CHAPTER FIVE HIDDEN ONES *snarl* The trip back to the castle was fast yet bleak. Using his link to Kishi, Ryu managed to get the five of them back to the castle. From there, though, he had to be assisted inside by Hiko, Naosu quickly taking Aiko and Kiri to the infirmary. Once they reached the stairs, though, he felt well enough to continue on his own. As he went ahead of her, she studied the aura about him. Though she made no mention of it to the others, she could literally "see" them all--due to their energy levels--if she concentrated on them. Though, really, it wasn't much; just a simple outline, telling her nothing more than position and height. He turned back now, and she read the flickers of impatience within the field. As she had been taught, auras were different colors, and to read the shades and tints of one was as good as being empathic, or even better. It told one moods, and showed flaws and strengths, if one bothered to concentrate hard enough. She smiled softly to herself and followed, keeping a calm eye on the gray shape. At the top of the stairs, he seemed to quest out a bit, and then rapidly moved down the hall, she coming after at a good clip. If he was surprised that she could follow him without him taking up an object, he gave no sign, and soon they came upon the set of doors that he wanted. She sent out feelers and found Arashi, Kishi, Jade, and the Prince within, and sighed a little in relief. She had been a little...concerned...when she had not seen him again in the calm after the rescue. Of course, that disturbed her just a bit, and the /Kage/ within her had not been pleased. After all, 'twas her duty to stay as placid as possible; "fire may flicker, yet it always remains hot" was the proverb that came to her mind. It meant many things to many people, but to her it was the absolute unchangeability of the core of the flame. The unchangeability she treasured. Ryu moved towards opening the door, and then stopped, as if unsure. "Lady, I must advise you of something," he said lowly. "The Prince is...different." "As are we all, Lord Ryu," she replied carefully, part of her mind still touching feather lightly upon the presences within. "Yes...well, you have been warned," he replied, then opened the door. Swiftly, he led her through a barren room, and up into a place where shadows and sun competed for supremacy. She uttered a small gasp as the FEEL of the room swept over her. There was...incredible magic here, of a wild and untouched type. "Where are Naosu and the others?" the Prince asked. "Infirmary," Ryu replied in a clipped voice. Hiko cast a puzzled eye on him, for there was something beneath that voice which was...interesting. She rekindled her aural eyed, and Kishi came into view as well, his blue-gold aura at a flared alert. "All of them?" the Prince asked, voice rising in a puzzled growl. "Each took a dip in the Rush, m'lord Prince," he replied. "It was quite perilous, and none escaped completely without injury. Also, Naosu has to treat them." "True," the man muttered. She squinted at the form that threw his voice, for not only did he wear a dark cloak but shadows as well. She brushed these shadows with her mind briefly, and found them connected loosely to him via medium strength spells. No...that wasn't right. She knew this spell; it was actually rather strong. However, something was eroding these spells--perhaps the light in the room. But that shouldn't...she shook it off. she promised herself. "So, what of the Princess then?" Arashi swiftly asked, voice angry. She shot her a look, but the dusty woman standing nearly within the flare of Kishi did not catch it. "She's missing, and she must be found." "I could not agree more, Lady Arashi," the Prince said. "It is...dangerous to have her in these woods." "And even moreso now, my Lord," she spoke up, moving away from Ryu. "Today's disaster at the Rush was no accident." A brilliant flare of red caught her eye, as someone's step into the room caught the others, and she glanced at it. From the outermost balcony came Jade, something within his hand. She flicked to normal vision for a moment, and saw it was the shape of a red, red rose. She flipped back and examined the power within the item, and found it complex and diverse. "Any luck?" the Prince asked him. "I feel her, but cannot find her--it's the woods," he sighed. "You've never had that problem before," Ryu said quietly, and Jade smiled slowly. "Perhaps because he cannot use it," Hiko intervened quickly, her voice low and tinged ever so lightly with power. A breeze came through the room from the still open balcony doors, and all eyes fell to her. It was at this time, as she carefully composed herself, that she realized what a mess she was. Her hair was limp, damp, and matted from running as the wind; her arms and sleeves tight and soaked from the spray and helping Aiko. Mud and gravel stained her legs and feet, and therefore the carpet of the room. Yet she needn't have worried, for though all eyes caught her dishelved form, the power of her glossy purple eyes drew them away. It was silent for moments, as all took in the woman who was so regally dishelved. Finally, Kishi asked, "What mean you, Lady? Jade is proficient in what he does. Why, in the beginning, he tracked us..." he stopped as Jade touched him, the smile flickering over his aura/face. "She's right," he said quietly. "I am not as attuned to Serin as any other would be--right Lady?" "Yes. Your bonds are with these others, as mine are with Serin and her ladies. Should I take the rose, I might be able to find her." "Excellent idea, Lady," Jade said. "If I may accompany her..." "One moment," Ryu replied. His aura turned towards her, power radiating out as if seeking to quell any resistance that might be there. She gave him none but a slip of a smile, a warning to him that he apparently got due to the flicker of gray. "You said the river incident was no accident. Why?" "I had meant to say something about that," the Prince muttered, and she gave him a small smile as well. "The reason I said such was because of the sudden feeling in the area. A very dark power...I felt it..." A shudder rippled over her frame, ever so slightly. "It was completely malicious, dangerous, and set on causing problems." She paused for a moment to let the chilly memory recede. "Now, if I may?" "Yes," the Prince said curtly, and she followed the rose outside. Once there, she gave a tiny gasp; they were high above the ground, and one could see all about the grounds. The sun's rays were dampened by some afternoon clouds, and a breeze swept across the land. Despite herself, she shivered. "Are you chilled, Lady? Your clothes are soaked," Jade asked quietly. "It will not matter once I am seeking, will it?" she said as lightly as possible; however, she sensed that it fell flat to him. "I will be fine," she added quietly, and reached for the rose. They made brief, almost electrical contact, and she quickly pulled the rose close and turned to the outside world. She moved until the edge pushed against her ribcage, and then closed her eyes and focused upon the rose. Immediately the power rose to her call, though she found it was only a fraction of what the object was capable of. She swiftly intertwined her familiarity with Serin with its seeking power, and quested out. Things went fine for the first few minutes, and she found the Lady's trail. Quick flashes of what had happened ripped through her head, and she followed them through the day, watching her Lady with growing concern. she thought, taking one precious second for herself before unfolding the rose's power all the more. It responded easily, and soon the flashes blurred. Until she was blocked. She had just watched Serin dismount for a moment when a barrier slammed down, breaking the connection. Completely. She unfolded yet more power, pushing more of herself against the barrier; it would not budge. Now her infamous Martian temper was springing up, and it supplied her with hot ki. Had she been Sailor Mars, she could've opened a channel for even more to flow. Yet she dared not risk such a bold maneuver, especially since she dimly knew that Jade was there. So she attempted to slip about it, or pick its surface, exercising more finesse in order to work. The rose, again, was surprisingly helpful, allowing her to handle her more much more skillfully than normal. She seemed on the verge of breaking the boundary... *Leave us, NOW!