This is my first AU fic, so please send feedback. Pairings will be 1+2 so far. As for the rest you'll have to wait and see as I write it.
He found himself once again in the same strange dream. A great darkness, dense and thick in shadow lay out before him for as far as he could see. When he turned, all he could hear in the blackness behind him, was the roaring of the sea, as the waves crashed against the cliffs, like some great angry lion. There were no stars above him and no moon to give him light. Scrammbling in the darkness, he clawed his way forward trying to find a way out of the earthly prision. He knew he was lost, and just as the panic began to make his head swim with fear and doubt, he saw a blinding flash of white before him. Peering through the darkness he swore for a moment he saw a figure, but as he began to run towards it, he found no such thing there. Spinning around he heard again the great crashing of water against the rocks and ran from the sound. Blindly he raced as fast as legs would carry him, until he came to the edge of a great cliff. Staring wild-eyed into the pitch before him, he had no time to scream as he began to fall into the swirling depths below him...
Catherine could hear the heavy steps of her lady in waiting coming up the stairs and snuggled deeper beneath her thick coverlet. It was far too early in the morning to rise in her opinion, but the noise from the chambers below told her that she was one of the last to awake. "Catherine, your mother wishes you to dress and come down as quickly as possible. Your brothers have already been down for quite some time. There is a guest in the castle this morning, and your mother wants you in attendance." Anne was a portly woman, kind in her age, but prattled on like an overstuffed hen as she burst into the room. Catherine pulled the covers over her head, just to have them thrown off her mere seconds later. "Mistress, this is no social call. The whole palace is in an odd, melancholy state. I don't think you should dottle." With the stern look from Anne, Catherine rose and quickly dressed herself in her best mauve surcoat and mantle. When she reached the hall, she found her fathers ministers and men of arms in attendance, as well as her mother and older brothers Trowa and Heero. The faces in the room were grim in their countenance and there was an eerie sense of dread as she quickly made her way to her brothers' side.
Her eldest brother, Trowa, flashed her a scolding glare from his brilliant green eyes as she crossed the hall towards them, which she pointedly ignored. She then heard the small huff of annoyance from Heero as she wedged herself between them. Heero stood a whole foot shorter than Trowa, with thick, dark hair that was in a constant state of unruliness. He had piercing blue eyes, dark as midnight, and a brooding temper that hovered in the air like wasps waiting to sting you. He was however, the kindest of souls, gentle and even sweet, on occasion, to any who dared to get close enough to see beneath the hardened exterior. Trowa was lean and tall, with dark auburn hair and stunning green eyes. He was similar to Heero in his quiet contemplation, but far easier to deal with. He is very pleasant, quick in his wit, and well liked by the gentry and nobles alike. Known for being practical and patient, but above all ruthlessly cunning. Both Heero and Trowa had been schooled in all manners of royal life, but excelled in all aspects of military intelligence and warfare. Trowa was an even-tempered dictate, who could spot a lair at thirty paces. And Heero had an uncanny quiet that radiated respect and sovereignty. They were quite a pair, and Catherine loved them both dearly.
The murmurs and whispering came to an abrupt halt as an old man, dressed entirely in black, made his way into the hall. A boy, about the age of seven lead him carefully as they made their way to stand before the King and Queen. Something about this man made all the hairs on Catherine's neck stand up of their own volition, and she glanced to Trowa, who gave her a reassuring nod. The entire assembly waited with bated breath for the man to speak, to see why he had come down out of the mountains after so many years.
"Lord Jerrold, I welcome you to Malavin." Zechs squeezed Queen Noin's hand a bit as the old man settled himself on the chair in front of them. "What brings you here after so long?"
"I thank you, your majesty, for your kind welcome. I am glad you are quick to the point and don't flounce with pleasantries. I shall be brief. A great evil is spreading from the lands of the north. The kingdom of Berengaria is under siege from the dark forces of the Nhol. In the South, the great cities of Galat have fallen. The Emperor has acquired a strange power, and I fear that Berengaria will fall to him soon. I have looked over these lands for many years, have provided you all with peace and fortune, but I am getting old, and my time is near. I do not have the strength or power to save these doomed lands, so I insist that you repay your debt for the years of peace and proserity I have afforded you."
Zechs rose from his chair, Trowa immediately at his side, waving Heero back to stand near his mother and sister, and stood before the old man. "We have known peace for eighteen years, and for that I thank you. But we are separated from these lands by the Great Wood, the Mountains of Callabas, the vast Sunfeilds and many other dangers. Although we have no wish to see Berengaria or Galat come to harm, I do not wish to send my men to a battle so far from our home."
