Cas had never thought the praise was necessary. Never thought he really deserved it. He wasn't even supposed to be the next king. There was supposed to be two in line before him. Supposed to be. He shook his head, waving a hand as if waving the praise off, "I'm only the man the kingdom needs because there's no one else to do it." He shrugged, pushing some low hanging vines out of the way so they could both walk through without problems, "I've lost enough people in my life, I'm not losing my kingdom as well." The possibility that he would was a looming dark cloud over his head. How were they supposed to win when they were going up against a force that possessed magic far greater than any of their other enemies? Even the peoples in the south didn't hold that kind of force. There had to be someone around. Or at least someone who knew of people to help. There was only so much a normal, human army could do against a magic user and an army of witches.
Hylas nodded, raising his shoulders in a faint shrug. "Still," He said, glancing up at the branches overhead, the sunlight peeking through the leaves reminding him of some distant memory, "I feel as if you're our last— our only hope. Even though I…hardly know a thing about politics." Nothing in his life had ever seemed to worry him like this; no injury or close call had ever brought such a heavy sense of unease compared to the thought of watching the continent fall. War was one thing— something he had managed to avoid at all costs —but an uprising as terrible as the one they faced now brought forth a quiet dread that Hylas couldn't ignore. He paused, a curious thought coming to mind as he made his way through the trees, wearing a softened frown. It was because he cared. The hastened worry, keeping the prince alive and moving him to the safehouse; it all came from the undeniable fear of losing the land he roamed, desperately, aimlessly, but freely. Even when he had nothing, he had the earth, the fields, the forest, and the sky. The stars. It was dear to him, in a way he would never understand or admit to. "All that I can hope for now is that we…do the right thing, and fast. I suppose it seems a man like me wouldn't be terribly bothered at what we've stumbled upon, but I need to do…something, even if it's just getting you to Valthea."
"I never thought I would hear the day an assassin of all people would want to do the right thing." Cas said, glancing over his shoulder for a brief moment at Hylas before back to the road ahead. Though the more he thought about it, though, it made sense, in a way. It was his home, where he worked, even if it was an awful line of work. To lose a home, not even that but a place to live? Cas couldn't imagine it himself. Without Eirus, Cas was nothing, it was his safe haven. His people were his family. He could never think about living without them. He supposed in a strange way, Hylas had his own version, "To think twenty four hours ago I was preparing for a party that I didn't really want to attend. At least it wasn't as stressful as this."
Not just any assassin. He was the worst of them; the Raven. And still, he couldn't bear the thought of Mavadora under the rule of a man as crooked as this Zaros. "Well," Hylas sighed, looking down at the ground, a carpet of fallen leaves and twigs, "In the last twenty four hours you've been drugged, kidnapped, saved from bandits, and found out about a rein of terror planning to overtake the kingdoms of our continent. Is it really that surprising?" After all that had happened, he reckoned that nothing more in the whole world could truly disturb him as much as this ordeal. Except, perhaps, another memory. Over the years, small, fragmented moments of his life before the streets would come back at the strangest moments; standing at his reflection over a quiet stream, blood on his hands as he shook with exhaustion, hearing the echoes of a mother calling for her son. They were so paralyzingly familiar, often leaving him still and breathless where he stood, in a crowded marketplace or alone by a river, he would be silenced for days; taken by whatever image he had discovered. "In any case, It's true," He said, glancing over at Cas with the smallest hint of smile, shy and a little uncertain, "But tell anyone and I'll kill you."
(ok i had an idea. and feel free to add on or say no cause,,hmm. what if… zaros is hylas' father? like, something ?traumatic happened when he was young that caused his mother to die and for them to be separated. 'zaros' (pseudonym) thinks hylas is dead and from there, does his magic thing. at the end,, if/when there's fighting there could be a big reveal, and zaros realizes who he is & says that he's proud of hylas for doing all the killing and. maybe stabs him. again feel free to say no if you don't feel like it/ have a better plan in mind)
"Cross my heart and swear on the Gods I won't tell a soul." Cas made the action, making two lines across his chest and returning the slight smile that Hylas gave him. It disappeared almost as quick as it came, though. The worries and doubts crept back in, not that they ever went away. The last war had been bad enough, Cas had barely made it out himself. Him and his father… the loss of his mother and brothers had rattled not only them but the entire kingdom. If they were to lose another war, Cas didn't want to think about what would happen if he died. If his father died. It wouldn't even be the worst of it all, not with what Zaros was supposedly planning. Cas doubted he would be able to sleep for a while, at least not until after he'd gotten the letter to his father. He wondered what he was doing. Worrying probably. Getting the guard to search the area and find him. He might even think he was dead. He didn't want to think about that, about the dread he might be feeling. He shook his head softly to himself, "I really hope after this war is over everything goes back to normal."