* slammed into her head. She let out a whimper of mind pain, and suddenly found that /Kage/ was rising. "iie," she whispered. "IIE!" Despite her protests, she felt the power beginning to take hold, even as she backed off. she recalled, There was thing she could do. Slowly, almost painfully, she let go of the rose. The mental world snapped off, and in the real one she staggered backwards, crying out softly. The rose, the first thing to unblur, hung in the air before her, power tucked away inside it once again. "Lady?" asked a voice, and she half-jumped in surprise. Quickly she realized that it was only Jade. Her body was shaking, and not just because of the sudden chill about her; within, /Kage/ snarled at her before fading away. She hugged herself, eyes down, attempting to generate a little heat. It wasn't too successful, for her teeth began to chatter, and she found her wet clothes even worse than before. Suddenly, a patch of gray appeared in her vision, and it warmly settled upon her shoulders. She clutched at it, and looked for Jade's aura; it was very close, close enough to touch her, close enough for her to taste its power. She had the feeling he was regarding her very solemnly; the jacket, she swiftly realized, was his. She pulled it closer, noting the style and red trim, and deciding it was quite sharp. And with his jacket came other things--the scent of him, a very warm note; and she found a blond hair, short, upon the shoulder. As well, it gave her his dimensions, which she swiftly measured to be of a slim, healthy male, fairly good shoulder breadth, with a near V shape. "Warmer?" he asked, voice teasing her ear. She nodded mutely, and felt him move away, plucking the rose from the air "You have quite a power, Lady Hiko," he said, turning the shape within his fingers. "I find that...interesting." "As I said, Lord Jade, training," she replied quietly, voice a little dark; /Kage/ leftovers. It seemed to faze the man none at all, and she was surprised. "Ahh, yes. Training." His word carried a sarcastic lilt not lost on her. "So, did you find her?" "Almost." "Almost?" he asked, half wondering, half sarcastic. "I was blocked, m'lord." "Same as this afternoon?" he asked, voice softening a note. "No. Benevolent, but insistent." She touched her head, and sighed. "I will have a headache later." "And several illnesses if you don't change soon," he added. "Come on, let us tell the Prince what you have seen. He will be wanting to know." "A moment," she said, pausing. She began to shrug off his jacket. "No," he said, gently brushing it back on, touch powerful yet soft. She stared at his outline once more, and could sworn he smiled. "I have many like it." So he moved away, and she took a breath and let it out in a shuddery way. she stopped herself, completely chopping away the chain of thought, taking another breath to calm herself. Reverting her face and posture back to coolness, she followed him in. The remaining people in the room--Ryu, Kishi, Arashi, and Prince--had clustered together about the middle table. Jade immediately joined them, and the Prince looked over to him...she stopped, swiftly swallowing her cry. For the Prince had removed his great cloak, and therefore stood there in his dark, flaring silks with hands, head, and feet exposed. At her entrance, Arashi looked up, and gave her a delicate smile. "It takes some getting used to," she said simply, and Hiko nodded her consent. Cautiously, she made her way over to them, sliding in next to Arashi. Here she was in a relatively comfortable position: next to Jade and Arashi, and across from the Prince. Upon the table was a three dimensional, golden form of Serin, fingers moving swiftly. However, the longer she watched, the lighter the gold image became, until it became but a fine mist of features and movement. "What did you find?" the Prince asked finally, not looking up. "Her general location, my liege, but nothing beyond that," Jade replied, "and no contact was established either." The Prince growled low in his throat, startling both her and Arashi. Both quickly regained their composure, yet the movement had been noticed. Ryu's gray aura had darkened quickly, probably with the impatience his years of accustomedness would generate. Kishi's blue-gold field wavered towards reassurance for Arashi, something which made Hiko blink twice. Jade's also acted to reassure her, though without the same hesitancy of Kishi. She felt the quick, comforting brush, and did nothing in reply; he had already seen too much of her power. "Where can this blocking be coming from?" the Prince roared out, slapping his furred hand upon the table, causing the image to wink out. "What could be causing it?" "I know not the answers to your questions, m'lord," she responded, "but I can tell you this--it is not the malevolence of before. It is, instead, some force which takes offense to being watched. That is the scope of it." "Some benevolent force, you say? But what could turn aside the magic of the rose?" the Prince wondered allowed. "Especially, I must say, the rose combined with Lady Hiko's power," Jade added. "She worked very well with it, m'liege." "Hmm...Lady, you said you had a general direction. Do you recall it?" "Of course, Lord Prince. She took the outermost trail, and at last point was," she briefly closed her eyes, "quite a ways down it, some 3000 yards or more, I believe." "So much for such a little time," he muttered. "Her horse must be closed to taxed by now." He moved away from the table, towards the formal perch in the corner of the room. "Ryu, have my horse saddled with provisions. I am going to retrieve the Lady." "Are you sure, Sire? What may be benevolent to her may decide you a threat," Ryu replied. "Plus the malicious power already at work," Jade added. The Prince kept his eyes upon the perch, and it seemed as if a curtain had been pulled away, for a black and ivory bird of falcon-like features and hawkish size appeared there. He carefully brushed a finger across its head, and tendrils of color crept from the spot, rivulets of life running down the figure. She stared, aghast, as the powerful pulse of magic bloomed for a moment within the room; Arashi looked to her with wonderment, she even feeling its touch. "I have a feeling I know this magic, my Generals and Ladies. This forest has been my home for too many years for it to keep all its secrets." He gestured for the raptor to perch, and it easily moved onto his arm, talons finding neither leather for perch no jesses for stability, and yet staying, fixing all in the room with a keen look from its deep blue eyes. The Prince did not even wince at the weight, nor the pointed talons. "Besides," he added softly, "night approaches, and she will be scared." He turned to them, adding, "And should I not make every attempt to find her?" Light returned to his eyes. "Saddle the horse, Ryu. I am going." And with that, he left the room, Ryu and Kishi following; she shivered in the breeze of their departure. Arashi turned to her, and gasped. "Hiko, you're freezing--come on, let's find you some warm wear before you catch your death. Then we'll check on the others." Just as they left, Arashi's arm wrapped about her for warmth, she felt a light touch on