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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
- 6
- 7
- 8
***A quick update! ^_^ This chapter is a bit shorter than the last! Thanks for the reviews! And to my beta for all her hard work!

***Warnings: Language

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Got a secret

Can you keep it?

Swear this one you'll save

Better lock it in your pocket

Taking this one to the grave.

If I show you then I know you won't tell what I said

'Cause two can keep a secret if one of them is dead.

-Pretty Little Liars Theme

Chapter 7

'That went well.' Ludwig said to himself with a small frown.

Elizaveta had helped to explain a number of curiosities yet now he feared for his life on multiple levels. As important as the fairies here made him out to be, he seemed to be on almost everyone's hit list in one way or the other. He wouldn't even be safe in the temple back in his world, which reminded him, he should start heading back there. While he promised to start training with the new staff Sadiq had given him there were still responsibilities back home that he needed attending. There was no time here, but the absent time did not stop his extreme organizing skills and over compulsive punctuality. Besides, he could use a break from this place for a short while…and get back to normality.

The halls of the Light Court were much more cheerful and bright than the Dark Court. Flowers and vines decorated each wall, pillar, and ceiling. Specks of glittering light danced along the foliage, reminding Ludwig of the fireflies he used to catch as a child. It was no wonder the Light Court outshined the Dark Court; this place was full of life and hope. If he had the choice, Ludwig would choose to remain here, in the Light Court, and do all of his fairy political business here. The Dark Court was full of trouble and annoyances. Yes, annoyances. Ludwig's eyebrow twitched as he thought of Alfred's obnoxious laugh and Arthur's strange features. These were the people he had to work with. But enough of this 'fairy world' talk! He had to return home before he truly lost his mind. Ludwig could see himself yelling at everyone during meetings since they can't seem to get along. The image of him at the bottom of a magic world fairy pile-up would be a vision most likely to haunt his days and nights.

'I must be the paste that holds everyone together.' He paused in his walking to hang his head and slump his shoulders in defeat. 'Why me?'

/

"So, it is finally happening." Roderich looked up from Arthur's documents to gaze at Gilbert, who was lazily tapping his finger on the table. "You're to be married in three days time. I suppose congratulations are in order?"

Pink eyes looked up at him. "That soon? Seriously?"

"Well, it's only a wedding at the Dark Court. Myself and Elizaveta won't be there for the ceremony."

"Wait, why not?" Gilbert didn't know that he would be alone at the Dark Court for the wedding!

Roderich lifted a teacup to his mouth. "I do not step foot inside that awful place and King Arthur does not want me there. It's bad enough I'll have to see him at the drop-off site when we give you over."

Gilbert slammed his hands on the table and stood from his chair. "What exactly do you mean? I'm going to be sent off just like that? Just handed over as if you're getting rid of me?"

Purple eyes rolled. "Come now, Gilbert. You make me sound like a monster. It's royal tradition, you idiot! If there is to be a marriage between the courts then we have a mutual meeting at the border to swap the intendeds. In our case, we will be handing you over to Arthur and the Dark Court. From there, King Arthur will be as much your guardian as I am."

"So am I to leave everything of the Light Court behind me? It sounds like you're cutting me off from here!"

"No, we're not. Gilbert, you are a Winter Fairy and a…um…what's the word?" Roderich tapped his cheek. "Oh dear…'something positive. Something positive.' He thought to himself. "You're…a valued subject of our court."

"Fuck that. You're just eager to get rid of me!" Gilbert sneered.

"Think what you will." Roderich responded flatly, and then rests his cheek on his fist to stare long and hard at the Winter Fairy. "You really are dense sometimes, Gilbert. Remember, you have a very important job while being married to Alfred and the Dark Court. You will have an inside view of what goes on there. This marriage is not just for 'peace' but also for exploring. I'm sure on Arthur's side he is thinking the same, which is why we have Ludwig to balance it out. Arthur has his sights set on my throne as I do his. You are doing your court a great honor by making this noble sacrifice, Gilbert."

Gilbert sat back down in his chair, seething and sucking his teeth in irritation. "Don't try to backtrack your words. Ludwig and I are just some pawns in this game you and the Dark King are playing! I've been shit on enough here in this court and I still get no respect from YOU!"

Roderich smirked. "You want my respect that badly, Gilbert?"

He flushed. "NO! That's not what I meant! What I meant was- shit! I meant nothing." He crossed his arms and glared at the king. "You are keeping your promises to me, right? You'll make me a Fairy Knight once all this is over?"

"What reason would I have to lie to you? Of course I will." Roderich gave a smile.

"You swear it?"

"Yes. On my honor as a king."

'Why do I find it hard to believe you?' Gilbert wondered to himself. Then, someone else entered the room announcing that Ludwig was here. Gilbert's heart fluttered in his chest and he turned to the door as Ludwig walked in, taking a bow in that noble way of his.

"Ah, Ludwig. Pleasure to see you." Roderich stood up from the chair. "Would you care to join us?"

"I beg your pardon, your highness, but I came here only to let you know that I will be returning to my world for a bit. I have responsibilities there as well that need my attention." He glanced at Gilbert who appeared miffed by his words. Ludwig could tell by the expression on Gilbert's face that his meeting with Roderich wasn't going well. "I am asking permission to leave."

"Hm. Granted. You've done well and deserve to go back to your own world for a while. We will summon you when needed again. Which won't be long, because our dear friend Gilbert here will be handed over to the Dark Court in three days time."

Ludwig's blonde brows went up slightly. "Three days?" He turned to Gilbert who would not meet his gaze. "Is that enough time? And what do I have to do with it?"

Roderich plucked a bundle of dried lavender from thin air and took a sniff of its calming aroma. "As our envoy you must accompany Gilbert and be there for the wedding. My wife and I are not attending, I'm afraid. If you'd like, Ludwig, you can hand Gilbert over to Alfred for me."

"I think Gilbert should decide how he wants to approach his…wedding ceremony…with Alfred."

