Hylas nodded slowly and without a spoken reply, swallowing the last morsel of meat with a sigh of satisfaction. Now he could rest a little easier, knowing food was no longer an issue for the night. The prince's plan was giving him away; uncertainty bleeding through his gaze fixed on the drawings in the dirt. But Hylas reckoned he was used to being so thorough. "Would it not be…a bigger risk to try making our way back through the woods, on foot to Eirus? If by wild chance word gets out before you're protected in the palace, I would wager that they'd flock to the woods and, well, catch us." He turned for his water flask, shrugging as he took a much-needed drink. The cool water burned away the drought in his throat, and sweet relief made itself known. "If the court arranges, say, 'an important matter' with a Valthean general or some sort, it would allow you an empty carriage to meets us someplace close to the safehouse. You might be brought back sooner, and hidden for a while longer. Zaros'…bandits wouldn't try anything with royal guards; it would only complicate things and raise the king's suspicion." With another shrug, he passed the flask to Cas, "But if you feel as if risking a two-day journey back to the palace is our best plan, I suppose that's what we might do." Truthfully, the idea didn't sit well with him. They would be too vulnerable; running the risk of more encounters on the road, not to mention those in the border town that had since heard of his disappearance. Again at the circling thought of Cas, Hylas moved his gaze away, "Our priority right now is getting you safely to the palace; without letting anyone know you're alive."
Cas took the flask gently, taking a swig before handing it back to Hylas. He had a point, but Cas knew his father as well as he knew himself, “Father wouldn’t risk his own life for mine,” He said, “If he knows what’s going on he can take control of the fight with or without me, it makes more sense for us to go to him, not the other way around.” As much as he valued the love his father gave him, Cas knew that when it came down to it, he wouldn’t risk his life for his, “Even so, the more kingdom’s who know about the war in the present moment the more at risk we are to losing,” He continued, resting his head against the wall behind him, “If Zaros has spies all over the continent and he finds out multiple kingdoms are readying for war, he will know that I’m alive and you didn’t kill me, we’re at higher risk if that happens.” One letter sent to his father wouldn’t rise suspicion. Planning for war would take time, at least long enough for him to get back home by then before they alert other kingdoms. Zaros wouldn’t move so early, not without the witches at his side. He’d convince them, then move north, by that point, they would be ready and it wouldn’t matter if he found out the two of them were alive, “If word gets out the king of Eirus is setting up a meeting then well… we might as well forfeit.” He’d been in war long enough to know these things, and his father knew them even more then he did. For Cas, this was the only logical way, even though he felt a little queasy about the situation, that was how it must be.
Hylas took back the flask with a sigh, setting it down beside him and turning back to Cas, nodding slowly. "Then we'll stick with your plan," he finally agreed, letting out a breathy laugh as he shook his head, wearing the faintest of his unknowing smiles. The prince had all the answers, it seemed, and though Hylas would never admit it; he was almost in awe of how quickly he pointed out flaws and vulnerabilities in what was proposed. But he could never tell him he was right. No. That would certainly give him away. "Though, still, the thought of taking another trip through the forest and that town at the edge of Eirus worries me," he told him, quietly remembering to fill the silence he left between them. With a journey that long, Cas would have to carry a weapon. Though Hylas was warming up to the idea, he still hesitated at the image of Cas seizing that moment of diverted attention. The quietest reminder made him sick. The light of the moon catching that long, flat steel as Cas' strong hands sank the blade into him; a hoarse gasp leaving Hylas' lips as blood spilled from the wound of trust. Not even a prince could abstain from the seductive draws of revenge, and he knew it was only a matter of time before Cas would turn on him. At least I'll be useful before then. He'd never felt useful; only made things worse for the people of the world. A consolable thought once told him it was a good thing; the killing, no one had ever— or could ever do what he had done with the crooked men across the continents. But the guilt was too loud; growing so deafening as Hylas carried out the ceaseless bloodshed. He shook the blurry thought aside, thinking back to the plan. "And we ought to find a way in without anyone seeing us. Perhaps the servants' entrance?"
Cas studied Hylas' face as he spoke, taking in the barest hint of a smile, scanning those dark eyes that held so much mystery behind them. For a fleeting moment, Cas thought he might get lost in those eyes given the chance, figure out the secrets that Hylas held so close. It was quickly replaced by the reminder that they wouldn't just be able to walk through the front doors of the castle like nothing had gone wrong and there wasn't a plot to overthrow the kingdoms of his beloved continent, "There is a back entrance," He said, picking him his stick once more to draw a very quick - and very bad - drawing of the outskirts of the castle, "If we head up the western side of the castle, skirt our way around the town, we'll be able to make it to the servant quarters." He said, drawing a line for the path he spoke of, "They've got a small garden we can go through, too, lots of cover from trees so hopefully we won't be seen by any prying eyes. If we make it back by dusk there shouldn't be many people around, anyway so we can get in without others being altered of our presence before we see my father." It was an entrance he'd used a thousand times to sneak in and out of the castle undetected, and luckily lost of the servants liked him, so there was no fear on that part. Most of the outskirts of the castle were covered by forest and large gardens. If Zaros did have any spies, they would have to be very well trained. Even so, Cas suspected they'd be watching the main entrance like hawks, possibly maybe even the back entrance, too. The servant entrance was hidden enough that Cas had little fear of them getting caught.
