Caspian's hands stilled for the slightest moment at the vampire's words. About how happiness wasn't his priority. As much as he tried to keep his expression seem as if the man hadn't just stuck a bone within him, a reminder of his own insecurities and fears and problems that he neglected to deal with, he was sure that it showed, even if it was just a flicker across his face. His hands kept moving, "I suppose we are both just surviving, then." The prince's voice was a little softer than it had been, his gaze kept firmly on the braid when the skill he had showed that he probably didn't even have to look. But he did. he had to keep his eyes down otherwise he was going to be reminded, when he looked up - looked at himself in that mirror, everything he had run from. His people, his kingdom, his father and responsibilities and most importantly, the man that everyone expected him to be. Nothing was ever simple, nothing would ever be simple in that life, no matter how hard Caspian tried it never seemed to be enough. The kingdom prospered but it wasn't because of him, as much as people said it was. This life was never supposed to be his. Caspian hadn't wanted it, desired none of the riches, the title, that came with being king, and every day he felt more and more as if he were simply surviving, just as Saros said, rather than living. But there was nothing that could be done on the matter. The only way out was death. Maybe that was the real reason he had gone into the forest, why he had listened to his drunken heart and deep desires instead of his head.
Saros paused. Perhaps he had struck a nerve within the human. Perhaps he had gone too far. He hummed as he slowly glanced back at the human again and sighed deeply. He knew that he sometimes placed things bluntly, or struck a nerve within people. But… Caspian had been nothing but kind- if not slightly stupid- since Saros had found him in the forest. And it wasn't even that the prince was stupid, the forest had a call to people with a broken heart or a lost mind. Caspian had both of those things. An aching heart and an inebriated mind. Of course, he wandered into the forest. He glanced at the human and slowly stood, his eyes gentle as he gazed at this prince who had his entire life handed to him at the cost of his own freedom. The expectations laid heavy on the prince's shoulders. And the guilt was most likely killing him. Badgering Caspian with questions on whether or not he was surviving was not something the prince needed right now. Saros could understand that much at least. He gently took the Prince's wrist and offered a gentle smile. "Come." He takes the prince towards a backdoor, where there was plenty of shade from the sun, and to the back where there was a beautiful garden. A garden he had started when he first settled at this home. "The forest isn't all dreary during the day, and the most dangerous creatures only come out at night. Enough doom and gloom. You are stuck here for the time being until we can find you a way home, whether that be in the next month or sooner. But for now, I swear to keep you safe. And perhaps while you're here, you can learn a little more and take that back with you to the kingdom… if you ever decide to go back that is. There are no expectations for you here, Caspian." He made sure to use the prince's name. Made sure to allow the prince the luxury of releasing the title, even if it was for only a little while.
Caspian let himself be led away and towards the back. The touch of the vampire was strange, but not unwelcomed. Saros' hands slipped around his wrist and the touch was gentle but cold compared to his own skin, and the prince couldn't decide whether he like it or not. Either way, the thought process was interrupted by the vampire speaking and the beautiful garden before him. He couldn't help looking up at the vampire, tilting his head to give him a look that clearly showed that he was amazed by what was in front of him. Because then he was moving. Moving out of Saros' grasp and into the garden to get a closer look at the plants, "Saros…" Caspian breathed. The flowers caught his attention the most and he couldn't stop himself from kneeling down to get a closer look at the bright colours and the soft petals that ended up in his hands. Maybe the vampire was right, maybe the forest wasn't so bad in the daylight. He could feel the sliver of the sun beaming down on his face from the position he had ended up in, letting it light up his features and those deep green eyes. It helped when the vampire didn't use his title, Caspian physically felt his shoulder sag a little at the use of his name from it had rolled off the vampire's tongue. Just for a little while he might be able to just forget, especially in a garden as beautiful as this. A soft spot that the prince had, even if Saros hadn't known about it. The prince picked up a fallen flower, the deep blue petals were delicate and fragile in his fingers, much like his sanity at the moment as well as his tired brain, "These are beautiful."