"As I said, do as you like. Just make sure Gilbert is married properly to Alfred and everything is taken care of."

Gilbert stood up from his chair, opened his wings, and gave an angry buzz with them. "Am I invisible? Both of you are talking as if I'm not even in the room!" He glared at Roderich's silence and ripped the bundle of lavender from the fairy's hand. "King or not, you're an ass!"

"I've heard worse." Roderich said with a sigh. "Both of you are dismissed. Ludwig, thank you for your help once again. Allow Gilbert to show you the way back to the human realm."

Ludwig bowed to the king and then was forcefully yanked out of the room by a fuming Gilbert. The monk allowed himself to be dragged by the back of his robe by the fairy as they moved further and further away from the meeting room. Once the doors were out of sight, Gilbert pulled them in to another room, slammed the door shut, and turned to lean his body into Ludwig's. Ludwig was unsure of what exactly Gilbert was doing, but when he felt the other's arms encircle his waist he knew. There was nothing sexual about the hug, and for that Ludwig was grateful, but Gilbert seemed to be seeking comfort instead. He did not want to make a move or speak a word until Gilbert did first.

"Ludwig? What do you think of me?"

"Think of you?" He felt Gilbert rest his cheek on his chest above his heart.

"Yes. What do you think of me? Do you think I'm a terrible fairy? I mean, you say 'no' to my advances all the time…no one does that to me. Do you think ill of me because of it?"

Ludwig thought carefully about his next words and chose to wrap one arm around Gilbert's waist. "I don't think you're a terrible fairy, Gilbert. But, you do come off as wild and…well…desperate." He felt Gilbert's head move and pink eyes with white lashes met his. "Don't take this the wrong way, but it seems to me you use your wild and crazy actions in a desperate need to prove yourself. There's no reason for it. You can be considered a great fairy warrior in other ways that aren't breaking the rules." Gilbert pushed away from him and turned his back.

"I break the rules because they're stupid! There needs to be some changes around here!"

"And I agree, but going wild and breaking all of them for spite will get you no where. It only makes you less desirable to people. Take King Roderich for example, he looks down on you because of your rebellious actions. And when you're married these antics aren't going to go over well with King Arthur, or your new husband-to-be."

The Winter Fairy spun around to glare at him, arms crossed. "Why should I have to change, Ludwig? Why do I keep getting the shit end of the stick? Why can't the others change?"

"You're going to become a noble and live in a palace. You'll gain a mighty position where you can help to change the rules. As of right now you do not hold that power."

"In the Dark Court, Ludwig!" Gilbert sneered. "In the DARK COURT. I need things to change here, in the Light Court. This is my home. THIS is where I can become a Fairy Knight!"

Ludwig stormed up to the Winter Fairy and grabbed him by the shoulders. "Then become one by doing just as you're told! Stop trying to fight the royal system! Roderich does not want you defending and representing him with your constant obnoxious disobedience. You have to be more like…be more like Knight Berwald and Knight Vash."

Gilbert gave a silent laugh and a smirk. "Like those two? Please, those two deadheads should be more like me. Fun and out-going." He turned his back to Ludwig again and folded his wings down his back. "Do I really come off as desperate?"

The monk brought his fist to his mouth as he cleared his throat. "That's how it appears when you…attempt things with me."

"But last night you kissed back." Gilbert turned to face him once again. "If anyone is desperate, it's you." He poked Ludwig's chest.

"If I were desperate I would have taken advantage of you already."

There was a twinkle of mischief in those pink eyes. "Do you like me?"

The words of King Arthur and Queen Elizaveta echoed in his ears. It suddenly occurred to him that Gilbert should know about the forbidden relationship between humans and fairies. He narrowed his blue eyes at Gilbert, thinking about the kiss they shared in the bed. It had been pleasant and it felt right to him. Gilbert was a rare beauty for a male, but was the fairy REALLY attracted to him or simply to the thrill of sleeping with a human? Gilbert was rebellious and marched to a different drummer, so what if his 'interest' in having sex was just for mischievous curiosity? The actual thought of it offended him.

"I do appreciate your friendship and company but I'm afraid I do not like you in 'that' way."

"But what about you kissing me back? You were all into it!"

Ludwig looked away. "I gave it a chance and found I did not care for it. Besides," he turned back "it's forbidden for humans and fairies to be together. And if I were to be with someone in an intimate way then I would want a long lasting relationship…not just a roll in the hay." He could see that his words affected Gilbert, with those pink eyes widening and the lips parting slightly as if to say something; but nothing came out. "I'm sorry, Gilbert, but Queen Elizaveta explained to me why humans and fairies cannot be together. She told me how a fairy's heart is different from that of a human and when they love, they love forever. If their human lover leaves then they grieve for eternity."

Gilbert took a deep breath. "I see. Well, you were right. I was just looking for a fun time with you, but if you don't want to experience the awesomeness that is me then that's your loss." He gave a proud grin. "I'm untamable."

"I know." Ludwig folded his hands behind his back. "Yet I am glad we came to an understanding. I am still a monk devoted to my cause and I took my vows. I hope that one day you find the right fairy lover for yourself, Gilbert." He went up to the other and gave the shoulder a pat. "Everybody deserves someone."

"And what about you? What do you plan to do? Grow old with a bunch of monks raising orphan children and sweeping away the autumn leaves?"

Ludwig gave a smile. "What'll be will be. I'm just going to get my staff from my chambers and then I need to make one more stop before leaving for home. You will lead me to the woods, right?"

"Of course. Wouldn't want you to get lost!" he let out a laugh. "Where you going anyway?"

"I need to stop by Sadiq's place and ask him something. It's official royal business. You're not in a rush, right? I won't be long."

