Prince and the Thief (SilentMadness and EmElisa)

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

The thought of meeting Randar's uncle created a sense of nervousness inside Ilyia that she could not explain. Perhaps it was the idea of meeting a member of his family that wasn't possessed with dark magic. Or maybe it was the fact that she would be meeting royalty that made her feel so out of her element. Regardless, something gave her a small amount of nerves. She gave Randar her best smile, figuring it would be best not to let him know that she was feeling this way. It was important to him, after all, so that made it important to her.


While the thief would have felt more at home in the tavern, she didn't object to dining with Randar in his chambers. It was somewhat comical though, that out of all the delicacies that were there she stuck with things she was used to. A pheasant leg and potatoes seemed to be her most preferred choice, as bland as that may have seemed. She was used to dried meats and stale bread, so even these "boring" choices were a huge improvement for her. Her eyes darted over to him when he said it could be worse.


"It could," she offered with a shrug. "Though... this would get so... boring. Having food waiting for you in your room? There's no adventure in that. If the most you got to do was walk through the gardens, I can see why you were such a terrible traveler."


They were still recovering, but Ilyia was already itching to get out of here. It felt more like confinement than anything else. It was just dressed up in delicate foods and fancy clothing. It was no surprise that the thief had a certain... complex... about feeling like she was being held captive somewhere. She never talked about her time as a slave, but it was clear that it affected her greatly.


After she had eaten her share, the thief leaned back in her chair and carefully undid the leaf pin that was in her hair. She set it on the table, then worked on undoing the thick braid. Once it was down, Ilyia pulled the long, thick tresses up into the best bun she could muster and used the leather strap to tie it back. Several strands hung loose around her face and neck, giving her that wild look strikingly similar to the day she and Randar had met.


"Do I have to wear a dress when I meet your uncle?" She asked suddenly, finishing up her hair. "I don't know how much longer I can pretend to be a noble woman. Everyone is bound to receive disappointment and awe soon enough when they realize they've been doting over a common thief. They'll probably check my bags before I leave to make sure I haven't stolen anything."


The thought hadn't crossed her mind, not even once, but now that she had brought it up... Ilyia was looking around the room and placing a mental price tag on everything she saw. She could peddle the spoon on the table for enough coin to get her by for a week.

 

[SilentMadness]

Randar smiled at Ilyia's remark about how everything would get boring, and remembered in an instant that he had once told her this, and she simply seemed not to believe him. "Well, I told you. To outsiders, royal life seems like the best thing ever, but it's all smoke and mirrors. After all, it all boils down to everyone spoiling you rotten and doing your will. Not to mention the overzealous guards and all the other things. Not a life I'd wish on anyone." He sliced a few pieces of meat and began eating, all while watching Ilyia undoing and redoing her hair. The wild style fit her so much better than all the fancy things she's been put into.


At the mention of the next things, Randar could only find himself chuckling and gently comforting his beloved with a nudge. "You don't think I was gonna take you to him in a dress, do you? Uncle Meralon is a very simple man, despite the appearances. I mean, he did dedicate his life to help the commonfolk. He was quite the rebel, from what I hear, so he won't mind. We're gonna get some more suitable clothes tomorrow, there are a lot of shops which you'd like to see." Randar felt a little bit sad seeing his beloved like this, but he could easily understand her. He didn't feel too good either, even though he tried so much. It was home... but it didn't feel like home.


"Listen, love, nobody will say anything. I know exactly what to tell my uncle, he'll accept it, I'll call for a Council meeting and totally renounce any rights I'd have to the crown. He'll take it, and I'll become just a simple man. We can still book a nice trip across the Sea and live a life the way we want it to and the way we feel it's best for us. Just have a little patience." With that said, Randar approached Ilyia and wrapped his arms gently about her. He was decided to keep to his word.


Another few hours up until later into the night were spent by Randar taking the woman on a short tour through the castle, showing her around, mostly through the places that she would've been most interested in, such as the large hall full of all sorts of weaponry, neatly exposed behind glass, most weapons having belonged, at some point or another, to different members of the royal family. He explained her, shortly, the history of his bloodline, showing her the portraits of his ancestors arranged in chronological order, and suddenly, stopping upon one. A woman with chestnut-brown hair and green eyes, who gazed from the painting with an everlasting warmth and calm. Some of her facial features were strongly passed to Randar, which made it quite clear who she was. However, the prince set out to explain with a fond smile, all while holding Ilyia's hand. "She was my mother. Elisa Althalos. They say I borrowed a lot of traits from her, mainly, my way of being. I never got to know her all too well, I was still a little child back then, but I remember her smile and her voice as well. I wish she could have seen you, but maybe, maybe she is looking upon us right now. We can never know."

