Prelude: Then Everybody Woke Up!

Willow Rosenberg Summers was propped up on her elbows admiring her wife’s features. Wife it sounded nice, knowing that she had her completely that she was devoted to her and her alone.
”Hey!” Buffy Rosenberg Summers said with smile as she opened her eyes.

“Sleep well?” Willow asked as Buffy gathered her into her arms.
”Yep. Since staying awake until dawn and then having mind blowing sex for hours on end tends to leave you a bit exhausted.” Buffy answer as she kissed her wife.
”So what do we do today.” Willow asked as she wiggled closer.
”Nothing, we stay in this hotel suite and preferably in bed.” Buffy answered.
”But the rest of the gang are staying here too, they’re bound to come by.” Willow said.
”Nope. Mom, Giles and Spike threaten everybody last night so we’ll have no interruptions.” Buffy said with a smile.
”And since it’s well past noon and noone has showed then I’m guessing it worked.” Willow said as she stood up. Buffy practically whined.
”Bathroom.” Willow explained.
”Shower?” Buffy asked with a grin.
”Nope.”
Buffy pouted.
”Jacuzzi.” Willow said and Buffy’s smile turned into a grin.

*          *            *            *            *

Cordelia woke up and looked around, she was lying in a huge bed, which both sides had been slept on and she was covered in satin, but not much more.

“Good Morning.” Stjar’a said as walked through the doors, holding two mugs of something steaming.
”Morning.” Cordelia said as she sat up and accepted the mug.
”We didn’t do anything if that’s what you’re wondering?” Stjar’a said as she sat on the bed.
”But we did…”
”Sleep together, yes.”
”Why didn’t you stay?”

“Had to get the hot chocolate.”  Stjar’a said as she made her way under the covers.
”So you’ve slept with a human. How does it feel?” Cordelia asked in a humors tone.
”Not bad, wouldn’t mind doing it again.” Stjar’a answered with a smile and sipped at the mug.
”No objections here.” Cordelia said and lifted her mug in agreement.

*          *            *            *            *

Joyce stood and stared out the window, trying to make sense of all the things that had happened. It had been a pretty wild ride since the temple and only now she finally had time to think.
”Where does it go from here?” She asked herself.
”We select a path and stick to it.” Came a British accented reply and blue wings wrapped around her.
”And there’s always a tomorrow.” She added.
”Wise words.”

There was silence as they stared out at the world.
”No regrets?” One asked.
”No regrets.” Another answered.

*          *            *            *            *

Amy woke up and panicked, something warm pressed against her, definitely male. The night came back, the innocent argument over magic and myth spinning into a headed kiss in a doorway. She gathered her clothes and left Wesley’s room.

*          *            *            *            *

Al’x stepped out of a room 103 with a content smile on his face. He saw Anya kiss someone in a doorway before sneaking towards her room. He walked down to the dinning hall in order to get a very, very late breakfast. Giles and Faith and Spike and Luna waved him over as soon as he entered the dinning hall.

“Good morning, or should I say afternoon.” He said a little loudly as he sat
”It’s early either way.” Faith said as she pushed the sunglasses closer to her eyes.
”Don’t be silly.” Giles said in a overly cheerful voice as he bit down on the sausage from the British breakfast in front of him.
”I hate you.” Faith muttered and looked down at the glass of water and dropped the Alka-Seltzer taps in it.
”Did you see Daniel on your way down?” Luna asked.
”No.” Al’x said simply.
”But I bet you saw someone leaving his room?” Spike asked with a grin.
”Just our friendly neighborhood ex-demon.” Al’x answered with a grin as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
”When will you be leaving for the Old Realm?” Giles asked.
”Soon, I haven’t fully decided on who to ask to come with me.”
”But Elisabeth and Willow are going with you?” Luna asked.
”Yes, but mostly for the unborn child’s sake, it’ll be safe in the realm.” Al’x answered.
”But isn’t there a whole time difference thingy?” Faith asked.
”No another half-truth I’m afraid. The time difference only applied to my first travel since the portal I was pushed through wasn’t stable.”
”So you’ll arrive in the realm when?” Giles asked.
”Three days after I left.”
”And Red and Slayer will be back when?” Spike asked.
”That depends, but I’m sure they won’t be gone more then a few months at the most.”
”But they’ll be some years older?” Luna said.
”Not allot, time moves differently in the realm, turns out that time is relative and further more…”
”Could we please talk about this later.” Faith said rubbing her temples, a lecture on temporal and inter-dimensional theory wasn’t the best thing for a hangover.

