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Tempus Vernum	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1527 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I'm making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
- 3
Chapter 2

Ludwig made his way out to the churchyard cemetery, pulling the cloak tightly around him. The graveyard was empty of anyone, man or fairy. Ludwig stepped cautiously around the stone, looking up, down, and all around. The only thing he could see was the moon and stars, until he heard a strange sound coming from behind a tombstone. Raising a blonde brow, Ludwig carefully tip-toed over the tomb, gripped the top, and swiftly looked behind it hoping to catch a glimpse of something. Yet there was nothing there. He frowned but then let out a yelp as something landed on his head. It was an apple that had somehow fallen from the sky and landed on his head. He rubbed the top of his head and looked around, but once again couldn't find the source.

"Keseseseseseee!"

'That sound again!' Ludwig stood up and looked all around before finally looking up. But there was nothing. 'I must be losing my mind.' He looked up again when he heard a soft ringing like that of a bell. 'Is it really a fairy?' Ludwig went to move, but suddenly toppled forward and hit the ground face first. "WHAT THE-?" He looked back at his feet to see that someone had tied the leather laces together, forcing him to trip. Ludwig dug his nails into the cold ground, growling low. 'It is a fairy. A mischievous little fairy.'

"Hey there!"

Ludwig flipped himself around so he could hopefully see who was making the sounds. His laces were still tied together and he moved to untie them when it started to snow…but only around him. "What?" Slowly, he tilted his head upwards to see the same Winter Fairy from last night sprinkling snow on him with just pale fingers. "You!"

"Keesesese!" Gilbert smirked. "I guess you're the type who can't take a joke?"

Ludwig frowned and went back to untying his laces. "No wonder children like fairies so much. They act just like them!" He fumbled with the triple knot. 'This is ridiculous!'

"We're just having a little bit of fun!"

Gilbert floated down and knelt on the ground in front of Ludwig. Blue eyes stared at him, and then a soft pink flush appeared along the bridge of Ludwig's nose. Gilbert, unable to let a blushing monk go, chose to crawl towards him. With the laces tied together, Ludwig's knees were spread but were covered by the robes. Gilbert placed his hands on either side of Ludwig's hips and leaned forward, noses nearly touching. He smiled at the blonde man's deepening blush, yet the monk wouldn't move away. Gilbert couldn't help but want to see how far he could get with a monk.

"Those blue eyes of yours are beautiful, Ludwig." He whispered against the other man's lips.

Ludwig's body was frozen and his heart was pounding, yet he knew the wisest thing to do was run or turn his head. Instead, he found his eyes glancing over Gilbert's shoulder to see only a hint of a deep curve in his lower back. Even though Gilbert was a Winter Fairy the body was warm near his own. The snowy, frost-like wings simmered in the moonlight, which only helped to make the rest of him sparkle. And those pink eyes…unlike anything he had ever seen. Ludwig feared he could get lost in those eyes and never want to return. He started to wonder if any other part of him was pink color, like his nipples or nether regions. It was those two thoughts that helped to snap him out of his forbidden fantasy. He slid himself away from Gilbert.

"I'm sorry, but I think I may have given you the wrong idea."

Gilbert smirked and shimmied his wings, which made the sound like that of a bee. "Oh no, I have the right idea!" He snickered. "Don't worry, we fairies rarely interact with humans so intimately." He jumped and perched on top of a grave marker. "I'm just wondering what makes you different from all other humans? How is it that you can see us in full fairy form?"

"That I don't know." He finally finished untying his shoes. "But I must ask you something. The young boy I had in the woods yesterday, Daniel, has become very ill. Is there any way you can help him? Can you make him better?"

Gilbert's joyous expression changed to a solemn one and he folded his wings down along his back. "I'm afraid I can't help you with that, Ludwig. That boy's fate is sealed. You've seen the phantom dog…and know its meaning."

Ludwig stood up slowly. "I see. So there's…nothing you can do?"

"I can't do anything, but I know someone who might!" Gilbert grinned and opened his wings again. "You'll just have to come with me to the fairy realm!"

"The fairy realm? But, I'm a human. How can I possibly go into another realm and world?"

"Oh, you can! You just need to have a fairy with you! So, are you brave enough to go?"

Ludwig gave it a moment's thought but easily came to the decision that he would, for Daniel. "Alright, I'll go. But you must promise that nothing will happen to me while I'm there. I need to be able to return to this realm. I am not a fairy; I'm human."

"Well understood! Now follow me! Let's see if we can save that little boy!"

Gilbert bent forward and blew out a puff of white snow that slipped under Ludwig's feet to lift him from the ground. The monk waved his arms to keep his balance, but Gilbert just grabbed his hand to steady him. Gilbert pulled him along the ground, slowly picking up speed as they approached the forest. He looked back to see that Ludwig had closed his eyes, but otherwise was not making any sound. Gilbert flew them into the woods and around the trees, darting between the trunks. "Keep your eyes opened, Ludwig! You're not going to want to miss this!"

Ludwig peeked one eye opened first, and then the other just in time to duck a tree branch. Up ahead of them he could see a massive green cloud of mist sparkling with golden light. It became brighter as they drew nearer, and Ludwig found himself closing his eyes once again from the light. But he knew they had entered into it because he could feel the thick mist against his face. He became overwhelmed with earthy fragrances, from leaves to dirt to flowers. Daringly, Ludwig opened his eyes to the green mist just as they broke through to the other side; and his breath caught in his throat. He wouldn't have believed it if he didn't see it right now and right before his eyes.

"Welcome to the Light Fairy Court realm, Ludwig!" Gilbert stopped them in the sky, holding his arm out to let Ludwig take in the sights.

