Hylas stepped off the last mossy stone and onto the overgrown grass of the riverbank. "Sorry," He said, clearing his throat and trying to hide his bashful smile, "I'm not used to talking proper. Properly." Or at all, for that matter. Asking a merchant for a price and a local for directions was the extent of his vocal history, though as time went on, he'd come to know the geography of Mavadora and the common prices of each kingdom well enough to stay silent. His hand curled and flexed by his side, trying to shake off the softness of the prince's hand as he walked. "I've fallen in a few times. Enough to learn my lesson and remember to shift my weight to the side." Hylas regarded the memories with quiet indifference, wholly knowing how insignificant a twisted ankle or an unlucky splash was compared to the rest of his unfortunate experiences. Even the one occasion of falling from that unstable rock and hitting his head couldn't come near what it had been like to feel a bone splintering through muscle or the mournful days of the plague-stricken. He made his way up the soft hill of the forest, stepping over the gnarled roots of ancient trees and cutting through the dew-slick tallgrass curled over in lazy tufts. "You know, it's kind of funny," He began, feeling the quirk of a smile at the corners of his mouth as he lingered over the prince's hand and his softly uttered question, "I actually had to practice speaking for the ball. —Walking around the capital city trying to make small talk, and even talking to myself alone; I was so worried that I'd make a nervous fool of myself— mumbling, losing the conversation." But in the moment, it felt natural. There was the soft flinch of a shoulder against him, a reflexive turn and glance up, shared smiles, and…words. Hylas supposed that for everyone else, that ease came with every passing interaction. But because he hadn't spoken in so long, it almost felt special. After surviving the respiratory plague in Evror, Hylas had come to understand how precious the gift of speech was. Coming out of it with his life— let alone his voice, though notably rougher —had been nothing short of a miracle. "People forget how easy it is to forget the sound of your own voice."
The ball seemed like a lifetime ago, even if it was only a couple of days. Cas' mind wandered back to the first time they met. Hylas speaking so fondly of the stars, how relaxed they had both been simply dancing aimlessly across the floor. a smile of his own tugged at his lips as he recalled it, listening as Hylas spoke of practising speech around town, "When you herself speak almost every day, it's hard to forget what you sound like." He replied, his voice as soft as the grass beneath their feet. The days Cas spent practising speeches in his room before reciting them in front of a crowd were too many to count. He remembered days where he spoke from dawn until dusk, voice hoarse from the crowds of nobles and socialites only to go out and repeat the next. It had only gotten worse as his duties expanded and more was expected of him. Rehearsing talk after talk, pacing until his feet hurt and he had dreams of the speeches he was to give. Knowing them inside and out, walking around the desolate, quiet halls of the palace with only the soft click of his boots and words echoing around the large chambers, "I was supposed to give a speech the other day." He continued, "Suppose I should thank you for getting me out of it." A light chuckle left him. Cas had been dreading having to thank the countless guests, speel about how wonderful today was and his future plans as king. Normally it wouldn't have mattered, but the pressure had been building for days, especially with hundreds of extremely important eyes trained and watching for one wrong move. One slip up and it would be news for days. Cas knew that the dance that he and Hylas shared would also have made it into the local gossip had he not disappeared. It didn't matter now, "I swear I practised it so much I could recite it in my sleep by now." He hadn't even written most of it. His father had wanted to make sure he was covering all the bases and wrote most of it before Cas even got a chance to say no. Even though he had written some, a couple of jokes here and there, apparently it was 'too informal for such a grade event.' He had been opposed to the ball int he first place, giving a speech was the cherry on top that had him planning to skip the event if his father hadn't begged him the night before.
Hylas smiled as he looked down. He could hear Cas' smile colouring his words, and listening to him explain royal drudgeries offered a bit of lighthearted amusement. "It can't be that bad," Hylas prompted, nodding up at a rough path marked by a weathered wooden post, "—Waltzing into the room like the morning sun, singing your song and hearing everyone applause. Doesn't sound bad at all." What was it like, being loved like Caspian? Being respected and admired? In Hylas' mind, the feeling was warm-coloured, pulsing and muffled with comfort. It sounded wonderful. Something so strong, yet so soft. The safety that came with being loved was a forbidden fantasy, and a part of Hylas ached at the very sight of it walking by his side. "Was it a tedious one?" Hylas softly asked, letting an outstretched hand catch the wet leaves of overgrown bushes as they walked down the final stretch of their journey, "The speech, I mean. Would you have been so displeased with reciting it?" With the crisp colours of his fresh memory, he could imagine Cas addressing the bright crowd from the wide ledge of the staircase in perfect detail. Hylas imagined the bouncing echoes of his happy words filling the grand ballroom— and the slow curve of a smile fighting to break out in joy as he proclaimed his excitement facing coronation. So bright, so golden under his crown. "Perhaps in a different world, in a different time, you make the speech and find me in the crowd after. Perhaps we laugh and poke fun at it," Just as we are doing now.