Chapter 1: Fire and Magic

    “Wow there!” Joyce said as she collided with Amy.
She’d been making her way downstairs for a late breakfast and then intended on returning to her demon lover, correction half-demon lover. Now she looked down into the tear filled eyes of the resident witch realizing that Czar would just have to wait.
    ”This is becoming a habit.” She said with mirth as she guided them to Amy’s room.
   “Wesley again?” She asked when there was not reply.
Amy nodded.
    ”What did you two do now? Have another fight?”
Amy shook her head as she opened the door.
    ”If not a fight, what…” She trailed of as Amy sat down on her bed.
Something flared up inside her, maybe it was the maternal instinct she felt towards the members of her  extent family or maybe it was the fire she now knew burned inside her soul.
    ”You slept with him?” She asked trying desperately to calm herself.
Amy nodded silently.
    ”Did you use…”
Before she finished Amy was shaking her head.  Tears welling up again.
    ”Here.” She said, wrote something on piece of paper and handed the girl.
   “Go down to the hotel’s drugstore and get this. Take it as soon as you can. I’m going to talk to Wesley.” She said and before Amy could protest she was out the door. Amy folded the paper and thought of whom she should get to calm Joyce down, not Buffy she deserved her peace, Al’x! She ran into the hall, and  caught a glimpse of Joyce striding towards Wesley’s room. Amy ran towards the elevators.

   ”Wesley open the door!” Joyce shouted as she pounded on the door of his room.
As soon as the door opened she pushed through grabbing the young watcher and slamming him against the wall.
   “Ms. Summers.”
    ”Don’t you Ms. Summers me Wesley. Why did you do it?” Joyce asked as she tightened her hold.
    ”I…”
    ”You what Wesley?” She said as she lifted him higher.
    ”Put him down Joyce.” Al’x ordered calmly as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
    ”Xander you don’t know what he did.” Joyce said, but she’d didn’t let go of the young watcher.
    ”I do know, Amy told me. Now let Wesley go.”
There was a silent pause.
    ”Joyce you’re hurting him.” Al’x said calmly.
Joyce glanced at Wesley, then dropped him to the ground.
    ”But he…” Joyce said as she grumbled to her knees.
    ”I know Joyce and you did what you thought was right.” Al’x said as he knelt beside her.
    ”I don’t understand what’s happening. One minute I’m happy, in control and the next…”
    ”You feel the power and the anger. I know the feeling.” Al’x said as he helped her stand.
    ”I want to go with you Al’x. I need to learn.” Joyce said as she sat down on the bed.
    ”Amy has expressed that she wishes to return to the realm with us.”
    ”What did you say?”
     “I told her I would think about it, but in light of recent events.” Al’x said and looked at the young Watcher putting the kettle on.
    ”I understand and she could learn a great deal from Willow.” Joyce said.
    ”We’ll leave in one weeks time, so prepare.” Al’x said as he breezed out of the room
    ”Tea?” The young watcher asked.

    “What happened?” Amy asked as Al’x closed the door of Wesley’s room behind him. Behind her stood Giles, Faith, Luna and Spike.
    ”You can come and Joyce will also be traveling with us.” Al’x stated simply and then instructed Luna and Faith to make sure Amy got back to her room and ate something.
   “So you’ve got your group then?” Spike asked as they split up.
    ”Yes. You think you’ll be able to survive without them for a few months?” Al’x asked thoughtfully.
    ”Well we’ve been surviving for more then a year without them already.” Spike stated, but there was something in his voice that Al’x picked up.
   “Here.” He said and handed Spike a rounded blue stone on a silver chain.
    ”Is this what I think it is?” Spike asked as he studied the blue stone.
    ”Should you ever need us, put it on and it will take you to us.” Al’x said as he patted his back.
    ”I’ll do that.” Spike muttered he studied the stone and didn’t notice when Al’x slipped away.

*          *            *            *            *

    “You did it again?!” Buffy exclaimed as they hovered above the bed.
    ”Hey this is a two woman show here.” Willow stated as they floated gently down to the bed.
    ”Meaning…”
A piece of paper slit under the door.
    ”Oh! I don’t want to leave the bed.” Buffy whined.
    ”Then don’t.” Willow said as the paper floated over to them.
    ”What is it?” Buffy asked curiously as she looked over Willow’s shoulder.
    ”It’s from Al’x and it seems that Amy and your mom will be coming along.” Willow said looking back at her.
    ”Great?!” Buffy exclaimed with a smile on her face.
    ”Did something short circuit during last round. I just told you that your ‘mother’ will be coming with us.” Willow stated in disbelieve.
    ”I heard it and I’m glad. She’s always wanted grandchildren at some point and she should be there from the start.” Buffy explained.
    ”That and we’ll have a willing babysitter on standby.” Willow added.
    ”That too, but we already had Cordy and Stjar’a.” Buffy said.
    ”Those two will have more important things on their minds.” Willow stated.
    ”And we’ll be there to catch them if they fall.” Buffy added as she kissed her.

