homebound. (earinor & akira)

"I'm... I didn't... I didn't mean it like that. You can try out new things, I just need to calm down and losen up a little, I know that.", Edward answered with somewhat of a smile. Cecil was easily hurt and Edward wasn't sure if he should have allowed him to fight with Logan. It ended badly and yet he didn't know if Cecil had any regrets about it or not, now that the bleeding stopped and his face probably didn't hurt anymore. It hurt Edward to see the prince hurt and it hurt him to think back to it, probably more than it hurt the prince himself. He treated him like all the others at home and the prince would get fed up with it, wouldn't he? Maybe that was why he latched onto Logan and maybe that was why Edward allowed Cecil to try some alcohol. "As I said, I will follow you wherever we go.", Edward reiterated once more. He didn't want to make the decision of where they were going, or if they went back. It was the princes life and his decision, Edward would only try to help, that was all he wanted.

"It was no trouble at all.", he mumbled regarding the gloves, but when he watched the prince get rid of the dirt on Edwards clothes, he couldn't stand there and watch. "Please! Don't bother!", he let out grabbing Cecils hands. Then he procured a white fabric with laces on the edges and wiped the princes hands clean of the mud. He couldn't stop himself, but once he was done he let his head hang again. "I'm sorry.", he mumbled, unsure about if Cecil would get angry at him again. He stowed the fabric away for now, it came on the list of things to clean. The sea wouldn't suffice for that, but he'd find a way to wash all their clothes eventually. "I'm good.", Edward then answered looking at the prince. Edward also still got their bags with the food they bought, but maybe Cecil rather sat down inside once more. "What about you? Do you want breakfast, or should I saddle the horses?"

"Oh, don't worry. We both will try new things, and I'll help you with the losening up. But, Eddie, remember one thing - no matter what, you'll always be the Eddie I like and cherish, no matter what happens, okay?", he assured his knight and smiled, happy again, despite the puffy eyebags and the glassy eyes that would subside eventually. He was bound to have a headache sooner than later, and all that aside, he had brought it upon himself - it could be worse than that, though, and Cecil was glad that it wasn't - he was glad that he could be with Eddie again, without some sour complications and stupid ideas from both of them, but it could have been worse than that as well. "Then I'd like to make a beeline to the next bakery and get a piece of cake! ... I'm kidding.", he giggled and shook his head, despite his heroic display of bravery - nobody here would have cake, and even then, if they had to order one, they'd stay behind for quite a bit and that would mean that, whoever was sent to keep an eye on them, had plenty of time to catch up, simply because someone wanted some pastry. Wasn't that unhealthy anyway? What did Logan eat? Fiber and grass and meat? Probably, he looked pretty strong ... did people even eat grass? That didn't sound like people food.

"They're beautiful - and you're skilled! If you weren't my knight I'd hire you as my tailor! I'm sure you'd make the fanciest and most comfortable of clothing, with lace and complicated stitching - and I'd wear it and show it off ... that sounds silly, but you have incredible skill and I wouldn't want to miss it." A world where a Dryden child wasn't aiding the family of the king seemed absurd, if not completely unimaginable. Whatever the case, they were bound not only by duty and blood, but by contract, one that many of them disregarded still, in hopes of finding a better life for one another, and to ignore the many loops and holes that it had. He halted in his movement and let Edward do as he wanted, watched as dirt was flung from his feeble hands and wiped away with the finest of cloths, and he smiled. "No, no. Don't be. It's fine. You're doing what you know to be right - we'll work on that, but I'm glad to have a helping hand. I swear, if I'm walking around with a cane and a monocle at thirty, I might as well teach you something new while I won't need to ask for it!", the prince commented, sounding pleased about whatever had happened. The truth was, that he'd like to see his thirteeth birthday, but who knew how well that would go? Probably south. Not in a good way. "Breakfast? Hm, no. I don't want any, thanks for asking. We can eat on the way ... and also. I know you don't trust him and you definitely don't have to saddle his horse if you didnt want to, Eddie. That one is up to you, though."