(No that sounds so good! What if like, at the end in the fight, (for drama purposes), Zaros orders Hylas to stab Cas right and join him, so they could be a family again? And by that point Cas and Hylas are like in love/together/not togethe ryet but its OBVIOUS they love each other and then BOOM more drama)
"You think there's going to be a war?" Hylas inquired, feeling his expression shift into a look of quiet worry, though his mind wasn't fixed on the idea at the moment. His attention was on the greenery surrounding them, where gaps of dusty sunbeams peeked through branches all along the forest floor. Up far ahead there looked to be spots of black and red, overgrown and nestled in a thicket of tangled thorns. Berries. Slowly he turned to Cas, shifting his focus onto this matter of greater importance, reminding himself to point them out later.
"I mean to say, do you believe there's a chance we— you could stop it before it escalates to that?" Hylas asked, quietly wondering if all of Mavadora could do such a thing. They would need to prepare, quickly— sending messengers and readying armies, keeping everything as quiet as they could before going up against Zaros. Hylas had never been the hopeful type, and so the chance of avoiding it seemed impossible. But the idea of spearheading into battles across the land so suddenly; the bloodshed, the bodies, the horrifying reiteration of every hollow cry that followed a war was of a vision he couldn't bear to accept. "I understand this Zaros is powerful but—"
(yea!!! i think hylas should try to kill zaros in that 'kill him, come w/ me' moment– but have zaros stop him and…maybe,,,he,,,stabs hylas in front of cas ?while cas is held back or then left alone with him before help comes or he's taken away etc.?0_0)
"I think war at this point is inevitable." Cas said, voice firm but there was that slight hint of worry, one he tried his hardest to cover, "If we go up against him in small battles… it might lead to more deaths, loss of people we will need when we go up against Zaros himself. There is no way to stop him before it gets to war." Not when their enemy had armies of magic users. Not when he might have the witches. Even if they surprised him in an attack they would be dead within minutes. They had to wait it out. Wait until they had all the allies they had, an army hopefully large enough to take out Zaros and his, "I'm only one man, Hylas. One who hasn't gone up against anyone like this before. If.. If I told my father to march on Zaros now, to try and stop it before war.. we could lose hundreds, thousands. We would have already lost if that happened. It's about the waiting game. Gather allies in the shadows, create an army large and strong and march with full force… small battles won't win us the war. I can't.. I'm can't stop it before it gets to that."
(the TEA yes that sounds great! Maybe Hylas could be forcibly taken by Zaros and Cas has to get him back? At that point the war is nearly over and they've just gotta get rid of Zaros then when he's gone we get a Cas and Hylas bonding moment/yay they're together!)
Hylas nodded, trying to accept the fact that there was no way out of this. Two wars, in one lifetime. A quiet part of him wondered how any force, whether it be the Gods, or some sick twist of fate or coincidence could lead their world to such an ordeal. And a larger, louder part of him wholly believed that he deserved it.
"I understand," He said, though it was a half-lie. Fear and confusion only existed in his memories of Before, and to feel them so presently was a troubling endeaver he hoped to free himself from. After all, it was horror, confusion, and rigid fear that seized the bodies of his victims in their final moments.The prince spoke of strategies and logical conclusions to what he'd asked, and as he watched Cas speak, he couldn't help but notice how he corrected himself away from any sign of uncertainty. Of course, this was because he was taught to do such a thing; steady tone, an assured way of speaking that he had only ever observed in those with great influence. Still, he felt guilty for the occasional break of disquietude. "And…" Hylas began, glancing at Cas and feeling a strange need to apologize but not wanting to seem so concerned, "I'm…I don't like the fact that you have to…work through this by yourself. This is…not ideal, and I feel as if I can't do much for you but…if there is something, well…"
(ohohhoh!! when hylas gets stabbed– what if cas is dragged away and ?escapes/ finds his way back to wherever/back to the army & believes hylas is dead & still goes after zaros, kills him, and finds hylas healed/close to death somewhere? then yes. a moment™.)
Cas scratched at the back of his neck, his body straightening with the movement. Even now, when there was only one person around, an assassin at that, he couldn't help but uphold that princely demeanor. He knew Hylas wouldn't care, but there was something about dropping it that didn't sit right. He would not look, could not look cowardly or scared. For the future heir to the throne of such a kingdom to not look assured in his own plan, to look defeated before the war had even begun was to fail before battle. As much as Cas tried, he couldn't help but to uphold those ideals, even when they didn't necessarily matter around one man. He cleared his throat, glancing up at Hylas for a moment before drawing his gaze away and to the path, "I- Thank you. I won't be alone soon, hopefully… but thank you for offering." He never thought he'd end up in a situation like this. An assassin and a prince. In a way he found it humorous, or maybe that was him trying to find some light out of the whole situation. But the world was changing, whether that be for the good or for the bad. Nothing would be the same after this war. A part of him dreaded to see the other side, "And the same goes for you, too."