Hylas nodded, tilting his head to the side as he peered down at Cas' rough scrawl. Western side. Dusk, he silently told himself, almost wincing as he thought back to the previous night. He had gone for the stables, knowing there would only be a few guards to take care of before he 'borrowed' a horse. That side of the palace had been fairly quiet as he made his leave, and he reckoned— or rather; prayed, that the guard rotation wouldn't change. "That shouldn't be a problem," he sighed, rubbing his tired eyes as he watched the flickering light of the fire, "Palace guards are incompetent, anyway. And any of Zaros' spies stupid enough to come near the capitol in a time like this will be sure to regret it." Hylas huffed a breathy laugh, shaking his head as he acknowledged his current exhaustion. His body ached desperately for sleep; with burning calves, stiff shoulders, his whole figure nearly trembling with fatigue. And as much as he craved the black waters of sleep, his stomach held the cold, dreaded promise of twisted dreams. How could he bear to let the prince witness such a thing? The future king of Eirus in the company of the former adversary of the continent, seeing the pathetic weakness that gripped him in guardless sleep. The was nothing to be done about the shameful jolts of terror that pulled his from rest, and all he could do was pray that he might be quiet enough not to wake Cas. "When you write to the king," Hylas said, feeling his voice drop into a weary rasp. He took another drink from the flask, swallowing roughly. "Tell him to call off any guards keeping watch for the servant's entrance that night. No one can know you're alive but him. That is, until you devise a plan to move forward."
The prince wasn't an idiot, he liked to think he was far from it. He noted the weary eyes, drooped shoulders and the tiredness that laced Hylas' voice every moment he spoke. We both need sleep. He thought, breathing a heavy sigh though his nose. As sleep called to Hylas, it called to Cas, too. He was used to late nights and tired eyes but the emotional burden that he now had to carry was too much, and the weight that now rested on his shoulders that made them sag ever so slightly made the prince feel like the load was ten times heavier then what he had originally thought, "I'll keep that in mind for when I write it," He replied, running a hand through his hair. A silence filled the air between them before Cas spoke again. One that wasn't uncomfortable but then again, Cas knew they were both too tired to really care by now. Even if the thought of running had crossed his mind earlier in the day, sitting here, discussing plans, and how much he craved sleep was enough to thoroughly dismiss any plans he might have had. Running in the dark was even more dangerous then leaving in the day. Cas knew as well that even if he did Hylas would find him if he so wished. After all, the skill set he possessed left no room for doubt. But even as his body screamed at him to sleep Cas wondered if when he finally closed his eyes he would even be able to sleep. The sweet release he so desperately wanted and needed might be just too far out of his grasp once he was alone with his thoughts with no one to voice them to. thought after thought, plan after plan would swirl though his head like tidal waves. If it happened at home when he was somewhere safe, there would be no escape here. He just prayed he was tired enough that he would knock himself out as soon as he laid down, "We should rest. There's going to be a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
Hylas's eyes were twitching to stay open, and with a sigh of relief he nodded in agreement. "Hmm. And we're leaving at first light." Shifting where he sat, he rested his head on a mossy ledge of rock, feeling a sudden wave of tinging exhaustion spill over him. "Don't worry about the fire…" He sighed, taking a deep breath of the forest air mingling with sweet burning wood, soon to be smoldering in quiet embers. He didn't bother laying down; it wouldn't only be more of a struggle to rise if something happened in the night. Hylas had learned to will himself into falling asleep in any setting and in any way, out of stark need and as an effort to avoid the terrors waiting in his dreams. Eyes closed, he lazily prayed for a dreamless sleep, and to wake up in a world with the prince still in company. He'd be a fool to try escaping now…after a restless day of travelling…and nowhere to… Hmm. What was I saying? Something…about the fire? "It'll…burn itself out. And we'll be…okay." Through his cloudy thoughts, he was reminded of all the years he spent in the forests far and near, foraging and sleeping under the great green cloak of trees. Yes— here was the dying heat of the campfire. Here was the gentle song of crickets in the brush; all the songbird gone to their nests. And here was the soft rush of the flowing river nearby; a countryman's lullabye. "We'll be just…fine." The dizzying warmth of the early Valthean spring soothed his thoughts into a worriless stream, and he fell into the sultry darkness of sleep.
