Over the next couple of days Kurt fell in love with Blaines voice. He would sing on the road, whilst preparing supper and Kurts favourite, to the twins to send them to sleep. His voice was rich and smooth, many of the songs were unfamiliar to Kurt and sung in his native language, and Kurt was enchanted by the sound of it. Kurt knew that a lot of the time he asked questions about Blaine and his culture that to any other dragon would seem rude, but Blaine was patient and knew that Kurt only asked because he wanted to better understand Blaine and the twins. Kurt learnt and was respectful so Blaine was happy to answer. It was clear that Blaine was proud and passionate about his heritage and Kurt only hoped that his questions didnt make him homesick.

They spoke a lot about their likes and dislikes, their friends and families. Blaine regaled Kurt with stories from his childhood, most of which included something being accidentally set on fire and Cooper somehow managing to break more rules with each incident. Tim and Magnus ran rampant through the forest whenever they could. Blaine had somehow been cajoled into carrying the pair when they got tired of walking but he soon put a stop to it after Tim had sneezed unexpectedly when sitting on Blaines shoulders and set his hair alight. The twins had to walk from then on.

Blaine found himself content. Walking all day was tiring and it was becoming increasingly difficult to pay attention to the path instead of staring at the way travelling made Kurts eyes shine with excitement. Blaine watched Kurts hope and confidence grow as the days rolled by. One thing did bother Kurt and Blaine could see how it plagued him. Despite the one wolf that Kurt had encountered his first night away from the village he had not been attacked by any other beast or being. At first Kurt put it down to Blaines presence except he was not by his side all of the time. It left him wondering why on Earth all those who had ever ventured into the forest from his village had never returned, except for him. Blaine assured him that there were still dangers in the forest, poisonous plants and some large predators such as the wolf but the chances that all those who had strayed from Kurts village had come to their end because of one of these was admittedly very slim. The mystery plagued the both of them.

The scenery began to change and instead of great oak trees their path was full of birch and willows. Lavender and bluebells were bountiful and Kurt took it upon himself to make wreaths for them all. Blaine thought the bluebells brought out the periwinkle blue in Kurts eyes. The lavender was subtle enough to not irritate his sensitive nose so Blaine welcomed the sweet smell as it masked the scent of stale sweat that had plagued them as a result of several days travelling without bathing. They had stopped for lunch under an ancient willow tree, Blaine seriously considering taking a detour to find water when they heard shouting. Jumping to his feet he drew his sword shielding the twins with his body. He felt Kurt trembling beside him but they held their ground as seven lithe beings emerged from the forest, weapons drawn.

A tall man with glowing yellow eyes and an arrow aimed right at Blaines heart spoke quickly and fiercely. Kurt once again cursed his previously sheltered life as he again couldnt understand the words being spoken. Blaine spoke just as fast and the conversation seemed to get more aggressive before the tall man broke out into a beaming smile. "Taliesin!" He cried, dropping his longbow to the ground and enveloping Blaine in a hug. "How many times do I have to tell you Gaël, its Blaine." He laughed as Gaël held him at arms length. "I know but Taliesin suits you much better." Gaël replied "What brings you to our pastures?" His gaze shifted from Blaine to Kurt who was clutching the twins close to his side. "We need to speak to your father, Kurt here is in need of answers, and many lives are at risk." Blaine said solemnly. Gaël studied Kurt suspiciously before nodding. He had clearly decided that Blaine would not lie to him and that Kurt could also be trusted "Very well," he said "I will arrange a meeting. How long will you be staying?" He signalled for his companions to lead the way.

"A couple of days. Time is short." Blaine answered "Thank you, for your hospitality old friend."

Kurt was filled with apprehension as he followed Gaël and his entourage through the forest. He had never seen men and women so tall and lean. He found himself staring when he met the eyes of a woman to his left, the colour of which were such a piercing, vibrant emerald green that they were both startling and enchanting. From what he gathered Kurt was in the presence of fae royalty and he had no idea of the proper way of behaving around such important individuals. He momentarily cursed Blaine for neglecting to tell him they were even close to the fae lands let alone having already entered them. Almost as if sensing his discomfort Blaine reached for his hand and bought him to his side. "Youre going to love Arken Falls and the Green City; they have beautiful markets selling all kinds of things, fruit and flowers, trinkets, clothes and fabrics. The falls are breathtaking. If we have time Ill take you there." Blaine grinned excitedly and Kurt couldnt help but smile back, especially once he realised that Blaine hadnt let go of his hand.

As they stepped through the gates of the city a wall of noise hit them. The limestone cobbled streets bustled with all manner of fae, trading and doing business just like they did in Kurts village, however the Green City was far from his usual trip to the Sunday markets. As they strolled through the streets, escorted by the Princes envoy, Kurt marvelled at all the things the like of which hed never seen before. Flowers the size of sun hats and dresses made of silk so fine they were almost translucent. Everyone in the market place looked so ethereal; a mother and her children dressed much akin to dragonflies, a man and his husband hand in hand perusing a stall selling strange fruits. The twins were so fascinated by the city that they were completely silent but for their awed gasps, pointing every which way at the multitude of things that caught their eye.

Kurt was just about to ask where they were going before they rounded a corner onto a road lined with fruit trees that lead to a large shimmering castle. Its white walls gleamed in the bright sunlight but the tall spindly towers were covered in green vines and ivy. Giant teal birds, with beaks as long as Kurts arm and wings almost as wide as Blaines circled its turrets. It loomed over them as they approached the noise of the bustling markets fading away and the sound of marching replaced it as patrolling guards greeted them. "Speak only when spoken to and bow when announced, thats pretty much all you need to know." Blaine said quickly as they approached the large oak doors and Kurt was lead inside. Blaine finally let go of his hand. "You arent coming with me?" Kurt said, voice pitching higher in panic. "I cant." Blaine replied, smiling reassuringly. "Ill be waiting for you here; youll be fine I promise." He caught a glimpse of Kurts small smile before the intricately carved doors closed behind him.

Gaël chuckled lightly as Blaine sighed and leant against them. "Trust you to find the most peculiar mortal in the Western lands Taliesin." He said nudging him. Blaine raised his eyebrows at him. "This Kurt? He is brave and inquisitive. These are not qualities I have often seen in mortals, or at least in the quantities that he possesses them."

"I guess. Kurt is special." Blaine shrugged, pushing away from the great doors and trying to coax the twins down from where they were attempting to climb the vines. Gaël grinned pressing his hands to the vines and closing his eyes. The vines began to shrink, too fast for the twins to be able to scramble up them so they fell from the smooth walls straight into Blaines arms. "Is he just special or special to you?" Gaël said knowingly and Blaine attempted to hide his blush as he once again berated the twins.