Adam stroked Astor's back contentedly.  "Is something wrong, m'dear?" he asked softly.

Astor gave a small sigh. "I'm wondering if it's time for me to move on..." he said softly.

"Anything in particular?" Adam asked, snuggling Astor to him comfortingly.  "Or just a need to roam?"

Astor smiled as he snuggled closer as well. "I fear the princess has designs to make me her possesssion..." he said with another sigh. "Which is more unfortunate as I do enjoy our times together...."

"The princess is a runaway," Adam assured, kissing the top of Astor's head.  "If she tried she'd have to go home and she keeps assuring me she doesn't want to do that."

Astor smiled. "Most fortunate.  Though all the same, I do wish to disuade her intrest. I have no wish to be a courtizan to royalty. They get rather posessive...."

Adam snorted.  "Perhaps if we play up a bit she'll get the hint.  Royalty is also notoriously homophobic."

Astor giggled. "Ah, Adam, my love, your mind is a most wonderful thing!" he declared, kissing the man.

Adam returned the kiss, rubbing light circles on Astor's back.  "If it allows me more of your time m'dear, my mind can come up with anything."  He rubbed noses with Astor.  "And y'shouldn't have to worry about the whims of a princess."

Astor giggled again. "My dear Adam will help me deflect those whims, will he not?" he winked. "And your mother might be most helpful to put up a facade, as the dear princess appears to know quiet little of elves...." he winked again.

Adam laughed.  "I'm sure mam can think of something.  Especially if it means you'll be leaving the rest of the village alone."  He kissed the tips of Astor's ears.

Astor giggled once more, squirming happily at Adam's touch. "Ah, my dear Adam, it would be a wonderful joy appearing a prisoner of your affections," he giggled again, tracing a line light down Adam's chest.

"So we should go and talk to mam," Adam said, sighing happily.  "But I think we've some time...."

"Mmm...." Astor smiled, lazily tracing patterns across the well defined muscles of the half-elf's chest.

Adam lowered his mouth to Astor's neck, cupping the back of the other man's head.  "Plenty o'time," he murmured.
 
 

"An' what've ye done this day, m'lads?" Adam's mother asked archly, standing near the bed with her hands crossed over her chest.

"Mam," Adam said, smiling up from where he lay with Astor resting against his chest.  "We were talkin' about ye earlier."

"Ye were?  Were y'talkin' about how I'd make ye work f'yer keep?"

"I was out patrolin' earlier.  Caught us a tresspassin' human princess.  She has her eye on our Astor."

"The lad is nothin' of ourn, son o'mine."

"Ye canna deny ye like 'im, mam," Adam said with a smile.  "An' we thought y'might help us assure her he wasn't up for takin'."

"So ye want me t'lie t'the human an' say Astor's yer lover?"

"It wouldn't be a lie, dear lady," Astor smiled.

"'Twould be a lie t'say that ye were none others'," she said.

Astor pouted slightly. "But in your wonderful village, there is only Adam for my eyes..." he smiled, eyes sparkling.

"So ye've no interest in this lass?" Adam's mother asked, amusement in her voice.  "'Tis a first t'my hearing."

"Alas, while she is beautiful to behold, I fear her intentions and designs and have no wish to become consort to such royalty..." Astor admitted, then gave a dramatic sniff. "And she doth think my dear Adam is not a gentleman," he pouted.

"Well," the woman mused.  "There's an' old custom where a pair swears t'each other.  Most use it like th'humans custom of marriage, an' that's likely th'only reference th'lass would have for it.  Th'real purpose was orignally that the pair would help each other explore pleasure through all their lives."  She looked at them.  "Does that suit ye, lads?"

"Mam, ye're a wonder," Adam said with a grin.

Astor clasped his hands together in glea.  "Wonderful lady, your intelect is most amazing! I am forver in your debt..." He placed a hand over his heart and bowed his head in respect.

"Now ye've just to decide how ye want her t'know this.  Do y'want t'swear t'each other or just say y'have?"

"Oo, allow me!" Astor exclaimed jublantly.  He rose from the bed and kneeled, takeing Adam's hand. "I, Astor Silvermoon, hereby do soloumly swear to you, my dearest Adam, that I shall pleasure you every moment that we share together..." His eyes sparkled as he smiled and kissed the back of Adam's hand.

"M'darling Astor," Adam answered, pulling the man back up into his arms, "I'll meet that promise with my own and give ye all the happiness a man can give when you're with me."

His mother rolled her eyes.  "Not quite right, but it'll work.  An' speakin' o'work, ye've horses t'feed, Adam m'lad."

"Yes, mam."  He kissed Astor gently.  "Have ye a wish for a walk, m'darling?"

Astor giggled. "It would bring me nothing but happiness to walk with you, my love..."  He kissed Adam back.

"Ye're both incorrigible."  Shaking her head, the woman left the room.

Adam stood.  "Would you allow me the pleasure of helping you dress?" he asked with a grin.

Astor giggled. "Best not to take too long," he winked.
 

Adam walked through the forest, wondering what the disturbance was this time.  'Forest's becoming a blessed highway,' he thought with a snort.  As long as he could keep the animals and trees safe it didn't matter.

"Master!" he heard a tenor voice cry out in fear.

Hurrying toward it, he saw the demon pair from the inn, the "master" half collapsed and the smaller one supporting him and watching him in desperation.

"What are you doing in my forest?" he asked.

