Disclaimer: Lost Girl belongs to Showcase or SYFY and I am only playing in their universe. I don't own any of the music mentioned in this chapter either.
A/N: This chapter is a bit on the M side at the start here. The trial looms large...
If you didn't know better, peeking in the window of the shack would have felt like you were spying on a normal extended family dinner. Rowdy conversation around a food covered dining table. Family members enjoying dessert and coffee as quiet stories were told that ended in huge bursts of laughter. Group clearing of the table and finishing the dishes, followed by small groups of people gathered in various areas of the house to focus on topics more in depth.
The hag, human fae hybrid and druid were all in a corner of the kitchen talking healing powers and wine making. The ogre, ash of the light fae and wolf shifter were talking sports and weapons care. A siren and a succubus were entertaining two goblins by talking bartending and the worst tippers they had ever seen. The night had been all about family but it was far, far from normal. On the surface it was as close to perfect as most of them could remember. The elephant running around the room was flatly ignored by everyone. In less than a day Lauren would be on trial in front of the fae council. If she lost she would be put to death. Run elephant run.
When Bo and Lauren had arrived at the shack, Kenzi took it upon herself to cheer everyone up. The druid was forced to join the rest in supporting Lauren's decision, but like Bo she still didn't like it. The girl knew the only way she would feel better was to throw a party. The food and company arrived fast. All were given instructions to let things go for the evening and not talk about the trial. When Trick showed up the little druid almost didn't let him in the door. "Kenzi, I am not taking Lauren anywhere. She is the one that called me. I trust that she will make it to the trial without a problem now open up the damn door." The ash said still not believing that he was trapped on a porch having to argue his way in to his granddaughter's house.
Dyson had placed a hand on Kenzi's shoulder. Waiting for her says so he pulled her to him as he reached around and undid the lock. He held Kenzi to him as his old friend walked by hands full of a pot of his famous mutton stew and muttering to himself. Kenzi went to move away but Dyson kept his hold for a few moments more. He felt the little druid's heartbeat speed up and that made the wolf happy and he let her go.
At the end of the evening, Trick was the last of the visitors to leave. "Lauren, I will see you tomorrow." He held a hand out to her and she took it. "Try to relax if you can, I think we have a good defense." The acting ash smiled and then reached out for Bo too. "Granddaughter, it is so good to have you back." He squeezed her hand and Bo could feel the regret he felt for not finding a way to step in and get her away from the Wanderer. She had forgiven him over and over but he had yet to forgive himself. They shut the door after watching Trick draw a symbol on the side of the shack and then again twenty paces away from the house, tracing the pattern with a stick in the dirt. A protection spell with the power of the Ash of the Light fae behind it was a powerful ward. He had turned and waved before he got into his car. They would not be having any unwanted visitors tonight.
Turning around Bo found that she and Lauren were alone. The place had cleared out of all friends and family. It was obvious that the group wanted to give the women some time alone. Hilde and Bruce went to the cabin, the rest went to the Dahl to continue the party. Bo looked around, "We don't even have any clean-up to do?" She said it lightly but Lauren caught the hint of worry in Bo's voice. Throughout the get together Lauren could feel Bo watching her. The succubus was no longer fighting Lauren's decision but she was not just going to let Lauren face this trial on her own. It scared the doctor to think what Bo might do but she covered her thoughts as best she could. Holding her hands out with a "what should we do now" motion, Lauren didn't say anything she just watched Bo as she started to walk around the place.
Seeing Lauren watching her Bo shrugged, "Stills feels weird being here. Back in the shack I mean." They had walking into the place and found Dyson and Kenzi, then after that people just started showing up. They hadn't even been up stairs yet to put anything away. Their duffels had just been tossed to the side. Bo's earlier returns to the shack had been when she was not fully herself yet. Where she was standing after two years was a lot for Bo to process. She was quiet and let the memories of her home filter back in.
