Liamterra

Liamterra

Jo B

purplefox@usfamily.net

Rating: NC-17

Spoilers: none

Keywords: M/Sk SLASH

Disclaimer: The X-Files characters are the property Chris Carter,
1013 productions and Fox Broadcasting. No money is being made
from their use.

Summary: AU sequel to North Woods. Mulder is abducted and carried
through a gateway to another dimension where magic is real and
mythical creatures exist. Skinner follows and the two men must
make a new life for themselves while they search for a way back
home.

Authors Notes: This is a sequel to my story North Woods.

Special thanks to my beta-readers Nicole, Laurie, Cerulean Blue,
and Dawn for the great beta job.

Feedback is always welcome. Any constructive suggestions are
appreciated.

WARNING! This story contains explicit Sex/Romance between two
men. Turn back now, if the subject matter offends you.

Okay to Archive: MTA, DitB, Slashing Mulder, all others please
ask first.

Web site: http://www.parkers-
place.net/roundXFslash/lfta/LFTAHome.htm

***

Chapter 1 Kallen by Jo B



Zaltrania The palace at Mei

King Kiros' pale face stared back at him from the calm waters of
the reflection pool. His feathery, black hair danced in the cold
breeze coming in from the opened window, getting tangled briefly
in the gold and silver jewelry that adorned his pointed ears. As
he swirled a manicured nail in circles in the clear water, blue
sparks of energy shot out of his fingertip, rippling across the
surface until the water glowed with an eerie light. Suddenly an
image appeared. The image was of the Earth as seen through the
eyes of one of his servants, that of the magnus, the creature
that the Earth dwellers referred to as Bigfoot. Through them, he
could see this amazing land beyond his dimension. He had been
saddened by the deaths of two of his servants, struck down by the
thunder-sticks wielded by the human mages who ruled that strange
land.

His brother Pyralis had found love with one of these humans.
Kiros had always hated humans and didn't see what the attraction
was. They had humans on their own world, but none had ever
appealed to him. They were, for the most part, a crude and
unwashed race. Few among them were learned; only the human mages
did the goblins consider to be close to their equals. Pyralis'
human mate had become a conflict between him and his brother.
Because Pyralis' dared to love a human, the two brothers had
become bitter enemies. Kiros refused to accept Pyralis' mate into
the family. It had led to a long and continuing war between their
two kingdoms, in the process of which one of Pyralis' sons was
killed. And now, ironically, Kiros had fallen in love with a
human, too. He hadn't meant for it to happen. At first he had
just been curious about these Earth humans. Kiros thought back to
that first stirring of interest he had for these creatures. Weeks
ago he had directed the magnus to bring him the human male that
had first caught his interest.

Even though his hatred for humans was well-known within the
realm, Kiros' curiosity had been piqued. Unlike the slow-witted
human his brother had taken for a mate, this human was somewhat
attractive and seemed civilized and intelligent. He wanted to
study this human and perhaps learn more about it. However, the
magnus had bungled its attempt to abduct the human, killing two
other humans who had gotten in its way. Kiros had had a hard time
controlling the magnus across the dimension, and it ended up
tearing the clothes off the human and had come close to ravishing
him. Unfortunately, it had lost the man and its life at the hands
of the human mages before it could cross the gateway into Kallen.
Now the male was lost to him forever. However, it turned out to
be no great loss, due to the fact that another male with a beauty
that Kiros had never before seen in a human, or a goblin for that
matter, had captured his eye. Kiros had his servants leave
tributes to the brown-haired beauty, in hopes of winning his
favor. Unlike the other male who he had only wanted to study,
this exquisite creature he wanted to possess - both heart and
soul.

However, it appeared this human male had other suitors, as was
the wont of one so beautiful. Kiros had felt a rage stirring
within his breast whenever he had laid eyes upon one of these
men. He had been close to ordering the magnus just to seize the
beauty and bring him to Zaltaria without courting him further.
However, he couldn't risk his servants again. The humans were now
on guard against the magnus. So instead, he had sent his trolls
and wyverns to retrieve the beauty. He hated using trolls; they
were such a violent, unreliable race. Unfortunately, the humans
had used magic to defeat his trolls and wyverns. His prize, the
lovely Fox, was lost. He had thought he had lost him forever, but
now Kiros looked with undisguised love at his heart's desire
bound between two posts. He didn't have to wonder if it was a
trap, he knew it was.

Kiros had employed Cy'Wnila, a Maian faerie, to search for any
signs of his beautiful human. She had spied upon the other humans
who had set up the strange metal objects throughout the woods.
The Goblin King was just about to call Cy'Wnila home when the
humans returned, carrying his beautiful Fox. He watched as they
tied his limp body between two posts on a raised wooden platform.
It seemed that the humans were taunting him with the beauty.
Kiros wanted to kill them for mistreating the object of his
desire, and at the same time, he was pleased that they were
foolish enough to put Fox within his reach. After they had left,
he sent his magnus through the gateway to retrieve his sweet
love.

The king breathed a sigh of relief when the magnus snatched Fox
from the platform and carried him unchallenged through the
gateway.

***

Kallen Maga Mountain range

Cold wind buffeted Mulder's body as he was carried protectively
nestled against the foul-smelling beast's chest. He was lost,
tears of anger and despair welled up in his eyes. His struggles
were fruitless against the Bigfoot. Just when he had finally
found love and happiness, it was ripped away, like so much else
had been in his life. His world was shattered by the thought that
he would never see Walter again. Suddenly he found himself,
falling, flying out of the creature's arms as the beast was
struck suddenly from behind. The agent agilely rolled down the
snow-covered hill away from the toppling beast, who crashed down
coming close to crushing him.

A loud enraged roar bellowed from the Bigfoot as it turned to
face its attacker, only to have its skull split open by the butt
of the rifle carried by an equally-enraged Walter Skinner. The
bigfoot crashed back to the ground. It weakly tried to regain its
footing when its skull exploded in a gush of blood, bone, and
brain matter. Skinner stood over it, holding the smoking rifle.

Mulder stared up at Skinner in shock and disbelief. He had never
seen the bone-chilling look of rage that graced his handsome
lover's face, a look that would have had even him quivering in
his boots if it were directed at him. "Walter?" he whispered
softly.

Skinner turned from surveying the dead creature to his shivering
lover. Snow clung to Mulder's chestnut hair and soaked through
the thin silk shirt. "Fox! My God!" he said, sinking to his knees
and pulling Mulder into his arms. "I thought I'd lost you."

"M-me too, Walter." Mulder's teeth were clattering as he fiercely
hugged Skinner back. He closed his eyes and buried his face in
the side of his lover's neck, breathing in his rich musky scent.

Skinner pulled away and took off his leather jacket and helped
Mulder into it. It was a loose fit on Mulder's slighter frame.
"We need to get out of here..." Skinner frowned when he noticed
his lover's bare feet and reached for the laces on his hiking
boots.

Mulder's hand stopped him. "Walter, my feet are bigger than
yours." He held onto Walter's arm as he stood, the cold snow
biting into his feet. "We appear to be in the mountains. If we
head down, we might reach a warmer climate."

"Maybe we should try to find the gateway?"

"It's no longer there," Mulder said, looking toward the spot up
the hill where the Bigfoot's and Skinner's footprints suddenly
appeared in the snow. No other tracks were anywhere around the
prints.

