The Search

Standard disclaimers apply! Normal parings ( for me) non -yaoi

 
 
The search

 
Chapter 4

 
 
 
 
 
 
The small foul creature sailed through the night on soundless wings. The gentle swish of the air was the only knowledge of it’ s passage. If one would look up as it passed through the moon’s shadow, one would think it was a oddly shaped night bird. It made no verbal sounds as it made it’s way to it’s master’s castle.

Standing on the turret was a tall man in a dark long billowing cape. The gold and silver piping that adorned it, shimmered in the pale moon light. He held up his hand and waited for the small dragon to land on his arm. As soon as it landed he stroked the creature’s head and let it calm down. It mewed softly as it reached for his fingers to stroke it more.
“Yes, yes , my pet. What news has my dear cousin sent us?” He purred softly as he reached for the note in the pouch on the creature’s neck. He paused as he opened it and read . He nodded slightly. “So they have been allowed to return. I must up my efforts to dispose of them. They will destroy all I have worked to gain.”
He crumpled the note and dropped it on the floor of the turret. It blew into a corner and quivered as the wind swirled around it. He stroked the small creaton hon his arm once more as he turned to move down the stairs and inside the castle.
He considered what he would do as he walked down the winding steps to a small platform that lead into the main hall.
The room was warm and bright as he entered. Several of his staff looked up at him including his assassin, his apprentice , and his own apprentice. He nodded as he strolled toward him. Handing the small dragon to a young stable boy who stood waiting for it. The boy disappeared as soon as he took the animal.
The dark wizard snapped his fingers and several people ran to his side, all aiding him in some way. After a few minutes, the y all scurried away to take care of the other needs he required of them. He turned to the tall woman with brown hair wrapped in circular braids standing beside him.
“My daughter? She is with the boy?”
She nodded.
“He is well fed and happy?”
“He seems to be ,My lord.”
“Very good.” He looked at her, and asked one more questi“Mar“Mariemaia treating him well, they get along?”
She nodded. “Yes, She is very content.”
He nodded as he put his hands behind his back .”Good. He may be a here for a while if The queen doesn’t meet my demands.”
“What of the two hunterShe She asked.
He snorted. “They are no threat to us and my dark magic. I shall all that I want. If I can’t get it by negotiation I will take it.”
She nodded as she followed him from the room.

Quatre skimmed thought the night in his pixie form. He had one more mission to complete before he returned to Duo and Hi Qu Quatre moved quickly and with out sound until he was on the threshold of the elfin kingdom. He regained his tall form and stepped up to the shimmering protection wall. He raised his hands and gently touched the invisible wall. He muttered a few soft words that sounded like gibberish. The wall parted for him. A tall dark green haired elf stepped out from the cover of the trees. He seemed to almost glow in the dim light.
“Who’s there?” He called .
“It’s me, Quatre.”
“Hello, pixie friend , Quatre.” He called.
“Hello, elf friend.”
“Have you come to see Howard?”
Quatre stepped closer to the elf and nodded. “Yes. I have come for the item he promised he would make for me . I believe our mutual friends well need it soon.”
The elf nodded as he led Quatre into the deep wood.
Soon they came on the city of the elves. Quatre smiled, thinking of his own home. It was bright and colorful. The lights shimmered almost ghostly as he walked through the streets. He smiled at the warmth it generated. The place was at peace, and it made him at peace , also.
Suddenly he was standing in front of Howard’s wood shop. The elf who had lead him there was gone , leaving standing in front of a large door. He pushed on it and started to enter as light spilled out all around him. The magic in this room was unbelievable. Quatre closed his eyes and let it flow around him. It was almost liquid in it’s movements in the air. He was brought out of the euphoria of it by Howard’s deep, melodious voice.
“Quatre , my boy!”
Quatre opened his eyes and looked at the older man in front of him. “Howard.”
Howard pulled him into a tight embrace. “How ya been, young in’. ”
“I’ve been fine.”
“How is Duo?”
“He’s fine, still angry with me for the trick I pulled.”
“Oh , he’ll get over it. It at least made him admit his feelings for Hilde.”
Quatre grinned. “Yeah. Those two are perfect for each other.”
Howard chuckled, and slapped him on the back. “Come, I have it done. You will be able to deliver it , right?”
Quatre nodded as he looked at the item in question. His breath caught in his throat as he looked at the bow, lying on the wbencbench.
“Oh, Howard it is beautiful.” He picked it up and felt the tingle of elfin magic flow through his hands.
“Duo will be able to handle this?”
Howard grinned and smiled. ”Yeah, the boy is a natural with weapons. And this one will be no exception.” He walked over to the other side of the bench and pulled a quiver of arrows from behind it. “These have been touched with elfin magic. He will know what to do with it.”
Quatre nodded as he took the quiver. His finger traced the fine leather ma markings. “Beautiful.” He looked up at Howard. “These will help him in his quest?”
“Yes. “ HE said , then pushed Quatre toward the door. “You must eat then be on your way. Time , my dear Quatre, Is of the essence!”
Quatre nodded as he was pushed out the door. Two elfin girls awaited him. They each grabbed an arm and lead him away.
Howard smiled as Quatre disappeared with the girls. He closed the door and retreated to his workshop.

