homebound. (earinor & akira)

"You won't complain if I carry you anymore?", Logan asked with a grin. It was fun, they acted like no time had past, but maybe it was the alcohol starting to settle, then again, Logan hadn't even drunken that much yet. It was nice to see Rhys again. His first travel companion, when he himself was still green behind his ears, very much so. When both of them had absolutely no money and slept in stables, if they found someone allowing at least that, additionally to some minor labor. Two runaways that somehow had found each other. Logan felt bad for abandoning Rhys like that, but he had believed he'd live his dream with the Lord he left him with. "Bold? It's founded. I've fought many bandits, but also knights and there problem - honestly - is their honor. Flick some dirt in their eyes and they don't know what hit them. I can fight against your family, I'm sure, no matter how many knights they call there own. I admit, I probably won't get far alone, but I know other mercenaries that might be interested for a fair price?", he suggested. Fye was hot and people were much less nice than here in Azenad. Slavery was common practice, water was expensive, it was a harsh piece of land, that much was for sure, but Logan always liked a challenge. "The world is big, you'd first need to find the right crowd and... you act like I'm shirtless, which I'm not, redhead.", Logan teased back. Those hair were something else - easily recognizable and the skin tone was uncommon for these parts too, but nothing that turned people off usually. Azenads borders were quite open, merchants from all over the continent came here, even those from Thria. "Just thought about how blind you are.", Logan grinned, without saying much more, he wasn't drunk enough to spill the beans yet. he usually knew how to shut his mouth too. "I know we stole that bottle. We never could have afforded it.", Logan chuckled with a big grin. They had been so stupid and full of bad ideas, that was for sure. "Was that... our first kiss?", Logan then wondered. he didn't quite remember. Rhys meanwhile was touchy, wasn't he? Logan put his arm around his waist pulling him closer to jokingly act like he wanted to bite him, but he didn't actually put his teeth on him. "When was the last time you did something like that?", he wanted to know, trying to understand why he was so eager. Logan had sex just two days ago after all, but he too had to agree that Rhys was different and woke some sentimental feelings from a fifteen year old teenager he had once been. "Dominated? Hm... I'm just usually the one flattering others.", Logan laughed, but apparently he liked the feisty ones. "I don't need beer now, we'll share a bottle, how about that? I'm not even sure if we should go for two. Anyway, you wanna sit down somewhere or keep walking around?", he asked, finally letting go to start moving again. He pulled Rhys into the tavern to ask for a bottle of absinth. While moving past the people he took care that no one accidently hit Rhys arm, walking on his right side for now, just until there were less people again. At the counter he asked for the bottle and this time he was paying.

Cecil whined, but it was a good whine as it seemed. Edward sometimes knew what to tell him, though that sounded like he lied only to please him. That wasn't true. He never lied to him, when he gave him a compliment, he always meant it whole heartedly. The prince was flattering him too much for it though. Edward sported a shy smile, shook his head a little, but left it at that. Refusing those compliments would not be right, because the prince too meant them just like he told them. Edward concentrated on the game instead, especially since the eyes of that stall owner also lay on him now. His shot hadn't been too bad apparently and Cecil was the first to point it out, hugging his knight as if it had been the greatest accomplishment yet. The stall owner looked at the knight too, almost a bit too intense and he hit a little behind his hood. He was impressed as it seemed and Edward nodded with a thankful smile, before he softly pushed the prince forward to look at all the prizes. He didn't want a kiss right here, instead he wanted him to choose a prize. "Pick one. I want to give it to you.", Edward smiled, skimming over the prizes himself. He didn't need anything and the prince would be happy about a stuffed animal, or maybe some toys, he was sure of that. Even if it was a silly hat, he could have it.

"No complaining here, no.", Rhys called out, confident that he wouldn't. Not only had Logan the privilege to manhandle him now, he was also allowed to do whatever he desired to him. It was as easy as that, but if he were honest, he wished that Logan would lunge him around like one of his noble subjects and treat him with the utmost care; like back in the day, simply because of a minor injury that he could have fixed himself, but alas, there wasn't any chance for him to walk by himself. "Ah, I forgot that mercenaries don't care for unfair fights, it's almost a shame that you are of noble blood. But it's also rather fun to see you kick their values with both of your feet and some dirt.", Rhys complimented Logan and then moved on. "I could offer them a fair price, but, I also would have to let you know that the two of us would make a strong enough team.", he threw at Logan, completely unrelated. He'd learned more tricks in the past few years than anyone should, and therefore, he was rather enthralled by the idea of enacting revenge on his hated family, though, he needed some brawn, not only brains. "Redhead? Pff, take off your shirt, then.", he called out. Rhys twisted the slightest bit in Logans arms and reached for the first button on his shirt, and undid it, only to return into his previous position and stick his broken hand in. "There. Better ... and I'm not blind at all! With glasses.", he informed the blonde, knowing all too well that he definitely was blind as all hell and nothing could get past that. Hopefully, he'd come up with something else, something better, and did himself a favor by stopping his lies and putting those glasses back on. Logans chest was rather soft, though, but if he were to reach deeper, he'd probably find some chiseled abs. "Yes, but it was fun, wasn't it? And besides, we were kids ... who cares if some homeless, orphaned teenagers steal a bottle of absinth? Nobody ever blamed us. Except the bar owner." And they probably didn't even remember where that damn bar was in the first place. "Our first? I ... think so. Not all that romantic, and filled with horrid alcohol, but you were always bold and I can't say that I hate it." He brushed his hand against Logans chest, as best as he could, and absentmindedly tried to come closer and be with him for now - he'd missed him, much more than he was willing to admit, and all those feelings were bubbling towards the surface once more, especially now. At least he let go of the blondes ass. "Sleep with someone? A good month or two ago. Not like I have much of a need, you know." Why did he need a fair maiden for if he could just do it himself? Sure, it wasn't the same, but still, Logan wasn't the one that wouldn't mind sleeping with others every other day. Rhys didn't care much for sex, he cared for research, and yet, if an opportunity arose, he wouldn't say no either. "My, I'd like to see that. But not now. Now, I want to get drunk.", Rhys laughed. Not blackout drunk, but rather drunk enough to enjoy the night to its fullest. It was rather weird what all of this did to him, and how good the shiver felt that ran down his spine each and every time Logan adjusted his position and pulled him closer, without his affirmation or anything else. "We can keep walking around. Maybe take it slow and look at some stalls while reminscing about the old times?", he offered, grinning.