Skinner was concerned. They were both underdressed for this
climate, but the temperature, while cold, wasn't too far below
freezing. If they stopped occasionally to build a fire to warm
themselves, they might just make it. However, Mulder's feet would
definitely get frostbite. No way would he be able to walk off the
mountain barefooted. "I'll carry you piggyback," Skinner said.

"I'm too heavy."

"Fox, I bench-press more than your weight daily! Now quit being a
stubborn fool!" Skinner shoved the rifle at him. "Here take the
rifle and hop on!" Skinner growled. Not about to continue arguing
with Mulder, he turned his back on his lover and bent slightly.

Mulder saw it was useless to argue with Skinner, once his lover
had his mind made up. So he slung the rifle over his back and did
as ordered. He wrapped his arms around Skinner's neck from behind
and hopped up on his back, wrapping his thighs around his lover's
narrow hips. Skinner's hands came underneath Mulder's leather-
clad thighs, easily handling his weight. Then the larger man
started off awkwardly down the snow-covered slope.

***

Dana Scully had the military unit placed under arrest for
kidnapping a Federal agent. She then had all the data from the
tracking and monitoring devices seized. She would find her
partner and boss, if it took her the rest of her life.

***

Mulder felt guilty as Skinner huffed and puffed his way down the
side of the mountain. They had been traveling for over an hour
now and didn't seem to be getting any closer to the bottom. Both
men were wet and cold and tired. The snow had started falling,
making it hard to see more than fifty feet in front of them.

"That doesn't seem like the most practical method of travel, if
you ask me!" The gravelly voice startled Skinner and Mulder.

Skinner spun around looking for its owner, nearly spilling Mulder
onto the ground in the process. "Show yourself!"

"I'm right in front of you, human! If you'd bother looking down!"

Skinner blinked the snow from his lashes as he looked toward the
sound of the voice. Under the shelter of a tree stood a little
man. He couldn't have been much more than three feet tall. He was
almost impossible to see against the white winter landscape,
dressed as he was, head to toe in white furs. The only color was
his bright red beard and his sparkling blue eyes that peered up
at Skinner from within the depths of his white furry hood.

"Who are you?" Skinner asked cautiously.

The little man bowed in greeting and said pleasantly, "The name
is Quth. I'm from the kingdom of Frye, and the most loyal subject
of Queen Charmaine. And you and your pretty friend would be?"

Skinner was pleasantly taken by the man's openness and friendly
demeanor. "I'm Walter Skinner and this is Fox Mulder..."

Mulder interrupted, looking suspiciously down at Quth from over
Walter's shoulder. "How is it that we can understand you? I
wouldn't have dreamt English would be spoken here?"

Quth chuckled. "I figured from your appearance that you weren't
from around here, friend. As for us understanding each other's
language, countless generations ago, long before my birth mind
you, the Grand Mage Zendl cast a spell over the lands, allowing
all the races to understand each other's spoken tongue. He had
hoped to promote goodwill and peace among the various warring
races and tribes making up our lands. It didn't quite work --"
The little man stopped talking when he noticed that both humans
were shivering and appeared on the brink of collapse. "Follow me.
I have a cave nearby that I use when I'm up in the mountains
prospecting for gold. You'll be able to warm yourselves and rest.
Fox Mulder, I will make you something to wear on your feet. It
would be a shame if you lost your toes."

Skinner sighed gratefully, looking down at the little man. "We'll
be in your debt, Quth, for any help you can give us."

"You owe me nothing, Walter Skinner. If I did not offer
assistance to a traveler in need, I would be disgracing the
blessed name of my Queen."

Quth led them through the tree-covered hills and passed some
boulders then into a pleasantly warm cave. The entrance was a
tight squeeze so Mulder had to slide off Skinner's back in order
for them to make it through the narrow opening.

Mulder limped over to a small fire blazing in an open pit in the
center of the cave. The smoke snaked up and exited through a
small tunnel near the ceiling. The agent noted that there were
many possessions scattered around the small space. It appeared to
be well-lived in and comfortable.

Skinner followed Mulder and knelt at his feet, lifting one cold
foot onto his leg and examining it. "It looks good," he said,
massaging the foot. "I was worried that you might have gotten
frostbite."

"Hardly, not with you carrying me for the past hour," Mulder said
smiling. His eyes were still taking in the small cave, he noted a
hole in the wall with steam rising out of it.

Quth followed his eyes, he smiled as he laid a couple more logs
on the fire. "It's not very big, but it is comfortable and
provides shelter from the cold and protection against the magnus.
The entrance is too small for them to fit through. Over there,
through that hole, is a heated underground pool, along its banks
I grow delicious mushrooms, potatoes, and turnips. I spend most
of the winter here." Quth placed a barrier in front of the cave's
entrance as he talked. He then opened one of the sacks piled up
against the caverns wall and pulled out a loaf of bread and some
cheese. "Come, sit and warm yourselves. It isn't often that I
have company," he said, as he passed the food to Mulder and
Skinner. The two human's towered over him. He then produced a
clay jug filled with water and handed that to Skinner.

Mulder settled on a wooden log, spreading his feet out toward the
fire. "Quth, what are the magnus?" he asked as he nibbled on the
pungent cheese. Skinner sat close beside him. They watched as the
tiny man removed his fur coat and boots, setting them aside. Quth
had a powerful muscular body encased in a coarse brown fabric.

"The magnus are very large, biped predators in these mountains.
Normally they keep to themselves, but occasionally they will
attack travelers on orders from the goblins. We're in Kallen, it
is the kingdom of the Goblin King Pyralis..." Quth stopped
talking as he noticed Mulder pale visibly. "Are you feeling all
right, Fox Mulder?"

"Y-yes. Quth, what happens to the travelers the magnus attack?"

Quth looked at him baffled. "They are robbed and often times
killed. Why, have you encountered a magnus?"

"Yeah. One brought me to these mountains...we came through ..."
Mulder didn't know how to explain the gateway to the little man.
"...we're from a land a long ways from here."

Skinner put a comforting arm around Mulder's shoulders, pulling
him close. "Quth, would these goblins ever abduct a human
for...sex."

Quth looked between both humans, his eyes growing wide with
understanding as he gazed upon Mulder's face. "Very seldom do the
goblins go outside their own race for a mate or even a sexual
partner. The few times they have were usually with elves, but
there have been a couple of rare occasions that they have found a
human who was sexually appealing to them. King Pyralis' life-mate
is a human named Jonathan, they have had many beautiful sons
together."

"Jonathan?"

"Fox, it can't possibly be Jonathan Mora! He'd be in his
eighties."

"Quth, do you know how old this Jonathan is?"

"He and King Pyralis have been together for a very long time. I'm
not sure of his exact age or if your measurement of time would be
the same as mine."

"It could be him, Walter."

Skinner was baffled. "Quth, you say they have children together.
How is that possible? Isn't King Pyralis a male, too?"

The little man set his tools aside. He had been stitching up
leather forming a pair boots for Mulder. "All goblins are
hermaphrodites. Their race only has one sex."

"So then you're saying that this King Pyralis gave birth to his
and Jonathan's children?" Skinner said in amazement. "Did their
children resemble goblins or humans?"