her aura. Looking back, she caught Jade's red, and his words: "I'll meet you there." * * * * "My Lord, someone should accompany you," Kishi said as he followed him down to the stables. Ryu had gone ahead to secure the fine dappled steed that the Prince took to the woods, leaving Kishi behind to do the talking. Both knew that to go alone after the Lady was madness; the woman had been foolish enough to go alone to try to reach those who needed her. Yet that was precisely what was causing admiration to bubble within his chest, and what he assuredly knew was on Endymion's mind. This noblewoman, this lady of some high blood, dressed herself in used clothing, and saddled her own mount! She had tacked up a horse, no gentle beast at that, with the same hands that gently sewed and wove and made excellent table arrangements. It had amazed them all, yet the Lady Arashi had not seemed fazed in the least. It had made him wonder exactly WHERE these ladies were from. he mused, He stopped the thought dead, gritting his teeth. Why, now, was he thinking of Naru? They had been just kids together, just friends, just deeply in love with each other. He remembered the pain, clear as glass, when he realized that his plans to marry her had been trashed by spells. By that lying witch woman who stand of evil... But why think of Naru, after all this time? It'd been years since he'd recalled her, years since her sweet face shadowed by that red crop of hair appeared within his mind. Yet, why now? Was it the missing Princess, or something else? He was faintly disturbed by that something else, and once again clutched the brand of Naru's pain to his heart. So it was this way that the pair eventually came to the stables, the Prince never having replied, and Kishi desperately clinging to the dull thorns of the past. Ryu waited, holding the horse's head, eyes afire. "My Lord, your horse has been saddled and provisioned with enough food for two days hard travel. He stands ready and willing for your journey." "Thank you, Ryu," the Prince replied, voice grave and eyes dark and thoughtful. Ryu moved away, and the raptor flapped from the Prince's wrist as he mounted up. He steadied his seat, and then moved out past Kishi, bird following seconds later. The man smiled. Behind the Prince's horse, tacked up and provisioned, were two dark geldings, quietly waiting for riders. "If you ever deny your Ninja heritage, Ryu..." he threatened with a smile, but Ryu did not smile back. He mounted his horse with an imperial air, one that Kishi recognized as he leapt upon his own mount. His horse snorted at him, and Ryu gave him a dark glance. "Careful," he muttered. "These our are better geldings." For a moment, a bit of sheepishness flickered across his face; that task had once fallen to he and Jade, and they had botched it more than once before it had been taken over. However, he quickly recovered, offering but a nod back. The two of them carefully walked their horses from the stable, and Ryu had them pause a moment so he could look out. He nodded back that the way was clear, and the two walked outside, still cautious. Endymion was canny; that was not in doubt, and because of it they would have to be careful. "What is wrong, Kunzite?" he asked quietly. "The Silence follows us everywhere," the man replied, adjusting a strap. "Come on." He nudged his horse into a faster walk. "Who is going to tell, Kunzite?" he spat back quickly. "The horses? Wrong breed, my friend. The ground, the trees, the air? These woman may be powerful, but none is grounded that way. I know." A bit of pain was in his voice now; Kunzite looked at him now, distaste plain on his face. "If we grow used to calling each other our real names outside, there is more of a chance that we will slip in their presence. We cannot allow this to happen." His eyes darkened. "Therefore, I am Ryu and you are Kishi." "Would it be so wrong for them to hear our names?" he sighed as they entered the woods, horses now running at a fast trot. The dust told them both that this was a sufficient speed to stay just behind Endymion's cantering horse; after all, their purpose was to shadow and assist, not appear. "They would have an advantage over us, a hold. You know that there is magic in a name." "How can there be magic in our names? They have been the same since the Trek." "I do not have all the answer's. That is Naosu's department," he replied. "I just know that there is magic in the name--and, if these girls are from Topaz, then we'd better be especially careful." "Ryu, what's wrong?" Kishi asked. "I know that you're trying to be careful, but..." he stopped, as Ryu shot him a dark look, bringing a surge of anger up inside. If he had been Jade, this session would've been much more productive. Jade was, despite their difference in personality, the closest thing Ryu had to a confidant. It seemed this castle inspired such odd pairings, for he and Naosu also had developed a strong relationship. But somehow...Jade had managed to reach Ryu in a personal way, forming a bond with the Head General that no one could touch. The only problem was that now the man was locked even deeper within himself, until he availed himself to Jade's willing ears. He stood in the rain and cared not, he let himself go without sustenance, he trained rigorously... "Ryu, please. Trust me this once," he found himself saying, drawing closer to him. "It's not that I don't trust you, Kishi. It's just that...well, there are things on my mind that I wish to mull over more before talking to...anyone. Perhaps...perhaps..." he trailed off, letting the man follow his thoughts. "Ryu, what could trouble you so much?" 'That's exactly what I was wondering." The voice sent them both whirling, and in almost a panic they halted the horses, the animals shouldering against each other. Prince, emerging from the shadows, gave them both a grim look. His dapple shook its head at them, and shame pricked at them both. "My liege," Kishi began, but he raised a gloved hand for silence. "You two need to practice your shadowing," he said. Scenting the air, he turned his darn eyes upon Kishi. "I would expect such from you, Knight of the Open," he said, and a dark flash fell over the man's face, "but you, the Gray Dragon of Shadow? No, your training--especially in those darker arts--should have told you more. Such as the need for muffling--your voice, your horses. Perhaps, you should remember as well that my ears are many times keener than they had been." He straightened, and his horse pranced past both men, each body crestfallen in its own way. "I will find the lady on my own. You two will return to the castle. Understood?" "Yes, my liege," both said quietly. "Good. Good. And if I catch anyone else shadowing me, whether by horse or by air, I will see them as hostile." He eyed them both. "Understood?" "Yes," the replied, first Ryu, then Kishi. "Very well. Carry on, then. I shall be back, by latest, tomorrow afternoon." Without waiting for affirmation, or even stopping to notice the incredulous looks they now wore, he turned his horse back to the trail and set it into a steady canter. "Anyone else feel like they were caught with a fresh tart?" Kishi sighed. Ryu looked at him, eyes almost agreeing, before urging his horse back down the trail at a hard pace. Kishi sighed, and for a moment paused, eyes glaring up at the sky. he thought. Then he spurred his horse back down the trail. * * * * Serin finally figured out well into the trail that she was lost. she thought quietly, Finally, she came to a stop, and dismounted with a heavy sigh. she thought, absentmindedly calming her unfamiliar yet willing mount. The horse had performed remarkably for his unknown rider; but, then again, perhaps she was thinking of the horse as a human again. Arashi had criticized her for it before, yet she could not help her