Destiny's Quest - DG/Cain - Chapter 4/?
Okay, I am going on vacation starting Sunday (yeah me), so I thought I would put chapter four tonight. More chapter will follow later, I promise.
Summary: Enter Wyatt and Jeb Cain....
Pairing: DG/Cain
Warnings: none yet
Rating: PG for now
Word count: 1807
Disclaimer: I do not own TinMan.
You all have been very patient with this piece. I know it is moving slowly, but please bear with me. I would also like to thank thecricket for beta-ing this piece for me. Any mistakes, problems,etc. are mine.
Chapter One - DG confronts her parents about her role in the OZ
Chapter Two - Ahamo and the Queen try to reconnect & DG meets her mother half way
Chapter Three - Enter Wyatt and Jeb Cain
New Chapter -
Chapter Four - Cain goes to the castle
Since the Queen’s agreement for DG to become the emissary to the Red Jinn, life had passed quickly for the young woman. Time usually spent with Tutor or with the Royal Court was now taken up with learning about trade negotiations, cultural norms of the Red Jinn, and learning to play the part of a royal emissary. DG’s head swam with the knowledge that had been stuffed inside it.
She made time each morning before the start of her day to visit Ahamo. They had begun a tentative relationship built around their shared love of drawing. Ahamo looked over her work and gave thoughtful critiques. DG loved to see the OZ through her dad’s artistic eyes. He was able to capture the beauty of the place, but still depict its complete weirdness that only another slipper could enjoy.
DG even found time to meet with the Queen occasionally. While these meetings were still strained and uncomfortable, each woman realized that little by little they were building a bond.
The only person DG did not have contact with during this time was Azkadellia. Upon hearing of DG’s upcoming journey, Az retreated to her room. It had finally become apparent to her that DG was no longer going to be there to watch Az wallow in her malcontent. DG regretted hurting her sister, but she knew that Az would heal much faster with DG gone. Az needed to stop using DG as a blanket to hide from the world.
“DG, where are you?” Glitch’s voice rang out through the solitude of the library.
“In here, Glitch, by the far window.”
Glitch wandered into the room and stopped by her book-filled table. “Hey, Doll Face. Cain should be here either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. It’s pretty out. Why don’t you take a break from reading and come and enjoy a walk in the garden with me?”
DG stretched her arms above her head and sighed. “I should keep reading, but you know what…I am up to here with studying,” she said, a hand motion slicing across her neck. “Let me get changed into a cooler dress and I’ll meet you by the door.”
“Sure thing.” Glitch waved a hand in response and left the room. DG quickly packed up the books she would need to study and left to get changed. Unluckily, she missed one book that had fallen down between the desk and the wall.
Wyatt Cain was tired from riding hard the past two days. He had stopped infrequently in his haste to reach the castle. The sooner he met with the Queen and Ambrose, the quicker he could return to his home and Jeb.
The outline of the castle rose up in front of him. For a minute he was transported to the defeat of the witch. He had been scared that time. Scared that he would never see Jeb again, scared that he would fail Glitch and have to destroy his brain, and scared that DG would sacrifice herself for her sister. Wyatt was used to being scared. However, he hid his emotions carefully behind cool blue eyes and a stony facade.
He met the first row of guards that protected the castle. The leader, who remembered Cain but still followed procedure, demanded to see the royal summons. When he was assured that everything was in order, he allowed Cain to move toward the castle. The leader, surprised by Cain’s show of restraint at being made to wait, sent a fast-riding messenger ahead to smooth the rest of Cain’s journey to the castle.
The Queen had called an emergency meeting with her advisors. She hated to make Mr. Cain wait, but there was a matter that had to be dealt with immediately before the meeting about the Red Jinn. She asked the butler to make Mr. Cain comfortable and offer him refreshments.
Outside the castle, Cain finally arrived at the front door, tired from the ride. He swung down and patted his horse. A young boy took the reins from him. Cain walked slowly up the stairs. The stiff-necked butler greeted him.
“Mr. Cain,” the butler said, inclining his head. “The Queen regrets that she is in a summit and is unable to attend to you immediately. However, she asks that you be made comfortable and offers refreshments of your choice. May I show you to the sitting room?”
Cain huffed silently. “I would rather walk around outside if I may.”
The butler again regally inclined his head. “Of course, sir. I will have refreshments delivered to you out in the garden area if that is acceptable. Your things will be placed in your accommodations. I have taken the liberty of assigning Niles as your manservant. If there is anything else you require, please let him know.”
Already the trappings of royal life were getting to him. He hoped the Queen would not need him for long. He wasn’t sure how he was going to stand having people waiting on him like this.