(oooooo yess, that sounds hell good!)
Hylas nodded thoughtfully in lieu of an immediate reply, turning his attention to the forest floor and momentarily biting his lip. He'd known that Cas was understanding, but Hylas had hardly expected him to acknowledge the remark, much less return the sentiment. It made him feel…strange to have someone hear his words and answer kindly. "There's not much that I'm useful for, in our present situation. With the war, I mean," He said, risking a shy glance back at the prince as they made their way through the trees, "I- I can fight, but perhaps you'd like it better if I stayed out of your way?" Distancing himself was a common practice, and oftentimes— this time, especially, he couldn't even notice what he was doing. They needed to work together, or at the very least help the other when they needed it. But the faintest idea of Cas helping him with something, or even listening like he did, was unthinkable. It scared him to think that he might slip up around him; people were unpredictable, and the prince, however unlikely, might take advantage of his lowered guard. But I don't have a choice, He thought, stepping over a branch. He'd have to make do for however long Cas found him useful; helping, but never showing any weakness. Hell, he'd shown enough weakness, dragging him across the kingdom only to break down and decide against killing him. He was once known as the most feared man alive; the heart of mothers' warnings and the name heard in fervent whispers. But to the prince— who had not realized he was the Raven —Hylas was a stranger, skilled, but struggling to make eye contact.
Cas glanced over his shoulder for a moment before softly shaking his head to himself. It was strange to hear from an assassin, who quite literally killed for a living, suggest it might be better to stay out of the way. He seemed so.. unsure, of everything, especially this situation. The prince himself was still bewildered at the offer of help from the man, but there were too many things running through his mind to really process all of it at once. He knew he wasn't going to sleep for a while because of it, "Well, you can fight. You seem extremely skilled and you offered help. I don't see why you would stay out of the way. Not when we need as many fighters as possible." The more assets they had the better. Being able to use Hylas' skills to his advantage would help them in the war that was to come. As would any fighter. Cas had learned that keeping out of the way generally did more harm then good. And if Hylas was as good as he presumed, there was no way he was going to let him out of his sights anytime soon.
Hylas nodded a little, keeping his gaze down as the prince spoke. We need as many fighters as possible. There it was. Something to distance him. He was to be a set of skills at the prince's disposal; someone— something useful. It was what he told himself he needed: to protect himself, to stay in his place. Doing what he did, for so long, had bestowed upon him a silent misinterpretation of his worth as a person. Because as long as he kept moving, as long as he was working, he had earned his place in the world. He was too far gone to deserve empathy from Cas, or any type of attention for that matter. And as much as a part of him ached for it, it wasn't his right, and it wasn't his place.
"I– " He began, looking up to meet Cas' green gaze in a fleeting moment of vulnerability. His expression seemed to soften as he hesitated, considering his next words as they made their way through the sun-drenched greenery. Perhaps he should tell him who he really was. Be honest with him, or at the very least, prompt a reaction that would want to keep him at arm's length. He paused, reminding himself to avoid personal topics before shifting into a steadier-seeming demeanour. "I can fight. Yes." Hylas told him, trying to seem a little lighthearted in his way of speaking, though he wasn't used to such a thing, "And well, that's…all that I'm good for, you know that. And I'm sure the alliance will have leagues of skilled fighters. So perhaps you'd be better off without…well, an enemy of the state."
Hylas was right there. Cas didn't want to think about what might happen when they finally show up and explain what happened and who the man traveling with him was. Complicated. He thought. Everything always had to be so complicated. It was moments like these where he wished he wasn't a prince with so much responsibility resting on his shoulders. It weighted him down, he knew it, knew it was obvious to anyone who cared enough to look closer. Not that anyone did. However he knew there was no escaping who he was and what he had to do. And Cas couldn't bring himself to tell Hylas to leave. He was the only other person who had proof of what they had seen. He was a skilled fighter who probably knew more about stealth then he did. And maybe a part of him just wanted some company, even if it was an assassin.
"You're another set of eyes who knows exactly what we saw," He said after a moment of silence, "You might be an enemy of the state but right now I have to overlook that for the safety of hundreds. As long as you don't try to kill me again you'll be fine. You're skill set might prove useful in the long run." It all sounded exactly like business. How he would talk to councilmen, army generals. This was all strictly because they were up against an enemy no one had ever seen before. He wasn't going to let people die when a maniac was on the loose. Not even an assassin.
