Liamterra

Liamterra by Jo B

purplefox@usfamily.net

Rating: NC-17

Spoilers: none

Keywords: M/Sk SLASH WIP

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. 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 Lyrical Soul, Helen and Nicole
for the excellent job of beta-reading.

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.slashingmuld er.com/JoB/

Chapter 4 The Quest by Jo B

Feronia

Scully tensed. The howls, squeaks and chirping noises that filled
the night time air suddenly quieted. Something wasn't right. She
looked up toward Krycek to see if he noticed anything. To her
utter terror, he spun around and aimed his large carbine straight
at her.

She thought, "Dear God, this is it. He's going to kill me." She
reached for her gun as his large weapon fired and a loud angry
roar sounded from behind her. Scully spun. Her eyes became huge
saucers at the sight of the immense three-headed creature that
came out of the water directly behind her. The three mouths were
filled with razor-sharp teeth, and she could smell its hot, foul
breath. Scully discovered her feet and ran toward Krycek, as the
triple agent continued to pump lead into the huge beast, driving
the hydra back with each powerful blast of the automatic carbine.

Scully and the gunman retreated behind Krycek and joined him in
firing at the hydra. Krycek had blown part of one of its heads
off. The pain must have been too much for the creature--it
quickly retreated back into the water, leaving a blood trail in
its wake.

"Come on, let's get moving! And, Scully, keep your eyes open!"
Krycek growled.

Frohike retrieved the glow stick that Krycek dropped and handed
it back. "Thanks, Krycek," he said, as they quickly moved away
from the bubbling and churning water.

Five hours later, the sun rose, and they had their first good
look at their surroundings. As far as their eyes could see, they
were surrounded by swamp. Sunlight filtered through the overhead
canopy of the moss covered trees. Colorful birds flew overhead,
and strange tiny creatures swung from branch to branch.

Scully stood at the edge of the swamp looking across to the other
bank. "We're going to have to cross."

Frohike shook his head. "No way! Dana, need I remind you that
there is a really big creature with large teeth in the water?"

"Frohike, it's only a hundred feet to the other bank, and we sure
can't stay here. We need to keep moving straight ahead," Scully
said, watching as Krycek scanned the bank.

Krycek flagged her over. "Scully, I found a place we can cross.
It doesn't look very deep here. I'd say only about two to four
feet max." Through the sunlight filtered through the thick trees
overhead, he could see the fish darting around the sandy bottom,
congregating in the light.

"Okay. We'll cross here. Once on the other side, we'll find a
place to make camp," she said, bending down to take off her
boots. Next her jeans, which she stuffed in her backpack next to
the parka she'd removed earlier. She rolled up her T-shirt just
beneath her bra, hoping that the water wouldn't get that deep.
The backpack she balanced on her head to keep it completely out
of the water.

The men followed her lead. Byers blushed furiously as he stripped
off his hiking boots and pants. Krycek had a difficult time
removing his pants in front of the others. Not due to any modesty
on his part, but because simple tasks took him longer with the
use of only one arm. The others averted their eyes and tried not
to watch him struggle. He finally removed his duster and wrapped
his shoes and pants in it. He didn't have to worry about getting
his backpack wet--it was waterproof, and the water wasn't that
deep anyway. He smirked at Scully. At least it wasn't that deep
if you were over six feet tall.

They crossed the warm water single file, with Krycek taking the
lead. Frohike was next. The short man frowned as the freezing
water reached his nipples, then gasped, as his feet sunk into the
gooey bottom, causing what he hoped was mud to seep between his
toes. He should have taken his shirt off too, but he didn't want
to cause Dana to swoon over his manly body. It was bad enough the
way her eyes had stared lustfully at his package encased in his
jockstrap. The woman wanted him.

Scully was in the rear. No way was she going to have any of these
men behind her. She probably should have kept her jeans on. The
temperature was hot and they wouldn't have taken long to dry, but
the water smelled bad and had a thin film of an oily substance on
the surface. She didn't want to get that stuff on her clothes.
Scully chewed on her lower lip as she looked at the back of
Byers' head. It was always the quiet ones. She couldn't believe
he was wearing purple bikini briefs under his tasteful L.L. Bean
outfit. Frohike wearing a jock didn't surprise her nor did the
giant Jerry Garcia face Langly had on his boxers. "Remember,
Dana, you're doing this for Mulder and Skinner," she muttered
under her breath.

***

Kallen The palace at Anlon

The lace drapes, billowed out into the room, as a chilly wind
blew outside. A clap of thunder boomed, and Skinner woke at the
sound. Shivering at the coolness of the room, he rubbed his hands
down his arms. "A storm must be coming," he thought, as he
watched the drapes flap wildly in the wind. He was lying close to
the edge of the bed so he would not disturb his sick lover. He
quickly climbed out of bed and rushed down the steps to close the
doors leading in from the courtyard. The room had been stifling
last night when he had opened the outer doors to cool it down.
Mulder was still running a fever, and spent the night tossing and
turning restlessly.

Skinner walked back up the steps to the bed and sat beside his
lover, lightly brushing the bangs from Mulder's forehead as he
laid his palm over it, feeling the warm skin. Not so feverish
this morning. Something was different about Mulder. Skinner's
contemplation of his lover's face was interrupted as the bedroom
door opened.

"How is my patient this morning?" Healer Siarra asked, stepping
into the room.

Skinner looked down at the goblin, who was dressed in a long
white robe, and carrying a canvas bag slung over his shoulder.

"He had a rough night," Skinner said. Rising, he walked down the
steps to retrieve his breeches. He was only wearing a small piece
of fabric these goblins considered to be underwear. He smiled
when he thought about how Fox's eyes lit up with desire the first
time he saw how well it fit.

The healer retrieved a bowl and filled it with water. He carried
it up the steps to the bed and placed it on the night table.
Mulder woke as Siarra was removing the poultice.

"Hey, Doc. How am I doing?" he asked hoarsely.

"You're past the critical point..." the healer paused. He could
already see the slight change the harpy virus had caused in his
patient. Like goblins, the harpies were hermaphrodites. Siarra
decided not to tell his patient what might be in store for him
several years down the road, as the virus slowly altered his
system. No need to panic the human if the virus didn't have the
same affect on him as it had on elves in the past. He had never
known of a human who contracted the virus and lived. "You'll be
up and around again in no time at all, Lord Fox."

"I hope so, Healer Siarra." His voice was drowned out by another
loud thunderclap outside.

"Sir Skinner, bring your mate some water!" the healer ordered.

Skinner was already in the process of pouring a goblet of water
for Mulder. He added the mahogany-colored spice that the healer
had given him yesterday, then carried it up to the bed. The
healer had the poultice removed and was washing his lover's
wound, which was no longer seeping yellow pus. Skinner helped
Mulder into an upright position and held the goblet to his dry
lips.

After he drank his fill, Mulder smiled tiredly as Skinner lowered
him back down. "Thanks."