Erik looked up, pushing himself to his feet to hide his weakness. "You... are the ruler of this area...?" he asked, putting a comforting arm around Nikita.

Nikita watched the newcomer warily, recognising him from the previous day, and held Erik tightly.

Adam shrugged.  "Mam is," he clarified.

Erik gave a slight nod, trying hard not to wince at Nikita's grip. "Is there a place near by where I can procure clothing for my Nikita and rest?"

The Wood Elf looked him over distastefully.  "I don't think you'd care for what you'd find here."

Erik glared. "I care for something to clothe him properly..." he said, voice slightly sharp.

"You're not going to find anything pretty for your toy here," Adam said with a sneer.

Nikita snarled at him.  "More respect for Master!"

"Nikita is not a toy!" Erik nearly exploded, eyes hard. "You will respect him!"

"Considering the respect you obviously have for him, as he's your slave, why should I?" Adam asked.

Erik nearly glowed with anger and lunged at Adam, wrapping his hands weakly around the half elf's neck.  "How.. DARE you...." he snarled. "Nikita is NOONES slave, you hear!" He gave a small, slightly demented laugh.  "He is second comand of the High Demon realm... or rather it's ashes..." He tried to squeeze harder but his strength was running out. "If you disrespect him as they did, you too will suffer their fate..."

"Master!" Nikita cried in distress, hurrying to Erik's side, eyes wide.

Adam pried Erik's hands from his neck.  "Come with me.  You're too weak to be alone out here."

Erik looked at Adam untrustfuly. "You will respect my Nikita..." he said, voice cracking with exaustion.

"Yes, yes, I'll get him clothes," Adam said dismissively.

Erik was quiet a moment as if composing himself. "Then we will come with you..." he said, voice tired.

Adam turned and headed back to the village, Nikita following behind and supporting Erik.  "Master...." he said worriedly.

Erik gave a small smile. "I'll be fine, Nikita," he said lovingly. "We'll get you clothed and find a place you can rest."

Nikita glanced at Adam's back and dropped his voice.  "Master is hurt...." he said, face still drawn in worry.

Erik tried to give a reasuing smile. "I'll be fine, Nikita," he said comfrotingly. "I'll rest once you're safe and seen too."

Nikita whimpered unhappily.

Adam listened to the conversation curiously, but didn't acknowledge it.  Before long they reached the village.  He offered a hand to Erik.  "If you need help getting up the tree."

Erik blinked. "Oh... right... Wood elf... tree living... close to element..." he mumbled half to himself. He hesitated a long moment and then accepted the aid humbly

Adam brought them to an extra room.  He showed them the bathroom and the closet that held men's and women's clothing in several different sizes. "Do you need anything else?"

Erik looked at Nikita, then the room and the bed. "How safe is this place...?" he asked Adam.

"Safest place for miles.  Few can find it without a guide, and those who can are no match for a forest."  He smiled proudly.

Erik gave a small relieved smile before his eyes closed. His wings unfulled behind him as he tumbled onto the bed, unconcious.  There was a large discoloured spot in the middle of his back and his wings were stained slightly red and most of the feathers were slightly charred or damanged. Only now that his gaurd was down could it be seen how pink his skin was, his lower legs an angry red where his wings had not fully covered and there was a spot of dark red in his now white coloured hair where he had been stuck.

"Master!" Nikita cried, reaching for him but stopping before he touched the man.  He collapsed to his knees.  "For me?" he asked, beginning to cry.

Adam watched the pair and then left the room.  He returned after a few minutes with burn salve and bandages.  "Help me undress him," he said, laying a gentle hand on Nikita's shoulder.

The half vampire snarled up at Adam, getting between him and Erik.  "Don't hurt Master."

Adam held out the supplies he'd brought.  "I want to help.  It's harder when he's clothed."

Nikita thought a moment.  "Nikita will," he said, snatching the things from Adam.  "Go away."

Adam was amused, but left, giving the boy a sweeping bow.

With gentle fingers, Nikita removed Erik's remaining clothing and applied the salve and bandages, covering him with the blanket when he was finished.  After putting the medicines to one side, he joined Erik in the bed, trying not to snuggle too close so he wouldn't hurt the man more.
 

Maeve rolled her eyes. Pleeeaaase... Did she have to be so...  obvious? She was also surprised by the fact she wasn't jealous. She knew she wasn't ~in~ love with Adam or Astor, but she did love them. They were easy going, kind, mischevious, and not afraid to live life to the fullest. It wasn't hard to care for them. If she did indeed decide to make love for the first time, she might choose one of them. Well, that is if they were interested, anyhow. She shrugged.  She'ld deal with that when the time came.

Since she had nothing to do, Adam and Astor were currently occupied and didn't know where Adam's mother was currently, she took out her journal and began to update it. There was no way she was going to talk to Her Royal pain in the bum. She just ignored her. If pleasant things weren't going to be said, than nothing was better said.

Davia looked at Maeve, who was writing in her journal, and laughed. "Some things never change, huh Maeve?"

Maeve didn't look up from her journal. "Nope." Davia was trying to bait her. She was always trying to bait her. Davia was still the spoiled Princess trying to prove she knew everything. When Davia got  too annoying, Maeve would more often than not end up ignoring her and writing in her journal.

Davia wanted a reaction from her and she wasn't going to get it. She was also doing the same thing to Adam. Maeve shrugged. Not all people were happy with what they got evidently.