"Right," Hylas sighed, nodding as he shouldered past overgrown shrubs and low-hanging branches. He was grateful for the prince's neutral response; it reassured him in some way. There wasn't much room for anything personal, and it proved to him his previous beliefs. But nevertheless, something inside him still ached to be seen and known, however delicately. He had never understood that silent hunger that pestered him, always begging for the lingering touch of a shopkeeper passing him his change— or even to hold the gaze of a bright-eyed stranger for a moment longer. Years had been lived with the slightest bit of unbloodied connection, and Hylas hadn't a clue as to what a man like him was allowed to want. Even the simplest thing as a conversation, or dancing for a moment— that was the case at the ball —was a semipleasant pain that he found he had a taste for. Such a surreal feeling, it was, to be wholly perceived by another, rather than the customary passing glance. So curious to hear words addressed to him; for him after their previous conflicts.
"Of course. I…" He began, searching for words to say, "…Agree. I was a part of this before you were involved, regretfully. And so perhaps it would be wise of me to…disappear when the time's right." That is, if we live to see the day. "I do want to help, you understand. It's just that most would say I'm better suited for the gallows," He said with a worried laugh and a gentle frown. Dying— failure was a thing of his nightmares. Or rather, death was. Surrounding him even when he laid to rest at night, all the sounds and flashes of red would bleed into his sleep; all that woke him trembling and terror-struck. "That's not to say that they're wrong, but–"
Cas stopped in his tracks. He turned around on the spot and held a hand up to stop the other from talking. There was a slight frown on his face, barely noticeable but it was there, "Stop. I don't care what you're better suited for. I don't care what the hell your past is right now. Hells, you could be the gods damned Raven and right now it wouldn't matter." He lowered his hand, releasing a breath through his nose, "Right now our priority is alerting the Allies, gathering troops, forming a plan and defeating the man that threatens both of our existences."
This was not a time to be dwelling on where they had come from. What their pasts were. What they had done. It was a time to move past it and defeat the bigger enemy. They were both part of this world and whether they thought they deserved to be here or not, it didn't matter. Cas knew there were bigger things to worry about. Hylas shouldn't be worried about where he should be, but where he was. And that was stuck with him trying to help Cas pull together an army that would be strong enough to defeat Zaros. He wouldn't admit it, but Cas was damned sure they were going to lose before the war had even officially started. He would never admit it out loud, but he definitely thought it.
"You're a part of this now, whether you want to help or otherwise." The prince turned back around and continued to walk, "After this is over we can go our separate ways and you can get back to murdering until you get caught."
Hylas was taken aback at the prince's assertive reply, almost entirely expecting him to dismiss his remark. Too stunned to speak, he watched with a fixed expression as Cas voiced his thoughts. His words were firm, and though there was a hint of uncertainty, they were spoken as if they were facts. And because of this realization, he couldn't help lingering over one of the first things he said. I don't care what your past is, right now, And then: You could be the Raven, and right now it wouldn't matter. All his life, the guilt of what he did had fed him promises of shame and condemnation if anyone grasped the severity of his actions, but here was a feverish disregard coming from the one man he was sure would've been horrified to learn what he'd done. He might've even been touched, had the prince's next words been of a topic other than his responsibility as a travelling asset. Though, after a pause, he'd forgotten the prince's remark about his alias, and Hylas opened his mouth to speak, only to find Cas turning back to the forest ahead. …Back to murdering, until you get caught… It prompted a quiet, heavy shift within his gaze, and he found himself staring off into the greenery as he remained silent, considering the prince's words. Is that what would he have to do? Still? Sparing a prince to save the people; to kill others in war only to kill again on his return. Again and again, until he would be caught and executed, or until had enough to stop for good and to live a peaceful life. That is, if he still wanted to stay alive. Hylas was so tired; always so tired. All he'd ever known was this struggle to survive, and giving up was never something he could wholly consider for himself. But this war— this path he'd chosen could change that. "You say that…like…I want to," He quietly stated, letting out a weary sigh and keeping his gaze low to the ground as they walked, "You know I'm only in this because I wanted to stop. You were supposed to be my last."
Cas considered Hylas' words, not looking back as they trudged through the undergrowth. It made sense, in a way. He was a prince, the bounty on his head must be high, especially one of a kingdom so sort after to be destroyed these days. He knew that the prince for his body would have been enough to sustain Hylas for the rest of his life. To live one of comfort and security and to forget about the dreadful things he'd done. Had he had gone through with that task. Now he was to help defeat the man who had sanctioned his own death. It made him want to scream. Nothing in this world had ever been straightforward, for either of them, it seemed. Always something had to come up, interfere, change future plans. Cas knew he was never meant to be king. Aeron had always been heir, then Arin and then him. However had Aeron been alive, had he married, he never would have been in line for the throne. And he had been happy with that. With knowing his place wasn't to rule but to help in ways he could. After the war, nothing had been the same. And there was to be another that might leave Eirus with no king, no future heir, and a leader who was planning on destroying everything he had ever fought for, "Maybe it would have been better for you to have killed me, then. You could have lived a life of peace for a while, for as long as you could have. Might have been better then being dragged into this war earlier then you needed to be." The prince knew he could always just let Hylas go. However the assassin had expressed that he wanted to help. Something Cas still found baffling and was grateful for, silently, but he was still grateful nonetheless.