Skinner leaned down and kissed his brow. "My pleasure, Fox."

Jahr came quietly into the room. The troll had bathed and was
wearing a clean tunic. He had slept on a mat outside the door
last night. The healer had not wanted the troll to sleep in the
same room as his sick patient.

"Do you feel up to eating this morning?" Skinner asked, staring
down at his true love's tired face. Something was different...but
Skinner still wasn't quite able to put his finger on it.

"Maybe some broth. My stomach is still a little queasy."

Skinner looked down the steps at their squire. "Jahr, can you go
to the kitchen and get some broth for Fox?"

Siarra looked down the steps. "Troll, bring some bread with the
broth," the healer said, as he applied a new poultice to Mulder's
shoulder.

"At once, my Lords!" Jahr bowed and hurried out of the room. The
cooks in the kitchen were more than happy to prepare a tray with
broth, bread, cheese, fruit, and other delicacies for Anlon's
heroes. Word of the two human's heroic exploits during battle had
spread fast around the palace and the surrounding villages.

Mulder gazed up into Walter's warm brown eyes. Despite the aches
and pains he was feeling, Mulder was extremely happy. Walter's
doting over him gave Mulder a warm feeling deep down. Scully used
to mother him when he was injured, which always tended to
irritate Mulder. He didn't want her to view him as weak and
needy, unable to take care of himself. Scully was very closed off
emotionally, so stoic and strong with her feelings under lock and
key. At times, Mulder wondered if he had lost Scully's respect
for openly showing his emotions in front of her. His partner
didn't seem to have much respect for him the past few years.

With Walter, it was the opposite. Mulder was pleased that Walter
cared so much about him that his lover wanted to take care of him
when he was ill. It didn't worry Mulder that Walter would view
him as weak. That wasn't an issue in their relationship. He knew
Walter viewed him as an equal, even if he hadn't in the past.
They respected each other and were each able to let down their
barriers in front of the other. At first, Walter had been averse
to showing his feelings too openly in front of Mulder. Mulder
knew it had taken a lot for Walter to finally open up to him in
this way. But once he had, it had moved their relationship to a
higher level.

Mulder held onto Walter's hand as the healer finished bandaging
his shoulder. Skinner's callused fingers squeezed it as he rubbed
the rough pad of his thumb over the smooth flesh of Mulder's
palm.

Skinner suddenly realized what was different about his lover as
he stared into Mulder's changeable eyes. The color appeared to be
more vivid, beautiful swirls of green and gray with flecks of
gold, and the crow's feet around his lover's eyes were gone. Fox
looked slightly younger.

"Healer Siarra. This Harpy virus that Fox has contracted, besides
nearly killing him, are there any other side effects?" Skinner
asked.

"We do not really have a lot of data, Sir Skinner. So few have
survived a Harpy attack, and not all Harpies carry the virus."

"But the few who have survived?"

"The virus causes male trolls to lose all their hair and grow
breasts. With elves it enhances their features and..." the Healer
stopped talking and looked down at Mulder then back up at
Skinner. He couldn't tell them. They were humans and wouldn't be
able to deal with the possibility. Besides, why worry them? The
young human may not be any more affected than he was already.

"What about humans?" Skinner asked.

Siarra thought at least he'd be able to answer that question
honestly. "The human kingdoms are in the deep southern regions of
the realm, and Harpies never travel further than Kallen and
Zaltaria. Very few humans have ever ventured into our kingdoms.
As far as I know, no humans have ever contracted the virus from
them...until now."

"Ah, Healer Siarra? Please tell me I'm not going to grow
breasts!" Mulder said anxiously, his eyes wide with dread.

"Lord Fox, don't worry. The virus didn't cause male elves to grow
breasts, only trolls."

"Yeah, but you don't know what affect it might have on humans..."
Mulder suddenly glanced up at Walter. "What made you ask if there
are any other side effects to this virus?"

"Fox, you look slightly younger...and uh, more beautiful,"
Skinner said. His fingers brushed lovingly through his lover's
thick hair.

"How young?" Mulder's hands reached up and touched his face. He
didn't feel any different.

Skinner smiled. "Not that young--about thirty. It's just that the
few wrinkles that were starting to show around your eyes and
forehead are gone."

Mulder sighed with relief. "Walter, you had me worried." He lay
back against the mattress and closed his eyes. The sound of rain
pelting the ground outside was lulling him back to sleep. Mulder
smiled as he felt Walter's lips pressed against his as his lover
gave him a quick peck.

"Go to sleep, Fox. I'll wake you when Jahr gets back with your
broth." Skinner followed Siarra down the steps and to the door.
"Healer Siarra. May I have a word with you?"

"Of course, Sir Skinner." Siarra stood and waited.

"In the hall, if you don't mind," Skinner said, opening the
chamber door and stepping into the hallway. Siarra followed him
and Skinner softly closed the door. "Healer Siarra, what other
symptoms did the elves experience?"

"Fox isn't an elf, he's human. It is not very likely that he'll
experience similar changes."

"If you don't tell me, I'll find out from someone else," Skinner
said Irritated.

Siarra sighed. The human was persistent. "It's been over sixty
seasons since an elf was last infected. The virus caused them to
become hermaphrodites."

Skinner's eyes widened. "No. It isn't possible! They would have
had to have grown female sex organs." He shook his head. "Healer
Siarra, it's not possible for a virus to so drastically change a
body!"

"It didn't happen over night, Sir Skinner. The change took
several years for the female reproductive organs to develop."

Skinner sighed. "What sort of symptoms did the elves have during
this change?"

"They did not have any outward symptoms until their vagina
started to form..."

"Vagina?" Skinner felt a tightness in his chest and he leaned
heavily against the wall for support. Fox would be devastated if
this were to happen to him. Skinner resolved to tell Fox once his
health had improved. He couldn't keep something like this from
him. Even if it took several years before they knew for sure, he
planned to use that time to reassure his lover that he'd love him
no matter what, and they'd deal with this together.

"Sir Skinner, do not look upon this as a curse. Goblins are the
most advanced society in the realm. We don't have the same
problems as races with two sexes. You refer to Fox as your mate.
Wouldn't you like that to be true in the real sense of the word?"

"I only want what's best for Fox and this isn't it! He's a human
male and he would not be able to adjust to such a dramatic change
to his body."

"That's right he is human, and we don't know how the virus will
affect humans..."

Jahr came strolling down the hallway carrying a large tray laden
with food, ending their conversation. Skinner opened the door to
his bedchamber and let their squire in. Then he turned back to
the goblin Healer.

"Thank you, Healer Siarra. I would like to continue our
conversation at some other time, if it is okay with you?"

Siarra smiled softly. "It is, Sir Skinner. I know you still have
a lot of questions."

***

Feronia

"GET THEM OFF! GET THEM OFF!"

Frohike's shrieks filled the air as Krycek took a lighter and
burned the six-inch long leeches off the older man's legs,
stomach and chest.