"Zechs, you misunderstand. I do not ask you to send an army to defend Berengaria or Galat." The old man chuckled and straightened his robes. "You are only to send two men. Your sons. To the lands of the Nhol, to destroy Emperor Dekim."
The hall erupted with noise at the idea of sending the heirs to the throne of Malavin, to a battle so far from their lands, on a quest they would not return from. Catherine gasped at the mere thought of both her brothers, who had been her only companions since childhood, traveling into unknown dangers for a land she had only heard of in stories. Queen Noin had also risen and stood next to her husband as the old man rose his hand to silence the halls' assembly.
"I speak the truth, Zechs that you know too well. You have known this day would come. Peace has its price. It is only a matter of time, Zechs before you too, are caught up in the swirling madness of the Emperor. Go now, or fall later, I leave it you and your sons." With that the old man stood and began to make his leave, ignoring the protesting voices around him.
Heero, who had been watching this all with great patience finally stepped forward, and spoke clear and concisely to the man as he shuffled his way to the doors. "The Emperor is indeed a threat that must be dealt with. But, what gives you any right to send us to kill this man?" He crowds hushed as Heero strode purposely towards him.
"Ah, young lion." The old man turned and smirked at the young man who stood defiantly before him. "I bear no right, just the message. It is your fate to choose, or not."
"I don't put my trust in fate, old man." Heero answered coolly.
"Nor I." Trowa added as he joined his brother.
"Fate boys, is a playful mistress. It is good you don't trust her fully. But she does exist, and she will follow you, even if you refuse to hunt her." The man turned again, and with help from his page, as he continued to the door. When he reached them he turned and bowed half-heartedly, meeting none but Heero's eyes. In a voice that only Heero managed to hear the man spoke again. "Be warned, young lion, for you alone must find the Dragon's Eye, even if you don't want to." And without further word, he disappeared from the hall.
The early morning mist was just burning off, as Heero and Trowa crossed the glen to the far side of the field. There was a slight chill in the air as the evening began to disappear into the first moments of dawn. Night creatures were going off to bed, as the two leisurely walked their horses through the golden sea of grass. Heero was just ahead of his brother, scanning the waves of tall grass as they swayed in the morning's crisp breeze. He pulled his cloak a bit tighter around himself and gave his horse, Zero a soft pat on his gray, muscular neck.
Trowa watched his falcon make lazy circles in the sky, reappearing from amid the white floating canopy of clouds. He heard the soft pitched cry from the bird and casually held out his leather-clad arm. The bird drifted slowly down and landed silently, preening a few feathers back into their place and cocked its head to its master. Trowa's horse, Nanashi, let out a snort and tossed his head up a bit, eliciting another soft cry from the magnificent bird of prey. "Easy, boy." Trowa spoke soothingly to his animals as he looked at Heero, and eased his huge bay to a halt. "How much further to the edge of the Great Wood?"
"Not more than two leagues." Heero answered briskly.
Trowa glanced to the bird, whose golden eyes were focused on his. He stifled a yawn and looked at his brother with the hint of a smirk. "So we have found ourselves with the fate of the world on our shoulders. Is that why your so grim this morning?"
"The sun isn't completely up yet, so it's not quite morning Trowa." Heero retorted as he slipped effortlessly from the lean, gray stallion to the ground.
"And you think that matters? Come on, Heero, you've been silent since we began this journey. I'm no more fond of it than you. And they way Cathy cried, just about tore my heart."
"Trowa, I would think that you would have cut the heartstrings our sister has you on by now." He tossed his brother a quick grin before removing the water flask from his saddlebag. He took a long drink from the flask and searched the field to the edge of the woods with his clear blue eyes. The rumors of the brilliant white stags that were seen in this part of the Great Wood was folklore he and Trowa had grown up to. He never put any serious thought into the creatures actually existing. He guessed they were just stories told by the local people to break the boredom of their everyday existence. Trowa watched as Heero put the flask away and stretched, before getting back up on Zero. Heero turned his horse and began to walk slowly towards the edge of the woods when his eye caught something briefly in the morning light. The whole glen suddenly stilled. No sounds from the birds, the leaves ceased their rustling, and the very breeze froze like a bated breath. From behind a great oak, in the mist that still swirled in the shadows of the wood, stood a stag. "Do you see it?" Heero spoke quietly.
