Bel offers a smile to Nico and stands, testing the strain on his wound. He sighs, noting that it's better than before, yet the ache is still there. "Thank you," he says again, grabbing his shirt and pulling it carefully over his head. It's loose, yet fits much better than the previous borrowed shirt. It's an off-white, a cream maybe, and pairs nicely with the soft tan of the trousers. Bel would definitely prefer a blue or gold somewhere, but that would easily expose his status. Rather safe than sorry.
He exits the room and heads down the stairs, breathing in the energy of the tavern. He quickly finds the other men of the party and naturally gravitates towards them, not saying much but listening closely. All around him there are people drinking and eating and dancing to the bard's jolly tune. Bel takes a moment to adjust–none of the parties back at the palace anything like the joyous atmosphere.
Nico heard the click of the door as it shut and let our a breath of relief. He didn't particularly want Bel to hear him or walk in on him. It wasn't going to be pretty to stitch his skin back together. It was rather painful, even more so doing it himself. After sterilizing the needle and thread, he began to run it through his skin.
Quiet Kaillas was the first one to notice Bel. He stood from his seat, waving the prince over. He gestured to the middle of the bench for the prince to sit. It would be safest to have two people on his side, easier to guard and protect him if anyone tried to have a go at him. He poured him a glass of water and set it in front of him.
Laurent and Braxton were also there. Braxton took the other side of Bel leaving Laurent on the opposite side. "What can we get you to eat?" Laurent asked with a small smile.
Suddenly sandwiched between four men, Bel feels his heart pick up ever so slightly. He knows that it's logically safer, somebody on each side of him to protect from potential harm, but he still feels it to be a little excessive.
"Uh–" He starts, every food in existence suddenly blanking from his mind. Of course, his first idea is caviar but he hates the texture of literal fish eggs so he quickly wipes it from his mind. He finally lands on at least a decent option, one that he loves. "Soup, any soup really." He's not picky, just something he'll be able to eat with a spoon and will fill him up for the next undetermined while.
Laurent nodded and got up, walking up to the bar to order. Kaillas kept a few inches of distance between the two of them. He didn't want to cage him in while his counterpart seemed to have no grasp on personal space. Braxton was drinking his ale and eating his turkey thigh without a care in the world.
Kaillas rolled his eyes at his incompetence. Sometimes he questioned why he was friends them. Hw turned his attention back to the prince. "How are you feeling? Any injury to the abdomen hurts like a bitch." He regarded the prince. "You held the bow well. I'm sure Laurent will want to practice with you now, show you to shoot better. And use it in combat."
Nico had almost finished sewing himself up when Cassian slipped into the room. He leaned against the doorway of the bathroom, watching him finish. "You could have let one of us do that for you. You don't have to do it alone."
For they all knew Nico tried to bare the weight of the world. He was always helping and never let himself be helped. He didn't want to burden anyone else. He always had to be alright. Always. "It's alright. I'm almost finished." Nico tied the thread and cut the remaining string left. It wasn't his best work having only done it with one hand but it was well enough and got it done. He cleaned up the remaining blood, applied the salve, and wrapped it firmly. Cassian sighed from where he stood.
"Someday, you need to let us help you. That's what we're here for. You're too stubborn for your own good." Nico only reminded in a smirk. He pulled on the shirt and joined Cassian in the doorway. "Thank you, Cass, but it's alright. I've got this. Now let's go eat, I'm starving."
For a moment, Bel isn't sure that it's him being addressed, but he's the only one to have sustained an injury to the abdomen. "I'm fine," he says, newly becoming one of his favorite phrases. The dulled pain now takes full dominance in the front of his mind. "It aches, just a little, but I'll be fine." The subdued truth. At the compliment, Bel ducks his head and rubs at the back of his neck. "Thank you." His words are quiet. Truth be told, Bel would rather fall over dead than think about the man he killed. Bel would rather keep his hands blood free. "And I'll be sure to ask Laurent later." Bel won't. Even the animals he had killed during his hunting afternoons Bel had gotten misty-eyed over. Miran told him their sacrifice was necessary. Val said it was okay to feel for the creature. Treya scoffed to get over it.
