Running through the village, Kurt stopped and stood near a group of hunched women he recognized as witches. One in particular stood out to him, and he gasped as her familiar eyes of steely grey pierced his of deepest determined blue. Sue surely recognized him, but she didnt say anything. She didnt out him to anyone. Instead, Sue raised her voice ever so slightly so that Kurt might better overhear what she and her companions spoke of.

"I know something now I didnt before..."

She spoke in an enchanting tone that had her companions leaning closer, cackling as if she had started a spell.

"Yes, my sisters, I saw the prince fall. Covered in scratches and pierced to the bone," she said, making the other women shiver and hiss. Blaine was loved by all, it seemed, as he and his brother were kind to the masses. Even if Cooper had his flaws in his narcissism, he was a good prince and would make a great king one day. Unlike thier father, who could be rather rough and quick to judge, the boys were fair and peaceful. They would make great rulers when their time came. Everyone knew it.

One of the younger witches spoke harshly. "Who did it? They should pay with their blood. A hundred drops for every one the prince suffered!" The girl had sharp eyes and smooth tanned skin. Her long, dark hair was full and thick, and she simply demanded attention and respect. Kurt found he didnt want to be on her bad side ever.

Sue snapped at her to hush. "Calm yourself, Santana! It is not the time to talk of revenge," the simple fact that the elder of the group used the witchs name rather than some cheeky nickname spoke of the seriousness of the time. "We must first find a proper healing charm for our injured prince."

"But, Sue," a younger blonde asked thickly, her eyes slightly crossed. "How would we even get to him to help?"

Those metallic eyes found Kurt again, and he knew he was being directed by his mentor and confidante. "We may not, but we are not to know who might hear our progress and take it with them, are we, Becky? The wind carries prayers and spells all the same. So think, my girls. Use your knowledge and your hearts. Find your magic and think."

Your eyes look like coming home...

Kurt knew those steel grey orbs better than his fathers gaze. Sue was his rock. Shed never lead him astray. So he stayed and listened to her every word. Hers and those of her companions. They would help him save his prince. They were his only hope. So he stood with bated breath and he prayed, even if he didnt believe in the gods above, he prayed.

All I know is a simple name,

Everything has changed,

All I know is you held the door,
Youll be mine and Ill be yours,
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed...

"Please dont let it change for the worst..." Kurt muttered under his breath, a silent tear crawling down his cheek. His entire life was slowly changing ever since the day Blaine entered it, and he couldnt stand if it all went black as night, his warbler prince leaving the world cold and hopeless.

"Lilies!" Another blonde called breathlessly, as if shed been concentrating so hard shed forgotten to breathe. Her eyes were full of hope, and she peered at the dark haired girl, whose anger faded when she looked into the blondes eyes. "Lilies and honey, steeped in pure spring water. A spell spoken with a sprinkling of herbs, hand spun around clockwise thrice while spreading the herbs..."

Sue nodded, her eyes alight. "Very good, Brittany, very good." She peered at the girl called Santana, who let out a breath of air through her nose.

Brow furrowed in concentration, the tan-skinned girl spoke, this time with no venom lingering in her voice. "Dried honeysuckle and thyme, fresh lavender and a single rose petal finely shredded. Stir counter-clockwise five times and chant over the liquid, but it must steep for a full ten minutes. The liquid must be strained, then drank entirely- no drop may remain. Then the prince will heal." She looked upon Sue with wide eyes, wondering what words the elder witch might find in her heart of hearts.

"Becky, do you feel the ancient song growing inside of you?" Sue asked, and the youngest girl nodded, beginning to hum. Sue took up her place, adding words to Beckys melody.

"Making up for lost time,

Taking flight,

A simple name,

Everything has changed...

"Mine and yours,

Everything has changed,

Come back,

Tell me why...

Youll be mine..."

The two girls who werent involved in the spell looked at each other, wondering at the odd words, but Kurt felt his heart stutter. It was their story. Making up for the time theyd never had, taking flight as the warbler, meeting with such simple names and everything changing so quickly... Becoming something to each other so easily and so soon... And Kurt needing to tell Blaine why hed been injured, needing Blaine to be his and to be Blaines.

He needed to go help his prince. He needed to do so right away! Gathering his wits and the few coins hed managed to place in his cloaks pocket, Kurt rushed toward the castle, stopping on the way for what supplies he didnt think hed find there.

He had a prince to save.

_________________________________________________________________

Kurt finally reached the castle and only had need for a few items- namely honey, water, a mug to steep the brew in, and thyme. He knew the castle got its water from a fresh spring, and hed gathered the flowers along his way. Hed bartered for a knife, even, so he could shred the flowers without worry.

The fear that his stepmother had eyes everywhere kept him from announcing who he was to anyone, but when he said he had a cure from the local healing witches, the castle guards and Blaines men allowed him to pass. That alone told Kurt how poorly his prince was faring.

All I know is pouring rain and everything has changed...

Blaine had to be okay. This magic had to work. But Kurt knew it would, because Sue had never failed him, and she never would.

He did just what the witches had said, steeped the mixture, strained it, then held it to Blaines weak lips and urged him to drink. With each sip, the man grew stronger, until finally the last drop was drunk and the wounds were nearly closed.

Kurt was amazed by how quickly they began to heal, and he let out a little noise of pure joy as Blaines golden gaze peered at him. When their eyes met, Blaine looked confused, as if he knew who Kurt was but couldnt believe it. Kurt didnt tell him of his identity, though, as he was still worried that he might bring more harm to his prince.

"Thank you," Blaine said, voice scratchy from disuse. "You must be repaid somehow." He offered gold, but Kurt only took two things. His princes shield and dagger.

Without another word, Kurt was off, for it had grown late, and he couldnt risk a visit from his stepmother showing his absence. Perhaps the dagger might rid his window of some of the thorns. Or at least allow him safe passage to his prison...

Everything has changed...

Kurt just hoped that soon, more changes would come his way.