"Hold still, old man!" Krycek growled as he burned the final
leech off Frohike's right buttock. Krycek then took care of
himself, while Scully attended to Langly and Byers. Luckily, the
parasites hadn't had enough time to really latch onto their prey,
and let go when the flame touched their bodies. They lay
withering on the moss covered ground.

"I'm not an old man!" Frohike snapped. Touching one of the
circular round marks on his stomach, he looked over at Scully.
"Dana, can you apply some antiseptic cream to these bites,
please?"

Scully sighed as she removed the last leech from Byers' body.
"Krycek, why don't you and John build a fire while I apply the
antiseptic cream to everyone."

"Can't we get dressed first, Dana?" Byers asked, blushing. He was
beet red as he stood there dressed only in his wet, purple bikini
briefs. They had stripped off the rest of their clothes when the
first leech was discovered.

Scully smiled; she was dressed only in a bra and panties. "After
I apply the antiseptic cream." She looked over at Krycek who was
trying to burn a leech off his lower back, but he wasn't quite
able to reach it. "Here--let me get that for you," she said,
taking the lighter away.

Krycek stood nervously as Scully burned the leech off him.
"Thanks, Scully."

They were in a clearing away from the water. Krycek started to
gather dry wood, while Byers made a ring on the ground with
dozens of large stones. Scully in the meantime applied lotion to
Frohike, Langly and herself. Then, she walked over to Byers and
took care of his bite marks, while Langly and Frohike took his
place building the fire. Krycek was last. Scully smoothed the
antiseptic over his muscular, lean body. He was wearing skin-
tight boxers that hugged his taut, round ass. Scully's hand shook
slightly as she applied the cream to his inner thigh a mere inch
from his groin.

"Okay, you can get dressed now," she said, walking over to her
backpack and pulling on her jeans and a T-shirt.

Frohike dressed, then started pulling out supplies to make
breakfast. He placed a skillet beside the fire. He took out a
plastic bowl, a container of water, and a packet of blueberry
pancake batter. He had enough packets for a week's worth of
pancakes for the group. Their other supplies consisted of dry
soup mixes, beans, jerky, and high protein energy bars.

"We're going to have to find fresh water in the next few days,"
Byers said, holding up the swamp water sample he had tested. "We
can't drink this even if we boil the hell out of it."

"We can capture rain water," Langly suggested.

Krycek snorted. "Only if it rains in the next few days, Blondie."

"It's Langly!" the blonde gunman snapped.

"Whatever," Krycek chuckled. He felt better with his clothes back
in place and his carbine strapped reassuringly to his thigh.
"Here. Try adding one of these tablets to your sample," he said,
tossing Byers a pill bottle.

"What is it?" Byers asked, shaking out a blue tablet.

"A small invention cooked up by the consortium scientists for
purifying water. One tablet will make even a gallon of saltwater
drinkable. It also kills all harmful bacteria and contaminants,"
Krycek explained.

"If that is true, this stuff would be worth a fortune," Byers
said, dropping the tablet in the water sample.

"Not necessarily. The chemicals used to make a single tablet cost
twenty dollars. That bottle you're holding is worth two thousand
dollars, and will only purify a hundred gallons of water." Krycek
added another log to the fire as he watched Frohike flip the
first pancakes onto a plate.

"Dana, would you like a piece of jerky with your pancakes?"
Frohike asked.

"No. Just the pancakes," she said, walking over to sit on a log
by the fire, taking the offered plate from Frohike. He passed her
a small container of syrup.

"We need to cover some ground before nightfall," Scully said.
"We'll break camp after breakfast."

***

Zaltaria The palace at Mei

King Kiros held up the earring. The fine silver chains and
diamonds sparkled in the sunlight. He had it designed for Fox. It
would fit his small dainty ear perfectly. The diamond encrusted
clip with the delicate silver chain would attach to the upper
shell of Fox's ear and the fox shaped diamond would decorate his
lobe. It was made using the finest quality gemstones in Zaltaria.
They were worth a King's ransom in the other kingdoms. He placed
the earring in a decorative silver box.

Queen Zoe, from the kingdom of Feronia, sat watching him with
amused gray eyes. The Elfin Queen had never seen the beautiful
King of Zaltaria so hopelessly in love. She wanted to meet this
mysterious human who had stolen her friend's heart.

Kiros handed her the box. "Zoe, you will take this to my Fox? He
will not accept it if he knows it's from me. However, if you gave
it to him, he would be obligated to accept it out of courtesy to
you and your kingdom."

"Kiros, my friend, is it so important that he wear this bauble?"

"Until I can claim him for my mate, I want to know that something
of mine is a part of him." Kiros stood and walked to the railing
to look out over the sparkling waters of the turquoise bay. "Zoe,
he was injured in the battle with the harpies. It almost broke my
hearts when he lay close to death and I could not go to him. You
should have seen him in the battle! He was magnificent! Already,
Kallen and Zaltaria bards are writing sonnets to him. It is Fox's
destiny to become my mate and together we will reunite our
divided kingdoms."

Queen Zoe wasn't completely in the dark about this human. Her
spies kept her well informed. "What about the human warrior mage
-- Sir Skinner? He is also being immortalized in ballads."

"He is of no consequence. Fox will be mine, and together we will
raise a large, loving family."

Zoe smiled. "I will take your present to this human. My ship
sails at first light for Kallen." The tiny queen smoothed a
wrinkled hand over her shimmering gown. "Kiros, Pyralis is
expecting me. I wish you two would make peace. I miss the wild
parties we had together in the olden days."

Kiros laughed. "You corrupted us, Zoe! We were but infants in
those days!"

"You were quite entertaining children," the ancient elf smiled.
Her face was finely etched with wrinkles. She was well over a
thousand years older than the two goblin Kings.

Kiros sighed. "I was a fool to allow my brother's love for a
human to interfere with our relationship. I never understood what
he saw in Jonathan until now."

"Kiros, I will try to sow the seeds for a reconciliation between
you both."

"Thank you, Zoe."

***

Kallen

"Fox, do you feel up to going outside?" Skinner asked, taking the
tray off his lover's lap and passing it to Jahr. "It is sunny and
warm outside this afternoon. Fresh air would do you good." Mulder
looked a hundred percent better than he did three days ago when
they'd arrived back at the palace.

"Yeah, I would like to get out of this bed." Mulder threw off the
covers and swung his feet over the edge. He shakily tried to
stand and nearly fell. Skinner was at his side in a heartbeat,
wrapping his arm around Mulder's bare waist.

"Let me help you, Fox." Skinner supported Mulder as they
traversed the steps.

"I'll be fine, Walter. My equilibrium is just a little out of
whack." He looked down at his nakedness. "I can't go outside like
this. Can you help me dress?"

"Lord Fox, that's my job!" Jahr said, hurrying over with his arms
full. He was carrying a soft gray tunic, breeches, hose, and
boots.