"They were a mixture, some were goblins and others were human in
appearance, but from what I heard, they were all hermaphrodites."

"Do you think it could be possible that this King Pyralis wants
Fox for the same reason he took Jonathan?" Skinner asked.

Quth shook his head. "No! Absolutely not! Goblins mate for life.
They always die at the exact same moment that their mate dies and
visa versa. It's not physically possible for King Pyralis to have
two mates, even if he wanted to. If it is he who is after your
companion then he just wants him for sex. No children are ever
conceived from such a union." He held a thick piece of leather up
to Mulder's bare foot and marked its outline with a charred stick
from the fire. The little man then started cutting the shape out
with his knife.

Skinner was terrified at the thought of some creature wanting his
lover for sex. "We need to find a way back to our own world.
Quth, do you know of anyone who would be able to help us?"

"I know a few trackers and explorers. They might be able to help
you, if you came over the mountains. Unless you came by sea, then
I know one sea captain, but I doubt he'd be willing to attempt a
voyage as far as where you're obviously from." He watched as
Mulder took off the leather jacket and laid it over the log.

Mulder pulled at his wet silk shirt. "Do you have a blanket that
we could borrow?" He looked at his lover's wet T-shirt and soaked
black jeans. "We would like to get out of these wet clothes and
allow them to dry."

Quth set aside his knife and walked over to another sack. He
pulled out a thick blanket and carried it back to Mulder.

"Thank you," Mulder said. "Quth, I don't think trackers,
explorers, or sea captains will be able to get us back to where
we're from. Have you ever heard stories or myths about of a
gateway between different worlds?"

The little man looked at him puzzled. "You may want to talk to my
Queen. She is a sorceress and would know about such things.
Me...I'm just a humble Renny prospector."

"Would you be able to take us to meet her?" Skinner asked, as he
laid his wet T-shirt over a rock in front of the fire, then he
started tugging off his jeans. He didn't think they'd be able to
get back through the gateway without help.

"Yes. I think it would be for the best if I did." He looked
between the two men, Skinner dressed only in his underwear and
Mulder totally naked except for the fine woven silver collar
around his neck. The pretty human was shaking out the blanket.
Quth could see why a goblin would be after one so beautiful. He
turned back to Skinner. "We're in goblin territory. If they are
after your companion, then we need to get him out of this land at
once."

"When do you think we can leave?" Skinner asked.

"At first light. It will take us several weeks to travel through
Kallen to Sharlain. We'll want to avoid the main roads. Sharlain
is a town on the Morwenna Sea. We can hire a ship to take us
across to Frye."

"How long will it take us to reach Frye?"

"It is only a six day journey, then another week to reach the
palace." Quth was using an awl to punch holes through the thick
leather sole. He stopped and picked up Skinner's hiking boot and
examined it. "Your craftsmen do fine work. You'd make a lot of
gold if you sold such wears at the marketplaces in our land."

Skinner sat next to the fire beside Mulder and got under the
small blanket it barely wrapped around their two bodies. "Are you
going to be all right, Fox?"

Mulder smiled. He leaned into Skinner's warmth and wrapped both
arms around him. "I'll be fine as long as we're together. You
wouldn't believe how frightened I was that I had lost you
forever."

"I had the same fear. Fox, I really don't remember how I got away
from Henderson and through the gateway, but I'm glad I did."
Skinner tenderly kissed Mulder's lips. "I love you." He pulled
the blanket tighter around them.

Quth alternated between sewing and watching the two humans. "Why
don't you two turn in? The sand is softest on that side of the
cave."

"That's a good idea. C'mon, Fox."

***

Zaltrania The palace at Mei

King Kiros had watched the bald mage kill the magnus. He had
never before seen one of the large creatures overpowered by a
smaller opponent. If he was going to get his Fox, this large
human would have to be dealt with. It was good that humans didn't
mate for life like goblins. Otherwise, Fox would die when he
killed his lover. He only had to find them. Kiros touched the
minds of his servants and sent them forth to search out the Fox
and the bald mage.

He had to be careful that he didn't alert his brother Pyralis. Or
else, Pyralis would interfere out of spite. His brother still
blamed him for the death of his son.

***

Kallen Three days later

Prince Kedar and his two younger brothers Prince Daniel and
Prince Saridan were tracking a stag through the deep snow. When
they bumped into Quth and his two companions coming out of the
mountains.

"Renny dog!" Kedar snarled at Quth. "This land belongs to my
father King Pyralis! Why are you trespassing?"

Mulder peered out from beneath the fur shroud he had wrapped
around his body and head. It concealed his features. The sight of
his first goblin surprised him. The creature was absolutely
beautiful. It had a flowing mane of pure white hair, the color
almost matched its flawless alabaster skin. The young goblin had
high cheekbones and a straight nose, and his pointed ears were
bedecked in jewels. Mulder guessed the goblin was a couple inches
taller than he was. Next to him stood an even younger goblin
similar in appearance, and next to him, to Mulder's surprise, was
a being who was almost the spitting image of Jonathan Mora,
except for his pointed ears. This must be one of King Pyralis'
and Jonathan's sons, he thought.

Quth bowed respectfully. "Prince Kedar, I pay your father a
yearly tribute for the right to prospect these mountains."

"He has not informed me of that. We shall see if that is true,
Renny! You and your two companions will accompany us back to
Anlon!" Kedar growled.

Skinner clutched his rifle in his hands and stepped forward.
"We're not going anywhere with you! Let us pass peacefully!"

The large human took Kedar by surprise. No one had ever dared to
speak to him in such a manner before! He found the man's
appearance unusual even for a human. The man was wearing a
garment that he had never seen the likes of before, and he wore a
strange object over his eyes. Only the fur cap was familiar. "How
dare you speak to a royal Prince of Kallen in such a manner!"
Kedar snarled, drawing his sword.

Skinner pointed the rifle at Kedar's chest, his eyes blazed
angrily. "How dare you threaten an Assistant Director of the FBI!
Now, let us pass peacefully or I'll shoot! The choice is yours!"

Kedar looked at the object in the man's hand dubiously as he
raised his sword. Their human father had told them stories about
rifles.

Skinner heard a loud roar from behind him. He spun, dropping to
one knee, he shot and killed a bigfoot charging out of the woods
at them. He then swung the rifle back on the three startled
princes.

All of a sudden, out of the woods from the opposite direction
rode two dozen armed goblins on horseback. At their lead was a
goblin dressed in elegant furs wearing a crown on his head.

Mulder moved closer to Skinner as the goblins surrounded them. He
was awed by their grace and beauty, but at the same time he was
terrified for his lover's life and his own welfare.

Pyralis, the Goblin King, placed his horse between Skinner and
his sons. "Drop your weapon," he ordered.

Skinner's jaw clenched as he focused on the king and the armed
goblins surrounding them.

"Walter, do as he says," Mulder said, placing a hand on Skinner's
arm, not wanting his lover to lose his life needlessly.

Skinner sighed and dropped the rifle. "Sorry, Fox."

The King looked over at the dead bigfoot and wondered why it had
attacked them. He stared back down at the small Renny and the two
humans. At least he assumed they were both human. One had his
head and body wrapped in a fur shroud, so it was impossible to
tell. Pyralis reached out and yanked the shroud off Mulder. A
surprised murmur ran through his men as the King gazed into a
pair of the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. The human was
exquisite, like a fine work of art. "What is your name?" he
asked, reaching out to touch Mulder's lightly whiskered cheek.