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

Though her manner of speaking had, mostly, been in jest, Ilyia couldn't help but to feel a little truth to her words. She knew she didn't belong here. She probably wasn't the only one who had come to that realization, either. Her feelings had started to become a little anxious when Randar offered his calm reassurance. It helped her greatly. He seemed to have a keen manner on smoothing her ruffled feathers. He was as good at it as he was at ruffling those feathers right back up again. She allowed herself to relax, especially when his words were accompanied by his arms around her. She had rested her head on his shoulder, then, and smiled.


"Patience?" She chuckled. "I think you've forgotten who you're speaking to."


The thief had always seemed to live her life on a constant "go, go, go" basis. Moving from one place to the next and never staying still for too long had been a coping mechanism for her in a way. It helped to not become too attached to things-- present company excluded-- and also made her feel like she was escaping her past. She was still struggling with the realization that she couldn't run away from her memories.


Ilyia greatly enjoyed the walk around the castle. Of course, the weapons' room was her favorite pace to visit. She wondered, aloud, why the weapons were behind glass on display and not in someone's hand for use. That was when Randar had explained to her their sentimental value. She supposed it made some sense, though not much. When they approached the portraits displaying the lineage from which Randar had sprung, Ilyia could feel the young man's footsteps grow heavier when he reached his mother's portrait. She looked upon the deceased woman's visage with a sad smile.


"She's very beautiful," Ilyia told Randar. "She has kind eyes."


She was quiet for a few moments, as if paying the woman some sort of respect. Really, she was letting Randar revel in his mother's memory, because the thief knew how much she had meant to her son. She placed a hand on his back, resting comfortingly between his shoulder blades. She leaned in to place a kiss on Randar's cheek near his ear so she could tell him softly, "I'm sure she is very proud of the man you've become."


Ilyia was proud of that man, after all. She allowed her hand to fall away from its place on his back, and she took a few steps away. She let Randar be for as long as he needed to and just sort of roamed around the room until he rejoined her. The night had grown late, and the thief was quite worn out. Still recovering from her grievous wound, the young woman tired a lot easier than she typically did. It would take many days for her to rebuild her strength. Ilyia offered Randar a tired smile.


"I don't think I can take much more excitement for today," she admitted. "Just walking around the castle all day has worn me out." She touched her chest, finding the flesh tender and sore. "Would the young lord be so kind as to escort me to my chambers?" She teased, stepping closer to him.

 

[SilentMadness]

He smiled. Ilyia's words meant a lot to him, and her touch was like a blessing. She was a blessing. And for a short moment, it almost looked like the portray of his mother smiled, but Randar knew that it couldn't be true. Yet, it seemed so real. He stood there, looking upon her face, feeling the urge to reach and touch it. With a nod, he paid his respects to the deceased motherly figure, whilst Ilyia kept walking about the hall, before he joined her again, and grinned at her teasing. She was so good at it, and he enjoyed her so much this way. Nodding his head, he replied to her, much in the same teasing way that she spoke in. "But of course, My Lady. Althought might I add, it would have been more pleasant if you could join me in my chambers for the night's sleep. I assure you of my most... innocent intentions."


Taking her hand, Randar began walking back the halls with her. By night, the guards on patrol became a more frequent encounter as the two moved through the castle. Torches have been lit at every step, to keep the darkness away. Stairs were climbed and rooms were crossed, until the two eventually found themselves approaching the hall in which their chambers were located. And despite all of this, Randar still had strong emotions, not knowing whether or not he should ask, again, for Ilyia to sleep with him. His nightmares were gone now, and his soul and mind were at peace but... He wished that she'd sleep with him.


They soon reached the wooden door to Ilyia's chamber, and Randar stopped there. Even if they were so close to each other now, he wouldn't dare just... invite himself in. He looked upon her, finding her stunning even in the dim light provided by a torch nearby. Standing before her, the prince placed his hands on her hips with a smile, and closed the distance between their faces in a soft kiss, before retreating to look her in the eyes. "Well I... suppose we're gonna meet in the morning light then. Tomorrow we're going out in town, you're going to love it."


