Disclaimer: Lost Girl belongs to Showcase or SYFY and I am only playing in their universe.
"Stop Fidgeting," hissed Tamsin as they approached the seven well-armed men on horseback. The Valkyrie had her best war face firmly in place and her body was just the slightest bit tense in anticipation of having to defend herself and her companions. The others didn't need to know that she was chastising Kenzi as a cover for the doubts she held about her own abilities.
Being more than just slightly nervous to be going into this situation without any of her normal Valkyrie powers, Tamsin once again inwardly cursed Odin. He had punished her with what amounted to a seven hundred year time out. With her full strength not retuning for so many centuries she would normally be little better than the weakest of fae but she did have several lifetimes of weapons and hand to hand combat techniques under her command. Thinking about that, the Nordic warrior mentally ran the list of her weapons and felt better.
"I'm not fidgeting. I'm just adjusting my position to look more…. regal." snapped Kenzi through her clinched teeth. "Just shut up okay and let me work this." The small druid was perched uneasily on one of the large battle horses that had arrived with the attack on the farm. Kenzi needed all her focus to pull off what she was sure would be the con of her life. Feeling her tattoo flare as if to remind her that she had more than her checkered background and charm to depend on. She was a master druid damn it and she needed to remember that is she hoped to keep them all alive.
Dyson let out a low rumbled deep growl, "Would you both just focus." He was fighting the need to shift to his man wolf form, the need to protect Kenzi was in overdrive. He had not totally agreed with the shaky plan but would not let the woman he loved go anywhere in the Open lands without him. Unconsciously the wolf placed a hand on Kenzi's thigh as he walked beside her just to reassure himself for the moment. He felt her hand on his and relaxed a bit as her touch allowed him to breathe easier if only for a couple of moments.
"Easy, all of you." said Bo with more confidence than she felt, "Just do your parts, it's a plan and that is more than we have most of the time." She had tried for levity but it didn't work. Trying a different tact, "Remember Hilde needs us and we don't have much time before the baby arrives. We have no other choice than to give this our best shot." That statement brought a determined silence to the group. The friends readied themselves as they pulled to a stop and waited for the fun to begin. Bo's thought flashed to Lauren and then she refocused on the task at hand. Step one of the plan was getting into the castle, nothing would matter if they did not make their way inside.
Two days earlier
"Bo Bo Hey, I have never used a satellite phone before and this thing rocks, "Kenzi's smile could almost be seen through the phone. Not waiting for a response, the druid continued, "Look you guys are probably kicking ass and all that but it sucks being left behind. How do you feel about a little company storming the castle?"
To stunned to reply quickly, Kenzi's voice came through the phone again, "Bo you there?" Fearing that this phone was not working now the druid yelled, "Hey guys are the regular phones up yet?" There was some loud beeps as buttons were pushed, then Kenzi yelled again, "Are you sure I'm doing this right?" The sound of a jumble of familiar voices murmured in the background.
"Yes, Yes, Kenzi I'm here." Stammered Bo after putting the phone back to her ear when the loud tones had finished. She felt a not so gentle bump from Lauren and amended, "I mean we are both here. Why are you using a satellite phone?" This time it was Kenzi's turn to delay in the reply. Bo could feel her best friend searching for a tactful way to tell her something. "Kenzi what happened?"
With a forced nonchalance the little druid replied, "It's nothing we couldn't handle on our own. We just were invaded by some of Massimo's family and…"
Jumping to her feet Bo held the phone so tightly that Lauren thought the succubus would crush it, "What do you mean invaded?" Now it was Lauren's turn to jump to her feet hissing for Bo to turn the phone to speaker so she could hear too. "Kenz I am putting you on speaker so Lauren can hear." There was a short pause and then Bo snapped, "Tell us everything."
About ten minutes later Bo and Lauren were both sure they would have bruises on their upper arms as they had to force one another not to interrupt the story with not so gentle taps that seemed to grow in desperation as they listened. "Then Bruce stopped the arrow and took out Marcus before he passed out again. Tamsin grabbed his phone and called in Vex, Trick and Hale. They helped put out the fire and got a handle on things Dyson and the others had missed. Vex and Trick took the remaining guys from Marcus's force into their charge and we are all good." There was a long pause and then Kenzi said, "That's it."