Skinner pushed his lover behind him. "Keep your hands off him!"

"You are starting to try my patience, human!" Pyralis barked and
turned his attention back to Mulder. "However, I can understand
why you would be so protective of this one. If I weren't already
mated I would claim him for myself," he said softly.

Mulder looked questioningly up at the King. "Then you weren't
responsible for bringing me here?"

"No. Why would I..." Pyralis' eyes widened as he took in the
humans' strange garments. "You came through the gateway?"

Skinner frowned. "Yes, but not willingly. Fox was kidnapped by a
bigfoot. We had assumed it was sent by a goblin. But if you
aren't responsible then who is?" he asked, looking suspiciously
at the other goblins surrounding them.

The king looked perplexed. "Only my younger brother and I have
the power to control the gateway. But it couldn't have been
Kiros, he hates humans..." He stopped and looked thoughtfully
down at pretty human, who now had his arms wrapped protectively
around the larger human's waist. The two men must be lovers, he
thought. Pyralis smiled slyly. Could it be possible that Kiros
had developed a taste for humans? Or maybe this one, pretty human
in particular? He and his brother had been at war since he had
chosen a human for his life-mate. The war had cost Pyralis a son,
and he still wanted to avenge William's death. If Kiros were
responsible for bringing the human through the gateway, he would
make his brother come crawling to him for forgiveness, then he'd
collect his pound of flesh for his son's murder.

"You will both be my guests at Anlon," Pyralis said pleasantly.

"Father, this human threatened my life," Prince Kedar protested.
His eyes kept traveling to Mulder.

Pyralis looked down from his mount at his son. "Kedar, these
humans are from the same land as your father and are not yet
familiar with our laws and customs. You and your brothers will
treat them with respect while they are guests in my kingdom."

"Yes, Father." The goblin prince lowered his eyes respectfully.

Pyralis turned back to Skinner and Mulder. "I am King Pyralis.
You will address me as Your Majesty. Now, I asked for your
names?"

Mulder raised his chin and looked the Goblin King in the eye. "I
am Fox Mulder and this is my...my *mate* Walter Skinner." He
wanted to use a term that had importance to these goblins, that
would convey that he was not available.

"Mate? You're both human males...he cannot be your mate, only a
human female can be," Pyralis said, then leered appreciatively at
Mulder, adding, "or a goblin."

Skinner pulled Mulder closer. He didn't want these goblins to
have any doubt that he and Mulder were together. "Your Majesty,
on our world two males who have a loving and committed
relationship together can and do consider themselves as mates
regardless that we cannot have children."

"Interesting. My Jonathan would never agree with such a
statement, and he is from your world."

Mulder squeezed Skinner's hand. "With all due respect, Your
Majesty. Your Jonathan was from a time in our world where two men
loving each other was hidden behind closed doors. Men of his time
would never show affection for each other in public. Even in our
time some men still keep their relationships hidden from friends,
family, and co-workers."

"How do you know my Jonathan?"

"We've met his wife and son," Skinner said.

"Ah, Emily. This son you speak of, he would be slightly older
than Kedar, mine and Jonathan's first born." The King smiled down
at the young goblin standing by his horse.

Mulder looked at the son in amazement. Goblins must age slower,
he thought, because Kedar didn't look any older than twenty-five.
Then he looked closely at the King, who didn't look much over
thirty himself. "Henry Mora looks considerably older than Prince
Kedar," he said.

"This is all very interesting, Fox. We shall discuss this further
at the palace, you appear cold and tired." The King smiled
noticing how the cold temperature had the young man's nipples
pressing against the black silken fabric of his shirt. He handed
the shroud back to Mulder then turned to one of his men. "Osto,
surrender your mount to Sir Skinner and his mate." Pyralis had
learned the proper use of Earth's names and titles from Jonathan.
He deemed Sir to be appropriate for a warrior mage. Fox Mulder
had him puzzled. While his lover clearly had magical powers and
the demeanor and strength of a warrior, Fox had a different
energy about him that Pyralis had never before seen. The two
humans would be fascinating to watch.

Osto dismounted and handed the reins of his horse over to
Skinner. To the astonishment of the goblins, the human mounted
the horse with poise and grace then reached down to give his mate
a hand up. Mulder passed the fur shroud up to Skinner. Then
easily settled in the saddle behind him. Taking the fur back he
wrapped it around his cold body.

Skinner looked around for Quth to thank him. However, the Renny
was nowhere to be seen.

***

Zaltrania Palace at Mei

Goblins took cover and trolls scrambled to find a safe place to
hide as their king went on a rampage. They had only seen him this
angry once. It was on the day his beloved older brother had taken
a human for a mate. Now the King was cursing said brother for
getting in the way of King Kiros' own desire for a human mate.

Kiros' gray eyes flashed with anger as he looked around at the
broken pottery, statues and the scorch marks on the stone walls
caused by his temper tantrum. He couldn't help himself. He had
had several more magnus waiting in the woods, ready to snatch the
beautiful Fox when Pyralis and his soldiers had arrived. Kiros
watched helplessly as his brother took Fox away from him.

He walked back over to the reflection pool and cast his pale
white hand above its surface, soon a face appeared. Similar to
his own, with large heavily lashed eyes, high cheekbones and pale
ivory skin, but instead of jet black hair and gray eyes, the
image had white hair and icy blue eyes.

The beautiful image smiled at him and spoke. "Kiros, my dear
brother. How's life? Have you found yourself a life-mate yet?"

Kiros glared angrily at the mocking face. "Pyralis, you have
something that belongs to me."

"Do I, dear brother? What could I possibly have that you would
want?"

"You'd be wise not to anger me, Pyralis!"

"Or you'll what? Kill another one of my sons?"

"I demand you turn Fox over to me!"

"Why? What could you possibly want with a human? According to
you, they are an unclean and a dim-witted race."

"He is different. But you would know that just by looking at
him." Kiros tried to keep his temper in check.

"Yes, grace, beauty, and intelligence. He's perfect, is he not?"

"Send him to me, Brother."

"I'm sorry, Dear Brother. I'm so enjoying his company," Pyralis
leered suggestively.

"If you touch him, I'll kill you!"

"Like you killed William?" The King of Kallen snapped. "Besides,
Fox is hardly a virgin, he has a male lover."

"A human lover. He has never been with a goblin lover, which
makes him still a virgin in my eyes," Kiros said evenly.

"Maybe so, but I'm not giving him to you."

Kiros' patience ended. "Name your price, Pyralis!"

King Pyralis became suddenly serious. "I want you to present
yourself in my throne room bound in chains. You will then
prostrate yourself before my mate and I, where you shall beg my
Jonathan's forgiveness for taking the life of our son. Then you
will go through the three perils like any other common criminal.
If you survive, all will be forgiven between us and you may have
Fox Mulder."

Kiros paled. In their history only two goblins had ever survived
the three perils. There had to be an easier way to get Fox away
from Pyralis.

"I'll leave you to consider it, Kiros. Don't take too long...I
might withdraw the offer."