Davia looked over to Maeve. "I was just thinking about something. Do you remember when we were little.. I had to be about 12, and you had to be about, what? 17?" she smiled. "You were visiting the palace and  Prince Xander came. You remember him Maeve? I had such a crush on him, but he was a bit older then I.. he liked you better though. I was so jealous of you! Do you remember?"

Maeve looked up from her journal at Davia curiously. "Yes, what about it?"

Davia laughed at the thought. "Do you remember what I did to try and get his attention that summer?"

Maeve smirked. Davia was as dense as ever, but at least she wasn't being annoying... much. "I do. You dressed in 'indecent' atire which showed your bosom and other attributes, batted your eyes lashed as if you had something in them, and hung on his every word..." she trailed off scowling. "while I ignored him and made it a point on avoiding him. He wouldn't leave me alone. I had to use my shifter abilities to help me avoid him, not like that always helped, either."

Davia laughed again at the memory. "God! I must have looked soo ridiculous in that outfit. Mother almost had a fit for raiding her wardrobe closet like that." she looked back at Maeve. "Why weren't you ever interested in him anyway, Maeve?"

"He was a spoiled boy and acted like it. His pretty face wasn't enough to make up for the fact he grated on my nerves." she answered bluntly. She frowned mildly. "Although I hear he's different from back then since the war ended. He's also King now, since his father and older brother died in the war."

"Really?" Davia sounded interested. "Have you seen him since that summer?"

"No, no I haven't." she said mildly, "Have you?"

"No, not at all.." Davia stated, looking down slightly. "We have not heard a word from their family since then.."

Maeve gave Davia a narrow look. "What brought this on? Why the  sudden trip down memory lane?"

Davia was quiet a moment, looking down at her cloak. "Astor," she said. "That little flirting display I just did for him.. it made me think about that summer.."

Maeve raised an eyebrow. "Your trying to make me jealous?" Maeve asked, not sounding surprised. "Don't bother. I care for him, but I wouldn't be jealous of you two. Only flirt with him if your genuinely interested."

Davia looked up. "No, I am not trying to make you jealous.." she trailed off.

Maeves eyes narrowed again. "Adam."

"What?" Davia looked confused. "What does Adam have to do with this?"

"He rubbed you the wrong way... so your trying to make him jealous by flirting with Astor. Well that won't work either. Those two have an understanding and bond that goes way beyond us two."

"That is not what I was trying to do.." She told Maeve. "And to answer your response, yes, I am interested in Astor. That's why I was flirting with him."

Maeve just shrugged going back to her journal. "Whatever." It wasn't terribly hard to believe in Davia's interest, but she wasn't buying into not making Adam jealous. Self denile was a b*t*h.

Davia smiled, thinking about another memory. "Remember when I stole your journal that one time? I was so jealous of you when I was younger. I remember wanting to do everything you did.. so I stole your journal and read it."

Maeve froze. "You stole my journal?! You ~read~ my journal?!"  Something feral lit in her eyes.

Davia looked up, shocked. "You didn't know?! I thought you found out?  Mother caught me and told me to give it back.. so I put it back on top of the bookshelf in the guest room where you were staying in. I thought Mother told you about it.. oops..."

Maeve was officially very angry. Her eyes glittered. "You read my personal journal and all you can say is 'oops'?" She almost lunged at her. "Which one was it? What colour was the journal?" she snarled.

Davia tried to remember. "I-- I'm sorry! The cover was made of wood, carved wood. Your name was engraved on the front.. I was young then, I admired you.." She shrugged. "I only read it that one time.. and it was only about two entries before Mother came looking for me and found me reading it in my room.."

Maeve shuttered her expression, which would have been one of relief.  She, at that time, had a crush on Prince Xander. He was such a spoiled boy though, she thought she would get over it. She didn't.  So she was going to wait to see if he ever matured. She wrote all about it in her journal. It would start about midpoint in that journal, so Davia didn't read it. That is if she was telling the truth, and Maeve didn't see any reason not to believe her. "Fine." She got off the chair, slaping her journal shut. "I'm going out for a walk to contemplate." She left and headed towards the stables. She allways liked horses.

"Maeve, wait!" Davia called after her. She caught up with her. "I'm sorry.. I honestly thought you knew about that.. I did not mean to upset you.."

"Fine." she said cooly. "I need to be alone for a moment." She walked faster, leaving Davia behind.

Davia sighed and watched Maeve leave. She walked back to the house.

Adam reentered the village shaking his head. Maeve was entering the  stables. "Maeve, m'lady-love!" he called. "Were ye lookin' for me?" he asked with a smile.

Maeve looked up at Adam with open relief. "Not intentionally, but  I'm very glad to see you. I really don't want to rehash memories with Princess I read other people's journals!" she scowled at the house briefly before turning back to Adam.

She gave him a thoughtfull look. "I wanted to ask you and Astor some questions any way." She paused shrugging, trying to think of a subtle way of asking him. Hell, there was no subtle way. "Have you and Astor had sex?"

Adam blinked. "Yes," he said frankly.

Maeve smiled at him. "How?"

Adam blinked again. "There's openings as all people have, m'lady," he said with a grin.

"Oh." She looked at him thoughtfully. "Can I watch?" Maeve looked at Adam wide-eyed and hopefull.

"We'd have t'ask Astor about that, m'dear." He pushed open the door to the stables. "Astor, m'love, we've need of ye."

The man looked up, pausing in the middle of combing the unicorn's mane. "What is it, my promised one?" he winked with a smile.

Maeve gave them a blank look. "Promised?"