Soft arms moved around her waist. Lauren whispered in your ear as she pulled her close, "It will take time Bo. You have your energy back but no one is expecting you to get over things immediately." The good doctor squeezed Bo's waist then with a half-smile walked towards the kitchen. "Wine or something stronger?" asked Lauren opening boxes and then cupboards. Hilde had told her about a hidden jug of Chokecherry wine she had stashed just for Lauren. Finding it she held it up and Bo nodded in agreement. Lauren grabbed two coffee mugs, the jug of wine and pointed towards the bedroom. Bo smiled shutting off the last of the lights and followed Lauren upstairs. The both were a little worried. The bedroom was so full of old memories, good and bad, for both of them.
Bo almost ran into Lauren who had come to a stop at the top of the stairs. Lauren had felt the illusion spell and smelled the oregano scent of Kenzi's charm. Bo didn't know what had caught the doctor's attention and was confused. "Lauren what are you…what in the world?" said the succubus. Lauren had pulled Bo forward and as they crossed the threshold the image of their old bedroom faded and something new appeared. The bedroom was completely finished. There were no more exposed two by four studs or duct taped wiring.
The large room was elegant with modern touches. Rich leather and crisp linen textures colored dark brown with blue, yellow, and green accents, blended into their furniture that had all been refinished or reupholstered. The use of the older furnishing left the room with a familiar feel. The space felt inviting as if someone had scrubbed the room leaving only the good feelings behind. There was a glow off to the side and Bo giggle in excitement, "No way." Taking Lauren by the hip and moving her into the room and towards the master bath.
Pausing at the doorway Bo almost jumped up and down in anticipation. They pushed open the door and Bo made a sound that caused Lauren to blush. The huge master bath was beyond amazing. The infinity tub was only the starting feature, followed by the two person steam shower, double vanity. The list of good stuff could have just gone on. A spa should have something this nice. A note hung off the mirror. "I missed you Bestie and Hotpants. New coolness courtesy Druid's International an off shoot of LauLew Incorporated. Here's to new memories and only happy dreams. Welcome home. P.S. Hilde, Bruce, Dyson, Hale, Ted and Ed were the labor, and I did the hard work and the illusion charm – Skills"
Bo laughed at the note, she understood about half of it. Handing it to Lauren to read, the succubus moved to the tub. She let her hand drift over the key pad then programmed in the temperature of the bath and pressed a large red button. Water cascaded down every side filling the deep tub. "Oh my god," said Bo in a husky whisper and Lauren's head snapped up a little jealous at her lover's tone. Bo was staring at the tub then turned to look right at Lauren, "Clothes off, tub now." There was no arguing with the succubus on this point. Lauren placed the wine on the counter and reached for Bo's shirt with a smile.
"What are you…, oh my god, Bo… holy shit…." Lauren was blushing and laughing. Bo was nothing but giggles showing Lauren all the advantages of multiple shower jets with adjustable settings. The two women had laughed and snickered their way through the spa like bathroom and still had things to try. Moving back to the tub, Lauren mumbled, "This is worth every freak'n penny," picturing the number of digits on her next credit card bill as she settled into Bo's body. Bo just sighed and wrapped her arms around Lauren. One drunken night Kenzi and Bo had planned how they would redecorated the shack when they were rich and famous. The girl had not missed anything on the list.
"We are going to be permanently pruney if we stay in here much longer." whispered Bo into Lauren's ear after a long soak in the perfectly warmed water. The doctor had to agree and she adjusted her position exiting the tub. Bo was next. Stopping she programed the spa to drain then do a steam clean, technology was a good thing. Bo turned as Lauren had grabbed a towel and was off to the side starting to dry off. The succubus went motionless and just watched. Such a simple act, Lauren's beautiful body, it had touched Bo deep inside. She had pushed her fears for their future to the back of her mind. Watching her lover now she wanted to memorize every motion.