His brother's image vanished from the pool, leaving Kiros alone
to contemplate his options. Kiros sadly wandered through the
empty rooms of his palace. He had searched most of his life for a
suitable mate. His desire to have children was growing stronger
as the years passed. He was currently the same age Pyralis had
been when his brother had taken Jonathan as a life mate. Now that
Kiros had finally found a suitable mate, who ironically turned
out to be human, he was unable to have him. The love he was
feeling for this human was a great conflict within his hearts.
Was this how Pyralis felt about his human mate? Kiros saw in his
heart of hearts that he had been wrong to stand against his
brother and the love of his life.

He sat on a cushion covered bench in front of a large window that
looked out over the tranquil bay and watched the ships sail into
port.

***

Kallen The palace at Anlon

Jonathan set his beer stein on the marble table. It had been too
long since he'd seen a fellow human from his own world. He'd met
humans from this world. They had treated him with reverence as if
he were some special oddity to be admired and respected, but not
to touch or converse with. It was nice having someone he could
talk to again.

Mulder couldn't help staring at Jonathan. The man looked as young
as he did in the photograph taken of him sixty years ago. The
agent wondered if time ran slower here. He was worried at what
that might mean. Mulder didn't want to find, when he and Walter
finally returned to their own world, that instead of a few days
passing it had been a few months or years? "Your Highness, do you
know how long you've been here?"

Jonathan knew exactly what Mulder was getting at. He had been
amazed that as the years passed, he remained youthful looking.
"I've kept track of the years, Mulder. Time passes the same here
as it does back on Earth. They have four seasons, at least in
Kallen, we're further north than the other kingdoms. They very
seldom see snow across the sea in the southern lands. We're
nearing the end of winter. Kallen is beautiful in the spring..."
He stopped talking as a small boy climbed up on his lap and
looked shyly at Mulder and Skinner.

"Cute boy," Skinner said, smiling at the little goblin prince.

"Lylerob. He's our youngest," Jonathan said, kissing the top of
the boy's head. Unlike a human child, Lylerob had pointed ears
and skin was nearly as white as the cold snow outside the window.

Mulder smiled, then tried to steer Jonathan back on the topic of
time. "So how long have you been here?"

"Sixty years. I know, I don't look eighty-four." He grinned. "For
some reason people here can live longer."

"How do they handle over-population?" Skinner asked.

"Wars, famines, plagues, predators, storms...take your pick.
While they can live hundreds of years most die before they reach
fifty. Only the nobility and mages live long, healthy lives."

Mulder took a sip of his beer, glancing over at Skinner. He would
enjoy spending hundreds of years with the man. He reluctantly
pulled his eyes away and turned back to their host. "Your
Highness, have you ever heard of anyone else from our dimension
being here?"

"Yes. According to Pyralis, humans aren't originally from this
world. They were brought here as slaves around eighteen hundred
years ago. Then, some of them developed mage powers, and over the
centuries, they rose up against their captors. The slavers no
longer abduct humans from Earth. However, occasionally an Earth
human will stumble through a gateway and end up here..."

"What about ships or airplanes?" Mulder asked excitedly.

Jonathan thought for a moment. "I heard a rumor of an
unidentifiable flying object seen streaking across the sky and
crashing into the great Nenetan ocean."

"Didn't anyone try to find the object?"

"Mulder, this world is very primitive and dangerous. No one has
ever crossed the ocean and returned. Sea serpents and monsters
really do exist here." Jonathan set his son on the floor.
"Lylerob, tell Sammy I want to see him." The little boy grinned
and scampered off as his father turned back to his guests.

Skinner leaned forward. "King Pyralis mentioned that he and his
brother were the only ones who can control the gateway..."

"They control the gateway that you came through. It is the only
one on goblin-controlled lands. I've been told that there are two
other gateways on this world. During severe lightning storms,
they can activate on their own without the need for mage power."

"Where are the other two gateways located?" Skinner asked.

"I have no idea. There are very few people who do. Most of this
world's populace knows nothing about them. The only reason I know
is that I've traveled through one three times."

"What about the slavers? They used the gateway to abduct humans
from our world..."

Pyralis walked in on the last part of their conversation. "The
slavers are from Kali, it is the subterranean home of the undead
and cursed. No one from our kingdoms goes there of their own
freewill. We no longer have any dealings with them."

"So then, one of the gateways would be located there," Mulder
reasoned.

Pyralis smiled at him. "Yes."

"Your Majesty, would you please return us to our own world?"
Mulder asked.

"No. The inhabitants of your world have grown too powerful and
dangerous. We cannot chance them learning about the gateway or
our world," the King said, taking a seat on the settee with his
mate. "Kiros should never have brought you here."

Jonathan gasped. "It was Kiros who brought them through the
gateway?"

"Yes, my beloved. It seems that my brother has developed a deep
attraction to Fox."

Jonathan looked sadly over at his two fellow humans. Kiros was
the one who had helped him escape back to Earth the first time,
not out of compassion, but out of hatred. After a year, Jonathan
found that he could not stay away any longer. He needed to return
to Pyralis. The goblin prince literally had stolen his heart,
that portion of his soul that allowed him to feel love and
happiness. Pyralis had known he was returning and had been
waiting at the gateway for him. They had traveled back together.
Pyralis' and Kiros' father, the Goblin King Peropol, had given
his blessing on their becoming life-mates. A decade later King
Peropol was dead, and his sons became kings of a divided kingdom.
"You must send them back home, Pyralis. Kiros could never love a
human," Jonathan said.

"He could learn," Pyralis said, looking at Mulder.

Skinner stood abruptly. His eyes flashing menacingly. "He will
never get the chance to learn! If he comes anywhere near Fox, I
will kill him!" His rage was accompanied by a loud thunderclap
outside.

Jonathan started, looking toward the window, but it was a bright
sunny day outside. He looked up at Skinner surprised. "You're a
mage," he said.

Skinner pulled his angry eyes off Pyralis and looked at Jonathan.
"What?"

"You're a mage. Isn't he, Pyralis?"

"Yes. And if he doesn't learn to control his temper, he will be a
dead mage!" the King threatened.

"Then stop talking about Fox as if he is yours to do with as you
will!" Jonathan scolded.

Pyralis smiled at his usually timid mate. Before he could
respond, a young boy ran into the room who looked the spitting
image of his human father.

"Father, Lylerob said you wanted to see me?" Samuel said.

"Yes, Sammy. I need you to ride to the village and bring Isaac
back with you. Tell him to bring his finest fabrics and boots. I
want him to outfit our guests with some more suitable clothing,"
Jonathan said enthusiastically.

Pyralis was having second thoughts about the deal he had offered
to his brother. He had never before seen his Jonathan more alive
or excited than he was right now. These two humans were like a
tonic to him.

Mulder had moved closer to Skinner and whispered in his ear.
"They think you caused the thunderclap outside...did you?"

"Fox, are you crazy? I didn't cause that thunderclap!" Skinner
snorted.

Jonathan looked up at him and smiled. "You did, Walter. Don't
scoff at it. You have mage powers, like my Pyralis." Jonathan
laced his fingers through his lover's hand affectionately.

"I don't believe it. It's impossible!" Skinner protested.

"It's true, Walter. You'll teach him, won't you, Pyralis?"
Jonathan asked.