"Ah yes, because having thousands of eyes upon you just waiting for you to stumble is exactly how I wanted to spend my birthday." Cas shook his head, smile still there, "I'd like to see you try and recite a speech that took me days to memorise under pressure. It's not as easy as it looks." It had taken years to learn how to stand tall, smile throughout the entire speech, where to emphasise and where to pause. An art form in itself, Cas knew, and once he had learned for years to get right, "I didn't even write it. Half the names on the list that I had to thank for coming would not have been there if I had." There had been too many people in that room that day. Half of them he barely even knew, or only knew of from distant conversations, boring conversations. Talks about trade, new builds, plans to travel, how the weather was in the west, what it would be like to travel across the sea this time of year, requests for him to come visit. Cas tuned out half the time. Having been born into royalty was, for him, something he wished never happened. So much weight was left on his shoulders. To lead a kingdom, to keep it prosperous and glowing. Being third in line, Cas had always loved knowing he wouldn't have to bear that responsibility. His heart had been set on living as normal a life as he can. Away from the city in the bright streams of sunlight in the Eirus countryside. Having a small place to his own, reading in the soft grass, no one to bother him about anything. He'd had to give up those dreams the minute his brothers had died. Burned them down like the battlefield they died on, "Maybe in a different world, we might have."
Hylas could hear a forlorn bitterness behind Cas' words. Public speaking really was a drudgery, then. He nodded with lighthearted solemnity, taking a few cooling breaths as he considered the ceaseless practice on the road to perfection. Hylas' life road was bloody. Cracks and shallow caverns dotted the thick slabs of stone behind him, and in front of him— well, it felt like wandering blindfolded into traffic. Now, the only road he followed was the one forming under his feet with every step. "If not at a ball, how else could a prince enjoy his birthday?" Hylas inquired, quietly wondering how someone as…princely as the prince of Eirus would celebrate himself without a party of sorts. Granted, Hylas knew nothing about birthdays; he could only remember fractures of a single one. There had been a brown parchment bag of burnt sugar candies, an 'H' of carved wood to hang over his bed, a sewn and stuffed toy with black wings and a beak, two voices, and a song. Sometimes he could catch lingering memories of warm arms holding him close, but before he could reach back and grab for them, the warmth would mistify into powdery rain. Birthdays were something 'loved people' had, and hearing how Cas felt disheartened by the cold nature of his controlled celebration brought a gentle sway of empathy in Hylas' thoughts toward him. "Well, you won't have to think about your terrible life as a prince. At least for a little while." He said with a softened smile, nodding down at the squarish edge of a chimney suddenly in sight, "We're here."
"Alone. Reading somewhere quiet without interruption." Cas knew he most likely sounded ungrateful, having everything planned for him, a grand reception to celebrate him and only him with guests who might have traveled days to come. But he couldn't help feeling as if the attention was unnecessary. He might have been a prince, but that didn't mean he deserved any of the love that came his way. At least not in his mind. He'd never wanted that life, and now even when it was thrust upon him in the hardships and losses his family had suffered, he still longed for a quiet life away from the glitz and glamour of the palace. Wished for just one day without endless interruptions to discus plans or money or when he planned to visit the nobles daughter. Cas loved his kingdom with everything he had to offer, go to the ends of the world to keep his people, his family, safe. But there was still that lingering dream tucked away in the corners of his crowded mind, "A little peace and quiet is all I wanted and yet that can't even happen. Nevertheless, life goes on. We can't always get what we wish for." The sight of the chimney and the quaint home just up ahead reminded Cas of the dull ache in his feet from the days walk and the stress of the situation. No, he wouldn't think about all that for at least five minutes. If that's even possible. Sighing gently, Cas nearly nudged Hylas on the shoulder however thought better of it in the split second before doing so, "Cute place."
Hylas let himself smile at the crumbling building coming into view. It was a sight for sore eyes and sore legs. Hidden up in the rolling hills of Northern Valthea; a sanctuary. Hylas almost trembled with relief. From their position moving down the soft hill, Hylas saw the sun-bleached square of the courtyard and branches of speckled green reaching for the sky. Within minutes, he could be dozing in a hammock with sunlight and leaf-shadow dotting his face. Gods give me strength. "It was abandoned," He said, combing a weak hand through his dark hair as he admired the fading beauty of his safehouse, "It used to be a monastery. Everyone left when they discovered how severe the storms can get up here, near the mountains." The face of the abandoned monastery stood low but proud, with stacked square, dusty blocks of sand-coloured stone for walls, a raised doorway splitting eight vine-choked figures carved into the walls, and large corners of the flat roof laid in broken slabs nestled in the overgrown grass. The vegetable garden there was spread out around the brick ruins, with thin stalks and flowered vines tangling around broken statues; the root vegetables growing in crooked lines over uneven ground. "Well, to also make up for the kidnapping, I suppose the peace and quiet of the Valthean countryside is my birthday gift to you," Hylas said, exhaling with a breathy laugh and shaking his head as he slowly remembered who he was and what he had done. His smile faded. How could I try to make light of such a thing? He had only been trying to brighten the prince's sad, lingering thoughts on his life back at the palace, but someone like Hylas would never understand that his hand dealt cards of tragedy in a game of life and death. He would always be in the wrong, and he would always be sorry. So as he pondered the prince's ache for quiet, Hylas made the decision to accommodate it. "I'll stay well out of your way."