"That's it! Geez Kenzi…" said Bo with barely contained volume to her voice. There were so many feeling coursing through the succubus that she was not sure she could stand it. "Are you sure no one is hurt?" was the only thing that she could get out that approached her level of concern at the moment.
There was shuffling sound as a hand was placed to muffle her voice then Kenzi said quietly, "Tamsin still smells a little like a cough drop, the nasty kind not the cherry ones." At this Lauren and Bo could not hold in their laughter, it acted as pressure release. Louder now as if talking so others could hear Kenzi continued, "Bruce is still in and out but all signs point to exhaustion and nothing worse." As if hearing Lauren unspoken words the little druid added, "I held my hands to him and was not called to create a tonic for him. I also asked Trick to take a look at him. He concurred."
"You did a fabulous job Kenzi, I'm proud of you." said Lauren.
"Yeah well, just letting you know one healer to another." Kenzi's voice fought for her tough edge but the pleasure of hearing Lauren's words of praise had made an impact. "So are you going to let us come help you or what? I guess I should have asked if you have already rescued Hilde, sorry."
Bo and Lauren looked at one another, "No, we haven't been able to get to Hilde yet. About you coming is there any way we can stop you?" asked the succubus. The sound of her laughing friend was answer enough. "Okay but things haven't exactly been smooth going. We need to tell you a few things and get some ideas flowing before you cross the dwarf's rock road."
"So speak, what's been happening? Are you guys okay?" said Kenzi the concern obvious in her tone. Before there was any chance of reply three strong beeps sounded in both parties ears. "Damn this thing is running out of power. Look we have to get to Hilde fast she is in real trouble, Bruce told us the baby is further along than we knew…." The warning beeps sounds again.
"Tell Trick to get as much on Abelard the Grand as he can get. Meet us at the edge of the forest as it opens to the castle's main entrance." shouted Bo but the phone was totally dead as she finished. She looked a Lauren with frustration but there was nothing she could do. Trying Kenzi's regular number she found it blocked.
Placing a gentle hand on her lover's shoulder, Lauren said, "The lines will open up soon. This Marcus character is dead and his charm will fade soon. You will be able to talk to her again. What they said about Hilde and the baby…" There was no way for the doctor to hide her concern after hearing that piece of news. "We will just have to do what we can while we wait." Lauren let the feline shifter touch her eyes. "Perhaps we can even plan some surprises as we pass the time." Bo pulled the beautiful lady next to her close and kissed her as an act of reassurance as much as telltale emotion. Letting her own power touch her eyes she nodded in agreement.
"Let's go over what happened on the ridge when the Grand Lord took us down. Maybe there is something we can think of that will give us some defense against that type of attack." Bo muttered. The two women started planning both knowing that they could only wait so long before they would have to try to breech the walls of the castle and get to Hilde.
xxxXXXXxxx
As the curtain pulled back, Hilde instantly went on guard. Going on a full day without water, food or any time to rest she was exhausted and edgy. More than a little worried about her health and more importantly the baby's health, the hag had been forced to bury her fear as her father's court was paraded by her cage nonstop. She showed little to no emotion as the line of observers passed by.
Most were there simply because it was an unspoken requirement. Her brother was trying to make the most of his so called win of the grand hunt and had been harassing everyone in earshot to come look at Hildegard the Sorrow and her shame. He questioned anyone's loyalty who did not want to take a look at his capture. The fae of the court passed mostly with looks of sympathy or regret of not being able to help. Court fae were older and many were familiar with the history of their current ruler and his family.
Roldan stood by the glowing cage and was too close by for anyone to offer words of encouragement to its occupant. More so the pompous prince forced the occasional passersby to comment on the disgrace of his sister. Strangely enough it was her father that finally stepped in and ended the public shaming with a bit of his own. "My son you're nothing if not predictable." Abelard sighed heavily and rolled his eyes so all around could see. The royal guards nearest the Grand Lord looked at each other and chuckled quietly showing the proper distain for the prince and full support of their mighty ruler.