The air was alive with flying fairies zooming and weaving around one another. Trees so wide and large that their canopies disappeared up into the clouds. They were like giants, bigger than half of the Emerald Fields and four times as tall. It would seem that he could pile up at least twenty Emerald Fields on top of each other to meet half the height. There were other trees of average size, each covered in green foliage and colored flowers. Thousands of houses and bridges connected all of the trees together, stretching as far as he could see. It was just like the pictures in storybooks and artwork. There were even houses up in the sky planted on top of clouds! Further past the fairy city were forests like his own yet he had to wonder if what inhabited it was different?

"Isn't it awesome? This is where I live!"

"It's…quite a sight." He was still in awe of the place.

"Come, we have work to do!"

Gilbert pulled the human along with him through the fairy traffic, ignoring the gasps and looks he received from the others. They were all looking at the human he had trailing behind him and soon the news would spread like wildfire. Gilbert would have to keep Ludwig extra close to him should any fairy attempt to snatch him for themselves. He looked back to check on his monk, who's blonde head was looking all around with opened mouth awe. 'Just wait until he sees the palace!' Gilbert continued to the Fairy Court Castle.

To get to the castle one had to travel under a long trellis of flowers and vines. The trellis tunnel was wide enough to fit two average carriages comfortably side by side. Once through the trellis they came upon the castle wall and drawbridge. Gilbert flew them up and over it to the castle courtyard, stopping for a moment to let Ludwig view the grounds. "I bet this is more beautiful than anything you've seen in your city!"

Ludwig nodded silently for Gilbert was right. The Fairy Castle courtyard was twice as large as his own temple grounds in the human realm. The walks were perfectly paved with stone lined with green hedges. Various statues, from animals to fairies, were placed in designated spots. Ludwig also counted three fountains with the largest one being in the middle of the grounds. There was even a pond dotted heavily with lily pads and filled with colorful fish. Ludwig noticed how few trees there were, but the ones that were there blossomed fully with flowers. Flowers were everywhere here, it would seem. Gardens everywhere, from big to small. Then, his eyes finally set upon the front of the castle, which was built into a mountainside or a very massive hill. He figured the castle was inside the mountain, since the rest of it was covered in flowers.

"It's magnificent." Ludwig breathed out. "It doesn't even seem real."

"Oh, it's real all right! We'd best go in now so you can meet the king and queen!"

Ludwig gazed at him. "King and queen? But I'm not dressed to meet royalty." What was he saying?

"You're human. Trust me, no one is going to care." Gilbert pulled him down to the main front steps of the castle. He took the cloud away from under Ludwig's feet and flashed him a smirk. "You can walk from now on."

"Very well." Ludwig followed the other up the stairs, swallowing hard as he wondered what sights would greet him when he walked through that large door. Two fairy guards stood in front of the door yet had no weapons, only light armor. The guards looked at him, one with a cold stare and the other with surprise.

"Why is there a HUMAN here, Gilbert?" Asked the first guard.

"Relax, he's not here because of anything bad. This guy can actually SEE fairies in full form! We just need to see the king on a very important matter."

The second guard leaned forward to examine Ludwig closely. "This human is a monk. Just what is your business here?" Ludwig looked at Gilbert to answer.

"That's for the king or queen to hear, not you. Tell the king that I am here with a human and we wish to see him." He smirked. "I'm certain he'll let us in."

"Wait here." The second guard flew inside while the first guard continued to glare at Ludwig. The three men stood in rigid silence until the fairy guard came back out. "The king is eagerly awaiting you and your human. Head in."

Gilbert smirked and took Ludwig's hand in his own, pulling him past the guards and into the castle door. Ludwig had never been inside a real castle before but has seen pictures in books. He looked up and all around at the numerous tapestries portraying various fairies in forms of battle or magic. Between the tapestries, green foliage or moss draped down from the ceiling. Around each stone pillar were climbing vines of roses; many, many roses. Though the floor was solid stone, some areas were left open to the dirt so plant life could grow. Gilbert continued to pull him through the main walk of the castle and the heavy scent of the flowers were beginning to give him a headache. The halls all appeared to be the same with plant life and stone, until they passed through a room lined with marble statues. Ludwig looked at each one as they passed, taking in how each fairy statue was either a warrior or a philosopher. He never would have thought that fairies possessed such things as war and battles. Were they more like humans than he thought?

Just when Ludwig had thought he'd seen every sight imaginable, nothing prepared him for the grand entrance to the throne room. The room might as well be a garden for everything inside was pure flora. The walls were covered in vines and moss, like a building left unattended for years. The ceiling hung heavily with strands of wisteria of purple, pink, and white. More roses lined the main carpeted walk which led to the dais. Behind the dais was a gentle cascading water wall that poured over an arch above the thrones. The water continued straight down until it flowed through the marbled waterways which lined the main walk as well, but in front of the rose bushes. Even the thrones were made of woven branches, and upon them sat the fair king and queen. Ludwig met the king's curious stare, and then noticed the other fairies in the court looking at and whispering about him. He took a deep breath.

"My lord and lady, I have come here today to present you with the human who can see fairies!" Gilbert said loudly. "This is Ludwig Beilschmidt, a holy monk of the religious order that worships our founding Green Mother! I would say he is most welcomed here."

"Perhaps." Said the king, looking slightly unimpressed. "Welcome to my court, Ludwig. I am King Roderich of the Light Fairy Court and realm. This my wife, Queen Elizaveta- " she cleared her throat "pardon. Warrior Queen Elizaveta of the- "

"Same as him." She said with a giggle, and Roderich gave her a narrowed glare.

"Now then, human monk, it would seem that Gilbert has brought you here for a reason. I hope the reason is a good one?"

Gilbert gave a quick bow. "It is, your highness." He nudged Ludwig forward. "Go ahead and ask."