Quatre found himself in a huge hall, surrounded by bright lights. It was warm and smelled heavenly. The two girls seated him then disappeared. No one apparently paid any attention to the blonde stranger sitting in their midst. He watched everyone in the great hascurscurry around and do what they had be assigned to do that evening. Suddenly the girls reappeared with a large caldron of a hot liquid. Quatre smiled but did not look into the eyes of the girls and he took the elfin food. He knew their eyes could trap him, even unintentionally, so he looked away from them. After a few moments , they were gone. And he started to eat what they had brought them. He knew they would bring more when he was finished . He glanced at the deep dark wood of the bow and almost could feel it live. He looked around the room once more before he finished what was in the bowl and stood. He saw the girls come forward but he waved them off. They nodded and bowed low to him. Quatre stepped out of the large hall and was met by the s elf elf who had lead him into the city.
“Are ready to resume your journey friend Pixie?” he asked politely .
Quatre nodded and waited for him to lead the way.

 
 
 
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Hilde woke to the sound of arguing. She listened for a few minutes and knew by the voices , Quatre had returned. She rolled out from under the warm robe and stretched. She felt her muscles tense, and then ache. She closed her eyes and remembered what had happened the night before. She had been worried about Duo but listening to him argue made her feel better knowing he was fine. She shuttered at the thought of what she did. pow power to kill with a thought . That was scary indeed. Then her mind went back to what WuFei to them before. “ You are tied together. I can see it with out on e the other will not survive. “
She knew it made sense in a twisted way.. The healer and the killer. One takes life one saves it. How ironic that she was given the power to kill and Duo the power to heal. It should have been the opposite. But then again, maybe not. She valued life, and Duo would rather kill then think about it. As she lay there listening to the man and pixie argue, it dawned on her why she was given this power and not Duo. Because she valued life. She stood and walked swiftly toward the door, throwing back the flap.
“If you are going to argue all morning ,do it some where else.”
Both swung around and looked at her.
“H1lde!” Duo said, loudly. “You’re finally awake!”
She was suddenly encased in his arms and lifted off the ground. She felt him nuzzle her neck as he whispered in her ear . “I was worried about you, Babe.”
“Duo, you need to put me down.”
“Oh, sorry, babe.”
He gently put her down. Once her feet hit the ground she leaped instantly in his arms and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Quatre growled , “Will you two save it for later? We have business to discuss.”
Hilde clung to duo and looked past his shoulder. “What’s to discuss? We are going to the Castle Dominion, right? To meet with the Queen?”
Quatre nodded and he opened his mouth to speak but Duo cut him off.
“You know who took her kid don’t you? “
Quatre sighed. “ Yes, But I would prefer the queen tell you herself.”
“Did she call off her dogs?”
Quatre nodded. “She also commissioned another item for you ,Duo. You will need it in your quest.” He produced bow and quiver of arrows.
Duo released Hilde to look at the bow. “OH shit!” Duo reached for it and took it in his hands . “Oh, shit! Hilde! Look at this!”
Hilde came to his side and looked at the bow. She reached for it and ran a finger along the side. “This is elfin made. I can feel the life in it. We will need this?”
Quatre nodded. “I was told you would.”
Hilde frowned, looking at the bow, then back to Quatre. She wondered what they were getting into if they needed an elfin bow and arrows.

 
To be continued ………….