Hylas let out another sigh, nodding to himself as he stepped over fallen trees and moss-covered rocks. "I'm sorry to say that…that was my initial plan," He replied, suddenly aware of the shifting silence of the forest surrounding; quiet birdsong and the sound of running stream nearby. It was these sounds— this hesitant peace that he was meant to live with after the ball. After a few days of arrangement and keeping a low profile, he would have received that final payment, and everything would've fallen into place. "But you know how I feel about what's coming; what will happen," Hylas said, glancing up at him, "I don't want another war. I don't want people to suffer. And since I've found myself in a position to change that…I suppose I should do what I can for Mavadora." As much as Hylas ached to speak his mind, it stung, to say that out loud. Speaking his mind had seemed to easy at the ball, as he could hide behind a mask, in both a figurative and literal sense; the masquerade of someone noble, sure of himself and his own position in the world. But now that they were alone, and Cas was somehow prompting such answers out of him, Hylas felt like he was on his way of breaking down and saying— perhaps speaking too truthfully of what he felt. A dangerous game, for someone who feared exposing themselves in a moment of their lowered guard. "But anyway, it doesn't matter what I could've done. I'm here now, aren't I? And— Hmm. Let's just say I've questioned my own intentions thoroughly enough."
"I've gathered that." The prince mumbled. There were questions he wanted to ask, about Hylas. More about where he was from, how he got into the life he did, if he had ever enjoyed it. The last thought made him almost grimace. When it had been Cas, out on that battlefield so long ago, taking lives, he had never enjoyed it. Never wanted to do so. He'd met people in his time, people who had enjoyed killing, who did it for the fun of it, the thrill. It made him sick to think about. After the reaction that Hylas had had when he had begged for his life, he wondered if it hadn't been the first time he'd hesitated. Wondered if others had begged the same way but not receive the mercy that he had. The prince knew he should thank Hylas for that, for the help he was offering, even if, really, he didn't have a choice in the matter. Their lives were so opposite of each other. Hylas came from a world where he had to fight every day to survive, kill for it, for his own kind of freedom. And Cas? He'd had everything handed to him since he was a child. As he got older things had changed, yes, but he didn't know what it was like to be in Hylas' position. He didn't know if he wanted to find out. A silence settled over the two of them, not uncomfortable but there was a thickness to the air that shouldn't have been present. The rive bubbled to the side, quiet and undisturbed by them, as was the bird song. There was no sign of any other human or magical life, just the wilderness and the sound of the earth churning beneath their feet as they walked.
Hylas let out a quiet breath as their speaking slowed to a halt, feeling as if somehow, the words spoken were slowly settling within them. Was that a good thing? So much of his life had been spent trying to escape; to turn his gaze away from the truth of what he was doing, and having time to consider such things was dangerous. "What will you do, when the storm settles, and all you see is bloody and barren?" The last words of a crooked priestess had haunted him for years. Struggling, trying to wrestle from his grip as he pressed his dagger closer, the priestess had seen right through him; all his sins and terrible deeds. She had gazed further into the future and had presented him with that which he was afraid to answer. Because to Hylas, quiet could be violent, and he feared the calm; the silence after an end of something— someone. It terrified him, as many things did, and he had taken care to make sure she was the last priestess or prophet he had ever slain.
From that, and on a few other occasions, Hylas had learned the value of silence. Though silence, in most of his assignments worked in his favour. It was what he was known for, after all. The fact that no one had ever heard, seen or witnessed an attack from the Raven had bestowed a shared concern across the continents, of a killer as silent and unknowable as the Gods themselves. The story of the famed poacher killed as his mistress slept beside him was likely the first to strike a heavy fear into the people. For even they began to fear the common stillness of laying to rest. It was a gentle terror, for Hylas, and even though his worries were hushed as they walked through the forest, he could not help but wish for something to do with his hands, something to distract him.
Soon after, as if it heard him, a bird flew overhead, cawing as it cast a faint shadow over the path. Hylas looked skyward and shielded his eyes as he peered up at the raven. "Hang on," He said, walking past Cas and stepping into the sunlight of a wide clearing up ahead. He whistled, calling for it, and after a long moment, the huge bird found its way through the trees and onto his outstretched arm. "Hello," Hylas said in a quiet greeting, smiling as he paused to feed it some crumbs from his pocket.