"You make better company than some of the people back home," Cas said gently, "Makes no difference to me whether you wish to stay away or not." He shrugged. Hylas was a quiet man, with a nice smile that held so much sadness. Compared to the mingling, gossiping socialites that always found their way around the place asking questions and making unnecessary conversation, the prince liked talking to Hylas. The conversation, even if small and quiet, didn't feel unnatural or fake, at least to him. So different to what it was like at the palace. Cas knew that Hylas wasn't used to being around people for as long as he was. The two of them would be stuck together for a while and, even though Cas was used to socialising, he could tell Hylas wasn't. If he didn't want to be around Cas wouldn't press, even if he knew he might use some help trying to write the Gods forsaken letter. He might wish for some peace and quiet, but Hylas was quiet enough as is, and having some form of company, even if it was just sitting together silently in the same room, Cas couldn't help but hope they'd get a chance to do so. The monastery was far from the palace, but seeing the smile that had been brought to Hylas' face at the sight of it, Cas couldn't help but like the place. From the vines to the old brick walls, it was an image out of a tapestry, "You can make up for the kidnapping by getting me home safely, but I suppose the quiet is just as good." The fields of flowers and vegetables reminded Cas of his own little hideaway outside of the palace. The small stone cottage that was filled with books and papers and flowers and tea. He guessed that the two of them had something in common after all.
The quiet compliment stirred in echoing considerations, and Hylas wore a confused smile as he tried to understand the prince’s reply. Better company…Good company? A surprise. Hmph. So he doesn’t mind my foolish mumbling? Hylas didn’t know how to feel. Glad perhaps? With the cottony undertones of bashfulness? He wondered if all guilty men felt this way when someone granted them a word of kindness; the threat of warmth in his cheeks and a restlessness in his hands. So he nodded in lieu of a reply, tucked his shy smile away, and pushed open the wooden door to his safehouse. Immediately, they were greeted with the glowing scene of the courtyard. "Thank you," Hylas whispered to himself and the listening spirits in the air. With the sweet relief of safety, he felt his shoulders soften and his head tilt back. Drawing in a deep sigh, he took a moment to savour the feeling of familiarity. He drank in the dusty warmth bouncing off the aged brick and smiled at the crisp breeze. "Finally," He said, then brought his attention back to his royal companion. "Welcome, I suppose. Let me show you about." The centre of the safehouse was a small, hallway-lined courtyard of bright grass and a tall, gnarled fruit tree. Hylas turned to his left and beckoned for Cas to follow down the hall. He strode into the first room with a calm desperation, sliding his heavy rucksack off his shoulders and onto the polished stone with a satisfying wince. They faced a blackened hearth and Hylas stepped to the near wall, holding the door open for Cas. "This is a living area, I suppose. Aside from this, the adjoining…cooking area around the corner and a few empty quarters, all the other rooms are too broken up to use." Armed with a whopping two chairs, an off-balance table, a desk, and a desolate shelf, the room truly looked abandoned. "I know it looks like there's nothing here," Hylas sighed, walking over to a dusty rug and folding over a corner, "But I've hid just about everything. Anything that might be ruined or stolen if left out in the open." Hylas kneeled as he got to work shuffling a loose stone tile out of the floor, flicking away his hair with tired jerks of his neck. Muffled light pulsed through the filthy windows, and Hylas gestured over his shoulder at the two far corners of the room. "You can set the paper and ink down on the desk. Make yourself comfortable, then I'll show you the rest of the place."
Cas turned in the middle of the room slowly, drinking in a familiarizing himself with his surroundings. It wasn't much, but from the way Hylas spoke of the old place, he could tell it was riddles with good memories and was well loved as much as a safe house could be. A quiet sanctuary away from the rest of the world, from all the bustling, busy streets, threats of war and loud conversations ruining the peaceful silence. Cas was careful to place the ink and parchment down on the desk, noting the gentle covering of dust that coated the old, scratched wood. He wondered how old the building really was. His sword he placed against the nearby wall, making sure it wouldn't fall over, "How many people know about this place? I'm guessing very little." Why hide such valuables when the hideaway was so far away from prying eyes. Cas guessed it was out of habit for Hylas, so he chose not to question it. Running his fingers along the cold, stone wall, he watched Hylas was a curious, intrigued eye, noticing the slight sluggishness in his movements, the way he flicked his hair gently out the way. He should tie it up. He thought, mind wandering to that image for a moment. Averting his gave from his companion, he headed back out into the courtyard, leaving the door open for when Hylas decided to stop rummaging around in his little safe spot in the corner. The gentle shade that the fruit tree provided had Cas sighing softly, resting his head against the bark behind him. How many times had Hylas made his way back here bloodied and broken after a kill? All on his own to take care of himself. Such a lonely life.. Sorrow crept its way up into him. Sure, Hylas had committed acts that should have him hang, but… even Cas felt sorry for him. Being surrounded by people his entire life, Cas had never been truly alone. Lonely at times, yes, but never alone, not like him. Maybe in a different life, if they both hadn't been on such different paths, they could have been friends. But now, after all this was over they'd never speak to each other again. Shaking the thoughts of missed lives and impossible futures, Cas brought himself back to the present.