*          *            *            *            *

THUD!
   “Hey that was cheating?!” Cordelia stated as she jumped to her feet.
    ”Well you need to learn.” Stjar’a said with a smile as she readied her staff and surely the swing came.
CLANG!
    ”Fast, but not fast enough.” Stjar’a stated as she pushed Cordelia away.
SWEEP!
    ”You’re learning.” Stjar’a commented as she stood up.
    ”Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” Cordelia said.
    ”Wise words.” Stjar’a said as she charged.
THUD!
    ”This is nice.” Cordelia commented as she looked up into the silver gray eyes.
    ”That it is.” Stjar’a stated.
CRASH!
    ”Why did you do that?” Cordelia demanded as she stood up from the tipped over couch.
    ”You were distracted.” Stjar’a explained.
SLAM!
    ”So this is distracting.” Cordelia said as she held her against the wall and kissed her.
    ”Definitely.” Stjar’a said when they came up for air.
    ”Cordy?”
    ”Hmm hmm.”
    ”What am I to you?”
    ”What you mean?”
    ”What am I to you? Surely we’re more the friends?”
    ”What am I to you?”
    ”The elfin word for it is: ast’one.”
    ”The human word is: girlfriend.”
    ”Ast’one.” Cordelia repeated, mimicking the sing song tone of the elfin language.
    ”Girlfriend.” Stjar’a said with a smile.

Chapter 2: Time Passes Quickly

From the Writings of Prince William Blood

...Time is a strange thing! There’s never enough of it and when things are good it passes so quickly that we barely notice it.
Elisabeth, nor Willow told me how they spent their honeymoon. The only thing I know for sure us that the never left the suite.
The time we spent in peace in a paradise saw many changes for all of us. Some of us  grew up as we reflected on the changes in our lives. For some it was a painful moment and for others it was one of peace when they realized that they had somehow moved on from what they once were…

    “What about diapers?” Buffy asked from inside the closet in their room at the newly reconstructed mansion.
To quote the beginners book of magic: Magic is a wonderful thing indeed. When you get it right.
    ”We’ll use cloth.” Willow said as Buffy stepped out of the closet.
    ”This isn’t some weird prime directive thing now is it?” Buffy asked as she placed a sweater into the trunk.
    ”Well maybe some. But we are going to another world and we’re going there to blend in.” Willow stated as she folded a red robe.
    ”Think we’ll run into trouble.” Buffy asked as Willow placed the red robe into the trunk.
    ”Just being careful that’s all.” Willow stated as she looked down and ran a hand of the red material. ”Still I’m concerned.”
    ”How so?” Buffy asked as she wrapped her arms around her wife.
    ”Al’x said that he was supposed to return with commanders for an army and then he goes and chooses us?” Willow explained.
    ”Well the Zeppo formerly know as Xander has proved that almost every decision he makes has something behind it.” Buffy stated.
    ”But why and what if there’ll be a war?” Willow asked.
    ”Well let’s go ask him shall we.” Buffy stated as she closed the trunk.
    ”Now?”
    ”Why not he’s out back training with mom.” Buffy said as she took her hand.

*          *            *            *            *

    “You’re getting better.” Al’x commented as he diverted another blow.
    ”I didn’t notice.” Joyce answered as she stepped away from a swipe.
    ”Holing back the fire?” Al’x asked as he blocked.
    ”Somewhat.” Joyce answered as she spun out of the block, but stopped as she felt something poke her butt.
    ”And there lies you’re mistake.” Al’x said calmly as they bowed.
    ”Using the fire?” Joyce asked.
    ”No. In battle use it, but you mustn’t take it for granted. Everything in this world is fleeting.” Al’x stated as they walked over to the     porch.
    ”Hey mom!” Buffy said as she stepped out onto it with Willow in tow.
    ”Hey honey, packing going okay?” Joyce asked as she sipped from her water bottle.
    ”Almost done. Al’x I want to ask you about something?.”
    ”Sure what bout Buff?”
    ”When you came clean about your reasons for being here you said that it was to recruit commanders for an army.” Buffy said.
    ”That’s still one of my objectives yes.” Al’x stated.
    ”Then why pick us?” Buffy asked.
    ”I’ve been wondering that myself Al’x. Why pick a pregnant Slayer, two novice warriors and two witches?” Joyce asked.
    ”You all fit the profile I was given.”
    ”Explain?” Willow asked.
    ”People that were willing to come. Granted you all have different reason for coming, but you’re all  undertaking this journey at your own free will. Second: The persons should all have some powers either physical or mystical and you all have that, though my selection of Cordelia may have more to do with Stjar’a’s happiness and finally that the person should preferably be a female.”
    ”Excuse me!” All three stated.
    ”The elfin armies are in most cases let my women.” Al’x explained.
    ”But you have…”
    ”Well I’m one of the few exceptions, plus I’m human.” Al’x explained.
    ”There are some that might argue that point.” Stjar’a stated as she and Cordelia came walking hand in hand across the yard.
    ”Did I also mention that elves have excellent hearing.” Al’x said with a frown.
    ”What about the upcoming war?” Buffy asked.
    ”There will be a war if diplomacy fails, but it won’t occur until after the birth of your child.” Al’x explained. There was silence for a moment.
   ”Well I better go check on how’s Amy is doing, not that I don’t trust Giles…” Willow trailed off as she kissed Buffy on the cheek and     left.
    ”Shall we continue.” Al’x said as he stood up.
    ”No holding back?” Joyce asked as she drew her sword.
    ”If you wish to be humiliated.” Al’x stated.
Buffy smiled as Stjar’a and Cordelia took seats next to her and prepared for a show.
    ”Does your mom have any chance of winning?” Cordelia asked.
    ”None what so ever!” Stjar’a stated before Buffy could answer.
    ”I agree.” Buffy stated as the first sounds of clashing metal rang out.
    ”So how are you two doing? Haven’t seen much of you since the wedding.”
    ”Well I’ve been busy organizing the hand over and everything surrounding Angel’s estates. Then of course the revisiting of Sunnydale.” Cordelia said and her face darkened at the end and Stjar’a leaned closer to her.
    ”So I take it that the old gang hasn’t taken well to you coming out?” Buffy asked.
    ”Lets just say I’m glad that I’m leaving.” Cordelia stated.
    ”That bad uh?”
   “You got of easy you know that don’t you?”
    ”Yes and I’m sorry if it’s hard for you, but from what Al’x has told that being gay isn’t that big a deal in the other realm.”
Now Stjar’a’s face seemed to sadden.
    ”Come spill it.” Buffy stated as the sound of someone slamming against a tree sounded behind them.
    ”Elves and humans aren’t supposed to mate.” Cordelia stated as she wrapped an arm around Stjar’a’s shoulder.
   “Oh something like the vampire and human thing?”
    ”Something like that.” Cordelia answered.
    ”So what are you going to do?”
    ”Nothing they’ll just have to except us.” Stjar’a answered in a firm voice.
   “But you’re…”
    ”I don’t care?!” Stjar’a exclaimed and stormed away.
    ”Did you have to mention that she’s royalty?” Cordelia stated as she headed after the elf.
    ”Way to go Buffy.” She muttered to herself as behind Al’x stumbled past and then ducked Joyce’s charge.