"So it is," Mulder grinned.

Walter supported him while Jahr helped him dress. Then the troll
slipped a pair of soft doeskin boots onto his feet. Mulder was
steadier as they walked through the door leading out into the
courtyard. He raised his face to the bright sun and sighed as its
heat caressed his skin. Skinner led him across the cobblestone
courtyard, then down a winding garden path to a bench in front of
a fishpond.

"This is nice, Walter." Mulder sat staring down at the koi
swimming lazily around in the clear water. "I always wanted a
house with a fishpond."

"If we ever make it back, that is one wish I can make come true."

Mulder chuckled. "Do you really picture us as suburban
homeowners?"

Skinner smiled and held his lover's hand. "I'm not much of an
apartment dweller, Fox. Give me a house with a large yard any
day."

"Then why are you living in an apartment now?"

"It was convenient after the divorce. A house would have been too
big for just one person." Skinner looked at his lover nervously.
"Fox, there is something I need to tell you."

"Hmm?"

"It's about this Harpy virus. Fox..." Skinner licked his lips
nervously. "You need to keep in mind that what I'm about to tell
you doesn't mean that you're going to be affected by the virus
any more than you already are."

Mulder didn't say anything. He looked at Skinner's worried face,
and suddenly felt trepidation gnawing at his belly. His lover
held his hand tighter.

"Fox, the virus caused the elves who were infected to become
hermaphrodites, like the goblins."

Mulder looked at him speechless then started to laugh. "Oh God,
Walter! You had me going there for a minute!"

"Fox, I'm not joking. I had a couple of long talks with Siarra,
and he said that it took several years, but the male elves grew
female reproductive organs, and some even became pregnant and
delivered healthy babies."

Mulder shook his head. "That's not possible. They would have had
to develop ovaries..."

Skinner snorted. "Fox, you're the one person who should know that
anything is possible."

Mulder suddenly felt dizzy and leaned against his lover. "Walter,
I'm not feeling well. Can you help me back to our room?"

"Fox, I'm sorry. I should have waited a few more days before
telling you this. Until you were feeling better." Skinner lifted
Mulder off the bench and supported him as they walked back toward
their room. Once they were back indoors, he helped Mulder up the
steps to the bed.

Mulder sighed and lay on the soft mattress. "Sorry I almost
fainted on you." Mulder rolled onto his side with his back to his
lover. He didn't want Walter to see the fear in his eyes. He was
afraid that he was going to lose him.

"Fox?" Skinner walked around to the other side of the bed and
climbed onto the mattress. Mulder tried to face the other
direction, but Skinner pulled him into his arms and held him.

"Let me go! Dammit!" Mulder thrashed wildly, but Skinner only
held him tighter.

"Calm down, Fox."

Mulder's struggles soon ceased. He was still too ill and had
overtaxed himself. He started shaking against Skinner's chest as
he broke down in sobs.

"That's it, babe, let it out," Skinner murmured.

"I-I don't want to lose you, Walter," he choked out.

"You're not going to lose me, Fox. I'm here for you. I'll always
be here for you, not matter what." He kissed his lover's temple.
"I love you, Fox. Don't ever forget that."

"What if I change? How can you love a freak?"

Skinner hugged him tighter. "One, we don't know if you're going
to change and we probably won't know for several years. Two, even
if you do change that doesn't make you a freak. You'll still be
the same man I fell in love with, only with a new toy that I can
play with." Skinner's hand caressed down Mulder back to his ass,
where he squeezed the cheeks lovingly.

"Oh God, I don't want a cunt! I don't have room for one!"

Skinner stifled a chuckle. "Don't worry, Fox, it's not very
likely you're going to change. Healer Siarra did say that the
elf's anus shifted up three quarters of an inch to make room for
the vagina."

Mulder's eyebrows knitted together in thought. "Well, at least
their balls wouldn't get crushed during sex." He covered his
mouth and groaned. "Oh God, what am I saying!"

"Don't worry about it. You're human. This virus probably won't
affect you anymore than it already has." Skinner kissed him
slowly.

Mulder sighed against his lips and held onto him tightly. "I love
you, Walter."

***

Feronia

Scully had never felt so dirty. Her arms and legs were riddled
with insect bites and scratches. They had been walking through
the swamp for nearly two weeks. She was beginning to believe
Frohike's claim that this dimension was only one giant, foul-
smelling swamp. Her eyes wandered over to Krycek. He was proving
very useful. If it wasn't for his smug attitude, and the fact
that he was a traitorous bastard, they might have become friends.
Yesterday, he'd snared a couple of rabbits, which he'd skinned
and gutted, then had Frohike grill for their dinner. The last of
the food they brought with them ran out three days ago. It might
have lasted longer if the swamp rats hadn't gotten into two of
their backpacks. Frohike was still apologizing for falling asleep
during guard duty.

"Alex, we could try spearing some fish," Langly said hopefully,
looking down into the murky water at the dark shadows darting
around. His stomach growled hungrily as they walked across a log
spanning the water. The two rabbits were good, but hardly enough
for five people and that was last night. They were already into
the afternoon. He was so hungry that he'd even eat one of those
glowing blue serpents.

Krycek held up his hand, then drew his carbine and took careful
aim and fired. A stag barely visible behind some trees went down.
"That should last us a few days. Come on, Blondie, you can help
me carry it until we find a place to make camp."

"It's Langly," the gunman grumbled, then his lips curled up in a
slight smile at the prospect of fresh venison.

"Whatever," Krycek said, smirking. He knew the blonde gunman no
longer really minded being called Blondie. He was beginning to
win, if not their loyalty, their respect.

Scully, Frohike and Byers waited by the edge of the swamp as
Langly and Krycek trudged through the thick brush to retrieve the
carcass. Byers set his backpack and rifle down on top of a large
rock. He turned back to talk to Scully, and didn't notice the
rock sprout legs as it lifted up and walked into the water. The
rock turtle carried the backpack and rifle into the deep waters.

"Uh, John."

"Not now, Melvin, I'm talking to Dana."

"But, John..."

"What?"

"That rock just carried your stuff into the swamp," Frohike said.

"Oh no!" Byers ran to the edge of the swamp just in time to see
his possessions sink under the murky waters. "Why didn't you do
something?" His scissors, shampoo, underwear, and nail clippers
were in his backpack, not to mention the last of the glow sticks
and some of the cooking utensils.

"I-I wasn't sure at first if my eyes were seeing what they
thought they were seeing. John, everything has been so blurry
since yesterday. I think I might need a new eyeglasses
prescription."

"Maybe you should just pitch your glasses, Melvin!" Byers
growled, staring out at the bubbles coming up from where his
backpack and rifle had vanished.

"I'm as blind as a bat without them. At least I can still
see...well sort of..."

"Let me see them! Maybe they need to be cleaned!" Byers snapped,
holding out his hand. Frohike hesitantly took off his glasses and
handed them over. Byers looked at them briefly then chucked them
over his shoulder into the swamp.