Cas couldn't help but raise a brow as the other passed him. He squinted a little at the new found sunlight, leaning against a tree nearby as he watched the assassin call for the bird then climb onto his arm. The prince peeled himself off the tree to tread towards Hylas and the bird, "I take it you have a skill for attracting animals? Or is this a newfound thing?" He asked. Cas came to a stop beside the other male, tilting his head up at him for a moment before he returned his eyes to the bird on his arm, "Think you could train it to deliver the message to the king? Would probably be safer then a messenger." It would be a lot safer. He knew it wasn't a possibility, knew they would have to trust that someone could get the message to his father without the information getting out to the general population, to other kingdoms. To Zaros himself. They didn't have any other options at this point, much to Cas' dismay. Usually he would have other people to talk to, more people than just him and his assassin. It was a hard situation to be in, for the both of them. But looking at the bird, at how innocent and free it was, Cas hoped that maybe one day everyone could be like that raven. A hard goal and hope that probably wouldn't happen in his time, but maybe one that could potentially happen some day.
Hylas glanced at Cas as he made his way over, almost smiling as he shook his head. "I'm afraid not. This raven here has been by my side for years," He said, combing a gentle hand over its sleek feathers and recalling the first days of the whispers and far rumours of him— a killer who left behind black feathers as a sign of his visit. What began as a simple signature for clients had become an identity for him: one that he quickly embraced and fought to protect. 'The Raven; the coldest of all men. So silent in the night, not even light from the moon could bear witness to his work in the shadows. So willing to spill blood, with fervent gloves of stained crimson.' Hylas glanced worriedly at Cas in a fleeting look, suddenly wondering if he had put two and two together. If he doesn't catch on, how shall I tell him? Hylas asked himself, afraid of the coldness and shock that Cas would express. Should I tell him? "…That is what I've trained him to do," He said, tearing his gaze away from Cas, wishing to spare himself the sight of the prince's understanding, "For…clients and contracts, you understand. I can't— couldn't risk a meeting. And yes, as you've said, it's safer." Ravens were much smarter than any other common messenger bird, and Hylas couldn't trust a person to travel over land and sea carrying such sensitive information. He had befriended the thing as a young man, feeding it seeds and crumbs; taking care of it before it could even fly. Before, he had taken to killing any animal he saw for food, but as he saw that chick fighting to make its way out of its fallen nest, he felt a profound sense of equivalence. Here was Hylas, alone and fighting to keep himself alive. And here was the raven, the Raven, twitching away from the rest of his motionless family, out into the cold, sweeping world.
"Usually they're hunted for sport, like most other birds are." Cas crossed his arms over his chest, looking at the bird with a studying eye. It was then that it hit him. A raven. He knew the stories, knew to watch out the The Raven as soon as he became a well known assassin. Knew that one day someone would send him after his family or him or some other political figure in his court. It hadn't hit him until then. Maybe because the compassion that Hylas had shown thus far went against anything he knew about the assassin. All the stories about the man who never left a witness, never failed a job. Always completed what he was set out to do. Merciless. Deadly. With no care about other human life, who he was killing. As silent as the Gods were. No one had ever made it out alive from what he knew. He was, to his knowledge, the only person to ever be spared by this man. The ruthless killer so quick to kill. The man that was now helping him save his kingdom and so many others, "You-" The prince couldn't even get the words out. Hylas was The Raven, no doubt about that. He couldn't help but take a step backwards. He hadn't trusted the man to begin with but now he really didn't trust him. What were the chances he was still working with this Zaros? That it was all some big ploy to learn his plans and then kill him? If so he was a very good actor he'd give Hylas that but the realization hit like a tidal wave. How could The Raven help a prince? There was a large price on Hylas' head. The biggest. To bring him in, to save so many lives if they were to survive this war… Cas pushed those thoughts away. There were bigger problems, more pressing matters then bringing in The Raven.
Hylas' gaze followed Cas as he took a step back, wearing a gentle but anxious look. So he did understand. And of course, he was quietly horrified. He had a right to be. A part of Hylas had wished they'd gone longer without bearing such a silent confession, but he knew that keeping this from Cas would only drive him further away. And at this thought, he almost frowned. Why did he care if the prince came to hate him? The only thing between them was their will to save the continent, and perhaps those fleeting looks between the words they spoke. Those looks that he ached to hold, all while tearing his care away. But why did Cas's reaction prompt such concern from Hylas? There was shame, guilt, and so much of this hopeful dread he had carried since meeting Cas. Wishing for words of amnesty, and fearing the judgement held in the green eyes of the prince; he could hardly bear to meet such a gaze. "Yes," He finally said, standing still in the dusty sunbeams that poured through the foliage, "I am." It was all he could think to say, with clouded thoughts of the man before him. The raven perched on his forearm glanced idly around the greenery, the only thing keeping the moment from feeling like a delicate nightmare soon to be forgotten. Hylas knew the look on Cas's face would be one he would always remember; the gently raised and hesitant turn of his expression was filled with betrayal as Hylas waited for him to move; to speak, or run, or to even strike him if his anger was stirred. Every shift and movement was taken into thought; the soft twitch of a frown, the nervous withdraw of his posture as he faced him. He had spent years watching people shift their feelings into expressions and further into actions, and though it had bled into his hypervigilance, it was still hard for him to understand how a normal person would react to such a confession. "Are you…angry?" He quietly asked, still watchful of the prince's movements.