*          *            *            *            *

    “Amy put Giles down.” Willow said as she rubbed her eyes.
    ”Give me a minute, this whole mental thing is hard you know.” Amy said as she focused her eyes on the floating Brit.
    ”Would you just get me down.” The ex-watcher exclaimed as held onto the table.
    ”I’ve got it!” Amy exclaimed as he landed with a solid thud.
    ”Thank you. Now if you’ll excuse me.” He said as he made his way up the stairs.
    ”I think I hurt his pride.” Amy stated as she sat down.
    ”How do you do it.” She asked as Willow took a seat.
    ”I just think about what I want to do and it happens.” Willow explained.
    ”That helps.”
    ”My way isn’t necessarily your way. Observe” Willow said as she stood up.
    ”There’s the word magic.”
    ”Hnīttur eld flug.” She said and glowing ball of green fire appeared above the table.
    ”Then there is hand magic.” She said and weaved a pattern with her hands and another ball, red this time, appeared.
    ”Then there is thought magic, the real hard one.” She said as the balls started spinning around each other.
    ”But what about the green glow you always get when you’re casting?” Amy asked.
    ”That’s something that the covens have deemed unique. When I cast spells or focus the energies to flow through me they seem to increase and the glow you see is one of the results.”
    ”So you’re an amplifier for mystical energies.”
    ”In short ye, but I also store it.”
    ”Cool.”
Willow smiled.
    ”Now do the levitation again.” She stated as motioned for Amy to stand.

*          *            *            *            *

    “Daniel you’re looking well.” Spike stated as he looked up from the book he was reading under the shadow of a tree.
    ”Feel good too.” The former Prince said as he sat down.
    ”So enjoying yourself with the former demon eh?” Spike asked as he earmarked the page he was on.
    ”A gentleman never tells, but what about you William how is immortal life treating you?”
    ”I’m happy, I’ve got a beautiful mate who loves me for me, I can walk in the sun and I’m a prince of a city.” Spike exclaimed and the     laptop on the ground besides him bleeped.
    ”You were saying?” Daniel asked with grin as Spike growled and opened the offending machine.
    ”Was there something important you wanted to tell me?” Spike asked after he was done with his business, some minor demon uprising.
    ”William I’m leaving.” Daniel stated.
    ”I see, where to?”
    ”Don’t know for sure, but far away from here. I’m retiring from the fray.”
    ”I understand. Will you be taking Anya with you?”
    ”If she will have and old man like me.” Daniel stated as he looked over to the red convertible he came in and stood up.
    ”Have you told Luna?” Spike asked as he looked over his shoulder.
    ”She knows.” Daniel explained.
    ”Then I wish you all the past.” Spike said as he hugged his mentor.
    ”You too William, you too.” Daniel said as he padded Spike’s back.
   

Chapter 3: Writings In a New World

From the Journals of Willow Rosenberg-Summers

I’m looking out the window of a beautiful ivory tower, the forest stretches on into the horizon, and I’m in another realm. Now you might ask how did I get here?
We were all gathered out in the desert, waiting for Al’x to work the magic that would open the portal into the other realm, which will here on be called Elf World, although there are more species there then just elves. Oh great! I even babble when I write. We’d all hugged and kissed goodbye before, something about everyone not going staying well away from the portal which I understand perfectly. They watched from a nearby hill. Buffy looked shocked, when she saw her mom hugging and kissing Czar goodbye thanking him for everything he’d shown her. Daniel and Anya had said goodbye the day before and it was actually kind of cute seeing Spike almost break out in tears.
Buffy is ecstatic, she loves it here, as do I, there’s something about this place, it’s just so peaceful.