The garden was peaceful for Cain. The soft grass and gentle breeze soothed his weary soul. A royal footman had delivered a cool beverage to him. The late afternoon suns cast comforting shadows on the ground. If only life could stay peaceful like this. A sound drew Cain’s attention to a corner of the garden.
Seated on a wrought iron bench was a beautiful woman. Her dark hair shone like black silk in the sun. Wyatt could not see her face, but her posture spoke of someone comfortable with themselves. Despite himself, he was intrigued by her countenance. He was surprised to realize that she reminded him of his grandmother in some weird, twisted way. His grandmother was a woman to be reckoned with and was tenacious in her loyalty. She was the ultimate type of woman according to Cain. Adora had shared many of the same qualities.
Although his inner voice said this was a bad idea, Cain walked toward the woman. His footsteps were muffled by the soft grass. The woman was humming softly to herself, watching flutter bugs dance through the various flowers.
“I’ve never seen pink flutter bugs before. Are they only found here?” Cain asked the woman. She jerked in surprise before glancing up at him.
His face was hidden by the shadows of his hat, so DG could not tell who exactly was behind her. However, she wasn’t too concerned by a stranger’s appearance at the palace. It was too closely guarded for anyone to just sneak inside.
“Flutter bugs are found in many places, but pink ones are only found here.”
Cain was entranced by the unknown woman’s voice. Her dulcet tones soothed an ache he didn’t realize he had. “You are very knowledgeable about flutter bugs.”
DG laughed. Wyatt felt the echo deep within his body. She was so intriguing.
DG spoke to her unknown guest. “So, what do you know about flutter bugs, sir?”
His deep voice rumbled out of his chest. “I know that they only appear on the last days of the equinox. So we should enjoy them now.”
DG’s insides quaked at his voice. Each word was a caress on her savaged nerves. None of the men she had met at court had affected her this way.
“Would you like to see the Pool of Tranquility?” she asked.
“I would be honored.” Cain held out his arm to assist her ascent from the bench.
Hard, work-worn muscles bunched beneath her soft palm. She then slowly moved her eyes up to see her new escort. Her dark blue eyes beheld eyes the color of the summer sky.
DG was stunned to be face to face with Wyatt Cain. This was not the Wyatt Cain she rescued from a Tin Suit, but a new and improved Wyatt Cain. He had changed so much from the person she remembered.
Gone was the ice in his blue eyes. Warmth now radiated from them. His body, which previously had not been unattractive, had been honed and sharpened from hard work. The most obvious change, however, was Cain’s face. The old Cain had worn his grief and isolation like armor. No one was allowed to see beyond. This Cain was open to the world. His face held lines of laughter around his mouth and eyes. DG could not believe this was Wyatt Cain.
DG was not alone in her disbelief. Cain was stunned to find that the woman who had so intrigued him was the royal princess. She was no longer a young girl on the cusp of womanhood. Instead, a full grown woman stood before him. Her eyes, once open wide in innocence, were now filled with the smoky secrets of a woman. Her face had lost the roundness of youth. Her figure had filled out, creating lush curves that were showcased to perfection by her dress. Wyatt could not believe this was Princess DG.
An awkward moment occurred. DG would normally hug Cain, but when presented with this new individual, she was unsure of herself. Cain was also unsure what to do. He could not treat this woman like he would DG. So, Cain fell back on training from his days as a Tin Man. He gently grasped DG’s hand and bent low over it.
“Your Highness. It is good to see you again.”
DG, bewildered by Cain’s bow, curtsied deeply in response. “Mr. Cain, as always it is our pleasure to see you. I am glad to see you arrived safely.”
Cain released the princess’s hand. “Thank you. I am waiting for the Queen to be available so I may speak with her.”
A wall of formality fell heavily between them. Cain retreated behind years of protocol when faced with royalty. Remain respectful and aloof, no familiarity permitted. DG, confused because this was not her Cain, wrapped the cloak of royalty around her like a blanket.
“Yes, we are hoping you will be able to give us additional information about the Red Jinn, but we must wait for the Queen. Since you are here on such important business, I won’t keep you. I just remembered that I have to meet with Tutor.” DG spoke quickly. It was one thing to flirt with some unknown courtier, but to flirt with Mr. Cain? That just didn’t settle right with her.
Cain’s response was halted by the arrival of a footman. “The Queen is free and requests the presence of her Royal Highness, Princess DG, and Mr. Wyatt Cain. If you would follow me please?”
Cain moved his hand to allow DG to precede him. He watched in silent appreciation at the gentle sway of her dress as she walked. He was not happy with this turn of events. Cain couldn’t wait until he could leave this unsettling place and return to his life of solitude.