Whenever Eddie was nice to him, Cecil couldn't help but feel appreciated. The problem was, the older he got the more interested he was in something that wasn't even supposed to be his in the first place - and someone that didn't want to be his. It was rather hard to accept the fact that maybe, Eddie was right and he fancied no one, but Cecil got it now and he wondered if his friend was simply keeping him on a short leash because he was somewhat lost in his own mindset. The truth was, no matter what he'd do, they'd probably always be knight and prince, but even then, he wanted something more and it sounded almost horrid to admit to the truth - Eddie made his heart pound right now and he was excited for him, keeping himself from jumpüing up and down like a little kid would, and he also found that he himself was rather focused and zoned in on something that hardly was his own doing - it had been his knights, and said knight wasn't all that in to the attention he got, as it seemed. If Cecil were tall and strong, much like his oldest brother, maybe he'd be able to protect his friend from prying eyes, but alas, he wasn't and what was rather worse, was the fact that he, of all people, was merely trying to make himself fit into a role that, despite everything, wouldn't even fit if he forced himself into it. He started stammering as Eddie told him to pick the prize, though. "I ... but it's yours ...", he told him, not disappointed but beaming with a smile, before he pointed at a teddybear, who's fur was dyed suspiciously blue - that hadn't taken long, and he could at least recognize it for what it was from some of it's outlines. "If ... it's alright with you, how about that one?", he inquired. "It reminds me of you."

Back then Logan had carried Rhys mostly on his back. Through forests, over rivers and into towns, Rhys initially didn't want to be in, because he didn't want to be found. He refused to see a doctor, much like he did now, though he seemed less scared and more generally less trusting. He never trusted lightly to begin with though. Today however, Logan would carry Rhys differently, carrying him on his back didn't seem very appropriate. "Shhh... no need to shout that out so loudly. Besides, I haven't heard from my family in ten years.", Logan answered, shushing Rhys in the process. He never told anybody who he was, why would he? He had no ties to that family anymore, not since he ran away with only fifteen years of age. "Only us two? Against a king? Are you sure? Sounds more like an assassination than a war. I'm not very sneaky.", Logan questioned Rhys plan. Sometimes a silent kill was preferable, but Logan felt bad for killing someone in his sleep and it proved little to nothing. He rather fought a whole camp of bandits, than locking them in and burning them in their sleep. That was just not his style. "Whoa whoa, you can't wait to have me for yourself huh?", he blurted out once Rhys was starting to undress him right here and now. "Take care of your hand...", he added the slightest bit worried, still trying to keep all those people around them away from it. "You're pretty blind right now.", Logan then laughed in retaliation. maybe the prince just needed some glasses, he wondered why he didn't have any. At the counter they finally got their bottle and Logan grabbed it. They made their way back out again, passing all the drunk people in the tavern that were shouting and laughing. "I'm just saying.", Logan grinned about the theft. They didn't have much back then, now it was different. Logan had enough money to buy a bottle of alcohol, or even more than one or two. "Ah yes. I bet you would have wanted me to light some candles and massage your feet back then.", Logan chuckled, but Rhys had changed in that regard too, he was the one that basically already undressed Logan. "Eh? You didn't stay true to me? Ouch!",, he continued laughing, knowing that he didn't do that either. Rhys could sleep with whoever he wanted, Logan didn't care much - he probably never would. The blonde made it outside, with Rhys still in tow and he nodded. "Yes, yes, getting drunk. That's the plan.", he agreed eagerly and walked a few steps away from the biggest crowd. "Let's do that then, but first..." He took a mouthful of Absinth, not swallowing it. The taste lingered in his mouth as he suddenly pulled Rhys closer, his arm around his waist. He leaned down to the smaller figure and he kissed him, careful to not spill the absinth they just bought.

The prince seemed happy and that was enough to make Edward smile too. He soon picked a prize without much complaining and Edward told the stall owner what they liked. Once he'd given the bear to them, Edward smiled. "Thank you.", he spoke softly, then handed the new teddybear over to the prince. Shortly after he softly pushed him to keep going so they wouldn't stand in the way of other people wanting to try their luck. They walked a few steps away from the biggest crowd, then Edwards stopped to turn to the prince, one hand on his shoulder as if he could lose him, should he ever not touch him amongst all those people. "Do you want your dessert now?", he asked with another smile and got to one knee, though he still faced the prince. "Do you want back on my shoulders?"

There had been no Farley in Logans reach for the past few years, or had there? And not only that, they probably lived elsewhere anyway - they hadn’t attracted the good graces of Azenads king, who much rather trusted into that coveted Dryden family of his, and ignored anyone elses interest in him or his family. Remarkably, nothing as happening on either front - nobody had killed anyone over that rather silent dispute, but Rhys liked gossip and that was, what he listened to most of the time when he chimed into some rather unflattering conversations. “A king? Logan … you don’t really think I’m the prince of Fye, do you now?”, his lips curled upward and into a smile. If his father had made it that far, he’d have made sure to squash that maggot beneath his heel ages ago - but no, the ruling family back home was still the same, still called Al-Kashghari and Rhys had just taken from them what they didn’t need. “I’m the son of merchants. That should be rather easy, and knowing my father, he’s sold my siblings and mother into slavery anyway. Or maybe mother sold him for the atrocities he committed?”, he thought aloud, laughing about the fact that this seemed rather funny - and then, he cuddled more against Logan, rubbing his hurt hand against his chest. “That’s why I need you to guide me and my hand elsewhere, though … and don’t you act like I don’t have you all to myself already.” Rhys was right - Logan was particularly his at this point, but alas, they still were surrounded by other, potential birds of prey that could attract the blondes attention and show Rhys just how much his better half enjoyed what existed around him - what attracted him. “You’d just have broken my foot again if you weren’t careful. But I wouldn’t have said no to a back massage … really makes me think though, I really didn’t trust anyone but you, huh?”, he called himself out. Nobody else was worth his attention, much less his affection, and yet, Logan managed to help him more than once - he loved him, unconditionally. However did he manage that? Simply because they both were powered out, sad and lonely? “As if you didn’t fuck other people while you weren’t with me! Well, your freedom ends now anyway … Just kidding.”, Rhys laughed. How would that even end? Surely, with him in control and nothing else - which therefore meant, that Logan could kiss his supposed freedom goodbye anyway. “Hm? First wh-“ A pair of pale, somewhat chapped lips found their way onto his own and Rhys let it happen, amidst initial confusion - the kiss was tender at first, but soon as messy as could be - and all he could taste, aside from grilled fish, was absinth, which spread throughout his mouth. Eventually, he pulled away and swallowed. “Wow, it tastes as bad as I remember.”, he chuckled, wiping his lips with his shirt. Then, he looked at Logan, who regrettably was taller. “I want another one.”, he demanded, heat rising to his cheeks.