After a moment Lauren looked up and rolled her eyes, "What are you doing?" she said with a laugh. Bo did not answer she just kept watching. Lauren shook her head and then held out the towel. "Do you need a towel?" Bo shook her head no. Lauren lifted an eyebrow, "What you just want to watch?" Bo let a smoky expression settle on her face and Lauren swallowed hard. Slowly she brought the towel back towards her body. She stretched her leg out and pulled the towel down the well-shaped limb. She repeated the action with the second leg.
The lines of the doctor's body were not lost on her lover. Slightly blue tinted eyes traced the movement of each muscle group. Lauren stood and wrapped the towel behind her, turned her back and did a shimmy thing that made them both laugh, but Bo did not end her stare. "Bo, I …" Lauren said but stopped as the succubus tilted her head, the softness in her eyes was intoxicating. Lauren moved quickly and pulled the towel down her arms. This was silly but Lauren was feeling flushed. The intensity of the woman's stare almost felt like a caress.
Two can play at this game, Lauren pulled the towel around her back and then slowly pulled it over her chest. She stopped for a moment holding the towel over her body to cover it then dropped it down. There was something about the towel covering Lauren's body then dropping down to allow full view that made Bo shifted just a little. The doctor raised an eyebrow moving the towel up to make another pass, Lauren had looked down and when she lifted her head Bo was right in front of her.
The succubus took the towel from the doctor's hand. Lauren allowed her body to be turned and then groaned as Bo pulled her back hard. The breasts of the succubus pressing into her back as their two bodies melted together. Lauren arched just a little and her ass pushed into Bo making the succubus growl. The towel started to make its way down Lauren's torso. The cloth moved over Lauren's breasts then down to her stomach. It did not stop until it had reached the apex of her thighs.
Lauren felt Bo place a hand around her waist to steady her. Gently Bo pushed Lauren's legs apart. Lauren fought to breathe as a fabric draped hand dipped between her legs and pulled across her core. The plush fabric moving back and forth as Bo pressed the thick cloth up firmly creating an interesting friction. Lauren shuttered and Bo added more pressure. When Lauren moaned, the towel was suddenly gone replaced by stroking fingers instead. Bo focused attentions caused Lauren's legs to give way. Bo's strong hold was ready and she lowered herself and Lauren to the cool tile floor. Lauren said breathless and about to lose herself to the sensation of Bo's touch, "Dear god just imagine my reaction when we redo the laundry room." Bo chuckled and then moved her hand just a little to the left to stop Lauren thinking at all.
Lauren woke early, way too early considering the emotional ups and downs of the day before. She quieted herself then sighed at the sound of Bo sleeping soundly beside her. Turning her head, the view of the peaceful face of her lover soothed Lauren's heart. Bo's hair was a mess. The woman's strong arms were relaxed to her sides. Only one leg was touching Lauren, it was swung over her leg holding Lauren in place. The succubus's steady breathing reassuring the doctor that the woman was in no distress. This woman loved her so much, Lauren still had a hard time believing that. Lauren carefully moved out of bed and entered the bathroom. She used the shower with a grin at the various wall jets. Before leaving the bathroom, Lauren used the back of Kenzi's note to let Bo know she would be downstairs or outside. Locating her clothing in a closet that had been nothing more than an old pipe between wall studs before the renovation, she dressed and moved to the kitchen to make coffee.
Kenzi and Dyson were on the couch. Well Kenzi was on the couch and Dyson was on the floor. This was the normal position after a night at the Dahl. Lauren had to smile as the druid's hand was lying possessively on Dyson's bare chest. Lauren shook her head and wondered just what lay ahead for those two. Not wanting to disturb the sleeping couple she opened the door and stepped outside. Her senses were assaulted by the reek of the city. Lauren truly did miss her farm. A tremor of fear shot through her and she forced it down with a vengeance. The fae elders would not get the best of her. She may not stand a chance at the trial but they would not break her. Careful not to move past Trick's ward, Lauren stepped onto the bare ground around the shack.
