Mel drove the horse through the crowd, scanning for his friend's fiery red hair. He finally caught wind of a familiar scant and reigned melian towards the entrance of the castle. He rode for a bit, his growing worry only deepening when he still didn't see Abrose but soon saw Easton running among the crowd. He pulled melian towards him, pushing the horse a bit faster until he was beside him. He glanced down at Abrose on his arms, a strangled cry escaping him. Before he shoved away the pain and yelling to Easton "jump on! Pass him over and jump on!"
Easton did as he was told. He quickly mounted the horse before giving Abrose to Mel. Easton has only seen him once before. He looked back to Nick who was standing his ground. He hated leaving him like this. Even though he betrayed him they were still close. He sighed making sure to hold onto Mel while he controlled the horse. "Where are we going? If I may ask." He knew Mel was a Fae and even in times like these he still wanted to be polite. Force of habit at this point. "I'm also sorry about what happened to Abrose. I didn't know that she would make him drink it. I had no part in this and I've heard him talk about you and I'm sorry about everything…"
Mel pulled Abrose up onto the horse in front of him so that he was cradled in his arms. He held a hand up to close to Abrose's mouth, a relieved sigh leaving him as he felt his light breathing. He glanced over his shoulder at Easton, narrowing his eyes slightly before he caught him looking back. "Is there someone else?" He called, quickly scanning around behind him. He caught a different scent on Easton and abrose that he didn't recognize. "As long as he's breathing, you don't need to apologies."
"Yes, but he said that I should go ahead. He wouldn't want anyone to get hurt because of him. He's dramatic like that." Easton looked ahead. "I know, I know…" Easton gulped looking back at the queen. "Where are we going because it seems like the queen is coming and fast, so if I could make know so I can tell you how to get there faster. I know my way around better than anyone so…" he yelled over the screaming and roaring.
"my estate. We'll lose her through the backwoods." He called. "Once you and Abrose are safe, I'll loop back around for your friend." Mel took a glance behind him, catching flashes of white between the thinning crowd of Fae's running back to their homes. If he could make it to the woods, there was a good chance they'd be able to out run the queen but Melian was already slowing, the weight as well as what she had already traveled tiring her out. "Just a bit longer, then you can rest." Mel muttered to the horse, lightly patting her neck in encouragement.
"Alright." Easton let Mel lead the way. He couldn't help but worry about Nick and Abrose. Once they reached the estate he hopped of the horse quickly, so Mel could run back and go get Nick. "I will take Abrose and make sure he can rest in your estate. Thank you again for wanting to go back and get Nick. I know it's not the easiest thing to do." He looked at Abrose and looked away quickly. I feel like such an asshole.
Mel reigned in the horse quickly once they reached the estate, ordering a few of the stable boys to bring a different horse to allow Melian to rest. He passed A ride to Easton, and nodded slightly. "Find Esther inside. She'll take care of you and Abrose." He said quickly, nodding his thanks as a stable boys came with a stallion. He mounted quickly and gently kicked him into a run. "No, it's not." He muttered under his breath, shoving aside the thoughts trying to convince him to let the person who brought his best friend right into danger.
Meanwhile, Abrose remained asleep. He liked it here, want while not having to deal with what the outside world was doing. More than once he thought he was dead, now safely in the earth to rest in this heaven forever. But he knew that wasn't true, not if he could hear the voices of his love and friend around him. He didn't want either Easton or Mel here with him, neither deserved that. He wimpered softly, trying to force himself to wake up, to leave the wonderful dream and face reality.
(Possible sideplot romance with Mel and Nick?)
(I was thinking the same thing)
Easton did as he was told and walked into the estate, tiptoeing almost. "Hello? I'm looked for Esther…Mel said you could help Abrose." Easton held Abrose tightly against his chest. He looked down when a small noise could be heard. "It's okay…you're okay…" he whispered, kissing his forehead. He figured he should start looking around rather than just standing there.
Meanwhile, Nick wasn't exactly in the best shape either. Even so, he waited as the Queen came closer and closer. "Come at me you witch." he mumbled.
A young woman poked her out from what could have been assigned were the kitchen. She was cute, in an innocent child kind of way, curly brown hair piled atop her head with delicately curled horns sticking out. Her green eyes shined brightly against her nicely tanned skin. She looked up at Easton, narrowing her eyes before she glanced down at Abrose, a soft gasp leaving her. She grabbed Easton by the sleeve and tugged him upstairs to a spare room. "Set him down here, I'll be back in a moment." She muttered softly, curtsying quickly before heading back downstairs.