Ludwig looked up at the royal couple staring down at him and suddenly he felt small. Yet he took a breath and bowed before speaking. "There is a little boy who lives at my temple that has grown deathly ill. He had run off into these woods last evening chasing after fairies. When I found him he was shivering…and I happened to cross paths with the phantom black dog. Now the boy is sick, an innocent orphan boy who deserves a chance to live a full life. The sighting of the black beast has proven that this boy is ill and will not survive. Gilbert spoke to me and said that he might know of someone who could help save him."

Elizaveta looked at Roderich who was stroking his chin. "Roderich?"

"It was very brave of you to come all this way in hopes of saving an innocent child. But I fear even I cannot intervene with fate." The king saw Ludwig's shoulders slump and gave a deep sigh. "Perhaps there is another way."

"Another way, sir?" Ludwig was hopeful again.

"Hm. Yes, there may be another way, yet I must think on it for a bit." He stood up and motioned for Elizaveta to do the same. "Come wife, let's discuss this in private. Knights! See to it that Gilbert and his human friend are taken care of until we call on them again."

Gilbert leaned in to whisper to Ludwig. "See those two blondes over there? Those are Fair Knights. They are All-Season fairies, meaning they aren't connected to just one season. The shorter one with the grumpy face is Knight Vash, first in command of the fairy army and the other is Knight Berwald, second in command. They're both fairly strict and slightly annoying, but aren't too bad. You'll know what I mean when you meet them." The two knights came over.

"Greetings. I am Knight Vash, first in command of the Light Fairy Court Army."

"I am Berwald. Second in command. Hi."

Ludwig was unsure of just how to respond to the two stoic men looking at him, so he returned the same expression. "Hello."

Gilbert just rolled his eyes with a 'tsk'. "Boring one and boring two, this is boring three." He mocked all three of them.

"Don't mind us." Said Vash flatly. "We tend to ignore lesser fairies." Gilbert gave him an angry, open-mouthed glare. "Follow us, we'll take you to the dining hall where the king and queen will meet back with you shortly."

/

Ludwig sat at the large golden table filled with food from fruits to plants and even flowers. He wasn't quite hungry at the moment because he was still fearing for Daniel's life and health. The royal couple seemed to be taking a long time to discuss whatever they needed to. Gilbert had his feet up and crossed on the table, throwing berries into the air and catching them in his mouth. Ludwig frowned at Gilbert's table manners, especially when the fairy held the goblet high above his face to pour the white drink in his mouth. Droplets splattered everywhere as Gilbert made obnoxiously loud gulping noises. The seductively beautiful Winter Fairy was showing a side of himself that Ludwig disapproved of…but he was forgiven. Ludwig found himself stealing glances at Gilbert's gorgeous form, then silently scolding himself for thinking of such forbidden thoughts. Sexual relationships of any kind were forbidden in his realm, and Ludwig was certain that human and fairy was equally forbidden, if not more! But what a stunning creature Gilbert was…and how that white form had crawled over him…trying to bring their lips into a-

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Ludwig." The voice of the king broke through his dirty thoughts, and of that he was grateful. "My queen and I have thought of a solution to your problem." Roderich held the chair out for Elizaveta to seat before taking his own. "Let us eat first." With a clap of his hands, the room was filled with serving fairies carrying covered trays of food.

When Ludwig received his plate and its contents were presented, he hesitated to touch it. There was nothing abnormal or unsightly about the food before him. Some mixed vegetables and berries, along with a piece of what could only be meat. A goblet of white liquid was poured and handed to him, but all Ludwig could do was look down at it suspiciously.

"Ludwig, is there something you dislike about my food and hospitality?" Asked Roderich with a frown.

Gilbert kicked Ludwig under the table, nearly making the man spill his drink.

"Oh, no sir, not at all. It's just…"

"Just what?" Roderich narrowed his eyes.

Ludwig sighed. "It's just that…growing up, I've always been told stories about fairies. Many stories and myths. I remember one where…a human child at the food of the fairies and was forever stuck within their realm. He was never allowed to see his friends or family again."

Everyone present in the room was silent, and then, everyone began to laugh. Ludwig looked around at all of them, confused, and Gilbert was laughing the loudest. Elizaveta was the first to regain her composure and speak to him.

"How very amusing, Ludwig! It's amazing how stories are passed down and developed over time." She smiled sweetly at him. "But I can assure you that our food holds no such power. You may find it a bit different to taste than your human food, but I promise you that there is no spell or magic placed upon it."

Gilbert smirked. "Or IS there?" Elizaveta threw a berry at him.

"You may not like the drink," started Roderich "but you must give it a try. It's a special type of flower nectar; one that is only found within our realm and only fairy hands can grow and nurture it. No human has ever been able to have its taste upon their lips. Please, have a taste."

Ludwig looked at the liquid in the goblet, and then up at everyone who was staring at him. Still fearing for Daniel's safety, the monk brought the goblet to his lips and took a sip. The nectar was like liquid velvet tickling down his throat and warming his belly. He moved the cup away from his mouth to look at it with wide blue eyes. The drink was delicious! And he found himself suddenly drinking a lot more. The fairies were amused.

"See? No harm done!" Gilbert slapped Ludwig on the back.

"Yes. Now then, on to your child friend." Roderich gingerly began to cut up his vegetables, perfectly poised without a hair out of place. Upon debate with my wife, the two of us have come to a conclusion about the health of this child. While we do not have the magic or power to stop fate, there is one fairy that may be able to counter it."

Elizaveta continued. "He is King Arthur of the Dark Fairy Court. They are our enemies."

"Dark Court?" Ludwig swallowed. "Just what makes them dark? What does this King Arthur do?"

"We've been at war with their court for centuries." Said Gilbert. "There is sacred ground in the human realm that both courts have been fighting over to obtain. Neither side has ever won, and during each battle there is always a stand-still."