Adam smiled, holding a hand out to Astor. "We've sworn a pleasure bond between us. Close to the human idea of marriage."

Maeve looked startled for a moment then smiled at them. "That's soo sweet!" She went to them both giving them a hearty hug and a peck on the cheek.

Adam grinned as Astor blinked slightly.

"We've a question for ye, m'love," Adam said. "Maeve is interested in an exhibition."

Astor giggled. "Of what sort?" he winked.

Maeve gave him a cutely solemn look. "Can I watch you and Adam make love?"

"Of course," Astor smiled. "But what kind do you want to watch?" he winked, eyes sparkeling mischeviously.

Maeve looked blank. "Umm... there's more than one way?" Maeve was definately over her head.

Adam smiled. "I think he wants to know how kinky ye're interested in watching. While he's not for the whips, the chains an' leather are quite fun."

Maeves eye's widened. Her breath came out in a small woosh. "Oh."  she said in a small voice. She paused a moment considering the options. "If your up to it... all?" She gave them a shy look.

Astor giggled. "I'm ~always~ up for it," he winked, caressing Adam's shouler lightly.

Maeve giggled and blushed. "So, where are we going to do this?" she asked huskily.

Adam wrapped an arm around each of them. "Shall we adjourn to my room, m'dears?"

"Oh, yes." Maeve whispered. She cocked her head as a thought occurred to her. "What about the Princess? Is there another way in the house so we don't bump into her. She'll spoil the mood." Maeve almost pouted.

Adam smiled conspiratorially. He led the way around the large tree to a ladder at the back. He picked up Astor and carried him easily up to his room.

Maeve smiled at them and followed.

After she entered the room, Adam closed and locked the door.
 

Davia sighed as she re-entered the house. She wandered around the room some, looking at old photos and pictures that were hung on the  walls. After a while, she got bored and wondered where everyone was.  She had seen Maeve go into the stables, but she wasn't sure where Adam and Astor had disappeared off to. She decided to try and smooth things over with Maeve, she had given her enough time to cool off.  She left the house and walked over to the stables, expecting Maeve to  be there.

But when she entered the stables, it was empty, with the exception of Crystal and a few other horses. "Where did she go?" she wondered outloud. "I was sure she came this way.." Sighing, she walked over to her unicorn to groom her, only to find that someone else had beaten her to it. "Someone already brushed you, Crystal?" she asked the horse, in surprise. "Who was it?" she asked. "Was it Maeve?" Crystal just neighed in response, happy to see her owner. She pushed her head under Davia's arm, wanting to be petted. The Princess smiled as she reached up and stroked her horse's neck.

After a few minutes, Davia opened the gate to let Crystal out of the stall. "Let's go for a ride, Crystal. It is terribly borring her with no one to converse with." She lead the unicorn outside and hopped on her back. Crystal trotted off into the woods.

After riding for a while, Davia heard branches snapping to one side.  All of a sudden, a roaring bear stepped into her path!

Davia gave a scream as her unicorn got frightened and jumped back on her hind legs throwing Davia to the ground. Crystal ran off back to the elf village.

Davia landed on the ground with a thud. She shouted for Crystal as she stood up, but the unicorn was out of sight. The bear roared and stood up on it's own hind legs, showing it's teeth, which reminded Davia of why Crystal ran off in the first place. She stood before the bear, slowing taking a few steps back. Remembering something, she pulled out a small bag of magic sand out of an inside pocket of her cloak. She quickly threw the sand around her in a circle saying an incantation for a protective sheild. A thin whiteish sheild surrounded Davia, as she stood looking at the bear.
 

Astor sighed happily as he lounged outside of Adam's home. Adam was so wonderful to him in bed.... He smiled fondly. Adam was the one person whom Astor would not mind being tied to because Adam would never hold him down when he didn;t wish it and understood Astor's need to be free, as well as his desire to make the world feel loved and beutiful.
 
He blinked, sitting up as the princesses unicorn bolted into the shed. He stood. "What's the matter?" he asked the animal softly as he approched. "Where is your princess?"
 
It took a short while until the animal was calm. Astor looked at it in consern. "You were attacked, weren;t you..." he said, gently stroking the animal.
 
The unicorn turned to meet Astor's eyes.
 
After a moment, the moon elf nodded, sighing slightly. "All right, take me to her," he said as he mounted.
 
The unicorn galloped out towards where Davia was.
 

Davia gave another short scream as the bear tried to claw it's way through the shield she had made. She backed up as far as she could away from it. The bear contined to try and get to her, roaring in the meantime.

In the corner of her eye, Davia saw her unicorn accompanied by Astor. "Astor!" she shouted to him. "Be careful, whatever you do, do be careful!" she told him.

Astor looked at the situation a moment, then slowly walked towards the bear, smiling and whispering something in the tounge of the Moon elves.
 
The bear almost seemed to wrinkle it's nose, pulling away.  It looked at Astor a moment, then fell to all fours and left.
 
Astor smiled in a slightly sad mannor before turnign to Davia and offering her a hand to stand. "Are you hurt, Princess?"

Davia sighed, relieved that the bear was gone. She made the sheild disappear and took Astor's offered hand. "No, I am not hurt," she said to him, smiling. She gave him a hug. "Oh Astor! You truly are my night in shining armor!" She pulled back to look in his eyes. "How ever did you get that bear to leave?"