"You bastard!" Frohike growled and slammed into Byers.

Soon the two men were rolling around in the mud.

"Guys! Calm down! STOP!" Scully shouted. She had never seen this
side of the usually unflappable Byers before.

Krycek and Langly dropped the carcass and went to separate the
two men.

"Scully, I thought by now I'd be able to leave you alone with the
children," Krycek quipped, holding Byers' in a headlock.

"What's going on, Guys?" Langly asked, adjusting his glasses
while keeping one hand on Frohike's chest.

"He-he-he tossed my glasses into the swamp!" Frohike growled, his
face red from exertion.

"That wasn't very nice, John Boy," Krycek said.

Byers struggled briefly, then relaxed. "He seemed to be able to
see me well enough without them to hit me," he said, then calmly
asked, "let me go, Alex."

Frohike was about to launch into a verbal attack, when he looked
around him for the first time. His eyes widened as he exclaimed,
"Oh my... Oh my God! I can see!"

"What are you talking about, man?" Langly asked.

"I can see without my glasses! Better than I was able to see with
them!" Frohike grinned.

Langly, who had been having a similar problem the past few hours,
took off his glasses and looked around. "Hey! You're not shitting
us, man! This is great!"

"It's not possible for your eyesight to just suddenly improve,"
Scully said, walking up to Frohike and looking in his eyes.

"Impossible or not, I can see better than I have in years!" the
little man said.

Byers sighed. "Melvin, look...I'm sorry I threw your glasses in
the swamp."

"What for? It's not like I needed them."

"I didn't know that at the time. It was a horrible thing for me
to do."

"So do you want to tell Blondie and me why you freaked out,
John?" Krycek asked.

"My backpack with all of my possessions is at the bottom of the
swamp," he sighed.

Krycek frowned. He'd been with them for almost two weeks and he
would not have pegged any of the gunmen for being violent or
stupid. "Why would Frohike throw your backpack in the swamp?"

"He didn't. I set it on a rock, but the rock turned out to be
some breed of turtle, or at least I assume it was, since Melvin
was the only one who saw it move, and his eyesight wasn't very
good at the time. He didn't even make an attempt to get it before
it was already in the middle of the swamp. That was what we were
arguing about."

Krycek held up his hand. "Okay. Let's see if I got this right.
Frohike sees a blurry shape walking into the swamp with your
backpack on its back. He isn't able to see it well enough to
determine if it is dangerous or not. However, you expected him to
run down the creature and get your backpack back? Not very
bright, John."

"Well if you put it that way, no, it wasn't very bright. I just
wished he would have said something sooner," Byers pouted.

"I told you as soon as I saw it move, John. But you were too busy
talking to the lovely Dana."

Scully groaned. "Can we just give it a rest? Let's find an area
to clean that deer before something carries it off, too! We'll
leave what we can't use there, then search for an area a good
distance away to set up camp." They had learned not to leave
scraps of meat and bones around their camp site. The swamp's
scavengers did not have a great fear of humans.

"Yes, ma'am," Byers and Frohike replied in unison while Langly
and Krycek went back to pick up the carcass. They headed for
higher ground.

***

Kallen The palace at Anlon

The perfumed fragrances of the surrounding gardens soothed
Mulder's senses. He was positioned on a stone bench staring into
the small fishpond. This seemed to be the place for meditation
and silent reflection. He had just finished practicing at the
archery range and shot a perfect score. His shoulder was no
longer bothering him.

He watched a couple of pregnant goblins stroll down the garden
path. It was a strange sight, seeing the swollen bellies on these
goblins, who appeared more male than female, and realizing that
there was a small life growing inside them. The sight repulsed
and horrified Mulder. It never bothered him before Walter told
him about the potential side effects of the virus. Now it scared
him to death. It would be several long, agonizing years before
they knew for sure. Unless they could make it back to their own
world, where he could have tests done, and hopefully find a cure
if necessary. He had to keep reminding himself that the virus
didn't effect the trolls in this manner, so it might not affect
him either.

Skinner plopped down on the bench beside him and wrapped him in a
bear hug, kissing him soundly. "Mm. Fox, King Pyralis is
requesting our presence at a formal dinner he's having to
celebrate the arrival of Queen Zoe. It seems this Queen has heard
about our battle exploits and would like to meet us."

"Formal? So we get to dress up in our finery," Mulder joked.
"That means I'll get to see you in that little crushed velvet
number."

Skinner loved it when Mulder's eyes sparkled with mischief. It
had taken his lover over two weeks to recover from the shoulder
wound. Fox had been depressed about the possibility that the
virus was still changing him. So, it pleased Skinner to see him
in a good mood.

"Well, I'm looking forward to seeing you in that black suede
number," Skinner quipped.

Mulder snickered as he stood. "God, can you imagine Scully's face
if she were to see us now?"

"After she stops laughing?"

Mulder stood and smoothed his hands over Skinner's muscular
chest, which was encased in a soft tunic. "Nah, I think she'll be
jealous when she gets a good look at you, and realizes that
you're mine and she can't touch." He grinned, leaned in and
licked his lover's lips, then deepened it into a slow burning
kiss. Skinner melted against him, encircling his arms around the
lean, warm body. Their tongues danced for dominance, with Mulder
winning out as he drank in his lover's essence.

Skinner pulled back and murmured breathlessly, "Fox, let's go
back to our bedchamber."

"Do we have time?"

"We'll make time," Skinner growled, grabbing his hand and
hurrying him back to their bedchamber.

Mulder had a hard time containing his delight. He loved this he-
man side of Skinner.

Once they entered their bedchamber, Skinner kissed Mulder hard
and groped his ass, kneading his succulent buttocks. His hands
moved around to his lover's chest and undid the fasteners on
Mulder's tunic as he backed him up the steps to their bed. When
Mulder tried to remove Skinner's tunic, his hands were slapped
away, and Skinner reclaimed his mouth in a searing kiss.

Mulder felt light-headed as Walter's large hands continued
stripping him as he was walked backward to their bed with their
lips locked firmly together. His larger lover only broke the kiss
briefly to remove another article of his clothing and send it
flying.

Jahr ran around the room picking up the pieces of clothing that
his Lord Walter tossed haphazardly over his shoulder. A tunic
here, a hose there, a boot lying near the hearth...he bent and
retrieved a pair of skimpy white underpants and became aroused.
Jahr had been sexually excited a lot since becoming squire to
these two incredible humans. He worshipped the ground his Lord
Fox walked on, and wondered what it would be like to be so
beautiful.

Mulder groaned as Skinner pushed him down on the mattress, then
started to lick and suck every inch of his flesh, starting with
his toes. Skinner's tongue soon circled around his nipple, as a
linen clad knee nudged Mulder's thighs apart, brushing his sacs.
The younger man arched off the bed as his lover's teeth tugged on
his nipple, then sucked it hungrily, before moving on to torture
its twin.