The smell of food gets to Bel, triggering a long sense of hunger he hasn't felt in a while. The full force of it temporarily nauseates him, making him sway slightly in his seat. His eyes quickly find Laurent at the bar, then Cassian slipping away to the rooms, then Kaillas beside him and Braxton in his own world.
Nico walked down the final steps of stairs and eyed the room. It didn't take long to lock onto Bel's body sitting down at a table near the wall. Cassian and Nico both strode over to them. Kaillas stood up and sat on the otherside of the table and Nico plopped right down on the bench next to Bel. A pint of ale was slid to him and he took a big gulp before setting the mug on the table.
He knocked his knee against Bel's and turned his head to look at him. He began to open his mouth to something, say anything, before a bowl of soup was placed in front of the prince, cutting him off. Another plate was set in front of himself, his usual. Some meat, mashed potatoes, and a bread roll. From the smell he could tell Maia had personally made it. She just made it better than everyone else. He gave a silent thank you to his brother.
"I promised you spup did I not?" Nico said even though he hadn't been the one to get it. Across from him, Laurent scoffed. Nico kicked him from under the table and the other man let out a soft groan as he made contact with his shin.
Bel, engrossed in his soup, doesn't notice Nico next to him until the other man is pressed against him. He watches as Nico takes a large swig of ale before planting the mug down on the table. It causes Bel to wonder how high Nico's alcohol tolerance is. "Welcome back," Bel muses quietly, taking a spoonful of his soup. He hums and goes for another sip. "I'm glad you delivered."
Through the hubbub of the tavern, Bel pick up the beginning of a song. He looks up, finding the bard in the chaos. The chords ring true, in a familiar pattern that brings the warm, bubbling feeling of nostalgia rising in his chest. "I know this song–" Bel says, a smile forming on his face as he leans into Nico. "This is the song my mother used to sing me to go to bed."
Nico smiled at Bel. "I always keep my promises." Exceot he hadn't. Bel had gotten hurt under his protection. If he had taken better care, paid more attention, maybe the prince would be fine and wound free. His smile dropped at his thoughts and he covered it up by shoveling some food in his mouth. The act didn't go unnoticed. Kaillas touched his foot with his own, offering some comfort. Kaillas always noticed everything. He was silent and there. He would always have your back and he would be there for you in ways you didn't know you needed. Next time them, Laurent and Braxton where laughing over some lewd joke one of then had said. Nico chose not to listen to them, one of his better decisions.
Nico was almost startled as Bel leaned into him. He looked down at the prince, hearing his words. There was sad smile on his lips. He wasn't sure Bel would ever get to see his mother after this. "Do you want to move closer to listen better?"
"I-" Bel opens his mouth and shrugs. "I don't know. It's crowded." And that it is. Groups of people swarm around the bard as they sing the lyrics. They're in a different language, one Bel was educated on well during his youth. It's the language from his mother's native kingdom. Though his father had been disapproving, the queen was determined to educate all four of their children in the language of their homeland. "Do you know it?" Bel's unsure if the ballad is well-known. He hasn't ever been in the presence of a bard singing the kingdom's praises before.
It occurs to Bel as he listens to the lyrics that he never knew what happened of his mother's kingdom–Blakkast, the Empire of Waterfalls. Bel stopped visiting when he was just a boy and after she was killed, Bel's limited freedom was restrained even further. He hadn't asked Miran about Blakkast. His sisters' secondary kingdoms are West, opposite of Blakkast in the East. With the crusades roaring outside Araniel, Bel's home kingdom, the prince doesn't even know if Blakkast still stands.
"It was written in the Empire of Waterfalls," he explains to Nico. "My mother said that her mother sang it to her when she was little. She passed it onto me." He pauses. The question of the kingdom's integrity still linters in his mind. "Nico… Do you know if Blakkast still stands?"
Nico placed his arm around him, nudging him. "It doesn't matter. We can get closer if you want to. I'll make sure you have a good spot." He would push anyone out of the way just so Bel could have a spot right up front or anywhere else he might. He was down bad. He knew it, his men knew it.