"Really?" Her eyes sparkled. She smiled again. "Then that would be why Crystal has let you ride her, is it not? She does not just let anyone ride her.." Davia commented to Astor. She turned to say goodbye to Lenka, wrapping her arm in Astor's. "Come, shall we go back?" she asked him.

Astor gave a smile. "Unicorns and I have always gotten along well, we are of a similar nature."

"Hm?" Davia asked with a small smile, "And what may that similarity be, my Dear Astor?" With her arm still locked into his, she lead the way over to the waiting unicorn. "Why don't you sit in front.. so that I may hold on to you from behind.." she said with a smirk.

"Princess, I know not if the Unicorn can hold the weight of two. They are not creatures that were born to a live of serviture...." Astor protested.  "As for similarities, it is often said that parallels and observances are far sweeter when mearly implied."
 
Davia thought for a moment. "You are right about that. I think it is best, for Crystal's sake, that we go separately." She let go of Astor and hopped onto the unicorn's back.  Implied, huh?" she smirked. "You are quite the mysterious one Astor.." She smiled and looked down at him from the unicorn. "So, shall I meet you there?"

"If you wish..." Astor gestured. "Doth the princess know the way?"

"I think we can manage," Davia replied. "Although.. it would get terribly lonely without you.." she smiled shyly. "Why don't you walk beside us and lead the way back to the village?"

"As the princess wishes..." Astor bowed dramaticaly.

Crystal trotted through the woods, with Davia on her back and Astor walking beside them. "So," Davia began, looking down at Astor from the unicorn. "Where do you live Astor? You said you were just visiting the village.."

Astor smiled. "The world is my home," he gave a grand gesture. "And I live amoungst the many peoples that inhabit it."

Davia looked at him curiously. "Really? So you just wander around all the time? Why? Do you not like living in one place?"

"There is far too much in this world to see, and far to much beauty and pleasure to experance and bestow," Astor smiled.

Davia smiled sweetly and looked off into the distance where the sun was just setting for the day. "I believe you are quite right about that. I would love to travel around the world and just enjoy life like that." She looked back down at Astor. "So, how long before you leave here and move on"

Astor smiled. "Ah, but to set a time would be restricting..." he waggled a finger at her.

Davia held her smile as her eyes sparkled. "Well, as long as you do not leave without saying goodbye," she teased. She looked down and patted the unicorn's neck. "Crystal did good to go and get help." She turned back to Astor as they approached the village. "Thank you, Astor. I am forever grateful for your rescue."

Astor bowed. "My pleasure."

After a short while they reached the elf village. Davia still riding on her unicorn with Astor walking beside them.
 

Maeve walked outside and stretched. She felt content. What she witnessed was... different. It was special. She enjoyed herself immmensly. She was very fond of Astor and Adam.

Speaking of the Devil, well one of them anyhow. She walked over to Adam. "Where'd Astor go, and where's the Princess?" She looked around the small village curiously. She was thinking about taking a stroll and maybe shifting into a animal. She hadn't shifted in a while and she was begining to feel a little... restless.

Adam shrugged. "Astor was off when I woke. Princess' animal isn't around either, so she may have gone off somewhere." He muttered, "little idiot."

Maeve nodded in agreement. "When he comes back I might go for a stroll. I'm feeling restless." she gave Adam a sheepish look.

Adam smiled. "Livin' in a village isn't for all. Astor's a wanderer too." His smile grew to a grin. "I seen to like wanderers best."

Maeve grinned at him. "I won't be gone too long. Just for a few hours.  I like to observe things," her gaze softened as she remembered her recent observations. She cleared her throat. "I'll also familiarize myself with the land here."

Adam chuckled. "Just be careful. There're some dangerous beasties around and they don't care much for strangers."

Maeve gave Adam and egnamic smile. "Trust me. That won't be a problem." She looked thoughtfully into the forest. "I wonder what that girl has gotten her fool self into this time?"

Adam shrugged. "Seriously, long as she doesn't give some poor beast indigestion or hurt her unicorn I haven't a care for her safety."

Maeve's lip twitched. "Wanna go out and find them? We have nothing to do. We can kill some time."

Adam shook his head. "Astor'll be fine and I told Jera I'd help her build a new room for her granddaughter."

As he said this, an older woman called his name.

"Coming!" he called back. He turned, pulling his shirt off. "Want to help?"

She shrugged. "Sure." She quickly coiled her long braid around her head and clipped it, and rolled up her sleeves.

He led her toward a towering tree. "How strong are ye?" he asked.  "There'll be lots of lifting."

"Strong enough. I'm stronger than I look." she grinned at his bare chest.

He glanced back at her, grinning. "Really, none'll mind if you want to save yer shirt the dirt and tears it'll get with this work. Y'can take  it off."

She shrugged and nodded in agreement. She took it off. Underneath was the very skimpy under tunic. She stretched, "Let's get to work."

Adam gave a happy sigh, not hiding his ogling of her. After a moment, he hopped onto a lower treebranch. He pointed to a pile of long planks. "Hand those up," he instructed.

Maeve hesitantly hefted it to get an idea of it's weight and nodded.  She piled two more on top of that and started to hand them to Adam.

Adam leaned two of the planks against the tree trunk and laid the third out at an angle from the branch. With the help of others he attached it and then connected the others.
 

Astor helped Davia settle the unicorn in the stables and pouted slightly because Adam wasn't there.  Idly wondering where his lover was, he began walking towards the center of town.
 
He paused, spotting Adam helping with the constuction and nearly swooned with happiness, seeing the elf's topless and slightly sweaty appearance.