The prince was silent for a moment, simply just looking at the man in front of him. A dry laugh spilled past the prince's lips as he shook his head, more to himself than to Hylas, running his hand through his brown, messing up the unkempt locks further, "Quite frankly I do not know how I feel." He said, looking away from The Raven and to the sky above. Why couldn't anything be simple these days? Cas bit his lip, turning his head back to Hylas, "I should kill you where you stand, you know?" He said, nodding to the assassin and his silent companion. Should was the key word. He should kill him. Should bring his head or his body back to Eirus, show everyone that finally the man that had terrorized kingdom after kingdom for years was finally gone. They didn't have to live in fear of him anymore. But… He wasn't going to. As much as he didn't want anything to do with Hylas in fear of losing his own life to the man, he needed him. He wouldn't get that latter to his father without him. And his skill set was valuable in this situation. Extremely so. He couldn't just kill him now. And after everything they had spoken about so far, about Hylas wanting to help his continent, to help him take down Zaros. Cas couldn't just forget all that. Killing him now would be too hard. The prince didn't think he could even commit the act. The guilt would be too unbearable. Hylas might have been a killer, but he clearly had at least some morals left in him. If he didn't, Cas wouldn't be standing in the field with the sun blazing down on the both of them contemplating all of this. It was a lot to take in, he wouldn't doubt that, but as he watched the subtle rustle of the raven's wings, the look on Hylas' face and took in that quiet tone he would never had thought would come from an assassin, he couldn't kill him, "But I won't."
Of course he wouldn't kill him. But he might try. It was doubtful; a clouded thing to consider. Even though the prince was without a weapon, Hylas knew he couldn't underestimate the hatred of someone as powerful as a prince. His life was built on the health and safety of people, and Hylas had been the one taking that from him. The Raven killings had seemed like a plague spreading over the continents, and Hylas was forced to take responsibility now. He nodded softly in understanding, biting his lip for a moment. "You should," He said, without thinking. It might've been a righteous sight, though; his execution; something he almost fantasized about. For the faintest moment, he had wondered how things might change if he let him do it; pretending not to notice a hand reaching for his dagger at his side, moving slowly and hardly putting up a fight as the prince dragged the blade across his neck and avenged all who were slaughtered in the very same way. "I mean—" He quickly began, pulling his thoughts away from what the prince should've been planning at that moment, "I'm sorry." Reading the expression on his face, he knew that wasn't perhaps the thing he wanted to hear. Perhaps I shouldn't have spoken at all, he thought, though slowly recalled the folk tale he overheard once as a child; of a knight too fearful of his own outspoken confession. "Is it better to speak, or die?" He had chosen to speak, today, stepping out of the silence that seemed to suffocate every waking moment of life since he was a boy. A long moment passed, and the raven on his arm shuffled on its makeshift branch. "I'm…I don't like it either, that's what I'm trying to say. I'm sure you've seen how I'm not good with words, I…" He took a breath, painfully trying to meet Cas's heavy gaze, "I never have been. But I'm sorry— and I'm trying." With a few gentle nods, he spoke with the softest look of worry, leading himself through an unfamiliar river of honesty. "For you. For everything you want from me— or want to know about me, I can at least try to explain."
Explanations from lesser parties didn't win wars. Cas knew they were wasting time standing here, Hylas' guilt radiating off him like some sort of magic-induced plague. If Cas was being honest with himself he didn't care, didn't want to know more about Hylas and perhaps why he does all those heinous acts. A part of him was curious, yes, but he wasn't going to let that cloud his thoughts now. Later, he would discuss more about this predicament later, "We're wasting daylight." He said, tearing his gaze away from the assassin that stood before him, "We have to keep moving or we'll never get to Valthea." There was a bubbling anger in him, a feeling his pushed down, down, down until he had his emotions under control, his expression becoming unreadable as he moved to once again follow the path they were on. "Your kingdom comes first, Caspian," His father had always said, "You must protect your people at any cost." Keeping someone alive when they had committed such crimes against not only his people, but others as well, was playing a game he had no will to play in. However, Zaros was the bigger threat, the more important threat. He'd envisioned the day that The Raven came to justice countless times, after every new murder, planning the ways he would make him pay for what he had done to so many. But when it came down to it, Cas deep down knew he couldn't kill Hylas, even if he tried to convince himself he could. If he had to, yes, out of necessity, yes, but to strike him where he stood right now? No, he wouldn't, couldn't do it. Maybe after this war was over they could straighten things out a different way, perhaps, but in the present moment the prince couldn't let thoughts of revenge and justice, no matter how much he might deserve it, cloud his judgement.