"Nope. No rush here! I'll meet you at the main courtyard in a bit! And don't forget I need to teach you how to fight with that staff too! Now shoo, go!" He ushered the monk out and closed the door behind him. Once he was alone, Gilbert rests his forehead against the door with a soft sigh. "What gives, Ludwig?" He brought a white hand up to rest on his heart, feeling its drumming beat growing larger and faster beneath his palm. 'How can one person make me feel like shit and then make me feel…appreciated? I sound like a fucking sap! Some stupid nonsense Feliciano would sing about in his songs.' He needed to break something to relieve his sudden confusion and tension. He had some time before Ludwig came back so he unsheathed his sword and made for the training camp. He'll pretend some of the sword posts are Ludwig's head.

/

"Hello?" Ludwig called into the craftsman's shop. "Anyone here?" There were no sounds of weapons being made so perhaps Sadiq had left. It was dark out already.

"Who are you looking for?" Asked a fairy man flying by.

"I'm looking for Sadiq. Do you know if he is here?"

"Oh, he's gone home. Need me to take you to him?"

Ludwig gave a nod. "If it's not too much trouble?"

The fairy smiled. "Not at all! But you've gotta keep up!"

The fairy flew off ahead, which forced Ludwig to jog to keep up. All these fairies were so full of play and fun, except for Roderich. He couldn't see the Light Court King playing games and tricks on humans. But Sadiq's house was not a great distance from his workshop and when the fairy brought him there, he felt himself give a crooked smile at the sight. The two fairies lived in the biggest toadstool mushroom he had ever seen. He thanked the fairy for guiding him here and walked up to the main door, using the doorknocker in the shape of a butterfly. Ludwig looked up briefly to see the windows had been carved out and replaced with glass. The top of the mushroom was bright blue in color with white spots. As a child he would stomp on mushrooms, yet now wondered if he had damaged any fairy homes? The door opened, slowly, until Heracles appeared in the doorway covered in cats. Ludwig jumped back slightly with a surprised gasp.

"Hello, Monk Ludwig."

"Meow~" Spoke the cat from atop his head.

"Um…hello. Is your…" he wasn't sure how they referred to themselves when they were married "Is Sadiq home?"

Heracles stepped aside and ushered him in. Ludwig was greeted to the sight of other numerous cats purring and meowing all around him. And strangely enough…there were other animals inside the large mushroom as well. Beautiful birds flew free, each one an array of bright colors. Some rabbits and squirrels scurried away to hide when he walked in. The whole 'house' was covered in rugs and gold and crystal. There was no ceiling; only one set of stairs that led to a large floor, which circled the mushroom walls. He could see the hint of a canopy where he assumed the bedroom was. It appeared to Ludwig that these two lived more extravagant than the Light King himself with all the decorations of gold! He was actually afraid to walk around due to all the tables covered in gold crafted goods, fearing knocking into one. And the placed smelled; not of animals, though, but of smoke. Scented smoke. Now that he pinpointed what the smell was he could see the smoke before him. Heracles took his hand to guide him to the center of the mushroom where Sadiq sat amongst a group pillows, all ranging in size, design, and color. The fairy looked different now; dressed in red and white with an unnecessarily large hat and a great plume. It was a big change from being covered in soot and sweat, yet the eye-mask was still present. He was also the reason for the smoke. Beside him was a colorful device from blown glass with a long tube coming from the top. The part Sadiq had in his mouth was attached to it, but reminded Ludwig of a pipe. It brought back the memory of his father, who was always smoking a pipe, but the rank smell did not match up to the sweet aroma of this kind. It was pleasant, and almost relaxing.

"Monk Ludwig is here to see you." Heracles stated slowly.

"I'm surprised to see you in my house!" The larger fairy pointed to the cushions opposite of him. "Please, sit. Smoke?"

"No thank you." Ludwig politely declined the strange colored pipe. "I just have a quick question for you. Well, I may get a long answer, but I was told by Queen Elizaveta to ask you about it."

Sadiq took a puff. "The queen, you say? Interesting. I'm just a well of knowledge!"

"Hmph." Heracles protested as he took a seat on a pillow beside Ludwig. "It's amazing how you get that big head of yours through the door…when the hat isn't on your head."

"Funny." Sadiq turned to Ludwig. "What's your question?"

"Well…" Ludwig gently pushed a cat away from his lap "it's about human and fairy relationships."

The two fairies exchanged looks, but Sadiq spoke first. "Why would you want to know that?"

He had to bat away a butterfly from his face. "I'm trying to learn all I can about humans in the fairy world. Both King Arthur and Queen Elizaveta spoke of humans and fairies unable to be with one another. I'm sure you know why?"

"I do." He took another puff. "It's all the fault of the human. Present company excluded." He smiled.

"How so?" A colorful bird landed on his head and began to clean under its wing. "Actually, let me rephrase my question." He shooed the bird away. "Why is it that-" he slowly looked over at Heracles, who was now asleep on his shoulder and still covered in cats "Why is it that a human has never asked to become a fairy to live with their fairy lover? As 'selfish' humans, I would think one would want the power of a long life. Has a human ever asked to be a fairy?"

Sadiq sat up on the pillows, crossing his arms and legs. "That's a dangerous question to ask, monk. Be very mindful of who you ask in the future. But to answer your question, it's no. No human has ever sought out the life of a fairy."

"But can it be done? You are full of old, mysterious magic, and the queen said if anyone would know it would be you."

"It's not that it 'can't' be done. Let what I tell you never leave this mushroom." Ludwig wanted to chuckle at that, but gave a stoic nod. "No human has the actual ability to become a fairy. For a human to be a fairy they must contain an inner spirit of life and nature unlike that of a regular human. Fairies possess a special knowledge of the other realms we share in the universe. Humans lack this knowledge. They see only what their eyes want to see. They believe only what they hear and what they can touch. They don't have that sixth sense." He took another puff and exhaled slowly. "In a human and fairy relationship, the human lacks the special spiritual bond between fairy lovers. It's a red thread that links two fairies together; it's unbreakable and has no end. It's what binds us together." Sadiq gave a wave of his hand near the floor and a red thread appeared leading to Heracle's ring finger. "It's only there when we want to see it."