nature. "Can I?" she asked the horse with a smile. It nudged her back, and she giggled softly. She looked about her now, and was mildly surprised. This really was a lovely spot: well-beaten trail painted with shadows, summer trees heavy with leaves and flowers, and a pleasant smell on the wind. Yet she didn't feel easy here, though to put her finger on it was almost impossible. So, still in touch with her mount, she called upon her soft abilities and reached out into the woods. The force of the forest seared through her brain, and she took a few steps back. A looming darkness seemed to spear her thoughts, and fear surged within her. When she next came to herself, she was crouched on the back of her galloping horse like a bug on a dog's neck, covered by a silver glow. As she pulled away, she blanched, for the forest whizzing by her was much older, and much nastier. As she slowed, she noted the moss clinging to the tall, almost twisted trunks, and less light was shed on the trail. This place, she realized, was so still...it felt dead. She slowed her horse more now, coming down to a walk, the animal almost panting, foam dripping from the bridle and on the coat. In horror, she realized that she had impressed upon it, making it run out of her fear. She halted the beast, tears coming to her eyes, and slipped out of the saddle. Her muscles had kinked from the clutch, and protested her movement, but she ignored it to comfort the horse. "My poor, unnamed friend," she whispered. "What have I done to you?" It stared back at her with its deep brown eyes, and such an exhaustion of spirit overwhelmed her that she felt faint. Quickly she shielded herself tightly, and then let her skillful fingers go at stripping off the tack. She got both bridle and saddle off, placing the saddle on the ground and the bridle in her saddlebag; from this, she drew a lead line, clipped it to the horse's bridle, and slowly cooled the animal down. By the time she was finished, she was hot and unsatisfied, but knowing she had done all she could for the animal, she let it graze while she sunk to the saddle. She had to avert her vision from it, though, because her eyes could easily pick out the places to be curried, and where the mane and tail needed brushing. Finally, she closed her eyes and thought of the fate that awaited her when they found her. she thought ominously, and sighed. Either way, she in a lot of trouble. She had taken off with no protection nor supplies; furthermore, she had quite nearly injured an animal of the Prince's, and may have gotten the others in trouble as well. She had let herself get carried away, and in the process, she may have lost...someone. she thought sadly. Her eyes found the darkening sky, and she shook her head. She didn't relish the prospect of spending a night beneath the stars, especially as ill prepared as she was. She had no clue whether the nights were cold or warm, and besides that, she had no food and no real survival knowledge. Furthermore, this older part of the forest gave her the creeps. She could feel the forest watching her, its eyes peering from around trunks and in the branches; the slowly darkening day gave her little hope as well. she thought with a small shiver, pulling her knees up to her chest. She reinforced her mind blocks, and took careful note of any places that seemed like good bolt holes should something appear to be a threat. Her Princessly abilities, though fairly strong for the little real training she'd actually had, would probably be ineffective; she would have to let down some of her guards for that, and the power of this forest was overwhelming. She slid from the saddle and slowly rocked herself, both because it calmed her and warmed her, and because she needed to feel safe. Still, despite this comfort, tears began to fall from her eyes, small shining tears that wet the dust on her riding clothes and the ground. she thought softly. Moments later, a squalling sound rang out through the wood. She nearly jumped through the circle of her own arms at it, and quickly looked about for any signs of danger. She could see none. Slowly, she lowered the very outermost layer of her blocks, yet nothing menacing pressed her senses. Yet, the squalling came again, and again. She timidly rose from her saddle, and furtively began to stow all she had in the brush at the side of the trail. It wasn't fun work; the trees had blocked light off except to a particular brand of spiky, tough plant that bit at her hands as she worked. Still, the cry came, and a fervency possessed her to both hide what she had and find the source of that sound. When she came back to the road, she first went to the horse, patting it and telling it softly to stay where it was. Then, she crept up the trail. The light above was dimming further now, the sky turning a peculiar dusky shade. It was peculiar to her; the two of them had been taking tea after a late lunch when Ryu had come in, and she'd only been on the trail for maybe an hour. Yet, she also reflected that time was odd about the castle, perhaps because so much magic had been imbued in it. Things darkened about here much more quickly than normal; it rained far more than it should have. Yet even this seemed a little extreme to her, and she hoped it didn't mean rain. It would be a dreadful inconvenience at a time like this. The squalls had stopped for a period, and with them she had slowed down. Suddenly, they rang out just to her left, and she jumped in fright. she wondered desperately as she edged towards that side of the trail. In her mind, she ticked off the animal cries she had heard in her lifetime, and found the list truly short. Honestly, those of the Moon really needed to get out more, or at least visit a forest like this more often. The gardens of her home, no matter how beautiful they were, were not comparable to this rugged, actual wildlife. Despite her shielding, she could feel the touch of it, throbbing with power just beyond her reach. It scared her, this power, and she cringed as a tentative step on the grass sent a wave of it winging across her mind. Yet with it came another squall, this one rising on a note that sounded painful, and resolutely she set herself. she thought as her face turned grim, brow furrowing slightly with concentration. She trailed through the woods like the ghost of some wrongly murdered woman, a pale silver lining edging her form. Her steps were small, rapid, and fluid, and as she walked, her body automatically aligned on the squalling, sometimes before it even sounded. Within four minutes time, she had arrived at a crop of bushes that shook with the noise. Briefly, she wondered what kind of thing could make such a sound, and why nothing else had heard it. In fact, the forest held nothing but silence, as if preceding death, or some great shock. Two silver hands reached out slowly, and parted the sticky bushes. As they did so, one more blast of sound went out...and then again, silence. Serin peered in, and her eyes widened. Her silver glow dissolved away, and a bird chirped loudly and off key. A wind rustled through the forest, carrying life with it. And two huge jewel eyes stared up at her from the body of a young child. "Well..." Serin muttered. The child just stared at her, hands bawled in fists, blinking once or twice. Its hair was a neatly trimmed blond that fell in spiky lengths over the ears; blue and brown swaddling were wrapped about it. But what held her attention was the eyes, those pulsating jewel eyes. They were a rich blue-green hue, tinted darker at the edges, with no pupil to be seen. The staring contest was broken when the child's foot twitched and touched a thorn. Immediately it let loose with a cry that blasted Serin several feet from the bush. All of her fears fell from her, and she quickly rushed back to the child. "I've got to