Would Cecil always like and cherish him? Even if he found other friends and companions that let him do whatever he wanted? Edward had always been bad at saying no to his prince, but Garrett indulged him way more if he was completely honest. He'd fight him and play catch with him. Edward could only think of that one time he helped him get out and almost killed Cecil. Would it end like that again? "You can have cake if you want some.", Edward explained, but Cecil truly didn't want any as it seemed. They got bread, meat, cheese and butter with them now and could only hope the butter didn't melt until they were ready to eat it. "I... thank you. That's too much praise...", Edward then mumbled and he'd have taught Cecil how to stwitch things, or how to tailor fine clothes, but a needle in the princes hand screamed for trouble and a neverending bloodstream - so no, he didn't offer him to help him with that. There were other, more save things he could do and learn.

"You're still a prince, no matter where we are.", Edward quietly explained his behavior. He would never want him to get dirty, or do mundane things Edward was capable of doing himself. He gladly did for as long as he could. Once the prince was clean again, Edward looked at their horses and the saddles that were hanging close to them. "No that is fine.", Edward smiled and readied Cecils horse first. Then he cared for his own and put their luaggage away. He helped Cecil on his horse, then also readied Logans and in the end took all three leashes to leed the horses - one with Cecil on top - to the entrance of the stables. He opened the door to find Logan leaning against the wall next to it with crossed arms. "So are we good again?", the blonde asked. Edward didn't answer him, but he handed him the leash of his horse, before getting on his own. Logan looked at him almost confused, but he grinned and swung himself on his horse too. They were ready to go.

"Uh... I'm not sure if I can tailor whole dresses.", Edward replied flattered. He could make some gloves in the evening and maybe some socks or a scarf, maybe even a simple shirt, but defiently no royal clothes. He could maybe fix them, but that was all. For this journey they didn't bring too fancy clothes though. How the prince talked however almost sounded lik Edward was allowed to call him his prince agin, once they crossed the border, which was delightful. He felt bad for not using any titles or the wrong one, even if he mostly danced around having to say any of it anyway. he looked forward to act normally again. "Ah... maybe I'll find time for it, we'll see.", he answerd the prince, not sure if he found the right time and place to actually train, especially since their journey would be a long one today if they wanted to reach the sea. Outside the prince greeted the mercenary with a strange new nickname. Edward didn't ask, but he ahd to agree, that he somehow pushed both of them into resolving their little conflict. However, now that it was the three of them again, Edward held in the background again while Logan mostly talked to the prince about this and that.

They didn't make any breaks, they even ate their lunch on horseback and because of that they actually reached the coast in the early afternoon. The waves were a little high, but the beach was pure sand and it seemed easy to get in and out. On the edges there were some woods which they led their horses towards. There grass and sand mixed. On the beach itself their were some dead trees, but no stones. It looked fine for the prince to take off his boots if he wanted. Edward and Logan got off their horses and tied all three of them to the trees there. Then Edward helped Cecil off his own. Just in case he also put a blanket down on the sandy grass for the prince to sit down if he wanted to, maybe at least to get rid of his boots. "Logan already kicked his off and got rid of his metal armor. "Shall I help you out of your boots too?", Edward proposed, unsure about their plan now, but they had time before they needed to set up camp or hunt and Logan already took off his shirt as if he was ready to jump into the waves any minute now. "What do you want to do?", Edward asked the prince. Logan had his mind already sat however. "Well I will cool myself down a bit first!"

Cecil wanted to get out of his boots by himself and Edwar let him do that. He knew he couldn't do everything for him, not always and the prince wanted this journey to get more independent. It didn't bother him to do that, but he didn't need to, so he tried to find somethng else instead. He didn't want to get rid of his armor, not like Logan and he wasn't sure if he wanted to leave their horses alone here, but maybe it was fine, if Logan went into the water as well. For now Edward procured a towel for the prince, one he could use later when he came out of the water again. He hung it on top of a low hanging branch and by then Cecil had gotten rid of his own shirt. "Yes, but keep the hood on, okay?", Edward smiled and took mentioned cape to put it back over the princes shoulders. Then he pulled the hood over his head. "We can take another dip later too, at night?", Logan proposed. He already figured out that the sun burned the princes face and that was why he always kept it in the shade. "Well, I'm going ahead!", he then grinned and kicked off his underwear as well. Then he ran ahead and quickly vanished behind some waves. Edward had averted his gaze and he also had obstructed Cecils view with his hand.