Hylas almost raised his eyebrows at the prince's immediate response. He'd expected an impassioned speech on how vile and horrifying this truth was to him, but instead, he received something like a controlled observation. Very royal of him. Rage gave way to numbness, he'd learned, from watching drunkards go from brawling to weeping in a matter of minutes. And that was the path Cas was going down, it seemed. He just hoped it wouldn't lead to him breaking down, for he'd noticed the feverish glances from beneath his mask at the ball and then at the safehouse, and then especially when they ran into the bandits back up on the main path. Anger turned into something fearful for the prince, Hylas was beginning to realize. "…Yes. We should…keep heading south." His words stumbled in tone, just coming off of his reclusive statement. His attention was brought to his raven and he brought his arm closer to his collarbone, letting the bird move onto his shoulder as he followed after Cas. He could tell just from his posture that there was a heavy conflict within him; those tense shoulders straining to correct themselves into an attitude of confidence. But what he didn't know was what people typically wanted— or needed, in moments like this. Would it help if he went along with what felt like small talk? Should they speak at all? Should Hylas be the one to say something else? It was vexing. He had hardly ever considered the current feelings of someone, or rather, someone whose life wasn't about to be ended, and heavily wondered if so much thought was normal for a stranger. After a few beats of silence and their crunching footsteps, he spoke, "We'll make it to the border a little after sundown, at which time we should stop for the night."
Cas nodded silently. He didn't quite know what to say anymore. This new realisation shouldn't have changed his view on Hylas as much as it had. Raven or not he was still an assassin and therefor guilty of murder no matter what. But the serious of his crimes was put into perspective with the newfound knowledge of his true identity. He new it was obvious there was a mini war raging inside him, knew that Hylas could probably tell, after all he had to know when a person shifted in stance or emotion, it was part of his job. Masking his emotions had never been a challenge among idiots. But Hylas was no idiot, and even though he tried his best, it was clear how he was truly feeling. Personal feelings aside they had a job to do, they were stuck with each other for the time being since Cas had no intention of striking Hylas down in the present moment. He released a sigh through his nose, scanning the surrounding area as they walked. The sun was nearing midday by now, they were lucky to have set off when they did with all their current set backs. Making it to the border wouldn't be difficult. There were far enough away from the main road by now to be hidden from any prying eyes. There was a slim chance of hunters, the forest becoming far too dense to hunt easily and swiftly by now. A blessing, Cas supposed. Side-eyeing Hylas, he spoke again, "Do you know of any safe shelter out here? A cave or something similar?"
Hylas let out a thoughtful sigh, casting a long glance up and around them as they walked through the trees. They were still headed south, but a little further west were the mountains that fathered nearly all the springs and rivers through Valthea. "The further south we go, the warmer it'll get," Hylas stated, choosing to focus on orientating them and hoping to move past the quiet tension between them, "It hardly ever gets cold in Valthea; save for the solstice rain in summer and what we call our winter; more rain." He took another look up above them, squinting up at the bright blue canopy of sky peeking through breaks in the foliage, cloudless and clear. "It doesn't seem like rain is going to be a problem for us, though; there are hardly any clouds. And these woods are fairly clear of creatures." He'd learned this many years ago, moving across the land with hardly two knives to protect himself with. He was trying to determine the safest and quietest place to settle, once he stopped working; somewhere far from the people and beasts that threatened him. "But the mountains—" Hylas said, nodding at the distant outlines of cloudy peaks, "The mountains taper off roughly in these parts, and there are quite a few hollows and incurves." Another sigh. But how could I forget? He hardly ever took the southwest route. "But…if we do head that way, we may have to pass through a village to get to the safehouse." Crowen; the smallest town in the Valthean countryside, Hylas figured. As much as he hated passing through the same place more than once, there was a quiet fondness he held for the place. The lone bakery with its crooked chimney, the blacksmith who sharpened his blades for free, the wide, dusty path that no traveller had bothered to walk down. But most of all, he was fond of the children— some living together without homes —who knew him as 'the sir' who always had coins to spare. "—It's small. Terribly small. And quiet. I don't suppose news has reached them; news hardly does. And not a soul would recognize you, even if they heard."