As they were hurried along, Cecil hugged the bear he’d gotten from Eddie - up close, it looked even cuter and it smelled much like the sea; once Cecil shook it, he also realized that something was in there, it sounded like a bunch of shaking cherry pits, which made a funny sound. “Thank you for the bear … you really didn’t have to do that, but look how much it looks like you!”, he tried arguing and almost handed it over to Eddie, but then decided against it, cuddling it much like a little kid would. He held it tightly, agreeing with himself that nothing else was worth it and that he deserved the attention he gave to this thing; to the Eddie-bear, which he - for the lack of better options - wanted to dub Eddy, or maybe something along those lines. “Hmm, dessert? Maybe? If you want some too?”, he chuckled and looked at his knight, who forced himself down on the ground. Cecil smiled, they were occupying a bit too much space like this, but he reached for Eddies hooded head regardless and patted it. No, he was fine, possibly, but he kneeled in front of him soon after. “Let’s get up. I think I’m fine as long as I may hold your hand?”, he offered to Eddie instead as he held it out toward him.

"I'm joking. I'm not even sure why you didn't tell them your real name, but alas, they didn't introduce themselves either.", Logan smiled, bonking Rhys head a bit. "But you did tell me your father is quite influential, not only kings have armies." As they moved along Logan wondered when Rhys started to have troubles with telling the truth, but maybe he didn't all along. Back then Logan had no reason to believe that he'd lie to him. "I don't like Fye very much. If you want to take what's theoretically yours and I can free some slaves on the way, I'm all in. In fact, can we make that tradition disappear? We might as well go for their king.", Logan rambled, possibly influenced by the alcohol. Freedom was something Logan valued very much and not only for himself. Knights were prisoners of their duty in some sense, but they could still choose their own way and find another occupation. He knew a few mercenaries that stopped being a knight for some noble and wanted to use their abilities elsewhere. Fye however sold people, stripping them of everything they might have possibly once had. When Logan visited those lands, he despised them for it, yet their so called foot soldiers were weak, because their only motivation was to live another day. Rhys father had always sounded like a terrible person, yet for Fye it wasn't uncommon how he behaved. "I am, I am... but I thought you wanted to take a stroll.", he smiled once Rhys was grabbing him again. They didn't want to sleep yet, did they? Still Logan had already pulled Rhys a bit to the side, somewhere with less people. "You didn't. Does it bother you? I don't think you've changed much in that regard, did you?", Logan inquired. After the new horror stories he told, he probably still didn't find much trust for the people around him. Logan changed too, but at the same time not really. Did Rhys trust him though? "But I am me and you are you!", Logan complained. Of course he slept with other people and he wasn't mad Rhys did the same, he in fact didn't care much about that. For tonight he was his and thus they kissed. Once the alcohol was swallowed by both of them, they still didn't part right away. Rhys lips tasted sweet, much like he remembered them in fact. Rhys was the one breaking the kiss first and after he tried to wipe away what had spilled, Logan reached out to let his thumb run over the corner of Rhys mouth, to wipe away some remnants, only to afterwards lick it form his finger grinning. "Another kiss, or another sip?", Logan asked, guessing that it was the kiss. Shortly he looked up at their surroundings, then grinned still, as he took Rhys hand to pull him a bit further away and around a corner that led into a dark alleyway. He slightly pushed his long lost friend against the stone wall there as he approached to kiss him again. The noises of the bustling street were still loud and they weren't exactly hidden, but no one would bump into them.

"Don't worry about it.", Edward smiled, looking at his happy prince with his new stuffed toy they needed to fit into the bags somehow. He seemed to enjoy the present, much like the evening and Edward enjoyed this time too. He was starting to think that what he did was right, that helping the prince on this journey was the best decision he could have made. He was easily burnt by the sun and a slight injury was much worse for the little prince, but why wouldn't he be in a place like this? Why wouldn't he enjoy some food at the sea, or try to win prizes? Edward was going to get punished for this someday, but right now, maybe for the first time, he didn't have any doubt about this journey, not today. "I will share it with you, if you want.", Edward nodded regarding the dessert. He had promised it before and he intended to keep that promise. The prince kneeled down to and Edward was about to stop him, but he himself started this. The prince wanted to walk himself and Edward nodded. He stood up and pulled the prince with him on his feet, he also kept holding his hand. He wouldn't let it go and he followed the prince in close proximity. "M-May I... buy you something...?", he suddenly asked once they passed the stall from before again. It was the princes money after all, not Edwards.