Summary: Enter Wyatt and Jeb Cain....
Pairing: DG/Cain
Warnings: none yet
Rating: PG for now
Word count: 1807
Disclaimer: I do not own TinMan.
You all have been very patient with this piece. I know it is moving slowly, but please bear with me. I would also like to thank thecricket for beta-ing this piece for me. Any mistakes, problems,etc. are mine.
Chapter One - DG confronts her parents about her role in the OZ
Chapter Two - Ahamo and the Queen try to reconnect & DG meets her mother half way
Chapter Three - Enter Wyatt and Jeb Cain
New Chapter -
Chapter Four - Cain goes to the castle
Since the Queen’s agreement for DG to become the emissary to the Red Jinn, life had passed quickly for the young woman. Time usually spent with Tutor or with the Royal Court was now taken up with learning about trade negotiations, cultural norms of the Red Jinn, and learning to play the part of a royal emissary. DG’s head swam with the knowledge that had been stuffed inside it.
She made time each morning before the start of her day to visit Ahamo. They had begun a tentative relationship built around their shared love of drawing. Ahamo looked over her work and gave thoughtful critiques. DG loved to see the OZ through her dad’s artistic eyes. He was able to capture the beauty of the place, but still depict its complete weirdness that only another slipper could enjoy.
DG even found time to meet with the Queen occasionally. While these meetings were still strained and uncomfortable, each woman realized that little by little they were building a bond.
The only person DG did not have contact with during this time was Azkadellia. Upon hearing of DG’s upcoming journey, Az retreated to her room. It had finally become apparent to her that DG was no longer going to be there to watch Az wallow in her malcontent. DG regretted hurting her sister, but she knew that Az would heal much faster with DG gone. Az needed to stop using DG as a blanket to hide from the world.
“DG, where are you?” Glitch’s voice rang out through the solitude of the library.
“In here, Glitch, by the far window.”
Glitch wandered into the room and stopped by her book-filled table. “Hey, Doll Face. Cain should be here either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. It’s pretty out. Why don’t you take a break from reading and come and enjoy a walk in the garden with me?”
DG stretched her arms above her head and sighed. “I should keep reading, but you know what…I am up to here with studying,” she said, a hand motion slicing across her neck. “Let me get changed into a cooler dress and I’ll meet you by the door.”
“Sure thing.” Glitch waved a hand in response and left the room. DG quickly packed up the books she would need to study and left to get changed. Unluckily, she missed one book that had fallen down between the desk and the wall.
Wyatt Cain was tired from riding hard the past two days. He had stopped infrequently in his haste to reach the castle. The sooner he met with the Queen and Ambrose, the quicker he could return to his home and Jeb.
The outline of the castle rose up in front of him. For a minute he was transported to the defeat of the witch. He had been scared that time. Scared that he would never see Jeb again, scared that he would fail Glitch and have to destroy his brain, and scared that DG would sacrifice herself for her sister. Wyatt was used to being scared. However, he hid his emotions carefully behind cool blue eyes and a stony facade.
He met the first row of guards that protected the castle. The leader, who remembered Cain but still followed procedure, demanded to see the royal summons. When he was assured that everything was in order, he allowed Cain to move toward the castle. The leader, surprised by Cain’s show of restraint at being made to wait, sent a fast-riding messenger ahead to smooth the rest of Cain’s journey to the castle.
The Queen had called an emergency meeting with her advisors. She hated to make Mr. Cain wait, but there was a matter that had to be dealt with immediately before the meeting about the Red Jinn. She asked the butler to make Mr. Cain comfortable and offer him refreshments.
Outside the castle, Cain finally arrived at the front door, tired from the ride. He swung down and patted his horse. A young boy took the reins from him. Cain walked slowly up the stairs. The stiff-necked butler greeted him.
“Mr. Cain,” the butler said, inclining his head. “The Queen regrets that she is in a summit and is unable to attend to you immediately. However, she asks that you be made comfortable and offers refreshments of your choice. May I show you to the sitting room?”
Cain huffed silently. “I would rather walk around outside if I may.”
The butler again regally inclined his head. “Of course, sir. I will have refreshments delivered to you out in the garden area if that is acceptable. Your things will be placed in your accommodations. I have taken the liberty of assigning Niles as your manservant. If there is anything else you require, please let him know.”
Already the trappings of royal life were getting to him. He hoped the Queen would not need him for long. He wasn’t sure how he was going to stand having people waiting on him like this.
