Darwinia sat on a carved stone bench, eyes closed, her arms extended, her hands palms up, a soft melody whispering from her lips. Her hair seemed to be floating out around her head, as if a wind were blowing in her face. Small birds and a chipmunk were eating out of her hands. A largish lizard, two squirrels, and a raven sat on her shoulders and shared a piece of fruit. All manner of bird and beastie clustered around her feet and the bench, chittering, co-mingling, and singing.

The Prince's entourage was stopped in its tracks at the portico arch, in wonder and awe. True to his previous reputation, John got a lump in his throat and misty eyes. Locke grabbed John's hand and brushed his lips across the prince's quivering lips. Noticing the incipient tears, he flicked a single drop off his prince's cheek with his thumb. Locke whispered quietly, "Buck up, sweetheart, we're on." He glanced back at the guardians and arched one brow. They got the message and stepped back inside the arch.

The witch noticed her boys and slowly lowered her hands to give her "entourage" a chance to withdraw. All the animals backed off a little and congregated behind and to the sides of the bench, watching the two humans approach their witch. Darwinia literally glowed when she saw John and Locke coming toward her, in "Locke"-stepped march. (...Goddess mine, they're so very beautiful...)

With her hands in her lap, she gazed at each man in turn, her brow slightly crinkled, a hopeful smile on her lips. She wasn't certain about what their decision would be. Most of the time, she was as absolutely sure as Sherlock always is about any question. looking at them now, they were giving her no clue. They stopped in front of her, a full pace from her bench, John to her left, Locke to her right.

They touched each other's hands, as devoted to each other as any two lovers she had ever known. She cocked her head slightly, waiting for...whatever.

They both took a knee in unison, as if choreographed, bringing them close enough for her green skirts to brush against their legs. As one, they asked, "Good Green Witch, Darwinia, will you make us the happiest of men by having our babies?" They each reached for and took one of her hands. Her eyes spilled a couple drops as she nodded slowly.

"Oh, my darlings, yes." Her eyes widened as the emerald rings were placed on their respective fingers. She felt a surge of wonder, of power. (...How could they know? Oh, I forgot...I'm dealing with Sherlock Holmes...")  They lifted her hands, John kissing her fingers, Locke turning her hand over and kissing her palm.

John spoke up to give her an explanation, "Although you are mine..." He gave Locke a pointed look. Locke shrugged. "I relinquish my first position to Sherlock, because of the special circumstances." Darwinia blushed. "I have no experience. Sherlock has a little." Locke showed a wide-eyed innocence. "Neither of us wants to hurt you...physically."

Locke took up the narrative. In a soft whisper, he added, "From this point on, because we both have different motivations, we will be "wooing" you on our own, with our own personal brand of courtship, so that you will know that you are loved. You are loved, Darwinia, very much." His lips tightened into a straight line, and melted into a gentle smile. As an afterthought, he remembered the "gifts." He turned and waved the two guardians over. Locke returned to his feet.

John stood up and took the flowers from his guardian and presented them to Darwinia. She could only gasp and looked up at John with smiling wonder. "Where could you have found these? I've only ever seen one other example of these flowers. King Eric gave me a single plant when he was very young." John looked helplessly at Locke. She turned her gaze to Locke as well.

"I didn't know that either. I just asked the Royal Gardener for green roses, if there was such a thing. He said there were, that he had been nurturing two bushes since King Eric came to the throne. I never thought anymore about it. I just wanted a bouquet for Johnny to give to you. I read that green is your magic color." He looked as awed as they were and shrugged broadly. "We hope you like them...?" It was phrased more as a question than a statement.

"Oh, yes, they are too beautiful." She addressed her remarks to John, who seemed very pleased. As she bent to sniff the uniquely romantic scent of roses, he sent a quick smile to Locke, with a grateful nod. Locke smiled back, and then turned his attention to Darwinia.

Locke pulled two more black boxes out of his pocket, and handed the larger to his Johnny and indicated for him to present that one to her first. The prince bowed from the waist and proffered his satin box. She set it on her lap and untied the ribbon. Flipping it open she felt a wash of strength emanate from the jewels. 