Behind him, Laurent was leaning across He table ti whisper to Braxton, "Oh he's done bad. Reminds me of a puppy trying to get a treat." They both laughed quietly. Discreetly, Nick flicked his wrist as the former raised his mug to take a drink, a spiral of air knocking the mig forward and causing it to spill on his shirt. Laurent gasped and glared at his leader who was too preoccupied to notice. There was an amused smile on his face however.
"No, I haven't heard it before." Nico's education hadn't been the most filling. He was taught on politics and war strategies. A dabble in sciences and medicines. Just enough to get by. Just enough to save lives. "You can tell me about it later yeah?" Later, when they went to bed together.
Nico felt himself tense at the mention of the country. Blakklast aided in weaponry. They sent the king armor and weapons to fuel his military, soldiers to help where they were lacking. It very much stood. And it was an ally to false king. But all he said was "Yes. It still stands. Maybe you can go there one day."
"Maybe for the next song," Bel suggests, watching how the bard beams as he spins with his lute. The craftsmanship of the lute is incredible and the bard certainly is a master of his craft. For a moment, Bel is enamored by the man's smile and hazel eyes.
A slight commotion behind him causes Bel to turn. Laurent is soaked through with his drink, dribbles soaking his face and chest. Bel withholds an amused snort. Laurent must suppose that the ale tastes better when licking it off his chin. Smiling, Bel turns back around to catch the main chorus of the ballad. Faintly, he finds himself humming alone to the lyrics.
"I'd be happy to," Bel grins. The language of Blakkast is a beautiful one with long vowels and curling consonants. And at the conformation of Blakkast's survival, Bels shoulders slump with relief. "Thank the gods," he murmurs. "It's the kingdom of my mother. She has family there. Maybe one day we could meet them." He looks to his trousers, picking at a loose thread. "I could show you the most wonderful waterfalls."
(He's sassy. I like it XD)
Nico wrapped his arm around his shoulders, squeezing softly. This was his good arm. His other one hung limply by his side. It was doing relatively much better but he didn't want to do anything to irritate the wound. At least not quite yet. He would likely give it a day or two for the wound heal before he would think he's invincible and think it doesn't need more time.
Nico wanted to freeze this moment. Bel had a beautiful, happy grin on his face. He wanted to freeze this moment so that smile was always on his face. He pulled Bel closer into his side, watching the prince rather than the bard. "I'll take you one day then." One day when this was all over. When peace was brought to the kingdom and Nico sat on the throne and if by some miracle Bel didn't hate him. He would need a miracle indeed.
He grabbed Bel's hand to stop him from picking. If he pulled too hard, he might ruin the trousers. Nico may know this from experience. Not a good experience, what with the men around his table who would rather laugh then say something. The memory had Nico mashing his lips together to keep from smiling.
Bel leans into the touch, resting his head atop of Nico's shoulder. The man smells clean, like the soap they had both just used mixed with his natural foresty scent. As Bel watches the bard finish the ballad with a florish, Bel commits the smell to memory.
Nico's other hand grabs Bel's; the prince freezes momentarily at the contact. Slowly, Bel turns his hand over to fit the both of their palms together. He lacks his fingers through Nico's and noted how Nico's callouses slide over Bel's smooth palms.
The bard starts up the next song and Bel knows the man is from Blakkard. It's another folk song that originated from the wetland rice fields. The way the bard sings is too familiar for it to be a second language. Bel itches to ask about the royal family of Blakkard, but it would surely give away the low profile they're all trying so hard to maintain . "He's very talented," Bel days almost wistfully as he watches the bard.
Nico didn't stop his smile then, not as Bel was the one to lace their fingers together. He placed their clasped hands on his thigh, thumb caressing his knuckles. He leaned back into the table behind him, getting comfortable. "As far as I'm aware of, you're mother's family is fine," nico murmured into his ear.
Kaillas clasped his hand gently on Nico's shoulder before getting uo and leaving, heading towards the stairs. One by one, the men began to get up. Laurent and Braxton stood together, opting to leave the tavern and enjoy what the market had to offer. Cassian was last, eyeing the two. He still didn't think it was a good idea but knew it was too late. His king had his heart involved and there was no stopping it now. The swordsman stood and left for his room. Then it was just Bel and Nico left.