"I will join you if that is okay.", Edward then said with another smile. "Do you want to keep your pants on and change them later?" He could, but going completely naked would be a bit odd. Besides, every fabric around him just protected him of the sun. "Remember that this is not like the lake. The waves are a bit high and their might be some current. I'd like to take care of you, just in case. You don't have to hold my hand if you don't want to." Edward wanted him to be save and he knew that Cecil couldn't swim. As long as Logan was in the water too, Edward felt like it was alright to keep their things alone. Hopefully no one would come here and try to rob them, but it seemed very secluded and they left the road a while ago. "You don't have to be quick. I just don't want you in there alone. As Logan said, we have some time until sunset. I want you to enjoy the beach alright?" Edward got out of his own boots and then he rolled up the legs of his pants, he didn't want to get rid of them completely. He took off his hood and opened his shirt to take it off. Then he looked at his own cape, wondering if it was better to hide his hair out here or if no one would ever come along here anyway.

Logan was much like a force of nature, someone to be reckoned with, and Cecil had taken an almost unhealthy interest in him and wanted nothing more than to bask in his presence and understand where all that confidence came from and drove him further and further to do things he might not even have planned. Reality looked much different, it always had, and for noe, he had two perfectly fine men to cling to, both of which he'd rather be like than whoever he truly and currently was. Could Eddie offer him that, or Logan? Both of them? Neither? Cecil didn't know, but he very well was aware that he was expecting that probably just shouldn't and wouldn't be, no matter how much he clung to those fake and questionable ideals that haunted him, more than anything could and should. "Yes, I'll keep it on.", he assured his knight and, as he'd gotten rid of his shirt, was about to fold it, but then decided to jump and hang it on the tree branch that Edward had put his towel on - once he managed that, he stemmed his hands against his hips and grinned accomplished, having defeated one of his mortal enemies and yet, it was nothing but the same thing, over and over again. Was Eddie tired of his little accomplishments? "At night? No, it's nice out now!" He'd catch a cold or something ridiculous like that. "Hey, wait up!", he yelled after Logan.

What followed next was a short view of this guys naked ass, but before he could see anything else, a well-placed hand obstructed his gaze and Cecil laughed. Was Edward afraid of seeing Logan buttnaked? He seemed like the guy to act like that. "You've seen Francis naked before.", he told Eddie with a smile as the hand vanished and he kept grinning like an idiot. Whatever the case, he simply nodded. "It always is.", he gifted him a smile and stretched himself a bit. "I'll keep them on, that way, we can avoid burns!" Even his feet without socks on them were prone to getting burnt and all of that was uncomfortable as all hell, and yet, Cecil wanted to believe that he'd have his fair share of fun otherwise. "I think I'll just sit a bit in the water first, at the shore, so no need to hold my hand. But when I'm going in, I'd like that, if that's okay with you? I'd rather not swallow some murky salty soup.", he nodded and then grabbed Eddies hand regardless. For now, they didn't have to go in, and since they were grandpas and Logan was an uncle, that meant one of the three of them had to be the crazy one - who knew, maybe Logan would be unfortunate and he'd have to deal with some crawfish? Cecil chuckled at the thought and then pulled the hood deeper into his face. As they both set into motion, he marbled at the waves and at the gulls, at the warm sand that just made way for his somewhat aching feet - and at the soaked bits and pieces of it at the shore. Suddenly, he had a stupid idea. "Can we build a castle out of wet sand?"

Sometimes the prince wasn't out to say no to everything that was supposed to help him. Edward smiled when Cecil agreed to keep the hood on, but Edward would still be careful. Most of the princes body wasn't covered now and Cecil got sunburns way too easily. Maybe for that reason alone Edward should keep his cape and hood on as well, to support the prince and not leave him alone with it, to show solidarity. The prince jumped a bit to hang his shirt on a tree and Edward smiled proudly at him. He didn't mind that the prince was happy about little accomplishments, he actually was glad he found joy in things like that. Logan already took off, but going into the water while the sun had set was actually not a bad idea. The prince wouldn't need to wear a cape that pulled him down once soaked, given it wouldn't be too cold. The sea was different than some lake, mayve even now the water would be too cold for the prince. "I... Yes I did, but he is my brother and I didn't want to either...", Edward was quick to answer. "And you shouldn't need to see that either..."

