Caspian wasn't slow when it came to changing, however, he did take his time looking over the magical work Dahlia had created. Strange to think that she hadn't touched the clothes and yet they were made to his size and shape, comfortable and practically the same as what he would wear back at home. The navy blue button-up was loose and breezy, leaving room for him to move around without constraint or worry that a button would pop off. The pants of similar fit - only in black. The prince neatly folded his clothes from the night before, placing them on the small cabinet that sat in the corner of the room. If he ever managed to leave this place, he had to make sure to bring them home. Not that it mattered in all honesty - he had far too many clothes than he knew what to do with, but he supposed, it was what he had worn on his birthday, and he would rather avoid his father becoming upset over something so small when Caspian didn't care. What he did find himself caring about, was making himself presentable for Saros. Why? He didn't know, but he found himself combing through his mess of soft curls with his fingers in order to tame them just a little before he headed back out into the living area, smoothing down his shirt a moment later. His headache was fading, leaving him more clear-headed and able to take in the comment the vampire had made about him being cute. Saros was doing it to wind him up, surely, otherwise why else would he make such a notion?
Saros hissed softly as the brush tore through another knot. He hated how tangled it got, hated how long it took to brush. But he could not bear to think about chopping it all off. So he continued to brush, slow and carefully, trying not to yank out too much hair. His thoughts wandered as he brushed. Why had he brought the prince here? Obviously, he didn't want the other to die… But why not take him somewhere else? Why take him to Saros' home? That made no sense. No sense whatsoever. He sighed and shook his head as he allowed himself to focus once again. He perked when he heard footsteps, so lost in his thoughts that he didn't properly register who was coming out. He paused as he carefully grabbed a knife he kept with him. It was not made of silver, but rather obsidian. He had carved and created the knife. He held it in his hands, ready to strike, before realizing that it was just the prince walking around his room. Saros let out a little grunt and gently placed it down. He would need to get used to a roommate that was for sure. He wasn't used to sharing his space. He picked up the brush once again and set back to work, making sure to keep the prince's footsteps in mind. When Caspian emerged from his room, Saros looked up and smiled, "Well don't you look fitting." He hummed as he swooped some of his hair over his shoulder. "Just let me know if you need anything else."
And there it was again. There was no need to make comment about Caspian's appearance, so why do so? The reasons alluded him. Vampires were so different to humans, Saros more so than any other from what he could gauge, and thus it left the prince feelings confused, if not only a little bashful, too. He heard the vampire grunt beforehand and noticed the hairbrush in his hand. He almost offered to help considering the amount of hair the other had. His mother had had hair of similar length and as a child, she'd taught him to braid. For your future wife. She'd said at the time. It would have helped him too, had he decided to grow his own hair. But he found that it was too much maintenance for him and he disliked how he looked with long hair. It made his face look strange, and his brothers had picked on him a little he had attempted to grow his hair as a young teenager, "Do you… need any help…?" He asked though the hesitancy in his voice showed, "I can braid if that's of any use." It was quite relaxing the more he had learnt and grown his skills. Not that he needed them anymore, considering his mother was no longer around and he had no interest in finding a wife but, maybe this could show that they would be able to get along while he stayed with Saros for a few weeks.
Saros paused when he heard the human offer help. He glanced down at the brush in his hands and sighed deeply. "That obvious, hm?" He chuckles a little and shrugged a little before offering the brush to the human. "Here you are then." He wasn't as hesitant regarding offering the brush. If anything he looked relaxed. "Braiding would be useful- I haven't a clue how to do that." He sighed and settled on the nearest chair so that it was easier for Caspian to have access to his hair. Now that he was sitting down his hair brushed along the floor of the cottage. He looked surprisingly relaxed as he sat there. Perhaps it was because he knew that even if Caspian attempted to attack him or something of the sort he was fast enough to handle the situation. But he doubted this prince would do that. It was just something about the vibe of the prince. "So… why wander out into the forest in the middle of the night completely drunk? If I may ask of course." He tapped his bottom lip in thought. "Though the forest does call to the lonely and exhausted." He shrugged and tilted his head over at his new roommate. "Or perhaps it was a way of escape? I don't doubt the prince life is stuffy and exhausting."