There was something in the trees. Or was it a pack of them? No, no-no-no, please. Hylas could hear the rattling breaths circling the clearing in a darkness so unforgiving that it was no different than the sights of closed eyes. Where was the moonlight? He looked up, and was met with nothing but the same ink-black screen that hid the creatures. They're everywhere. His breaths came out as shaky gasps, and he pressed a small, trembling hand over his mouth. The other hand scrambled for his little blade, stolen from a butchers shop and once sharp enough to cut through the fabric of a hankerchief. Now it was all but a dull dinner knife in his little hands, outstretched in a quivering defence. Oh— Please. Get it away— get them all away. They were growing closer, and hylas tried in all his desperation to sit still, the rapid breaths slipping in and out of his pressing hand. "HhhhHH-h— eeEELLpp m-M-MmeEe…" A low moan of distortion spilled through the grass; a raspy, slow, and drawn out scream of a woman caught in the throat of a beast. That's not a person. That's not a person. That's not— Timid steps crunched the tallgrass and twigs snapped in a nauseating symphony of convergence. All at once, the claws and hot teeth leapt at him, and the strangled cries beneath his flailing blade were soundless.
Cas let himself lay down, hands under his head for some support as he faced the fire. Yes, everything will be fine. He let his eyes close, drowning in exhaustion. His thoughts turned to home as he listened to the crackling of the fire start to disappear into the distance. The warm bed, sunlight streaming through his windows, the mess that he called his chambers. A part of him wondered how peaceful it would be in the palace right this moment. Wandering the empty halls with nothing but the light of a torch to accompany him before he finally decided to head back to his room to sleep. It was a strange feeling, being so far away from home, to crave it but knowing that he wouldn't, couldn't go back, not yet. Maybe in another life where he hadn't been born into royalty he could enjoy nights like these. Warm with the faintest hint of wind and listening out for any signs of life even if most had gone to sleep. A peaceful, quiet life away from all this madness. The fire was quick to dim out, leaving nothing but the faintest golden glow and the two men in the light of the moon, hidden away and out of sight from any prying eyes. Sleep was quick to over take Cas not long after those thoughts. He knew that after the events of the past day his body needed to regain its strength, and staying up overthinking about the days to come wasn't going to help him. It was a dreamless slumber, some might have called it a blessing rather than to be plagued by nightmares or dreams of home and a life so far out of reach. Cas had no complaints about this, even if he did it wouldn't matter, anyway. 'Why do you desire such a life when you have everything you will ever need here?' his father had often asked him. Octain had never understood his son's want for a normal life, and Cas knew he never would. Even if he loved his father dearly, he never truly understood him.
(oop i thought the king was Octian?)
Hylas jolted up with a fererish gasp, flinching once at the sensation of grass benath him and a second time when his gaze landed on the figure lying still. For a sick moment he was still in the nightmare; trembling in a forest at dusk with panic and the scent of blood still holding him hostage. It's the prince. Just the prince. He's alive. I'm alive. We're outside. Yes. He fought for breath, and every attempt to stay quiet cought a lungful of sharp air on it's way out, pulling muffled coughs from his chest as he stood to move away from the cave. "Gods." Hylas breathed into the night, bracing a trembling hand against the cool, jagged rock as he steadied his breathing, blinking hard at the ghostly puffs of white breath in the dark. The pounding of his heart eased as he grounded himself back in the mirrored forest-world of the dream. His mind was cruel for thinking of the attack while he was out in the open like this; hearing the echoes of snarls and screams spilling through the tallgrass. Only the river could comfort him now; as it always did when he woke terrorized in the night. I just want to sleep, he wearily thought to himself. The gentle rush of water called to him, and Hylas glanced to the shadowy break in the bushes, questioning if he should stay or go.
(Whoops, that's my bad and crap memory, sorry about that. i'll change it now)
The prince did not wake to the sound of Hylas clawing to stay quiet and moving off gently through the bushes to the stream in the distance. He only rolled over and stayed sound asleep in the dream world he was in. Distance figures of people dancing and laughing mixed with the disturbing shallow voices of those long gone. Friends, family, those who passed in the last war. His fears of this war becoming like the last. He knew, even through his dreams, that it would. Ultimately there would be more bloodshed, more lives of innocents lost to the cause. His mother, his brothers, had died for nothing if they didn't win this war, if he didn't take up the mantle as king. What were they thinking now? Looking down on their son and younger brother so filled with shame and guilt over their passing, to not have time to grieve them as much as they'd liked before he'd downed himself in becoming the best man he could be, for them. He knew that deep down, he could have done better, tried harder, and seeing their faces in dreams even if blurred and distant was enough to bring those feelings back to light.
(np!)