Trying to speak up for himself, Roldan was quieted with a simple gesture from his father. The Grand Lord continued, "Your shameless flaunting of your sister's capture is tiresome. Pull the damn curtain and end this macabre and deceitful show of yours. It serves no purpose as everyone knows you did nothing but luck into her bad fortune. This need of her to protect the helpless and unworthy once again has been her downfall. I am tired of your thinking you had any part in besting her because you didn't."
Curling his lip just slightly, Roldan said curtly, "You, yourself declared me the victor of the hunt. I was the one that accomplished the task. I was the one that faced the other hunters and brought them to their knees. I was …"
"ENOUGH," shouted the Grand Lord. "God help me how I sired such useless and bothersome children." Glaring at his son he said, "Had you not been paired with Hyde you would still be out there floundering in the woods lost and starving." With a flick of his hand, Abelard motioned to his son's damaged face. "You're damn lucky only your eye was plucked out by that abomination. All you have to do is look in the mirror to see the evidence of your mediocrity." Roldan flushed red and his fae powers flared. Hilde who had be watching from her cage knew her brother had made a mistake and she did her best to focus inward to protect herself from her father's power.
"You are going to stand against me?" The first fae's power snap across the room. "You are nothing but a mistake of my blood." Linked to the words was the whisper of something else. A sadness touched Roldan's eyes. "You should be so much more. More powerful, more of a son to me." the grand lord continued as red flashed in his eyes. The crushing guilt that Roldan experienced dropped the fae prince to his knees.
"I am sorry father." The agonized sound held in the tone of Roldan's voice pulled on everyone's emotions but not the way one would think. Still laced with the strange fae power of his father, Roldan's own words brought distain from the other fae. Murmured comments from others to the effect of, "what a failure he is", "the boy should be horrified to let his father down so badly".
Turning his attention to the court as a whole the Grand Lord flexed his power, "Does anyone here want to challenge me or my question my word?" Hilde clamped her mouth shut as not to bring attention to herself and her weakened state she felt the impact of the wave of guilt. Everyone in the hall felt the effects. Some dropping to their knees as Roldan had, while others staggered lost in their own regretful thoughts.
Hilde's mind clouded and her stomach churned with self-recrimination, the overwhelming feel of guilt staggered her and she fought not to grab for the cage to steady herself. How could she have risked her family by betraying her father? Look at the danger her child was in, this was her fault. How could someone as undeserving as her hope to raise a child? She felt her heart breaking. In the swarm of her thoughts she heard her father's voice again.
"I forgive you and will accept your willingness to make amends." Boomed a lush deep voice almost musical in tone. The rush of relief was overwhelming. The members of the court cried out their thanks and shouted how they would work to deserve his faith in them. Hilde again had to steady herself as she wanted to reach through the cage to try to touch her father in thanks for the liberation from her guilty thoughts. Just as she extended her arm, the baby kicked and she was jerked back to reality.
"My thanks little one." the hag said quietly knowing that the reflex of the child was not to protect her but instead a reaction to her emotional turmoil but then she smiled as she stroked her stomach and thought with a smile or maybe not. Just as she returned to her seated positon her father turned to observe her. The look of smugness on his face faltered as his daughter look back at him with those unrelenting all-knowing eyes of hers.
While court members flung themselves at his feet and his troops shouted their loyalty to their lord and master, his own daughter simply watched. He tipped his head in acknowledgement and smiled with a touch of pride. Abelard turned back to take in the worship like behavior of the court and Hilde blew out a breath at her luck of not being seen captured by his power.
Fighting his way back to the place directly in front of his father's throne, Roldan called for his father's attention. "Sire I …" he started as he dropped to a knee in front of Abelard.
"Rise Roldan," said Abelard. "You serve as best you can." The smug look on the lord's face spoke to his victory over his son's outburst.
"Thank you my Lord," said Roldan in a whisper. He was obviously still recovering from the force of his father's mental attack on him. "I do what I can for …"
"Yes, yes my boy." Said the now bored monarch. "We will not have any more of this spectacle with your sister will we." Watching Roldan nodding his agreement so violently Hilde feared for her brother's neck. "Still I did declare you the winner of the hunt did I not." Roldan looked into his father's eyes with such admiration it was disturbing. Abelard smiled, "I will have to reward you some way."