"Sacred ground?" Ludwig repeated, and then turned to the king. "Your highness, this young child mentioned something about this 'sacred ground'! Was there an ancient battle fought on this holy land where many fairies and other beings died?"

Everyone was silent, and then Roderich answered. "You speak true. When did your child say this?"

"The day before he chose to run away. He said that…some fairies had told him to tell my temple men not to expand our orchards come next spring for it runs into the fairy holy land."

"Did he say which fairies said this to him?" Elizaveta asked, her face a mask of concern.

"No, he didn't. So the rest of you have no idea who these fairies, or fairy, is that has been speaking to this child? And luring him away in the night?"

Roderich and Elizaveta looked at one another, and then Roderich motioned for Vash to come over. "What say you, commander?"

Vash cleared his throat. "It sounds like something of the Dark Court Fairies, your grace. Keeping the humans from expanding onto that holy land is the only common ground we share as fairy folk."

"Hm…you are right." Roderich said and threaded his fingers together. "Interesting. This little bit of information may help to smooth things along." Roderich focused on Ludwig once again. "King Arthur will most likely have a cure for whatever ails this boy. But we of the Light Fairy Court cannot cross into his territory without breaking terms. Those terms hold true for our own. You Ludwig, however, are human, and therefore a neutral, unbiased being in this realm. If you wish to save this child, then you must venture to the Dark Court and plead your case there."

Ludwig stood up from the table. "Thank you, your highness. I should like to leave at once. May I ask for a guide to this…Dark Court?"

"Sit down, monk. We're not finished yet." Roderich motioned for him to sit, and Ludwig obeyed. "We seek payment for our help to you and this child."

"I fear I have no money on me, your grace." Ludwig responded.

"It's not human gold we want." Said Elizaveta. "We want an envoy. A HUMAN envoy, one to carry messages to and from the warring fairy realms."

Ludwig's eyes widened. "An envoy? I'm sorry but…but I fear I have too many responsibilities in the human world to perform such a heavy task. Perhaps another way?"

Gilbert spoke up next. "Ludwig, my friend, you have no reason to fear about that. Here in the fairy realm there IS no time. We control everything with magic."

"He's right." Added Roderich. "No matter how much time you spend here in our realm, it would be as if you never left the human world. You'll understand what we mean when it happens. So, do you accept?"

"I…I…" Ludwig was at a lost for words. They were helping him with Daniel, but this was a lot they were asking of him. And then, he felt Gilbert's boot slip under his robe, slowly trail up his leg, and head towards his crotch. Ludwig quickly closed his legs and Gilbert's foot retreated. It was a quick answer he gave. The quickest 'yes' that hardly even sounded like the true word. It was almost a shout. This was not only for Daniel, but for himself as well. Whether it was magic, lust, or humanly desire for companionship, Ludwig wanted to spend more time with Gilbert. This was his chance.

"Very good." Roderich said with a nod. "You may leave at once. Gilbert can be your guide."

Gilbert grinned at Ludwig. "That's awesome news, isn't it?"

"Y-Yes." Ludwig stuttered. "Thank you all for your help. It is much appreciated. I promise to do my best as an envoy for this realm."

"Oh, if you can," Elizaveta started "could you also be the envoy for the Dark Court? Roderich will write up a short paper of terms for King Arthur that you are to deliver, along with a gift. We know that King Arthur will return with an answer, and I am certain he will agree to a human being our neutral messenger."

"Of course, my queen." Ludwig's brow twitched. Just what was this, 'Dark Fairy Court'?'

/

"Alfred, do you think we'll go to war soon?" Asked Matthew from his spot on the bed.

"I hope so!" The eldest grinned. "It will be my first time in battle! I'll defeat the Light Fairies and become the hero of the Dark Court!"

Matthew squeaked, hiding his mouth behind his stuffed bear. "But I don't want you to go, brother. What if something will happen to you? I always fear when Papa leaves to explore that he won't come back."

"That's because you're a worry wart! Do you really think I would let myself die?" Matthew's eyes grew wide and teary. "Mattie, come on now! You're being silly!" Alfred walked over to him and ruffled the light blonde hair. "I would never leave my little brother all alone."

Matthew gave a little smile then. "Okay Alfie, I believe you. I'll still be afraid though. Always. And what about father? He worries more than anyone."

"He'll just have to get over me going off to war. Besides, I bet he'll be really proud of me when I come back a war hero!"

"We just want you to come back safe." Matthew smiled. "You know that father rather see you married than go off to war."

"Pfft. Marriage is for sweet little romantics like you, Mattie." Alfred admired himself in the mirror, flexing his muscles and wings. "I'm sure you'll find a sweet girl just like you and make many babies together. But me? No way! I'm a hero! I will be victorious! I am Prince Alfred of the Dark Court! HA HA HA HA!"

Matthew just shook his head. "Oh Alfred, you certainly are something."

"Damn straight!" He shimmed his wings. "You'll do well with a girl, Mattie. I don't want you being with a man."

"Why not?" Matthew's pointed ears twitch slightly. "Maybe I don't want a girl. Well…I don't know which I want, really. But if I want a man then I'll…I'll have one! No matter what you say!" Matthew tried to sound bold, but his harsh tone came out as a gentle whisper.

Alfred turned around and went over to his brother, taking the soft face in his hands to squish it. "No man will be allowed to put their hands on you. You're too much like an innocent girl when it comes to other men, Mattie. A woman won't be a threat to you, but a man would." He moved to pulling Matthew's ears. "I know you have a hard time standing up for yourself…and many suitors will want you only for your title of 'prince'. They won't love you. They will control you just to have power. Should one of them hurt or touch you in a rough manner that displeases me then I would have to kill them. I don't want noble blood on my hands. Do you understand?"

He sighed. "Yes brother." Alfred tweaked his nose.