Hylas wandered blindly through the uneven break in the trees, silently grateful for the moonlight spilling through the leaves, and the prince's wakeless resting in the warm cave. Between the hurried thoughts he muttered a half-hearted prayer of thanks. The assassin had been spared of a demeaning exchange, and it was some small relief to think of as he made his way to the stream. Only a dream, he reminded himself, shaking his head when his surroundings started to twist into creeping familiarity. But he wasn't dreaming now, no. No. I'm awake now. Awake. Breaths left his mouth in curls of ghostly smoke, and he looked hard at the soft movement beyond the trees, a tide of relief pleasantly crashing over him. The river, hemmed with stripes of moonlight welcomed him to its dark shore. Hylas stepped over the last of the gnarled roots and settled down at the foot of a river birch with a heavy breath. Safe. I'm safe; a poor man's hymn. With eyes squeezed shut, he had become a soldier plucked from battle, trying to ignore the shrieking echoes of a night that would never leave his mind. Shoulders stiff, hands cold, and breathing shallow under the navy cloak of dusk, all worries of Cas waking up alone in the cave escaped him. Any thought of danger could not be heard. Safe, Hylas. You're safe. The heavy whispers of the flowing stream writhed through his thoughts like an earthworm, pressing through the dark matter to finally grant him rest.
What was left of the night past peacefully. The quiet of the night keeping Cas asleep. His dreams had passed, leaving his mind blank in peaceful sleep. He hadn't stirred once after Hylas had left, unaware that the assassin had moved off out of the cave and to the side of the gentle river. A warm breeze brewed, slowly building as the sun began to paint the sky in orange and yellow and pink. Birds began their songs once more, waking to feed themselves and their young. Had the imminent threat of war not been on their doorstep, Cas might have been glad to have woken up in a place such as this. Sunlight dancing through the bushes, the sound of the river not far off and gentle noises from birds and other life. It was a different life out here, one not plagued by the troubles of war and death. The life here was oblivious to what was about to grace their lands. Cas stirred not long after the sun began to rise over the horizon, blinking away any sleep that was left in him. He rose, groaning as he stretched his neck from sleeping on the hard, stone floor. Yawning, he took a look around the cave, only to become fully awake when Hylas was missing. He wouldn't… would he? He doubted the assassin had left in the middle of the night but… He is an assassin. Cas stood, looking around to the back of the cave. Still no sign of Hylas. Moving out of the cave, he was quick to assess the surroundings, looking for any sign that he might have gone off to find food, anything that he might be close by. Nothing. The sound of leaves crunched under foot as he moved further into the trees, not wandering too far from the cave unless Hylas came back, "Hylas?!" He called, spinning on the spot, "HYLAS?!"
A great yell gripped Hylas' shoulders and shocked him into consciousness. His hand flew to his dagger, but he hesitated. He had only ever heard his name in the mouths of his parents; in the mouths of their memory. Another dream? No, it couldn't be. It was too light, and— Saints! I overslept. The sun is already arching into the sky. And that was the prince's voice calling through the trees. "Gods," Hylas said in a breathy gasp, already on his feet before he knew what was happening. I'm in the forest? Yes. The Forest. The prince. Caspian. His eyes burned from the sudden adjustment of surrounding light, and he still felt the ache of travelling in his bones. Stumbling over crooked roots, Hylas weaved through the trees and darted over the carpet of fallen leaves and bony twigs. Why am I running? He searched himself for an explanation and learned in a terror-struck recollection that he hadn't made his way back to the cave before the prince woke up. This was the path from the river. But how could he be so reckless? Had he forgotten in the delirium of the twisted dream that the man in his company was of the greatest importance? He was a professional, and he shook his head at his own incompetence. This is exactly why I don't— why I didn't do this; keeping them alive. "Cas?" Hylas called out, swallowing down the rough start of his voice as he bounded through the greenery. A spotted blur of brown hair moved beyond a pale green bush, and he started again. "Cas!" Leather boots struck the earth as he rounded the curve of the rough path, and he drew in a sharp breath at the sight of him, tired, tousled, and panic-stricken. "What happened?" Hylas asked, panting and already readying an excuse for his absence as his gaze flickered over the prince's figure, "Are you hurt? I wasn't far. I heard you."
The sudden start of a voice that wasn't his own shook him a little and made him jump ever so slightly. He whipped around in the direction of the rustling and crunching. Hylas. He leased a breath, shoulders relaxing as he took in the sight of the man in front of him before he replied. He'd just woken up, clearly, and he seemed more panicked than Cas was, "Where the hells have you been?" Cas asked, taking a small step towards him and peering around Hylas to get a gauge of where he had come from. How long had he been out for? All night? A few hours? Hylas hadn't been hunting, he could tell that much. Cas scanned his eyes over the assassin. The ruffled hair and wide eyes watching him. After the panic had finally left him, Cas narrowed his eyes ever so slightly, "And what were you doing?" He doubted that Hylas would tell the truth, but it might ease his nerves at least a little. He doubted he was conspiring with the enemy unless he was an amazing actor and was able to conceal his true intentions that well. But then again Zaros wanted him dead so there was no way he was out talking to him or someone on his side. They were both in the same boat here, he reminded himself. Hylas wouldn't be doing this and taking him where he wished, or at least close to if he was working with Zaros. Those thoughts were quick to come and go and his focus turned back on Hylas. Cas presumed he'd been sleeping, but then again, he could be wrong about that one.