Davia thanked Astor for helping her put Crystal in the stable and followed him outside. She noticed Astor pause and look around. "What are you looking for Astor?" Davia asked him. Before he could answer, he spotted Adam and swooned with happiness. Davia looked at him, then back to Adam. "Are you going to join him?" she asked.

Astor smiled. "Oh, not yet... I'm going to enjoy the view a bit more first." He giggled slightly.
 
Adam glanced down from his spot and noticed the pair.  He grinned and caught Astor's eye, then posed.
 
Astor gave a blissful sigh and smiled like a lovestuck school girl, waving coyly.

Davia looked from Astor to Adam and back again, with slight confusion. "Enjoy the view?" she said to Astor, confused. "I do not understand. What view? Adam's most indecent, as is Maeve," she commented, looking back at the two working.

Adam waved back. He turned and called out to one of them other workers, then leapt from the tree, landing gracefully. He joined the pair, taking Astor in his arms and dipping him back with a deep kiss.

Astor melted into the Elf's advances, wrapping his arms around him.

Adam held him tightly, pulling him straight again. "I'm glad you're back," he said softly. "I was missin' ye."

Astor smiled happily. "And I thou..." he said softly, arms still around the elf.

Adam kissed him again gently. "Seein' ye is always a treat.

Davia eyes widened as she witnessed Adam kissing Astor. She remained quiet for a moment longer, watching the two, then spoke up. "Astor!" she said, with utter shock, "How can you let Adam kiss you like that!? And you!" she turned to Adam, "What right do you have to do that to him! That is so wrong! Do you not have any morals!?"

Adam blinked at her. "What right d'ye have t'tell me not t'kiss m'darling?" he asked. "'Tis his body, not yours I'm holdin'."

"My ~darling?!~" Davia repeated. She turned to Astor. "Astor, what is he talking about? Why did you let him kiss you like that!? Friend's do not greet each other that way!"

Astor blinked slightly, arms still around Adam. "His lips are like the softest of skin, and their carress blesses me," he smiled at Adam.  "With wonderousness as such, why would this poor soul do anything but melt at the touch of s such kisses?"

Adam smiled at Astor, caressing the other elf's face.

Davia blinked, trying to digest what he was saying. "I still do not understand... How--how did this happen? Why?"

"How did what happen?" Adam asked with a small smirk, eyes never leaving Astor.

"You two can not be together!" Davia insisted. "It is against all the morals of society!"

"What morals and whose society?" Adam asked pointedly.

"What ~morals?!~" Davia repeated sternly. "All morals! Two men can not be together like this! It is against all the laws of nature! How can you do that to poor Astor!? Adam, I thought you were better then that.."

"What nature do you know, Princess? This is as natural as anything else."

"No it's not!" Davia almost shouted. "How can you say that?!"

"Ye'd argue a Wood Elf about Nature?"

"I am not argueing your upbringing Adam, I am simply saying that haveing two men together like this, is not right!" Davia said, crossing her arms. She turned to Astor. "Astor.. how could you do something like this?"

"Ye said 'twasn't natural. What have ye t'do w'Nature, Princess? What have ye t'do with ennathin' outside yer castle?"

"I just do not understand how you two can be together.." Davia answered

"We're together because of our feelings."

"And what are your feelings towards each other?" Davia asked, almost afraid to ask.

Adam caressed Astor's face, eyes not leaving Astor's. "I love him more than life itself," he said quietly, speaking more to the other elf than to the princess.

Astor smiled softly at Adam, eyes warm, and lifted his lips up for a kiss.

Davia looked at them, slightly heartbroken. "Astor.. how could you..? I thought you and I....."

"You thought what?" Adam asked her, turning to glare.

Davia glared back. "It is not your business Adam! I was speaking to Astor!"

Astor turned and looked at the princess. "What did you think, princess?" he asked softly.

She looked at Astor, still in Adam's arms, a moment before answering.  "I thought-- I thought you liked me.. I thought we could have some kind of future together..." she replied softly.

"Why must my affection for one push aside that for another?" Astor asked. "My humble soul is one that cannoy bare to be tied down and must be free to fly with the wind and go whereever fate may lead," he explained gently. "I regreat I cannot be your prince, but I would not trade this life for any other. It is my natures to love all..."

Davia nodded, sighing. "I see.. does this mean that.. you and I can still be together?"

Astor paused a moment, thinking. "It depends what is ment by together," he said softly. "I will not hold back any affection that is felt, nor will it be begruged."

"I understand that.. but I had hoped to share the same kind of affection with you, that you feel for Adam," Davia replied quietly.

"Affection is something that is based in emotion and feeling. My affection for Adam has blosomed over the years I have known him and continue to grow with each encounter," he smiled at the elf. "And affection for each is of a diffrent nature, no one can love two people in the exact same way."

"You are quite right about that," Davia answered. "Do you have any feelings towards me?"

Astor smiled kindly. "Ah, princess, how could one not hold feelings for a woman as such as yourself?"

Davia smiled and blushed some.

Adam smirked, turning his head away so that Davia couldn't see it.

"Adam?" Davia called his name. "What do you think about all this? You have not said anything in quite a while."

Schooling his face to solemnity he turned back. "You said 'twasn't my business, Princess," he reminded her.

"You are right.. it is not, but I would like to know your thoughts about this," Davia asked.

"I think," Adam said deliberately. "That y'are overstapping yerself.  Astor is no prince t'come at yer beck and call." He smiled. "I can see what y'are thinking now. 'Once he's been with me he won't want to do anything like that anymore.' Y'are transparent, Princess."