get you out of there," she whispered softly to the child, reaching in. The thorns that had troubled the baby easy sliced through her clothing as well, and she winced a few times as she pulled the child out. "Heavy," she murmured as she backed away, still holding the babe. From there, she took a few tottering steps, and then fell on her butt. The child gurgled almost happily as she "oofed" and rocked a bit; however, one look into those jewel eyes of his calmed her, and she smiled back down. "I wonder who your parents are, little guy," she whispered, brushing back his hair. "They must be worried about you." The child did nothing but smile, a sort of half secret smile that told of mysteries. A glimmer of light washed over his blue eyes, and his fists opened. Immediately, a wash of tingles fell over her, and her eyes widened and trembled. Her view of him seemed to haze, and shift, until she was looking at someone completely different, someone human yet completely unlike any human at all. Yet, it only lasted a second; she blinked, and all that remained was the child, staring at her. She looked him over again, and now saw the dirt in his clothing and on his skin, and the small cuts on his hands, arms, and exposed feet and legs. Sympathy softened her heart once more, and she slowly rose, standing the child to his feet. He tottered once or twice, and she steadied him by taking his hand. "Come on," she said softly, slowly walking with the child back out to the trail. And the forest watched. The Prince slowed his mount from a canter to a trot, and dismounted once again. As the animal snorted impatiently, he picked through the dust and found, once more, the tracks of a cantering animal. He sighed impatiently, and asked, "See her yet?" "No, not a thing," answered the raptor as it alighted on the cantle of his saddle. "And the tracks?" "No change." He stood back up, brushing the dust from the tops of his pants, letting out a soft sigh. "Well, there was some backtracking done...but most of her work was at a canter." "Persistent creature, isn't she?" the bird replied, preening its feathers. "Yes," he replied quietly. "She is." The bird looked up from its preening to study him with its quiet navy eyes. "Is that hope I hear from you, Endymion? 'Twould be the delight of my eternal soul," it remarked softly. "It could be, Q'ar," he replied, using the time off his horse to tighten any straps which needed so, and check the reins, bridle, and bit. Truthfully, it had been awhile since he had been riding, and he needed to stretch the soreness in his legs. The bird sighed, a rather fluty, soft sigh. "But you still fell that she has no acceptance of your shape. Pah! Does she need to accept it to love you, to kiss you? I think not!" It puffed up in its feathers, and then added, "Of course you know, if I had any power over the spell which binds me to this form, I would've become the maiden to set you free." "I did not know that." He finished his work on the horse, and looked to the bird. "But you cannot, can you?" "Oh, don't sound so hopeful, Endymion," she replied, waving a wing at him. "This is my penance, and to be truthful, I have grown accustomed to wearing this form. Though I very much hope I do not have the same taste for small rodents that I do now." She looked up, eyes even darker. "And to you, Endymion." "Shouldn't you be calling me Prince?" "I am not bound to the Silence, Endy," she reminded him. "And I am frankly shocked that you show no emotion at all about this." "About what?" "About the fact that I am used to you, despite the fact that my senses tell me you are a dangerous beast!" Her voice shrilled at the end, and his eyes widened. "I do not see what the point is." "Of course not. And should you NEVER see what the point is, you shall NEVER win your PRINCESS!" she huffed back. Turning on the cantle, she spread her wings, and leapt into the air. A few powerful strokes brought her into the sky, with a shrill cry of, "Let's go, Endymion! See if that riding jounces your BRAIN!" He scowled to himself, and mounted onto the horse. "Ya- up!" he called out, spurring the horse forward. A few steps at a trot, and then a nice, sprightly canter, and they continued down the trail. Serin wiped her brow with a piece of her sleeve, careful to keep her eyes on the child. Achingly, they had made it through the woods back out to the road, where she had guided the young one to her "camp." she thought with a soft smile to the boy. He sat just in front of her on the road, playing happily in the dust, throwing great handfuls up in the air. She hoped it kept him busy enough for her to go find some food, and more importantly, water for the both of them. Tomorrow she would stay by the boy, hoping for his parents to come back to the spot; if they didn't, she would saddle her horse and carefully take the boy home. she thought, smiling at the little one. A frown marred her face. She sighed, and touched the beginnings of a headache between her eyes. Fortunately, at that moment, the boy turned back to her, smiling and gaily throwing a fistful of trail at her. She smiled and ducked, the dust settling upon her clothing and her hair but not in her eyes. "What?" she cooed at him. He looked at her for a moment, blinking, eyes insanely bright, and then answered her: "Hungry." It was her turn to blink now, and she asked, "Did...did you just say HUNGRY?" The boy blinked again, and repeated, "Hungry." "Oh, so you CAN talk!" she said joyously, scrambling over to him. "But...is that all you can say?" she wondered aloud, and then scooped him up. "Where are your mommy and daddy, little one? Are you lost?" He blinked once again, looking down at her arms, and then at her, before repeating, "Hungry." "I guess not, then," she said. "Well...all right. Let's go find you some food." She rose, setting the boy down on his feet, and the two of them began to make their way up the trail to find her horse. From his back, she reasoned, she could more easily identify some of the food plants she knew--the wild berries, nuts, and veggies of the forest. She didn't recall their names, but she knew them all well--she had studied them in order to talk with Topaz of plant lore. she thought quietly, somewhat sadly. Though the care given here was excellent, each day she awoke to the grim thought that this was one less day she had with her friends, and just one day more in the eternity of her stay there. Yet, she had promised, and she would never lay the blame against him; at least, so she believed. However, she still worried over her actions the day her Senshi left her. She was pulled, literally, from her thoughts when the young boy tugged on her arm. "Food," he said simply, pointing off the darkened path. "What?" "Food!" he repeated, voice more urgent now, tugging her again. She stumbled a little after the boy, and he tugged once more, nearly sending her tumbling and breaking contact with her hand. She took a few steps after him and looked into the dark once more, and then began to laugh. "No, no, that's not food," she protested gently. "That's my horse." "Food," the boy repeated, voice MOST urgent now. He walked towards the beast, and it shied away from him, into the light, still munching on a mouthful of grass. Again, he walked after the beast, no trace of toddling in his steps, saying, "Food!" The horse pranced again, letting out a small, irritated sound that the boy just ignored. The animal in turn swung towards Serin, giving her an evil eye. Quickly getting the hint, and realizing that there was a startling uneasiness to the air, she swiftly went after the boy. She had to chase him around the road a bit as he moved surprisingly well after the horse, which was clearly becoming annoyed by this little insect. Finally, with a stern, "Come here!" she grabbed onto his arm. The world spun, changed, lit into