Mulder wrapped his long legs around the back of Skinner's
muscular thighs and pulled him down on top of him. Skinner's body
draped over Mulder's, his weight pressing down on the smaller
man's groin. Mulder wiggled his hips, trying to rub his erection
against the scratchy fabric of Skinner's tunic, while the larger
man's mouth continued to suck contentedly against the warm tender
flesh of his throat. Mulder moaned, still seeking the
scratchiness of his lover's clothes, but Skinner's weight was
pressing him into the mattress, making it impossible for him to
move. His cock needed attention not his throat! Mulder tried to
pull his lover's head up, but his hands slid off the bald scalp.
"Dammit, Walter, you know you're driving me nuts! Just fuck me
already!"

Skinner chuckled against Mulder's throat as he ground his rock
hard abs into his lover's rampant erection. "Didn't your mom ever
tell you that patience is a virtue?"

Mulder sighed and unwrapped his legs from Skinner's body. He
shook his head sadly. "Did you have to bring up my mom, *now*,
Walter?"

"Ah... Sorry, Fox," Skinner murmured apologetically, looking up
at his lover's sad face. Feeling guilty, he knew he had to make
it up to Fox quickly, or the mood would be gone. He moved down
the well toned body and took Fox's erection into his mouth.

Mulder smirked as he stared down at his lover's bald head bobbing
up and down, as his mouth worked his cock. Finally. He spread his
legs further apart, allowing Walter better access. Mulder
thought, "I should have gone into acting."

Skinner lapped around the sensitive cock head. He was happy to
see that his poor choice of words hadn't dampened Fox's arousal.
Skinner closed his eyes and applied himself in earnest to sucking
and blowing on the delicious head. Only removing his mouth long
enough to wet a couple of fingers. Those he gently eased into his
lover's tight ass, first one, then the other as he returned to
devouring Fox's cock. His lover smelled and tasted delicious.
Skinner's cock was harder than it had been in weeks.

Mulder's hips thrust up into that incredible moist heat. He
nearly came off the bed as Skinner nudged his prostate, while the
other hand caressed his flat stomach, holding him still. Mulder
was panting more heavily five minutes later when he finally came,
shooting down Walter's throat. He was completely boneless as
Walter's hands grasped his hips, pulling him up as he pushed his
large cockhead past Mulder's sphincter. Mulder wrapped his legs
around Walter's hips as the large cock opened him, pushing in
deeper and deeper.

Jahr stood across the room and watched them. As the weeks went
by, his Lords became less and less inhibited about making love in
his presence. He went about laying out their finest clothing for
the banquet, while continuing to glance up the steps to the bed.

Mulder moaned, as the bulbous head of Skinner's cock nudged his
prostate. "Oooh God! So fucking good!"

Sweat dripped off Walter's brow as he smiled down at his lover's
passion-filled face. "Tonight you'll have to show me just how
good it feels," he husked, as he slowly thrust in and out.

"Oh...oooh, Walter, please...faster! Harder!"

Skinner continued his slow thrusting, ignoring Mulder's requests.

Mulder locked his long, toned legs tighter around Walter's waist.
He suddenly rolled them over until he was straddling Skinner's
hips and looking down into stunned brown eyes. Mulder smirked as
he started to ride Walter's cock at the ravenous pace he desired.
He knew that Walter was treating him with kid gloves because of
his shoulder wound, but that was healed and it was time to take
the gloves off.

The feel of the rectal walls encasing around his cock, in
addition to the sight of Fox's sexy disheveled body riding him,
was too much for Skinner. He bucked wildly as he came screaming,
pouring his release deep inside his lover's bowels.

Mulder's calves squeezed the sides of Walter's hips, so he
wouldn't be thrown off, as his lover thrashed about. Each
movement sent a shock wave of pleasure straight to his prostate.
When Walter finally lay boneless and sated on the mattress,
Mulder continued to ride his cock to his own release. His come
shot across the older man's chest and face. He crumpled onto
Walter's body, resting his head against the muscular chest.
Mulder smiled as his lover's powerful arms enfolded around him,
holding him possessively.

"I love you, Walter," he murmured, placing tender kisses on his
lover's furry chest.

Skinner sighed, kissing the top of Mulder's head. "We need to get
ready now. We wouldn't want to keep Pyralis waiting."

"Yeah," Mulder agreed as he eased slowly off Walter's cock,
groaning as the head popped out. He climbed off the bed and
offered Walter a hand up. "Your turn to be on the bottom tonight,
big guy."

"I just was, brat," Skinner growled and playfully slapped
Mulder's ass as they walked down the steps.

Mulder grinned over his shoulder at him.

Jahr stepped up. "My Lords, I have your bath ready."

"Thanks, Jahr," Mulder said, strolling across the room to the
alcove.

Skinner followed Mulder, watching his lover's luscious ass and
felt himself stir with arousal again. It was going to be a long
reception.

***

Feronia

"Do you hear that?" Scully asked.

"Yeah. It sounds like breakers crashing against the shore,"
Krycek observed, switching direction toward the sound. The smell
changed as they emerged from the swamp onto a rocky cliff,
looking out over a vast sea.

Off in the distance Scully spotted a sailing ship. "If we build a
fire, we can signal them."

"Scully, we know nothing about the people or creatures onboard
that ship," Krycek warned.

"We can't stay here," she said, looking out over the vast body of
water. They had reached the end of the trail and it didn't lead
anywhere. "Do you want to travel back through the swamp again in
the opposite direction and hope that we find dry land?" She
looked challengingly at him, then over at the gunmen. They were
all in pitiful shape after their slow journey through the swamp.
At times, they barely covered ten miles in a day. The men all had
scruffy beards and oily hair. All their clothes were torn and in
need of mending. Scully wasn't fairing any better. She wore her
hair in a ponytail. Her scalp itched. Nearly every part of her
body itched. They all smelled bad.

"Maybe she's right, Alex. Intelligent, civilized life had to have
built that ship," Byers said.

"Okay, we'll build a signal fire. However, if I sense the
slightest danger, it's back into the swamp immediately," Krycek
said.

Scully glared at him. The gunmen had started looking to Krycek
for guidance over the past week. She was getting tired of him
usurping her authority. "We retreat when I say we retreat and NOT
BEFORE! Don't do anything unless I give the ORDER!"

The gunmen stood staring at her in shock.

"What are you waiting for? START BUILDING THE FIRE!" Scully
growled, and the three men hurried to obey her. She could tell by
the wind and the ship's course that it would pass close to their
location in two hours.

Krycek strolled up to her side and hissed, "Red, if I see any
danger, I'm not waiting for your order to defend myself. The
three geeks might trust you with their lives, but I don't!" He
started to walk away and said over his shoulder. "Why don't you
get off your high horse and help us with the fire."