The King raised his lover's hand to his lips and kissed it. "For
you, my love." He looked up at Skinner. "You are an unusual
human, Sir Skinner. I will teach you to control and use your mage
powers for the safety of your mate and others you may come in
contact with. It wouldn't do for you to lose your temper and wipe
out an entire village by accident."

***

Liamterra

Grand Mage Zendl watched as the images from Pyralis' court faded
away in the gentle waters of the reflection pool. He old eyes
sparkled warmly upon his apprentices. "The time of the prophecy
is at hand," he said, scratching his thick gray beard.

"Already, Master?" Ola asked excitedly.

"Yes, Ola," he said, walking across the room to his desk. His
four apprentices looked on as he quickly scrawled out three
separate notes, sealing each with wax with his insignia. "Take
these to Kings Baldwin, Xavier, and Talon."

"Do you wish all of us to go?" Liva whined.

"Yes."

"It will take us weeks to reach King Talon's castle. Couldn't you
send the notes with the Fairy Cy'Fira?" Liva complained.

Zendl loved Liva. She was an excellent student, but she sometimes
was far too lazy. "Liva, this is vital to the lives of all humans
in the realm. Do you really want to place it in the hands of a
Fairy?"

"No, Master Zendl," she said blushing.

"Good. Now off with you all then!"

The four hurried out of the chamber leaving the mage alone to his
thoughts. He walked to the window and stared out at the emerald
hills and sparkling lake. Liamterra was beautiful, but he still
longed for the valleys of his home back on Earth. He had been
here over eighteen hundred years. He toiled long and hard as a
slave in his early years, before discovering how to use his mage
powers to defeat the slavers and win himself and fellow humans
their freedom.

Only his mage brother Mo was still alive from that early time.
Countless generations had been born and died over the centuries,
and the memory of Earth had become a long forgotten dream. It
still lived on in his heart though. Now the vision he had over a
millenium ago was coming true. The savior of his people had
arrived and soon they would all be going back home.

Zendl pulled on his robe and headed out to tell his mage brothers
the news.

***

Kallen The palace at Anlon

Mulder walked across the white marble floor, through the arched
columns toward the wall of windows. The windows over looked a
snow-covered mountain range. He leaned up against a marble column
that supported the high ceiling and gazed out the floor to
ceiling pane of glass. Mulder was awed by the beauty of the scene
beyond. He turned around and took in the rest of the large
bedroom. The bed was on a raised platform with several steps
leading up to it. A fire was blazing in an open hearth on the
other side of room. His lover stood in an alcove looking at a
sunken tub surrounded by colorful bottles of shampoo, oils, bath
salts, candles, and flowers.

Skinner grinned, looking at Mulder. "This sure beats sleeping in
a snow bank and bathing with melted snow."

"Yeah, it's beautiful...but it still isn't home. Walter, we need
to figure out a way to get back through the gateway. It's obvious
that King Pyralis isn't going to help us. Maybe Quth's Queen
Charmaine could or knows someone who could help."

Skinner walked over to him and wrapped his arms around Mulder's
lean body from behind and kissed the nape of his neck. "Maybe
Jonathan will convince Pyralis to send us home."

Mulder leaned tiredly against Walter's chest. "I wouldn't hold my
breath. I think our best option is to allow Pyralis to train you
to be a mage, then escape once the weather is warmer and make our
way to Fyre."

"Fox, that's ridiculous! I don't have magical powers," Skinner
grumbled, hugging Mulder tighter. "But I do agree we should at
least wait until the weather is more suitable for travel. We
might be able to learn more about this land in the meantime."

"Okay, it's a plan. We'll stay, but we need to be prepared to
leave at a moment's notice. I suggest we start stockpiling
supplies the first chance we get." Mulder couldn't help pushing
his butt against the hard bulge in his lover's pants as his arms
folded over the top of Skinner's, where the large man had them
wrapped lovingly around his waist. "Hmm, that bed looks inviting.
Jonathan did say we should rest before dinner...," he said,
turning around in Skinner's arms and encircling his arms around
his lover's neck. He captured Skinner's lips in a deep kiss.
Their whisker stubble scraped as his tongue probed the hot
recesses of the delicious mouth.

"Mmm," Skinner moaned, sucking on Mulder's tongue. His hands
trailed down his younger lover's back to grope and squeeze his
round buttocks.

Not breaking the kiss, Mulder lowered his hands from Skinner's
neck to his waist and pulled the black T-shirt out of his lover's
jeans, dragging it upward. They broke the kiss as Mulder pulled
the T-shirt over Skinner's head and let it drop on the marble
floor. Mulder's hands went to Skinner's muscular, furry chest,
caressing up the length, thumbing the nipples and squeezing the
pectoral muscles. He smiled brightly, looking directly into his
lover's bemused brown eyes. "You're mine, Walter Sergei Skinner.
Don't you ever forget it," he growled, lowering his mouth to a
nipple, he kissed it sweetly before sucking and nipping it.

"Oooh God, yes! Yours and only yours, Fox!" he groaned, cupping
the back of Mulder's head and holding him to his chest. "I love
you so fucking much!"

Mulder chuckled as he moved to the other nipple and soon had it a
hard pebble to match the other one. He spent countless minutes
worshiping his lover's broad chest with swipes of his tongue and
sucking marks into the tender flesh. Before long he licked his
way down to the waistband of Skinner's jeans, which had become
unbearably tight on the larger man. He unbuttoned the top button
and pulled down the zipper.

Skinner sighed as his organ was freed from its tight confines and
then from the exquisite feel of his lover's lips on his cockhead.
He tossed his head back and moaned as Mulder's tongue licked
around the head like a child enjoying a ice cream cone on a hot
summer day. His lover's long fingers moved up and down his hard,
veined shaft.

Mulder cupped the heavy sacs encased in Skinner's white briefs,
feeling the intense desire within from five days of unfulfilled
need. He pulled his lips off the head of Skinner's cock. "I want
you to come inside me, Walter. I fear you won't be able to
control yourself if we continued."

Skinner feared as much, too. He reached down and quickly yanked
Mulder to his feet and started stripping his lover of his silk
shirt and leather pants. Moments later, both naked men stumbled
up the steps toward the bed.

***

Liamterra

When Zendl entered Mage Mo's keep, he found his brother sitting
in front of his circular six-foot reflection pool drinking cheap
wine and masturbating. The room was dingy and poorly lit, and
smelling of foul body odor. The only light came from small
vertical slits running along the wall at seven foot intervals
near the top of the twenty foot ceiling. An unmade cot took up
one corner and a hearth with a small table and chairs took up
another.

"Brother," Zendl greeted. He walked over to see what had the
little man so aroused.

"Zendl, he is a pretty fox, isn't he?" the little man asked,
jerking his cock faster and harder in time with the image in the
reflection pool of the two men fucking.

"MO! You're spying on our savior and his lover!"

Mage Mo gave one final pull on his cock and thick strings of come
spurted out and into the still waters in the pool. He sagged back
in his chair breathing heavily. "He can save me anytime," he
said.

Zendl groaned, shaking his head in disgust. Then he watched as
the images in the pool reached their own consecutive orgasms. "It
isn't proper to be spying on them!" the Grand Mage said.