Small talk. In truth, he didn't even felt like leaving just like that. He was trying to buy himself time and get the courage to ask her to spend the night together. They did it before, didn't they? But why did it feel so hard to ask for it? It wasn't such a big deal, but he was very shy about it, for some reason. He tried to find his calm again by grabbing her face and kissing her yet again, this time, doing exactly as she did earlier in the day and slowly deepening the kiss, his tongue finding its way past her lips and gently caressing hers for a few moments before he retreated yet again. She probably couldn't see it, but this act brought yet another wave of red about his face, as he waited for her words.

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

The thief couldn't help but to release a laugh in response to Randar's words about innocent intentions. As much as she grinned and teased him, hearing a laugh like this coming from Ilyia was somewhat rare. It was a good sound, especially coming out of the terrors that they had both just faced. She held his hand firmly as they started heading out of the room. She couldn't help but to flicker her eyes at him every so often. It was both out of appreciation for his presence and also to see how he reacted to the surroundings they passed through. He seemed to poise himself as if this were the most natural thing in the world, but his happiness did not lie in being a noble lord. That much Ilyia knew.


As they came to a halt outside her door, Ilyia could feel a strange sense of nervousness rising inside of her. Of course, she had similar wants to Randar. She also suffered the same affliction of not knowing how to express those wants. She felt the strong urge to remain close to him. In fact, Ilyia never wished to leave his side again. It was a strange emotion coming from such a free spirited woman.


"Town sounds nice," she said. Her tone was soft, given their close proximity. She also, for some reason, felt the need to be quiet given the near silence of the halls. There was the crackling of the torch light every so often, and the sound of a guard shifting here or there, but other than that it seemed still and quiet. She was, however, aware of the presence of the guards posted in the hallway. While she didn't think they were watching, their presence still seemed like an intrusion upon the close moment Ilyia was sharing with Randar.


Her eyes had been searching his when he kissed her once more. A quiet sound, almost like a dreamy sigh, left her when he kissed her. She could feel the fluttering sensation in her stomach and the way her heart filled with love for him. The kiss had left her a bit breathless, and when he pulled away she could feel the same heat had risen in her cheeks that had risen in his. She lifted a hand to touch the side of his face, feeling its warmth.


"Stay with me," she requested softly. "I've slept five days without you. Five too many."


Ilyia was almost certain that Randar wouldn't object. That confidence allowed her to slip away from him and open the door. A small fire was crackling in the hearth inside, and it provided her the light needed to make her way into the room. She left the door open for him as she moved to the partition wall. The thief longed to get out of the gown and into more comfortable clothes. So, one could imagine her dismay to find only more gowns, this time those made for sleeping. She huffed to herself and grabbed a midnight blue shroud to wrap around herself. It was long, but of a thin enough material to not be too hot or stuffy while she slept.


"It is like they have a personal vendetta against trousers in this place," she was saying as she emerged from the partition. She was taking her hair out of the messy updo it had been thrown in earlier that day. "Clearly the ladies here do not know the practicality of not having their legs confined in a stuffy hem."

 

[SilentMadness]

He was overflooded with emotion and was ready to give it up and just move away when he heard her words in such a low, hushed tone. The very same words that echoed in his mind but were stuck to his tongue, almost a plea. He sighed with perhaps a bit too much relief, all while he was filled with joy. He followed his beloved in the room, and closed the door behind himself as she slipped behind the partition wall to get a change of clothes. He, too, worked on removing his tunic in the time, and then the trousers, remaining in the second pair of trousers, which were much lighter. His chest was only covered by a thin fabric shirt with long sleeves. As soon as Ilyia emerged from behind the partition wall, Randar couldn't help but look her up and down, admittedly, her wild beauty causing his gaze to be perhaps a bit more... analytic, in a way.


"The ladies here have no idea how to use a sword either. They'd be dead meat would it not be for the guards and the other people who keep them safe and pamper them. That's why you are better than they would ever dream to be." He said with a wide smile before approaching Ilyia and gently coiling his arm about her back, pulling her closer to him. He swore he could feel the heat rising in his cheeks again, and that particular, wild feeling that emerged from his stomach. His eyes found hers, looked into them, all while his breath broke gently against hers. He loved her so much, and it all poured out of him like an unleashed river. Much in the way that she teased him, he decided to tease her by closing the distance between their faces, his lips only slightly brushing against her soft ones, before, with a sheepish grin, he only played a bite at her lips and gently pulled away.


Setting her free from his grasp, Randar gently took her hand and led her to the bed, laying himself within it and beckoning her silently to join. Once she did, he carefully wrapped his arms about her much like he did back in Hawndor, their bodies coming together as he turned to lie on one side, his face very close to her. His unbandaged hand gently began moving strands of her beautiful hair that happened to fall on her face, with slow moves, all while he smiled. He felt words would ruin such a perfect moments, but he still whispered softly, only so that she would hear.