"If I may, I have a humble request that might fit the bill." Said Roldan a touch of his normal personality returning. The Grand Lord raised an eyebrow at this statement from his son. Encouraged Roldan said quickly, "I was thinking it was time I found a wife. My time with Hyde got me thinking ..." As the two men talked together a disturbing smile formed on both of their faces.
What was left of the day continued as if Hilde was not present in her cage and thankfully she had been left in peace as the court dismissed for the day. Now late into the evening the curtain was being drawn back again. To her great relief Hyde moved in quickly and approached her cage using only the glow of the bars to guide him.
"My boy, it is good to see you." said Hilde in relief as the young fae approached with a smile. He placed his finger to his lips then pulled a round shape from a large bag he had hanging from his side. He pushed the stone round into the bars slowly and as he had so many times before watched as the energy sliced its way through the hard material. A meal appeared in both sides of the readymade bowl, nice and hot from the friction with the bars. It was a thick, rich and nourishing porridge that had Hilde's stomach growling for a spoonful.
"Eat fast," he said looking around, "I am going to push some more things through. With my down time I devised a couple new designs for our rock delivery system." The young fae smiled as he reached for his bag. Hilde watched carefully as she ate. The Stoneling pushed several more rock rounds into the bars, this time a thin layer of stone was left like a seal for both containers. With a grin he said, "The covers should be thin enough to crack open with the extra stone." As she did Hilde found they were packed with berries, nuts and seeds, dried meat and one held various small fruit. She lifted her eyes to him and had to smile at the pleased look on his face. Sheepishly he said, "You might want to watch for any chips that…"
"Hyde you are a clever one, I thank you. I can't tell you…" Hilde interrupted and found that she was close to tears in gratitude.
"Hey, Stop that. You wouldn't be here if I hadn't been forced to help Roldan." He said gruffly but he was tearing up too. "I have a few more." He pushed a smaller rock container through the bars and after cracking open the rock layer she found a collection of small pouches and one larger one. "It's a water pouch." He motioned to the big one with a smile that spoke to how excited he was to share how she would use it. The young fae was about to say more went the sound of footsteps at the far end of the hall echoed behind the curtain.
In a rush now Hyde held up two more stones and said, "These are full of water. It took me awhile to work this one out. If all goes right there will be thin rock layer covering each side." His smile was infectious. "Oh," he added quickly, "Don't open them right away. They will release steam and it could be dangerous." Hilde nodded understanding his warning and watched as he carefully used the bars to slice into the stone of the first water container. "Crack them carefully and pour them into the pouch after they cool. You should be able to conceal the extra food and water pouches from the guards in your pockets."
The footsteps were getting closer, "Hyde you must go I can get by without your other gifts." Hilde implored. It was a lie as she desperately needed water if she was going to survive. To her comments she was met with only a determined look as the Stoneling carefully pushed his remaining offering through the powerful bars. The halved containers settled inside the cage with no leaking. Hilde wrapped her hand in the cloth of her shirt tail and pulled them towards her to be hidden by her body. They would be concealed if someone was to look closely in her cage. "My boy you must go." She hissed with urgency as she pushed all but one of the empty stone containers into the cage bars needing to keep one as a tool to open the containers.
"I have been assigned a patrol, a day or two only I hope, then I will return. I am sorry I can't do more. Look there is no time to tell you more but the Grand Lord has summoned me after my patrol. He wants to talk about my sister." Hyde said as he moved to the side wall. "I will see you soon Hilde. When my sister is released there will be two of us to help you out of this mess, take care." He smiled his charming smile and called his fae power. As the hag watched well aware of the sounds just outside her curtained off area, Hyde placed his ear to the stone wall, listened then with a wink he pushed into the stone and rolled it as if it was meant to spin in place. Just as the stone settled back in place, the curtain was flung open and two of the royal guard walked in.