Hylas unloaded the last of his things, setting down a weighty wooden chest with a heavy groan. In all of his aching, his hunger was loudest, churning his stomach in a sounding protest. I'll unpack later. His body moved without needing thoughts to guide it, working fast to rid the growing panic of a sharpness under his skin. Going for his rucksack, Hylas scooped out the wrapped Stelre loaf. He faced the golden, star-shaped bread with a sharp inhale, marvelling at the five deep cuts filled with sweet herbs and spices. Every Valthean knew to have Stelre with soup or stew, but Hylas couldn't wait to chop firewood for the stove, forage for wild vegetables, and then prepare damned stew. No, that would have to wait for dinner. They were both worn and starving, and that glorious bread was the only thing ready enough to eat. He tore off two of the five corners and left for the courtyard. The sight of the prince brought a haze of bashfulness over him. Cas leaned against the tree with all the rugged elegance of a dying Saint. The reddish brown in his hair caught the leaf-speckled light in tangled curls, and his verdant gaze was fixed with the tension of deep thought. Wordlessly, Hylas approached the tired prince with the two large knobs of savoury bread. "Here," Hylas said, stuffing his mouth with a cloudy mouthful of Stelre as he handed the prince his share, "Bread." He couldn't think clearly enough to form sentences, chewing with heavy sighs as he sank down into the plush grass and closed his eyes. The deep flavour of the Valthean bread and spices soothed his worries, and he chewed with slow, thoughtful reverence. "Oh, bread," He weakly managed, mumbling from his green island of shade, Oh, I thank the Gods for the miracle of bread.
Cas nearly ground at the sweet sensation of the bread. He sank down, sitting with his knees to his chest across from Hylas as he mumbled his thanks through a mouthful of that fantastic bread. He knew he was hungry, but hadn't realised the extent of it until he finally had something substantial in his stomach. The herbs mixed with the soft texture was like heaven in his hand. Not even the bread back home compared to this, he guessed through years of practice and commitment and refinement the baker had paid off. A whole loaf would satisfy him quite nicely right about now, "So good." Savouring the flavor, Cas drew his gaze to Hylas, quietly admiring how the sun illuminated his features and the gentle breeze rushed the ends of his dark hair. He looked away before those thoughts continued, picking off a chunk of the bread and plucking it in his mouth a second later. With the sun kissing his body and the grass as soft as the pillows at the palace, he was ready to fall asleep right then and there. The last time he'd traveled as far as this was months ago, and even then it wasn't as tiring. Besides, during the winter it was difficult to navigate the paths with snow and hail descending faster than they could clear the roads, days called for less travel. The warm, sunny day that Valthea had blessed them with was perfect for travel, even more so for afternoon naps. Looking at Hylas now, he could tell they were both in need to a long, deep nap. Worries of letters and the oncoming storm of politics eased away, Cas letting himself just relax for a second and enjoy the food he was lucky to have.
They were both speechless for a moment, comfortably exhausted after their day of forests and hills. From panicked bargaining to breaking bread in a lush square of nature. A few thoughts of leafing through the fruit tree for ripe blood plums flew through his mind, but after the little helping of bread and the soft blanket of sun and shade, Hylas couldn't bother to think about getting up. "Hnngh. Ten minutes," Hylas grumbled, sniffing and turning his head to the side slightly. The past week had been a sleepless one, and as the aches of guilt, fear, and fatigue settled into a windy haze, Hylas sighed with heavy relief. Poor as he was, no one could ever take Northern Valthea from him. Fog-ribboned mountains, thick, rolling hills, warm rivers, and impossible silence. How immeasurably beautiful it was to be a lost soul wandering through the feathery woods and the near-eternal summer of Southern Mavadora. The grass tickled Hylas' skin and the warm breeze spilled into the bright courtyard, pooling around the two and casting a summery spell of drowsiness. Just ten minutes of rest. Then we'll get back to the plan. I'll wash and forage by the river. Chop some firewood…Go…and…. Before he could follow the trail of his spiralling thought, he had fallen into the warm abyss with no fear of waking up in terror. It was only ten minutes, after all. Surely he'd remember to wake before slipping into a deep sleep.
The hazy afternoon brought nothing but a sense of peace to Cas as he watched Hylas drift off, feeling the weight of his own eyes begin to close less than moments later. The bed of grass and pillow of bark, even if different to his chambers, was enough to send him to sleep. Hylas' hideaway was a slice of heaven tucked away from the rest of the world. Nothing could reach them here. Threats of war, oncoming political battles, nothing could hurt them here, so far away and secluded. Falling into a dreamless sleep, the afternoon sun as their blanket, Cas' rest was pure paradise.
Cas was woken by a beam of late afternoon late streaming right into his face. Neck sore from being bent over, he lifted his head and slowly opened his eyes, taking a second to remember where he was, how he got there and who he was with. The sun by now was starting to set in the distance. We've been here long than intended.. Groaning, he reached out his leg to gently nudge Hylas awake from his place sprawled in front of him. He looked so peaceful.. Breathing slow and relaxed, chest rising and falling ever so softly, his hair spread out around his head like a halo. He looked like someone out of a painting, so elegant and gorgeous. A slight heat rose to his cheeks, but Cas chose to ignore it, "Hylas," His throat was dry, leaving it slightly raspy as he spoke, "Hylas wake up." Cas knew he was going to be upset with the fact that way more than ten minutes had passed.