Saros decided that he wanted to help the human get out of his slump, so Saros made it an idea to keep the human entertained while he was stuck here- that was the goal at least. He hummed as he made sure to stay out of the sunlight. He could handle being in the sunlight for small amounts of time, but the sun would eventually burn him… badly. He hummed as he glanced at the other and chuckled faintly. The garden was full of wonders. Plants that could be eaten, mysterious fruits, beautiful flowers… There was so much to explore and it seemed like the gardens went on for ages. "Tomorrow night is the full moon, and I'll show you a special treat." He coos sweetly. "But, while you're here, you'll be able to help me with the gardens, no? The extra hands would be appreciated." He glanced at the beautiful flower in Caspian's hands and chuckled faintly. "Ashel Nightshade, similar to its sister plant, the deadly nightshade. But she's not poisonous. Quite the opposite really, she's quite useful for healing potions and the like." Saros, in the blink of an eye, melted into the shadows before reappearing beside Caspian in the shade of a dark oak that sat among the flowers. There was no structure to the plants, other than they were wild and allowed to grow wherever it seemed. "This garden is something I've been working on for years, so please- feel free to explore. It's rare I get to show someone my hard work." He chuckles faintly and sweeps his hand out among the vast field of plants of all sorts.
Caspian turned the flower over in his hands. Such a beautiful space in amongst the forest of such danger. It almost didn't feel real, but the softness of the petals was real, the sweet aroma of the flower was real, and there was a vampire, of all creatures, beside him, just as real as the flower in his hand, "You have done a wonderful job," The prince complimented, and moved so he was more comfortable and seated next to Saros. There was still space between them as Caspian was more in the sun than the other, but they were still closer than they had been previously. He was starting to warm up to the vampire more, with his kind word and beautiful garden, not so afraid, and a lot more clear-headed now that there was no alcohol in his system, "I always wanted a garden of my own," The prince continued on, picking up a few more colourful, fallen flowers that were within reach, forming a soft bouquet of colour in his hands, "Back when I wasn't going to be king I dreamed of having a place away from Eirus with a big garden. It was going to be beautiful." The gardens in his city, in his palace, were stunning as is, but they weren't his. As much as technically they were, since he was royalty and was supposed to be taking the throne, they hadn't been grown by his hands, had been tended to and loved by him. It wasn't the same. Caspian had tried to help the gardeners but they had refused, and his father had practically forbidden him from trying again. 'You're a prince. Princes don't work in the gardens.' It had only gotten worse the closer his coronation became, freedoms taken away in favour of his father wanting him to focus on the coronation, on the kingdom the important things.
Saros was glad to see that Caspian was easing into the forest. While it was a dangerous place at night, the forest was fairly peaceful during the day. He chuckles dryly at the compliment. A fair few moons ago he would have preened at that compliment, after all, this garden was his blood, sweat, and tears. This garden was his everything. But now- it was just a testament of how long he had been here. He still loved it of course, but… this life was not the best life. It was a simple one, yes. But he was aching for something new in his life… perhaps that is why he had not killed Caspian off when they first met. He hummed as he glanced over at the other. "But I suppose the weight of the crown stopped you. That is not the case here. You will need to get your hands dirty, Caspian. And you will do your fair share around here. This place needs care and someone to look after it. That is my job, and now I am offering you some part of this work." He was actually glad to have a pair of helping hands. It meant he could care for his garden both in the sun and in the moons light. That was ideal for him. He cleared his throat and gently picked a red flower. It was similar to a rose with the thorns, but more like a Dahlia in bloom. He pricked his thumb on one of the thorns, but he did not even wince as silver blood dripped down his finger. The plant seemed to thrive off the blood though, the bloom tripling in size. How beautiful it was as it grew. The thorns fell off and Saros carefully handed the bloom to Caspian, the flower now safe to touch.