“They could have. And also because Rhys is my real name, any other moniker at the back of it isn’t all that important, you know? You didn’t introduce yourself with your real name either, I’m sure.”, he spoke with a smile. Not only had Logan lost this one, he also obviously had made the mistake of fighting Rhys in a regard that he himself knew better than anything - lying was his forte, and it’d never be any different from that. Why would it even be? “Trust me, he has an army of unwilling slaves that would rather eat him than serve him if they had the choice. Which they, unfortunately, don’t. And if we just get one of my siblings to fight for and with us, maybe that’ll work in our favor, too. He abhorrently adores them, it’s sickening.” Rhys father was a disgusting man and he was glad he no longer associated with him. In fact, he’d much rather eat a whole bar of soap or all of Logans hair instead of spend another night with his old man. Right now, he clung to his date for the night and was enthralled by his beauty under dim moonlight; he loved him, so much more than he should, and he wanted to be with him, much more than he should as well. “We’ll take all of Fye and make it our own, and once we’re done, we’ll go wherever the wind takes us. Knowing you, you’d even climb over the mountains to see Thria, wouldn’t you?”, he teased. Who wouldn’t if they had the chance to? Rhys. He’d rather stay in Ylisse and drink himself to death eventually than to sacrifice his whole life for a silly little adventure that he wanted no real part in, no. Did he want to take a stroll? Possibly. But he also possibly wanted Logan, whom he’d depend on a bit too much tonight. Whatever or not it was the right thing to do, he wasn’t all that sure, but he knew for a fact that nothing would stop him from his self-proclaimed silliness and his idiotic behavior, if not his own thoughts. “No, people just irk me sometimes. Nothing changed in that regard, I also don’t like looking into strangers eyes. They all feel like they could look right into my soul - and they might judge me because I’m not beautiful and fair-skinned. What a bunch of ugly racists.”, Rhys confessed, but he laughed about it - he’d turn them all into frogs or hogs at some point, whatever fit better and had the easier spell, he’d do it - and therefore, he’d have that kind of revenge to himself. Logan pulled him further down the empty alleyways and his heart pounded, before he founded himself pressed against a wall and looking up at his captor, grinning at him. What nice prey Logan had caught for himself … “But you’re mine tonight, no?”, he whispered. The kiss was intense to say the least and the absinth was forgotten - his heart pounded and yet, the taste lingered; they swapped spit, and Rhys was raising his hand to unbutton more of Logans shirt and slide his hand right in, caressing the soft skin underneath while he kept on coming back for more and more; if he wouldn’t need air, this kiss could go on forever. “Mh … Logan …”

“I won’t, but still! You could have picked anything and you pick me to pick something for myself … Eddie, you really are … I can’t thank you enough, you’re the best person I could have ever asked for.”, Cecil genuinely claimed and he definitely meant it - his knight was the apple of his eye, no only his shield and protector, or his friend. Maybe, he saw him as more, simply because he was nice to him, but Cecil wasn’t inclined to believe all of that - he couldn’t delude himself into thinking that Eddie loved him back like that and he also couldn’t just claim that everyone that was nice to him just cared for him in more than a friendly way. It was quite the cursed situation in itself, and yet, he didn’t want to disappoint himself or Eddie, who’d lost it over a few kisses. What had been up with that anyway? Cecil couldn’t put his finger on it, but chose to ignore it and let himself be helped onto his feet. “If we do that, maybe we could get two? I know our tastes can be different.”, he chuckled and walked close to his knight, all the way to the next few stalls. It was a nice evening, one they could both enjoy, and so far, it had been really fun, too. However, he had a silly thought. “Eddie, are you thirsty? We could get a drink!” The beer had killed him, but a sip of wine wouldn’t, Cecil thought, and if Eddie didn’t want that, he could drink some water or juice; grape juice was quite tasty, and apparently people had that all over themselves, at the very least partially, as some of them seem to have spilled it onto themselves. When they stopped and Eddie started gazing, Cecil hugged Eddybear and wondered what this all meant - and he soon was told what it was. For a moment, he looked at his knight and then nodded, happily. “Feel free to. It’s our money, and also … I think I found something I might want to buy for you.”, he said, motioning at a hair ornament he saw at the same stall - it was black and gold, fitting with the shell he’d procured earlier, and it just lay there. They could afford to splurge a bit, right?

Logan pouted a bit when Rhys turned his argument against him. "Well, I didn't lie about my name. Logan is my name and no one ever asks for anything more than that." Though this knight had asked questions when they met, Logan simply danced around instead of flat out lie to him. Either way, it didn't matter where he came from, even if Edward would surely know his family. He didn't have any ties to them and he didn't care that they struggled to get to post a knight of their own to the kings court and didn't succeed because of the Dryden family. He couldn't care less actually, but when he thought about it, maybe his heritage would have warranted even more distrust, or they simply wouldn't have believed him. "Do you even know where they are?", Logan asked about Rhys siblings. He himself knew where his were, that wasn't hard to find out though. Even when one didn't care at all. "Thria?", Logan asked a bit too surprised, raising an eyebrow. That was a coincidence, wasn't it? They were close enough and it was something Logan would do. "Well sure. Someday, maybe?", he lied somewhat, trying to avoid the topic by coming a bit closer and putting his hand on the wall next to Rhys head. He actually looked into Rhys eyes, directly and had to chuckle when he thought about the fact that this knight seemed to have something in common with someone like Rhys. "Who cares about the color of your skin?", Logan asked, having slept with women and men of all color, even ones darker than Rhys. "They probably just stare at you, because they are enthralled by your beauty.", Logan purred with a smile on his lips. Whether or not he really meant that wasn't visible, but he was someone that would have told that to a lot of people. He didn't need to try to get Rhys to spend the night with him, but that didn't mean that flirting was no fun. "Sure. For tonight I'm all yours.", he whispered and once their second kiss subsided, because Rhys needed some air Logan still smiled at him. "Yes? Want a drink?", he asked naively and took a gulp himself before he offered up the bottle to Rhys.

Again the prince flattered Edward way too much and he just shook his head with a smile. He just did what he thought was right, because he wanted it, not because he felt like he wasn't allowed to pick something for himself. Seeing Cecil with his new teddybear made him happier than anything from that stall could have. "If you find something else catching your eye, why not.", Edward nodded in agreement, though it felt like he had to pick his own dessert. That wasn't easy. The idea of drinking, as in alcohol, surprised him though. "N-No no... nothing more.", he smiled shaking his head and raising his free hand. "I thought the beer wasn't to your liking? Do you want to try something else?", he asked carefully, unsure if he should agree if Cecil wanted to get drunk. A little glass wouldn't hurt him though and he wanted to make this night enjoyable for the prince. At the stall they were at right now was nothing of that sorts though, something else had caught his eye and the prince allowed him to buy it. They had enough money left and carrying it over to Thria was probably not of much use. The prince pointed at his own object of interest though and Edward nodded, speaking to the lady that owned the stall himself. He asked for the hair ornament Cecil pointed at and then for a book, which was wrapped in a leather case and had a pocket for a quill attached. it came with a little bit of ink too, because the pages were still empty. He paid for both items, received them and handed both of them to the prince whos hands were getting rather full. "I thought maybe... you want to keep a journal, or diary as long as we are on this journey.", he explained his present.