Was Edward prude? Yes very much so and maybe he was already embarrassed. He was even embarrassed about the prince that took off his shirr like that and also he himself felt a bit odd without a shirt. At least the prince wanted to keep his pants on. Still Edward kneeled down and rolles the legs up just a little bit so Cecil would feel more comfortable once he went into the water. "Of course.", Edward smiled and was already grabbed and dragged towards the water. Soon enough both their feet got wet as the waves ran up and doen their ankles. "Sure we can. But first, would you like me to build some shade for you? I'm sure I can think of something with a towel and a few sticks.", he proposed looking at the sun that was still standing quite high. Logan meanwhile was already inside the water and appeared to do some exercise while he was at it." What do you think about the sand? ", he then asked sith a smile, knowing that Cecil never had been on a beach before. The lake they had visited had been much more muddy.

Having Edward talk with him again was nice, but what was even better than that, was the fact that he was genuinely being supported and loved by someone that he’d known and cherished for so long - it warmed his heart, from the inside out, and made it beat faster, to the point where he genuinely enjoyed himself once more and couldn’t stop chuckling about it. “Garrett never asked me if I wanted to see him naked either. You should have seen him without a shirt, though! I wish I was big and strong like that, but alas, my big brother hogged it all for himself.”, he chortled and then shook his head. He hadn’t wanted to see Garrett naked either, but they had giant community baths for a reason and sometimes, when his body sort of ached and he needed steaming hot water to calm his slimy lungs. Of course his older brother hung around that place and Francis did as well, and then, Cecil had seen them and wanted to disappear through the floor in absolute embarrassment - he’d seen too much. “Logan has a nice ass, if that’s what you wanted to hear?”, he laughed. Edward was bound to have one as well, and yet, he didn’t dare embarrass his knight.

“I have a question. If I asked you to undress for me, would you?” That was a stupid idea and he’d come to regret it, but he didn’t care much. Eddie was bound to get even more embarrassed by that question and that despite the fact that they’d looked at much worse already! Cecil waltzed through the sand, holding onto the hand that squeezed his own and smiling while trying to not leave that many footprints in the sand. “If it’s not problem, yes. But make it big enough for both of us - can I help you with selecting some sticks? I’m sure we can find some proper ones if we look together.”, he agreed and raised his head up high, squinting at every possible iteration of stick that could be buried in the sand - he dipped his toes into the water, which proved to be rather cold, but it was fine regardless. “It’s pretty gloopy and cold here, which is pretty relaxing! The warm and soft one is also nice, but not for me or my baby skin … what do you think about it? Do you like it?” He buried his feet in the sand, but then, he lowered his head and found something peculiar - a shell of something, which he picked up. “Oh! Someone lost their house.”

"I...I... no. I already feel bad for seeing you without a shirt on...", Edward replied mumbling. He wasn't supposed to see the crownprince naked, not even only shirtless, though he was sure he liked training without one. Whenever any of the other princes - though really only Garett - or Edwards older brother wanted to use the training grounds, he'd always quietly vanish befor ehe was noticed. "You have your own benefits and my brother is also stronger than me. But we are ourselves and not them." They went on their own journey now, they had their own adventured and there was surely something they were better at than their brothers, even though Francis seemed to be the perfect knight, even in the eyes of their father. "What?! Why would I...?", Edward asked confused. The prince was messing with him, wasn't he? "What are you guys talking about, won't you come in?", Logan yelled from further in meanwhile and Edward just didn't want to think about anyones butt. Edward didn't answer him, instead he pulled that cape tighter around his own body as if he needed to be embarassed about it.

"Wh-What...?", Edward asked like a beaten dog. He didn't know what to answer to that question. "Why would you... want that...?", he asked. "I already took off my shirt..." And he had before when they swam in the lake, but more than that? It was not right to stand naked before a prince and besides, he didn't want to bask in the sun when Cecil couldn't. "No it's fine, I'll get back to those trees over there. You can start building that sand castle.", Edward smiled, not wanting help, he culd do that by himself and at the shore Cecil was safe. Edward could see him from about anywhere too. "Me? I... yeah I like it I suppose. I was at the beach with my father before.", he smiled, then looked at what Cecil had picked up. It was a shell of some crab maybe. it was pretty good in tact and Edward smiled. "Maybe you can find more decoration for the castle. I'll be right back.", he told him. He only needed to yell and Edward would come running. For now he walked back to those trees and tried to find some big sticks. Then he searched for another towel, but ended up with a blanket and brought all of that back to Cecil. The sticks were pushed into the sand and the blanket was tied to them on the corners. Soon enough they had a little roof that would save Cecil from the sun, while he also was able to keep sitting in the sand. It was a pretty hot day, but Edward was used to stay in his armor even on hot days. Still, the cool water was feeling nice on his feet.