Ludwig looked at the red thread quizzically before it disappeared. "And humans, you say, cannot possess this?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I've never heard of one who could. Even in this world there are still questions unclear to us." He gave a grin. "Does that answer your question? Fearing of falling in love with a fairy lady, or man, while you're here?"

"I am a monk who took his vows of chastity in honor of the Green Mother. I must refrain from such relationships."

Sadiq threw his head back and laughed. "That's rich! A healthy young man such as you refrains from the pleasures of the flesh? Don't be a fool, monk! Your human vows hold no value here! Enjoy yourself!" He threw his arms and wings wide, and Ludwig nearly stumbled backwards at the sight of the fairy's wings. The jerking motion awoke Heracles, who gave a snort and smacked his lips.

"Is it time for dinner already?" Heracles asked, looking confused.

"Y-Your wings!" Ludwig pointed to the large set of butterfly wings sprouting from Sadiq's back. When he has first saw the fairy's wings they were barely opened, and he just thought they had color in them. He was not expecting butterfly wings to pop out from a fairy. The top wings were mostly black with spots of blue and green. The bottom two were much more colorful, a bright mix of yellow, blue, white, and green. "They are not of a fairy…but…of a butterfly." Ludwig wondered if this was just another race of fairy, like how the Dark Fairies tended to have black bat or dragon-like wings.

"Another reason why I stand out from the rest! You remember Feliciano, yes? The shape-shifter? He's a fairy yet can change form. There are different types. The elemental fairies are all different as well. I'm the only one with butterfly wings, though. Hence all the butterflies in my home."

Ludwig took notice of just how many brightly colored butterflies there were. His head and shoulders were also covered in them, but he never made a move to frighten them away. He just looked bewildered and confused. "Do these…butterflies come in to your world from mine? We have many of these. I've seen them before."

Heracles answered. "All the fauna can pass through into our realm. Just not the humans. Present company excluded." He shooed all the butterflies away from Ludwig.

"Have you ever seen a Fairy Circle in your world, Ludwig?" Sadiq asked him, folding back his butterfly wings.

"A 'Fairy Circle'? Can't say that I have…what is it?"

"What about a circle of mushrooms?" Heracles asked.

"Oh, yes. I've seen those." He blinked. "Are you telling me that those little…circles of mushrooms are fairy related?"

"That's where fairies have danced." Heracles answered, his voice still low. "We like to dance." He slowly turned to look at Ludwig. "Do you like to dance?"

Ludwig leaned away from him. "Not…really. I've danced in my village festival as a child…but not as an adult. Besides, those mushroom circles are fairly small. How can human-sized fairies dance in that small of a circle?"

"Who says we're big when we do it?" Sadiq chuckled. "Think of it this way, Ludwig. How would you humans feel seeing gigantic mushroom circles in your yards?" Ludwig understood what the fairy was getting at. "They are circles of magic we use that the humans can see."

Heracles was now behind him, his fairy aura glowing a dark red. "They are warnings for humans to stay away. Should a human step inside a Fairy Circle, something horrible will befall them. They may lose an eye…or be forced to dance until they die…or perhaps they will become invisible and be trapped forever inside the circle."

"Herc, you're scaring him." Sadiq took another puff. "They are just our mark on the human world. Fairy signs. Or are they?" He giggled. "I suggest that when you return to your temple you look at the area where you plan to expand VERY closely. You may find that a Fairy Circle has just appeared some short time ago."

Ludwig just stared at the masked fairy in disbelief…and then pictured the two dancing in a circle making mushrooms grow. He had to stifle a chuckle. It still seemed ridiculous, but Ludwig had no doubt that the fairies were speaking true of the mushroom circle. If that were the case, then he would have to find a way to keep the monks and children away from the circles…without letting on what he knew. "Thank you for your help. It's much appreciated." Ludwig stood up from the pillows, batting away another butterfly. "I can see myself out."

"See ya around." Sadiq waved him off, but called out to him just as Ludwig had reached the door. "I can do it, you know."

Ludwig looked back at him for a moment before taking his leave of the giant mushroom. So the reason why humans cannot become fairies was of their inability to see the astrological world. But he could see the fairies, and this world, and the other creatures that inhabit it. He looked at his hands, clenching and unclenching his fingers. Could he become a fairy? Not that he wanted to, but one still had to wonder. Ludwig couldn't bare the thought of eternal life, nor could he see himself living here in this world. He was born human and wanted to remain just that. Just because humans did not wield such magic and power did not make them useless beings. Humans have built up the world, made life better for themselves and expanded their horizons. They built roads, towns, cities, castles, temples, even mapped out the ocean and stars. They were far from useless, but the fairy folk did not perceive them that way. Humans were full of possibilities and hope; their ever growing minds seeking out new ways to better themselves. The fairy folk seemed stuck to their way of life and prejudices while the humans continued to expand and grow. Why would he want to leave that for magic and wings? He would keep this to himself in fear of it being used against him.

"I am a human, and I will remain a human until the end of my days." He thought of Gilbert. "I will never be a fairy."

/

Gilbert tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for Ludwig to show up. The monk was late and he wanted to get to a tavern before all the good ale was gone. Tonight was a drinking night for him. Not only was he going to be handed off like some blushing bride leaving her father's home but his human companion had given him something to think about. After Ludwig had left the room, Gilbert felt his heart beat unlike never before. Just thinking of the monk had his heart racing again. It had to be only curious lust on his end. He couldn't be falling in love! Especially not with an uptight celibate human monk! The relationship between human and fairy was forbidden, and with moral reason. Gilbert wouldn't think of himself as pining and whining away for his lost human lover Ludwig. He couldn't allow himself to turn into a foggy mist, wandering around in the early morning light in the human realm with no hope or destination. His goal was to become a Fairy Knight and help to serve his kingdom; protect it from the Dark Fairies and stop the expansion of human dominance over the world. He could not allow, no, WOULD NOT, allow himself to fall pray to the fairy power of love.