Before they could direct their lights for a better look at her, Hilde checked that her new gifts were under the flare of her clothing. The stone was somewhat cooled and she was in no danger of being burned. As the men approached she changed her position in hopes that nothing would be seen. "Are you sure you want to get that close?" She asked with a hard edge to her voice. At her words the men halted their approach. It was nice to see that her reputation had not diminished over the years. The look in the eyes of the night watch was one of wariness bordering on fear.
"Prisoner," The first guard said firmly. At a small laugh from Hilde, the second guard stammered a quick "My Lady," The first guard shot the second a look of 'what are you doing' to which the man shrugged.
"How about you call me Hilde." She said calmly. When both men came back with quick, "Yes, my Lady." She let out a small laugh again but this time the men relaxed.
"Hilde, ma'am. Were you being disturbed? We heard voices as we approached." The second guard and older of the two asked politely.
Intrigued by the man's tone she replied, "That was me passing the time by telling a tale to my child to be." She placed a hand on her stomach and left it there. Both men looked away but not before she thought she caught a look of dismay cross the older man's face. Hilde decided to test the waters, "It speaks to a fae's character that he would see fit to torture and kill his child and grandchild. What would a fae like that do to the people of his kingdom if they displeased him?" Hearing no reply she added, "Maybe I should be asking what has my father already done?"
To this comment the younger of the two guards bristled and spouted off about the greatness of the Grand Lord. Hilde let his words drift by her but she watched the older fae instead. While he did nothing to disagree with his partner, he did not add anything either. Instead he stood quietly by looking straight at Hilde and nodded ever so slightly. The motion was not in agreement with his partner's tirade but instead he seemed to be motioning to Hilde that she was on to something.
Blustering to a finish the younger guard said, "You and your abomination of a child can sit in there and rot." He turned and stomped towards the curtain ripping it back with a flourish as he left. With a last look at the hag the older fae simply turned and followed. As the room returned to its dark cave-like feel, Hilde was left with the impression that her father might not have such total control of his realm as he would like. If she ever got out of this mess she would have to use that to her advantage.
xxxXXXxxx
"Bryan you are coming. I can't do this without you." The quavering voice from atop the huge horse was almost a sob. At that moment the big animal shifted his feet and then shook his head causing an eeping scream from its rider who then clutched tightly to the dark thick mane of the horse. Bryan shot the old war horse a look and got what he could have sworn was a wink back as if to say, "I'm just messing with her."
The dwarf tried not to smile then looked up and grumbled, "Kenzi, really you are doing fine. This great beast will not hurt you. He is better behaved than most humans…er…people…er … most beings I have met." Bryan tried not to laugh at the indigent look that the little druid shot him. "Look I made a vow to leave that realm and stay gone. I can't go back on my word. That was the price of my freedom. I wouldn't want to disappoint…"
"You wouldn't want to disappoint who? The Grand Lord maybe?" Tamsin was walking up with her gear in hand. "Think about it, dwarf. Was it really your decision to leave the Open Lands?" She loaded up one of the horses that arrived thanks to Vex calling in a favor. The jet black stallion was big by normal standards but looked rather small next to the mount that Kenzi was perched on. After making sure all was secure, she turned to Bryan. "Look, think back. How did you get involved in all this? Dyson says that you were commanded to build the crossing between the realms, right. That part makes sense but then you get involved in the attack on the farm and Hilde. A hunt you had no hope in winning. I don't know you well but I can see you are smarter than that. Dwarves are an honorable people, there is no chance of you involving yourself in this without being manipulated somehow.
Bryan looked away but Tamsin's voice forced him back to her eyes, "You took part in the initial charge with the Barbaus, then pretty much quit when the wolf knocked you from your horse. This left you open for Dyson to take you out easily. It is lucky for you that our wolf is level headed most of the time and recognized your lack of defense. If you were really into the hunt by your choice, especially if it was for your so called freedom, you would have been willing to fight for it. You never would have given up so easily."
Bryan stammered a bit then got quiet and a dark look crossed his face. The Valkyrie put a hand on his shoulder. "The Grand Lord guilted you into this and then in the process banished you so you would not go back into the crossing and cause him problems if you ever came to your senses. More than likely he had arranged those stink demons, the Barbaus, to kill you somewhere along the hunt if you didn't get killed all on your own during a battle.