A loud gasp escaped Hylas' throat as he jolted up, flinching a second time as his eyes landed on a figure under the tree. For a moment, he couldn't place the beautiful face in his memory, and the prince of Eirus was a stranger far too close for comfort. With a few heavy breaths, he ran his hands over his face and through his hair in hopes of calming the rising confusion and panic. Journeyed with the prince. Fell asleep. Safe. They were safe. He was safe. Nothing else to worry about. "Gods…How long…" He groaned, surveying the dim light of the dying afternoon as he steadied his breath. A muffled orange was dyeing the sky with simmering colour, and Hylas knew it wouldn't be long before the sun made its final curve into the horizon. "Damn." With a wince, he rose to stand and stretch, letting out all the aches and clicks of his weary bones. At least the nap had given his body a moment to collect itself. Though he still felt like he was in pieces, it would've been fair to think of it as a 'pile' of troubled Hylas fragments. He turned to Cas, biting his lip and wondering how he could fix their situation. He had been careless, falling asleep in the middle of the day. Now they'd have to rush against daylight to be ready for the night. "It's…fine. We probably only lost an hour or two," Hylas nodded, noting the smooth, refreshed look of the prince. Of course he looks like that. He didn't imagine he looked quite as soft and effortless as Cas. "We'll just…get back to it then. I'll go—" A gesture out East of the courtyard, "To the river for a wash. And I'll forage for our next meal while I'm out." The hunger had returned. That bread had done little to keep him satisfied, and he'd completely forgotten about the fruit tree. Nodding to himself as he looked about, Hylas held up a hand for the prince to wait before making his way back to the common room. He returned with two baskets, wide cloths, and two stacks of clothing. "There's…a creek. Uh. Only a minute's walk from here. You…follow the rough path. Um. In case you'd like to refresh yourself." Trying not to blush at the thought of the prince wearing his clothes, he handed over a woven basket with the fabrics inside. "And I— I wouldn't mind some kindling. Branches and twigs. For the stove."
Cas covered a yawn with the back of his hand before wiping the sleep from his eyes, "Considering I've been in the same clothes for a few days it would be nice to change." Dirt lined the thin fabric of his loose shirt and pants from the days of traveling and sleeping under the blanket of stars. He could do with some fresh clothes and a quick dip to wash away any grime from the past days travel. Gently taking the clothes and one of the baskets from Hylas, tucking it under his arm to make it easier to carry, he offered a small smile, "I'll see you in a few then." Following the outline of the path to the creek, Cas calmed his racing heart as he walked. Don't forget the kindling. The path was near invisible if you didn't know about it. Nothing but a slip of slim dirt that led to the rushing of the quiet creek not too far away. The closer he came, the more he itched to get out of his clothes and into the fresh ones Hylas had brought. They looked slightly big, but Cas could care less. Anything to remove the dirt lined ones he wore. Dusk was starting to settle in now, the hazy orange light guiding the last leg of the trip to the water where, when he arrived, Cas placed the basket down next to a large tree in view of the creek. Sighing, the prince was quick to remove his shoes and shirt, carefully folding them and laying them down by the basket. Kneeling by the edge, Cas splashed his face with the water, the liquid colder than expected but woke him up just nicely. Washing didn't take long, Cas didn't want to be away for too long, especially since the light wouldn't last long and making it back to the safe house would be difficult in the dark. He changed into the new clothes, as expected they hung gently off his sides but not by a noticeable amount. They smell like him.. He slipped his shoes on, his feet still quietly aching from the days walk. By now the sound of night was setting in. Cicadas sung in the distance, frogs croaked and night birds slowly woke from their days slumber. Cas decided he would look for kindling on the way back, make it easier on himself and set off now before he lost his way in the dark.
Hylas made his way to the river without the daze or panic of his moments after waking. There could be no pain here; he was safe and held by the Forest Spirits. The warm, humid air had settled around the dense woods, and the setting sun dealt out a heavy cut of softened light over the thick trees. He walked along his regular path, running a lazy hand along the thin rope nailed to the wooden posts that guided him to the river. With keen eyes, he tried to spot wild herbs and mushrooms while they could still be seen. Occasionally, he would poke around under tree roots in search of an earthnut and surprise himself with the sight of the wild delicacy. On fallen longs, he plucked slender-stalked mushrooms, and at frail shrubberies of wild herbs, he tore curly leaves and snapped fragrant twigs off. He carried his basketed bounty downstream path of the river— his river, and set them down on a flat stone, taking a moment to appreciate the hidden beauty. The relief of the place was unspeakable. Wild tufts of soft grass dotted the riverbank, and dull, mossy rocks lined the water. How many nights had he spent here, thoughtlessly stumbling through the dark, snapping branches and tripping on roots— all to get to the soft rush of a plain Valthean river? Too many nights. Undressed, he stepped into the deep, pond-like curve, sighing as the water gently devoured him and all his aches. Hylas dipped his head back and let the dark water tangle itself into his soft curls. Slow and almost unmoving, the water was warm with the sweet heat of the day, and he savoured every moment of the silent creek as he dried and dressed. The shoulders of his pale blue shirt grew damp with the shaken drops of his wet hair, and the echoing chirps of insects filled the trees as Hylas walked back to his safehouse, catching the golden pinch of the sunset as he reached the stone steps.