"Good. And if I need to marry it will be to a guy, not a girl." He went back to the mirror to strut. "Women are too moody and unpredictable. They expect you to be a mind reader. How can they- "

"MY LORDS!" A servant fairy rushed into their room. "Exciting news!"

"What is it?" Alfred asked.

"There is a…a human outside our city walls! He is accompanied by a Winter Fairy!"

Alfred grinned from ear to ear. "A human, you say? A human, as in, human-human?"

"Yes, a human." The servant confirmed.

"Alright! This is going to be SWEET!" He gave a leap in the air. "We get to pick on a human!" He rubbed his hands together. "Come on, Mattie! Let's go cause some mischief! HA HA HA HA!"

"Oh dear…"

/

Ludwig looked up at the large black wall creeping with vines and black roses. The entry way was a large iron gate; its bars twisted and turned every way. This area was much different than the Light Court, which is probably how they got their names. Ludwig could sense high levels of evil and darkness here on these grounds. Gilbert was beside him, but the fairy seemed to not be frightened in the least. Their journey here had been a perilous one, but not in the way of danger or adventure. Ludwig had reason to believe that Gilbert was part incubus or half siren. Just Gilbert's presence near him had Ludwig's groin stirring to life. Such a relationship and thoughts were wrong. They are a sin. He had to be strong for himself and for the Green Deity that he worshiped.

"Someone should be by soon." Gilbert said, tapping his foot.

"Couldn't you just…fly over the wall and unlock the gate?"

"I could, but that would be breaking royal fairy law. See, that counts as breaking and entering without permission. We're not here to get in trouble but to deliver that little letter to King Arthur."

"Hm." Ludwig looked at the sealed document once again. "Have you been here before?"

Gilbert shrugged his shoulders. "I've passed by a few times. Oh look! Here comes someone!"

Ludwig looked through the bars to see a fairy with white fairy wings flying towards them. The fairy man was shorter than the both of them with black hair and brown eyes. Ludwig noticed the pointy ears and nails, so unlike the Light Fairies.

"Greetings to you, human. I am Kiku, a ward of the king. State your business here."

"My name is Ludwig. I am a monk from the human world. I have a letter to deliver to your lord from King Roderich of the Light Fairy Court."

Gilbert jumped in. "This human is to be our neutral, unbiased envoy between kingdoms. So let your king know that as well. I'm allowed in because I'm his guide!"

Kiku buzzed his wings, but gave a curt nod. "Please wait a moment." The fairy male disappeared from his spot making Ludwig take a leap back.

Gilbert laughed. "He's a teleporting Winter Fairy, don't worry. These dark fairies have different types of powers, for the most part. And be warned, it is not just fairies that live here in this court." Ludwig raised a brow at him. "There are other entities here. Legends, as you would call them. The phantom dog is one of them."

"I see." Ludwig swallowed. "I'll just have to be brave. For Daniel."

Gilbert smiled and took his hand. "For Daniel." He felt the monk squeeze back but he quickly pulled away.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have squeezed back." Ludwig blushed softly. "It is…forbidden. For both of us." He was surprised to not have received an obnoxious remark back. Gilbert, as Ludwig has come to know, is a rebel and a rogue. The fairy liked to do things 'out of the norm' as Gilbert had put it.

"I'm back." Kiku said as he reappeared, making Ludwig tweak in surprise again. "The king is eagerly awaiting you. Come with me." He opened the gates and had the two follow him.

Ludwig looked around the dark courtyard, noticing it to be like the Light courtyard but only…dark. Many of the plants and trees were normal, but the flowers are black, purple, and red. This courtyard had its own fountains and statues and hedges as well. The castle was just like the other, only black in color and made mostly of dark crystals. It resembled a haunted place one would see in their nightmare. The inside was no different, resembling the same architecture as the Light castle. Pillars, archways, flowers, everything. It was a little more frightening and strange, but Ludwig knew he had to be brave. This was for the health and life of a young boy.

"This is the dining hall where King Arthur will greet you shortly." Kiku showed them where to sit at the large black marble top table. "Refreshments will be brought out right away." The fairy disappeared again, but this time Ludwig was prepared.

"They serve only wine here, so I hope you drink that?" Gilbert whispered.

"I do. I only have a glass a day, though. We are very strict with our wine at the temple."

Gilbert scoffed. "Not me! I like a good cup of wine or ale all day, every day!" A few servants had come in to the hall to place the food on the table. Goblets of wine were poured for both of them. "Smells divine!"

Ludwig took his goblet from a slouched cloaked figure. "Thank you." He looked down at the dark red liquid, finding its smell to be very fruity. Bringing the rim to his lips, Ludwig proceeded to drink when the contents spilt from the goblet and down his robes. "GAH!" Ludwig heard the cloaked figure beside him chuckling. Frowning, he remembered he was amongst fairies. Upon examining the cup, he saw there was a clear cut in the middle of it so that when he drank, the liquid would pour out onto him. "Pardon me for not holding my sides in laughter." He said with annoyed sarcasm.

Gilbert was giggling as well. "Alfred, you jackass! This has your name written all over it! Show yourself, you cur!"

"What is all the ruckus?" Came a new voice that entered the room. All of the servants bowed low to the floor.

Ludwig looked up to see a male fairy enter the hall wearing a crown of dark crystals encrusted with emeralds. Aside from his black cloak his tunic and doublet were a forest grin. King Roderich was dressed in purple to match his eyes, and it would appear to Ludwig that King Arthur did the same. The king's wings were black like a bat yet sheer enough to see faintly through them. Like Kiku, he had long nails that were more shaped like claws. He took a seat at the head of the table with an arrogant smirk. Beside him stood another fairy, but this one was clearly very shy and nervous to be present. This fairy wore a sapphire tiara so he must be an important person to the king.