Caspian accept the brush with a quiet thank you and moved around the back of the chair. Saros had more hair than his mother had ever had, but that wasn't going to stop him from braiding. It would kill the time and relax them both, it seemed, from the way the vampire sat in the chair. Something about it was both intimidating and nice. He got to brushing as Saros spoke, taking his time and being gentle with each knot he came across with a delicate hand. The prince hummed softly. Why had he wandered into the forest of all places? He could have stayed in the grounds where it was safe, but no. Something had called him there. His inner desires? Fear of what his life would become had he stayed at the party? Probably both, "Ah, yes well…" He sighed, "I- I don't know, really." He met Saros' gaze for a moment before biting his lip and turning back to brushing, "I mean I was drunk, I wasn't thinking straight." Maybe he could pass it off as an accident. On second thought, it was obvious that even Cas didn't believe his own words, "I just needed some air and got lost. The party it was- it was too much, not even the wine could save me from how insufferable the people were." And his own thoughts. Usually they were drowned out by the buzz of alcohol but not that night.
Saros seemed to relax more and more as the brush went through his hair. It had been a while since someone had been so gentle with him. He hummed as he leaned back a little bit into the touches. He looked much like a cat, his eyes closed with a very content look. As he allowed the prince to work through his thoughts Saros just simply melted into the gentle hands working through his hair. He paused when he heard the prince's voice and glanced up and raised his eyebrow before nodding when he heard the actual thoughts behind why the prince would run. "But was it really just the party? Or was it the expectations being thrust upon you?" He tilts his head. "Usually those who run into the forest are often trying to escape something. Many come into the forest because the magic lures them with promises of escape, of comfort." He slowly looked at Caspian, "Or I could be completely wrong and you were just drunk out of your mind and went 'oh pretty leaves!'. Sometimes things in life just aren't that deep." He shrugged hopelessly. "The forest is just weird in general, but terrifying at night." He paused for a moment, reflecting back to the reason why he escaped into the forest. He inhaled sharply and shoved the memories away before glancing at Caspian and smiled. "Either way, you're stuck with me for a few weeks."
Caspian swallowed, "My coronation is- was - supposed to be next week." Saros wasn't wrong. There had been other motives and desires as to why he wandered into the forest instead of simply disappearing back to his chambers. All those dreams he'd had as a kid, the wish to live a quiet, soft life whether on his own or with someone else. The closer his coronation had come over the recent weeks the stronger those desires had become and he had often found himself sitting in the nook in the palace library, watching the forest and hoping to get away. With the wine, with the party, everything had built up and consumed the prince. He could blame the wine all he wanted, but the truth was there under the surface, "I guess- I guess I didn't want to become king." He shrugged as if it wasn't just a huge thing that he had admitted to Saros. If Cas didn't become king, Eirus would have no other heir to fall back to. His father was old, it was why they weren't waiting until he passed to crown Cas as he was practically already running the kingdom, but without him? Eirus would be prone to fall. Cas knew it, it was why he didn't denounce his crown, why he had stayed, "I… I needed some more time before-" Caspian placed the brush down, starting to part Saros' hair with his hands into sections before he got to braiding.
Saros listened intently, tilting his head slightly when he heard Caspian explain how he didn't want to become King. His eyes soften, "That's a lot of responsibility for one person, not to mention…" His voice was soothing and gentle. "Well… Consider these next few weeks' time to relax from that thought, hm?" He gently pats Caspian's wrist and smiles gently. He hummed as he leaned into the gentle hands in his hair, a soft sigh leaving his lips. "Being king is a lot of responsibility, and my guess is that you barely had any preparation for it?" Saros could speak from experience per se. But he didn't delve deeper. "Thank you for trusting me with that information." He murmured softly, "The forest often calls to those wishing to escape. Some do escape into the forest. Just look at me and Dahlia for example. But do not allow the forest to wrap you in its vines. This forest is dangerous, even in the daylight. I will protect you best I can while you are here, and I shall do my best to get you back home… But for now, spend your time here relaxing." He hummed as he nuzzled into his blanket and shuts his eyes as he relaxed into Caspian's hands.