She sat down and let the sunlight hit her. Leaning back she felt the post of the railing by the steps supporting her. Placing a hand on the earth she said hello with a small pulse. There was such a response Lauren could have sworn that the ground rumbled beneath her. This patch of soil was so pleased to be in contact with her. The joyous feeling set Lauren on a giggling fit. It was not the feel of the well balanced soil around Hilde's cabin. No this was like a happy puppy overjoyed at seeing someone they knew.
A huge jolt of power hit Lauren and she closed her eyes to hide the green glow. She said aloud, "Okay hey, take it easy. I feel you. I feel your gratitude and you're welcome. But you should be thanking Bo and Kenzi they are the ones' that started taking care of you again." She pulsed some of the energy back into the earth. The soil couldn't understand her words, Lauren knew that, but sometimes she just felt like talking to the earth. The puppy-like energy of the ground settled to something more like rolling over to have its belly scratched.
Lauren stood and ran into the house then came back with some sunflower seeds from Kenzi's supplies and a cup of water. Taking a seat on the ground to the side of the stairs, Lauren created a small circle shape on the ground with some rocks. She used another rock to start to break up the soil, then pouring out half the water from her glass. The patch of earth rumbled again. It was like when a puppy's leg twitches when you scratch that one special spot. Lauren giggled she couldn't help it. Dropping the seeds into the ground she pushed the soil over and added the remaining water. She laughed out loud as she felt the soil jumped to life again under her touch.
"You have no idea how cute you look right now do you?" Bo's voice was quiet behind her. Lauren turned and smiled into the face of the woman she loved. She had been so caught up she hadn't felt Bo's presence. "Please don't make those little plants seven feet tall right away. We don't know whose watching."
"Just introducing your land to some friends." Lauren said. She flashed green eyes to Bo and touched the ground. Four three inch sprouts shot out of the ground. "By the way your land is so thankful you have cared for it. I almost was overloaded by its gratitude."
Bo furrowed her brow then looked guilty, "I haven't done much. Cleaned the place up is all. The battle that was raged here could not have done the lot any good." Technically the shack was not her property but she had found it when she first got to town and now considered it home.
Looking around the place showed no scars, "I think the druid took care of things… Hilde might have helped." said Lauren she placed a hand on the ground and felt the curiosity of the soil as it considered the new little plants that had taken root. It was always good to have a new toy. Lauren giggled again and Bo just smiled.
"I need to tell you something." Bo said seriously. Lauren looked up more than a little wary. "And please don't argue. Yesterday was more than enough for a lifetime." Lauren had to agree. "I will be acting as your champion tonight." Lauren opened her mouth but Bo raised a finger, "If you need it. Hilde has been moving in and out of my dreams. I guess a champion is in case of a challenge or something." That took Lauren back. "I know, strange but it's all good. She wants me with you at the trial and I agree. My place is by your side. I can't live without you and I would make a guess that you might feel the same, so we shouldn't try to fight it. I am by your side tonight and always." Bo leaned down and kissed Lauren's concerned mouth. Bo giggled this time, "Easy tiger." Lauren pulled back, Bo raised an eyebrow and nodded her head down. The sprouts of the flowers were now almost a foot tall.
The sky was filling with the telltale signs of approaching nightfall. The only good thing about pollution was the beautiful sunsets it provided. The day had been quiet. Kenzi forced Lauren to bake muffins for her. The druid hoped the task would give Lauren something to focus on and it did. Bo had left for a few hours to go to the light fae compound and talk to Trick. It was a strange move and even Dyson questioned it but she left anyway telling Kenzi and Dyson not to leave Lauren's side. Hilde and Bruce did not make an appearance. The doctor knew that the hag was nearby and that was enough.