Trowa nodded silently. They watched it for a moment longer, until Trowa's hawk, Grace, chirped, spooking the animal into flight. Heero flashed him a challenging grin, before bolting towards the wood. In a flash of golden feathers Grace was airborne. Her strong wing beats thumped as she flew higher into the blue sky. Trowa barely had time to register which direction Heero had gone. Kicking his bay to a gallop, Trowa followed the faint thunder of hoof beats and swaying of forest foliage to point him in the right direction. Heero's stallion had leapt across the field in pursuit of their quarry and had disappeared into the dark cover of the woods disappearing from view. He glanced around, slowing his horse to a trot, searching for any sign that could tell him which way Heero had gone. The tall trees stood silent around him, and didn't speak of the stranger that had just flew by them, hot on the heels of a creature that wasn't even supposed to be in these parts. Instead, they just rustled their leaves again and sighed in the early morning breeze, as Trowa stopped to get his bearings.
Heero meanwhile, losing sight of the stag, and had slowed Zero to a brisk walk as his cobalt blue eyes scoured the wood for traces of it. He found himself about a half-mile into the dark wood. The lush, green trees whispered to each other, as birds and other forest animals alerted all of his presence. But the swallows and rabbits weren't the only thing aware of the dark haired young man who had burst into their domain. High above in the safety of a sturdy oak, a pair of dark eyes watched from their perch as Heero slowly made his way through the denseness of the shrubbery. "Damn." Heero glanced about to see if there was any sign of Trowa. He would call out to him, if he even knew how close Trowa was. He was an excellent tracker and with Grace's help be sure to find him within moments, so he held his tongue. The soft huffs from Zero mixed with the breeze and singing birds that perched high above him in the dense cover of trees. Sunlight was filtering through the lush green-leafed giants, but it was still quite dark despite the early morning hour. Heero slowly slid down from his saddle and patted Zero a few times before looking around. The stallion nuzzled his hand before lowering his head to munch on the thick grass at his feet. Just as Heero was beginning to feel at ease, he heard the snap of a twig and immediately drew his sword. Zero's head snapped up and he let out a snort, as he stood at attention, muscles tense and ready for flight.
"It's bad luck to kill one of those you know." A clear, young voice laughed from somewhere high above Heero's head. In the dim light of the morning the shadows were playing tricks on his sight as he chased a figure with his blue eyes as it skipped from limb to limb before sitting, with legs dangling, from a low hanging branch.
"Who are you?" Heero growled out, sword drawn.
"I could ask you the same thing." The boy leaned forward into a ray of light as it filtered its way through the blanket of trees, lighting a pale face with enormous blue-violet eyes that sparkled with curiosity and mischief. A long, braided rope of chestnut hair hung loosely over his shoulder as the slim figure stared back at the dark haired prince. He ran his hands over his black shirt and dropped from his seat in the tree in front of Heero. Heero, quick as lightening had his blade to the boy's throat before he could have fully stood. "Now, that's not a very friendly way of introducing yourself. And by the way you were dressed, I'd say you should have better manners." The boy grinned slyly as his eyes focused on the blade. "Nice sword, looks sharp. I'd rather not have it at my throat, though."
Heero stared at the young man before him. His breath had caught in his throat at the sight of him, at first thinking it was some kind of sprite or elf, if he had believed in that sort of thing. But with a few moments gone by, he found he needed air and took a deep breath, and seeing that it was a young man close to the same age of sixteen as himself. He stood unwavering, and assessed the stranger before relaxing slightly. "I won't ask again." He kept his voice calm and low as he growled at the black clad boy.
"My name is Maxwell, Duo Maxwell, at your service. And yours, sir?" He introduced himself by bowing as much as he could with the blade still at his neck, and grinned a bit wider at the scowl he received in doing so.
"Is of none of your concern." Heero drew the blade back, but kept it out as Duo straightened himself to stand.
"Well that's not fair, I told you mine. Raised in a barn no doubt." Duo frowned and his eyes became a shade darker. He stood with his hands on his slim hips and his head cocked as if waiting for Heero's next move. They stood in silence for a few minutes glaring at one another before Duo broke out in laughter and turned to leave, ignoring the blade still dangerously close to striking range of his pale throat.
"Where are you going?" Heero was suddenly aware that the young man was leaving and he hadn't even found out why he was watching him or what he was doing in the woods. After all, this was the Great Wood, where no-one dared go in fear of sprites, and elves, and anything else that could cause harm to unsuspecting people. Heero himself didn't believe in any such things, but it was good to be cautious all the same. He lowered the blade enough for Duo to stand and turn his back on him.