From the Diaries of Buffy Rosenberg-Summers

 …I’m not going to be angry with mom, although she did sleep with a demon, but hey who am I to argue on that point. Seeing Al’x open the portal was quite a disappointment. It seemed so easy, he just broke a crystal and then it opened. But we’re here all set up in nice big, family, sized room. I just know that things are going to be good from now on.
We’ll meet King Solonus in a feast tonight, did I mention that it’s being held in our honor.
One month into my pregnancy and everything is five by five, I didn’t write that, oh shot! I can’t fully describe the surprise that the elves showed when the saw us, apparently having a colorful aura seems to be all the rage around here.
I got a chance do see some ancient writings and Al’x has told me that there is huge library with ancient texts in the palace. Gee guess I didn’t spent a year in speed reading archeology for nothing eh…

From the Scriplings of Cordelia Chase

Since everyone else seems to have this special book which they write stuff in. I thought I should also document this trip.
I’m scared, Stjar’a seems to be on edge and she cried last night. I hate what this place is doing to her. I look around and see a beautiful shinning city, surrounded by an endless forests.
We went and climbed the trees yesterday and then chased each other under the light of two moons. We were happy, didn’t have a care in the world. How can someone consider what we feel to be wrong, back home it was because we were both girls, here it’s because she’s an elf and I’m a human.
We’ll be meeting her parents tonight at the feast that being held in our honor and I’m nervous as hell. She going to introduce me to them as her “ast’one” get it out in the open. In a way I’m flattered, that she would choose me, I mean when I found out that she was of royal blood I didn’t know what to say. I just want to be perfect, I want them to accept me. Me a human of no standing in this world, which one of the few things she’s proud of in her life is the fact that she’s in love with their daughter. If not to hell with them!
Buffy and Willow have been great to us, offering advice and support. Willow even promised to turn people into mice if they hurt us. The dress is laid out on the bed, our bed. I’ve been marked as a warrior, which means I’ll be wearing allot of green and gold. They said something about me being an oracle too…

From the Writings of Joyce Summers

I worry for my children, strange that I’ve come think of them all as my children, especially Amy, she’s seems so overwhelmed by this place. Me, I’m fine. Czar made me promise that I needed not do anything to honor him on this trip. In short he gave me an okay on sleeping around. Buffy and Willow are happy its like they can feel the safety this place offers and I can feel it too. Cordelia and Stjar’a seem to be hanging in there. They’re breaking one of the unwritten rules of this society by just being in love. I’m sure they’ll work through it, with our help if need be.
Everyone looked at me kind of funny, with fear. Al’x said it was nothing, just my aura. Still it frightens me that I project an aura that makes people run and hide, an elderly woman screamed and ran when she saw me…

*          *            *            *            *

    ”Where should I begin.” Amy wondered out loud as she looked out over the sunlit forest from atop the outer wall of the palace.
    ”The beginning is always I good place.” Came a soft voice.
    ”Well then it would a pretty long story.” Amy said as she turned and met golden eyes that rested in an exotic face, short black hair     revealed the pointed ears that marked the owner of the voice as an elf. He looked young, but his eyes were old.
    ”You’re one of the travelers aren’t you?” He asked as he leaned over the wall.
    ”That’s me. I’m Amy by the way.” Amy said trying to sound confident.
    ”Vitor.” The man introduced himself and offered her an elegant hand.
    ”What no elaborate pronunciation or anything?” Amy asked with a grin.
    ”Excuse me?”
    ”Sorry human joke.” Amy said.
    ”Ah!”
    ”Do you know Al’x?” Amy asked.
    ”I’ve met him once or twice. Then of course heard the stories.”
    ”He’s that big here then is he?”
    ”He is as you put it big. He’s a hero to both elves and humans alike and he’s even made friends among Dragons and Dwarfs.” He     stated and Amy could have sworn that his chest puffed out a bit.
    ”Hey there are Cordy and Stjar’a!” Amy exclaimed as two figures ran through the forest below.
    ”Yes they look happy.” Vitor stated bluntly.
    ”You’re not one of those who think it’s wrong for an elf and a human to get together are you?”
    ”No, I respect love in any form, between all species. It’s just that for Stjar’a, Cordelia’s life is short compared to hers.” Vitor explained.
    ”So there’s no growing old together, but that’s not an excuse for not being happy in the here and now. Carpe diem.”
    ”Meaning?”
    ”It’s an ancient saying in my realm. It means seize the day.”
    ”Wise words and true. Why forfeit happiness now on the account of possible sorrow in a distant future?”
The was rustle in one of the trees and birds flew up in all direction. Amy smiled at the sight, but then turned sad.
    ”This saddens you?” Vitor asked as he looked out over the forest to see two figures running through a clearing.
    ”We sometimes see things we’ll never have.” Amy answered.
    ”And sometimes the dream is all we have.” Vitor said and then offered her his hand.
    ”Come with me.” He said.
Amy looked at the offered hand and then out over the forest, she gently took it.
    ”Were are we going?”
    ”I’m going to show you the beauty of my home and help you forget. If only for a moment.”
   “Forgetting is good.” Amy said with a small smile as they walked down into the courtyard and then out through the gates.