The garden was peaceful for Cain. The soft grass and gentle breeze soothed his weary soul. A royal footman had delivered a cool beverage to him. The late afternoon suns cast comforting shadows on the ground. If only life could stay peaceful like this. A sound drew Cain’s attention to a corner of the garden.
Seated on a wrought iron bench was a beautiful woman. Her dark hair shone like black silk in the sun. Wyatt could not see her face, but her posture spoke of someone comfortable with themselves. Despite himself, he was intrigued by her countenance. He was surprised to realize that she reminded him of his grandmother in some weird, twisted way. His grandmother was a woman to be reckoned with and was tenacious in her loyalty. She was the ultimate type of woman according to Cain. Adora had shared many of the same qualities.
Although his inner voice said this was a bad idea, Cain walked toward the woman. His footsteps were muffled by the soft grass. The woman was humming softly to herself, watching flutter bugs dance through the various flowers.
“I’ve never seen pink flutter bugs before. Are they only found here?” Cain asked the woman. She jerked in surprise before glancing up at him.
His face was hidden by the shadows of his hat, so DG could not tell who exactly was behind her. However, she wasn’t too concerned by a stranger’s appearance at the palace. It was too closely guarded for anyone to just sneak inside.
“Flutter bugs are found in many places, but pink ones are only found here.”
Cain was entranced by the unknown woman’s voice. Her dulcet tones soothed an ache he didn’t realize he had. “You are very knowledgeable about flutter bugs.”
DG laughed. Wyatt felt the echo deep within his body. She was so intriguing.
DG spoke to her unknown guest. “So, what do you know about flutter bugs, sir?”
His deep voice rumbled out of his chest. “I know that they only appear on the last days of the equinox. So we should enjoy them now.”
DG’s insides quaked at his voice. Each word was a caress on her savaged nerves. None of the men she had met at court had affected her this way.
“Would you like to see the Pool of Tranquility?” she asked.
“I would be honored.” Cain held out his arm to assist her ascent from the bench.
Hard, work-worn muscles bunched beneath her soft palm. She then slowly moved her eyes up to see her new escort. Her dark blue eyes beheld eyes the color of the summer sky.
DG was stunned to be face to face with Wyatt Cain. This was not the Wyatt Cain she rescued from a Tin Suit, but a new and improved Wyatt Cain. He had changed so much from the person she remembered.
Gone was the ice in his blue eyes. Warmth now radiated from them. His body, which previously had not been unattractive, had been honed and sharpened from hard work. The most obvious change, however, was Cain’s face. The old Cain had worn his grief and isolation like armor. No one was allowed to see beyond. This Cain was open to the world. His face held lines of laughter around his mouth and eyes. DG could not believe this was Wyatt Cain.
DG was not alone in her disbelief. Cain was stunned to find that the woman who had so intrigued him was the royal princess. She was no longer a young girl on the cusp of womanhood. Instead, a full grown woman stood before him. Her eyes, once open wide in innocence, were now filled with the smoky secrets of a woman. Her face had lost the roundness of youth. Her figure had filled out, creating lush curves that were showcased to perfection by her dress. Wyatt could not believe this was Princess DG.
An awkward moment occurred. DG would normally hug Cain, but when presented with this new individual, she was unsure of herself. Cain was also unsure what to do. He could not treat this woman like he would DG. So, Cain fell back on training from his days as a Tin Man. He gently grasped DG’s hand and bent low over it.
“Your Highness. It is good to see you again.”
DG, bewildered by Cain’s bow, curtsied deeply in response. “Mr. Cain, as always it is our pleasure to see you. I am glad to see you arrived safely.”
Cain released the princess’s hand. “Thank you. I am waiting for the Queen to be available so I may speak with her.”
A wall of formality fell heavily between them. Cain retreated behind years of protocol when faced with royalty. Remain respectful and aloof, no familiarity permitted. DG, confused because this was not her Cain, wrapped the cloak of royalty around her like a blanket.
“Yes, we are hoping you will be able to give us additional information about the Red Jinn, but we must wait for the Queen. Since you are here on such important business, I won’t keep you. I just remembered that I have to meet with Tutor.” DG spoke quickly. It was one thing to flirt with some unknown courtier, but to flirt with Mr. Cain? That just didn’t settle right with her.
Cain’s response was halted by the arrival of a footman. “The Queen is free and requests the presence of her Royal Highness, Princess DG, and Mr. Wyatt Cain. If you would follow me please?”
Cain moved his hand to allow DG to precede him. He watched in silent appreciation at the gentle sway of her dress as she walked. He was not happy with this turn of events. Cain couldn’t wait until he could leave this unsettling place and return to his life of solitude.