"Well with the pleasantries aside, I need to retrieve my horse. He spooked when you came crashing through here before chasing that poor stag. Seeing you have no wish for conversation, I'll take my leave. It was nice to meet you, young Lion." Duo smirked again and continued to walk away from the other boy.
"What did you call me? Wait." Heero watched the boy turn towards him and couldn't help but notice that his stomach was jittery and his skin was dotted with goosebumps in the mere presence of this odd stranger. "Why did you call me Lion?"
"The crest you wear, the lion. I figure you are from the Kingdom of Malavin, so it's best I get my horse before we continue on. Your friend should be catching up to us any minute." Heero stood slightly shocked as the boy began walking away again. Heero wasn't extremely good at hiding his emotions this time, until his soldiers' instincts kicked in again as his brain processed the words that fell on his ears.
"How did you know that there was more than myself in the wood? How long have you been spying on us?" Heero bit out.
Duo laughed again. "I've been watching you two since you entered the glen and crossed the fields." He paused at looked at the young noble. He was slim, but well-defined muscles were obvious through his thin shirt and leather vest. His blade was thin, but razor sharp, and shimmered in the dancing rays of sunlight. But what Duo noticed at first sight, were the deepest pools of blue he had ever seen in a pair of eyes before. Eyes deep enough to drown in, slightly hidden behind a tousled mop of unruly black hair. He looked old beyond his young years, strong and cautious, with a sense of sadness around him that closed him off like a wall. He began walking again and was not surprised that the young man followed him from a safe distance leading his horse. "I'll just get Moonraker, then we'll double back for your friend. He's about a quarter mile behind us."
Heero said nothing but followed the mysterious boy through the wood until they came upon a small clearing where a glistening black horse was stomping and snorting, its bridle tangled in a thorny bush. "Moonraker, I presume?"
Duo smiled warmly. "Yeah. Shh, boy, I'll get you out." Duo worked to get the leather straps free from the thick thorns, speaking soothingly to the magnificent animal all the while. Just as the straps began to become free, a high pitched screech was heard and a great bird swooped down into the clearing. The huge black horse spooked and began to struggle, bucking and rearing at the golden birds' flapping wings. Duo frantically dodged the flailing hooves as they struck out with quick snaps, barely avoiding getting knocked to the ground. Heero let loose of Zero to aid the stranger, just as Trowa appeared and with a quick whistle, the bird returned to his arm. Moonraker snorted and stomped showing his apparent dislike of the entire situation as Duo pulled the strap free and held the horse fast. "Damn, that thing almost got him hurt!" Duo ran his hands over the black horse, checking for scratches from the thorns.
"Heero, are you all right?" Trowa had an arrow pointed at Duo as the winged falcon flapped its wings excitedly.
Duo froze upon hearing the green-eyed bowsman speak. He faced the two nobles with a darkened expression on his face. Violet eyes blazed in the shaft of sunlight. Scowling, he glared first at Heero, then to Trowa and back again. "Scared my horse, just about got me kicked to death, and holding me at arrow point, but you ask if he's all right?" With lightning speed the boy leapt into his saddle and pulled the great black horse to face them. With a wicked grin, he winked at Trowa, and turned towards the deeper part of the Wood. Giving a quick jab to the great black horse he darted off into the woods.
Not too long after, Duo paused, slowing his mounts' quick trot and glanced up at the sun to find his bearings. Here he had thought he would have to travel all the way through the Great Wood alone. The two he left in the clearing were now following behind him, keeping a cautious distance. Obviously still concerned about who he was and what he was doing in the Great Wood, he understood why they kept their distance, but smiled at the realization they were close enough to cut him down without much trouble. He glanced behind him and slowed his horse even further, inviting them to come closer. With the unspoken gesture acknowledged, they approached slowly, as if indifferent to him, but in the air the tension hung thick.
Trowa had already assessed all weapons that could be seen on the stranger, and gathered there were a few more hidden under the boy's dark tunic. He was casual in shielding Heero from any harm as he maneuvered his great bay horse between Duo and his brother. The three then slowed to a walk and strode three abreast into the ever-thickening wood. The moment Duo heard the dark haired riders' name, he knew that they were not only from the great kingdom of Malavin, but at least one of them was in fact, an heir. He had traveled many days without rest; to find help to go with him on his long journey and somehow save Berengaria. A kingdom that even now, was under heavy siege from a strange, dark presence.