The case contained an ornate baroque heavy-gold necklace with three three-carat emeralds as pendants. "Oh, my Goddess, Johnny...I am overcome." She jumped up and turning her back to John, held her long red hair up off her neck. "Please...please help me put it on." Prince John lowered the necklace over her head and clasped the secure closure about her swan-like ivory neck. She turned back around and asked him to be sure the pendants hung properly. His fingers tingled sharply when he touched the skin on her decolletage. She beamed an unforgettable smile up at John, and standing on tiptoe, kissed his lips. He closed his eyes momentarily while their lips touched, and then turned a guilty look on Locke. Locke just grinned.

"Okay, get your hands off her, boy." Locke grinned again and stepped in front of Darwinia, effectively cutting off John. John bowed sarcastically and took a step backwards. Locke presented the smaller case. Still standing, she opened it carefully, and another gasp escaped her lips as the warm wash of power swept over her again. 

"Sherlock, darling, I don't know what to say. They're too wonderful..."

"Allow me." He took the case from her trembling hands and snap-studded three cascade dangles of three carats of emeralds to one shell-perfect ear. Her thanked his research in knowing that her ears were pierced. It was an obscure reference about something else that happened to mention that the Green Witches pierced their ears for the wear-ability of some talismans. He stepped to the other side of her and attached the second earring. As urge from the three strands of emeralds actually stung his fingers. "Ouch, love..." He gazed into her green eyes and saw flecks of something gorgeous. He shook it off with an elaborate shiver.

"I have another gift for you as well, my dear Darwinia, but it falls under the purview of my courtship, and I'm not sure that you would want to open it here." The emeralds and the flowers having boosted her cognizance, Darwinia had a strong feeling that Locke's gift would be very female-pleasing and very personal. Locke was still waiting, the box held in his hands, a shyly nervous smile playing about his lips. The Green Witch blushed.

"I believe we can wait until we are alone." 

He grinned, very pleased that he wouldn't have to share this moment with the guardians. He didn't mind sharing with Johnny, and would probably tell him details of the whole experience anyway. He really didn't want an audience in case his choice wasn't as pleasing as he hoped.

The conversation seemed to have stalled. Locke looked at John. John looked at Darwinia. She stood up and murmured, "Shall we go to lunch in the hall?"

"Sure." Both of them presented an arm. She placed a hand on each young man's sleeve and allowed them to escort her back into the castle. The two guardians hurried to fetch the roses. The little animals complained loudly, until she sing-songed a few non-words, and they resumed their own little lives, including chasing and fussing at each other.

When the boys entered the hall, the meal screeched to a halt as everyone stood and bowed to the young prince in all his finery. He waved both hands in a downward motion, until all the formality was negated, and they all sat again. John and Locke seated Darwinia on the dais to where they were escorted. They each held her chair and sat on either side of her. A moment later, their guardians sat on either side of the prince and his consort. 

Servants hurried to bring the courses that were already served to that point. Locke set his wrapped gift on the table. A servant reached for it and earned a scathing look. Locke realized he was being mean, apologized to the servant, and pressed a gold coin into his hand. He murmured sotto voce, "Please forgive me. I'm a little distracted. Thank you for your attention."

Everyone within earshot had seen the whole exchange and remarked on what a fine man the Consort was. Locke didn't feel so fine. He was getting nervous knowing where he'd be and what he'd be doing this afternoon. He turned a tentative smile Darwinia's way and lay his hands on her fingers as they lay by her plate. She wriggled her fingers around until she could interlace her fingers with his. He was inordinately pleased with her response. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

When the meal was completed, the hall tried to wait for John again. He announced loudly, "This is not a state function. Please pretend I'm not here." A murmuring began and a general joviality filled the hall as had been happening before the prince and his troupe showed up. John leaned forward and spoke around Darwinia. "Sherlock, will you be coming back to the rooms?" Locke glanced at Darwinia who lowered her eyes demurely.

"I believe not, Johnny. I will send a messenger to let you know when to expect me. Is that all right?"

Johnny smiled sweetly. "Of course." A little devil sat on his shoulder and whispered in his ear. He followed its advice. "Have a good time." Locke looked surprised, and then he grinned.