On the short trek back to the safehouse, Cas made sure to collect any twigs and branches he could find, placing them across the basket as he walked slowly back. Gods did it feel nice to have a fresh change of clothes and have the dirt washed away. By now the sun was well and truly nearly over the horizon, the last dregs of sunlight holding on just long enough for him to reach the safehouse. The sky was sky in gold and pink, clouds weaving in between the beautiful sight. Out here where no light from city stores and houses could reach, the stars would be as clear as they were the other night on this warm evening. Before he knew it, Cas was back in the courtyard with his collection of twigs for the fire. Sighing softly, he placed the basket down in the living space. He could imagine living here. Tucked away from any danger, peaceful and on his own. The occasional company would be nice, but he knew why Hylas liked this place so much. If only we could stay here. Eventually they would have to travel back to Eirus. He glanced over to the desk, the ink and parchment displayed on the table and grimaced. Tomorrow, he'd get to writing the letter tomorrow with a clear head and a set plan. Not that he had one now, but maybe tomorrow he would. He hoped he would. When he heard the quiet, distant crackling of undergrowth of Hylas returning, Cas leaned against the door frame and watched him approach. Wet hair, clean clothes, he looked good, Cas would admit that.
"Let's—" Hylas began, clearing his throat when his voice was too quiet, "Let's light some candles." In the light of the early evening, Cas looked nothing like a prince. Sure, he had the figure of someone well cared for, at least in Hylas' mind, His posture and expression was impossibly softer than how he appeared at the ball; calculated, confident, and clean-cut. His hair didn't look like it was carved from stone, but as it dried. It curled in soft, cloud-like waves. The smile he wore wasn't practiced or forced. It reached his eyes, how ever faint the smirk. Here, Cas' gaze followed movement without the sharp focus of one waiting to be violently struck with conversation. In this light, Hylas entirely forgot he was a prince. "See you've got some kindling for me." He walked into the dim room with a gentle frown, squinting for the first hidden chest that held his saved things. The room was divided by a wall that squared off half of the place, with the blackened hearth on one side and the flat furnace of the other. Living area, Kitchen. The additional furniture needed rearranging, and the two filthy windows struggled with letting in the lingering light of the evening. He couldn't think of how many times he wished he could call the place home; how he wished it wasn't just a storage and safehouse for him. It was plain, but dear to him. Here, he didn't have to worry about the world outside, and the world outside didn't have to worry about him. He couldn't hurt anyone if he was recovering or stashing away food, weapons, or money. "You can just…dump it by the flat furnace," Hylas said over his shoulder, setting down his basket and dirtied clothes in the corner and nodding over at the stove. The sight of it reminded him of the firewood stacked nearby and how he would do well to ask Cas to ready a few split logs. He lost the thought when the candles were found, and he placed the bundle of them on the wobbly table with an accompanying box of matches. "Set these up around the room? Leave two for our walk to the quarters. I can…get to work on our food."
Cas simply watched Hylas for a moment, quietly admiring how he moved with subtle, rugged grace and intent. Every move seemed to be calculated, all working towards the task at hand, even if the look in his mysterious dark eyes showed his mind was off someplace entirely. Cas nodded, "You asked for the kindling, thought I might as well deliver." Gently picking up the matches from the table, he began lighting the few dust-covered candles Hylas had bought out. Now that the sun had sunk, the darkness crept in like a rising wave, and he didn't feel like sitting or eating in the dark, "If you need a hand with the food give me a shout." He hadn't cooked for a long time, but Cas still knew the basics and wished to help in any way Hylas let him. A quiet thanks for being accommodating in the difficult situation they were stuck in. Placing the candles around the room, Cas got a better look at where things were, even if Hylas didn't have many belongings out in the open. So cautious, but he had to be after all. So different from life back home. He need not worry about items being stolen. Books were strewn around his room half-open with ink splatters in the corners, clothes lay half hung up in the corner. A mess as it was, it was his space, and he wouldn't let anyone in, not even the caretakers to clean up. An organised mess. Cas knew where things were and that was all that mattered, most of the time. On occasion, a piece of clothing or shoe would disappear in the muddle of blankets and pillows tossed on the floor from a restless nights sleep. Sometimes even something more important would vanish from its place on his dresser but they always turned up again, always hidden under something Cas hadn't remembered to check earlier. Candles were placed on the window sill, the table, the desk - anywhere that needed to be illuminated to give the room some more light. Once that was done, he got to work moving his pile of kindling to the furnace, ready for the fire to be lit whenever they needed one.
