Disclaimers: Don't own any part of Gundam Wing nor it's characters. It's a loan.

Warnings: Shounen-ai, OOCs, AU (what else do I write?)

Circle of Destiny

Part 10

Odin limped desperately away from the murderous elves. He couldn't believe it, a party of ten experienced soldiers, nine gone in a blink of an eye. He had fallen off his horse the moment the elves jumped out of their perches in the trees and because of that, he had been spared. But spared what? The elves didn't exactly kill anyone… yet. But they had run after his fleeing soldiers. What was there to stop these cruel creatures from slaughtering his friends? He had come this far he could leave now, he couldn't afford to. He needed the Silver Myst. His entire family was counting on him to bring the coveted jewel home. The jewel that ensured eternal life. But he didn't have any interest in it. Who wanted to live forever? However, his father wanted it and therefore, it was his duty as the only son and heir to fulfil his father's twisted wishes and marry this unknown maiden.

He had to get out of the clearing, at least to get to somewhere where he could nurse his aching ankle. But he could not, would not leave the forest now that he was here. It had taken great odds to get through the wards set up by the inhabitants of Silver Myst. It had cost two great sorcerers most of their powers and nearly one of his life. He wouldn't go back now. He had a mission to accomplish and by all that was holy, he would overcome these odds and this rather barbaric and cruel race. If anything, he would just take the jewel to spite them. Where did they go off treating humans like they were some sort of inferior species?

He was suddenly hauled out of the clearing by a slender arm.

"Hide here," his saviour whispered.

Odin sat on the ground, staring at the back of the head of his saviour, noting the long golden brown hair and trim back. He couldn't say for sure if the person who saved him was male or female, but he was certain that it was an elf, if the delicately pointed ears were any indication.

"You're an elf!" Odin blurted, unable to help himself. After the brutality he just witnessed a moment ago, he couldn't believe one of their kind would be willing to help him, hide him.

The creature turned slightly, and Odin realised that the elf was definitely male, albeit a very delicate looking one. From what he saw, all these barbarians looked half female anyway, even if they didn't act it. How can something this beautiful be this heartless? Wait… did he actually think this elf was… no, it was a product of a tired mind. After travelling almost a week without proper rest, Odin was tired. But he wasn't tired enough to deny that those large violet eyes and long shimmering curtain of brown, gold and red was a pleasing and attractive combination. Yes, the elf was indeed very easy on the eyes.

The elf chuckled softly, flashing white teeth at the man. "The last time I checked. You're in Silver Myst. Did you expect to find something else?" He was most definitely amused.

Odin was taken aback. The elf could speak his language. True, it was laced with a soft lyrical accent, but the elf knew the language of humans. He, instead, was frustratingly ignorant of the elf's tongue. Unfortunately for him, thoughts of the elf's 'tongue' started to lead his mind in a totally different direction. As did the pleasant smile that curved the other being's lips. And suddenly Odin found that he had lost control of his body. How the hell did that happen? He had never in all his twenty years of existence been attracted to a male. It was not only disgusting to be, it was also immoral. This elf must have cast a spell on him. That can be the only explanation.

"Shh… they're coming back," the elf hissed at him, pushing him low onto the ground, the slender body covering his.

Odin struggled under the surprisingly firm grip of the elf. The creature looked like he could be snapped in half but appearances were deceiving. The elf was stronger than he first appeared, Odin would have to keep that in mind. However, things started to change after a while. The elf wasn't paying any attention to him, that he was sure. Bright and alert violet eyes were watching the returning elf warriors poke through the area surrounding the clearing for any signs of the humans. Discarded weapons were collected and blood splatters were hastily cleaned. Soon, there were no signs that Odin could discern of a battle, scuffle or even a small struggle in that area. The forest was as pristine as when they first stepped in.

But that wasn't the problem. Odin had other concerns than to gape at the wondrous clean up the elves were currently carrying out. He was trying very hard to ignore the hard body pressed up close to him and the soft breath that was blowing slowly into his sensitive ear. So far, it wasn't working. What kind of love spell did this elf put over him? And for what purpose as well? Their dukedom was impoverished, hence, needing for him to make an advantage marriage to Lady Cardiff to bolster their family fortune. He needed to break free before this elf dragged him down any further.

