Ch-15

Chapter 15

He chuckled and tilted her chin up, grinning wolfishly at her.

“You’re beautiful.” Klara giggled shyly. “I’ve got a surprise for you…” He whistled and the cicerone spirit suddenly bounded from around the corner. It jumped happily around Klara then sat at her feet, wagging it’s tail as he held up his head, displaying her lost amulet.

“You found it!” she cried happily, scratching the fox behind its ears. “Oh thank you, my little friend!” taking the amulet, she tied it around her neck then kissed Randolf’s cheek. “Thank you.” The cicerone whined loudly, not liking to be ignored.

“Oh here…” Randolf opened his palm and a small burst of magic formed into a ball. It bounced off and the cicerone bounded after it happily. “They like to be rewarded with magic treats.” He explained. Offering his arm, he asked, “Ready?” Klara nodded then fidgeted with her dress, trying to cover up a bit more.

“You look fine.” He assured. She blushed heavily. “I should have warned you about the fashions here, they’re a bit less modest.”

“I’ve noticed.” Klara muttered, glancing at some fairies who were practically naked. “But why do you wear regular trousers and not the clothing other males wear?”

“Do you wish me to?” He asked slyly. Klara blushed even more and he chuckled. “It’s more for me than anything. It helps me keep the human side of me alive.”

“Why would you want to do that?” Klara asked as he escorted her to the Garden Room. They were to discuss the next steps for the future of the forest. “Even I know there is little good in humans.”

“But that little good, needs to be preserved.” Randolf replied. “You’re a perfect example. Most of your kind choose the darker path of magic, but you strive for goodness and peace. I feel it is my responsibility to protect you.”

“Seems like a large load for one person.” She muttered.

“Perhaps, but because of me there is peace between the other creatures of this forest. When I found my way back here, it was in chaos from everyone fighting for power. The wolves fought with the fairies for dominance, and everyone else was caught in between. I stepped in as a third party negotiator and after that, Carina and her brother appointed me as the official peace keeper of the Forest.”

Klara couldn’t believe how amazing this man was. She knew he was a good man from the start, but clearly had no idea just how understated that was. She felt her heart sore in wonder and awe, as well as squeeze with disdain for herself. Feeling she was unworthy of his affection and devotion.

“What’s wrong?” he asked suddenly, stopping to look at her. Klara stuttered but couldn’t put it to words. “You look sad all of a sudden.”

“I just…” Klara shook her head. “I’m not worth all of this!” Randolf frowned heavily.

“I wish you’d stop thinking like that. Of course you’re worth it! Anything that helps us fight against dark magic like Gertrude and Gerrick is worth any sacrifice.” When she said nothing he took her hand in his. “Trust me, you will make a great difference.”

Klara didn’t argue, deciding she was going to hear him and Carina out before making any decisions. Randolf led them to a couple of large, golden doors that stretched up to the ceiling. With little effort, he opened the door for her and motioned for her to enter. Klara was awestruck by the immense space and beauty. The ceiling stretched far above them and disappeared in golden light, the walls had a look of white tree bark with golden veins. A rolling green meadow filled the room and in the center was a small lake with an enormous tree growing from its own little island. Floating orbs of light lit the room, bathing everything in warmth.

But the beauty was marred by Carina arguing fiercely with another male fairy.

“You overstepped Carina!” the male fairy shouted.

“I did what was right for the Forest!” she cried. “If I hadn’t intervened…”

“Then it wouldn’t be our problem! Your simple mind clearly hasn’t learned from our last encounter with those two demons!”

Randolf cleared his throat loudly and both turned towards them. Carina looked upset though tried to hide it, while the male fairy glared at Klara directly.

“Get that creature out of my home, now!” he ordered. Klara flinched, clutching Randolf’s arm.

“Klara doesn’t deserve your hatred, Prince Claus.” Randolf gritted. “You know we can’t defeat Gertrude, her magic is too powerful. Klara is our best chance.”

“You once thought Gertrude was a good witch, what makes you so sure about this one?” Prince Claus demanded, measuring Klara up slowly. She took a deep breath and said,

“Your highness, I realize you don’t believe…”

“Silence!” he roared. “I will not hear a word from your worthless lips.” Randolf stiffened and growled lowly in his throat, his eyes turning purple and his claws extending in anger. Klara clutched his arm, silently pleading for him not to start something.

“She is not worthless!” Carina cried. Claus whirled around and smacked her across her face, knocking her to the ground.

“How many times must I teach you to keep your mouth shut?” he demanded lowly. Klara rushed forward, ignoring Randolf and Claus as she comforted Carina.

“Let me see…” Klara pleaded, moving hair away from Carina’s bruised face. Claus grabbed her arm to move her away and the wiccan’s anger burst forth. “Get off of me!” she shouted, and magic erupted from her hand, sending him flying across the room and into a wall. Everyone was stunned silent except Klara who turned back to Carina and pressed her shaking hand to the fairy’s face. A small, flickering bit of magic escaped into the wound, healing it completely.

“But…your magic…” Carina touched her healed cheek.

“I had enough to escape Gertrude and to heal you. Now it’s all gone.” Klara whispered, feeling weary. Randolf knelt beside her, steadying her with a hand on her back. “At least until Randolf returns the rest.” Carina’s eyes misted a bit.

“I knew I was right about you.” She whispered, smiling softly. Looking over at her brother she smirked. “My brother won’t like being proven wrong.”

The prince groaned, holding his head as he stood up. “Randolf, take her to the dungeons.” He ordered. The wolf didn’t even turn, remaining where he was. “Did you not hear me?!” the prince yelled.

“Oh, I heard you.” Randolf replied. “I don’t know what Klara has done to deserve your ire, but I do know that she is a good wiccan and I will not let anyone harm her.” Klara blushed as her heart sored at his words. “Now if you’ll excuse us…” he motioned for Klara and Carina to follow him out of the room, leaving the prince in stunned silence.

“Klara you were remarkable!” Carina giggled, taking the wiccan’s hands as she fluttered excitedly. “I have never met someone who could knock my brother on his ass!” Klara looked at Randolf and he nodded. Carina took Klara’s face in her hands and added, “Thank you, my friend.” And kissed her. Klara jumped back in shock, covering her mouth.

“Now, I want you to go home, get some rest. I will let you know when we will have a Council Meeting.” She fluttered away before either Randolf or Klara could reply.

“I…I don’t…” Klara’s face was beet red and her head was spinning. Randolf laughed full hearted and she yelled, “What’s so funny?!”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. But your reaction is just too adorable.” He replied, trying to catch his breath. “That’s how fairies thank their friends, no matter the sex.”

“Anything else I should know?!” Klara demanded. “What happens if I do actually defeat Gertrude or Gerrick for that matter? Does she bed me in thanks?!” Randolf chuckled and shook his head as she covered her mouth in horror. She feared she’d offended the princess with her reaction. “Oh God…”

“It’s alright, Klara.” Randolf pulled her into his arms. “I should have educated you on their cultures a bit, I’m just so used to it, I don’t even think about it anymore.” Klara looked up at him then suddenly started to laugh. “What?”

“So, do male fairies kiss their male friends?” she asked. Randolf didn’t answer but the embarrassing blush that colored his cheeks gave Klara her answer.

“We should start heading home.” He replied, escorting her down the hall. “Get some food on the fire and…” Klara giggled.

“You’re right, that face is adorable.” Klara giggled. Randolf sighed, but couldn’t help but smile.