Hylas released a heavy breath, closing his eyes in relief at the sight of the prince alive and unharmed. Unharmed, but angry. He thanked the Gods for keeping the brat safe. That could have gone very badly. "Are you always this cross in the morning?" He sighed, his tired gaze challenging the Cas' gentle frown. It was his own fault that the prince was in a state, but the sharp curiosity directed at him was not taken well. "I was heading for the river," Hylas plainly told him. It was a half-lie, but that hardly mattered if he was going to stay safe. Safe meant unknown, and up until a few days ago, that was how he remained. Lying was second nature to him, after killing and staying out of sight, and so he owed no truth to the prince. And I don't care what he thinks about me. Another lie. "Wanted to refill the flask before we left. Wasn't having a chat with the Wanderer." His voice was rough will sleep and sarcasm as he spoke, slowing breaths billowing into ghostly clouds. The chorus of birdsong was rising with the sun, and Hylas tried to ease his weary state with a few breaths. "And— why did you scream? We may be far into the forest but what if someone heard you? Now that would've been a nice way to stop the plan before it even started." He shook his head as he thought to himself, frowning back at Cas' distrustful face. A face of accusation, confusion– brows pulled together and rosy cheeks from the cool morning. He had never held someone's gaze so intently, and looking over his features, he was distracted by the quiet shadow of stubble along his jaw and the half-moons of pale purple under his eyes. He looks so dishevelled. Nothing like a prince. With an annoyed sigh, Hylas tore his gaze back to the rough path and started for the cave, bypassing the beautiful, loathsome face.
"I'm only this cross when my traveling companion disappears on me." He replied, rolling his eyes. Cas knew he usually wasn't this mad, but the lack of sleep and heavy weight of stress and responsibility looming over him like a bad omen was sending his usually calm demeanor plummeting , "You could have been miles away, or dead." With the uncertainty of these times anything could happen. Even Hylas traveling from here to the river could end badly. Hylas was right on one part, he shouldn't have screamed, but in the moment he could have cared less, more worried that Hylas was dead than anything. Not that he would admit that fact as he watched the assassin trail past him to the cave, swiveling on the spot to follow him, "You don't have the flask on you." He stated. Liar. Not like I'd mock you for whatever the hells you were doing. Cas couldn't wrap his head around why Hylas had disappeared. They were alone, with the threat of war, and Hylas thought nnow was the right time to lie about what he was doing. The only reason he could think Hylas would want to lie was if he was doing something bad. But then again, he seemed to be as concerned about this war as he was, unless he was an incredible actor and it was just an entire rouse to get Cas to trust him. He shook those thoughts away, sighing softly as he turned his head to the sky, watching the cloudless sky stay to brighten even further. It was going to be a warm day again, but the morning chill made the prince shudder slightly.
Hylas combed a tired hand through his hair, wincing softly at the found knots and twigs. Sleeping on the ground was something he'd gotten used to, but the dusty, dry ache made him wish for the river and all its soothing ways. It was a comfort to think that once they reached the safehouse, he'd be free to wander into the gentle falls without any care. What I'd give to be drifting down the northern springs… Hylas sighed, feeling the dewy air shift into warmth every time he walked through a patch of early sunlight. Gold and blue leafshadow spotted the path like an animal's pelt, and if it weren't for the pain, Hylas knew he'd be savouring every moment of the fresh morning. His body begged him to listen, but so many years of dealing with that distress had taught him to ignore the gentle pricks of hunger and the numbness of a poor rest. "Even if I was, I'm sure you would've managed without me," He said, yawning through a lazy laugh, "If you've been paying attention, you've got an idea of how to get to Crowen. And it's apparent that you can fend for yourself out here." He reached for his side, frowning in confusion when his hand didn't meet the curve of his leather waterskin. Hmm. He mumbled a half-hearted "Got distracted," as the prince trailed behind him. There was hardly a need for keeping a flask, as there were plenty of streams in Valthea. Thankfully, the prince didn't know that. Doesn't matter. I have other things to worry about. Like breakfast. Most importantly, breakfast. "I'll refill it before we leave. But we should get moving; we already woke up too late." He jogged the last few steps to the cave, stopping himself from lunging at his pack. No. I have to trust him. Cas didn't take any knives. Thoughts fought to spiral, and Hylas shook his head as he gathered his tinderbox and the flask, not daring to turn his back on the prince while he was preoccupied. Subtly, he slipped his hand into the pockets, pretending to look for something as he counted the blades, Two, four, six…Hunting knife…Eight, nine— Relief. "Ready in five?"