"I shall try my hardest." Four sets of brows shot up. "I didn't mean...I meant...Oh, damn..." Flustered, he stood and helped Darwinia to her feet. Grabbing up his wrapped present and taking her hand, he climbed down from the dais and strode out of the hall without looking back. An anxious guardian nearly broke an ankle trying to catch up with them. He tucked her hand under his arm and slowed the pace, realizing he was practically dragging the poor woman in his wake. "I'm sorry, my dearest. I guess I'm not so debonair as I thought," he mumbled.

"Sherlock, my love, relax. I'm so pleased and excited that you both have decided to do this.I can't wait to get started...Oh, you've already started your "courtship", haven't you?" 

"Yes, ma'am. Uh...Where are we going?"

"I thought we might want some privacy. We're going to my rooms, where we can shake our tail."

"Our? ...Oh, him..." He glanced back at his guard. "Can't you make yourself scarce for a while?"

"You, of all people, should know that I can't." Locke pursed his lips and nodded knowingly.

"I guess I have to rely on your expertise in this matter." She smiled broadly and leaned on Locke's arm the rest of the way to her apartment. They entered her quarters with their "tail" hot behind them. The Personal Guardian put as much space between him and his charge as was humanly possible. It still didn't satisfy the young "lovers." Garwinia murmured some unique syllables that seemingly didn't go together, and the Guardian glanced up to see them sitting at a table, getting ready to play cards. (...Oh, my God. I'm in for a long boring evening, it looks like...)

"What did you do, ma'am?"

"Just a glamour...He sees us playing cards. If some real danger were to disturb the atmosphere, the glamour would disappear and bring him up to speed as if he saw what was happening."

"I guess it's good that I can't do that. No one would ever know what I was doing again." She giggled. He flopped into an overstuffed chair and leaning his elbows on his knees, remembered that he still held her wrapped gift. "I almost forgot this. If it's not too intimate for you...well, I guess with what we have in mind, intimacy is...well...I wanted to see you in..." He lowered his eyes as he realized how flustered he was. She stepped close and took the box out of his hands. He looked up with some interest and watched as she sat on the settee opposite and placed the box in her lap.

Carefully, she started peeling the paper back, trying not to tear the pretty flocked green foil. "I may need it for something. Green beauty is green beauty." She looked up with a warm smile. Locke was enchanted with how pretty, no, how beautiful she really was. He was staring. Cocking her head slightly, she stared back. "What is it, sir?"

"You're very beautiful, Darwinia." The witch blushed and looked very young and very inexperienced. It struck Locke at that moment that she is "young" and "inexperienced." (...She is an innocent...He marveled to himself...) 

He stood slowly and moved over to sit next to her. With head still cocked and smiling curiously she scooted over to make him room. With Locke sitting so close, she felt small and feminine and helpless. He was so imposing and...so very handsome. Her eyes drifted over his face and finally settled on his lips, his pretty bow-shaped lips. A smile played about that fascinating mouth, and her eyes snapped to his. He was gazing at her lips and his mouth was moving closer. Her lips parted and her eyes drifted shut as his mouth touched hers. He applied the smallest amount of pressure as he moved his lips gently over hers, and as he lifted his lips, they clung to hers, as if reluctant to release her.

She sat for a moment, her eyes closed, as she replayed the last few seconds in her mind. For a guy with little to no experience with women, Locke certainly has an expertise, but then she thought about it. Seduction is seduction, no matter what you are, and Locke was damned good at it.

"Sherlock, that was...wonderful." She opened her eyes, and his face was right there, so close she could see nothing but his gorgeous blue eyes. "I...I haven't...finished opening my present." She tore her gaze away from his face and looked down at the box. "I...I...still want to see...what it is." Darwinia slid her hand across the top of the box, as if she were caressing it. 

"I'm jealous of that box." 

"What...?" 

He took her hand and placed her palm against his cheek. "You should be caressing me. Will you caress me, my love...if we love...when..we love?" She threw her arms around his neck and crushed her lips to his. He nibbled at her lower lip until she opened to him. Plunging his tongue into her mouth, he laved and sucked her tongue, drawing the warm breath from her. He scooped her into his arms and carried her to her bed, placing her carefully against a pillow, his body half on, half off hers.