Scully gritted her teeth, she had been planning to. She cursed
under her breath about rats, bastards, and Russians, as she
collected the dry branches and carried them to the location
Langly had chosen for the bonfire. "How much ammunition do you
have left, Krycek?" she asked, after dumping another load of wood
onto the five foot high pile.

"Only two clips." He had ten clips when they started this quest.

Scully sighed. "I only have six bullets left." She looked back
out over the sea. The sailing ship was getting closer. "Light the
fire."

***

As Mulder and Skinner strolled toward the large banquet hall,
pleasant sounds of music drifted down the hallway, accompanied by
the sounds of people laughing and chatting. Both men felt self-
conscious. They hadn't had a reason to wear the elegant garments
that the tailor had made for them until now, so they'd never
realized how much the garments would emphasize certain parts of
their anatomy.

"Try not to get excited, Walter," Mulder warned, as he patted
Skinner's ass, which was clad in shiny, silky, black hose. The
firm round buttocks were showing just below the too short, black,
crushed velvet tunic.

Skinner hissed and grabbed his wrist. "Dammit, Fox! Don't touch
me there. This flimsy codpiece isn't going to be able to contain
me if you cause me to get an erection! It's beyond me why the
tailor couldn't have made it out of rawhide or steel like my
other codpieces."

"It's for show, not function." Mulder grinned, staring at the
velvet codpiece in question. It was already straining to keep the
large package it contained trapped.

"At least yours is suede, Fox," he grumbled, while trying to
avoid looking directly at his lover's groin-- and at his lover in
general. Fox was drop-dead gorgeous and exuding more sex appeal
than was natural. He'd lose it if he looked. They stepped into
the banquet hall. Many of the guests stopped talking and looked
at them.

"Stay close, Fox," Skinner said, not recognizing the large
contingent of elves filling the room, most of whom were looking
at his lover with undisguised lust. It wasn't surprising that
there wasn't a human among the many guests. The only human they
had met since coming here was Jonathan.

At the center of attention in the crowded room, was a petite
matronly elf in a flowing gown of green chiffon and gemstones.
The elf was talking with King Pyralis and Jonathan. The King met
Skinner's eye and smiled, waving him and Mulder over.

"Zoe, I'd like you to meet Sir Skinner and Lord Fox," Pyralis
said as the two humans stopped at his side. "Walter, Fox, this is
her Majesty Queen Zoe of Feronia."

Skinner and Mulder bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, it is a
pleasure to meet you," Skinner said.

Mulder smiled down at the elderly elf. She had an open and
friendly face, and he could tell that in her youth she had been a
stunning beauty.

The Queen looked Mulder up and down. "My, my, no wonder Kiros is
so bewitched by you, human. You are absolutely ravishing, my
dear." She then turned her scrutiny on Skinner. "Hmm;;; my you're
a big handsome man, are you not, Sir Skinner? Is your world
filled with others like you and Fox?" Zoe pinched Skinner's butt
as she leered up at his beet red face.

Skinner was taken aback by the petite Queen's behavior. She was
old enough to be his great-great-great grandmother and then some.
"Ah, I-I..."

"Zoe, you're embarrassing Sir Skinner," Pyralis admonished. "My
apologies, Walter. Her Majesty is known throughout the realm for
her tastes in younger males."

Zoe's lilting laughter surprised Mulder and Skinner. "Oh, Pyralis
my love, every male in the realm is younger than me, with the
possible exception of Grand Mage Zendl and Mage Mo. And I'm not
about to pursue either of them! They weren't even very attractive
humans in their youth."

Mulder recalled the Renny prospector Quth mentioning a Mage Zendl
when they first arrived in Kallen. However, the little man didn't
mention that Zendl was human. "Your Majesty, who is this Grand
Mage Zendl? And where does he live?"

"Zendl is the oldest living human mage. He and his followers live
in Liamterra. It is a large island to the south on the Serrenian
Sea..."

Pyralis interrupted. "Zendl is a religious zealot. His prophecies
have stirred up nothing but fear and angst amongst the non-human
population of the realm for centuries! Religious orders have
sprouted up among the humans, revolving around Zendl's
prophecies. Their churches preach hatred and intolerance against
the other races. They particularly hate goblins, whom they view
as debauched and evil!"

"Pyralis, please. Zendl has a good heart. I know you two have
never seen eye to eye, but he wants what's best for his people
and the realm," Zoe said softly, touching the King's arm.

Mulder looked over to Jonathan, who stood quietly by his mate's
side. His hand was soothingly rubbing Pyralis' back.

"Sorry, Zoe." The King looked at Mulder and Skinner. "Be careful
if you ever travel through the human kingdoms. Do not let their
lies turn your hearts away from what is true and just."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, Fox is an expert at seeing through
lies," Skinner said.

"And Walter has always been a defender of justice," Mulder added,
resting his hand on his lover's ass.

Skinner quickly moved it up to his back, while hoping Fox
wouldn't make some wisecrack about them donning their capes to
fight for truth, justice, and the American way. He'd definitely
would turn his lover over his knee if he did. Mulder's smirk told
him that he was thinking just those thoughts.

Queen Zoe interrupted. "Pyralis, I have a present for Lord Fox.
To show my kingdom's gratitude for him saving your life."

The Goblin King smiled. "Zoe, I also have tokens of my kingdom's
appreciation to present to both Sir Skinner and Lord Fox. Let's
us retire to the throne room for a formal ceremony."

Mulder and Skinner exchanged worried glances. The last thing they
wanted was to be the center of attention. Queen Zoe looped her
hands through both of their arms. "Come along, children. If
you're good, I'll allow you each to dance with me later."

They allowed the five-foot queen to escort them into the throne
room, where all the other guests had drifted.

Mulder felt his stomach sink when he saw Healer Siarra standing
beside the throne carrying his bag. What would Pyralis need
Siarra's services for? He looked at Jonathan, who wore several
earrings. Mulder knew from talking to Jonathan that he had the
head of his penis pierced, too. The goblins were into piercing
their bodies. Each area had a different significance. He wished
he had studied just what each of the different parts of the body
signified.

"Sir Skinner, on behalf of my kingdom, for the heroism you
displayed during the war with the harpies, I'd like to present
you with a symbol of our utmost esteem." Pyralis opened the small
box he was holding. Inside was a silver hoop with a large diamond
mounted in the middle. "Healer Siarra, please do the honor."

"Sir Skinner, please unfasten your tunic," Siarra said.

Skinner's face turned a shade of gray as the Goblin pulled out a
long needle from his bag. He couldn't insult the King by
protesting in front of all of his subjects and the foreign
dignitaries. So, he unfastened his tunic and stood with his bare
chest exposed, standing absolutely still as his right nipple was
pierced and the ring inserted through the hole. Skinner thought,
at least it wasn't his ear. He'd be able to cover this up better
when they made it back home.

Siarra twisted the hoop up and down. "You must rotate the ring
regularly so it doesn't scab over. The bleeding will stop
shortly. I will give you something to keep it clean."