a million colors. The boy stopped dead, and looked up at her...but it wasn't a boy, it was a...just eyes, those glossy, deep eyes, jewels in his head, glowing like crazy and staring straight through her... And then, like that, it was gone, nothing but seconds wasted. She found herself staring down at the little one, breathing hard, as he regarded her curiously. "It's not food," she said again, voice softer. "I'm sorry, little one, but...no, it's not." He looked at her, jewel eyes light with the reflections of the stars above, head tilted just so. She thought he looked so cute, and yet so wise, in the same snapshot of time. He held that look of almost adult-like appraisal for a moment, and then his face broke out into a joyful baby smile. She smiled back, and relief broke over the two of them. "Come on," she whispered gently. "I saw some berries over there...want to help me pick them?" The young boy nodded gleefully, and then of them made their way over towards the bushes. However, this did not stop the boy from licking his lips as they passed by the horse. Fifteen minutes later, they sat on the trail again, Serin sifting through the nuts and berries she and the child had collected as he watched her curiously. The stars were out in full force now, and though the air was humid, only the smallest of clouds lingered. She picked out two more nuts, and gave them to the child, who was already smeared with berry blood. she thought, shuddering at the image in her mind. Looking up again, she wondered why he did not play in the trail dust once more, why he persisted in staring at her. It was like when Luna was mad at her, and she sat there on her perch and stared at her for hours on end, the uneasiness punishment enough. The thought made her smile, and she ate one of the nuts herself. They were soft, and quite bitter, but they were quickly filling both her and the child. Besides, she knew they weren't poisonous, though their name had fled her mind. she thought, giving the boy the last in her hand and starting on the rest of the berries in her skirt. The child suddenly let out a swift sound, a soft "Goo!" that spoke of happiness. She smiled at him, but he caught her eye and pointed. she wondered, letting her eyes follow his finger. The moon had come out now, its argent light having been hidden by the remaining wisps of clouds and the thick trees that they were near. She looked up at it wistfully, and automatically tears came to her eyes. "Oh Mother," she whispered softly, then looked back to her skirts, wiping her eyes with one stained hand. "Mother, I hope you're okay." When she looked up again, the child was staring at her, a look most quizzical, almost worried, upon his face. She smiled and brushed her eyes again, trying to avoid the questions that lay in his jewel eyes. Yet, she couldn't, and soon found herself telling him her story. His face shifted to a solid listening stance as she outlined how she and her guard had come to the castle, and the adventures of the past four days. "And now you've pointed out the Moon, and I am afraid...well, I miss my Mother, little one." She let a small smile slip through. "As you must, dear child. So, you see, I understand it." The child looked at her, and now suddenly he was most solemn, barely a twinkle staining his eyes. And he opened his mouth, and said very clearly, "Yes." The world rocked about her again, and before she knew it she was lying face down in the dirt, balance thrown off, berry juice and nut meat staining the front of her clothing. She let out a small cry, and pressed her hands into the dirt, trying to rise; at that moment, sharp pains snapped at her from her hands, and she let out a gasp--the thorn wounds had reopened. Still, she pushed herself up, she had to see the child... Yet she could not. "No," she whispered. "No! I will not..." She looked about her, and a wave of nausea splashed against her as the world swirled and fluxed, warping and spinning and weaving in and out. She closed her eyes and hunched up, fighting it off hard; then, with her eyes closed, she began to search for the boy. "Child! Little one!" she called out, embarrassment rising that she had not learned his name. Her hands sifted through the dust in front of her, but it only overturned crushed berries and nuts and more dust. And still, even in the world behind her eyes, she felt dizzy and unsettled, all of her senses freaking out and everything was exploding all about her... She tilted back her head to scream, and involuntarily her eyes came open. And within their view was the Moon. It almost seemed as if a ray of the silver-white light shot directly from the orb itself, and enveloped her. Swiftly, the world steadied about her, and she swayed to her feet. Silver flowed around her in currents of undeniable magic, and a dim crescent moon appeared upon her forehead. Her feet left the ground as the silver cascade grew stronger, the light about her glistening with rainbow flecks of color. Most importantly, strength and serenity flooded through her; it dried her tears as it gently reassured her mind. The silver flow narrowed to a thin line, and then snapped off completely, allowing her to float to the ground. Her crescent moon flickered away again, and the warm power about her slowly faded away, leaving her physically and mentally comforted. "Thank you, Mother," she whispered. Though the woman had not spoken to her, she had felt her distinctive touch about her, as if to say that all was all right. For a few moments, she stood contentedly there, letting her mind relax in a warm moment. However, the thought of the missing child rose again, and she let her good mood fall away. Looking about, she called out once more, "Little one!" "Lady." She froze; the voice was not that of a child, but the mellow tones of a nearly grown male. Slowly, quietly, she turned about, and her eyes flew wide as they set upon a young man sitting cross-legged on the trail. His body was lean, elbows upon knees; his clothes were of an twined blue and brown, each thread glistening with a soft, unknown light. His hair was the same neatly trimmed yet spiky blond; however, his eyes were somehow more fantastic now than they had been, their jewel-like depths falling even deeper than before, the hues richer in the starlight that lay within. Yet it was not the sudden appearance of this strangely similar creature that shocked her. It was the delicately tipped ears that carefully pierced through the blond hair that caused her to gasp. And all about her, the shadows twitched, and moved, eyes winking out of the darkness, all of brilliant jewel shades such as the young man's. And many more people, male and female, all dressed in clothing of shining threads, and all with delicately pointed ears, came out of the wood. Q'ar screeched just as Prince felt the change in the air. He slowed his horse to a stop, and the raptor stooped down, easily catching herself before it did damage to anything on the ground. "You feel it?" he asked. "There is...the scent of magic is all about us. There is...more as well...something indefinite..." She squawked, frustrated. "My words do not work! I cannot put magic in simple phrases!" "Calm yourself, Q'ar, or I will," Prince replied darkly. "I don't like your tone." "You don't have to," he replied, turning away and checking the tracks. He had barely glanced at them when he stood up and spun about, eyes midnight blue fire. "Did you know of this?" "What?" "Her horse has gone to a gallop! The pace is hard for the beast--that I can tell--but the scent about it is fear." He came closer. "Is there danger, Q'ar?" "Potent magics, I could say. But danger? I cannot tell," replied the raptor carelessly, turning away from him. She glided to the ground and hopped over to the tracks, Prince kneeling to join her. "Ahh...yes, there is much magic