"You're the one who has a faerie spying on Pyralis' court. What
fun is having a spy if you can't get some pleasure out of it?
Besides if you don't like it then you should call Cy'Lyarian
home," Mo said, tucking himself back into his tights and pulling
down his tunic. The little man reached for a wedge of cheese and
was about to take a bite when he remembered his manners and held
it out to Zendl. "Would you like a bite?"

The Grand Mage looked at the grubby hand that just moments before
had been stroking his brother's penis. "No...I'll pass."

"Your loss," Mage Mo replied, taking a bite. "It's excellent
cheese."

Zendl pulled over a chair. "So you knew that he was the one from
the prophesy before you watched them have sex?"

"Zendl, I'm as old as you are. I might not be as powerful a mage,
but I'm far better than most. Of course I knew who he was."

"You're a dirty old man, Mo," Zendl sighed.

Mo shrugged. "I never said I wasn't."

***

Kallen The palace at Anlon

Mulder turned around in Skinner's arms and rested his head on his
lover's broad chest, his fingers played with Skinner's chest
hairs. "Walter?"

"Hmm?"

"I have this weird feeling that we're being watched."

Skinner glanced around the empty room. "You're being paranoid,
Fox."

"Old habits," Mulder sighed.

Skinner kissed the top of his head. "Do you want to take a bath
before dinner?"

"Sure. Jonathan said the tailor will take our measurements after
dinner," Mulder said as he rolled off Walter and climbed out of
bed. He walked down the steps and over to the bathtub. "I think
you'd look quite fetching in a pair of purple tights and a
matching leather tunic, Walter." His eyes sparkled with mischief
at his lover's scowl.

Skinner laughed sarcastically. "Ha-ha-ha, very funny, brat." Then
a slow grin spread across his lips, and he leered. "You're
forgetting, Fox, if I have to wear tights then you do, too."

"Nope, not necessarily. Tights seem to be the dress of the
nobility and mages, Sir Skinner, or would that be Mage Skinner?
Either way, I'm neither, so I can get off wearing breeches and a
oversized shirt," Mulder teased. Kneeling next to the bathtub and
turning on the faucet, his smile broadened. "Running water," he
sighed happily, watching the water fill the tub. He picked up a
bottle and sniffed its contents, then selected another bottle of
scented oils and sniffed it. He finally selected one and poured
it into the water filling the tub.

Skinner hated how observant Mulder could be over something as
trivial as how the different creatures they had encounter were
dressed. However, he wasn't about to admit his lover might be
right. "You don't know that, Fox. But even if it were true, if I
have to wear tights then you're going to be wearing them, too."
Skinner knelt next to Mulder and stroked his thigh. "You'd look
spectacular in tights and a too short tunic," he grinned.

"Get your mind out of the gutter!" Mulder snickered. "Have you
thought about what we're going to do if we can't get back home?"
he asked, standing and stepping down into the scented water.

"I don't want to consider that possibility, Fox." Skinner joined
him in the large tub sinking down to his neck in the hot water.

Mulder turned and knelt between Skinner's parted thighs. He ran a
soapy washcloth over his lover's muscular chest. "Walter, we need
to consider the possibility. We might never get back home."

Skinner sighed. "What do you think we should do?"

"I think we should find out more about the other humans who live
in this dimension. Then we'll need to find a way to earn a
living. Hmm, I wonder if being a mage pays well?" Mulder mused.

Skinner stilled Mulder's hand, then reached behind his lover's
neck and pulled his head down so he could kiss those full lips.
Ending the kiss, he looked into Mulder's dazed hazel eyes. "So,
you expect me to be the breadwinner? What will you being doing
while I'm working?"

"I-I don't know. Maybe I'll be your manager," Mulder smirked.

"Or maybe you can cook and clean for me," Skinner quipped. Then
he quickly closed his eyes as a soapy washcloth smacked into his
face.

He peered at Mulder's indignant expression and roared with
laughter. Skinner grabbed Mulder's wrists when his lover tried to
hit him and pulled the younger man down into his lap, holding his
struggling body until Mulder stilled and Skinner's own laughter
petered out. "Okay, babe, I'll help with the cleaning...but you
are going to do most of the cooking, only because as you well
know, I can't cook."

Mulder looked at him then grinned sheepishly. "Hopefully, we'll
have a place to call home here, but I'm not holding my breath."
He picked up a razor that was in a cup next to the tub, using
some gel he found next to it on Walter's cheeks he started to
shave his lover. "I wonder if other places in this dimension have
plumbing and the luxuries of this place."

"Ahem!"

Mulder and Skinner turned toward the sound of the voice clearing.

Jonathan stood there smiling down at them. "The answer is no. The
Goblin kingdoms are more advanced than the other kingdoms. Most
towns and villages in the southern realms have never seen indoor
plumbing," he said, watching the two men closely. He'd never seen
human males who were in love before. "Dinner is going to be ready
in twenty minutes. Mulder, I put some of my old clothes on the
bed for you. We're the same size. Sorry, Walter, you'll have to
wait until Isaac can make you a suitable outfit."

"Ah...thanks, Your Highness," Mulder said nervously, his eyes
taking in the tailored and extremely short tunic Jonathan wore
and the dark blue hose. He jumped as Skinner's hand wrapped
around his penis under the water.

"I'm sure, you'll look beautiful in whatever garment His Highness
has brought for you, Fox," Skinner chuckled, and whispered, "No
matter what color the *tights* may be."

"Thanks, Walter," Mulder grumbled, rolling his eyes. "I'm sure
this Isaac fellow will make you something similar."

Jonathan watched them for a few more seconds before quietly
slipping out of the room. Before he had fallen in love with
Pyralis, seeing two men together in such an intimate manner would
have been appalling to him. Now Jonathan found his two guests'
intimacy endearing. He hoped that they would remain in Anlon, but
Mulder and Skinner seemed the type who wouldn't be happy unless
they were exploring and learning about their new world.

After Jonathan left, Skinner quickly shaved Mulder, then they
climbed out of the bath and dried themselves. Mulder walked up
the steps to the bed to see what Jonathan had brought him to
wear. He held up a pair of dark brown tights by two fingers in
disgust. Karma was getting back at him for teasing Walter. He
glared at his lover when Walter snickered. He looked down the
steps to where his leather pants were in a twisted pile. They
were stained and ripped from their hard journey not suitable for
wearing to a dinner party. Another object on the bed caught his
eye, at first he didn't know what it was, then he blushed as he
realized it was a codpiece. "Walter, am I suppose to wear this on
the outside or the inside of the tights?" he asked dangling the
hard leather cup by its strings.

"I think that is suppose to be worn on the inside," Skinner said,
pulling back on his briefs. He watched as Mulder clumsily put on
the codpiece and adjusted the straps to fit him.

"It's rather small," Mulder complained.

"You're rather large, Fox." Skinner grinned. "Just don't get an
erection and you'll be fine."

"No problem there, I'll probably never get an erection while
wearing this getup." Mulder sat on the bed and pulled on the
brown tights.

Skinner watched, trying not to drool as his lover pulled the hose
up his incredibly long legs. Damn. Mulder might not get an
erection in that getup, but Skinner was having a hard time
pulling up the zipper to his jeans as his cock swelled with
unconcealed desire.