"I have no qualms with getting my hands dirty," Caspian replied as he took the flower with gentle hands. Even if Saros did not look phased by the blood that appeared from the thorn, the prince didn't like seeing it, but maybe that was just because his worry seemed to have increased from being in the woods. He didn't comment, only because he didn't want to make a big deal out of something that Saros wasn't worrying about. Now that he had a good selection of flowers in his hand, without thinking, he began to weave them together. It was something to keep his hands occupied while they spoke, just as braiding the vampire's hair had been a way for him to get to know the other and keep his hands busy, keep his mind busy, with something, "In fact, I would feel rather useless if you wouldn't let me help." He couldn't help the soft chuckle that escaped him at his own words. After not being able to do anything physical when it came to things around the palace he was looking forward to it. Any other prince, Caspian knew, would be appalled at the thought of having to do physical labour of any kind, helping out when usually everything was done for them, but all he wanted to do was help out. Caspian didn't care, however, because if it meant making things a little easier when it came to helping Saros then he would do it. Considering he had wandered into the forest pissed drunk, had nearly died, and the vampire had saved his life and let him stay with him, it was the least he could do to show his thanks. The flower crown in his hands took shape and he held it out to Saros, "You did save my life, the least I can do is do a bit of work around here."
A gentle hum of satisfaction left the vampire's lips as he stretched casually against the tree. The wound on his finger had already healed, the only thing left was the streak of blood but he easily licked that away. He glanced over at the prince and paused when he noticed the prince starting to weave the flowers together. Saros smiled hesitantly. "Good to have your help then. The only thing is that there are some things that we need to worry about. But of course, I'll give you the safety rundown before we work with the plants. Don't want you to accidentally touch something that might hurt you. Most of these plants are harmless, but a few like that one," he motions his head towards the flower now in the prince's hands, "can prick ya. It doesn't hurt much, but it's definitely surprising when it does." He chuckles faintly. He found it interesting that the prince was so eager to help, it was… something different. Then again, Saros was used to always working alone. He glanced up at the sun before blinking away. It was always kind of dumb to do something like that, but Saros- oddly missed the sun. Saros chuckled faintly when Caspian spoke. "Ah, yes. Saved your life." He shrugged slightly, "I suppose I did- but there isn't much more to be grateful for. I scared you shitless and then brought you here. Plus- what makes you trust me? I'm a scary vampire after all." Despite his words, he could feel his chest well with a feeling that wasn't all that familiar. It left him confused. What was it that he was feeling? Pride? Content? He couldn't place a finger on it.
Caspian chuckled softly, the flowers in his hands woven into a crown that he held out for Saros to take, "I think I can handle a few thorns here and there." He had seen battle at a young age. That war that had taken majority of his family away from him had changed his life, changed him in more ways than one. It would probably one of the reasons as to why his father refused to let him do anything reckless, to partake in another that might get him hurt - even things like gardening. Being the only living heir, if anything happened to him then the kingdom would be left with no one to rule once his father died, and the last thing the king wanted, Caspian knew, was someone random taking the throne with no training or ability or knowledge on how to run the kingdom. But that had clearly backfired since the prince had ended up in one of the most dangerous places since the war and wouldn't return to his home for at least a month or more. Caspian could handle himself in the right situations, and he was more than capable of a few deadly plants. They were easier than people.
But the prince didn't have much of an answer when it came to the vampire's other question, all he could really do was shrug in response to Saros, "It might not have been the best situation, but I am grateful that you found me, because without you I would be dead. It's something to be acknowledged." His body would be lost to time out there and Caspian didn't want to think about what might have found him that could have caused such a death, "I don't know whether I trust you or not, but so far, you haven't given me a reason to be weary. You might have scared me, but so far you have saved my life, been kind and offered me a place to stay that is safe. Counteracts that first scary impression you gave off."
Saros carefully took the flower crown and inspected it for a moment. He slowly placed it on the top of his head and let it rest amongst the braids. He chuckled faintly. "I am not questioning whether or not you can handle a few thorns and whatnot. I'm just wondering if you're up to the task is all." He seemed content with Caspian's answer though. He did not know the prince's story, or what his background was like. But it was certainly different- the way the prince was willing to raise his hand and help. It made Saros wonder what the prince had experienced in his life that made him into the man he was now. Saros wanted to ask, but what on earth would he ask? What would he even say? 'Ah, yes. Tell me more as to why you ran into the woods in the middle of the night, drunk and like you were ready to lose your mind.' People just didn't do that. And while Saros might be a wild vampire, he still had manners.