Mulder was next and Pyralis presented him with an identical
diamond hoop. He bit his lip as the needle pushed through the
skin on either side of his nipple. After he had his tunic back in
place the petite queen stepped forward.

Queen Zoe said in a loud voice for all to hear. "Lord Fox, in
honor of your heroics in saving the life of King Pyralis,
Feronia's greatest friend and ally, I present you with a gift
from my kingdom and her people." She held out her hand to her
chancellor, who placed a silver box in it. She opened the box,
showing everyone the intricate earring with the large fox-shaped
diamond. A murmur ran through the guests.

Pyralis' brows furrowed at the unusual gift. It was more of a
gift that a father would give his beloved son, or a lover would
give his chosen mate. The ear was the area on the body to
publicly display a gift of a lover's affection. "Zoe, it is
exquisite, but it is quite an unusual a gift to give to honor
one's bravery."

"Nonsense, Pyralis. Fox saved your life. My people and I love him
for that and want to honor him with a token of our love and
devotion to him. What better way than an earring to decorate his
lobe and upper ear? All shall know throughout the land that he is
loved by the people of Feronia. Healer Siarra, please assist me."

Mulder exchanged pleading glances with Walter. Skinner reached
out and took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. Short of
causing embarrassment to King Pyralis and insulting Queen Zoe,
there was nothing either of them could do. Mulder bit his lip as
the needle poked through his lobe and the post inserted. The
diamond encrusted clip was attached to his upper ear. He felt the
strands of silver chains brush the length of his ear. They were
attached to the post and the clip.

"Lord Fox, for a human, you have a nice ears. It's too bad they
aren't pointy." She touched his undecorated ear and smiled at
Skinner. "Maybe Sir Skinner will someday decorate your other ear.
It's a shame he hasn't done so already, or that you haven't shown
your love by decorating his ear."

"Zoe, they're humans. They don't have the same customs as us,"
Pyralis said.

"It's a shame. The earring looks stunning on him don't you
think?" the Queen asked.

"Yes, quite. I still feel it was an unusual gift for you to give
him," Pyralis said, and smiled reassuringly at both Skinner and
Mulder. "Thanks--to both of you for your forbearance in
respecting my people's customs. I know this has been very awkward
and slightly painful for you. Now we can all return to
celebrating Queen Zoe's arrival."

The Queen smiled brightly. "Yes, and Sir Skinner has promised me
a dance. Come along young man," she said grabbing his hand.

"Ah, Your Majesty, I don't know how to do any of your dances,"
Skinner said.

"Walter, call me Zoe. No need for formalities among friends. And
I have a feeling that we shall become close friends. Now, the
dance steps are quite simple. Just follow my lead and I'm sure
you will catch on," the Queen said, as she whisked him into the
banquet hall and out onto the dance floor. The other dancers
parted, allowing them sole use of the dance floor.

Mulder chuckled at the look on his lover's face. He felt a touch
on his arm and turned, looking directly into Kedar's sapphire
eyes. The prince had his snow white hair braided and woven with
colorful beads.

"Please dance with me, Fox," he said.

"I don't really know the dance steps..."

"I'll teach you..." the young prince said, grabbing Mulder's hand
and steering him in the direction of Walter and Queen Zoe.

Mulder sighed as he allowed Kedar to lead him. The young goblin's
hand was warm and supple. He studied the pretty prince, taking in
the earrings gracing his large pointed ears. "Kedar, your father
made a comment that Queen Zoe's gift was not very appropriate.
What did he mean by that?"

They stopped out on the dance floor, and Kedar cautiously wrapped
his arm around Mulder's waist. "Place your hand on my hip, Fox.
Now just follow my steps." When they were moving to the music,
Kedar took the time to answer Mulder's question. "Only family
members give earrings as tokens of their affection and love. My
earrings are from my fathers. When I find my life mate, we will
have earrings designed for each other that will symbolize the
love we have for one another. Queen Zoe has broken tradition by
giving you such a splendid gift. But then, elves can be a flighty
race, and often act impulsively." Kedar looked at the diamond
adorning Fox's lobe. The fox's tail hung slightly below the lobe.
He'd seen bigger diamonds, but none that were as exquisite as
this one. "It is remarkable. I've never seen a diamond that was
cut in such a fashion. The craftsmanship is remarkable. Queen Zoe
must have employed the finest goblin gem cutter around. Fox, I'd
say you are wearing the most priceless gem in the realm.
Tomorrow, if you'd like, we can go down to my fathers' gem
cutters and have the stone appraised."

"Thanks, Kedar, but I'm not really into money and such," Mulder
said, smiling softly. He could imagine Frohike's excitement if he
ever saw the fox shaped diamond.

Mulder found the music easy to dance to, and followed the
Prince's lead without missing a step. If it weren't for his
nipple hurting where the silver hoop was rubbing against his
tunic, he might have even enjoyed dancing. Not to mention his ear
felt hot and was throbbing. He glanced over at Walter. His lover
was having a difficult time dancing with the tiny Queen. Mulder
grinned. He would have to give Walter a back rub later. "Kedar,
in three days, Walter and I will be heading for Fyre. He
mentioned that you'll be joining us on our journey. Are you sure
you really want to leave Anlon?"

"Yes. I wish to see the world and learn to be more tolerant of
the other races and their customs. I would also like to seek out
a mate." He looked deeply into Mulder's eyes. "In you and
Walter's company, we can easily go into the human kingdoms." He
squeezed Mulder's hand and whispered into his ear, "I could never
go to their kingdoms alone. They do not like goblins. Fox, I need
you and Walter to protect me from those humans that would wish to
do me harm. You both can help me search for a mate amongst their
people."

"Kedar, I have no idea what the humans are like in this realm.
From what you and King Pyralis have said, I don't see them as
being suitable material for finding a mate." Mulder guided Kedar
to the edge of the dance floor. "There must be a goblin in Kallen
who'd be perfect for you. Why must you set your sights on a
human?"

"I'm half human, Fox. I might not look it, but I am. I find
myself more attracted to you than I've ever been to a goblin."

Mulder wasn't looking forward to this trip. If the Queen of Fyre
was able to help them get back through the gateway, they would be
leaving this world and Prince Kedar behind. However, they
couldn't leave if doing so placed Kedar's life in danger. "Kedar,
I will help you as much as possible. Just don't set your hopes
too high. I'd hate for you to be disappointed if you aren't able
find a mate during our journey."

The young goblin smiled and hugged Mulder. "I have a feeling deep
within me that the man of my dreams is out there waiting for me
to find him."

***

Krycek had the scope of his carbine focused on the rowboats
making their way through the choppy waves toward shore. Scully
discovered a way down the rocky cliff to the small beach below,
but they stayed above until they could evaluate their would be
rescuers. Krycek let out a gasp as he had the first good look at
the occupants of the rowboat.

***

End of Chapter 4 - The Quest

Coming soon - Chapter 5 -