Seeing the wary expression on the dwarf's face, Tamsin continued. "Look, a portion of the Grand Lord's power is not unlike mine as a Valkyrie if I understand what Trick was saying earlier. Trust me I know what I'm talking about when I say you were pushed into this whole thing." A rare glimpse of sympathy showed on the Valkyrie's face then vanished. "Now you know what he did to influence you, there is a better chance you will recognize a similar attack in the future and be able to fight it."
"I don't even have my stuff packed." Bryan pointed out. "You are all ready to leave and I know how important it is for you to hit the road as fast as you can." What he didn't want to say was, on top of everything Tamsin had explained, he was just flat out scared to go back. The dwarf had seen what happened to those that crossed the Grand Lord and it wasn't pretty. His head hurt and this little voice kept murmuring of all the danger he would be in if he ever set foot in the open lands again. About to give voice to yet another excuse for not traveling with them Bryan found himself being lifted into the air.
A set of hands grabbed the dwarf and tossed him on the back of the horse that held Kenzi. Dyson walked around to face him and held up Bryan's bag. "I took the liberty of packing for you." A wolfish smile touched his lips. "Think of this as your apology for swinging that silly club of yours at me when we first met." More seriously he said, "We need a guide to move things along. Having lived and worked in the castle you fit the bill and you're going and besides Kenzi would feel better if an experienced rider was helping her out. You with us makes the trip that much faster." What Dyson didn't add was that they needed every abled bodied fae they could get. Anyway the wolf looked at the situation they were riding into they would be outnumbered so it was almost a hopeless cause. Shrugging, he thought when wasn't the situation a hopeless cause where their group was concerned. When the dwarf made to argue again Dyson's wolf flared and the conversation was abruptly closed.
Making the crossing to the Open Lands easily with Bryan's guidance, it was a full day that the group traveled following the blatant signs of battle and at times death. Bloody trails and at time bodies told the story that Bo and Lauren had not had an easy time of it. Bryan brought the group to a halt right at nightfall, "We are getting to the edge of long patrol's territory. We don't want to run into them out here without finding the others first. I suggest we find a spot and make camp. Dyson you might want to use your full wolf form to search out the others while we hold back." Bryan motioned a northern direction with his hand to indicate that was the way to the rock face that held the castle. For the last few hours Dyson's wolf nature was just barely hidden and the horses were getting more antsy than usual around him. The dwarf could feel Dyson needed some way to expend some energy and calm down.
In a flash Dyson was in full wolf form and stretching out to get ready to run. With a look back at Kenzi that said, "I'll be careful and return soon." The beautiful wolf shot into the brush making a wide circle around the group to check they had not missed anything in their approach to the camping site that would put them in danger. He gave a loud yip and then tore off towards the castle in search of Bo and Lauren.
Dyson had been on the hunt for no more than a half hour when he caught the scent of something that seemed familiar but at the same time was impossible. Back tracking Dyson circled around to see if he could catch the scent from a different angle. There it was again and a truly canine grin crossed his furry muzzle as he froze and listened. Not knowing how it could be but his heart was thudding with joy for his friend. The feral scream of a large cat broke the air and he growled a loud barking howl in reply as he bolted in the direction of the sound.
The wolf shot by her in a blur and Lauren shook her head as she dropped to the ground in pursuit. She had been careful to travel by tree when possible and the times she did have to travel by ground were few and far between. It would take a tracker of Dyson's skill to pick up her trail as fast as he did. Time to see if their trap would work.
Hearing the animal calls break the dusk filled stillness Bo tensed. Dyson was a friend but it still made her uneasy that Lauren was out alone. She was her lady's champion and it bothered her to be separated from the one she loved. Bo sighed and focused her mind for what they had planned, she and Lauren could be separated for a very long time if things did not work out. There was a no time to worry about that now as the sounds of a large animal running towards her drew all her attention.