Saros subtly raised his brow before chuckling faintly. "You are a very curious human, Caspian. I think I might enjoy having you as company." He glanced up at the sky, "Though I do wonder what made me so scary when I first met you when first found you, other than being a vampire of course." He tapped his bottom lip in thought before shrugging and standing. He cracked his back and stretched before glancing down at Caspian. "You're more than welcome to stay out in the gardens while I cook dinner. You're also welcome to join me. It is up to you. I do not want to leave you hungry while I go off and hunt this evening." He melted into the shadows before appearing again on the porch of the cabin. "Do you have a preference for something to eat, any allergies? Or shall I simply go wild?"
The magic that the vampire used was curious indeed, and Caspian wanted to ask about that aspect of the man however was too distracted by the flower crown on his head than anything else. If the vampire had called him cute, then Saros was, too, especially with the array of colour that now bloomed from the flowers atop his head. He would have made a very handsome prince all things considered, but now wasn't exactly the time to be making comments such as that. Or even if it would be the time at all, to be making such comments. They had only just met. Regardless, Caspian wasn't well versed when it came to giving and receiving compliments. Even if he was a prince and people figured that he would be, he was far from able to accept or give without blushing. There had been a few nobles in his time that had used that to their advantage and it hadn't ended well.
But the prince was drawn out of those thoughts by the premise of food and he was quick to stand, "I was drunk, I had fallen, and then you came creeping out of the shadows like you did," He shrugged, running a hand through his mess of soft waves as he waded through the garden, basking in the sunlight for a few moments as he stretched, "You were scary then, you're not so scary now." Especially not with the crown on his head. He made it to the porch and offered Saros as smile, "Go wild with the food, I have no preferences or restrictions and I think I'll come and bug you while you cook."
Saros never really figured himself as cute. In the eyes of society, he had always been called a monster. Unlovable and hideous, simple as that. He never found it in himself to believe otherwise. He glanced over at Caspain and offered a quick smile. He was careful not to let the flower crown fall off of his head, a small hum leaving his lips as watched the prince think. He didn't know what the prince was thinking, but he was curious. He wanted to understand what was going through the other's mind- wanted to understand Caspian more. What an odd feeling for him. How different it was, wanting to understand someone.
He chuckled softly and shrugged. "Well, I am glad I appear less scary now." But I don't doubt that would change if you saw me for what I really am. His face fell slightly at that thought, but he moved into the cabin before it was noticeable. He nodded at the orders for the food before setting to work.
Cooking- despite not needing to eat normal food, was always a calming habit for Saros. Cooking was therapeutic. It always was to him. He set to work making pasta, carefully kneading the dough until it was smooth and it came out in the shape he wanted. He then set to work creating a soup filled with potatoes, herbs, meats, celery, carrots, and other various veggies. He was quick with the work, allowing himself to be immersed in the familiar patterns of cooking.
Caspian followed the vampire into the kitchen, although made sure to stay to one side as to avoid being in the way. He didn't want to disturb much. It seemed as if Saros was comfortable and found it easy to move when he cooked, from the way the man chopped the vegetables and worked them into a soup. Impressive, really, for someone who drank blood and had no need to cook, "Where did you learn to cook?" The prince asked.
Had it been before he had been turned? Caspian assumed it wasn't if Saros couldn't even remember much of his turning, to begin with. But if he had learnt afterwards, was it because of the witch? He had no doubt that she would have been more than capable to make her own food and if the vampire had no need, why would he? It was strange to him to think that this was a habit, a hobby, that he might have picked up over the years he had lived in the forest. What else was Saros able to do? He was clearly full of interesting talents and possibilities that Caspian wanted to learn about. He hadn't been so interested in wanting to understand another in so long. Maybe it was because they were the only people around, the prince didn't know. Either way, he didn't question it, he just let himself be curious and ask questions. But he wouldn't deny he was slightly worried that his questions may become and annoyance to the other after a while. It was an intrusive thought that he pushed away quickly, but it would always be there. Not that it showed in the slightest, there was still a light smile on his face as he tracked Saros' movements.