Hylas left the dusty chest with a hefty armful of things for their meal, moving to the flat furnace with his rucksack in his free hand. He carefully laid out their goods on a low counter, setting the large pot on the cast iron girdle of the furnace-stove and the food to the side. "Could you start the fire?" He asked, emptying the contents of his foraging basket into a basin and pouring in the water of his flask, "The nights are warm in Valthea, so we won't need to keep it burning after cooking." The silence between them was comfortable as Hylas washed the few root vegetables and truffles he'd found in the forest and brought them onto a wooden slab to be cut. He had never been in someone's company like this; sharing a space and working together without any looming threat hovering over them. It felt strange, and almost nice to see and hear another body shuffling around him. No suspicion arose from their quiet working around each other, and as Hylas prepared the rest of the ingredients, he was suddenly aware of how well they worked together. The fact made him nervous. "So…" He quietly began, swirling some oil into the large pot and needing to ignore a few thoughts, "You've never been to Valthea?"
Cas hummed his reply, finishing off the last of the candles before he started on the fire. Laying the kindling between and around the logs of wood ready to be burnt, lighting the match and watching the gentle orange flame catch and dance before the fire took off. The gentle crackling filled the comfortable silence, a comforting sound to Cas. He sat cross legged in front of the flame, ready to throw in more logs of kindling if necessary before he responded to Hylas without taking his eyes of the red and gold before him, "At least not that I can remember," He replied running a hand through his soft curls, "Usually if I have to travel from home, it's further North, and even so not for long. I try not to leave Eirus, but…" He shrugged, "The closer coronation comes, the less I seem to be able to stay home." Politics, alliances, planning for becoming king, there was little time to relax anymore. Setting up new trades, dealing with money and plans to form new roads and towns across borders of kingdoms, trying to maintain peace with everyone, staying home was a rarity. Even if he was there was no time to simply relax. There was always more papers to read, meetings to attend, appearances to make. The weight of the kingdom was soon to fully rest on his shoulders, looking to him to protect them and do what was right for his people. It was too much to think about at times.
Hylas wordlessly nodded, inching a glowing candlestick closer to his cutting board. The light rounded the shadows of his hands into wide, bird-like shapes cutting up a tender slab of meat. "I hate the North," He said, smiling through his words, "The rain, the snow, the cold—" Not to mention how hard it is to deal with a body in such weather. Being warm meant being safe, and as a child, every winter of some foreign place he survived was a miracle. "I can't understand why the folk up in Kienheim and Gowythe stay there." Valthea was so obviously the fairest of all lands. Sure, it was quieter and poorer than some of the other kingdoms, but it was rich in beauty, and til now, that beauty had been well protected. His travels had brought him to every continent, kingdom, queendom, and republic; to unimaginable lands and before fantastical creatures. All those memories swirled and swayed in his mind, trapped colours and sounds that ached to break free and bleed into his vision. "Qai-Via isn't so bad, but…" He sighed, dropping the cubed meat into the sizzling pot. It gave a satisfying hiss, corners sizzling with a wonderful, sharp aroma. His mouth watered, and he threw in the root vegetables. "I couldn't care less about the towns and cities. If I can't find peace in the countryside, I have a problem."
At the sizzling of the food, Cas looked towards Hylas, bringing a knee to his chest to rest his head on as he watched the vegetables be thrown into the hot pot, "Snow isn't too bad, neither is the cold." It didn't snow often in Eirus, further towards Croucan yes, but it was a rarity in the city center. Cas recalled one winter when he was little, barely even a teenager, when it snowed heavily during a particularly cold season, his brothers throwing balls of snow at him in the grounds, chasing them and trying not to slip on any hidden spots of ice. One of the few times they had the opportunity to do so back home. Aeron also went on political trips before he died, Arin accompanying him on occasion while Cas stayed in the palace. Oh the stories they told when they returned home of the sights of cities covered in blankets of white with lights flickering like stars in between. Maybe it was the reason Cas didn't despise the cold as much as Hylas seemed to, "Cities aren't all bad. New people, new foods, back alleys to explore, secret gardens. Surely you don't want to spend all your time out here?" He already knew what Hylas' answer was going to be, but as he watched him cook in the flickering light of the candle, he couldn't help but ask. Maybe in hope of a different answer.
"Well…It's not that I don't want to travel and see new things." Hylas hesitated, pausing for too long. Sometimes, he thought that the beauty of the world was the only thing keeping him alive and sane. So many days had been spent in walking reverie— scaling the blue cliffs of Ternat or planting luminescence into Reitvi soil with his footsteps. He chuckled to cover up the staggered silence. The truth was already in his mouth, waiting to get out. "It's just that…I feel like I need to stay here. I should." Hylas in the wilderness was a temporary, self-imposed exile. How else could his hands be free of blood? Not in the way of hungry twitch, but in the way of self-preservation and remorse. Out in the countryside, he wasn't a wanted man, or a killer. He was just another wandering soul planning his next step and meal. Even on his journeys towards a foreign target, he could pretend that he was a mere traveller too poor to afford a transport. And when he had his books, he could pretend he was out mapping the stars. In solitude, peace. He bit his lip, looking down to see that he had stopped chopping. With a sigh, he smiled and shook his head, trying to reanimate himself into his work. He stirred the meat and vegetables, keeping his gaze from flickering to see Cas' reaction. "You know it as well as I do. I just…shouldn't be around people." His shoulders raised in a shameful shrug. I shouldn't be around at all.