"N-No, not at all!", Edward was quick to answer and shook his head. "You might not look like your brother, but that is not a bad thing. I meant... I feel bad, because I shouldn't look at a princes body to begin with... unless maybe you need my help with cleaning, but that is not the case right now.", Edward mumbled embarassed. He didn't dare look at the prince too much, even though he had seen his body before, for example when he came out of the shower. Still Edward tried not to stare and yet he knew that he didn't mind the slender body Cecil posessed, even though the prince sounded like he wanted to look more like the crownprince or Logan, whos shoulders were much broader than Edwards, even without his heavy armor. "I... I wouldn't want to fight my sister...", Edward admitted, but that also didn't mean he was confident to win. "You shouldn't underestimate William either..." Xander and William were different than Edward and Cecil. They usually weren't very motivated to go out, although they could go wherever they wanted. William wasn't running after the prince as much es Francis and Edward did either, but Cecils brother didn't seem to mind that either. Edwar seldomly talked to them though, so he didn't know the whole story. "Wh-What? Why would you say that? I'm not into... anything...", Edward mumbled embarassed and averted his gaze. At least Logan was far away. Edward didn't dare look at any of them. Logan seemed to shrug his shoulders and just continued swimming by himself.

"I-I... I rather not have you look at my... bum.", Edward replied and quickly retreated to take care of the shade he wanted to build for the prince. He wasn't sure what brought the prince to talk about those kind of things, maybe it was because he got funny reactions from Edward. He just felt a bit embarassed and he didn't even know why. Edward was so different from his brothers, he had more in common with Robin if he was honest, but she liked to gossip with Maeva a lot too. Edward rather kept quiet and let Cecil talk. He didn't even know why he had turned out so different from anyone else at court. Once the shade was built Edward felt better about all the sun here, even if he maybe had to move it eventually. Cecil had built a foundation meanwhile. He probably wanted him to help, though Edward was thinking if he could put in some training, then again he was embarassed for doing it in front of Cecil and Logan. Maybe if he swam some rounds too, that would at least keep his body in shape, but that too was not what he wanted, so far from the prince. "No problem.", he smiled at Cecil, but before he sat down he wanted him to have everything he needed. "Are you thirsty?", he asked, then tried to spot Logan in the waves. He almost felt sorry that he went in alone although he looked kind of excited before, but he still didn't trust him.

“Eddie, that’s fine. I enjoy being myself, if I was Garrett I wouldn’t be Cecil. And I wouldn’t have you by my side - and I think Francis isn’t the right knight for me, as nice as he can be.”, he admitted, nodding in agreement. His brothers partner, if one could call him that, was nothing more than someone that Cecil hardly understood - he was nice enough, but then again, he felt almost somewhat possessive of his brother at times, and Cecil himself didn’t know if he liked any of that the slightest bit. “You can look at me as much as you want to. I’d actually like that. If you want to, at least - I’d feel flattered, actually.”, Cecil told his knight, with a shy smile spreading on his lips as he retreated into the shade and stretched himself while sitting, yawning as if he’d gotten up five minutes ago or so, and ready to take a nap in the cold, wet sand. That didn’t sound so bad, now that he thought about it. “I’d like to fight Xander, but not in a battle of wits. As for Maeve, I won’t win, but mainly because she’d distract me and then she’d kidnap me to her room and … remember that time they put makeup on me and forced me to wear a dress?”, he groaned. Robin had had the honor of carrying him - and Edward the horror of dashing after them when it already was too late. “What about the women? Some nice curves, then? Or maybe something else?”, he chuckled. Eddie was cute.

“No? Bummer. Do you think mine is cute?” Cecil should join Logan in the waves as long as the sun was still put, merely to bask in its own glory and to enjoy the waves before they got even worse - but he already was burying his muddy hands in sand again and went ahead with constructing the first of many buildings he had in mind, something he’d adorn with seashells much later - he needed sticks and stones, maybe a loose fabric for the flag, and thus, he diligently got to work, sticking out his tongue as he went over every other scenario in his head, lest the first tower would come crashing down before the others were even erected. “I’m good. What about you? Are you thirsty?” If he wasn’t, he definitely had Cecil permission to join - the prince tinkered and fooled around with his newfound kingdom of sand, wondering if some crabs would move into the heavy structure if it withheld more than a salty breeze and high waves. Cecil enjoyed the thought and the praise he’d get, from beings that barely were able to communicate with their surroundings. Another tower followed. “Or do you want to join Logan?”