"Fair enough. At least you don't insist that they should address you as lord or something along those lines.", Rhys told him, well aware that Logan wasn't like that. His old friend was, if anything, tired of social customs and the construct of apparently owing the old people something, really, anything at any point in his life and having to come to terms with the fact that no matter what he did, it apparently wasn't good enough. Why would it eve be, though? Their family lines went all the way back, someplace that none of them expected it to be, and in all hilarious honesty, not only were they absolutely trash, they also made up a rather small chunk of their daily lives at this point. "If they continued the family business, at home. If they've been sold out, I possibly could ask someone for a few connections and find them, it's not like I sat idly by the last few years and did nothing.", he chuckled. Rhys had done the utmost to be about as socially acceptable as he could manage to be, and yet, he also hardly did himself a favor by making it all out to be about him and nobody else. Not only was that all there was to it, there also was a plethora of stupid ideas that ran through his head and that made him realize just how large that network of people that definitely owed him some kind of favor was. "Thria, Khadein, whatever you want to call it. It just seems like someplace you'd go.", he spoke with a grin. Well, wasn't Khadein what those thrians called it? All of that was rather confusing, but alas, he really had enough time around two years ago, especially when he was recovering from some poisoning. "Lots. Not so many in Azenad, but Orthidor is a whole other story. They seem rather ... secluded, for one, and for the other, not really open to outsiders, especially when you're entering from Azenad." There still seemed to be some kind of problem between the two married lands, especially after one had basically annexed the other without much effort and swallowed it whole then and there. "My beauty? My, you're being too nice to me now. Isn't there something you want? A reward, possibly?", Rhys retaliated. There had to be something, despite Rhys being the biggest charmer he knew - nothing much had changed, ey? Aside from how tall he'd gotten and how mesmerizing it was to look at him, but also how easy it was to fall for him once more. "For tonight? I can't possibly pay you for the day after that?", he inquired, but it wasn't meant like that - he hardly had any interest. Instead, he breathed as much air as he could, trying to calm his heart, and to warm his hand on Logans body, which he drew lines on. "Possibly. Actually, more than that." That was just a fancy way of saying 'come get it', wasn't it?

Being nice to Edward wasn't his goal, and flattering him had never been part of his mission - everything Cecil said, he meant, as absurd as it may sound, but Eddie knew that and also knew how to react to it, mostly. Right now, Eddybear was rather important and being hugged by Cecil for all it was worth, but even then, he would much rather hold the actual Eddie and give him something fun to enjoy, no doubt about it. "We'll see! If they just have apples, I guess we'll get those ... and if they have none at all, then we'll have to get something else anyway.", he laughed. That was much of their deal and in truth, he couldn't even fathom what else they could be offered by any of those stalls. Bananas? But they'd slide off of the stick, and pomegranates were too small and hard to put onto a stick, and they'd not make the greatest dessert like that. For a moment, he was lost in his own, dreamlike world again and he nodded. "Nothing more?", Cecil giggled, then listened. "No, no beer, please. I thought maybe you wanted some and I get some juice or something? Or we both share some wine, if you'd like ... just a little bit, though.", he compromised for them both. That way, neither of them would be particularly drunk and if push came to shove, it all would simply culminate in Eddie, still being able to fend for himself and Cecil not being groggy when he awoke from his napping. Red or white? Cecil didn't know a good answer, but most people seemed to have differing opinions; some of them had clear liquid in their mugs, others rather dark, and Cecil felt bad for spying, which was why he immediately looked back at Eddie, who was already caking him in presents. Wasn't that cute? He beamed, enthralled by what had just happened. "That's very thoughtful, and it feels very nice ... and it looks good, too.", he marbled at the leather journal and tugged it into Eddybears arms, before he grabbed the hair ornament and offered it to Eddie. "I thought it would suit you, especially when I can braid your hair again."

"I'd never and you know that.", Logan answered. No his heritage did not matter and he didn't want to get associated with his family whatsoever. Initially he didn't even tell Rhys who he truly was, but he was asking questions, lots of them. Why Logan was in Fye when he definitely wasn't born there, why he didn't want to travel to some specific places and where his own family was. Eventually he told him, he told him everything since Rhys was also honest with him. It seemed different now. Rhys seemed to be not totally honest and Logan didn't tell him about where he was going either. Maybe he felt bad about it, but that was just what needed to be done. "Well good then. We'll get their help and get rid of your dad. Easy." Logan nodded. If Rhys wanted to find his siblings, he could do that. Logan would keep far away from his. he didn't even know if they remembered him or what they thought about him. They had never been super close, but they also didn't hate each other. Were they searching for Logan? Maybe, but not for long. "Does it now?", Logan asked a bit startled, but he tried to play it down with a smile. "I never cared how people from Fyr looked at me. It doesn't matter what they think, don't you agree?", Logan asked with a smile, almost as if he wanted to cheer Rhys up. "A reward? Can't I make compliments without wanting anything?", Logan asked with another smile. He already got Rhys for the night, so there really was no hidden intent, he just liked to flirt. Tomorrow he'd had to leave anyway. "No sorry, I'm currently booked out.", he answered and forced the bottle into Rhys hand. Once he held it and Logan had two free hands he grabbed Rhys and lifted him up. "Stroll? Or will you tell me where you're staying for tonight?"

"You're right.", Edward smiled about the apples. "But I saw some children having them, so we should be able to find a stall." Edward himself didn't fancy sweets much. He ate them, but he wouldn't choose them for himself, but Cecil liked to feed him with all that sugary stuff. If it were up to him he'd probably just get some fruit, without any sugar coating, but he didn't mind either way. "No alcohol for me, but you can get some if you'd like.", Edward smiled. Cecil wanted to enjoy this, so if he wanted to taste wine, Edward was fine with it, he himself however needed to stay on his toes. He needed to be able to protect the prince at every given moment in time, he couldn't drink, nor did he want to. Cecil seemed to like his gift. Edward was always weary about the princes eyesight, but thus far it wasn't as bad and he could still write. Even if he couldn't anymore, Edward would just write everything down for him. This trip was supposed to be memorable, so writing a diary would round it up. Edward held out his own hand to receive the gift the prince wanted to make him. He smiled. "Thank you." He wanted to bow, but he held back. After marbling at the present for a while he carefully tugged it away for now, before grabbing the princes hand again.