"Gilbert!" At the sound of Ludwig's voice calling his name, Gilbert's face began to flush and his heartbeat echoed in his ears.

'Oh sweet Green Mother…this can't be happening! Play it cool, Gil. Play it cool.' "Hey! Where the heck were ya? Did you get lost or something? You're late!"

Ludwig was using his staff as he walked. "I didn't know there was a scheduled time. Tell me next time." He stood next to the Winter Fairy. "Are we ready to go?"

"Yeah." Gilbert took Ludwig's hand and lifted him in the air to fly towards the portal. "So what did Sadiq have to say?"

"I just had to ask him a few things about fairy weapons. In case King Arthur or Prince Alfred try to get anything out of me I have a broader knowledge of what I'm talking about."

"Awesome! You're a smart guy, Luddy!" They flew through the portal and appeared in the human woods. The moon was bright and the air was chilly. "Ah, my Dark Winter Fairy companions are starting with the night frost." He pointed to the ground. "Look down."

Ludwig looked beneath his shoes to see the leaf-littered ground was lightly decorated with stars of frost. "Winter will soon be here."

"Yup! But I won't be playing a part in it…now that I will be married. I'll have royal duties instead. Good thing I'm not like Arthur, huh? Can you see me with a pregnant belly and a great rack?" He patted his chest and laughed at Ludwig's darkening blush.

"You speak of foolish things." He shuddered. "Anyway, let me get back to the temple." He smiled at Gilbert. "I'll see you soon."

Gilbert had to quickly turn away from Ludwig's smile before his blush flared up again. "Right! I'd better be going too! Got royal wedding work and all that good stuff! You know the way back?"

"Yes. I'll see you again."

"See ya!" Gilbert dashed through the portal and it and the fairy disappeared.

"Hm. He was acting strange?" Ludwig couldn't dwell on Gilbert's strange behavior now for he had to get back to the temple. The staff in his hand had turned limp, only just noticing it now. He wrapped it around his belt and would hide it in his room once he got back. That is, IF he was getting back. Ludwig took one step and his knees turned to water, which then gave out on him. He fell to the frost covered ground but caught himself with his forearms before his face could hit the dirt. Why couldn't he move? Ludwig tried to stand again yet could only make it on all fours. "What's happened to me? My body suddenly feels so weak." His body shivered in the cold and the frost on the ground nipped painfully at his hands. "How am I to get back now?"

'Are you in need of assistance?' Came an echoing voice from his right. It was Ivan in his phantom black dog form. There was no mistaking those red saucer eyes.

"I can't seem to stand…my legs feel like water."

'You have been in the fairy realm for too long. Your body has grown accustomed to that world and it will take a little while before it regains the strength to function here. Rest is needed before you can head back. They should have told you.'

Ludwig let out a sigh. "I'll freeze in this woods. I cannot rest here."

'Then you may crawl back, which will only damage your body further. Explain THAT to your human monk friends.' Ivan took a seat in front of him. 'You are a friend of the mystical realm. I offer my service to you this night. Rest against me and I will keep you warm until your legs are fit for standing.'

Ludwig wanted to deny the offer, but his legs were still useless and this cold would possibly kill him. He gave a nod to Ivan, who in turn curled his large black hairy body around him. The large tail covered his waist and Ludwig settled against Ivan's side, feeling the even breathing of the beast. There was no smell to Ivan, Ludwig noticed. His fur was soft and incredibly warm for a dark demon. The warmth was welcomed.

Ivan, though eager to sink his jaws into the human's neck for stealing his Gilbert, chose to keep the man warm and safe. It was unclear to him as to why, so the only thought was that Ludwig was a friend of their realm and entitled to his care. This human would also be Gilbert's greatest protector when it came to political matters pertaining to the marriage. Plus, Ludwig was a human. He was no real threat to someone of Ivan's strength and magic. If Ludwig was going to help him protect Gilbert, then he in return will protect this human. Ivan laid his head on the ground, closer to Ludwig's body as to keep the man warm in the night air. Ivan could not feel the cold or the breeze through his fur. They remained that way for a while before he felt Ludwig stirring against him. Ivan allowed the human to use his back as support while he stood on wobbly legs.

"I can stand again." Ludwig said, looking down at his knees. "I can feel my strength returning as well." He tried to take a step but stumbled. "Guess I'm not ready to walk yet…but I need to get back!"

'Ride upon my back. I'll bring you to your temple.' Ivan lowered himself for the monk. 'Well? Get on.'

Ludwig gripped the back of Ivan's neck as he slid one leg over the large body. He held on tight, as Ivan stood tall. "Thank you for this. You saved me again."

'I only do this because I should. Like I said, I am neither good nor evil.' He started to walk, black tail swishing behind. 'I can bring death or offer safety. I do only what is needed of me in this world.' They rode in silence until the temple came into view. 'This is where I leave you. Your legs should be strong enough to walk by now?'

Ludwig still held on to Ivan's fur as he slid off of the large dog. He found that he could stand with ease now, and took two practice steps to make sure. "Yes, I'm fine now. I'm grateful to you."

'I must take my leave. I'll see you around, human.' And with that Ivan faded away.

Ludwig looked up at the moon, breathed in the night air, and gave a smile. "It's good to be home."

When he entered the back door to the temple, everyone was sound asleep. The whole temple was quiet, which was good. Ludwig snuck his way to his room and literally jumped into bed, settling under the covers for warmth. He felt the staff pressing into his skin, remembering that he had to hide it. Getting out from the bed he went to the far corner of his room where there was a loose floorboard. Carefully he lifted it and placed the limp staff inside. Content with the hiding spot, Ludwig crawled back into bed and immediately fell asleep, completely exhausted.