They rode for about an hour in silence before Duo though it was safe enough to speak again. That and he was tired of riding, and needed some food. He had been riding the entire night prior to meeting the two noblemen in the early morning hours, and it was now well past mid day and they had not yet stopped to rest. Not wanting to let them know he was about to fall asleep in his saddle, he asked them as pleasantly as possible to stop. "The sun is pretty high, I don't suppose that you've eaten yet?" Duo's voice had lost all traces of its earlier venom as he chatted pleasantly with the silent pair. "I have some bread, and cheese, and a bit of wine, we could stop and share."
"Have you been traveling long?" Trowa asked carefully, his voice cool and calm, showing no interest in the braided boy's offer.
"A few weeks. I'm on a quest of sorts." Duo's eyes narrowed a bit, but the slight smirk still remained on his lips. Duo suddenly laughed a bright, singsong laugh that seemed to bounce through the forest and mingle with the sunlight. It was a sound that Heero immediately memorized; hearing nothing of it's equal. "I just realized you must be on a quest too to be in the Great Wood. Not fearful of wood gnomes and fairies, huh?" He looked at the stony two, and continued talking cheerfully. "I've been traveling quite a way before bumping into the two of you, and although tracking you through this maze of a forest was entertaining, I need to stop and water my horse, and have a bite to eat. I usually prefer traveling at night, instead of during the day, but I suppose I'll have to adapt to how the two of you wish to travel." Meeting nothing but a questioning stare and a glare from the two young men, Duo chatted on. "Anyway, like I was saying, at night you can travel more quickly. The gnomes and sprites tend to pounce on the unsuspecting travelers who go by day, but don't bother too much with strangers, clad in black, on a black horse, in the shadows at night. I think they think I am some sort of apparition. That, and I'm quick to slit the throat of anyone who crosses me." He laughed again, but this time it was darker, low in his throat, a sound that made Heero blink, twice.
"You're awfully arrogant to think that you are to travel with us. You know nothing of our plans, or destination, and yet you presume that we will cease our own objective to escort you through this Wood." Trowa said pleasantly.
"I would think it would be in your best interest to do so. Like you said, I know nothing of you, not even your names, and you certainly know nothing of me. But traveling in a group is far safer than traveling alone. Besides, as members of a royal court, I would think your King would find abandoning a stranger in the Great Wood rather uncouth." Duo smiled warmly at the two, not noticing how Heero's lips frowned fiercely and his eyes grew dark with anger. "I'm sure that hospitality is not something that your well-mannered, peace-loving, King neglects to teach his... " Duo's brow furrowed in concentration and he tilted his head to one side as if in deep thought. "Nobles? Advisors? No, too young... sons?" He paused; watching intently as neither gave anything away to him. Damn they were good. "Well, anyway, I suppose I'll wait until you decide it's time to rest."
Heero stopped his horse, causing Trowa and Duo to stop as well. He locked eyes with the brash boy, who met his glare unflinchingly. "And it would be a shame if you were killed wandering through this Wood, because of your apparent lack of understanding that all your noise alerts everything, real or not, to our position. So you should hold your tongue with your constant prattle, before I slay you where you stand, leaving your precious mount to die with you." Heero spurred his horse on, with Trowa closely behind smiling broadly. Heero's threat was spoken with fluid grace and deadly directness.
Duo followed a moment after, still smiling, but blinked at Heero's harshly spoken words, twice. He watched the two young men ride slowly in front of him. They were clad in rich tones of blue and gray with soft, white linen shirts underneath. Despite being royalty, as they obviously were, neither wore any outwardly adornments that young princes' usually did, but instead wore simple and elegant garments. Duo had seen the eyes of the one called Heero, immediately when he first encountered them, but he now took the time to appreciate the dark locks of unruly hair, and the bronzed skin of lean, muscular arms as Heero rode. They traveled for about a half-hour in silence before Heero spoke again, breaking Duo's admiration of the stoic young man.
"We will stop up ahead. Trowa will cook a meal I'm sure even you will find most hospitable." Heero didn't turn a round to address the black clad rider, but continued on.
"So I'm a cook now, am I?" Trowa asked quietly.
"One of us has to." Heero answered in his soft monotone.
Trowa shifted in his seat and shot a brief glare to Heero. "Do you really see him as a threat?"