Cas sighed quietly, letting his shoulders drop and trying to dismiss any accusations and worries his brain thought came up with. They were in this together, even if Hylas was a pain in his behind, albeit a good looking one at that, but a pain nonetheless. Arguing this early in the morning wasn't going to help either of them, not when they had a long journey ahead and there were more important things to talk about and be upset over than Hylas disappearing in the middle of the night. Maybe it's an assassin thing. He was right about one thing, though, they had woken up too late and were losing day light standing here fretting. Cas ignored the aching in his neck and bones and muffled a yawn. He longed for the comfort of his own bed. The soft mattress, hundreds of pillows and blankets, the mid morning sun illuminating the room in a soft glow. It was a dream. Completely different from the bed of rocks and twigs he'd slept on last night that left him feeling like he'd gone ten rounds in a fighting pit. Now is not the time for wishing. Cas reminded himself, bringing himself back to reality. There was a war going on, and they'd be a lot more sleeping on tough ground to come. Cas didn't bring up the water skin, nor pressed Hylas for the truth in why he had disappeared and where he went last night. It would only cause more problems and having to heal with a pissed off assassin was one problem he thoroughly wanted to avoid. Even though he could make his way to Crowen, having someone else who knew these parts better than he did was a blessing, Cas supposed. Less chance of him ending up in a life or death situation when there was someone, especially someone with Hylas' skill set, there to help. But, the princess didn't make a comment, tucking those thoughts to the back of his mind, "Not like we've got anywhere else to rush off to, do we?"
Hylas nodded, hardly paying attention to what the prince was saying as he readied his things. The feverish start of the morning had him by the wrist; like an impatient father pulling his stumbling child into busy streets, he could think of nothing but the next steps to safety. "Mmm. Let's…follow the stream. I saw some berry bushes while I was hunting yesterday." Hylas said, not looking up as he triple-checked for any belongings he might've left behind. The hunger was insistent, and those familiar cramps were getting harder to silence with the exhaustion weighing him down. "I've got food at the safehouse, but we'll pick up provisions in Crowen to last us a few days." Just the thought of the safehouse made his bones ache a little more. I could just make it to the field, then collapse, fall limp into the plush grass knowing that I'll be safe. Hylas pictured those rolling fields as he started for the river— layering the memory over his view of the forest like two sheets of parchment held up to the sun. He stopped walking. Two sheets of parchment… The thought stirred something in him, and he could feel it beginning to spiral. Sheets of paper against a window. Big hands and my hands. No. Yes, little hands. Tracing…tracing what? Here, hold it steady for me. We want a perfect copy of your little masterpiece. It's a wonderful flower, Hylas. Mother will be so pleased. The ink got everywhere. We abandoned the papers and went out fishing instead. A long moment passed as he stood in thought, trying to make the image clearer by replaying it again and again. But like every other memory he recalled, disturbing the water only made more ripples. With a sudden breath, Hylas brought himself back to reality, flinching at the sound of the prince's footsteps and brushing it off as a shiver.
Cas was quick to follow behind when Hylas headed to the river, slipping his hands into his pockets. He stopped a step behind when the assassin did, confusion marring his face. The stiffening of the other's shoulders let him know that something was wrong and the silence that followed. Bird song even seemed dulled for a short moment however a second later everything seemed fine. It was odd to see Hylas so… still, confused? Cas didn't know what had happened to the assassin but he knew better than to ask, "Come on then. If we want to make it to Crowen then we've got to keep moving." They both needed food, and the security of a safe nights sleep. It seemed they were both stressed from the whole ordeal, but maybe some food in their systems would ease the tightness that seemed to be present in both of them. Maybe the walk to the river would calm Hylas down. Water seemed to be some sort of comfort, considering he came from the river this morning and the gentle rushing and trickling of water was a calming sound, he could see why Hylas seemed so comfortable. With the sun streaming through the trees and dancing off the leaves making them appear like gold, combined with the tweeting of birds going about their morning chores, it seemed… peaceful. Not like there was a war over the horizon… Cas shook those thoughts away. The looming threat of death wasn't relevant to them right now, not until they got to the safehouse.
Hylas nodded, though hardly paid heed to what was being said. It sounded to be a casual remark, but his attention was lingering over the new memory of his father and a drawing, where any attempts of wandering backwards in time were met with clouded emptiness. Why? Of all things I might have remembered, I managed an unremarkable moment. Beautiful, terrible, but…nothing. It was the sharpest type of frustration that answered for his failure, with his own voice echoing angry outcries for something more. These glimpses were so rare— and he hated how Cas' presence stopped him from his usual routine of abandoning his task and fleeing to write. No, he couldn't be seen doing such a thing, especially in front of someone he didn't want enquiring about his life. So he passed the following moments in silent contemplation, wearing a pained frown as he stepped over the mossy rocks and fallen trees of the riverbank. Haven't remembered anything in months. And I'm so, so tired of not understanding anything. The soft rush of water over rocks eased his uneasiness, and at the sight of the prince, Hylas remembered the lie. He retrieved his waterskin and let the cool water spill into it, his tense hands receiving the gentle shock of coolness as he knelt by the water. With a long sigh, he brought a handful of water to his face, splashing himself to escape the spiralling thoughts. The refreshing act brought him a soft current of energy, and he kept on the pathless path towards breakfast and salvation. Sunlight cut through the trees in thick stripes, and Hylas couldn't help the immediate softening of his shoulders as he stepped into the warmth, water dripping off his chin as he faced the thicket of berries before him. "Finally," He sighed.