Abruptly, Odin flung elf off of him and scooted away from his overwhelming presence. He found himself backed up against a tree with the seemingly young elf staring at him in mild shock. He was told all about their kind. They were flighty, sneaky and should not be trusted under any circumstances. For this elf to help him, there had to be an ulterior motive. There had to be. Maybe this creature needed him for some sacrifice or something.

"You are lucky that they are gone," the elf looked back at the now empty clearing. "What is wrong with you?"

"Who are you? What do you want from me?" Odin scrabbled for his sword, only to find it missing. He dropped his sword? What kind of knight was he?

The elf smiled. "My name is…" Odin presumed that the soft high tinkling sound that came from the elf's lips was actually a name but he couldn't for the life of him repeat that. "And I don't want anything from you. Apparently you seem to be the one that wants something from me instead." His sparking eyes dropped down to Odin's swollen ankle. "You are hurt." He reached for the man and frowned when Odin shrank from his touch again.

"Stay away from me."

The elf narrowed his eyes. "You need help. You are not able to hobble out of here without being food for the animals that come out at night. I am not going to hurt you." He offered his hand tentatively to the man again.

Odin's gaze alternated indecisively between the offered hand and the elf's expression. He couldn't see a hint of guile written on that delicately handsome face or that fine porcelain like ski… He quickly clamped down on that thought. He decided then he would follow this elf, whatever his name was, even if it was to release himself from this love spell he had been enchanted with. Then he would end this foul creature's life. First, he would need to find another sword.

With a low huff, he stuck his hand out to the elf and allowed himself to be helped to his feet. His arm was slung around the creature's shoulder. Odin was shocked to realise that the elf was taller than him. He had never been shorter than anyone. That wasn't fair. First, that thing had to go and look so elegant and wonderful, then he had to be taller than Odin was. Wait… elegant and wonderful? Where did those horrific thoughts come from? Damn that stupid spell!

He was being carried deeper and deeper into the woods, and noticed that his surroundings got increasingly mistier. Something about the whole situation made him uneasy but he couldn't say from what. Perhaps it was the mist. It obscured his view and Odin was someone that only believed in what he saw. That was the reason he didn't believe in this jewel that was supposed to give a person eternal life. No one lived forever. However, it must be a gem of great beauty and great value, therefore it would fetch a great bride price of Lady Cardiff. For that reason alone, and for the future of his family he would obtain it at all costs. Even if it meant lying to this creature now helping him limp along to wherever he was being taken to. He had no qualms about it, after all, barbarians like this elf over here had no right to such a priceless gem.

Or so he kept telling himself.

The creature next to him stiffened and suddenly he was pushed behind a large tree.

"Quiet," the lyrical voice urged.

Gritting his teeth at such indignities, Odin did as he was bid. The reason for the elf's actions became clear when two others came running toward him. The young noble took the opportunity to study his nemesis. Did all these elves look so much alike and so perfect? The other two were clearly guards or warriors of some kind. Their bearing bespoke as much as did they way they carried their weapons. It spoke of long years of experience as well as tireless training. These were not to be trifled with. No wonder his guards failed so miserably in their task. But the one that saved him looked completely non-threatening. He didn't look anything like a warrior, so Odin would be safe if he needed to run. The elf that saved him also looked different from the rest of them. For one, he had ridiculously long hair that fell over his shoulders in a shiny wave. There was also a difference in bearing, his elf looked somehow more regal… wait… his elf? Where did that insane thought come from?

From the back, the elf looked suspiciously like a woman, despite the strong and wide shoulders, slim hips and long sexy legs… what long sexy legs? They were sticks, pure and simple and those shoulders were rough and ugly. Odin shook his head, trying to clear his mind of the rather unbecoming thoughts for the elf. He once again cursed the creature for casting a spell. He really didn't need to be placed under a thrall.

The three were speaking in that same musical language the elf used to tell him his name earlier. Odin didn't understand a word of it and found he lack the talent to reproduce the sounds made. From his body movement, the long haired one was definitely lying, or at the very least hiding something but it appeared that the other two was completely ignorant of that fact. In fact, there merely nodded at the explanation and respectfully bowed before leaving. The longhaired elf stood there for a few more seconds, making sure that the other two have disappeared before ducking behind the tree to retrieve him. Once again, the moved on.

"What did you tell them, elf?" Odin asked, not trusting the elf one bit. He could be planning to cook him for his next meal.