Caspian hummed gently. He didn't know how desperately he wanted to get home. A few weeks was a long time to be away from home, especially as he would be considered missing by his people, by his father. The only reason why he would go home would be to dull the nerves and fear that his father was probably experiencing. Guilt swarmed in his stomach. What kind of a prince was he if he was running from responsibility? Deserting his kingdom, his people, his father? His brothers would never have run. Well, they wanted to become king, anyway, so it was slightly different, but despite that, even if they didn't, they would not have done what Cas had. They would have stayed, they would have accepted, and they would not have been cowards. Swallowing those thoughts, Cas focused his attention on Saros' hair, taking his time when it came to parting the sections before he began gently weaving the hair together. The braids weren't tight, they were quite loose however had enough grip that they would stay, "I had plenty of time to prepare for my coronation." Not entirely false, "I should have been ready."
Saros sighed deeply and leaned against the others hands as he allowed the prince to think. He wasn't sure what was going through the prince's mind- but Saros didn't doubt there was a lot of turmoil between his heart and his head. There were a lot of expectations placed on a prince's shoulders when it came to taking over the realm. He knew that feeling all too well. His thoughts were cut off when he heard Cas speak and he glanced up, "Are you sure? Usually when people have 'plenty of time' it usually means you were placed in the position as a last resort or unexpectedly." He tilts his head, "But should have been ready, and 'completely ready' are two different feelings." He relaxed a little more when he felt his hair was braided. "Though of course, I could be wrong. You could have spent your entire life working towards becoming a king and I just might be spouting things from my ass. But either way, it's very different for all of us and why we came to the forest. But we all have one thing in common, we wanted to escape from something." He shrugged. "It's completely up to you what you do now." He offers a gentle smile, "I, for one, am not complaining about the company."
How Saros had managed to correctly guess his lead-up to power without knowing anything about him was a mystery. With the last war between Eirus and their neighbouring kingdom, Croucan, and the death of his brothers and mother, Caspian had only a few years to prepare. His eldest brother, Aeron, had had his whole life. From birth to death he had been a model crown prince, the perfect king to be. He had trained his whole life. From the moment he could walk Aeron was being raised to rule, whereas Cas? Cas had just lived his life expecting nothing but freedom in the end. He was never supposed to be in line for the throne. Aeron had always planned on having a big family and the line was to continue through him. Until the war, his late teen years, Cas had done nothing to prepare. His father had presumed that five or so years was plenty of time, and it had to be in their current situation, but five years in comparison to twenty and more? It was nothing, "What happens when I return home can wait," He mumbled. That was if he even returned home, at the moment he didn't know whether he would or not, "Have you had any other people come around here, apart from me?" He asked, changing the subject as he braided, letting his nails gently scratch as Saros' head as he did so.
Saros simply allowed the prince to be with his thoughts for a little while as he focused on the gentle fingers in his hair. It had been a while since Saros had found himself in such gentle care, so he allowed himself to melt into it. He felt no threatening air from the prince, so he just allowed himself to relax. He paused when he heard the prince's question and he hummed with thought. "Dahlia, actually. She wandered into the forest many moons ago. She mystified me. I was just newly turned, hungry, and horrible at hunting. She took pity on me, helped me learn how to use my abilities, and how to hunt correctly. How to survive." He shrugged, "In return, I guard her space. She's a free soul, never tied down to one place, but this forest- she's fond of. As for other people, yes. But they were too terrified- when I reached out a hand to help, they thought I was reaching out to attack them. They ran in fear or fought… Either way, they died." His eyes narrowed. "It's become harder and harder to trust people that wander into this forest." He hummed as he tilted his head into the fingernails scratching his scalp. A sound similar to a purr left his lips as his body instantly relaxed and slumped against the chair.