Cas didn't bother to ask, a part of him curious another focus on food and one on the grueling task ahead of them. Now wasn't the time nor the place to inquire about the assassin's personal issues, however intriguing to the prince they might be. The water took his mind off those thoughts, watching for a brief moment as Hylas took out his water skin to fill it up. For a second Cas took in the sunlight streaming through the trees, relishing the warmth that they brought and a promise of a nice day ahead. Hopefully the nice weather would make their traveling a little less tense. He crouched by the waters edge, splashing his hands into the cool water before running them through his hair. If only they could stay there forever. The quiet peaceful surroundings was almost a small slice of heaven. It was a shame to leave. Cas knew they both seemed a little more relaxed than they were a moment ago, which was a good sign for the day to come. When Hylas turned to the berries, Cas was once again altered to the hunger that coursed through him. If the berries tasted as good as they looked, he had high hopes for the day. Well, most of the day, anyway. But he pushed his nerves of the letter and the war away, standing and striding to the thicket, picking a handful with a small sigh. The prince turned to Hylas, holding them out to him with a small smile. Hopefully there wouldn't be an argument today, they both didn't need that, "Here."
I can pick my own berries, Hylas thought towards Cas. The bitter fog of a sore sleep and early-morning panic still hovered over him, but his temper eased at the promise of food. It always did. Food meant safety and strength; a silent guarantee that he could go on for a little longer. The offering was something of a truce, and so Hylas realized it and felt guilty for snapping at Cas in his stirring thoughts. He hesitantly accepted the berries, his hand almost flinching away as it brushed the soft, outreached palm of the prince. Soft. Not so rough, like his. He felt Cas' eyes on him and looking up, was met with a smile. Not anything sly or sarcastic, but a smile so effortless that Hylas found himself looking for any ill-intent behind it. There was none, and a flower or surprise bloomed in his chest. "Thanks," He muttered, remembering that most people expected something like a smile to be reciprocated. His mouth curved in a shy half-smile for a moment before the simple interaction became too foreign for Hylas and he had to look away, lifting a pale moonberry to his mouth to distract himself. The soft pink flesh of the Valthean fruit brought forth a swell of gratitude in the mellow sweetness, and Hylas' gaze jumped to the heavens in a reflex of appreciation as he feverishly chewed. As soon as he was distracted by their breakfast, he was reminded of their quest and cleared his throat, swallowing as he turned back to the moonberry bushes. "Right," He said, gesturing vaguely, "Fill your pockets. It's not far to Crowen but we won't have time to stop and forage again."
Plopping the berries in his mouth once Hylas had taken his, the prince nearly sighed with relief. The burning hungry that had been eating away at him seemed to vanish at the sweet taste that coated his mouth. He hadn't been expecting the smile back from Hylas. The thank you he had, Hylas had manners even if he was an assassin, the smile.. not so much, but he wasn't going to complain. Anything different from the frown on his face, "Alright, then let's get moving. Don't wanna lose the sun." Shoving the rest of the berries into his mouth, Cas grabbed what berries he could, gently placing them into his pocket in fear of crushing them. Can't afford to ruin these pants in the middle of nowhere. "You've got more pockets with me, you can probably hold more." The two pockets in his pants and small one in his shirt were hardly enough for two grown men on a trip with no time to stop until they reached their next town. Cas gave Hylas a small look over, seeing if he could count how many he had. How many probably hold weapons? He shook those thoughts away. Hylas wasn't going to kill him, at least not yet… Cas shook his head softly, dismissing the thoughts. Too much to worry about, not enough time.