"The only weapon I've seen him brandish so far is his quick wit, and rapier tongue. I'm not concerned for our safety." Heero was almost agitated by Trowa's inquiry. In fact, he found himself extremely agitated and distracted ever since they had come into contact with the braided boy. His eyes drifted over to Duo, who sat slightly slumped in his saddle, eyes constantly scouting the trees and the paths ahead of him. Heero hadn't realized before how he was wound like a tightly coiled spring, ready to go off at the slightest provocation, even though he put on airs as if he was bored, or unaware of his surroundings. He wore an outfit entirely of black, and Heero noted the thin band of silver on each arm, above his elbow under the short, black cape he wore. As he watched, he also saw two long knifes, tucked carefully along each forearm, running underneath so as not to be seen as he rode. Twin rapier blades could have slit him wide open when he had Duo's throat at his swords' point before he could have even blinked. As his eyes traveled down the slim length of Duo's torso to his black clad legs, he caught another flash of silver nestled carefully on the inside edge of his tall black, leather boot. There was much more to him than wit and a dazzling smile. Heero thought of the laugh he had heard before, his mind drifting even further as his eyes were drawn to the length of hair that swung like a pendulum behind Duo's back as his horse walked ahead of him. The long, dark brown hair was flecked with bits of blonde and golden highlights, that the sun seemed to catch each time he moved his head. In his recent battle with the thorn bush and Moonrakers' tack, a few stray locks had come out of the neatly woven braid to curl and wisp in the slight breeze. But above all else, it was his amazing eyes that had Heero so unnerved. There weren't blue, or purple, but somewhere in between. It made him feel flush and uncomfortable just looking into them. He hadn't noticed Trowa speaking until Grace gave a sharp cry grabbing his attention once more.
"Like I was saying, you are my brother, which is why I say this, Heero. Sometimes the most deadly of dangers comes in the most innocent of smiles." He nodded behind to Duo who was ignoring the interaction between them with a practiced air of boredom.
"Trowa, I swear, if he so much as twitches the wrong way, I will cut him down without another thought."
Trowa let out an exasperated sigh. "I knew you didn't hear a word I said."
"Hey you two... do you see that, or is it a figment of my imagination?" Duo stopped and pointed to a glen in the middle of a clearing where it seemed there was a small cottage. It looked to be in a great state of disrepair, but still standing none the less. Getting no response from either of his two new companions, he dismounted and strode slowly closer to the glen and the cottage.
"Wait." Trowa also dismounted and came up beside Duo and his great black horse. Grace flittered nervously on his arm. "Don't you think that's rather odd?"
"A cottage in the middle of an enchanted forest that's not supposed to ever have human inhabitants?" Duo smiled brightly, sarcasm dripping from his tongue. " What's odd?"
"Exactly." Trowa moved forward with Duo quickly following, leaving Heero to bring up the rear.
Duo entered the delapitated cottage carefully, leaving the other two to tie up the horses nearby. The smell of mildew and dust attacked his nose immediately, making him blanch. It was dark and cool inside, with a few pieces of overturned furniture, that he noted would make very good kindling. The thatched roof had long since fell in, leaving a gap that exposed the broad wood beams. He could see up through the opening to the sky that was dotted with stars that shone down through a gap in the trees. It was far more pleasant that sleeping in another tree, or worse yet, on the ground. With practiced exuberance, he emerged from the dwelling with a wide smile and made his way towards his horse. "So seeing that we are still a trio, I suppose you'll honor me with your names? That, and we are going to be sleeping under the same roof, or what's left of it." Heero continued taking the saddle from Zero's back and made his way towards the cottage, completely ignoring Duo's pleasantries. Duo shot him a glare before turning to Trowa. "Is he always this friendly?"
Trowa met the dark blue eyes with his own green ones and took a deep breath. "My name is Trowa. First born to the throne of Malavin, and that is Heero, my younger brother, by two years." Duo blinked a few times, his guess that Heero was royalty correct, but surprised that they were brothers, thus making them both princes. They looked so different, and although they shared similar traits Trowa seemed a lot friendlier towards him than Heero did.
"The Princes of Malavin. Why are you here?" Duo asked in all seriousness. The first time he had let his joker's mask slip a bit. "Don't you realize how dangerous it is traveling through these woods, especially now with the Emperor after all our heads?"
"Our heads?" Trowa queried.
"Well... that is... your heads. You know, royalty." Duo turned away from the piercing green eyes and began to unbuckle his own horse's saddle.
"Duo. I think it's time we all came out into the open. Especially if you intend on traveling with us."
"Or you with me." Duo countered with a smirk and a wink.