    ”So are you warrior like Al’x?” Amy asked as they wandered through a crowded marketplace.
He walked with grace, every movement fluid and his presence seemed to demand respect from those they passed.
    ”I was once long ago.” Vitor answered.
He picked up two pieces of orange fruit and flipped a small coin towards the vendor.
    ”You don’t look it.”
    ”I’m an elf.”
    ”Sorry forgot.”
    ”What gods do you worship?” Amy asked as they passed a building that appeared to a be temple.
    ”That’s an odd question.”
    ”I’m an odd person.”  Amy stated.
She bit down into the orange fruit. The flavor was like that of an apple, but the texture of a pear. Vitor gave mock sigh and sat down on the white steps of the building.
    ”In short we elves worship various gods. The Moon elves, like your friend Stjar’a, worship the goddess of the moon called T’ngl. Forest elves worship the Spirits of the Forest, the Dark elves worship the Spider Queen and the elves of the cities like me worship the Goddess, then of course there are numerous deities which would take weeks to count.”
    ”Do they ever interfere with mortal affairs?” Amy asked as she bit down into the orange fruit again.
    ”Sometimes, but you should ask your friend Al’x about this. It’s been said that he’s had contact with several.”
   ”Well thank you for showing me your home.” Amy said as she stood outside her room.
    ”It was my pleasure.”
    ”Will I see you at the feast tonight?”
    ”Who knows, I might put in an appearance.” He answered with smile.
Amy smiled at him as she closed the door, when it was closed she allowed herself to slide down onto the floor. Coming here was turning out to be quite interesting.

Chapter 4: Feast of Surprises

    “You look stunning.” Willow exclaimed as she stepped into their room.
Buffy stood in the center of the room there in a floor length affair of green and gold which hugged every curve down to her hips before splashing down to the floor like a waterfall, her hair was tied up with silver strands and on her hand sparkled two rings, one gold, her wedding band and the other silver, the engagement ring Willow had willed into existence when she’d proposed.
    ”Well enjoy it while you can ,cause in about two months I won’t fit it into this.” Buffy said.
She turned around to take in Willow’s appearance.
The dark blue dress she wore was bordered with silver and looked more like a robe, flowed over her form, hiding the curves Buffy so loved to caress, her hair was flowing seemingly freely and it’s silver streaks standing out against the darkness of the dress.
    ”I’m a witch I therefore I have to wear this to indicate my status.” Willow explained.
    ”They pegged me as a warrior.” Buffy said with a smile and did a turn.
    ”And you’re hiding a sword in that?” Willow asked and inspected the dress closely.
    ”A small dagger actually. Wanna try to find it?” Buffy asked innocently and held up her hands.
Willow stepped up to her and ran her hands over her hips.
    ”Not there.” Buffy said in a sing song voice.
The hands roamed up over the Slayer’s stomach, under the curves of her breast and the over them. Buffy gasped and Willow grinned.
    ”Not there I guess.” She said.
Her hands traveled over Buffy’s shoulder and down her back. They went over the round cheeks of her butt and back up again then sliding down from her arms from her shoulders, then down from her fingers towards her thighs and from there down to the sandaled feet.
    ”Okay I give and you better not be hiding it between you’re buttcheeks, because seeing you retrieve it would be just too….” Willow trailed off as Buffy seemingly pulled a dagger from nowhere..
    ”Where?” Willow asked as she looked at the knife.
The short blade was thin, real thin, almost transparent.
    ”Al’x gave it to me, said that I’d look naked without a weapon.” Buffy said with a smile.
    ”And you had it were.”
    ”Feel it.” Buffy said as she offered Willow the dagger.
    ”It has no texture.” Willow exclaimed.
    ”It rested on my hip, but you didn’t feel it.” Buffy explained.
Willow closed her eyes and warm green glow flowed across the blade.
    ”Now I can feel it.” She exclaimed as her eyes open again.
    ”Knew you could.” Buffy said as she kissed her.
    ”Buffy…” Willow exclaimed as she felt a roaming hand,
    ”Sorry, feast, our honor, forgot.” Buffy said with a smile.
    ”Later I promise.” Willow said as she offered her arm to her.
   “I’ll keep you to that.”