Logan chuckled slightly. "I know. I might have been born into a noble household, but I never was one.", he answered with a grin. Sometimes he suspected his mother having slept with some servant instead and that was why he was so different. Then again, he looked quite like his father and brothers, not only because of the blonde hair and blue eyes. "Yes I like to travel, I'm not necessarily opposed to being known, as long as its not for my real identity I guess. Either way, I haven't even seen everything here yet. Maybe I'll travel all the way to the south, even past Fyr instead?", he chuckled, trying to keep the conversation away from Thria. There was not real reason to distrust Rhys, but then again, he tried to steal from Logan and even after recognizing him and after being called out, he didn't want to give the money back. Even though they knew eachother years ago, didn't mean they knew eachother now. Rhys was much more fearful back then and Logan felt bad for leaving him, now that he knew it wasn't exactly what they thought it was. "Mercenaries do whatever they like.", he answered instead and grinned. That was what Logan was all about - freedom. Which was probably the reason he grew a liking to Rhys and also to Cecil. They all were different, but quite similar in what they craved for. "A stroll was an option to. Don't lie, you want me in your room, right?", Logan laughed and got moving with Rhys in his arms towards the direction he was directed to.

"Don't worry.", Edward smiled softly and slowly patted Cecils head over the hood he wore. Drinking some water didn't sound bad however. They hadn't had anything in a while and Edward felt like he should have taken that fact into consideration himself. He nodded with a smile. "Good idea. Water is fine.", he elaborated and soon enough was pulled by his hand to follow the prince through the crowd and towards another stall. His prince had a plan for the evening and Edward agreed. They didn't need to leave necessarily early after all, so why not stay awake a bit longer and let the prince have some fun at a place he never visited before. "It not easy for your father to attend festivities like this one without disturbing the people.", Edward told Cecil a bit more quiet and in defense of his king. "What would you like to drink?", he asked right after and once Cecil told him, he got it for him and some water for himself.

"You never struck me as one to begin with, but in your younger selves defense, he seemed a bit more noble and dashing. I guess he still needed to get rid of all the teachings that had been hammered into his head for years." Nobles were weird, Rhys had to agree, but he envied them for everything they had - he knew fully well that he'd never be like them, that he'd always have to lift a finger for everything he wanted, but maybe that wasn't so bad; being hands on was, in a way, a good thing. Right now, however, he listened to the mumbling of a mad man and ideas way beyond his own imagination - to him, they were funny, no doubt about it - but Logan was serious about everything he said, it seemed. "Should I zip my mouth then? If you're not Logan of Farley, who else might you be?", Rhys inquired, playing as dumb as others might have had before. Not only was he holding onto a vision of a man that never existed, he also was toying with the idea of cursing himself for all eternity by sticking with him. Had he always been like that? No, not ever, but he'd missed a man - a boy - he hardly knew and now, he was at the mercy of someone he knew even less. "Past Fyr? There's only sand and the salty water of the ghalmerian sea, I doubt you to be one for long boat rides. But then again, you tend to surprise me.", Rhys laughed, keeping close to the strong figure which he led astray right now. They could do what they wanted, much like mercernaries would, huh? "Are all mercenaries such flirts?", he demanded to know, brushing past a plethora of people, trying to find his residence for the night. "I'm not lying, I do want you there. But you'll leave eventually, won't you?", he giggled.

Cecil was awestruck by the things he'd never seen before and yet, he wasn't going all out. He didn't want Eddie to worry too much, and at the same time he figured he'd do him a favor if he just played by the rules, but on the other hand there was so much to see and enjoy, he could have taken off, just to be never found again. At the same time, people scared him - he wasn't used to be swallowed up by a crowd on all sides, and he also wasn't used to not have a variety of watchful eyes on him; no older brothers, no parents - only Edward, who did his utmost to keep him comfortable. "I'm not, but you're fine too, right?", he urged Edward to tell him, almost as if he wasn't sure if his knight had other desires - he could speak his mind, or rather he should learn to, but somehow he didn't. Hadn't it always been the same? Cecil chuckled when he thought about it, but he followed through, holding his knights hand and trailing after him, much like a little duckling, strutting in the much larger footsteps of their parent. "Yes, I mean, Garrett goes there sometimes but they also just gawk at him like he's performing something for him, and with my father there, everyone's on their best behaviour anyway. It's almost sad if you think about it.", he mumbled and, as soon as Eddie asked him, he demanded some water himself. Needless to say, his knight had the same idea, and Cecil was the one that took big gulps from his cup soon enough. "That makes me think ... doesn't your father sometimes show up during festivities in town just to bring my father some trinkets? What's up with that?"

"What? Because I helped you free of charge?", Logan asked a bit surprised, but with a slight smile. "You would have died whithout my help when I found you. Should I have left you there?" Rhys wasn't even able to walk back then, not even stand up. He crawled to where Logan had found him. His services weren't cheap, but he was no monster. Even now he would not let someone die just like that, why would he? "My family never tought anything to me.", he made clear though. They tried, but they didn't succeed. Logan didn't want to hear any of it. When his instructor told him he needed to learn and was still green behind his ears, he challenged him and Logan won, because he played unfair. "Stop saying that name.", Logan mumbled. It wasn't his, he didn't want it and he wondered if Rhys wanted to make him angry right now. "And what is past the sea? Why wouldn't I like to ride a ship? Maybe I'll join an expedition as a sellsword.", he suggested. It wasn't a lie, why wouldn't he want an adventure like that? Meanwhile they walked for Rhys place for the night with the ugly fish on the door. "No, they aren't.", he smiled at Rhys. Logan suddenly stopped and looked at Rhys. "I thought you changed. But you haven't at all.", he told him. Rhys giggled, but it hardly felt genuine. Maybe Rhys liked Logan still - a tad bit too much at that and maybe Logan noticed something he hadn't noticed back then. "I'll come back when you're ready to get rid of your father." He'd not stay in Thria forever.