Trowa let out a soft whistle, and his majestic falcon who had been perched in a nearby tree, swooped over to them.
"Damn that thing's big." Duo laughed as the bird cocked its head and stared at him with huge yellow eyes.
"Her name is Grace. I found her in a hunters' snare. It appeared she likes rabbit and decided to steal one, only she found herself caught as well. Her wing was broken, but my sister Catherine and I nursed her back to health and she has been with me ever since."
"That's amazing. No wonder you call her Grace."
Trowa made a clicking sound and the bird took to the air. "She'll find her own meal and perch in a tree nearby tonight. She's better than any dog at alerting me to trouble. And she knows to stay out of trouble."
"And hunters' snares, I hope."
Trowa chuckled as Duo watched the bird disappear above the trees. He was beginning to like this black clad stranger. The two finished with their horses and carried their saddles and packs into the cottage. Inside they found Heero had made quick work of the broken chair and begun a small fire in the cooking pit against the far wall. He was currently sitting cross-legged on the floor, binding strips of long tree bark together with some rope from the chair to fashion a broom. Duo looked on incredulously as he began to sweep away cobwebs and dirt with his makeshift broom. "Handy aren't you?" Duo laughed at Heero's tidying. Heero glared at him harshly before dusting away the remaining cobwebs and tossing the broom into the fire to keep the flame high. Trowa arranged their sleeping rolls close to the fire and began preparing a small stew of meat and potatoes while Heero dug through his pack for the small cake of cheese.
Duo watched them for a few moments. They were so comfortable with each other, a bond long in the making. He let out a soft sigh, realizing how very, very tired he was. It had been more than a day since he had slept last, and he was road weary and fatigued by keeping his delicate masks in place. He had so many secrets, and now was not the time to address them with two people he just met, and after lacking rest for so long. He let out a jaw cracking yawn and made his way to his saddle to undo his bedroll, and add his meager bread and wine to the meal Trowa had finished. After retrieving his items and spreading out his blanket, he sat across from the brothers as Trowa spooned the meat into shallow bowls, handing one to Heero and then to Duo. Duo waited patiently for a third bowl to appear and on seeing none, gently nudged his bowl to Trowa. "Thanks, but I'm not very hungry just yet. Why don't you eat this, and if there's some left I'll finish it." Trowa looked at him thoughtfully then shrugged as he took back the bowl and began to eat. Duo watched for a few moments before reaching for some bread and taking a long drink of wine.
"While we eat, explain what kind of quest you're on and where you come from." Heero said around a mouthful of potato.
Duo swallowed, and took another sip of wine. "I'm traveling to find someone by the name of Wufei Chang. The lands where I live have come under siege by the Hordes of Nhol. My cousin, Quatre has fallen ill after being struck with a poisoned blade. This man, Chang possesses great healing skills, and it is my hope I can find him in time to rondeavue with my cousin in two weeks. Then, we were going to travel to the lands in the West, to find help against the Horde."
"But why go through the Great Wood?" Asked Trowa as he popped a bit of cheese into his mouth.
"Quickest way." Duo yawned again, and he could feel his muscles begin to protest. "I have no desire to be rude, but I am fading fast. Like I said I have been traveling for a fortnight, and am really very tired. But before I sleep, are we agreed to travel together?" Duo glanced quickly at Trowa, but let his eyes settle on Heero. He hadn't noticed when Heero had finished eating, and saw that he was now sitting staring at him with his piercing blue eyes. In the darkness of the cottage, they took in what little light there was, making them glow as deep pools of midnight blue in moonlighted water.
"If we are to travel with you, it seems then we too, must seek out this Chang Wufei for the sake of your cousin. We can spare the two weeks to aid you, but no more than that. We are traveling to the far North on a mission from our King to save our homelands against the same threat."
"So appears then we are allies." Duo smiled his eyes sparkling as they reflected bits of the dim firelight in front of Heero. "Then you have my trust, your majesties."
"You have my trust as well, Duo Maxwell." Heero said in a soft, quiet voice.
Duo looked to Trowa, who nodded. Smiling brightly Duo stood with the grace of a cat and made his way to his bedroll. Stretching out on it, he was asleep within moments.
"So what do make of all this?" Trowa nodded towards Duo who was sleeping soundly near the fire.
