Warnings: Elves, goblins, druids and Dr J

Into the Woods Part 3

Duo's fear had left him when Heero had described being helped by Sister Helen. Now he knew why Heero's name seemed so familiar.

Sister Helen had trusted him. It was safe for Duo to do the same. He could believe what Heero told him.

So he couldn't help his reaction when Heero had shown grief at the news of Sister Helen's death. He wrapped his arms around his reluctant captor and held him close.

For just a moment, the goblin had leaned into the comfort Duo offered. Then:

"Step away... please."

"Did I hurt you?" Did his back still pain him? Even after all this time?

And that had been a minor punishment according to Sister Helen. Who knew what other hurts had been committed by his kin. No wonder those goblins were eager to get their hands on him- with so much to avenge...

"No. It's just... well, that's the other reason I strengthened the mark on you today." Much to Duo's surprise, Heero's face was slightly red-tinted. "The goblins- and I daresay the dryads as well- were bred to find elves desirable. Just the smell of your skin- I'm sure you understand?"

Oh. That was something no one had mentioned. Still, it explained a lot- like some of the reactions he'd gotten today... Oh. "But-"

"But?"

"Well, until we do figure out a way to get me out of here- if we do," Duo wasn't sure the rest of the goblins would just accept his escape. What would they do to Heero if he did? "Then I'm going to have to be your sl- your servant- just like you told them today."

"Yes. I'm sorry, but-"

"No. It's okay. I see why." Better Heero than someone else. "But- isn't part of being your servant sharing your bed?" That one female had even said he didn't smell like Heero. "I mean, if they don't smell... that female said... and some of the others- won't they be suspicious?"

The goblin looked startled and then thoughtful. "Hellfires. I hadn't even thought of that." He sat back down beside the hearth with a sigh. "And Melli would notice. I could keep you away from her-"

"Is she the only one who would?"

Heero shook his head. "I doubt it. It would look odd if I didn't... hellfires."

Why was he so reluctant then? "You don't have another lover? A spouse?"

"No." Heero's lips quirked in something that wasn't a smile. "Even goblins have standards you know. And I'm a damaged half-breed." He reached up, rubbing his shoulder absentmindedly.

Duo opened his lips to reply, but a sudden pounding on the door stopped him. Heero frowned.

"Quick," he murmured. "Open the door and then go sit in the corner. Don't talk!"

Scurrying to obey, Duo opened the door. On the other side was a bent and wizened goblin glaring balefully at him. Duo stood quickly aside, holding the door open.

"Heero," said the old goblin as he stepped into the room. Duo closed the door behind him and then did as he'd been told.

"Jay," Heero tilted his head to the side. "I found everything you asked for."

"And more besides." The old goblin cast a glance at Duo. "Quite a prize you found there. Planning on selling him?"

Heero shrugged. "Maybe. He's obedient and I do need another pair of hands out on my trips, but..."

"But you'd make a fortune if you sold him."

"True." Heero lifted an eyebrow. "Are you making an offer?"

"Me?" Jay cackled and perched himself in the chair beside the hearth. "What would I do with a toothsome piece like that? I'm too old to tumble him and I have to avoid rich foods these days, you know."

Heero smiled and looked towards Duo. "Bring me the grey saddle pack."

Duo got to his feet and sorted through the packs beside him. He didn't like the way the old goblin was eyeing him, no matter what he said. He found the grey one and brought it to Heero.

"Let him sit here in the light. I maybe too old, but I can enjoy looking."

Heero flicked his fingers in a down gesture and Duo sat beside him on the floor. "Here's what I found for you," he said and handed the pack over to Jay.

"Ah... it does look like you found everything. Very good." Jay closed the pack and reached into his belt pouch. "Here's your payment- and here's the ointment." He passed over a small bag and an even smaller jar.

"Thank you." Heero placed both beside him.

"Elf," the older goblin focused his gaze on Duo who looked up, surprised. "You are the one that has to help your master with that ointment. Listen to me carefully. No more than three fingertips worth- and you have to cover his back with it. Don't worry- that will be plenty. It will make your hands tingle- make sure you wipe them off afterwards- and don't let him use it more than three days in a row."

Duo's eyes widened. Heero snorted. "Telling him to order me around?"

"Please. An elf like that could order any of us around if he put his mind to it, bindings or not."

Duo blinked. What did he mean?

TBC...

 

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