Abrose slowly blinked awake once they were in the room but had a hard time seeing straight, eyesight still a bit blurry. He groaned softly, reaching up to press a light hand to Easton's cheek. "We're okay…" He murmured softly
Mel yanked the horse into a stop, seeing that most of the crowd had dispersed by the time he got back to the capital. All that remained were a guards from the Queen's army, the queen herself, now back to her normal fae form, and Nick, surrounded on either side, holding his ground. Mel nudged the horse back into a gallop, nearly trampling a couple of guards until he swerved into the center, making sure to keep the horse moving as he extended his arm to Nick. "Enough of the heroics. Get on." He ordered, hating to use his status on others but it didn't seem he had another choice, especially when the queen and her guard started advancing towards him.
"Yeah…we are. You need to rest okay" Easton kissed the palm of Abrose's hand. Easton laid him down where instructed. "You're going to feel better soon. Esther is going to help you soon. For now, take it easy, I'm right here so you don't have to worry about anything."
Nick hesitated before taking Mel's hand. He climbed on wrapping his hands around Mel's waist, to hold himself tightly. Nick preferred not to go with a stranger but it was better than dying. "Who are you?" Nick looked back for only a second before wiping his head forward. He took his time to analyze Mel, however, he could only see the other's backside. "Where are going as well."
Abrose gave a slight nod as he settled into the bed, a slight smile crossing his features at the mention of the young girl. So they were in Mel's estate, safe under the protection of the young Fae Lord. He relaxed into the sheets and glanced over at Easton, vision now clearing up a bit more. "I guess we get that break from work now, huh?" He teased, voice raw from whatever it was he had drank. Abrose lightly patted the empty space beside him, already missing Easton's presence against him. "Thank you, for saving me." He muttered softly.
Nick immediately spurred the horse into a hard Sprint towards the woods but this time towards ones that connected to the city just in.case they were being followed. "My name is Melisande, but you can call me Mel, I'm a friend of Abrose." He wasn't quite sure why he decided to exclude the fact that he was a Lord but eventually chalked it up to not wanting any association with the queen. "Somewhere safe." He replied again, taking a quick glance behind him at Nick. "Are you hurt?"
Easton gave a soft chuckle before climbing into bed with Abrose. He pulled him close rubbing the other's shoulder to keep him warm. "I guess you are right and a much-needed break at that. It's good that you can still joke around and I didn't save you. Mel did as well as Nick. The way they were treating you made me so angry. I just…I never want to feel like that again. It felt horrible. Then when I saw give away information about you unwillingly it broke my heart that I couldn't do anything about it." Easton gave Abrose a soft kiss on the forehead. "But while we escaped the queen we tossed you around like a hot potato. I tossed you to Nick and then once the Queen freaked out I had to run too. I eventually caught up to Nick to tossed you back to me. Then Mel saw us and so I tossed you to him and got on the horse. A bit adventurous if you ask me."
"I see so you're Abrose's friend. Then you must know Easton right? Is he safe?" Nick kept his eyes forward, hoping to memorize the route so if needed to come back he could. "Yeah, a little bit, but it's nothing that won't heal in a day or two. If only I didn't arrest him none of this would've happened." Nick mumbled.
Abrose nuzzled against Easton, glad to finally have a chance to relax that night. "Then I owe all of you a genuine thank you." He lightly pressed a hand to Easton's cheek, closing his eyes when his forehead was kissed. "You did more than you think." HIs heart clenched as he remembered all what he had said under the truth serum.he blinked away the thought, not wanting to focus on that ow. They were safe. That's all that matters now. "Ah so that's why I feel so soar, I've been thrown around half the day."
Nick nodded as they burst into the forest, driving the horse to his home. "Yes, they're both safe and being taken care of." Mel replied, slowing the horse once they were far enough away from the capital. He fell silent as Nick admired to being the one who took abrose in.
Easton gave Abrose a soft squeeze before he relaxed. "You can rest now if you'd like. I'll be here when you wake up." He said softly making sure to pull the blanket over their shoulders. "So much for a second first date. However, I did find this day quite romantic." He teased and kiss the tip of Abrose's nose. "Are you warm enough or should I get another blanket?"
"That's good." A relieved sigh escaped his lips. He relaxed the more the horse slowed down. Nick didn't want this to be awkward, but considering he almost killed his best friend, the awkwardness was unavoidable. "How did you know I was out there. I don't know you and there is no way I could've contacted you through a letter?"
Abrose nodded slightly, "I'll sleep soon, I think I've done a lot already today." He murmured softly snuggling into the warmth of the blanket and Easton. He tilted his head up and arched an eyebrow, "throwing me around half unconscious after being taken prisoner is romantic to you? Darling I'm willing to accept a lot of things you'd be into but imprisonment and escape would not have been one of them." He teased, laughing lightly. "But if you mean the first half of the date, then yes it was, I'm glad you enjoyed the dinner." Abrose giggled lightly as Easton kissed his nose and gently tucked his head beneath his chin. "I'm alright dear, you and the blanket are enough."