Saros let out a faint hum at the question. "I suppose when you live alone for the majority of your life, you pick up on skills to kill the boredom." That wasn't truly the reason he cooked. He remembered gentle hands guiding him, teaching him to cut a veggie, helping him move hot things from the stove and over to the counters, the soft reminder of laughter. They were phantom memories, but Saros could not place where they came from. He could not remember much before he changed, or even after he changed. It was a blur, blocked by migraines. Saros wanted to hold onto those phantom memories. Wanted to keep them tucked into his heart. He glanced over at Caspian slightly raised his brow, "Surprised?" There was no malice in his words. Just understanding. Of course, the prince would be curious as to how a vampire came to learn how to cook when all a vampire needed to survive was blood. "Not to mention, some vampires can still eat human food. They usually do it to pass off as a regular human and attempt to live a normal life… but those vampires do not last long." He carefully started to knead the dough. "Here, come. If you know how to knead the dough, lovely. If not, I shall teach you." If the prince were to stay here, he would need to be able to handle himself if Saros was gone longer than a night. He wanted to make sure the prince would not starve if Saros had to wander off for a weekend or so.
Caspian was quick to shake his head, "No! No, Not surprised, just curious." He was more than aware that there had been no malice in the vampire's voice, but he couldn't help but be concerned that the question had been taken the wrong way, or maybe had been the wrong one to ask. He was clueless. Once again, the prince felt as if he were a baby taking his first steps into the world, learning about the universe and what lay beyond the comfort of his home borders. An odd feeling when all he wanted to do was learn. But the one thing he didn't want to do, was upset the vampire that he was living with.
Even though he was a little hesitant to move from his spot, mainly because Caspian didn't want to fuck up the dinner and make things worse or whatever reason, but, he moved. He moved until he was standing next to Saros and was making sure his sleeves were up and out of the way before he took the dough in his hands. They were unsteady, even more hesitant than the man himself had been when he had stood and walked over. That lack of knowledge on anything other than princely duties was as clear as day as he fumbled with the dough, doing his best to knead it out but definitely not as well as Saros could, "Gods, I really am incompetent when it comes to these sorts of things."
Ask him how to negotiate with a foreign political figure or king and he could do so in a heart beat. Plan the next city expansion, the next trade route, organise funds and disperse them throughout the city and he had no trouble. But house work? Manual labour? It was almost ridiculous that he wasn't able to do any of them. Quite frankly, Caspian couldn't help but be a little embarrassed.
Saros felt his lips twitch into a smile at the way Caspian shook his head. "Curiosity is always welcome. But yes, I know how to cook. It's something I've picked up in the hours of solitude and a few cookbooks with ingredients and how to cook them." He chopped a few more ingredients before carefully placing them in the stew. He moved over to Caspian's side and chuckled faintly when he saw the prince struggling slightly before he stood behind Caspian. His thin hands carefully move to take Caspian's and guides the other's hands. "Like so." He allowed Caspian most of the control, only using his hand to guide the other occasionally. "It isn't incompetence. It is simply something you have not learned yet. Think of it this way. One is not instantly good at playing an instrument, talking politics, or learning how to wield a sword. It does not come to one instantly but comes through practice and patience. Some can instantly be good with such things, but everyone has their own skill sets and strengths. This is simply a skill you are now learning." He chuckles softly.
He was graceful now, but when he was just a fangling… that was a completely different story. Through the witch's help, he had managed to get where he was, but he was less concerned for that. Once he was sure that Caspian had gotten a steady rhythm, he moved away and set his attention back to the stew before him. Food had always been comforting, even if it did nothing to sate the hunger in his stomach. He found food warm, and comforting. He glanced back at Caspian, "Once you're done kneading the dough, place it to the side so I can bake it. The aim is to have it in a circle." He offers a polite smile to Caspian and went to work on cleaning up the mess he had made while he let the stew cook. "When the sun sets, I'll need to head out to hunt. I've made enough food that it will last you until morning. There are some other options that you can eat, just feel free to go through the kitchen to see what you want. I'll be back by morning. Before I leave though, I'll make sure to give you a rundown of the charms and whatnot on the cabin and how to safe since I won't be here to protect you. But the house is safe enough."