Oh, so Saros wasn't- what did they say- pure? He had been human, or of a similar being, first. He wanted to ask questions about it, but from how the vampire spoke of the people who had died, he thought better of it, "People are dangerous." He settled upon a moment later, and left it at that. The prince let himself smile when he heard the almost purr come from Saros. It was sweet. Caspian had always loved taking care of others- which was odd when he couldn't take care of himself- but if he could do something small like this in return for Saros saving his life yesterday, then he would gladly do it no questions asked and with no hesitation, "My mother used to have hair like yours," He said softly, "A little curlier, but similar length." It had taken Cas ages to learn and properly braid his mother's hair without it looking like a bird's nest. The mess of curls that she had had were difficult to tame but he thanked the Gods that his mother had been a patient woman. He guessed it was because he had been her youngest, and they had always had a bond that his brothers didn't have in exchange for one with their father. When he had been little he had often asked for a younger sister, but that had been a firm no from them both. Three boys were enough to handle, let alone having a younger sister they would taunt and tease to no end as all children did- as his brothers had done with Cas.
Saros was indeed not pure. His turning story had been painful and one against his will. The memories of his turning and the pain that came with it were pushed to the furthest depths of his mind. He could barely remember his human life at this point, only bits and pieces. But that did not matter anymore. He was free now and had a home in a forest where no one could hurt him anymore. That's all that mattered to him now. Now he had Caspain playing with his hair and he was purring like a cat. He looked so peaceful as he listened to Caspian speak. "I never had the heart to cut it. I've always liked my hair long." He muttered back, his eyes still closed. "Though I wish my hair had curls, it's just very long and straight." He chuckles softly at that, making sure to keep still so that Caspian's job was as easy as possible. He kept his head loose enough though that if Cas needed to move him around the prince could easily do so. He hadn't had someone be so gentle with him in a while. He found himself eager to lean into the touches. Dahlia wasn't a very touchy-feely type of person and she usually let the vampire do as he pleased in the house. And before that- the touches were less than gentle. They were harsh and vile, and it took a while for Saros to even get to this phase of letting people touch him again. But he found the gentle touches so relaxing… so… safe? Was that the right word?
"Surly there's some kind of magic you could use to," He waved a hand, motioning to Saros' hair, "make it curly?" The first braid that the prince had made was tied off by a bit of the vampire's hair to keep it in place. A temporary solution considering he didn't have a band to tie it around with but he doubted they had any. The braid was pretty much perfect, only a few hairs out of place and it showed Caspian's hidden talent when it came to the skill. He started on the second, making sure to take his time, gently moving the hair around, letting himself put a soft amount of pressure on the vampire's head to add to the relaxation, "Although, I will say, the straighter the hair is the easier it is to braid." It made it neater than curls because usually they just went everywhere and stuck out and water and oil were used to try and tame them, but you didn't need that when it came to straight hair. A lot easier to work with, and Caspian enjoyed it. The time and the delicate movements that were needed. It was intimate in a way that didn't make things awkward or strange, but comforting and soft, "And yours is lovely to braid."
Saros let out a little chuckle, "I do not have the same magic as Dahlia." He cooed softly. "As much as I would love the opportunity to make it curly, I know that I cannot." He hummed as he leaned into Caspian's hand as the prince worked. "I suppose that makes sense. The fewer curls, the easier to control." He paused when his hair was complimented and he let out a soft noise of happiness. He was glad that Caspian liked his hair." Saros gazed at the ceiling for a moment, before he spoke quietly, "I must admit, I'm slightly surprised. You are not as scared of me as the other humans I have come across. It surprised me even more that you did not attempt to kill me as I rested last night, or now for example. You'd rather brush my hair and chat. I find it… refreshing. Amusing almost." He let out a little chuckle. "You are curious in general." He tilts his head. "I have never met a human like you." Saros had met his fair share of humans before. They always screamed and yelled, came after him with weapons, cursed at him… it was so odd to experience a human that was as… curious? As Caspian. No… not curious. Calm? Saros could not place his finger on it.