"Welcome to my court, monk. I am King Arthur of the Dark Fairy Court. This is my youngest son, Prince Matthew." He paused for a moment and glanced around the room. From the corner of his mouth, he whispered to Matthew. "Where is your brother?"

Ludwig cleared his throat. "My lord, I have a document here for you to read from King Roderich. He-" Ludwig nearly fell over when Arthur shouted.

"ALFRED WHERE ARE YOU?"

"I AM HERE!" The cloaked figure flew into the air and dramatically removed his cloak. "BEHOLD! FOR I AM ALFRED! PRINCE AND HEIR OF THE DARK FAIRY COURT! HA HA HA HA!" He threw his arms out proudly.

"GET DOWN FROM THERE RIGHT NOW AND SHOW SOME RESPECT FOR OUR GUESTS!" Arthur scolded him. Alfred did as he was told, flying down to take his seat adjacent to Arthur. Matthew took the other, leaving Arthur still at the head of the table. "Excuse the entrance of my eldest son. It would appear he still wants my hand spanking his backside and boxing his ears!" Arthur had to reach out with a sneer and twisted Alfred's ear, making the man yelp. "Now then, human, you were saying?"

Ludwig was dumbfounded, but Gilbert nudged him. "Oh, yes. Um, I am pleased to meet you and your sons. My name is Ludwig Beilschmidt and I am a human monk of a strict order that worships the Green Deity. This is Gilbert, my guide. I have a document here from King Roderich. There is a favor I must ask of you, King Arthur. King Roderich did not have the answer, but he said you might have what I seek. This document, however, is something that pertains to the courts." Ludwig reached for his belt and untied the ceramic flask. "King Roderich also offers you a gift of their precious white nectar."

Arthur snapped his fingers and both objects were taken from Ludwig's hands in a purple aura and brought to him. "A fine gift this is. My sons will enjoy it." Arthur snapped his fingers again, but this time a servant rushed to his side and knelt to offer him a goblet on a tray. "Now then," he sipped the wine "you have a favor to ask of me? Something you seek?"

"Yes, your highness. A short while ago, a young boy who is under my care at the temple ran off into these woods. He became ill from the cold and is deathly sick. But as I was carrying the boy back, I came upon the phantom black dog that warns of this boy's death. Gilbert brought me to this realm so I could seek a way to save him. King Roderich said he couldn't interfere with the laws of fate but that perhaps you could. As payment for King Roderich's help and your own, I have offered to become the neutral envoy between your courts."

Arthur took another sip of wine. "Hm. Interesting. King Roderich speaks of me as if he cares." He opened up the document and read it as the food was brought out to all of them.

Alfred was chomping loudly on his food and so was Gilbert. Only Ludwig and Matthew seemed to have any table manners at all. Ludwig looked down at his plate of vegetables and meat.

"What's the matter?" Asked Alfred. "Don't you like it?"

"In my order we do not eat meat." Ludwig responded. "It is a sin against the Green Mother to kill her creatures."

Matthew smiled. "That is a very kind thing for your people to do."

"Pfft!" Alfred snickered. "A stupid one! Animals like to eat other animals! It's the cycle of life! So sink your teeth into that meat, monk! Gilbert has no problem with it."

The Winter Fairy wiped his mouth. "Yup. Alfred knows all about eating and swallowing meat whole!"

"HEY!" Alfred hollered at him. "Don't speak to me like that you white rat!"

Gilbert glared and slammed his hands on the table. "Who are you callin' a rat, you toad!"

"TOAD?" Alfred pretended to look shocked. "I? A toad?"

Matthew's bottom lip was quivering. Arthur was still reading quietly. Ludwig just sat there staring at the two battling fairies.

"Yeah, wart-face!" Gilbert shouted.

"Eat shit and die!"

"Bastard!"

"Whore!"

Ludwig was getting fed up with this nonsense. No one seemed to be taking his situation seriously. "STOP THIS AT ONCE!" He hollered, making all the fairies, minus Arthur, turn to him. "That is enough! We are here on a strict mission and not to play at an insult game! We are in the presence of a king! Behave yourselves! Alfred is not a toad and Gilbert is not a whore."

"HA!" Alfred let out at laugh at Ludwig's last words. "Whatever you say, mighty monk." He sat back down.

Gilbert imagined Alfred's face as the piece of meat before him, and chose to stab his knife into the center of it.

"Calm yourself." Ludwig whispered to him.

Arthur finally spoke. "Ah, I see. Quite intriguing." He folded the parchment back up. "Roderich states that you are to be our envoy and deliver messages, just as you said. He seems to be accusing my people and myself for what happened to this boy of yours. Roderich believes it is on our side." The parchment suddenly burst into flames in his palm. "Ludwig, what do you know of this? What does Roderich speak of?"

"I…believe he speaks of the fairies that this boy saw. The boy, Daniel, told me in confidence that he sees and speaks to fairies. He said they meet him at night and ask him to play. The night I found him in the woods, he said he ran off to play with the fairies."

"But there is something else, your highness. Permission to speak?" Gilbert raised his hand.

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Go ahead, Gilbert." Ludwig looked to Gilbert as well, wondering how they all seem to know each other fairly well.

"The boy Daniel told Ludwig that the fairies said for the humans to stop expanding their temple farm or it will invade holy fairy land. No human child could know that unless a fairy folk had told them."

Arthur tapped his fingers on the table. "The fairies this boy speaks of could be from either side. I'll write back to Roderich stating that I have no inkling about these 'fairies'. Apparently he is sending out a few of his own to investigate, so I will do the same. Now on to your matter of this child. You say you saw the phantom black dog?"

"Yes sir."