"Im glad. I wouldn't want you to be anyone else. Your brother would be... too loud for me.", Edward smiled scratching the back of his head. "I apologize, I shouldn't talk like that about the crown prince." Francis however would be a great night for Cecil. He was also bad at saying no, though he probably wouldn't have taken him on this journey. Besides that he was simply good at everything. Sewing, cooking, building a table in the middle of nowhere, he was impressive and the perfect son to their father. Meanwhile Edward was probably his biggest disappointment by now. Did he anticipate that? Their journey they took for a year had been odd. His father had pushed him on that journey. It was a journey supposed to teach him about this world, so he could traverse it, but why if he never was supposed to leave the castle? He was overthinking. "I... I really shouldn't. I'm sorry I'm being... me.", Edward replied apologetic as ever. "I... yes I remember. I'm very sorry about that. Robin is faster than she looks..." And they had prepered a trap for Edward which made him slip in the halls. "H-huh? A women? N-No... I don't think I... want to look at anyone. is that weird?", he asked. Once again he was the odd one out, wasn't he? What about Cecil? No, he couldn't ask the prince something like that!

"I I I... I wouldn't know!", Edward answered with red cheeks, standing there like a statue, like an actual knight, trying to protect his prince and as so often the prince was playing with him. This was very common for them actually. He looked at Logan who swam around, at the beach around them and at the castle Cecil built. "No I am good.", the knight answered, still thinking about the training he should too, but also the protecting he had to uphold. The beach here was open though, those trees were just a small bunch of them. If someone came here, they'd spot them soon enough and they were far enough from any road so they should not have a chance encounter with anyone. "I'm... I'm thinking about swimming for a bit. It would serve as a good training I suppose. But I don't want to leave you all by yourself either." Much less did he want him only around Logan though. That was also why he thought about taking a dip now, since Logan was still in the water too.

“He’d gloat and boast about his accomplishments all day, but that’s Garret for you. Incredibly loud and absolutely insane in many ways. I’m glad you’re with me.” As much as Cecil idolized his older brother, he had to admit that he was kind of hard to deal with in a few ways - most of them where nothing more than the usual tender moments between siblings, but even then, he could be somebody that wasn’t easily understood and on the other hand, he liked to talk until his mouth was fuzzy. What a good diplomat he’d be one day. “I appreciate crown prince slander and he can’t hear us, so you’re save. I’ll let it slide for the duration of our journey, in case something comes to mind.”, he whistled and made the motion of locking his lips with and invisible key, before tossing it somewhere not even he would know. Like this, he couldn’t help but laugh - if his hands weren’t dirty with wet sand, he definitely had reached out to Edward and patted his forehead for being such a good and proper knight, all the while he tried to please his master. What a sweetheart he was. “No apologizing, not for being yourself, which I like, or for our swift-footed witch sisters. We always fail to consider them.”

The amount of trouble that Xander and William caused, in direct relation to Garrett and Francis, was almost always equal to zero - both Maeve and Robin were the ones that caused most of the chaos. “I wouldn’t say it’s weird, but … it’s very Eddie. No eyes for anyone, aside from his prince, unless you mean that you really don’t want to look at anyone at all.”, he nodded, his answer pleasing himself. And what if Edward liked neither man nor woman? Not once had anyone demanded that he’d have to continue the bloodline - Cecil had the smallest of crushes on his childhood knight, but even that would eventually disappear, he was awfully sure of that. “I take that as a maybe, you’re kind of unsure about my tush. Also, cute expression. I like that one.”, he teased him further and as did so, he passed up on another good opportunity that he didn’t even consider beforehand. It was too late now and he accepted the mistakes he’d made for himself. “Would it help if I sat at the shore and watched you?”, he wondered aloud, got up eventually and then looked at his knight, almost as if he was expecting something, and thus, he shoved the hood deep into his own face again. “Lets get going then. I’d like a bit of sunlight before it gets too dark. And also you’re jealous!”, he teased once more.