Buffy and Willow stepped into the grant hall. Its walls were covered with tapestries depicting heroic actions and famous legends, they could have sworn one or two battle featured a tall dark man that looked just like Al’x.
    ”There they are.” Willow said.
She waved towards the high table at which Amy and Joyce were currently seated. Amy waved back at hem
    ”She looks happy.” Buffy stated.
    ”The more sensitive beings are keeping away from your mom though.” Willow said.
They moved past a group of elves that looked at them curiously.
    ”They say her aura is like fire.” Buffy explained.
    ”Where are Cordy and Stjar’a?” Willow wondered.
    ”They’re meeting up with Stjar’a’s parents I think.”
    ”We on standby?” Buffy asked as she looked around.
    ”Yep, I have the ice-cream spell on standby.”
    ”There’s an ice-cream spell?” Buffy asked.
    ”Among other things. Where do you think that whipped cream came from last night?” Willow asked innocently.
Buffy gasped, but then it turned into a grin.

    “Nervous?” Cordelia asked as Stjar’a squeezed her hand.
    ”No, not as long as you’re with me.” Stjar’a said with a smile.
They stood in the great hall, waiting for Stjar’a parents to enter, they both wore similar dresses, both green, but different in a way that Stjar’a’s was dark forest green and lined with silver, while Cordelia’s the color of jade and lined with gold.
Two figures walked through the huge doors leading into the hall, both had silvered hair and wore very dark forest green clothing, the man had a red flowing cape and slim sword rested at his site. They both looked around the hall.
    ”Father, mother.” Stjar’a nodded as they walked up to greet them.
    ”Stjar’a.” The woman exclaimed as she hugged her daughter.
    ”Missed you too mother.” Stjar’a said as she hugged her mother back.
Her father wasn’t as enthusiastic in his greeting towards his daughter.
    ”It’s good to see that you’re still alive.” He said in a grave voice, but then broke into a huge smiled.
    ”Welcome home.” He said as he hugged her.
Cordelia stood by and smiled, they weren’t that bad, maybe this would go okay after all.  She felt Stjar’a take her hand.
    ”Cordy this is Amrata my mother.” Stjar’a said.
Cordelia nodded towards the woman. The woman just studied her closely.
    ”And this is Sironis my father.” She said.
    ”It’s pleasure to meet you both.” Cordelia said with a nod.
   ”Mother, father this is Cordelia Chase my… ast’one.” Stjar’a said.
There was a dead silence in the great hall and everyone turned towards the entrance.
    ”That went well.” Cordelia muttered.
    ”All hail King Vitor Solonus and his champing Al’x of the Sun.” Was proclaimed in a booming voice.
Cordelia alongside Stjar’a turned towards the doors. Stjar’a’s parents were frozen in place.

    “And why are you so happy?” Buffy asked Amy as they took they’re seats.
    ”No reason.”
    ”It’s a man.” Joyce stated.
She was dressed in black and sword was slung over her back. The nervous elf earlier had explained that no dress codes applied for avatars of the higher planes and therefore she was free to wear whatever she wanted.
   “Elf actually.” Amy said and then covered her mouth.
    ”Oh even better.” Buffy said with glee as she leaned forward.
    ”It’s nothing really, I was up on the walls looking over the forest and the city, then this really cute elf came and we started talking.”
    ”And what does this elf look like?”
    ”All hail King Vitor Solonus and his champion Al’x of the Sun!” Was proclaimed and the hall went silent.”
    ”Like that.” Amy muttered in a weak voice and pointed at the King, dressed in golden and scarlet.
King Vitor and Al’x walked through the great hall towards the high table. The respect for the two obvious to everyone.
They took they’re place at the table and Vitor smiled down at Amy, before looking up at the gathering. The was a rustle as an elfin woman was seen running from the hall, followed shortly by another elf. He cleared his throat as Stjar’a and Cordelia made their way discreetly towards the high table.
    ”Elfin royals, ambassadors of the Gathering of Beings, honored guests. We’re gathered here today to celebrate not just the return of my champion Al’x Sun and royal Stjar’a, but also that they’ve returned with champions of another realm to aide us should there be war.”
He said as he swept his hands out wide motioning them and the cheering began.
    ”The night is theirs!” He exclaimed over the thunder of cheers that increased threefold.
    ”They’re just celebrating because they’re not paying.” Vitor whispered to Amy and she giggled nervously as the servants started literally hauling in large trays laden with food and a massive barrels were carried into the center of the hall.
    ”Elfin wine, be careful.” Al’x said as waiters started pouring the red fluid into their goblets.
    ”Wow!” Joyce said as she tasted the wine and quickly removed the goblet from Buffy.
    ”Hey!” The Slayer exclaimed.
    ”You’re pregnant and trust your mother you shouldn’t be drinking this.” Joyce said as she gulped down the contents of the goblet she’d taken.
    ”And you can?” Buffy asked with a raised eyebrow.
    ”You guys okay?” Willow asked as she leaned towards Stjar’a and Cordelia.
Stjar’a was staring down into her wine.
    ”We’ll be okay.” Cordelia said reassuringly and rubbed Stjar’a’a back.
    ”I’ll live.” Stjar’a muttered.
She straightened her back, she could cry later. Right now she had to keep face.
    ”If you need anything…”
    ”We know.” Cordelia said as she padded Willow’s hand.

