, nothing that'd indicate that this is anything more than a normal forest. He calls out for Remus, for James. His shouts go unanswered.

It's night seven when it happens. Sirius is desperate now, but he's set on this plan. Remus. Remus has invaded his thoughts since he left the forest. Every moment. He thinks about the handsome man and the freedom to fall in love with him that he was offered - that he walked away from.

At least he's told Regulus where he is. Regulus will know that Sirius ran away to be happy, that he's out seeking the one he loves. Regulus won't have to live fearing that Sirius died here in the forest. Though… if Remus doesn't show up soon, he probably will die here.

A growl startles him from his thoughts, and Sirius glances around. He's spent so much time walking through the forest, he could have stepped out of the magical part, and gone into another forest alongside this one for all he knows.

This is the first time in a week he's encountered an animal, and at that, his fingers brush the sword on his side. His eyes fall on a large wolf, its eyes glowing as it watches him. The beast is completely still, it's body lowered and its teeth bared.

Sirius doesn't move. He doesn't reach to pull the weapon out, because he can see glowing eyes further back, between the trees.

He tries to get a feel for the direction he should be heading, but there's nothing guiding him. A second wolf slinks forward and Sirius realises that standing still is not going to help him, because wolves are pack animals, and more will appear. If he waits, he's putting himself in more danger.

So hoping fate will guide him to safety, he bolts, the wolves giving chase the moment Sirius starts to move.

"Remus!" he roars, because maybe calling him once more will work. He crashes through bushes and ducks around trees, falling into a stream that he hadn't seen before. He drops to his knees for a moment as he hits the water, before getting up, his trousers soaked.

As he moves forward again, one of the wolves is there, and he feels sharp teeth wrap around his leg. He calls once more for Remus, and this time… this time his shouts are heard.

---

He wakes with Remus clutching him and the wolves fleeing, and he cracks a slight smile.

"Ydych chi'n wallgof?" Remus says, eyes wide and fearful. He's trying to look stern, but he looks terrified. "Gallech fod wedi cael eich lladd."

'What are you doing? You could have been killed.'

Sirius has no clue what he's saying, but that doesn't matter. Remus is here and all is right in the world. Remus' fingers move over Sirius, and there's a shimmer from his hands and the pain lessens slightly.

Sirius struggles to sit up, pain shooting through him as he does, and he reaches his fingers down to his leg. His other arm won't move and it's agony but he's not going to think about that right now. With blood on his fingers, he reaches up to Remus' face, his fingers pausing inches from it.

Remus sits, frozen at the sight. His amber eyes dart between the fingers and Sirius' face and he opens his mouth a couple of times, before closing it again.

"Together?" he finally says, and Sirius grins. That was the word that started this all - the word that was the misunderstanding. But this time they both realise it's not.

Sirius nods his head urgently. There's nothing he wants more.

Remus smiles and he guides Sirius' hand to draw the runes again. Sirius winces as he reaches for more blood but he's quick to draw them.

He hears the whispers. Shadowed figures surround them once more, but Sirius is fine with this. More than fine, because he's with Remus now and he trusts Remus more than anything. He feels the bond between them, Remus' lips brush his, and everything feels right again, but it quickly becomes overwhelming and everything goes black.

Again, Sirius lets the darkness take him, because Remus will keep him safe. He has no doubts about that.

---

"James used magic to help us talk again," Remus murmurs the second Sirius wakes up. "But… we're bonded again. I hope that's what you wanted. I can reverse…" He trails off. "If you're staying, I can teach you our words so you can communicate with us."

"I've been here a week, looking for you," Sirius tells him. He can see James lingering by the door, not wanting to interrupt the moment. "I went back to my life and… I led them to believe that you have armies bigger than they'd have ever considered. Numbers which the kingdom would never hope to achieve to overcome. I sent a letter to my brother and told him that I'm choosing to leave. That I'm in love and… well, that I'm heading to this forest. I didn't want him to think I had died. That's everything from my life out there."

"And… and what do you want in here?" Remus asks gently as though he needs to hear it for himself.

"I honestly have no idea what to expect from a life here. All I know is that I get to be with you, spend my life with you. That's all I need to know," Sirius insists. He moves as though he's going to reach for Remus, but his arm hurts and he can't move it. He hisses in pain.

"Broken. You fell on it when…" Remus trails off, turning to look towards James.

"Our scouts never told us of your presence in the forest," James says, frowning as he approaches. "But I made a promise that you'd be safe. The second the wolf attacked, I felt that you had been hurt in our forests and Remus and I came straight here. I've summoned my scouts and I'm going to find out why they didn't report your presence. Seven days - they couldn't have missed you. So many different scouts over seven days, They were to watch for you. I thought… I hoped you'd return, and I was to be notified the second you set foot into the forest."

He runs a hand through his messy dark hair. "You should have been able to find your way here within seven days. This has to be a deliberate attempt to stop you finding us. Someone disobeyed me and they will be dealt with. But… when you're better, can we spar again? I've been practicing since you left and I've improved, I feel that I can be more of a match for you."

Sirius nods. "I can't wait to catch up with you," Sirius tells him. "It's so good to see you again, and I'm glad that I'm this welcome here. Have I been here long?"

Remus shakes his head. "Getting you through the forest and to our home took only a minute. We're part of the forest and it moves as we request. We have hidden doorways to get us where we need to be."