Edward looked at his prince, not sure what it was that made him worry about his knight that much. "I am. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself.", he told the prince who got what he wanted. He got to see something knew, even if it seemed a bit much all at once. Cecil was right with what he was saying and Edward wondered if he only could see it now. He learned a lot of things on this journey, didn't he? Just like Edward had leanred a lot when he travlled with his father. After receiving their drinks Edward led Cecil away a little, to a calmer place they could enjoy their water for a few minutes, before diving back into the crowd. "You are not the only one bound to the castle. It is easier for my father to go out and buy something. He cares about your father just like I care about you and my siblings care about yours.", Edward explained calmly and with a slight smile.

"Hmmm, I mean, you had no obligation to help me! And death would've been easier than healing, but still, I am grateful. I mean that, it's not a lie.", he assured Logan. Rhys was seldom grateful for anything and hardly convinced that he deserved the life he had now - not once in his life did he have the ability to take anything for granted and yet, here he was, taking the company of a hot knight for just that. "No compassion? No noble values? What about sharing your riches with the less fortunate? Oh, right, that's not what rich people do!", Rhys giggled, quite amused at the fact that yes, rich people were less generous than literally anyone else, but at the same time, he was grovelling at their feet, trying to associate with them every chance he got, just to ascend within their ranks like some sort of unknown sleuth, on the way to the top. What did he need? A fake identity and a bit of charisma, and yet, none of that charmed Logan. "Logan of Faraway, going even further away.", he fooled around. Was it the alcohol he had ingested? Hardly. Rhys was in a stupidly good mood and it showed, more than once. "Past the ghalmerian sea? Some treasure and unknown lands. No idea what, I know Fyr has some wares from there, but no merchants or really, anything. They'd probably keep you there with pretty ladies and booze." Rhys thought he had it figured out, but in all honesty, he didn't even know - was he ready to hear all of that, though? No, he didn't want to share Logan with some stupid girls. "Just you, then. That makes it even sweeter.", Rhys hummed, but froze in turn. "Huh? What do you mean? I have changed lots, I'd say." That he did, in more than one way, but Logan definitely seemed to think of him as the kid he once used to be. As soon as they reached the front door of the inn, he pushed past the door, still clinging to the blonde brute, and guided him up some stairs. "Any day. Revenge is a dangerous tool, but it's not like I gain much from it.", Rhys lamented. Or did he?

Cecil wanted to be free of his princely shackles, something that others dreamed of, but at the same time, he was glad to have them - for any other family, he'd probably be a burden, but not for the king, who loved all of his children equally and within reason. Their retainers were different, yet somewhat the same; and Eddie was no exception when it came to loving Cecil, but at the same time, not all that different when he thought about it for more than a minute. Would his knight ever deny him anything? No, but Cecil would need to stop exploiting his weaknesses, no matter how small, soon - lest Eddie would be crushed under continued pressure. "It's fun so far, and I can relax when I'm around you ... and I like that, you know?", he chuckled. That wasn't a secret, but Cecil wanted to say it aloud - Eddie deserved to hear and feel it from time to time, mainly because the two of them were, if anything, not set in their ways, but on their way there, alongside this long journey. Much like a little creature, he nibbled on his mug and the water that refreshed him the slightest bit; he was grateful for the rather remote location that his knight had sought out for him. "I know, I know. But imagine what I could be like if I didn't suffer from ... whatever this is! We could go out more frequently and you wouldn't have to be afraid for my safety ... sorry, Eddie. Do you want to call it a day? Are you tired?"

"Not letting a poor boy die has nothing to do with chivalry. I would do the same now too and if I'm lucky, I get something in return.", Logan explained. He'd never let someone die if he could help it, not someone that had nothing to do with his job at least. "Compassion? You clearly don't know my family... let's not talk about them." It was Logans least favorite topic and if it weren't for Rhys Logan wouldn't have even thought about them. He didn't think about them in years, for him they weren't his family. "You get drunk as easily as back then.", Logan mused when Rhys made a stupid joke about Logans name. Still, he'd appreciate it if he didn't bounce around the topic anymore. "Well doesn't that sound like a good place for me? And when I erned some money I'll sleep on the beaches and eat some fish I caught myself." It did sound like him and so did Thria. He didn't really care if it was hot or cold, or if there was lots of water or lots of mountains. "Sweet, huh?", Logan asked following Rhys through the hallway of the inn they finally found. His friend seemed confused and Logan urged him to go on and to unlock his door. Rhys room was much smaller than he expected, but it was cozy. There was hardly enough room for the bed, but the bed was big enough for the two of them. Logan closed the door behind them, then pressed Rhys against said door. One hand reached for his chin. "You still can't stand to be alone huh? Haven't you made any friends along the way?", he asked him, then slowly reached for the hurt wrist. "You should fix that before we do anything else."

"I can see that you have fun.", Edward smiled genuienly. He wasn't sure if he did the right thing by bringin the prince here. Maybe they were lucky nothing much had happened to him thus far and maybe they shouldn't press their luck by going to Thria, but the prince was truly happy. Maybe if his father.... no. Edward shouldn't even think anything like that, he shouldn't question the king, but then again, he did it by bringing his son somewhere he didn't want him to be. Edward was going to die for this, but that was alright. The princes smile was enough. "You'll never have to apologize for being yourself. I like you the way you are.", Edward answered almost shocked. He didn't want the prince to talk like that. "You are perfect just the way you are." Edward serached for the princes gaze to make sure he understood. "What about your candied apple and the stroll around the beach? I am not tired, but we can go back if you are."