Caspian shrugged a shoulder gently, even if it wasn’t visible for the vampire, “I’ve seen enough battle and… I don’t know, even if I was drunk you were trying to help.” Even in his terrified, drunk state, he had known that Saros was just trying to help. Of course at first, the prince had thought otherwise, but in the moments between where he had been able to think, even just a moment, there had been no need to try and attack. In the princes state it would have been easy for Saros to attack him, but he didn’t. He had reached out gently and carefully and had led him to safety. The vampire had been kind, and so even if he had been scared to death, Caspian knew enough about people to know when it didn’t need to be on the defence, “Besides, I wouldn’t last an hour out there. I wouldn’t have last night so, I guess it was both for survival as well just curiosity.”
Saros hummed softly, "I suppose that's fair." He chuckles quietly and leaned against his chair. "Most humans, unless they have magic or something, don't usually survive the night in the forest. There are creatures out there more powerful than me. And they're much more hungry than I." He shut his eyes and fiddled with his fingers. They were long and elegant, with claw-like nails at his fingertips. "Keep that in mind for tonight. I have to hunt again, and I would prefer not to come back to the cottage to find you missing. Do not answer the door, no matter what noises you hear. There are creatures that will try to lure you out with the sounds of a child or woman weeping or screaming for help. Even if the silence feels like too much, do not step out into the night. Especially with the moons both being blackened tonight." He warns, glancing at Caspian. "I am safe, but you are not."
"I wasn't planning on going anywhere, prince's honour." Caspian hadn't even thought about leaving the cottage at night. After his near run-in with whatever it was out there in the wood before Saros came along, he was far too scared to even dare think about leaving, running, or simply exploring, even during the day. He finished up the second braid quickly enough, his thoughts turning to the vampire before he spoke again. He could tell Saros could hold his own, but that didn't stop the twinge of worry that weaved its way into his stomach. What if something happened to him while he was out? Would he be able to make it back? What if he didn't? Gods, Cas wouldn't survive if Saros left him here alone, he'd last a day, maybe two, but would probably end up being ripped to shreds by something in the end, "If there are so many creatures out there that'll be dangerous, why don't you find another place to live? Outside the forest?" Why not find somewhere else to stay if it meant a little more safety? Even if Saros could hold his own, it was still deadly for anyone.
(SO SO SORRY ABOUT THAT. Finals have been kicking my ass, but I'm back!)
Saros hummed softly as he nodded in satisfaction. It was always worrying when humans wandered into the forest. He had heard stories from other wild beasts out there. And the monster that lurked out at night was more dangerous than anything Saros was willing to deal with. He glanced at the braid and smiled faintly. He liked how neat it looked. His hair was something he took deep pride in, so he was grateful that the other was taking such good care of him. He hummed when he saw the human's eyes furrow in worry. He paused when asked the question. "Silly human. This is the safest option for me. I am not welcomed amongst my own kind. I am a 'wild' vampire. I am something people will hunt for sport. I will be dragged to the gallows, drowned in holy water, and stabbed repeatedly with a stake… this forest is my safest place, even if it is not the case for humans. Especially one as cute as you." He purrs teasingly. "I appreciate the concern. But I am capable of hunting in the forest, I'll be alright, I swear." He assures gently. It was… interesting seeing a human look concerned for his wellbeing. Different, for sure though.
(ahh hi hi! it's okay! i figured that was what was happening bc everyone i rp with is in the same boat rn lol, don't stress it!)