"I don't want to talk badly about him, I just think Francis fits his needs better than me.", Edward smiled apologetic. Edward doubted he'd be able to keep up with the crownprinces ideas and the things he wanted to accomplish. Whenever he had an idea or heard a story about some long forgotten beast, he dashed away and Francis always seemed like he'd already anticipated it, with readied bags and horses. Edward hardly could tell what Cecils next big idea was. "I... no. He'll be an excellent king one day.", Edward replied, sure of that. The whole royal family was great and growing up in the castle had always been nice for both the princes and princesses as well as for the Dryden family. Sure, as knights they had their duties and as Drydens they had to fulfill them from a very early age onwards - with help - but Edward never minded that and Francis surely didn't either. Even Robin liked her occupation and William was just showing it differently as it seemed. For what he'd been given he now trated the kings rules with disrespect. Edward should be ashamed, but Cecil was more important and he was happy out here. "They have more sinister ideas than anyone else, I agree.", Edward answered regarding their sisters. Maybe they felt left out sometimes.

"I... I would never think about you in... that way. I would never look at you like that and I don't want to see anyone else either...", Edward replied still flustered. How did he get into this situation? Didn't Cecil want to hear stories before? Why were they talking about sexual fantasies or the lack thereof now? "I'm... I shouldn't talk about those things...", Edward mumbled. How was he supposed to answer to such questions? He never looked at the princes butt, but at the same time he was pretty sure he'd recognize him anywhere. "You already sit at the shore, you can stay here.", Edward then refused, but the prince already got up. "I'm... what?", he then asked. Jelous? Of who? He didn't even mention Logans name and if anything, he was weary of him. In actuality he didn't want to be watched, but the prince already made up his mind. Edward got rid of his own cape and hood and neatly placed it on some dry sand. "Just yell for me if you need anything.", Edward told Cecil and after he made sure that the prince was fine out here, he threw himself into the waves. He wanted to swim a bit while he kept Cecil in view, but Logan quickly joined him. "Leaving the prince all by his lonesome?", he asked smiling, but not judgingly. "I... I think out here it's fine. No surprises.", Edward slowly answered him - he actually didn't fancy smalltalk. "That's why I picked this place!", Logan laughed, then shook his head. "Anyway! How about a race? Swimming alone is boring." "You won't try to trick me again and get to the prince?" "No, I promise. I just want some fun." "F-Fine...", Edward mumbled. "Really?! Great!", Logan laughed pretty surprised, then picked a goal for their little race. Edward agreed to it and Logan counted down. The prince didn't know about this competition of theirs and maybe that was the reason why Edward wasn't as keen on winning this one, even though it would have helped his self esteem. He swam as fast as he could anyway and the goal was pretty far ahead. Watching out for the prince was kind of distracting, but in the end Edward won by just a little bit and Logan emerged from the water next to him, breathing heavily. "Damn! You're fast!", he laughed. Edward didn't quite know what to answer. "By the way, why are you wearing your pants? Do they make you faster?" "What? I'm just...ah!" Edward yelled out when he felt a hand on his leg and another pulling on him. "What are you-?!" "Relax. Competition number two" "What? What is the-" "The pants of course!" "Stay away from me!" "I will not noble knight!" And thus, some form of weird struggle started in which both of them swallowed some water and Edward somehow lost his pants to Logan. "Little sheep! Quick! Catch!", Logan yelled laughing and threw the pants towards the shore. In the next moment Edward would have gotten him. He held his arm and Logans head in place, he was unable to move like that. "Ouch ouch! I give up!", he laughed and Edward sighed deeply. "That makes it two to one, doesn't it?", he asked. Edward counted it more like two to two, but whatever. He sighed again and slowly let go of Logan to then move towards the shore. Logan was following him laughing. "You're pretty good at hand to hand combat.", he told Edward who sighed again. "Was that another lecture?" "Maybe...? No. I just wanted you to unwind a bit." "No need." "Are you mad?" "... no." It actually felt good to move a bit more. It felt good to power himself out whether he won or not, but he would have liked to keep his pants. Both of them emerged from the waves, one in underwear, the other not wearing anything at all, but both of their long hair stuck to their bodies and Edward combed some blue strands back to be able to see better. He was still sighing, but he wasn't angry and Logan was grinning like an idiot, showing off the much broader chest.