Hylas sighed as he picked the ripe berries, almost pausing when he felt the prince's gaze flickering over him. He didn't dare meet his eyes and risk blushing, though realized that his peering was a matter of curiosity and necessity. Of course. He almost laughed in relief. Of course, he was wondering about my pockets. Why else would he give me a look? Hylas filled his pockets to the brim, not caring if they stained the tattered cloth of his too-large trousers. A nicer set of clothes— and his leather —waited for him at the safehouse. He could picture it now; the night-black leather suit of soft armour. It was the finest and the most expensive thing he owned, with its smooth finishings, the pressed details of raven feathers of the arm pieces, and silver hoops binding the straps of the harness-like fixture over the shoulders and chest. In that suit, he could hide feather-light throwing knives beyond his count; so many more than he could in civilian clothes. But most of all, he missed how he felt in it. Protected, warm, and feared. Like nothing would ever get him because he wore a shadow and he moved quieter than the Gods. But he had to forget that part of him for the time being, at least while he wanted the prince to trust him. So as they walked and ate in long silence, Hylas thought of all he could do to appear normal and sympathetic enough to keep the prince from acting on any vengeful impulses. Hills of plush green rolled by in the Valthean landscape, the air growing warmer and almost sweeter as they neared the waterfall-border. There would be questions, he knew, and he couldn't afford to seem reluctant to share. Hesitation would look guilty on me. After all, he was just like anyone else, right? 'The Raven' was merciless, cold, and bloody. but 'Hylas,' as far as Cas knew, was someone who could feel remorse, regret, and pain. 'Hylas' didn't want to kill. He could be worth sparing. At least, he could seem that way.
As they walked in almost uncomfortable silence, Cas couldn't help but feel defenceless. The greatest assassin the Mavadora had ever seen was walking and eating by his side, pockets stuffed with berries and a thoughtful gaze settled on his features, and Cas had nothing but his fists to defend himself in case the need arose. The light clothes he donned would most likely need to last him until he returned home. If he ever did. Trust was a gift he couldn't afford to lose in times such as these, and the chances of Hylas turning on him was as likely as them both surviving the oncoming war. Now stained with berry juice, Cas just hoped the warm weather would dry his pants as they walked. Light, breezy clothes were suitable for a party, for short trips, but not for dealing with an assassin who was decked out with gear from head to toe. An assassin was promised a great amount of wealth for his death. Hylas could kill him now and be done with this whole mess. Leave and never return and let Mavadora fall, "How much were you promised?" Cas asked, his tone almost uncertain and quiet as he spoke, "For my death?" The thought had nagged at him for the past half hour as they walked, only now plucking up the courage to ask. A strange feeling to be scared to talk in front of Hylas when they had had no trouble speaking the previous day. Cas chocked it done to the idea that Zaros was wealthy and strong enough to afford to pay the assassin enough to leave the continent and retire.
As the prince's question, Hylas flinched. His attention had been miles away, with soft-spiralling thoughts and his pensive gaze blurring to focus on the red dots of tiled roofs in the distance. He was foolish to think they could've ignored such a thing. How much was I promised? He almost looked away, uncomfortably heavy with the guilt of facing the man that knew he could've been dead. But Hylas forced his gaze to the prince. He wouldn't run away from this. Facing him wasn't like any pleading exchange he'd witnessed from those dying by his hand. There wasn't the panicked confusion or feverish imploring in wide eyes. Instead, a softened question of 'why?' written in the gentle frown upon his brow, over the too-green eyes that would surely be the death of him. "Your weight in gold," Hylas answered coldly, wondering if he sounded ashamed enough. "Twice that much if…I delivered your body to them." A slow breeze softened the rigidness of his posture, and with a slow breath, Hylas made the decision to tell Cas more. It would make him seem more…trustworthy if he told the prince his enemy's plan, and he supposed it's what a sorry person would do. Gods know I need him on my side if I want to come out of this without a rope around my neck. "Which is…what I was planning on doing." His gaze grew hot as he thought of how he sounded. "—But I didn't care about getting more money. No. I just wanted to get out of Eirus. Zaros— or whomever, wanted me to cross the border and bring you to Jilreing. They gave me a…month to plan and a week to carry it out."
(bro i just checked and we've had this rp for more than a year. 🥂)
(happy late anniversaryyy 🎊 definitely the best story)
The prince tilted his head ever so slightly watching as Hylas spoke, studying his almost too beautiful features with a contemplative gaze, "You were just going to carry my body all that way?" So far for one person. He supposed Hylas was used to traveling but he assumed he hadn't had the extra weight of a body with him on his previous travels. It seemed outlandish to him, then again, Cas had never thought about committing an act such as that before. Releasing a sigh from his nose, the prince gently lowered his gaze to the path ahead. Was he truly as ashamed as he sounds? "Seems excessive." His tone was lighter than it had been a moment before. Maybe it was due to finally having an answer, or the sunlight warming his cheeks he didn't know, he didn't want to think about it, "Could have just taken my head, lot less weight to take with you." Cas shrugged, kicking a rock in his path. Now he thought about it, why did Zaros want his body? Surely his head would have been sufficient? What was he planning on doing with the rest of him? The thought made him shiver slightly even with the warm air surrounding them, "So you- you prepped for a month before my birthday? What would have happened if the party hadn't happened?" Too many questions. Cas couldn't help but wonder about Hylas' plans and his own death. Curiosity got the better of him at times, he knew. Or maybe he simply wanted to fill the silence, keep hearing Hylas' voice as they strode along the path of green.