Cas' gazed softened slightly, for a brief moment forgetting that Hylas was the deadliest killer known to the continent, "No one deserves to be alone for their whole life, Hylas." His voice was laced with gentle sympathy. It was hard to forget what Hylas had done, but as the prince watched him chop vegetables in the light of the candles, the quiet sounds of night filling the room, he couldn't help but feel sorry. Even Hylas, a man who had killed and record beached red from the acts committed, didn't deserve to live a lonely life. Cas couldn't forgive him for what he had done, at least not yet, but as he admired the man in the warm evening air, his heart flickered with a feel unknown to him. The Valthean country side was the most gorgeous place Cas had visited for a long time. To appreciate the beauty with someone else made it all the better. All the years Hylas had spent alone out here, he ached to change what had passed, if only to make things slightly better for him. Killer or prince, right now, right here, they were both the same. Just men with heavy weights situated on both their shoulders. From the way Hylas looked, the far off look in his eyes whenever the past was brought up, Cas knew he felt just as guilty of his actions as he looked. Maybe keeping him alive was his way of trying to make amends, maybe it started out that way, Cas didn't know, but he knew he couldn't spend time dwelling on what was or might have been.
Hylas took in a breath with a deep sigh, stepping back from the flat furnace and reaching for a tin pail. The night sky was a feverish blue cape over Valthea, and Hylas anticipated the harmonious chirping of insects by the well behind the safehouse. What's so tragic about being alone? I've been alone all my life, and I'm doing well enough. "Some people do," He quietly replied, slowly walking to the door and pondering the cold swirl of feelings clouding his thoughts. To hear those very thoughts out loud was surreal; dreamlike and almost frightening. But to know that his words were being heard and received was something else. He half-turned at the doorframe, speaking over his shoulder with a careful breath. "And…some people deserve to know that those people are gone for the most part." It's why criminals were imprisoned and sentenced to death: good people deserved to see or think of bad people suffering. That's simply how it was in Hylas' mind. He let his words settle in the dim room before nodding to himself, turning, and leaving for the well.
Cas watched Hylas leave, sighing softly as he left and contemplated his words. Running his hands over his face, Cas chewed his lip. Who was he kidding? He couldn't relate to Hylas, in any case. Their lives were too different, too complex, and some God had thrown them together as if they were mere pawns in a long, convoluted game of chess. Those people.. referring to himself, of course, Cas knew. Swallowing, he threw a log in the fire, keeping the blaze a light and crackling while Hylas left to go do whatever it was he was doing. He wanted to follow, but could tell that Hylas needed some room. Spending more than one day in another persons company, especially one who he had kidnapped and nearly murdered, wasn't something he was used to, obviously. As much as Cas was used to being around people from the second he was awake to when he fell into a restless sleep, Hylas wasn't. Boundaries. He'd been kind enough to make the trip bearable so far, minus nearly killing him, the least Cas could do was let him have a little space without trying to argue with the man. He stayed on his place on the floor, waiting for him to return and carefully watching dinner.
Hylas cut through the warm evening air, surrounded by an invisible orchestra of cicadas and crickets. He knew his way to the well, and he hardly relied on sight to get there. Ten paces forwards, mind the sharp stone. Twenty paces, round the corner and follow the fallen log. Bringing up the bucket of well water, he thought of how lonely it had really been for him, all these years. He had never had the sense of mental safety to really consider it, and he didn't have much to compare his experience to. But now the idea had been planted in his head. What did…not being alone feel like? Surely Cas would know; he was easily the most beloved prince in Mavadora. Hylas listed off the potential qualities of having friends, family, and a community, and shocked himself with how strange and unfamiliar the concepts were to him. What do friends do? Talk? And Husbands and Wives? Kiss and also talk? And acquaintances? And— He felt saddened by his lack of understanding; it was a considerable gap missing from his knowledge and as much as he stood by his claim of needinng to be along, Hylas couldn't help his curiosity. He walked back inside the safehouse, carefully setting his pail of water for the soup on the counter. With a soft breath, his shoulder stuttered as he half-turned to Cas, feeling his expression soften with the mental message of 'Thank you for trying to be kind.'
Not wanting to make Hylas uncomfortable, Cas offered a small smile as a sign that he understood what his silent look meant. It wasn't easy for either of them in the situation they were thrust into, but Cas was well aware that he had more experience dealing with others - especially for long periods of time. He guessed this was the longest Hylas had been around another person who could actually talk to him since.. he didn't know how long he had been killing for, but from his skill set, he knew it was a long time. Cas was glad that they had made it this far with as much conversation and understanding as they had. A surprise, but a good one to say the least. Cas ached to learn more about Hylas, more about his past, how he ended up in the life he was in, what led him to chose death over anything else. Whatever the answer was, it wasn't good, and Cas wasn't going to ask when Hylas was the one feeding him and letting him have a roof over his head. Not that they had a choice. He supposed if he wanted Hylas could kill him and runaway to another continent, but the rational part of him acknowledged that wasn't going to happen, not after he'd spend money on him and lent clothes for him to borrow. Strange to think that the dangerous yet beautiful man in his company could be so.. kind? to him. Hylas' past actions might not have been good but right now? He certainly was.