here! Yet...well, this is strange!" "What is it, Q'ar? Tell me!" His voice was rough, more growl than true speech. "The magic within is different from that which we both feel now. Which means..." "Malevolent?" "Heavens no, Endymion! Now be patient!" "I...have...no...patience!" he gritted back. "Get some, quickly," she snapped back, "for I have to do some work over these tracks to know if the magic was within or without." "You cannot tell?" "I CAN tell, and will, if you would just shutup." He fell silent, nostrils flaring, tail wisking pathetically about his legs. He padded back to his horse, and stroked its neck, soothing the jittery creature. It wasn't just the ride, but the forest as well; the deeper one went, the more potent an effect it had on you. He knew well; he would occasionally forage in these forests, and the animal within him would subside, as if the magics of this place could subdue that of the witch woman that had put him in this state. His fists clenched at the thought of her; he had not let his mind wander that path for awhile. She had seemed so familiar somehow... "Ahh!" "What?!" he demanded, at her side in a silent flash. She gave him what he assumed would be a smirk, and then gestured with her wing. "The magic is within," she pronounced. "Very gentle, but more potent than I've ever felt and...well, it has a certain foreign quality to it that's very intriguing." "It is Serin, then," he muttered to himself, eyes glittering coldly. "Come, Q'ar, back on the trail." "I cannot." "What?" he demanded. "I am...an exile," she replied, hesitantly rubbing her head against her wing. "And this is too close to the land of..." But Endy was mounted and speeding away before she could finish. Serin was horrified as the people emerged, and she swayed slightly, all the warmth of just seconds before vanishing from her veins. she thought. "Calm down, Lady Serenity. You are in no danger here," said a smooth voice, which emanated from a brown haired figure with satin brown eyes that twinkled pleasantly. "You...you know me?" "How could our People not know the Princess of the Moon?" replied the young man, who took the hand of the woman and stood. "But...but you're of this planet!" "We are the Others, Lady Serenity," said another voice now, and from the crowd detached a dark haired, silver eyed figure. "We know." So, it had finally been said: these were the famed and infamous Others of Earth, the peoples of the land, the sea, the air, the plants...the peoples who would help kind travelers, and kill those who sought harm for their domain. There was no reliable description of them, behind the fact that all had slightly pointed ears and great, great magic. The berry juice that stained her clothing and mouth and hands now burned like fire, and she could feel her stomach churn. Had they come to hurt her...no, they had said no danger. And she would believe the words of the Others; they were always pure, and good, and just... The three out of the crowd began to chuckle, and a ripple of it spread through the peoples about her as well. "We are not angels, Serenity," the brown haired woman laughed. "Just different." "We have our problems, too," the man added. "That...I understand," she whispered. "Are you all right, Lady?" the blond asked, moving closer. "Oh yes...I just...well, I was frightened. And I still must find the boy," she replied quietly, her body and mind and soul slowly adjusting to their differentness. she thought, letting her eyes close. Suddenly she felt her body skew away from her mind, and heard the cry of "Lady!" as she swayed upon her feet. Her eyes flew open as the world swirled; yet, before she could fall, strong hands caught her, and jewel eyes peered at hers. Slowly she was lowered to the ground, both thankful and terribly embarrassed. "Again, Lady, are you all right?" the blond asked once more, and she felt herself blushing. "Yes...oh, I am sorry! I must confess, I am a but overwhelmed by you all," she replied, sitting up. The blond man still held her, close to her, stabilizing her with gentle hands and lighter, softer eyes. "It is not unexpected," said the darker haired lady, voice soft. "Especially..." and she trailed off. "Oh no! I am not a weakling!" she burst out, and then covered her mouth, stunned. "Oh dear." The three did not reproach her, but smiled gently. "We know, Lady," he said. "After all, we have never had a woman of the Moon before." "How do you know my heritage?" "Aor's presence here was not just to test you, Lady, but to.." "Aor? Is that the boy?" she asked quickly. "Where..." "I am the boy, Lady. I masked my form from you," replied the blond man, now Aor. "We had to know if you here fro good, or evil, for although we can read your minds, it is hard to know your intentions. And once we found that you were not of this world..." "How could you tell?" Worry filled her eyes and voice. "You need not be concerned that they will figure you out, Lady," the brown haired lady replied. "It is an aspect of our People that we are able to tell what your magic is and where is originates from." She leaned back. "Of course, it is not fun, as you've see." "You mean, when the world went crazy...that was you?" she asked, looking at Aor. He gave her a frank smile. "Yes, and the others in the woods assisted and recorded your reactions. It told of us the strength and nature of your magic--which is incredible, I must say--but it was your own reaching out that told us your location." "Oh...you mean my power from the Moon?" she asked, pushing herself up more. Aor automatically let her go, falling back to sitting with his legs crossed as she straightened herself and her skirts. "But I didn't reach for it--it just came." "Sign of strong magics, Lady," the brown haired woman replied. "You should find someone to train you soon." "Yes...well, you know my current predicament," she said softly. "That we do," the dark haired woman said, sitting as well. "By the way, my name is Iyr, and this is Aor and Res. We speak for our sect of the Others, that which looks after this forest and those it touches." "Very, very nice to meet you," she replied. "As it is you," Iyr replied. She settled herself better, than turned her silvery eyes upon her in a more serious tone. "As to your predicament, please, do not feel that you are trapped within that castle. You are needed there, Serenity, in a way that supersedes duty." "The Prince, as you call him, is one of our Favored ones," Aor broke in. "Our sect cares about him a lot. He is the last of his current line." "The last? But, what line is that?" "You know already, my dear," Res said quietly, smiling at her with her lips and eyes. "We cannot tell you what you know." Serenity looked between the three, then looked down at her hands. "What has happened to him? His form...who could've done this?" she pleaded, looking up again. "It was an unjust charge," Aor said. "Yet there was nothing we could do. It will end up right," Iyr said. "Perhaps," Res said. "Remember the cracked glass, Iyr. Remember it all rests on her heart." Serenity's eyes widened. "My heart? But...why on my heart?" "Ask him of his curse, as your Senshi will ask of his Generals." "My Senshi?! Are they all right?!" she burst out. "I mean...that's why I came out here, you know." "Yes, we know. And I believe they are all fine, though they will find their paths as hard as yours." "What? Hard?" she gasped out, alarm flashing over her features. "It will be explained to you, Lady. Calm yourself," Res said, laying a gentle hand upon her arm. "But..." "Lady, we cannot say anymore, because it is quite likely we don't know anymore," Aor replied. "Or, at least, we cannot say anymore, because it would endanger everything," Res added. She nodded, eyes thoughtful. "You three...you sound a lot like the Time Guardian. Pluto," she said quietly. Their eyes widened, and