"I love you, Ilyia Odenfield. Now and forever. Thank you for making my life so beautiful."


His lips again touched hers but this time, it was a true, genuine kiss, and not only teasing. He only pulled her body closer against himself, squeezing her gently as he held the kiss down for as long as he could, until he'd lose his breath again. He didn't care, he breathed through her, and he was certain that without her, his breath would all but die. He only paused between the kiss and the next to look in her eyes.

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

It was no secret that Ilyia wasn't vulnerable to useless flattery. Dante's many worded attempts at winning her over had been proof enough of this. Yet, Randar's words held sincerity to them. It wasn't that he was uselessly showering her in compliments, but expressing true thoughts and feelings. He had always been quite sincere in that way, well at least after the original mess that he had made of things in Prauthe. Even though she should have been used to it, Ilyia was still sometimes surprised at how forward Randar could be. She was even more surprised, however, at how much it made her heart flutter.


"I am better," she agreed as she accepted him into her arms. "But we'd better not tell them that. They have reputations to uphold, after all."


She was grinning that chesire grin when he brought his face closer to hers. It made her expression turn serious and her breaths grow a bit shallow, especially when he had so gently nipped at her lip. The thief could feel a fire burning inside of her. Sometimes it still surprised her, that she could possibly feel this way about someone.


Ilyia allowed herself to be led toward the large, comfortable bed. That in itself was an amazing thing, that the fiery woman would allow anyone to lead her anywhere. She showed these softer sides, these vulnerabilities, to only Randar. As she lay next to him, feeling the gentle brushing of her hair from her face, she too was reminded of Hawndor. Some of her memories from the time under the Spider's curse were a bit spotty, but she could clearly remember the way he had held her that night. It had grounded her in a way, when she felt that she was surely losing her mind. He had held her together when she felt like she was falling apart into a million pieces. No one had ever done that for her. She searched his eyes while her fingertips gently traced the line of the scar that ran down his face, as if were something delicate and beautiful.


"And I love you," she said quietly. Her words were filled with emotion.


As if she could sense his movements before he did them, the thief leaned forward and met the handsome prince halfway. Her lips seemed to fit against his like a puzzle piece, as did her body. Though she was wary of her healing wounds, she still pressed herself as closely to him as she possibly could. Every inch of her was aware of every inch of him, and it was truly magnificent. Their lips would separate only to come together again, as if pulled by some invisible magnetic force. Her fingers had snaked around the back of his neck and wove themselves gently into his thick black hair. Her heart beat so quickly it bordered on painful, but that didn't seem to deter her.


"You truly have become a wild thing." She spoke in a soft, heated tone that even she seemed unaware of. Her lips would brush against his every few words or so. "How surprised all the lords and ladies would be to see you breaking propriety in such a way."


Mimicking his earlier actions, she nipped at his lip. When she pulled away, she had a soft smirk on her face. She was truly pleased with the man he'd become. Sighing happily, Ilyia nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck, her forehead resting comfortably beneath his chin.

 

[SilentMadness]

Of course, their approach brought up a whole new range of emotions and of cravings that the prince was well aware of, and the heat of his face had spread throughout his whole body, such was nature, after all, it was almost dictating him to let his hands feel her, to let himself feel her, but he decided that it was best not to give course to any urges, and simply leave it up to Ilyia if that were ever to happen. He was happy enough with being so close to her, with feeling the love that she radiated with for him, and the joy of being together. When she spoke, he could only grin before kissing her again. When she nipped at his lip, he looked at her and her smirk, and allowed her to nest herself in his embrace, feeling a pleasant tickle as her breath broke against his neck.


"Well, what can I say, living for so long with a wild woman makes it really hard not to borrow. Plus, I'm not at fault that you're so addictive. I could kiss you until the next morning and I'd still feel it hasn't been enough. And it's all as if I'm kissing you for the first time, all over again." He said as he gently began playing with her hair with one hand as he took her one of her hands with the other, even bandaged as it was. He looked up into the ceiling for a few moments, and spoke contemplatively, almost as if his words just came out of their own accord. "I'd never thought I'd feel like this for anyone. It's perfect."