"Easton pointed you out. Mel replied, maneuvering the horse around a large fallen tree. "And your scent was all around him and Abrose. I recognized it from the ball a fee months ago." He lead the station to a nearby ravine to allow it to drink and rest a bit as well as to allow them to stretch. Mel dismounted and crouched near the water's edge. "Why did you do it?" He asked softly, glancing over his shoulder at Nick. "Why take him in then suddenly change your mind?"
"Okay…" He hummed. "Okay, in my opinion you were the one who fainted. I do mean the first part of our date but then again it go interrupted so we shall do take three on a much later date. I'm glad your warm though. I'm glad things turned out half okay rather than you…you know." Easton smiled sweetly.
Nick dismounted as well. "If we're being completely honest and transparent…" He pushed his hands into his pockets. "I was jealous…Abrose really knows how to get under someone's skin. There was also the fact that I had to do whatever the queen told me to do." He sighed. "I know it's so stupid. So many people got hurt, from my jealousy. You don't have to blame me I already do that myself." He huffed out a small laugh.
Abrose nodded "yeah, not matter what happened up to this moment, things could have gotten way worse than they actually did." He shivered at the mere though, curling up closer to Easton. "Well, at least we can't say our dates our boring." He exclaimed, laughing lightly and toying with Easton's hair. "Don't worry, dear, we'll have our perfect first date one day. Without interruptions or something life threatening happening, I hope."
Mel slowly stood from his crouch as Nick came closer, keenly aware of the fact that Nick was still a highly trained guard. While Nick had a few abilities, mostly pertaining to changing the appearance of something, he wouldn't say it was particularly useful in a fight, and neither were his minor ability to use a sword. He took a cautious step back and crossed his arms over his chest. "I never understood how you nor Easton could dislike someone so devotedly, all because of some individual telling you lies. If A ride bothered you so deeply, why not confront him? Why not see what he was like in his own environment before judging him? Before putting him in his own personal hell." Mel growled, baring his canines as he tracked each and every movement Nick made. The young Lord turned away to check on the stallion, not wanting to start an actual fight despite his high desire to do so. He swung a leg over the horse, and lightly ruffling his ears as he waited
Easton hummed. I would very much like that as well. Although," Easton had closed his eyes close to falling asleep as well. "I think any day with you is perfect." He cooed. He looked at his hair then back to Abrose. "Having fun there?"
"You know it's not as easy as you may think it is. It's like a reflex almost. When you've been brought up in a world like this, to only believe these certain building blocks…It's hard to change when seeing the truth. Especially when you have been working under the queen for all of your life. She can be very controlling you know. I've had to see countless humans who have used illegal magic die or rot in jail for a very long time. I thought what I was doing was right. I thought the more I do this the more the queen will like me and the more respect I'll get the more recognition I'll get. Easton was stronger in those beliefs than me. We're both trying to be different and try not to think like that anymore, but it's hard. No one can change over night. Even you must know that." Nick sighed looking up at the sky for a second. He crouched down soon sitting on the ground. He leaned back on his hands taking in the scenery around him.
"I am, you're hair is really fluffy." He gently pressed a kiss to Easton's cheek and offered a gentle smile. "Get some sleep, dear. You deserve a long rest. I promise I'll be right here when you wake up." He promised, lightly resting his head against Easton's chest.
Mel snarled softly, deep down knowing that Nick was annoyingly right. But he wasn't ready to admit that yet, after all it took Abrose being on the brink of death for Nick to come to the conclusion that he wasn't an evil witch. "Yet you risked your life in the end." He muttered, clenching and unclenching the reigns. He took a deep breath and glanced down at Nick. "Come, you can rest at the estate. We're not safe here." He instructed, already nudging the horse toward sthe path that lead back to his home
He chuckled at the kiss. "I'm glad my hair pleases you." he smirked, giving a large yawn. "Copying my words now are we?" He teased. "I am much less tired than you are. You should be the one who's yawning. since you…" His words stopped as his eyes closed and he was fast asleep.
"Sorry, what was that?" He asked not hearing the mumbles coming from Mel. He brushed it aside, giving a grunt. Nick nodded. "Roger that." he struggled to get up. He held his stomach before he stood on his feet. His hand was stained in his own blood, but he didn't think that was important right now." He mounted the horse with a grunt before nodding letting Mel know he was okay to continue.