Dyson being a wolf could tell you the exact position of the moon at any point during the day. He told the group that they needed to get ready. Lauren watched as Bo dressed. The lace and silk covered by leather would be a nice memory for a long time. Holding up a selection of knives, Lauren offered, "Sharp or sharper?"
Bo smiled, "None, thank you." Lauren looked puzzled. Bo said, "Never take a knife to gun fight." The doctor looked taken back, when did Bo start carrying a gun. Seeing the concern on Lauren's face Bo held up her hand, "Only a saying doc, only a saying. No firearms here. I have something else up my sleeve so to speak." Lauren wanted more explanation but she was not going to get it. Slipping on her old leather jacket she and Bo left the room. Only to be bull dozed by Kenzi, who pushed Lauren up against the nearest wall.
To shocked to move Lauren watched as Kenzi started shoving small bags of things into Lauren's pockets. "Damn girl your jeans are tight." As Kenzi forced a leather pouch into Lauren front pocket.
Bo stepped in and grabbed her friend's hands. "Kenzi stop feeling up my girlfriend." Bo was trying very hard not to laugh. "What are you doing?" the succubus had to look down because of the look on Lauren's face and the determination of druid's face. Maybe it was the stress but if she started laughing she might not stop.
"I am not feeling up your girlfriend. I am arming her." snapped Kenzi.
Lauren froze, wondering what the hell Kenzi had just placed all around her body. "Kenzi if these are snap traps or slime bombs…." Bo didn't feel like laughing any more.
"No, no, see I just had this idea. They are…" Kenzi went to explain when Dyson yelled that it would be better to be early than late for the pretrial meeting with Trick. The women stopped talking and almost ran out of the room. They had all been so busy trying to keep each other calm, the swift movement spoke to how close to freaking out they all were.
The women moved quickly down the stairs. Dyson joined them and left the shack. Stepping off the step, Lauren smiled at the four green sprouts near the step. They were settled into their new home and doing nicely. Walking to the car the group was all talking with nervous energy about who got shotgun and whatnot. Crossing the lot toward the SUV left by the Ash, Bo released Lauren's hand as moved to walk to the opposite side of the vehicle. They had only taken two steps before the group broke the threshold of the protection ward. Lauren cried out. The group turned just in time to see the doctor fade away right before their eyes. Bo reached out not having been more than a foot from Lauren at any time but was too late. The last thing she saw was Lauren's terrified face.
xxxxXXXXXxxxx
Lauren crashed to the hardwood floor in a heap. She was stunned by the impact of her body against the solid surface. She was yanked to her feet by rough hands and then left to stand on her own. Fighting to regain her breath, Lauren looked around to get some idea of where she was. An impossibly strong light surrounded her. She could see nothing in any direction. She listened and heard people breathing. She drew in the smell of the room and was shocked by the number of individual scents she found around her. The doctor worked her mind to identify any of them that she could.
"This is your enemy Ladies and Gentleman. The human hybrid Lauren Lewis." A snobby voice cracked through the space. There was a sea of muttering around Lauren. "You doubt the stories watch," A fist appeared from nowhere and slammed into Lauren's face. She moved with it and shifted as she fell to the ground. She had been expecting the blow and directed her body's response. Rolling, she bounded up the nearest solid surface she could find holding tight with her claws as she cleared the light and got some perspective on where she was. What she saw shocked her. She was in the chambers of the dark fae elders. There were elders of the dark and the light seated around her. Other powerful fae were there mixed in with the others.
She unable to hold on any longer Lauren crashed back to the floor and into the blinding light. Quickly she changed back to her human form. The muttering changed to shouts and rapid angry voices. Lauren yelled, "What is this? I am to be put on trial in an hour by this very group. There are rules…" The room fell silent at her outburst.