/

The next morning, Ludwig was carrying a bucket of water inside the kitchen with three of the children following, laughing and giggling. He handed the bucket to the cook and turned to the children, asking about their morning. As they babbling and rambled on, Ludwig walked with them to the playroom. However, they were stopped short by one of the monks hurrying up to them.

"Ludwig! Come with me!"

"Cale, what is it?"

"It's Daniel again! He's talking of fairies and magic and…and he's mentioning you a lot." Ludwig's eyes widened. "But the worse of it is, is that Supreme Head Monk Jasper Wiles is here visiting!"

"Monk Jasper is here?" Jasper Wiles was the head of all the temples in the Emerald Valley. He ruled them each with an iron fist and a strict list of guidelines. "Children, go to the playroom. I must go with Monk Cale and help Daniel." Ludwig waited for them to leave before following Monk Cale to the prayer room, where he could hear Daniel yelling.

"Fairies are real! You can ask Ludwig! He knows! I told you!"

'Blast it all!' Ludwig cursed at hearing Daniel's words. He had to approach this carefully. "Is something the matter?" Ludwig asked calmly.

"LUDWIG!" Daniel wrestled out of one of monk's arms and ran to hide behind him. "Tell them, Ludwig! Tell them fairies are real! They want to send me away!"

Ludwig looked at their head master first, who appeared concerned and at a lost for words. He then turned to Monk Jasper, who looked like he hadn't aged a bit since the last time Ludwig saw him, when he was a young teen entering monkhood. The robes he wore were an emerald green, made of pure silk, and from his neck hung at least ten golden necklaces all with religious charms and gems. It was a wonder the old man could even hold his head up with all that weight. Jasper was also the only young monk who was allowed a beard. Only the elders past the age of sixty were allowed beards to symbolize their extensive life to the devotion of the Green Mother. The beard was trimmed neatly and its texture a curly dark brown. His skin was pale along with his eyes, giving one the notion that he may be blind; but Supreme Monk Jasper could see very well.

"What is Daniel speaking of?" Ludwig asked the three elder monks.

"Lord Jasper, forgive these boys. They are still children." His elder monk spoke. "Ludwig helps to take care of the orphan children. He spends a great deal of time with them. Isn't that right, Ludwig?"

Ludwig placed his hand atop of Daniel's trembling one that was still gripping his robe. 'Forgive me for this, Daniel'. "That is correct. Lord Jasper, fairies are simply fairytales." He heard Daniel's gasp. "They live in a child's imagination. They read about them in books and see paintings of them…they represent wonder and make the impossible possible. Whatever Daniel has said is simply the innocence of a child's imagination."

"NO!" Daniel pushed away from him. "That's not true and you know it! You're lying!"

"The boy is mad." Lord Jasper spoke with sick amusement.

"I hate you, Ludwig! I hate you!" The boy ran off and Ludwig wanted to run after him but remained bolted to the floor.

"So, Ludwig, or 'Little Luddy', as the boys used to call you." Lord Jasper flashed him a white-toothed smile. "You've certainly grown tall since I've last seen you. Playing much with fairies?"

Ludwig remained calm as he answered. "Children's stories. They like it when an adult chooses to believe them. Even if I don't believe it myself, I see no need to take away such innocence." He lowered his gaze to Jasper's level. "And if I'm not mistaken, the Green Mother released fairies into the world. They are a part of our realm…in a sense. It is written in the Green Book."

"True, but there are many things written in that book, and most of them have been by man." He reached a hand up and ruffled Ludwig's hair, tussling it. "That is what I despise about you lower level monks." He turned to the other two with a smirk. "Teaching nothing but the Green Book is a waste of precious time."

The second elder spoke next. "But, my Supreme Green Lord, the Green Book is everything to us! It was written by the first men who spoke to the Green Mother when she gave them breath and life!"

Monk Jasper laughed. "Or that is how you have read it. You weren't there to see it…so how can you teach what is 'true' if you've never seen it?" The two monks were silent. "I am the Supreme Lord Monk, chosen by the Green Mother herself to educate you all in the true ways." He smiled at Ludwig. "My eyes are a unique color for a reason. Why do you think that, Little Luddy?"

Ludwig took a deep breath. "I'm not certain, sir."

"I can see what all of these monks can't. I can see the truth! And all of you will know the truth very soon. I will be replacing the Green Books with my own; which is the TRUE WORD of the Green Goddess! Every temple will have it, and anyone who opposes the new book will be tried and jailed." He flicked Ludwig's nose. "What say you, Little Luddy?"

"I am not of rank to make or voice such an important opinion. That is for my superiors to decide. Whatever they wish to teach I will gladly listen and learn."

"Smart boy." He patted Ludwig's cheek. "You've taught him well. His father did us a great honor by bringing him here…" he gave Ludwig an amused sneer "even if it was just to save his spirit and the pride of the family name."

Ludwig held his breath, knowing what the monk was referring too.

"My Supreme Lord, Ludwig has proven to be everything we could ask for and more. Anything the boy may have done or thought has been forgiven." Said the head elder.

"Perhaps a nunnery would have suited him better. No men there for him to feel tempted." Jasper chuckled again in Ludwig's direction. The other monks said nothing. "Keep the stories of fairies out of my temples or there will be consequences. That young boy, Daniel, break him of these fantasies or he will come to my temple and learn what discipline is." He looked at Ludwig. "Keep up the good work, Little Luddy. You're turning into a FINE lad. You don't see fairies, right?"

"Of course not. Fairies are for children." Ludwig answered sternly.

"Good." He started to walk away. "I hate magic and fairies. There is no place in our grand world for such nonsense."

The four monks watched him leave and Cale turned to Ludwig. "You handled that better than I would."

"There's no need to fuel a fire by getting upset or angry." Ludwig responded. "That's what your tormentor wants."

The Head Master cleared his throat. "Allow me a word alone with Ludwig. Let us go into my office." He held out his hand for Ludwig to take and support him while walking there. "Close the door behind you." Ludwig led the old man to the chair first and then went to close the door. "Lock it." He turned the key and removed it from the door. "Little Luddy. We all called you that." He gave a tired smile. "Such a cute boy. Yellow hair like the sun and eyes more blue than the clearest morning sky. You were very popular here for that."