Caspian couldn't help the soft blush that spread over his cheeks at once again being called cute. Flirting with a vampire? Not exactly something that had been on his list of things to do before he died or became king. He ignored at, although he was sure it was noticeable. But the way Saros spoke about how he would be treated if he left the forest had him more concerned. He couldn't help but feel upset for him, just a little, because being shunned from your own kind and then society altogether mustn't have been a good feeling. The prince could only imagine how it must have felt for him. But, even though he didn't know the vampire, he couldn't help but trust him, just a little. The other had saved his life and he owed Saros at least a little extension of his trust. The prince continued to braid as if it would distract him from his thoughts. It didn't, but at least his hands had something to do by combing through the soft locks, "Why are wild vampires so different?" Caspian asked, "From the rest of your kind, is it just from how you turned?" He was ignorant when it came to all of this and he couldn't help but feel a little stupid at the questions he was asking.
The blush that covered the human's cheeks made Saros' lips turn up into a little smile. Caspian was definitely cute, Saros would admit that. He hummed as he leaned his head back and thought for a moment. "Wild vampires are both different in the way we turn, and we shun the current ways of the vampires." He hummed softly. "Though- I don't remember much of my turning. Some of my memories are lost." His brows furrow in pain at the thought. He had a few memories that would occasionally flash in his mind. But to him, most of his past was a mystery. "Wild vampires can be considered wild in two ways. They were born outside of the kingdom, or they reject the current lifestyle of those within the vampire kingdom. The current kingdom has an underhanded deal with various human black markets to create humans and various other creatures into cattle. You see, vampires can feed off of various things, depending on what kind of vampire they are. Some vampires, like the royals, can feed off of both blood and magic. Your average vampire can feed off blood. Some vampires, believe it or not, can simply survive off of fruit." He offered a kind little smile, glad that the Prince was so willing to listen and not just jump to conclusions. Some vampires heavily believe in the current system within the kingdom, it's tradition, after all, to feed off the blood of creatures." They offer a hesitant smile.
Caspian wasn't one to judge, even if the prospect of someone potentially feeding off of his blood was a terrifying prospect. Just as humans had their ways and customs that he was sure were strange to many other creatures and peoples on their continent, the vampires had theirs. The prince hummed a little in acknowledgement, finishing off the second braid not long after he did so, "It's unfortunate that you don't remember your turning," He settled upon, moving to create the third and final braid, "I guess it might be a good thing, depending on what happened. But regardless, as long as you're happy with how you're living then…" He shrugged. He wasn't going to tell Saros how to live his life. He figured the man had lived longer than he had, seen more, experienced more. Caspian was just human, who had lived a sheltered life in his marbled walls of 'safety' and had experienced little of the world bar that of his kingdom. Maybe that was why he had run away. Well, wandered away in his tipsy state. He may have been intoxicated but out of every place he could have wandered or ended up in, the forest of all places- somewhere no one would find him- so he could experience something. Didn't matter if it was death or a creature of the night, at least it was something that wasn't his normal life, "Happiness should always be the priority."
Saros looked over at the other and paused for a moment before looking away. He knew that Caspian was being open, but perhaps he didn't realize how truly fucked up the world was just yet. He sighed deeply and rubbed a hand along his face. "It… is unfortunate." His mind always pained him when he tried to remember. It drove him up a wall. He hummed and shrugged. "I'm satisfied with my living situation. The witch doesn't come by often, only when she really needs to, and I keep this place from getting overrun, get a free place to sleep, and a simple enough life." He shrugged and relaxed into the fingers on his scalp. "But it's not really living is it? It's more of surviving. Out of the entire world, apparently, this forest is the safest place to be, and yet there are creatures constantly trying to kill me." He hummed and glanced at the prince through his reflection in the mirror. "Yes, but it is not your priority." He tilts his head. "One does not simply wander into a forest that is rumored to be filled with horrible things, just for you to decide, "Ah yes, I'm going to go in completely intoxicated. You were surviving, weren't you? Not actually living." What life had to be so difficult that instead of living the life of luxury and riches you were promised at birth… what kind of expectations were placed on a child that ran into a forest that offered no safety, offered no way back… was the better option? The intoxicated mind always seemed to speak the heart when it came to these kinds of matters. But Saros did not pry more than that, simply allowing the prince to ponder his words as he relaxed into the fingers that braided away at his hair. It was not his place to judge another for their choices of coming into the forest.