And there Eddie went - it was true, he was sitting close to the shore anyway and he could stay in their little homemade fort to avoid all of the sun that would eventually plague them, but did he want that? Something within Cecil called out and told him that it, too, wanted to join the others in the water and that it, too, wanted to be with them, regardless of any consequences that both of them would suffer if they exposed their skin to the sun, even the slightest bit. Edward had been right - going home would be the easier variant, at least until someone could come up with someone that shielded his ghastly pale skin from the sun and not just fix him an ointment that, at worst, did nothing much for him. It was one of the few chances that he had and yet, in turn, Cecil felt like he had to do something for himself to enjoy being alive like this, as ugly as it sounded. Not only had he made amends to understand himself and others, he also had tried to fathom whatever or not he even was a good candidate for the crown, in case push came to shove and all of his older siblings were essentially unaware to follow their self-imposed duties. Was that going to change anything, though? No, not in the slightest. Cecil was who he'd always be and as stupid as it sounded, that wasn't going to change anything at all.

The two disappeared in the waves and Cecil thought about picking up Eddies cape for a second, but then again he didn't dare to and rather sat this one out as he diligently waited and hoped for something to transpire while he did - he'd better do a good job at guarding their stuff, lest Eddie would never enjoy fun like that again because he blamed himself for not being there. From what Cecil could see, they had some fun and there was a bit of yelling that he could hear, even if he somehow missed bits and parts of the context as it seemed and he merely chuckled to himself as he collected some more seashells that he found outside of his shady little place, quickly swiping them up from the sand like a bird would come crashing down to collect its long-sought meal. "WHAT? CATCH?", he yelled but already found a wet piece of fabric flung at him as Logan yelled and he scooted out of his fort to catch it before it could hit the sandy ground - he threw his whole body into it and made the landing, but miraculously, nothing hurt and there weren't any scrapes on him. "Sand is fantastic!", he giggled. If it always was this soft and pliant, maybe he'd have less chances of scraping his knees and hurting himself on accident, all the while the sea was so close that he could already smell it. Coming from a land-locked place was horrid, but what was even worse was the fact, that nobody wanted to show him this; it was beautiful! Before Cecil could comprehend it all and take the view in, both Logan and Eddie returned from the water and Cecil still kneeled there, looking up and as he did, he eventually hid his face behind the wet pants that he offered to Edward. They both looked nice, but not like this! He couldn't even marble at their chests if Logans thing was that close! "L-Logan please put on some u-underwear?", he stammered looking to the side - his cheeks felt warm, and so did his ears, and he scooted back a bit as soon as Eddie had taken his pants. Well, he didn't want to see that up close!

When they came out of the water, Edward immedietly saw the princes red cheeks. He fastened his step and was at his side first to shield his face from that naked barbarian. "I apologize.", he said as if it was his fault that Logan wore nothing and as if it was his fault that he himself wore less than he should. Thinking about it now, he shouldn't have left the prince alone like that and he felt bad. He took the pants from him that didn't seem sandy at all, only wet, but he'd get dry ones back at their bags instead of wearing this. "What? We're all men here, aren't we?", Logan asked laughing because the prince and his knight didn't dare look at him only because he was naked. They had dicks of their own, didn't they? "Fine, I'll dress up. I wanted to hunt our meal for tonight anyway.", Logan sighed still grinning and then made his way back to their horses. Edward didn't want him alone there in case he wanted to rob them, but he also didn't want to lunge the prince around.

Edward crouched down a little and tried to wipe some sand off of the prince who flung himself to the ground before. "You're not hurt, right?", he asked, checking his hands and knees. Again he peeked past the prince, but Logan only got his clothes from the ground and put them on. He left the armor behind and still Edward was worried he'd meet up with his friends to ambush them when left alone. Then again, he'd been alone in the evening yesterday and morning today too... Edward at least took his sword again which he put into the ground at the little stick contraption he built, then he looked at the prince once more. "Do you want to keep collecting seashells? I will set up our camp for tonight meanwhile. I'll be right over there, so I can watch over you, okay?", Edward asked and nodded at the trees. Logan waved to them too, a bow in his hand. He also took his sword, but he left his things, including his expensive looking armor behind. Shortly after he already made his way away from camp to hunt some food. Their best bet here was probably some kind of bird. Maybe a seagull. They could have tried to fish too, but that probably would have bored the prince after five minutes.