Heero looked at the sleeping figure and let out a soft sigh. "I don't know." So much had happened in the very short time they left Malavin. The morning after the old man had left, Trowa and Heero received a small package from him. In Heeros' pack were maps, strange and very old, along with powders for healing pastes and herbs wrapped in cloth. Trowa had tiny vials of different colored oils, a small metal disk that had inscriptions on it that neither of them could read, and similar dried herbs. A note attached gave them the general direction to head once within the Great Wood, and what to look for once they past through it to the other side. Who they were to seek out first, and all the rest, he was told, would play itself out. Heero hated such mystical babbling and magic nonsense. He trusted his men, his brother, his horse and his blade, and had no use for magic powders or maps of underground rivers. Glancing at the slim black form near the fire again he wondered why this boy had crossed their path. Was he on the same quest as they? To hunt down the evil Emperor of Nhol before he could ravage the world and destroy everything he had ever held dear? Was he truly an ally at all?
"We best get some sleep Heero." Trowa had fetched out his blanket and was already half asleep when Heero threw the last remaining log on the fire. He shook his head and dug through his pack, pulling out his blanket, and wrapped it tightly around himself and stared into the flames of the dying fire. He had just settled himself when he heard a soft moan coming from the twitching form of their new comrade, Duo. Heero didn't think much of it, he knew he had wild dreams that often scared him awake, and figured it would be the same for anyone else. But hearing the small whimpering noise from Duo a moment later, prompted him to crawl over to the braided boy to check on him, despite his desire to sleep. Small, whispy strands of hair framed his face, where his long bangs didn't cover it. His lips were parted, and he was breathing in soft pants, well in the thick of the dream he was having. Heero's curiosity about the dream almost moved him to shake the boy awake, but he was so mesmerized by the way Duo's dark lashes fluttered against his cheeks and the small sounds coming from the parted lips, that he remained motionless. When Duo's brow broke out in small beads of sweat and the moans began to grow louder, Heero gently nudged Duo until his eyes began to slowly open.
"Wha? Is something wrong?" Duo muttered still battling the pull of sleep.
"You were dreaming."
Duo's eyes blinked open and he sat up to look at Heero, who was oddly close. "Couldn't have." Heero snorted and flashed him a glare of contempt. "It's true. I don't lie. And I never dream."
"Everyone dreams, you just don't remember them." Heero replied tersely as he settled himself back down and slightly further away from Duo. He could feel the heat radiating off of the black clothing and the light from the fire bounced off the golden strands in Duo's hair, and made his eyes glow a soft purple, it was enough to make his head spin and his cheeks blush. "So you never lie and you never dream." Heero rolled over to face the braided boy. "You don't eat either."
Duo was staring at him thoughtfully as he stretched himself out near the fire. "There wasn't enough for all of us, and I had some bread and cheese. It was enough. Besides, royalty needs to eat and keep their strength for ruling kingdoms and things of that nature."
"There is an inn about three days journey on the other side of the Wood. Once we get there, we'll have a good meal. I expect you to eat if you are to stay in my company. I haven't time or patience to be looking out for half starved wanderers. Royalty has better things to do than educate the commonfolk." Heero rolled back over and smirked to himself upon hearing the scoff Duo made at his barb.
"Looking out for me? Thank you but I am not your ward, your highness. I am more than capable of taking care of myself." Duo was working himself up to a great tirade when Trowa's voice boomed out over his own.
"You both will be quiet and sleep or I will dispose of you both!" Heero chuckled softly to himself at Duo squawk of protest, but said nothing further.
After a few long moments of quiet, Heero heard Duo whisper more to himself than anyone else; "And I'm not common, I'm not." All thoughts of sleep disintegrated upon hearing the softly spoken words. Duo Maxwell was proving to be quite the mystery.
End Part 1
Notes:
Unicorn - a fabled creature, resembling a horse of the whitest coat, with the legs of a stag, the tail of lion, and from its head, a single horn, spiraling towards the heavens. Seen only by believers, ones with faith in love, legends say it possesses great magical powers.
Lion - a fierce cat, lord of all other great cats, with a mane of fire and claws of steel. A warrior, wise and noble, this creature will defend its pride and all others in its' graces.
Griffin -
When the world is plunged in darkness and despair,
When the forces of the Nhol awake to murderous reverie,
The Lion shall rise from his earthly liar,
And meet the Sunhawk from the sea,
When the hordes bring plague and madness,
And the Emperor sews his seed,
The Dragon will brings fire from his breast,
And the Stag's agility and speed,
When the depths of hell are opened,
And the fragile peace is torn,
Only the purity of five young souls,
Can save the Unicorn.
(:./ebony/dragon1)