Mulder then picked up the plain brown leather tunic and pulled it
on over his head. It barely covered his groin and ass, he felt
like he was wearing a miniskirt. God, if Scully or the Gunmen
ever saw him in this getup, he'd never live it down. The soft
doeskin boots were a couple sizes too small. "Walter, I think
these would fit you," he said, walking down the steps and handing
them to his lover then he looked around for the rough pair of
boots Quth had made for him. They weren't as nice as the doeskin
ones, but they kept his feet warm.

There was a knock on the door and before either man could answer
it Prince Kedar came strolling in. He stopped and stared long and
hard at Mulder. "M-my father sent me to escort you to dinner," he
said, blushing at the desire he felt for the beautiful human,
swelling hotly inside his hose.

Mulder looked over at Skinner. "Are you ready, Walter?"

"Yeah, Fox," Skinner said, lacing up his hiking boots. He had
placed the other pair of boots in the wardrobe.

Mulder felt self-conscious as they followed Prince Kedar down the
wide corridors to the dining hall. The palace was airy and
luxurious, all white marble and crystal. All heads turned to look
at him as he passed, and Mulder started to feel self-conscious.
All noise inside the dining hall died upon their entering. Mulder
swallowed as he noticed several trolls at the large table, a
couple of elves and to his and Skinner's absolute amazement, a
centaur. The trolls were the total opposite of the beautiful
goblins at the table. They had squat muscular bodies with
enormous heads, and were dressed in black leather armor. The
goblins nobility were silks, satins, and furs. Their warriors
were dressed in shiny chain mail that draped their long muscular
bodies exquisitely.

King Pyralis stood and smiled broadly. It didn't pass his notice
the interest his guests were showing in the appearance of the two
humans. "May I present, Sir Skinner and his beautiful mate, Fox."

Mulder groaned, feeling even more self-conscious and like a piece
of property. He tugged at the bottom of the tunic, trying to pull
it lower.

Skinner placed his hand on Mulder's lower back and guided him
over to the two empty chairs at the table. Mulder slid into the
chair next to Jonathan while Skinner sat on his left, next to one
of the elves.

The elf smiled at Skinner and looked over at Mulder who was
trying to pull the tunic down, which had crept up when he sat.
The elf puzzled at the term mate...could this human be a
hermaphrodite? "Your mate is very beautiful, Sir Skinner. I am
Zeyro, and this is my brother Relyo, we're from the kingdom of
Feronia," Zeryro said, introducing himself and his companion, he
was a good foot shorter than Skinner and very slender. He reached
for the bottle of wine as he spoke and started filling Skinner's
goblet. "Which kingdom are you and your mate from? Your clothes
and faces aren't familiar..."

"Fox and Walter are from my world," Jonathan said. All of the
realm knew that Jonathan wasn't from any the human kingdoms
within the realm, but from a land beyond.

"Oh that would explain the strange garments Sir Skinner is
wearing, and how clean and pleasant smelling they are," Relyo
said, leaning over his brother for a better look at the two
humans.

Skinner picked up the empty goblet in front of Mulder and held it
out for Zeryro to fill. "Yes, Fox and I are not from this realm,
so you'll have to excuse us for not being familiar with your
kingdoms or your customs."

Mulder's head was awhirl as he looked across the table at the
goblins, trolls, and the centaur all watching him with
undisguised lust. He look over to a trio of musicians in the
corner of the dining room playing a soulful melody on a harp and
lutes. He then glanced at the two elves. "We'd like to learn all
about your realm and the different races that inhabit it," he
said, accepting the wine from his lover. He took a tentative sip,
finding it delicious.

"Fox, it would be our pleasure to instruct you and Sir Skinner on
our customs and the different kingdoms within the realm," Zeryro
said, excited at the prospect of spending time with these humans.
He found them both sexually appealing.

Mulder leaned back as a servant placed a bowl of soup in front of
him. His stomach growled as he got a whiff of that fragrant
broth. He glanced around the table and watched as the other
dinner guests picked the bowls up and sipped from them. He
followed suit, closing his eyes and enjoying the salty, rich
flavor as it flowed over his tongue and down his throat. The
diced pieces of vegetables he drank down without needing to chew.
He quickly emptied the bowl. Mulder licked his lips and opened
his eyes as he set the empty bowl back on the table and found
everyone staring at him. He shrugged his shoulder. "Hey, I was
hungry."

Jonathan smiled, and motioned for a servant. "Bring Fox another
bowl of soup."

The servant hurried and complied, setting another bowl of
steaming soup in front of Mulder. Mulder took his time sipping
this one, as he listened to the conversation around the table.
Soon a plate with a slice of spiced meat pie was placed in front
of him. He set the bowl aside and picked up a fork. Cinnamon and
nutmeg stood out as the main spices in the dish. As he ate,
enjoying the flavorful treat, the servants came back carrying
platters filled with meats and vegetables and laid them on the
table in front of the diners.

Skinner leaned over and whispered in Mulder's ear. "At least we
won't go hungry."

"No. It doesn't look like we will," Mulder agreed. He shifted his
fork to his other hand and reached under the table and squeezed
his lover's denim-clad thigh. "Eat up, big guy, you'll need your
strength for later," he whispered, his hand caressing up to
Skinner's groin before pulling away.

Skinner smiled at the promise of later. He then stabbed several
slices of venison off one of the platters. Filling a plate for
himself and Mulder, he scooped some potatoes and a rice dish onto
each, thinking that at least the food in this dimension was
similar to their own. "Eat up, Fox, you'll need your strength for
later, too," Skinner promised, pushing the empty pie plate out of
the way and setting the new plate in front of his lover.

Pyralis had been watching the obvious love and adoration the two
humans had for each other. He also noticed how his other guests
at the table were watching Fox. "Sir Skinner, we shall commence
with your mage training at first light. I think it is important
that you learn to defend yourself and your mate."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Skinner said, although he didn't
believe for one moment that he had any magical powers.

***

"Cousin," Cy'Lyarian said, sitting cross-legged inside a crevice
in the wall as Cy'Wnila flew in and joined her.

"Greetings, Cousin Cy'Lyarian. Are you still working for Grand
Mage Zendl?" Cy'Wnila asked. The shimmering fabric of her short
dress sparkled, matching her iridescent wings as she stood inside
the crevice with the light shining on her from behind.

"Yes, and I take it you're still working for King Kiros," the
other faerie said, moving over so her cousin could sit beside
her.

"Yes. Kiros is in love...it's so sweet," Cy'Wnila purred happily.

"To the human named Fox?" Cy'Lyarian inquired, she had overheard
the conversation between Pyralis and Jonathan.

"Yes. He's pretty for a human, don't you think?" Cy'Wnila giggled
lightly, enjoying her cousin's company.

"Yes. King Kiros should find someone else to love, Fox is deeply
in love with that large bald human."

"The mage?" Cy'Wnila asked, looking down at Skinner.

"Yes, Cousin."

"Kiros will kill him if he stands in his way of claiming Fox's
heart."

"Couldn't King Kiros find someone else? Fox and Walter love each
other, it's not right for the King to separate them."

"Cy'Lyarian, Kiros has been searching for nearly his entire life
for a life-mate. Now that he has found him, Kiros will never give
him up."

"Cousin, I hope that he doesn't get his hands on Fox," Cy'Lyarian
said sadly as they watched the dinner party below.

***

End of Chapter 1 - Kellan