"According to Lord Jasper it was for other reasons." Ludwig said and took the chair opposite of the monk's desk. "I always figured that's the real reason my father brought me here. What did he tell you?"

"Only that you were a smart, hardworking boy full of discipline and a striving need to be great. But," he folded his hands in front of him "he said you were 'confused' as you began to outgrow your boyhood. Don't ever blame your father for sending you here to help you in that matter, Ludwig. The group your father worked for is a dangerous band of powerful men whom would disfigure, maim, or castrate you for such an offense. Your father spared you all that by giving you to me, who could protect you from such violence should something arise." The old man rested back in the chair. "Yet now, I fear there is a greater matter than desiring another man. You have that look."

"Look? What look, your Excellency?"

"What I am about to say does not leave this room." Ludwig frowned. Between the Dark Court, Elizaveta's chambers, and the big mushroom of Sadiq, he now had another room to add to the long list. He had heard once that too many secrets could drive a man insane. "But you have the look of someone who has seen a fairy." Ludwig's eyes widened.

"I've never seen a fairy."

"You have…and I have too. Many years ago, when I was very, very young, a little younger than you are now." The old man looked to the window. "I had just come to his temple as a young boy. My family had gone broke and they could not travel with so many children. They brought me here to live. One night when I was playing outside, against the Head Master's will and I came upon the most…curious creature."

"What…creature?"

The elder took a deep breath. "Forgive me, I am old and such lengthy talks make me…short of breath." He cleared his throat and continued. "A fairy. A male fairy…or at least, that's what I can remember. I remember peeking around a rock…the rock in the old churchyard; it's still there…and seeing a white light. Oh, it was the brighter than the sun. It sparkled like the stars and buzzed like a bee." He closed his eyes and smiled. "All white it was. Skin and clothes whiter than the freshest fallen snow…wings of crystal clear sparkles…eyes pinker than the most beautiful sweet pea flower. Even the hair…fresh milky white. I thought…is this a snowflake, or a fairy?"

'He's speaking of Gilbert!' Ludwig said to himself. 'He has seen Gilbert before! There is no mistaking that description.'

"Such a wonder…of the likes I have yet to come across in my many years of life. But, I never thought about it again. I prayed long and hard to the Green Mother to take away my ability to see such creatures, knowing the pain and punishment that comes with it." His old green eyes looked to Ludwig. "Which is why you have to help stop the children from seeing these fairies and speaking of them. You yourself must cease any interaction with them. Not all fairies are kind to humans, you must remember that." He wagged his finger at Ludwig. "These are very dark and dangerous times, Little Luddy. The old ways are dying faster and faster with each new year. Soon there will be nothing of the true Green Mother's teaching." He held out his hand for Ludwig, and the younger monk took it. "I may be able to save you from moral crimes of the flesh, but I'm afraid I cannot protect you from the hangman's noose or the pyres' fire for seeing things that should not be seen."

Ludwig lifted his blue eyes to stare uncertainly into old green.

/

Gilbert was offered a room in the palace for the time being while the wedding preparations (on their side) were being conducted. After Ludwig had left, Gilbert drank him blind and had to be carried back to the palace, where he woke up this morning with five fairy women pulling at him. King Roderich and Queen Elizaveta were present as well, along with a tailor and shoemaker. He just stared at all of them in confusion, but once he was tugged from the bed he knew what was going on. He'd rather be getting fitted for battle armor and chainmail, not wedding attire. The whole ordeal was making him nervous, especially with Roderich staring at him in silent judgment. They had gone through three wedding outfits already and Gilbert had become bored by the second.

"All of this is really idiotic." Gilbert said to Roderich's reflection in the mirror. "I like how it's MY wedding yet YOU are making all the judgment calls! That first outfit was fine!"

"It was an eyesore! That just goes to show that you have no actual taste in clothing."

"Pfft! DUH! I'm a warrior not a fancy-pants noble! Maybe you like all these fancy clothes and designs, but give me a sword and armor any day!" He grinned.

"You need to represent US, Gilbert. That is a little matter you keep forgetting." Roderich got up from his chair and walked over to Gilbert, who was still standing on the dresser stool. "Your perfect skin and eyes allow the tailors to do wonders with color…but it's finding the right one that proves to be the most challenging." He felt the material of the long tunic between his fingers. "Perhaps less design and more solid color." Roderich turned to the tailor. "I want Gilbert to stand out in that Dark Court. We need to remind them of our wealth and power."

Gilbert glared at him. "Why don't you just change me into a peacock so I can flaunt properly?"

"If it'll make the Dark Court surrender any faster I would greatly consider it." He turned back to the tailor. "What more do you have?"

"Well, I have this solid gold fabric of velvet. The inside lining is black silk."

Roderich rubbed his chin. "Let's see…I approve of the color but it is awfully plain. My queen, what do you think?" Elizaveta came over to join him.

"Perhaps more gold but of different textures, say for the trim or the shoulders, even the neck line."

"Not the neck line for I want the jewelry I have picked to stand out. Our royal colors and sigils will be present on the chest sash, so we could just line the hems with something else…say ribbon?"

"Hm. Too plain." Elizaveta vetoed.

Gilbert, now fully annoyed that he was not being asked his opinion, crossed his arms and mimicked Roderich's voice. "Geez Gilbert, what do you think it should look like?"

Roderich rolled his eyes. "If you had ANY rich taste in clothing I would ask your opinion, but you don't."

"You are SUCH an as-"

"PEARLS!" Roderich cried out. "Yes, pearls should do it! I want all your workers sewing pearls on the hems; cuffs and bottom. I want white eyelet lace for the sleeves, but make sure it doesn't cover his entire hand."

The tailor smiled. "Very good, your majesty! An excellent choice!"