"Here goes nothing." She whispered as she called on her chi powers. The bluish glow from her armor surrounded her and she clinched her fists and the familiar slide of the chi blades flowed from her hands. Pulling them back she then touched her two fists together. Using a stretching motion as she moved her hands apart, Bo let the flow of chi form into a long staff. Running she used the staff to vault over a series of log barriers she and Lauren had placed. It had been the first time she had used the ax like shape of her chi to do that kind of work. It was a different feel but still an effective use of her power. With the side benefit of Lauren there for a mega-recharge as she felt her power drop, it hadn't taxed her chi all that much.
The maze-like barrier was unique as Lauren used her connection with the land to camouflage the various parts with plant life and hide any drag marks they had created during the trap's construction. Coming upon this large structures one would never know the twisting path that wove around them had not been there for years.
The earth in the Open Lands was very responsive to Lauren. When she offered her chi to the ground as a way of saying hello the returning pulse of power left the nature fae a little drunk from the effects. Much to Bo's delight Lauren had grabbed her and pulled her close. The doctor kissed her thoroughly as she pushed the extra chi into her. The succubus in Bo had roared to the front and soon they were breathless in each other's arms.
"You are so beautiful," said a huskily voiced Bo as she gained control of herself. Thankfully she had not been hungry for anything but Lauren. "But you can be a little overwhelming at times. Your succubus nature is getting more powerful." As Bo drew a soft line down the side of Lauren's face, the doctor's eyes pulsed blue and she growled a feline like sound that finished in a low deep purr. The two parts of Lauren's fae sharing space in Lauren's being so close to the surface with her human was unusual and exciting at the same time. It made Bo wonder about how the return of Lauren's fae in such an organic way would influence her lover in the long run.
The shuffling pause in the stride of the charging wolf brought Bo out of her reflections and she readied herself in the pit area. She watched as Dyson moved closer and closer. The wolf had to pull up sharply in the tight circle of young trees. His entrance to the area had been distorted by the number of plants. It was only after he entered the area that he recognized the configuration of the plant life was not natural.
"Gotcha!" shouted Bo as she pulled herself into view high in the branches of an older aspen tree that was amongst the younger pines that in circled the area. Recognizing the voice Dyson looked up seeing a smiling Bo who was pointing down. The wolf looked and saw that he was standing on a mesh of thick branches and vines. Upon closer inspection of the spaces through the foliage, the cover had him suspended over a deep pit. With a yip and a whine he carefully moved backwards, then shot a dirty look at Bo and growled deeply.
Working his way back through what he know recognized as a crafted gateway he was about to turn when he felt a strong paw touch his back. He jumped in spite of knowing who it was. A growling huff of amusement sounded and the paw shifted to a hand. "I'm really glad you're here Dyson." The wolf turned and sat down to look up at Lauren. The doctor watched as the wolf drew in her scent and then almost with a laughing look the wolf's tongue hung out the side of his muzzle in a totally relieved expression. Smiling she said, "Get us to the others and I'll tell you all about it." Standing and shaking, Dyson began to walk back through the maze like area only stopping once to make sure he had company.
The two shifters had cleared the maze to find Bo leaning against a tree. She raised an eyebrow, "I thought shifters were faster than that?" It might have been the wrong thing to say if Bo had not been in the mood for a run. No more than a second after she had said the words. Dyson was running with Lauren hot on his tail. With a snap of blue chi, the succubus was on the move giving it her all to keep up. The joy shared between them was palpable.
It seemed like only minutes when the wolf pulled up panting and with a happy puppy look all over his face. He snorted and growled which was a clear message to hold up, he made his way into the brush leaving the others alone. Lauren and then a slightly winded Bo held their positions. Moments later Dyson appeared pulling on the last of his clothes. He smiled as the looks on their faces. "Ahhh…Kenzi knows that when I go full wolf and end up ala natural. She leaves a set of clothes for me." He was blushing slightly. "Anyway if we went busting into camp at full speed Tamsin would try to kill us all."
"I might try to kill you anyway." Tamsin said as she walked out of the trees behind Dyson. At the wolf's narrowed eyes she smiled, "Don't worry I didn't peek… much." She slapped him on the butt and then walked to Bo and Lauren with a grin on her face. "Nice to see you both in one piece. Lauren I see you are feeling better." The soft growl from the doctor made a broad smile cross the Valkyrie's face. "Nice to see that Bo looks well fed. We need you both at full strength." Shifting quickly to full human form Lauren was about to say something about the only person taking care of Bo when she needs anything would be her when her champion broke in.