"If you are lucky. I wouldn't say you weren't lucky when you found me, but you didn't get much in return, did you?" No, just a companion that - even now - was doing nothing more than annoy Logan, just for the fun of it. In all honesty, Rhys was trying his utmost to be someone he wasn't; he was trying to impress someone he'd lost for ages, someone that he'd have ran after if he had been capable of doing so, but he couldn't, and thus found himself encompassed in his very own web of lies, now that he faced Logan again. "Drunk?", he shook his head. "I'm just a convincing actor, and I like to grind your gears, in more way than one.", he assured the blonde hunk. That he was, but even if nothing seriously changed, he was aware of the fact that no matter what, he'd not make a good impression if he just spilled the beans any chance he got. No, Rhys was a tad bit too proud for that and what was more, he also didn't feel like endangering himself just yet. "You always enjoy the simple things in life ... I wish I could be like you.", he admitted with quite a sigh. For the lack of better understanding, he was mainly worried, but mostly stuck in his same old ways and bound to fuck up if he kept catering to someone that had changed about as much as himself. "Friends? No. Temporary alliances? Yes. People come and go, Logan - you should know that. Nobody sticks to your side until the end of time." Rhys was ousting himself, but he was right. His heart skipped a beat as he felt cold, hard wood press against his back and a warm hand at his cheek - he stared back at Logans intense gaze and tiptoed, just to give him a peck on the lips. A sly grin spread on his own soon after; one that was wiped off by a sudden impulse of pain. "My wrist? Well, you'll have to let me go for that. Or maybe you don't want to? Make it hurt some more?", he sheepishly asked.

"I do! Lots, actually!", Cecil commented and grinned - he was happy about it, he truly was, and he appreciated Edward for giving him a chance at all of this, just for the time being. Eventually, they'd go home and act like nothing ever happened, but until then, there was a far journey ahead of them - one that they would have been ill-equipped to undertake without additional help. What would their lives even be like if they were more like their older brothers? Definitely not easy, definitely not like it had been until now, but it didn't matter. Not once in his life would he be able to live like his brother did, and even if he was making an attempt at living like Garrett right now, he was sure that he was making a fool of himself - and Eddie wasn't going to admit to it anytime soon. For a moment, he lost himself in his water, but then he looked up - his expression changed to that of a kicked puppy. Eddie liked him the way he was, huh? That was nice to hear, and Cecil mustered a smile, but right now, it wasn't the kind of encouragement he truly wanted to hear. "And so do I. I'm glad to have you!", the prince admitted with a nod. Right now, he was embarrassed - he looked back at Edward, met his eyes halfway and smiled, almost as bright as the sun would. "You're flattering me now! And I'd like that walk on the beach, still." Was that the right time to flirt with Eddie? No, definitely not ... but Logan had made it look too easy. "You're precious to me, Edward."

"Hm. You're smart, you helped me too.", Logan answered. He didn't want to lie to Rhys and tell him, he wouldn't have made it without him. That wasn't true, but that didn't mean he only had work with Rhys. "You tought me to find the right plants for the right wounds, or for a tasty meal.", he admitted with a smile. "Do you remember my first job? I agree it was harder than I expected, it was nice to not have to pay a fortune to get it fixed up by a professional." Rhys had always been good with things like that and he always used to smile way too much when Logan came back, even though they only slept on some hay in a barn. "An actor? I'm not sure what you mean." Rhys was bluffing, wasn't he? Acting like he didn't miss Logan. It was too apparent he wanted him more than just one night. "You were happy about that barn we were allowed to sleep in and the dry bread I got for us. You also like me, I'm pretty simple!" Logan laughed out loud. "I know that, but I also know plenty of people. Besides, I'm different. I'm not sure if being alone suits you. Anyway, what kind of temporary alliances?" Logan was curious what Rhys had done the past few years. "I'm not going to hurt you Rhys.", Logan answered. Not more than he already did, though that hadn't been his fault really. Logan picked Rhys up and turned around with him, placing him on the bed right after. Then he looked around and found a bag that looked like it belonged to Rhys. He picked it up and placed it beside him, he surely had all he needed in there. Then Logan kneeled down and untied the laces of Rhys shoes.

"I'm glad. I do not regret bringin you here, but if you ever want to go back, just tell me.", Edward suggested. He didn't want to tell the rpince what to do, he just wanted to give him the option if he decided it was enough. He never had been that far from home and he never had been away for this long. Sometimes it seemed like it got too much for the young prince. Edward looked at the prince and he copied the princes look, despite their being a smile shortly after. "I apologize. Did I say something wrong?", Edward asked. Maybe he needed to think more about the words he uttered. Maybe Edward misread the situation and he tried to smile too. His cheeks turned red when the prince added something else. Edward wasn't good at responding to something like that and he simply shook his head and softly cleared his throat. "Do you want to ride on my back? It'll be easier to spot the booth selling apples. Or maybe something else you'd like."

"You know you're smart. You never believed in yourself...", Logan pointed out. There was no reason, Rhys had always been smarter, but he called himself useless when Logan carried him around the woods and fished their dinner out of a lake, but Rhys had been the one who told Logan to treat even a little scratch, so it wouldn't get infected and he told him what they could eat and what not. "A price?", Logan grinned already kneeling in front of Rhys, what more could he want? "What kind of price?" He would play Rhys games. "You liked the barn? What about now? Would it be enough for you?", he wanted to know with a smile. It were sweet memories. They had been so young, kids really, now they were grownups and Rhys was still the same. "Don't be silly Rhys. We haven't seen eachother for so long, though I must admit, I don't think I am much for change." He had more experience, was stronger, taller and had more scars, but that were only superficial things. While Rhys rummaged through his bag, Logan carefully peeled the shoes off of Rhys feet. The scar on the dark skin was still there, as big as before, it almost didn't fade at all. Logan almost forgot how badly hurt Rhys was back then. He softly brushed over his ankle with his thumb. "What kind of businesses?"

"Whatever you want so see, you are going to see.", Edward smiled softly. He'd bring him everywhere. Apparently he did read the situation wrong and he shook his head apologetically. Then he grabbed the princes hand as well. Edward was a kid just as much as the prince was, they'd read too many stories. "Your Hi- mmh... I mean... when we go on, maybe we find a way to treat you. There is supposed to be magic in Thria right?" Edward didn't believe in magic, but he believed in other methods and that was probably hopelessly romantic of him. "You have to carry your presents.", he then smiled and soon after showed the prince his back and kneeled down. "Hm? No, that is my name after all.", he answered the prince turning his head so he could look at him. "Do you want me to call me Edward instead?"