The elf shot Odin a curious glance. "You don't trust me at all, do you?" He smiled, flashing off pearly teeth.

"Why should I, elf?" Odin looked away, unable to meet those wondrous eyes. It disturbed him, shook his resolve that all that lived in the Silver Myst were evil and were better off dead. There was an alarmingly lack of guile written on the elf's handsome face.

What? What handsome? Not handsome!

"Well," the elf continued. "I just told them a little fib so they won't find you and eat you."

Odin was stunned speechless by that revelation. The elves did eat human flesh! He was so shocked that he almost missed the softly muttered, "Now I have to find a whole tree of walnuts."

"Walnuts?"

A most spectacular blush crept across the elf's fair skin, covering right up to the tips of his ears. Odin felt a little sick to realise he found that sight awfully adorable. Abruptly, the elf turned and leaned close to Odin, his violet eyes boring into deep blue.

"You. Did. Not. Hear. That."

Odin thought he was drowning in those deep unfathomable orbs before realising that it was all part of the spell. Now the elf was trying to make him forget. He shook his head sharply, trying to clear his cobwebbed mind from the magical suggestion the treacherous elf tried to implant in his mind. He kept quiet soon after, allowing the elf, who still hadn't told him his name in a language where the human tongue was able to reproduce, to drag him deeper into the woods.

Soon they were so far deep into the forest that Odin had completely lost his sense of direction. The heavy mist coating everything didn't help matters either. It was so thick and he felt it sticking to his face. It also got increasingly harder to walk through it. The mist was like a palpable wall that didn't appear to be very welcoming at the moment. But that was crazy. It was just mist, insubstantial in every way. Yet… it almost seemed alive. Odin shook himself again. He was being silly and it was all the elf's fault. The elf had scrambled his mind.

"Where are we, elf?" Odin whispered. There was something vaguely oppressive about this place and like being in a place of worship, he found himself speaking in a low voice.

"We," the elf hefted him easily and carried him to a large looking cottage in the middle of nowhere. "…are home."

Odin stared at the large structure in disbelief. The house wasn't grand by any standards but it was amazing that the elves had the knowledge to construct something like this. What happened to all the stories of them living in huts and eating human flesh? Were they all a lie? They were supposed to be barbarians, right? Uncouth creatures with no grace and even less manners.

"You will be safe here," the elf easily manoeuvred the door open, one arm securing Odin to his side. He took them into a modest but cosy looking room with a plush sofa and various throw pillows littering the carpet in front of a large fireplace. "No one is allowed here."

"Except for you?" Odin asked, firmly hinging his jaw back on. This was just a house. Just because he found out that elves were civilised was nothing to be particularly shocked about.

The elf shrugged and busied himself gathering some bandages and a tray of what appeared to be salves.

"Your people hate you, elf?" Odin asked maliciously. It had to be the reason. No one would want to live out here in the fog all alone if he hadn't done something truly reprehensible to be ostracised and banished. This elf must be more dangerous than he had initially thought. He resisted panic at the thought of being left in the mercy of this creature and tried to think of an escape route.

The elf raised a well-sculpted brow in his direction. "Why do you persist in calling me elf? It seems like an insult more than anything. Is my name that hard to pronounce?"

"Well… yes."

The elf blinked, shocked. "What?"

"All I heard coming from you is some sort of tinkling sound."

The elf blushed. "Oh yes, I forgot the human tongue isn't made of elvish speech. Let's try again." He shaped his lips carefully, speaking his name again.

Once again, all Odin heard was a soft sound that completely slipped his ears. He shook his head. "Stupid elves are so damn secretive. Even your names are hard to pronounce."

The elf smiled, amused. "My, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today. Alright, let me see," he appeared lost in thought for a while. "The closest I can get to your language is… Duo."

Odin wrinkled his nose in distaste. "Duo? That is an odd name."

Duo didn't seem the least insulted and merely shrugged. "Some things just don't translate too well." He gracefully hunkered in front of Odin, lifting his aching ankle and propping it on a soft pillow. He poked at it carefully, pressing on certain areas and easing up when he heard Odin groan in pain. "Some swelling, a bad sprain but nothing broken. Not too bad for someone who fell off his horse," the damn elf suppressed a grin.

The young lord found himself colouring in embarrassment. He couldn't believe that the elf… wait, Duo had saw what had happened. He was an accomplished rider, it was mortifying to know someone saw him inelegantly unseated. He lowered his gaze and stared as competent hands wrapped up his ankle. Perhaps these elves were slightly more advanced than he gave them credit for.