"Is there anything you need before I leave?" James checks, looking between the pair.

Sirius smiles, turning his gaze back to Remus. "Remus and I are bonded now, and I want to find out exactly what that entails, so… with all due respect, please leave. I can stop in and see you..."

James snickers. "Have fun you two. Sirius, welcome to our world. Enjoy your freedom, my friend. My doors are always open to you."

With a wink, he leaves and closes the door behind him, and Sirius realises that this isn't the tent he was in last time. His gaze moves around the room, taking in the wooden, oddly shaped walls with lights embedded into it. He can't wait to find out more about this world, because even a simple room has so much beauty.

"My home," Remus murmurs. "Your kingdom's armies left. We've been packing up to leave. We waited in case it was a trick, but… We got to you straight away. The wolves hadn't done as much damage as they could have. You'll recover quite quickly, and I'll look after you until you do."

Sirius grabs Remus' top and pulls him closer. "Luv, how do bonded couples usually celebrate?"

Remus' cheeks redden. "I'd be… very much delighted to show you," he whispers.

Sirius' grin widens. "Well, you said before about cementing the bond," he tells Remus. "This time I think we really need to. Once we've tired ourselves out, perhaps you can tell me about my new home with you."

Remus' smile is almost blinding and though Sirius is still in pain, he's never felt happier.

"I don't have as much as humans are used to," Remus tells him. "I can get anything you need. Or I can try, but…"

"I love you," he declares, wanting to say those words so Remus understands exactly why he's here. "Since the moment we met. You're everything I need, Remus."

Remus moves closer, his eyes darting over Sirius' face, and his fingers stroking against Sirius' cheek. "And I love you."

---

Regulus walks into the forest, a bag on his shoulder for his journey. He grew up with the stories about the fae and he can't work out how Sirius has been fooled by them. It's some sort of trick or trap, he's certain of it. Perhaps Sirius had to enter into a deal to protect himself, and was forced to return.

He's here to bargain for his brother's freedom. He has precious jewels on him, the sort he's been told that would entice the fae. Jewels mean nothing when it comes to protecting his brother, because Sirius is the most important person in Regulus' world. He's missed him terribly since Sirius was forced from their home, and Regulus has been fearing the worst since he found out that the army had gone to war - Sirius with them. He had prayed for his brother's safe return, and had told himself that should Sirius come back, that he'd repair their relationship - no matter what it takes. He's not about to lose his brother again.

The forest is a beautiful sight. Lights dance around him moments after he steps past the line of trees, and he feels a breeze and a voice calling for him, though it doesn't use his name. Regulus knows it's there to entice him, and he's not going to fall for their trickery and end up trapped too. He's here on a mission and nothing will sway him from that.

But still, someone is talking to him. If they're close enough for him to hear them, they're close enough to hear him in return.

"I'm here to discuss the freedom of my brother, Sirius," he says, with a false confidence. He looks around, hoping that his words have been heard.

Whisper after whisper, as though the message is being passed on and he's privy to each conversation. He starts to walk once more, seeking someone to converse with, and finally the whispers stop and a man steps out from behind the tree. The wind carries music his way instead, but Regulus isn't fooled by this either. He's heard stories of people who have danced until their feet bled, or until they died from exhaustion, lack of food and water.

Regulus will survive this, and he prepares himself for his first conversation with a fae being. His eyes move over the other man, taking him in.

A simple crown rests atop the man's head. He has dark, messy hair and is dressed in the finest of clothes. More beautiful than anything Regulus has seen in his own kingdom. Royalty.

"Your brother is here of his own free will," the man tells him. "I can, however, bring you to visit him. I'm Prince James."

Regulus considers the words. He knows that this man cannot lie, but they grew up with the same stories, and it just doesn't make sense why Sirius would choose to remain. He can't really want this life, surely? He mentioned love in his letter, but Regulus has not considered that it could be real. He had assumed that Sirius had lied to protect Regulus from the truth. But now he's not so sure.

"If you're anything like Sirius, you're wary of my kind due to stories you grew up with," James continues, after Regulus' lengthy silence. "Well, we grew up with stories about humans. We both believe each other to be something to be feared, but your brother taught me otherwise. He's a good man and I'm honoured to call him my friend, and because you're his kin, I'll tell you this: anything I do for you between now and you leaving this forest the way you came, will be done without me expecting anything from you. I won't imprison you or trap you, unless you commit a crime. Obey the laws and rules, and you'll be safe here and under my protection." He pauses, his gaze moving down Regulus slowly.

Regulus can't see a downside or a loophole in this, and he desperately wants to get to his brother. He clutches his bag of jewels and nods.

"I accept your offer."

James grins, throwing an arm over Regulus' shoulders. "Come on, I'll bring you and show you our amazing world. Did I mention that I'm the prince? I'll find you somewhere to stay and I'll show you around myself. In fact, you have my undivided attention until you decide to leave… if you decide, that is."

"Why wouldn't I leave?" Regulus quickly asks.

James watches him innocently. "Because we allowed your brother to leave and he came straight back, and something tells me that you and him are more alike than he thinks. But we'll be at my castle in an hour and I can't wait to get to know you."

Regulus manages a slight smile. James is right - he's more like Sirius than he usually allows people to believe.

"You first," Regulus says. "Tell me all about you."

---

15,000 words

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