'Brown noser.' Gilbert scoffed to himself. "The color gold clashes with my eyes, wouldn't you agree?"

The queen chuckled at that. "Would you prefer a pink, then?"

Gilbert gasped. "Hell no! Gold is fine. Why don't you just paint my skin gold as well and pass me off as one of Sadiq's art projects?"

"Whatever works." Roderich responded. "You'll look dashing in this design. Be grateful I'm paying for it."

"I'm going to look too femmy! I want to still have some sort of manhood tied to my name! I don't want to look like you!" Gilbert covered his mouth. "Oops."

The servants gasped and Elizaveta politely covered her mouth.

Roderich slowly turned around, looking miffed, and he clenched his fists as he raised his voice to Gilbert. "There is no reason why a man cannot be a great warrior while still having the common decency to look his best! The perfect man is one who can be both a warrior and a gentleman!" With a huff the king walked back to his chair, called fourth a dust brush to sweep the padding of the cushion, and then sat down. "I am the king and you will do as I command! If you wish to become a Fairy Knight then you had best watch your tongue! If I ask you to jump, you respond, 'how high'. Got that through your thick skull?"

"Roderich, you're being rude." Elizaveta said, coming to join him in her own chair. "This is all very frustrating for Gilbert." She whispered. "We are asking a lot of him and you should be more understanding of his feelings. He's not marrying for love but for political purposes. We don't know how Alfred is going to treat him, either, or even Arthur for that matter."

"Stop talking nonsense. It's not like Alfred is going to beat him or anything, even though Gilbert would benefit from a good lashing!" Roderich whispered back and Elizaveta slapped his shoulder. "Ow! Regardless, Arthur would put a stop to it. He only beats his own sons."

"But what if they do treat him poorly, Roderich?" She looked at Gilbert, and then back to her husband. "Just for the sake of argument. What would you do?"

He let out a sigh. "THAT will be your department, my dear. You may handle that should the issue arise." She seemed content with that.

"Your majesty, what about the pants?" Asked the tailor.

"I want him to match fully, so all gold."

"Yes your majesty!"

Gilbert, feeling utterly defeated, remained standing on that little stool while the tailor fussed with his 'new' golden outfit. He stared at himself in the mirror, frowning at the fairy that was staring back at him. He was only doing this so he could accomplish his goal, which was to become a Fairy Knight. Only Roderich could grant that position to him since he was not an All Seasons fairy. It angered him that he was good enough to be sent off as a bride to the enemy but not useful enough to be a knight. If it weren't for his dream, Gilbert would have spat in Roderich's face when the king offered a marriage. And then, there was Ludwig. Ludwig, the human monk who brought back a flush to his face. The tailor asked if he was all right and Gilbert simply responded it was the heat. Yet it was more than that. He thought of Ludwig's words to him in that room, about how he acted desperate and wild. The sad part is that he knew Ludwig was right. Everything the monk said about his actions had been true. He really was doing it for attention because he couldn't get it any other way. He wanted the Light Fairies to notice him and make him a knight, but as Ludwig said, it only turned the others off to him. So how was he going to act once married to Alfred? He had promised Arthur that he would be a dutiful 'wife' and obey all the rules, but it just wasn't fair that Alfred would be allowed to do whatever he liked.

'Maybe that's just my jealousy coming into play again? Alfred is a prince and I'm just a common fairy.' He took a deep breath and held it. 'I guess I should follow Ludwig's advice and change my attitude. If only just for the public, like I promised King Arthur. Ludwig wants me to follow the rules, as does Roderich and Arthur…so that's what I'll do.'

'But that's not who you are.' His reflection answered back.

Gilbert wasn't phased by it and answered back. 'I know I'll be lying to myself but Ludwig's words made a lot of sense. And I still want to be a Fairy Knight.'

'So you'll kiss Roderich's ass just to get what you want?'

'Do I have any other way?'

'I suppose not.'

'So it's settled. Once I become a Fairy Knight, which is my one true wish, I will be honest with myself. But until then, I should act the part of a good royal fairy when it is expected of me.'

'Doing what others want just to get something out of it is what a prostitute does.'

'I beg to differ, and I have no other way of accomplishing what I want. If I can be like the queen, that would be awesome! I could have everything and still be allowed to fight!' "OW! Watch it with that pin!" He hollered at the tailor.

"Forgive me, sir."

"Whatever. Are you almost done? I'm fucking tired of standing here and I'm dying of hunger and I want a nap!"

The tailor fumbled with his sewing needled. "I'm almost done. Just one more…there! That should do it for now. You can undress."

"About time!" Gilbert rushed behind the changing curtain, carefully stripping himself of the needle-filled tunic. He tossed it over the top of the curtain where the tailor took it to continue with the design. 'Stupid Roderich taking control of everything! Maybe it's a good thing I'll be away from him for a while!' He slipped the under tunic over his head. 'In three days I'll be considered a prince…which isn't so bad for a nobody fairy like me.' Gilbert smirked and wiggled his shoulders. 'And Ludwig will be with me.' There was the mention of that monk again, and his face flared up. 'For fuck's sake!'

He wouldn't be able to hide all this blushing from Ludwig for very long. The monk was bound to find out, but even if he did, the human wanted nothing to do with him. Why would he even entertain the thought of someone like Ludwig anyway? The man was a stuck-up celibate monk who cared more about his vows than his own happiness. If he was falling in love, then why did it have to be THAT guy?

'Damn my fairy emotions! I should really be a human.' He buzzed his wings as he emerged from the changing curtain. "Are you done abusing me now?" He said to Roderich.

The king stood up. "If you consider helping you look your best abuse then you have bigger problems than I do. Let's go, my dear." He offered his hand to Elizaveta and they saw themselves out, along with the tailor.

Gilbert glared at the closed door, gave a snort, and kicked the tailor stool across the room.

End Chapter 7 TBC
- 6
- 7
- 8
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