"You know," Duo smiled warmly up at the sulky Odin. "It is customary to exchange names, and since I have already given you mine…"

Odin stared at Duo, glaring at him but the elf merely continued to smile at the childish pout he had on right now. That effectively helped to snap the human out of it. "My name is Odin." He left it at that. No family names, no ties, nothing.

Duo nodded. "Nice to meet you, Odin. I won't even bother to ask you why you are here. There could only be one reason."

"Yes, I lost my dog," Odin cut in. It sounded stupid even to his own ears and from the increased mirth dancing in the elf's eyes, he knew he hadn't misled the other as well.

"Interesting description. I have never thought of it this way as well." Duo was in the midst of controlling his laughter when suddenly, he lurch forward a little. Odin watched in fascination as the elf's eyes glazed over as if caught in a trance. Abruptly as that happened, they eyes cleared, the elf lifting his hand to rub the back of his head.

Odin heard a softly muttered 'spoilt sport' before Duo moved away.

"I'll get you some food and get you settled down for the night. You won't be able to move for a while yet." Duo started walking around the room, gathering things and speaking to Odin a mile a minute. "When you are well enough, I will show you a way out of here without getting yourself killed. And as for your dog, give up. You are not the first who tried and definitely not the last who will fail." Duo looked over his shoulder. "Do me a favour and don't get yourself killed?"

Without another word, the elf moved away, leaving Odin completely floored.

XXxxXX

Morning came to that small patch of misty forest. Though it wasn't that bright, with the mist still obscuring everything and all, but it was morning, from the sounds of the birds and the forest coming to life. Odin sat up from the comfortable bed, looking slightly confused. It was when his eyes fell on his bandaged foot that he realised what had happened. He had been injured and kidnapped by an elf.

But where was the elf?

The room was empty and there didn't seem to be anyone in the house. This would be a good time to find out where this treasure was. He hobbled to his feet, realising he couldn't put much pressure on his injured limb. He cursed silently. It was then his eyes fell on a beautifully wrought cane leaning next to his bed. It was made from some sort of dark wood and perfectly polished. Odin gasped at the sight of it. He had never seen something so exquisite. He reached out for it, running his fingers over the smooth surface reverently. It was as if the wood was still alive. This cane shouldn't be used, it should be placed in a glass case and admired.

However, he was one foot short and needed some support. With an apology to whoever made this, he started hobbling out of the door. The day was almost perfect if they had some clear sky. However, that didn't reduce the homeliness of the cottage, or the sense of peace nature exuded. That didn't include the fog. Odin was still convinced that the fog was profoundly unnatural and it didn't like him one bit. He was more than willing to pass that off as more elvish black magic. That and the increasing power of the spell Duo placed on him. While he had a rather restful night, he couldn't control the dreams that assailed him. They weren't bad dreams, and at any other times, it would had been a nightmare, but he realised that being under a spell made having erotic dreams about someone, particularly an elf rather normal.

He hobbled closer to the front door, his gaze passing over some wooden carving of various animals. Odin began to have nasty suspicion that the cane he was currently using was wrought by none other than the elf Duo. Why did that creature had to be so thoughtful when he was desperately trying to hold onto resentment and long deep seated belief that all elves were cruel and evil? It was the same with the animals on the low table. They all seemed to shine from within and there was definitely life in the wood. More elven magic?

As he got closer to the half closed door, he started hearing some voices. More like one voice and followed by incessant chittering. The voice he recognised as the smooth tones of one elf Duo. The chittering, he didn't know. This was curious. It almost sounded like Duo was talking to some small woodland creature and this creature was replying. Sure, right, elves can speak to animals as well. Isn't this perfect? The next thing he would find out was that elves lived forever and were omnipotent.

He carefully walked to the door and peeked out. He definitely didn't want to disturb anything. He was met with a most curious sight. One that nearly sent him into convulsions of laughter.

The elf was kneeling down in front of a small pile of walnuts, a small group of squirrels on the other side of the pile, facing Duo. They were glaring at each other and if looks could kill, the two parties would have been buried long time ago.

Odin couldn't believe his eyes. The elf was having a showdown with a bunch of squirrels?

The word was definitely coming to an end.

Tbc…