Nico supposed he should give Bel some options. That would be the gentleman way of doing things even though he'd rather stay on this moment if it meant holding Bel. "Would you like to go walk around the market? It's safe, I promise. Or if you're tired we can return for the night."
"I hope they are. I rather like my cousins on that side of the family." Bel doesn't know much about hie father's side of the family. Bel just knows his father had two older sisters that were in line for the throne before he inherited it. The succumbed to some plauge, a rather abrupt change in power. "They're kind."
Bel hears the other men leaving to go about their various tasks, too comfortable tucked against Nico to address their exit. "Hm?" Bel shifts and looks up at Nico. It's been ages since he's been in a proper market, not one filled with gems and gold and imported silks. The idea entices him, but he's forgetting something quite important. "I don't have the money," he says in response. It's a phrase bel never thought he would say aloud.
Nico chuckled softly. He ducked his head, so his lips brushed against his ear. "I'll buy you anything you want. You don't need money." It wouldn't matter to Nico if Bel did have his money, he wouldn't let him pay anyways. He liked to provide for others. "Come on. I think you'll like it. There's a bunch of things in the market."
Nico stood. He almost frowned at the loss of contact. But it wouldn't be fir long. He held out his hand for the prince. He helped him up and passed a few coins in his hand to give to the bard. It was something Nico wouldn't have thought twice about but he saw how much Bel loved listening to him sing. So he gave them to him and nudged his prince towards the stage.
Bel smiles, ducking his head as Nico pulls him away from the bench. "Wait–my soup–" He says through a laugh as he grabs the bowl, taking a few spoonfuls until he's satisfied and sets it back down. A brief shock of anxiety goes through him as Nico pushes him towards the bard. Oh gods, what is he going to say? How awkward will he possibly make this– "You played beautifully," Bel ends up saying in the Blakkast tongue as he drops the few coins into the bard's open lute case.
The bard thanks him but then stops, doing a double take. "You speak Akka?" He asks. Bel nods, the name forgotten now remembered. "Good Lord, it's been so long!" The bard grins from ear to ear as he swoops forward and clasps Bel's shoulders. "How did you get out of Blakkast?"
"How did I get out?" Bel echoes. He furrows his brow.
"Yes, the border's been closed for years now. Ever since the war intensified–" The bard's smile falls. "How did you not know?"
Bel lightly pushes the man's hands away as he shrugs apologetically. "I haven't been there since I was a boy. My mother came from Blakkast and we used to vacation there." He swallows and draws his bottom lip between his teeth.
"It's not wise to go back," the bard says, a grave tone in his voice and a grim look in his eyes. "It won't be until they figure this damned war out."
Bel nods and steps away. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate the information." He begins to make his way towards Nico. "Good luck."
The bard offers a polite smile. "Good luck to you as well."
Nico let out a small laugh as Bel quickly ate his soup before walking away from the table. He stood back with his hands in his pockets as Bel spoke to the bard. He had a small smile on his lips. He wasn't sure what they were saying but he didn't have any worries. He believed that Bel wouldn't reveal his identity. It likely wouldn't work in his favor here anyways. It would backfire. But he had trust in Bel.
Nico reached out his hand with his good arm and took Bel's hand. "Come on, let's go walk around." He led the prince out if the tavern. The sun had just begun to set in the sky. With their incident earlier, they had arrived sooner than expected. They would have the rest of the day and evening to enjoy the city. They would get to lay down on a real bed and would even get to sleep in have a real breakfast.
Outside, they were in the crowd if the market place. Vendors everywhere, shoppers spending their coins. There were vendors set up on the streets and shops on every corner. There was anything everyone could need. Weapons, clothes, bags, accessories, etc. There was no need to travel anywhere for anything. What couldn't be made in Eldra was imported. Merchants rode day and night just to have a chance of selling their things. It was a prosperous city, and thankfully, one in line with the Lasias.
Bel eagerly takes Nico's hand, a feeling foreign but soon to be familiar. Eldra being an unknown village to Bel, he allows Nico to lead the way around. Bel walks slowly, taking in all of the different sights and markets. There are blankets and cooking wear and weapons and armor and everything in between. Bel smiles, trying to push the news of Blakkast's lockdown out of his mind.