"Rules, mutant, you call for rules." The pompous voice crowed. "Leaders of the upper fae, this abomination thinks that she is worthy of standing before us and receiving the full rights of being fae. She is no better than the lowliest of the underfae. A vile mix of discarded off bits of fae and human science, I cannot truly think of another being more heinous than this creature. I call on you to act now. She is not one of us, she serves only as a threat to our survival. Strip her of her powers and then end her life. I beg of you as a concerned citizen and a victim of her attack. A trial is not warranted here, justice can be served with her death.
Lauren stilled her wits catching up with her. "I have only done battle with one individual that would be cowardly enough to run before one of us was dead. Wanderer you are a vile being and I would question the intelligence of anyone who listens to your advice. A dark mage leading the elders of the fae speaks to how far the fae have fallen."
There was again an eruption of conversation. Lauren yelled over the crowd, "Just battle me Wanderer here and now. Let us finish the encounter we shared." Lauren shifted to her feline form and let the cat scream in anger.
The Wanderer laughed, "See my friends nothing more than a beast. Rip her powers away and share them amongst yourselves. Then kill the human for her crimes against us all. " There was a scream of agreement from somewhere. The fact that the Wanderer had told them to feed off her powers told her he was speaking directly to the darkest fae in the room. Lauren felt the pain of multiple attacks all at once. Her body felt like it was being dissected, the skin fraying at the joints and her soul being opened so that fingers could pull and pick at it. Lauren screamed in pain but she fought with all she had. Attack after attack she forced away with strong claws and fast motions but it was hopeless. Falling to the ground she was thought of Bo.
"HOW DARE YOU!" thundered a voice across the room. A wave of heat slammed across the room and the Earth shook beneath their feet. Screams of terror and pain filled the room. Lauren was out of pain, a strong rush of restorative chi filled her body and soul. She felt encased and protected once again. Striking out where she could, Lauren was frustrated as there were only bodies running around her now. It was impossible to see what was happening. No one was attacking her, the most powerful and oldest of the fae where running for their lives. "YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS ACT OF COWARDICE WILL BE A STAIN ON YOU AND ON YOUR FAMILY FOREVER!" the voice shaking the room again. The fae pushed and shoved at the exits, others burst into smoke or vanished to make their escape. The light around Lauren dimmed and she saw the Wanderer fleeing for his life in a cloud of black smoke. She wanted to chase him but she didn't have the strength. Lauren sat back down as to not fall on her face.
Only when the place had cleared did strong arms gather Lauren and hold her tight, a whispered, "My child are you hurt?" The soft touch to the voice and the wealth of feeling behind it made Lauren tear up. "I will remove their skins one square inch at a time if you are injured."
"Hilde, I love you too." said Lauren. The responding 'humph' let Lauren know that the hag was returning to less than uberfae levels of power. "And no you cannot kill them that drops us to their level. You are as bad as Bo sometimes."
The hag wondered how the girl she held knew what she was thinking. Hilde helped Lauren stand but would not let her move. She gave Lauren the once over. Forcing the doctor to shift to her feline form then pull chi from her. At this Lauren complained but Hilde was having none of it. Lauren completed the task. Hilde sniffed and reached into Lauren's pocket and drew out a small baggie of something. Lauren rolled her eyes, "Kenzi put that there, I don't even know what it is."
Hilde looked so pleased Lauren wanted to ask what was up. The hag tucked the little pouch back into the doctor's jacket pocket. "Our little druid is a smart one. I think she will rule the world one day at the rate her Druid sensibilities are growing." Lauren went to pull the bag out but Hilde grabbed her hand. "I think you are about to be late for your real trial." They took two steps and then Hilde stopped them, turning she looked at Lauren and said in a tone that she very rarely used, "Which, by the way, I am only allowing because you wish it. I reserve the right to put an end to the thing at any moment." Lauren started to argue.
"Daughter hush! I don't know why you want this battle but like your champion I will not stand by and let you get hurt." The hag said. Lauren breath stopped as it settled in that Hilde had called her daughter.
Lauren could not argue, she wrapped an arm around the older fae and said, "Like I said, I love you too Hilde."