"You are quite wrong, Adam, that is not what I was thinking!" Davia informed him. "Besides, if Astor is content on being with both of us, then so be it. That is all that matters, right, his happiness? We must not let our feelings towards each other get in the way of that."

"I have no objections to that.  I just wonder, Princess," Adam said, emphasizing her title, "If you would be able to take him looking for happiness anywhere else but your side."

Maeve saw Astor and Davia after Adam climbed down and walked over to them. She waited until she was done with what she was doing before she headed towards them.

"I can," Davia answered, trying to sound confident of her answer.  It's what she's been thinking about this whole time. "If it means Astor will be happy.. then yes, he may do as he pleases and I will not be bothered by it."

Maeve grinned mischeviously. She walked up to Adam and Astor putting her arms around the both of them and smiled. "Nice to have you back Astor." She gave him a friendly smooch on the cheek.

Davia folded her arms across her chest and eyed Maeve carefully. She knew that she had kissed Astor just to get her jealous.. and she wasn't going to let Maeve have the satisfaction of ~that!~ She stood there and said nothing.

Adam smiled and kissed Maeve, then turned and cocked a brow at Davia. "Well, Princess," he said, almost in a challenge. "Are ye not goin' t'greet yer friend?"

She looked at Adam. "Funny, Adam, you did not ask that of Maeve. Why  is that?" she asked, arms still crossed.

Maeve gave Davia a mild look. "I allready greeted my friends." She gave both Astor and Adam a fond smile. "So why would he ask me?"

Davia looked at Maeve with a smug look on her face. "You know that is not what I meant, Maeve," she said to her.

Maeve gave Davia a blank look. "Then what do you mean?" she asked mildly.

Davia gave Maeve a cold stare and ignored her. She turned to Adam. "Adam, would you be so kind as to show me where I can retire for the night? I am most exhausted from the days' events.."

Adam rolled his eyes and disengaged from the other two elves. "This way, Princess," he said, leading her to the main tree.

 Davia said goodnight to both Astor and Maeve and proceeded to follow Adam to the main tree.

"So," Adam said, "Ye'd like a high or a low room?"

"A low room would be substantial," Davia said. "I'm terrified of heights."
 

Maeve put arm around Astor's waist and gave him a fond smile. "Touchy ain't she?" she grinned at him mischieviously. "How did she take the news about Adam and you?" she asked, curiously.
 
"I fear she views it as an obsitical to overcome," Astor sighed.

Maeve gave Astor a sympathetic look. "Some people just can't accept things at face value. Maybe she'll get the hint. Miracles have been known to happen."

She looked thoughtfully at the horizon. "Have you ever stayed at a Shape Shifter Colony?" she asked him absently.

Astor giggled and nodded. "Most wonderous fun!" he sighed happily, eyes dreamy.

Maeve beamed at him. "Yeah." She hesitated briefly. "If you're ever in Seda Nahele area go to the Clan there. Tell them my name and you will be welcome for as long as you wish."
 

"Princess Davia!" Alex shouted as he road his trusty war steed through the wood. "Where's the little twit got herself to now," he muttered to himself. "Davia!"

Maeve grimaced. "What bloody idiot was making that racket? She stood up abruptly and shivered slightly, since she was only wearing her skimpy shift. She really had to get her other bag if she was going to be staying here longer.

Davia looked up from brushing her unicorn in the stalls,  worriedly. "Father must have sent someone to find me... " She quietly put the brush down and peeked out of the stall to see who was calling her.

Maeve stomped her way down through the house to go outside. She was going to tell the idiot to shut up and go back to bed.

Alex was surprised to approach what looked like a forest town. Who lived in the middle of thick forest? Seeing the inhabitants, he understood. "My apologies, fair ones. I'm seeking a run away princess, Davia by name. Have you seen her?"

Maeve stomped outside, scowling to hear the last part of the statement and froze.

Davia's eyes widened as she heard her name mentioned. (He ~is~ here to take me back!) she thought. But for some reason, his voice sounded somewhat familiar to her... but she couldn't place a name to the stranger.

He wasn't facing her. She knew who he was though... King Xander... looking for the Royal Pain in the Bum. He looked different though.

Rougher. She was slowly backing away towards the door, hoping he didn't see her.

He received suspicious looks from the natives and sighed. He was still on his own finding the royal twit. It was no wonder his parents wanted him to marry her; the level to which she wouldn't be able to run her own lands would just enhance his kingdom. He turned and paused. The woman by the big... tree-house. "Maeve?"

Maeve froze. Her eyes widened. Damn. She grimaced. "What do you want with the Princess?"

"You are Maeve, are you not? Alcander Kerrick's daughter?"

She scowled. "Yes. What do you want with Princess Davia?"

Alex smiled. Fancy meeting someone he actually wanted to meet on this forsaken "mission." Sweeping her a deep, courtly bow he said, "Her royal parents are worried for their - idiot," he muttered, "beloved daughter's safety. I was sent to ensure her safe return to protected comfort."

Her scowl deepened. "You woke me up because of that?!" She waved in the general direction of the barn. "She's most likely in there with her unicorn." She stood, bristling at him with her hands fisted on her hips.

Davia stomped her foot when she heard Maeve squeal on her. She stood in the doorway, waiting for him to approach her.

Alex turned and drew a condescending smile over his face. "Princess," he said, approaching her, "You've worried an entire kingdom. Now is that the behavior of a responsible princess?"