     “I apologize.” Vitor said he cut the meat on his platter.
    ”For what?” Amy asked as her head shot up.
    ”For not telling you the whole truth.” He said.
    ”I understand really I do. I mean you’re the king and sometimes you just need to get out…” Amy trailed of and looked up.
    ”I’m making you nervous I can see it.” He said with a sympathetic smile.
    ”No it’s just that I though you were really swell and all that and now…”
    ”Now what? I am still the same person I was today.” He said.
    ”I know I’m being silly.” Amy said sheepishly.
    ”You’re human, it’s natural.”
    ”Hey!” Amy stated.
Vitor grinned at her. Amy realized that her fear was somewhat fading and started giggling. The exchange between them did not go unnoticed.

    “Lets take a walk.” Cordelia said.
The feast was in full swing and most of the guest had made they’re way into the courtyard were a band was playing, a huge bonfire had been lit and elves and other beings danced around it. They caught a glimpse of Amy and Vitor dancing, they also saw Al’x and Joyce seemingly engage in a drinking contest at one of the tables and Buffy and Willow were nowhere to be seen.
    ”I’d like that.” Stjar’a as she took her hand.
    ”So you think they’ll get over it?” Cordelia asked.
The music faded behind them and they were surrounded by the forest.
    ”My father will come back tomorrow no doubt.” Stjar’a said as she looked up at the two moons.
Cordelia wrapped her arms around her ast’one.
    ”We’ll be okay.” She whispered into her ear.
    ”I know and like I said it doesn’t matter what they think.”
    ”You remember how mine took it?” Cordelia asked the whole thing seemed so funny in the memory.
    ”She’s your what?” Stjar’a giggled as she remembered Cordelia’s mother’s reply.
    ”And dad just had his jaw on the floor.” Cordelia added.
    ”But they accepted it, eventually.” Stjar’a said and leaned closer.
    ”You see, we’ll be okay.” Cordelia said and kissed the top of her head.
    ”Lay down with me?” Stjar’a asked.
    ”Here?”
    ”Yes under the moons amidst the trees.” Stjar’a said.
She lowered herself to the  ground. Cordelia smiled as she lowered her self down on top of her.

    “I feel like everyone’s watching me.” Amy said.
She and Vitor spun around in the light of the fire to the rhythm of the music.
    ”They are.” Vitor said as they slowed down a bit.
    ”That really helps my already suspicious attitude right now.” She commented.
    ”They’re probably wondering what this old elf is doing with that beautiful young human witch.” He said and blush crept to Amy’s     cheeks.
    ”Stop it.” She giggled.
    ”I’m serious.” He said.
    ”About what part?”
    ”Now if I told you it wouldn’t be any fun now would it.” He said with an evil grin.
    ”Urgh you… elf!” Amy said and then broke into another fit of giggles.

    “Things turned out okay didn’t they?” Buffy asked Willow as they sat in the now nearly empty great hall.
    ”Stjar’a and Cordy are hanging in there.” Willow said as she nibbled at a piece of fruit.
    ”Amy seems to be over Wes and is having fun with a king to boot.” Buffy said as she swallowed another piece of meat.
    ”Your mom seems to be enjoying herself…” Willow said and the looked at the plate still in front of Buffy.
    ”What?” Buffy asked.
    ”I’ve heard of eating for two, but…”
    ”Ssh!” Buffy hissed.
    ”But…”
    ”Wills you better stop now, or you’re not getting any tonight.” Buffy threatened.
    ”I’m stopping.” Willow said quickly.
    ”And Al’x is as blank as ever?” Buffy went on.
    ”I think I saw him sneak of with some elf maiden.”
    ”There he is.” Buffy pointed as Al’x ran past the entrance with a blond woman in tow.
    ”Buffy that was no elf.” Willow whispered. “It was…”
    ”Oh my god!” Buffy exclaimed.

    “I win!” Joyce exclaimed triumphantly.
She slammed the cup down on the wooden table set up in the courtyard. They’d started this game because very few beings dared to come near them, Joyce because of fear and the respect and awe for Al’x was so great that people just stared, but didn’t approach.
    ”That you do.” Al’x stated calmly and reached for the now empty bottle.
    ”Should I get another bottle?” Joyce asked as she stood up.
    “Or do you care for a different kind of contest?”
    ”I left my sword in my room.” Al’x said in the same calm voice.
    ”We could always fetch it.” Joyce stated.
    ”Race you!” Al’x exclaimed.
With a sudden burst of energy as he sprung to his feet.
    ”Oh no you don’t.” Joyce said as she ran after him.
She caught up with him just before he entered the main building and tackled him to the ground. They lay on the ground for a moment. She pinning him down and there was fire in her eyes. Al’x stared up with the same calm look on his face, although the was tugging at the edges of his mouth and a twinkle in his eyes.
    ”Lets get that sword shall we.” She stated as she stood up and offered him a hand.
    ”Hmmm… sure.” Al’x said.
He grabbed the offered hand and rushed into palace with her in tow.
The heavy wooden door slammed shut behind them and then a thud could be heard as someone was slammed against it.

MORE TO COME