The evening air is cool and pleasant, Bel wishing for a jacket but knowing he'd be too warm with it on. While walking through the streets, Bel halts multiple times, finding a potential new hobby to entice him. According to the palace staff and his siblings, Bel's tried every hobby in existence and excelled at most of them (excluding sword fighting), but there's always something new out there. "Where to?" He mumbles, mostly to himself.
Nico smiled down at him. He knew it was a lot to take in. He said as much. "There's a lot of things to see and want to do. How about we start off with some new clothes for you. We'll get you some riding leathers and few changes of clothes. That way you can have clothes that fit you well. If you see anything you like ofnthe way, we can stop. Does that work?"
There were a few pieces of clothing that he needed to get himself. A new cloak, a couple more pairs of shirts. Everything else was fine. He had enough to get him through the rest of the trip. He just needed to clean his other trousers. He had another stop in mind that he wanted to take Bek too but that would be a secret. He wanted to surprise Bel with it. After that, it was up to the prince where they went next.
"Alright," Bel responds, allowing himself to be lead down a particular road with different clothes lining the cobblestone road. There are finer vests and blouses that look like cheaper replicas of what Bel might wear on a casual day at the palace. From his brief bout designing clothes and accessories, Bel can recognize the different fabrics and styles of stitching. It's nothing extravagant, but they seem like nice clothes for the more common individual.
They pass by a cart of jewelry when a simple blue leather bracelet catches Bel's eye. It's a dark, royal color that reminds Bel of the suits and crowns he would wear at the palace. "That's pretty," He says, gesturing to the simple bracelet that would serve as a nice add of color to the current tans and creams of his new wardrobe.
Nico had a particular clothing store in mind. They were a younger couple and supporters of his cause. They always had clothing in stock that would fit Nico and his men. They paid then handsomely even if they tried to deny their payment. Nico knew then personally. He was the reason they were there. He always paid them well.
Nico stopped at the cart as Bel spoke in appreciation of a bracelet. He asked how, much paid, and handed it to Bel. He knew they needed to keep a low profile but he could make an exception for this. "And now it looks pretty on you." That was smooth, Nico thought. Maybe he did still have it.
Now Bel knew that Nico wanted to get him things, but he hadn't expected the other man to so quickly purchase the bracelet. He laughs softly at the compliment, momentarily releasing Nico's hand to slide it onto his wrist. "Thank you," he says, both for the accessory and the compliment. His face is warm and his chest is fluttering.
The bracelet fits nicely on his wrist, a comfortable leather that won't interfere with any task. Bel then allows himself to be led across the street and towards a quaint shop where a young couple converse quietly.
Nico placed his hands on Bel's hips from behind. He gave a small thank you to the vendor before steering Bel in the right direction. He squeezed his sides before letting him go and coming to walk next to him. Just ahead, he could see Leeana speaking with her husband. Good, they weren't busy then. Nico selfishly wanted the shop to himself. All the more time he would get with Bel.
"Leeana!" Nico called out, jogging to catch up with the woman and pulling Bel with him. He only released him so he could up ti the woman and pull her into a hug, swinging her around. "Ohh, I've missed you."
The woman, Leeana, was squealing and laughing as he twirled her. She held on tight to him. Her husband, Mikaels, just shook his head. "Trying to steak my wife from me?"
"Never. I know I don't stand a chance. She's way out of my league." Nico set the woman back down on the ground. She was grinning up at him. "Oh, Nico, I've missed you. It's been so long since you've stopped by. And who's your friend you brought with you?"
The couple looks kind enough, clearly a duo that Nico had encountered in the past. First the barmaid and then the shopkeepers–it all causes Bel to question how often Nico passes through the small village. It's a pleasant place. Why don't Nico and his men just settle down here? Surely it feels safe enough, at least a week from any castle in any direction.
Leeana is the woman, a pleasant one from Bel's first impression. "I'm…" Will he be recognized from the nickname and his face? With the disguise of missing his crown and title, Bel hopes the couple aren't caught up on their Aranian Monarchy. "I'm Bel." He does the polite thing and extends a hand for any of them to shake.