Abrose have a soft smile, brushing his hand along Easton's cheek as he felt him physically relax in to the bed and drift off to sleep. "Sleep well, dearest creature." He murmured, pressing his head against the crook of Easton's neck, glad to be somewhere safe with the ones he loved. Though worry still stirred in his stach, they'd really have to leave the continent now, there wasn't any way that the queen would leave them alone while she knew Abrose still resided here. He breathed a sigh and closed his eyes, not wanting to sleep but also not wanting to get up in case he woke Easton up.
Mel fidgeted in the saddle impatiently, at one point glancing over at Nick and raising a questioning eyebrow to see what was taking so long. They couldnt stay out here so long, he had only intended today too for a few short moments to let the stallion and them drink. He was already risking them all by staying long enough for their scents to settle. He was about to voice his worry when he caught the coppery scent of blood. He growled softly and looked Nick over, eyes widening. "You're injured badly." He tuned in his saddle and gently took Nick's hand, pulling it away for a moment to try and get a better look at the wound, unable to see much through the layers of clothes and blood pooling. He growled in frustration and shucked off his jacket, leaving him in a white silk tunic and black corset. He looped his arm around Nick and secured the arms of the jacket around his torsoe, making sure it was tight. "Keep pressure on the wound, he said, more to himself as a distraction than anything else. "We'll be home soon, then we can properly take care of you," he said, turning back in the saddle and nudging the horse into a quick walk, not wanting to jostle Nick around too much. "So tell me about yourself, sentinel." He started, wanting to keep Nick talking for the rest of their way back to the estate.
Nick wanted to protest and say that he was fine, but instead, he simply nodded. He did as he was told and kept the pressure where it needed to be. The ride was bumpy and times and smooth at others. His head started to feel heavy, slowly dropping down to Mel's back. He tried his best not to pass out because that would not be safe for him or for the horse. His words were a mix of "I'm fine" and "keep going". They were slurred together as if he was drunk, but only because he was losing blood. He managed to hear Mel talking and figure he should answer. "I…uhh…I don't really know…who I am. I mean…I've been under the queen for so long I've lost… the sight of myself. If it helps…I like apple cider and most things related to apples. I eat more fruits and healthy things than cake and sweets. I never knew my parents, but my aunt was always there…..I…." he coughed slightly. "I hate it when people see me like this…I really like guitars….and dogs… a very big dog person…what about you?" He put more pressure on the wound which help the bleed slow down.
Mel glanced over his shoulder at feeling Nick's weight on his back. He slowed the stallion to a halt and slowly nudged Nick upright while he got out of the saddle. "Can you scoot forwards for me a little?" He asked, keeping the horse steady the best he could. It saddened him a little to hear that Nick didn't really know himself out of being a good little soldier to the queen. He hopped back up onto horse, now behind Nick to help support his weight. "Rest now, you'll be safe. When we get home, I'm sure Esther will be delighted to make you her famous apple tart once you've recovered." He promised, gently brushing back Nick's hair. "Would you play for me once you're well? I'm not as adept in musical abilities as others." He chuckled lightly. "Ah I don't have any house pets but our hunting dogs are abnormally sweet to the staff and I. They don't take kindly to enemies though." Mel breathed a heavy sigh of relief once he saw the forest thinking out and the edge of the rate come into veiw
Nick moved up the saddle, closer to Mel, the best he could before he let out a loud grunt. "Fuck…That sounds nice…she must be a very good cook." He smiled. "Of course, I can play for you. I like playing for other people, makes me feel less empty. He felt the horse slow down. "Are we back?" He shook his head squinting at the estate. "Hopefully your dogs won't tackle me…" he joked giving a small laugh before wincing. "Nope, laughing hurts, good to know."
"she is. Any chance that girls gets to be in the kitchen, she'll take." He smiled fondly and glanced down at Nick, annoyed with himself that he felt sympathy for Nick. Even more, he could relate to Nick. Despite being a noble, Nick barely felt as if he fit in with his fellow noblemen. Even when he did find someone interesting, that little escapade never listed more than a few night, in which the individual Mel was interested in lost intrigue or learned who Mel was. It honestly was a miracle how Mel hadn't ended up in jail by now. He honestly didn't know much of what he actually liked to do. Most of his life he had only tried to please those around him. "You can play for us until we both feel less empty." He murmured softly, flinching at how vulnerable he sounded. He glanced up and nodded "yep, we're back. Abrose and Easton should be inside resting now. We'll see them in the morning." He promised, slowing the stallion down and waving over a stable boy. "Find Genevieve." He ordered, getting off the horse and extending his arms to help Nick. "Slowly, so you don't stretch the wound further." He instructed, glancing over his shoulder when he heard footsteps behind him.