Locke stood and dragged his cape and jacket off. Sitting up, she began unbuttoning his shirt and after a tiny pause, his pants. Hopping on one foot, he pulled a boot off. He stopped hopping and began unhooking her bodice ribbons until she was able to pull her gown off over her head. 

A/N: For those that would rather not read sweet smut, the next NINE (9) paragraphs are a love scene. You may wish to skip this scene. Pick up at "She wound her arms around Locke's neck...."

After helping her remove her gown, he gazed at her bosom spilling out of her shift. He leaned down, cupped both breasts and sucked and kissed them both, causing the pretty witch to squirm with the thrills running through her. Wrapping her arms around his head, she held him to her breast, moaning softly. He dropped to his knees against her bed, his head still captive, still kissing her breasts. Wiggling around, he managed to pull off the other boot and dragged his pants off his legs, freeing his maleness.

After a few minutes, she was breathing hard and pulling his face to hers for frantic kisses. Between breaths, she whispered, "Sherlock... please, darling...I need you...now...Please ...please." 

Searching her face, he saw her need. (...Who could not love this sweet woman?...)  Climbing onto the bed as she lay back, he positioned himself over her feminine center. "Darling, you know I must hurt you this first time. This is new for both of us. Please tell me what you like or do not...Do you understand?"

"Yes, darling man, I know...As it has been said, 'Tis best it were done quickly...'" He nodded slowly, indicating he knew what she meant. Lifting himself onto his arms, he placed gentle hands on her hips, planning to hold her still, should she unconsciously try to pull away. She rested her hands on his upper arms, bracing herself, hoping she was brave enough to hold still.

Locke stared into her eyes, and prayed silently that he would not hurt her too badly. He took a deep breath and drove himself to her depths in one switch plunge. She nearly screamed, but bit her lip to stifle herself, and burst into sobs anyway. Locke was nearly crying himself and was holding as still as he could to keep from hurting her further. "Baby...baby, I am so so sorry." She shook her head.

"I'm...all...right. Please, love me now. I still want you. I can feel...there's more, isn't there?"

"Yes, sweeting." Withdrawing his manhood slowly, he lowered his lips and kissed her deeply and fervently, sucking her tongue and moving his mouth over her lips eagerly. She felt a tummy drop and moved cautiously against him herself, as her body responded to him, something wonderful touching the edge of her consciousness.

Maintaining a slow careful rhythm, Locke began to feel the edge of his own need licking at the edges of his center. He watched her sweet face as she succumbed to her first taste of lovemaking. She had started to gaze at his face, her eyes blinking slowly as he moved in...and out...in...and out. "Sherlock...It's...It's...Oh, my Goddess..." Her body stiffened into a graceful arch as ecstasy and sweet emotion washed over her in gentle waves. 

Sherlock could only imagine what it must be like for her. Her reaction was so amazing. But this only served to cause his only response to quicken. He was trying to hold on until she finished her own moment of joy. As her body began to relax, he could wait no longer. He tumbled into his own aching/pleasure, falling onto his elbows and losing his careful rhythm to a staggered spasmodic effort, centering on the column of his flesh that joined them.. His face buried in her neck, he whispered "My darling, that was love...Believe me..."

She wound her arms around Locke's neck, as he lifted himself onto his elbows again. She whispered to him, "I understand why they call it 'making love.' That wonderful feeling could only be given by a lover to one that is loved. I've read all the romantic stories and poems and heard beautiful love songs, but nothing came close to what you just gave me." Soft tears trickled down her cheeks."Thank you, my darling."

"You are most welcome, my love." He gifted her with his sweetest smile. "I had planned on crawling back to my room, but I find I want to stay with you longer...if I may."

"Oh, please, stay with me. I want to cuddle, like people always joke about." She clapped her hands to her mouth. "Oh, dear, I never opened your gift."

"Evidently I didn't need it to set the mood. Save it and wear it for Johnny. He'll like it." Locke felt a momentary twinge of guilt. (...I feel like I've cheated on my Johnny... I guess I shouldn't have enjoyed her love so much...But I did...and it did meet her criteria for the babies...I'll confess all as soon as I get home...)