"Well then, I do have a solution to your issue." Arthur smiled and stood up, walking to a bare center in the room. "The antidote you need to save the boy must come from the entity itself." He closed his eyes and began chanting until a purple circle appeared on the floor. Ludwig gasped but couldn't turn his eyes away from the magic being performed before him. "ARISE AND DO MY BIDDING, BEAST OF FATE!"

"So soon?" Echoed a voice in the room before the form of Ivan shot out from the circle. "Must you have need of me again, my 'lord'?"

'That is not the black dog?' Ludwig said to himself, staring at the man who was now the center of attention. 'That is a man!'

"Oh! Why, look at who we have here!" Ivan said with a playful laugh. "The human monk and Gilbert! What brings them to our realm?"

"This monk has need of you." Said Arthur.

Ludwig spoke. "I have need of the phantom black dog, not of this man." The room started to laugh at him and Ludwig became annoyed. "Do I amuse you?"

Gilbert spoke. "It's hard for us not to laugh, Ludwig. That IS the phantom black dog. He has a human form and that's it. His name is Ivan."

Ludwig looked at the large man curiously, staring at the purple eyes and dark clothing. "Are we certain?"

Arthur glared. "Why would I lie? But if you are THAT skeptical, then let Ivan show you the other form. Ivan, do so."

Ivan gave a little frustrated sigh but did as commanded, conjuring up a cloud of black smoke to fully surround him. With seconds, his body transformed into the large black dog with saucer red eyes that the monk had seen. Ludwig gulped, feeling that same bout of fear once again. Ivan remained in the dog form but kept his red stare on Ludwig.

"In order for you to save this boy you must take the blood of the beast that sentenced him to death." Arthur stated and pulled a small vile from the air, walking it over to hand to Ludwig. "I would suggest asking Ivan to turn into a human when you cut him, less you fancy losing a hand." He whispered to the monk.

Ludwig looked at the vile, and then at Gilbert who seemed to be getting a bit of entertainment out of this. But the Winter Fairy saw his confusion and disdain, so the other came up to join him. Now that Gilbert was beside him, Ludwig felt a little braver and he spoke the Ivan. "I ask you to change back into your human form."

The dog stood on its hind legs before the cloud of black encased him again, bringing forth the human form of Ivan once again. The tall man smirked at Ludwig and held out his hand palm up. It was Matthew who came up to Ludwig, presenting him with a simple dagger in which to cut through Ivan's skin. Ludwig carefully took it from delicate hands and held it firmly in his own, looking at the larger man smiling before him. It was against his order to draw blood from another living thing, but Ivan didn't quite fit into that category, or did he? Ludwig looked at the dagger again and made the decision to carry through with the bloodletting. There were no monks here to judge him, and no one on the human side had to know. So with his dagger in hand, Ludwig walked up to the other and said, "would you like to do this yourself?"

Ivan just gave an eerie smile. "It has to be done by you, but I appreciate the offer. Don't be frightened for I don't bite," he glanced at Gilbert "hard. And you don't even need a lot."

Ludwig stared at the man for a moment, seeing no signs of doubt, fear, or attack. With a curt nod, Ludwig gently took the other's hand and carefully laid the blade atop the large palm. As gently as he could, Ludwig pulled the blade along the skin, watching as a thin line of red slowly appeared in its wake. Ludwig checked Ivan's face for signs of pain or discomfort, but the man was still just staring happily at him. He handed the blade back to Matthew and opened the vile to receive the blood. Ivan made no move as Ludwig tilted the large hand to let the red drip into the glass vile. Ludwig looked to Arthur. "How much do I need to take?"

"Fill it up halfway, that should suffice."

Once it was filled, Ludwig thanked Ivan and corked the vile. He gazed at the dark red liquid inside the vile, wondering if this antidote would really work. A sudden wave of fear rushed over him, something that he had not thought of when acquiring this solution. Should it ever be found out that he used a different 'type' of medicine to heal the boy, he may end up being tried and hanged for witchcraft. He nearly dropped the vile just thinking about it. His sudden change in character did not go unnoticed, and Gilbert took both the man's wrists in his hands.

"Ludwig, what's wrong? You've gone completely white! You look like me!"

"Oh, um, it's nothing." He cleared his throat. "Does Ivan's hand need to be band-" Ludwig saw that Ivan's hand had already healed completely. "I see. Never mind."

"Well, now that that's finished, let us continue with dinner." Arthur offered, moving back to take his seat.

"Ivan, you may join, if you wish." Ivan said nothing in response but only disappeared into the air in a puff of black. "Suit yourself. Ludwig, sit.

Ludwig placed the vile in his belt pouch and took his seat once again. "I should like to leave as soon as possible to get this antidote back to Daniel." Gilbert kicked him under the table again and he turned to glare him.

Arthur took a heavy sip of his wine. "This is your first time here in the fairy realm, so I will forgive you. However, it is very RUDE to suddenly up and dash from your host once you got what you wanted. You will remain here, finish dinner, and rest for the night. These areas are not safe to travel by night, especially for a human and with Gilbert as your guide," he scoffed "you might as well have no one to protect you." Gilbert rolled his eyes.

"I apologize for offending you, sir." Ludwig remembered what Gilbert had said about there being no time here. "I am grateful to you for your help." He took to eating only the vegetables and drinking wine.

They all ate in stony silence for a moment until Matthew chose to speak.

"So, Mr. Ludwig, you don't mind being a neutral envoy?"

"No, I can't say that I do. Although, if I may ask, what exactly is the issue between the two kingdoms? I was told to be the envoy yet I have no knowledge about the dispute."

"It's been going on for centuries." Gilbert answered, spitting out a pit from a piece of fruit.

Arthur sneered at him. "Allow the king to answer such questions, Winter Fairy. Don't think just because you're friends with my boys that you can say whatever you want."

Gilbert whispered to Ludwig, "don't tell anybody, okay?" Ludwig just nodded.