Maeve rolled her eyes. "Well, at least I now know why she ran away."

Davia blinked, seeing the man's face. "King Xander? Is that you?" Maeve smirked.

"My dear Davia, it's been ages.  Come now. Collect your unicorn and I will bring you home."

"I am sorry to have you waste your time trying to find me, but I am not going back with you," she said, kindly.

Maeve idly leaned against the building, watching with slitted eyes.

Alex frowned darkly. "I'm afraid that is not an option, princess."

Maeve smirked. Oh, yeah... that's going to convince her. She rolled her eyes again.

Davia crossed her arms under her cloak. "And if I do not?"

"Your parents have authorized me to bring you home to them in whatever way is necessary. If this means tying you to my saddle and parading you through your capital, then so be it."

Maeve chuckled.

"That would not be proper for a King, now would it?" Davia asked him.

Maeve laughed harder when she heard that.

Davia turned and glared at Maeve, suddenly noticing her presence.

"Perhaps, but for a warrior to treat a pampered, spoiled princess, I suppose it will suffice."

Maeve calmed down, but her lip kept on twitching. She couldn't argue that point. "Why did they send you after her?" she asked bluntly.

Davia looked back at the man before her waiting for an answer.

Alex glanced at Maeve. "Because they could send me without alerting the nation of the missing nature of the heir to its throne." He looked back at Davia and his gaze hardened. "Do you know the chaos you would blithely throw your kingdom into?"

"So... who's watching ~your~ kingdom?" Maeve asked idly.

"The prime Minister, as he always does when I'm away on affairs of state," Alex answered icily. "The princess has delayed the working of a permanent treaty between our kingdoms."

Maeve's face leaked of all expression. "I see." She turned abruptly and went back into the tree home.

Davia looked at him with a questionable look. "What treaty?" she asked.

"Permanent alliance between our kingdoms. Our parents wish to have a... symbolic union," he said distastefully, "between the two of us."

Maeve stomped around the kitchen grabbing a small loaf of bread and some cheese, then stomped back outside. She heard him say this last statement and froze expression less in the doorway, unnoticed.

Davia blinked. "And when were they going to tell me about this, I wonder.."

"Perhaps you didn't give them the chance, princess," Alex answered, tone clearly sarcastic. "I assure you, the thought brings as little pleasure to me as it seems to bring to you."

Maeve's mouth tightened, but she paused there longer. When her curiosity was satisfied, then she was going to spend a full day in the woods. Alone. She was going to shift into a leopard.

Davia sighed. "Well, if I do not go back... and I am not going to," she glared at him, "Then they cannot marry us off, now can they?"

"Have you no care for your kingdom?" Alex said in disgust. "With no siblings you would consign your country to chaos."

"My father can handle things," she stated.

"Your father is dying," Alex said flatly.

Maeve inhaled sharply, eyes widening. She liked Davia's father. He always treated her like another daughter. She tried to keep tears from filling her eyes.

Davia gasped, bringing a hand to cover her mouth. "He-- what?! What happened?"

"He's been sick for years. The healers say that their spells won't work much longer."

"The healers?" Davia questioned. "Father never told me of any of this..."

Maeve fought for control. "Well, I'm going." Her lip quivered despite herself.

"Why should he? Until a week ago he thought he had years left and you're a child."

"I am not a child," Davia stated, harshly.

"You are a spoiled, selfish girl," Alex said, "And nothing shows it more than this running away stunt."

Maeve felt her eyes narrow. He was being a tad too harsh. So she was spoiled and naive. He could be a little more sensitive. "At least she isn't a blockhead."

"And, if I remember at one time, you were spoiled, and selfish once yourself ~King~ Xander!" Davia told him, coldly.

"I never ran from my duty to my country," he said, chin lifting. He looked back and forth between the girls. "No matter how I loathed it."

Maeve bristled. "I won't argue with that, but you could show more sensitivity. She didn't know her father was ill." she glared at him, her hands fisted on her hips.

"And that's reason to go easy on her for abandoning her home?" Alex shot back.

"Well, now that I see what she has to put up with, I don't blame her!" she snapped back.

Davia was quiet a moment. She looked back to the King. "Is Father... really going to die?" she asked quietly.

"And what would you know of how royalty treats its own, Shape-shifter?" He looked back at Davia, expression a bit gentler as he remembered the death of his own father. "Soon, they think," he said. "He would see you safely home before he goes."

Maeve's face went cold. "You call her a spoiled child. You are a stupid boy King who knows nothing." she bristled with fury.

Davia nodded, fighting back tears. "And what about Mother? How is she?"

"And you," Alex said, rounding on Maeve, "Are a self serving, know-it-all with delusions that you're better than all of this because of your shifter blood. You wouldn't know the realities of life if they bit you on the ass. I have done everything required of me to the best of my ability and the end of my tolerance and I will NOT allow someone who professes to be above monarchy and know nothing about it tell me my business." He approached Davia and put a hand on her shoulder. "She is not ill, but your absence hurts her greatly," he said.

"And you know us so well?" Her voice was a low cold snarl. Her eyes glittered like bright green jewels. "You are a child. I don't know what I saw in you in the first place." She turned to Davia. "I will meet you there." She stomped off into the forest and began to shift.

Davia was quiet once more. "I be back in a minute.." she told the King and turned to barn returning shortly with her unicorn. "I wish to say goodbye to someone first... hold on." Davia said.