"I want to see Kenzi, can we please get to your camp." After a quick look at Lauren, Bo continued, "We will move you to our spot and then finalize the plan to get into the castle. Hilde is counting on us." The succubus squeezed Lauren's hand and waited only moments as the others turned and led the way.
It wasn't long until the group had joined Kenzi and Bryan. Both looked grateful to have their numbers increase. Kenzi had Bo in a huge hug so fast the succubus could not get any words out. The little druid was then off with the most rapid run down of trips events anyone had heard. When Kenzi finally took a breath, an overwhelmed Bo said, "Ah…if you're scared of the big horse maybe Tamsin would have switched with you." she had nothing else.
Lauren hiding a laugh pulled the shorter woman into her arms before Kenzi could make any comments, "We are glad you made it in one piece. This is going to be much harder now that Hilde is in the castle and we need all of you." As she pulled away Kenzi had spotted the rings on Lauren's hands. She immediately went to say something to Bo but stopped when the succubus shot her a look with a quick nod. Lauren continued, "We need to move you to a safer location and then eat, plan. Hopefully we can get a good night's sleep after that. Tomorrow we need to make some type of move on the castle."
xxxXXXxxx
Present-day
The bright sun was warm on her face as Kenzi took a deep breath and whispered to the others, "Here we go." With a small tap of her foot, the horse moved out towards the seven guards in front of her just as Bryan said he would. Pulling herself up as straight as possible to talk, Kenzi said clearly, "We are here for an audience with the Grand Lord." In her mind Kenzi was mumbling, "work it, work it" as she shot them her best "don't mess with me" look. Dyson, Tamsin and Bo stood in formation looking as strong, menacing and powerful as they truly were.
"What makes you think the Grand Lord would see you?" Shouted a guard the line of men were looking at them with suspicion now. Some of the men had placed their hands on their weapons and fae energy was snapping at their eyes.
There was a low growling sound from Dyson. Kenzi did her best to ignore him but inside she had to agree this was not good. "We have business with him." She snapped as she reached over to Tamsin who pulled a rolled document from her bag and handed her the item. The guard that had called out rode forward. He was on an equal level with Kenzi and held his hand out for the rolled paper. Kenzi moved to hand it to him then pulled it back and said sweetly, "I will be sure to tell the Grand Lord that you looked over correspondence meant for him. He is so understanding when others..." She let the word float for a moment. "...interfere with his personal affairs." The man paused his motion and Kenzi moved the paper towards his hand. Kenzi winked at him and guard drew his hand back so fast it was almost comical. "Gotcha," the little druid smiled to herself as she relaxed. She knew they were on their way to meet the Grand Lord.
Clearing his throat the guard said with a knowing tone. "True enough, who am I to interfere with the Grand Lord's business. Let's just see if he wants to grant you an audience. My warning to you young one if you waist his time he will kill you and your whole party. I hope this message is worth your life." Swinging his mount around he started to move away. Calling back he said, "My men will be watching your every move." Motioning to the others he continued, "They may accompany you but any use of powers will be met with force." He motioned them to move out. The guards surrounded them and forced the small group to gather close.
"Well done." Said Bo as she moved to Kenzi's side. She had stood behind Tamsin's horse and near Dyson in an attempt to hide who and what she was during the guard and Kenzi's interaction. Her position could have been taken as protective measure against an attack from the rear. Truly Bo was just hiding in plain sight, a succubus in the mix would have set off all sorts of warning bells. She had focused her chi and muted any outward signals the fae guard might have picked up. It wouldn't matter once she was in front of the Grand Lord but at least they had a way in the door. "Part one complete, we are heading into the castle." she whispered. There were nods from the others as the overall feeling was more like moving from the frying pan and into the fire.
AN: Been a while - Hope I didn't forget how to do this. Big thank you for those who have been checking for updates now and again. I wish everyone a Happy Holiday - Here is to a Happy and Healthy New Year!