"The fighting has been going on for centuries. As you know, there is a holy land where an epic battle was fought at the beginning of creation. Two groups of fairies and creatures fought each other for the right to own and rule certain territories. After the battle, neither side had won so instead the two groups separated. The kingdoms could not fight once the humans started to cultivate the land. We could not attack them, for the Green Mother would not allow us. Ludwig, your race are her creatures too. But thousands of bodies and souls of our ancients lie forever in that ground of that battlefield. Within its earth contains the greatest source of ancient power that could be used by any magical race. We of the fairy folk can't seem to decide who gets to own that power without a fight, and so here we are."

Ludwig listened to each word carefully. Everything Daniel had said about the sacred ground was true. However, Ludwig thought the whole ordeal rather silly; to have two large kingdoms of the same people fighting over something that could be shared. Unless there was more to it than that? "Your majesty, permission to speak?"

"Of course, you're our envoy. Speak away." Arthur threaded his fingers, smiling at the human.

"I find it rather odd that such an…advanced and magical society can fight over something that can easily be settled. I never thought fairy folk would squabble like humans." All eyes were on him, and not all of them kind.

"Explain, human." Arthur commanded with a harsh tone.

Ludwig stood up from his chair. "Is there no way this power can be shared equally? If you all come from the same blood and race of the ancients that fought in this battle, then surly both sides are eligible to obtain half of the power. It just seems silly that so many years of fighting and death and wars should continue over something so meaningless as to people not agreeing to share. The Green Mother detests wars and killing."

Arthur leaned back in his chair with a smirk. "Spoken like a true monk of a peaceful order. The world, both yours and mine, are not that simple." He had more wine poured for himself. "Just out of curiosity, Ludwig, how would the human community deal with such a 'squabble', as you so put it?"

"Well, in our history we have had our own battles fought over land, kingdoms, and territories. Treaties or marriages have obtained and managed peace. A marriage is a peaceful method, one that helps to benefit many."

Alfred scoffed. Matthew smiled. Gilbert laughed. Arthur stared.

"Would you suggest a marriage between the Light and Dark Courts, Ludwig Beilschmidt?" Arthur asked.

Ludwig bowed his head. "I'm sorry if I offended you, but yes, something simple as that can be beneficial to everyone. Through a peaceful marriage families join and talk civil to one another, thus gaining a mutual friendship. Over time as the families grow and children are born the fights are forgotten."

"Until another reason to fight pops up!" Alfred laughed.

Arthur narrowed his eyes at Ludwig, but kept a smile on his face. "You make an interesting point, monk. However, you fail to see one major issue here. I bore two sons; Queen Elizaveta has no children of her own, as of yet. Even if she were to rear a son or daughter, it would take YEARS for them to become adults. I can't hold my sons back for that long."

Matthew looked at his father. "You could always have another, father." Arthur nearly choked on his wine.

"Your father's done with that part of his life, Mattie." Arthur reached over to ruffle his son's hair. He noticed the strange look Ludwig was giving him. "You might as well know instead of wondering. I'm a special kind of dark fairy, one born once every hundred years with the ability to change genders. In the summer and spring, I become a female. In winter and autumn, a man."

Ludwig asked for more wine to be poured after hearing that. "Does the marriage have to consist of royal blood?"

"Yes! Royal blood is very important for a marriage to work!"

"Is it, father?" Alfred said, raising a brow at his father who returned the words with a glare.

"If I could FINISH?" He sneered. "Royal blood is important to that fancy fairy king Roderich who believes in all that! He would never agree to a marriage that was not of royal blood on HIS side."

"Father, are you actually CONSIDERING this?" Alfred asked.

"I didn't say anything of the like!" He angrily (and loudly) sipped his wine. "Take this notion of 'peace' back to Roderich. Offer it to him and report back to me with his answer. Should he decide to send a fairy of his choice to be married then I will offer up my eldest son for the marriage." Alfred's jaw dropped. "However, there are MANY terms that need to be discussed first. If he agrees to this we will proceed from there."

Ludwig felt himself actually smile. "Yes, your majesty."

"FATHER!" Alfred jumped from his chair to confront his father nose to nose. "Are you crazy? How dare you offer me up like some- GAH!" Arthur's hand shot out to grip Alfred's throat only to cover them with his cloak.

"Listen to me, you loud mouth spoiled little hop-toad!" He whispered through gritted teeth. "Our goal is to obtain the ancient magic! To do that we must either defeat or get close to the Light Court! What better way to do that than a marriage? Nothing is set in stone, my son. It may take some time, but if we get the Light Court to trust us then…" Arthur gave a dark smirk "you will be sitting on TWO thrones."

Alfred grinned. "I like that idea!"

"Now, act like I gave you a real scolding!" He lowered the cloak. "Forgive my son. He knows not what he says half the time." Alfred pretended to be annoyed. "I will write up these terms for Roderich to take back with you tomorrow."

"Thank you, sir." Ludwig bowed. "And I thank you again for this antidote."

"Oh, about that." Arthur crossed his arms on top of the table, giving Ludwig an eerie smirk. "A word of caution to you, my human friend."

Ludwig swallowed slightly, but sat up straight in his chair. He felt Gilbert take his hand under the table.

"This is a gift that I, the King of the Dark Fairy Court, has graciously offered you. Such a gift bestowed upon one such as yourself is far greater than anything you can obtain in your realm." His green eyes narrowed and his pupils appeared to be that of a snake's. "Should you dishonor or betray me in any way, your punishment will be a scene from your worse nightmare. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir." What did he mean by that? Ludwig was certain that fairies only played tricks and pranks on people, but could they be bastardly cruel if they wanted? Was the king jesting with him?

"Best watch yourself, human." Alfred gave him a toothy grin, which showed off a pair of fangs. "You're in our world now."

End Chapter 2 TBC
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