Caspian couldn't help the soft blush that made its way to his cheeks when Saros guided his hands. Touch wasn't something he had often, especially in this sense. Almost ridiculous considering he was a prince but then again, with no time for anything other than preparing for his coronation, it wasn't all that far-fetched. Either way, he ignored it and focused on kneading out the dough and listening to the vampire speak. He was finding he quite liked just listening to the other, hearing what he had to say and how Saros had lived his life thus far. He had always been told he was a good listener, but maybe that was just because he enjoyed it more than he enjoyed talking, so it was easy. Regardless, the vampire wasn't wrong and he did nod and hum his agreement in response when the other spoke about forming new skills. It had taken a while for him to learn the ropes when it came to kingly duties. As Saros had said, it was something new that he was learning, and the prince figured that he was going to be doing a lot of that over the course of his time in the forest.
When the vampire spoke of leaving for the evening, of giving him a rundown of the charms, he couldn't help but frown softly, "You can talk about the charms but I will not understand them," He said, finishing off the last of the dough and placing them to one side, "I know nothing of magic or charms or spells. You could lie about them straight to my face and I wouldn't know the difference, it isn't worth the hassle." Humans couldn't do magic. At least that was what he had been told. What everyone in his kingdom had been led to believe. As a result, none of them knew magic of any kind, "Just as long as you come back then there shouldn't be an issue." Caspian didn't know what he would do if Saros didn't end up returning for some reason or another. He would die instantly, no doubt, if the other didn't.
If Saros noticed the blush, he did not comment on it. He looked so calm, so at ease. He guided Caspian's hands so easily, making sure that the prince followed the ways that he was kneading the dough. He wondered faintly what life was like for this prince. It was clear he knew little about the world outside his kingdom. Saros wondered if he should leave out a few books while he went out to hunt. Let the prince discover history that was not written by his people. When Caspian was finished with the dough, he nodded in approval, taking them and gently setting them to proof for the time being. He listened to Caspian's worries before chuckling faintly and glancing at the prince. "Even though you know little about spells, charms, and witchcraft, it is important to at least know where the charms are, so you do not risk accidently breaking one. It is also good to know a few spells so that if something goes wrong, I can come to you." He chuckles when Caspian told him to come back. "Of course I will come back. I always manage to do so. I know this forest better than most." He hummed as he carefully placed some spices into the soup. Once satisfied, he returned his attention back to Caspian. "Come with me."
Saros moved easily to the front door, grabbing a parasol that sat beside the door. "I shall show you the charms, as well as where we keep items that protect the home. I'll also give you some items so that they protect you while I am gone. You are a human- and believe it or not, humans are commonly hunted in this forest. Your blood… especially royal blood? Will fetch a handsome price." His tone was serious, warning of the potential dangers that Caspian might run into. "And, believe it or not. Humans can do magic. It's an old art. One from many centuries ago. Many humans that could not understand the art of magic feared it, prosecuting anyone that dared to learn it. Some were born with it naturally, some learned to use it from the earth below our feet." He glanced at Caspian. "Considering you're of royal descent… it could be a possibility that your family had magical roots." He shrugged, "Of course, that's only a possibility."
The prince was more than aware that Saros had been living in the forest for quite some time. That the vampire redoubtable knew the place like the back of his own hand. But that wasn't going to stop him from worrying. He always worried. Worried about his family. Worried about his kingdom. Now, that worry was turned towards the vampire that was helping him survive in the world. The real world, if this could be counted as such. Of course, it was, but the forest was slightly different to that of the 'real world' that he knew. The one of royals and nobles, trade routes and permissions to leave the palace for more than a few hours. His world was far different. Far safer.
He couldn't help the small frown when the vampire spoke of humans being able to conduct magic, and then that of royals having the possibility to do so. Surely if his family had been able to partake in such activities and abilities of such wonder he would know. His father would have told him. But there was much that his father hadn't told Caspian about his place in the world, in life, about who he was, for a very long time, and he wouldn't put it past him if he had kept something as major as magic away from his life, too.
He followed, tilting his head to one side as Saros opened the door and stepped into the light. The sun warmed his already tanned skin and green eyes scanned the world around them before settling back on his new companion, "I doubt any of my family would have had the ability to conduct such things," He said, slipping his hands into his pockets, "I never even considered it a possibility."