they exchanged looks. A low murmur ran through the crowd. "Lady, you are perceptive," Iyn whispered. "There is rumored Plutonian blood within...and we do follow her adherents." "It has been a long time since we have seen her, though," Res said quietly. "Perhaps, if you do return, you would tell her that...we wish an audience?" "I will do my best," she replied. "There is another thing we must discuss, Lady," Aor began. "Is it necessary?" Iyn asked suddenly. "He could be displeased." "It is the law, oh Compassionate one," Res broke in, a gentle smile upon her face. Her glance then fell to Serin, and she said, "We need your horse." "My horse? But, you don't seem to need to ride upon..." Soft chuckles ran through the woods, and all three smiled quietly. "We don't need it to ride, Lady," Iyn began. "It is the custom..." "We're hungry, actually," Aor burst in, ignoring the looks from his companions. Serin's eyes widened. "You...you eat horse?" "It is a delicacy among our people, and quite rare. It is also the Price for allowing you onto our lands," Res replied, a reassuring smile on her face. "Don't worry, Lady, we're quite humane about it. It's not a bloody death, just a quite putting to sleep," Iyn added gently. When Aor and Res looked at her oddly, she protested, "Hey, what else can I say?" "It is all right," Serin whispered. "I just find it hard to think that you would eat horse." "Actually, the horse is very good for you," Iyn began, but the others gave her a dark look, and she quieted. "I believe you," Serin replied. "Take it...I will deal with the Prince." Suddenly, a loud clatter fell over the ears of the group, Serin wincing away from the sound. Rustlings and less eyes in her vision told her the others were moving away; the three exchanged glances, and then stood. "We must go, Lady," Aor said. "Favored or no, it would not behoove the Prince to see us," Iyn added. "Nor, perhaps, for us to see him," Res added. She paused for a moment, and raised her nose as if to sniff the air. "Besides, he has the scent of that traitor about him." "Traitor?" she asked as they began to move away. "We have our problems too, Lady Serenity," said Res in a whispery voice. "Good-bye." The note of her voice was held, and the two others blended in with it, creating a gorgeous chord on the breeze. "I hope to see you again." "You may," Iyn said. "Speak to the wood, if you need..." but her words were lost to the forested shadows. As they vanished, the soft fog that had come with them began to dissipate, and it was lit by a sudden burst of argent moonlight. And this was how the Prince saw Serin as he rode up: a figure sitting upon the ground, swathed in shimmering silver mist. He slowed his horse to a walk as her approached, his eyes wide as he gazed upon her beauty, so magnified by nature. It was at this time that, for one instant, the Prince's heart stopped, the magic about him wavering a bit. It was also at this instant that the Sorceress looked up from her spells and wards, scowling, as she realized something had happened. Upon the Moon, Queen Selenity sat up a little straighter her, a strange feeling tickling the back of her mind. He walked his animal forward, looking down upon her. The animal's hoof was barely inches from her when he stopped and dismounted, walking into the soft light to stand over her frame. Now he could see the dust caked upon her hair, and front of her clothing mottled with fresh stains of berries-- the scent of it was strong upon her, along with nuts--and the travel weariness on her features. Still, when she tilted back her head to look up at him, light blue eyes melding with the silver power he felt, he found that time suddenly seemed to stop, and was concentrated completely in those soothing yet empowered eyes. The softness that now bit at him irked him, for what this woman had down was inexcusable. Truly so. And so he ordered in a rough tone, "Get up." "My Lord Prince..." "Get up, Lady Serin, before I drag you up," he said, teeth gritted. "Yes, m'lord," she replied quickly, turning her down from his and slowly pulling herself to a regal stand, though her body was a little more slumped than a royal posture would allow. Softness once again welled inside him, and he snarled softly as he pushed it down. "Are you troubled, m'lord?" she asked, voice very soft. "Troubled? Oh, no, no, no Lady, not troubled at all! Why should I be troubled when in one day, two women are injured and one runs away? No, I am not troubled by that in the least," he replied, voice low and seething with conjured anger. "Two ladies? Oh my Lord, how...?" "Had you stayed, you would've known, perhaps been able to help them all the more. Instead, you were out here, causing trouble instead of fixing it," he slashed back in reply. Serin flinched visibly, and her posture slumped all the more, eyes beginning to water. she thought helplessly. The Prince looked upon her form now, and softness came into his eyes. He realized he had pushed it for her--her who'd been out riding most of the day, and had been stranded in this far section of forest, a place most people wouldn't have attempted in daylight, much less at night. He struggled over his actions for a moment, then took a small breath, and reached up with one finger. "Are you...all right?" he asked, lifting her chin softly, dismayed to see the tracks of bright tears upon her face. "Yes," she replied with a sniff, wiping the water away with the heel of her hand and taking a small breath. "I mean...I am not injured at all..." He suddenly caught her hand, and extended her arm, his touch so soft upon it. The moonlight laid bare the small cuts and scratches she had received that evening, and she gasped at how red some of them were. "No injuries, m'lady?" he asked, voice soft and very, very low. "I am sorry...please forgive me, m'lord, but...I forgot about this," she replied, voice wavering as she honestly tried to convince him that she had. Truth be told, they still itched a little, but..."I had to pick my dinner, and in some cases, it was well guarded," she added. "These do not look like the scrapes of any thorned berry bushes I know, nor any of the nuts I smell upon you," he replied, voice even. "Please, m'lord, I am tired. I shall..." she looked down, feeling a sense of loss, and suddenly longing for her home very much. "I mean, I..." It suddenly struck him the immensity of this woman, of what she had gone through, and now he was interrogating her on the spot when all she wanted was some food and warm drink, or perhaps just a warm bed. Shame flooded his veins, and he dropped her hand as if he had been burned. "I am sorry, Lady. I forget the late hour," he said stiffly. "Now, get your horse and things, and we shall ride back together." She turned away for a moment, then stiffened. He noticed, and asked, "Lady?" "Um...m'lord, I believe the horse is gone." "Gone?" he asked, voice rising to an angrier register. She turned back, face resigned. "Yes, m'lord. You see, I..." He waved an impatient hand. "Never mind! Just see if there's any tack left, and we'll ride double home. I hope you don't mind killing the horse, though." Peculiarly, he didn't pick up her sudden wince. She return with only the halter and bridle, for the saddle had disappeared along with the animal. The Prince grumbled at her for it, and she took it carefully, inside wishing she could've disappeared with the Others. However, as she handed the tack to him, their hands meet a few times, and it seemed to both that the tension lowered with every contact. Finally, she mounted up behind him, unsteady in the back of the saddle as she adjusted her skirts. "You'd better hold on tight," he rumbled. "Ahh...yes," she whispered, and swiftly he thin arms encircled his waist, her grip tight upon him. he thought as he clicked gently to the horse, And neither had she.