His lazy toying with her hair caused his eyes to close a few times, all while he breathed in her scent. She was his home. He thought about the castle, and the city itself, but it all didn't hit home as much as she did. He was confident that, as long as he was with her, the one true love, he wouldn't miss this place, as much as he didn't miss it the whole time they've been together. If only she knew that for him, she was the very breath of life. If there would've been a way for him to show her just how much she weighed in his heart. Perhaps, in time. The hand that held hers took it to his lips and he placed a soft, absentminded kiss on the knuckles, a spontaneous gesture that was born out of his thoughts.


"I can wait for us to be on our way again." He said with a hushed tone. "There is so much I want to see and honestly, these walls feel very... restrictive. I got so used to being out there, with you, that this place just feels strange. I've never been across the Sea this far, but from what you've told me, it's beautiful out there. And as long as it's with you, it's all the better." He smiled, and listened to Ilyia for a response, but unknown to him, he fell asleep, comforted by her touch, and her presence, and the overall warmth that poured out of her. Lulled away by the sound of her breath and of her voice, he fell asleep holding her hand as if wanting to feel her there throughout the whole night.

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

Ilyia was in total agreement with Randar's sentiments, though she didn't say so. She did smile and nod along with each comment, however. He had begun to feel like such a part of her, that if she didn't have enough of him she began to feel like she was lacking. He made her feel whole. As many times as she had tried to shake herself rid of him in the beginning, she was thankful that she'd never managed. He had been persistent and stubborn enough to give even her bull headedness a run for its money. If herself now could have told herself back then that the prince would me the man she fell in love with, she was sure her former self would have scoffed, heartily, at the fact. Randar had changed a lot since then, though. Ilyia changed, too. They were both better for having been with each other. It was truly how love was supposed to be.


"I'd spent so long on my own, I didn't think I was capable of being with a person like I have been with you." She spoke, in a way, about the walls that she'd built around her heart. Walls that he had slowly but surely breached with his dedication and refusal to give up. "Just as I have made you wild, you have tamed me... some." She glanced up at him with a smirk. "I don't believe I'll ever be fully domesticated."


The thief closed her eyes and listened to Randar's steadily beating heart. She allowed her mind to wander, just as he was doing. She wondered what it would be like to travel across the Midnight Sea with him. She wondered if she would be more willing to stay in one place and not move around, not be a thief. She wasn't quite sure what else she would do, but she supposed she could try. She would try just about anything for Randar. Just what did the next chapter hold for them? As she, too, slowly drifted to sleep, Ilyia wondered if they would be wed someday. Much to her surprise, the thought made her smile. She fell asleep happy, perhaps happier than she had ever fallen asleep in her life.


Ilyia's body had apparently needed more rest than she thought. She slept well into the morning, undisturbed by noise or sunlight; not even the cool breeze that filtered into the room when the windows had been opened. The blonde girl must have quietly tiptoed in at some point to put out the fire and open the windows. Surely a blush and a giggle were given when the saw the sleeping couple, and undoubtedly she would be telling the other girls about it at some point during the day. None of this mattered to the thief, and when she finally did awaken, she felt even better than she had the day before. She rolled over to see her beloved still next to her, and a lazy smile formed on her face. She shimmied up so she could reach him and placed her lips on his cheek.


"My handsome prince," she whispered into his ear. "I do believe we have slept most of the morning away."

 

[SilentMadness]

He slept peacefully, and rested as well as possible. He dreamt of faraway beaches, places he's never seen, of moments spent with Ilyia in the light of dusk. Peaceful havens. When she pressed her soft lips to his cheek and whispered so softly in his ear, his skin instantly caught goosebumps. It took him a good few moments to slowly come to his senses, but when he did, his own lips pulled up into a sleepy, lazy smile. He didn't even feel like rushing when she had told him that, and the more he returned to the real world, the more his excitement grew. His lazy smile turned into a mischievous grin. He turned his gaze to Ilyia, and took a moment to take in every single feature of her morning, wild look, something as beautiful as nothing he's seen before. Then suddenly, like a playful predator animal, his arms caught her, and pulled her on top of him. He grinned sheepishly up at her as her hair fell around his face.


"Morning, beautiful." He said, his voice sounding slightly groggy. One of his hands came to cup her cheek and he lifted his head off the pillow, placing a soft kiss upon her lips. Much like any other moment he shared with her, this one was just as perfect, and he found himself enjoying it to the fullest. His lips touched the corner of hers teasingly before, with a chuckle, Randar pulled her closer so he could bury his face in her neck and playfully nibble at her delicate skin. He didn't take it too far, however, simply enjoying himself before pulling away to look her in the eyes again. He felt so happy this particular morning, and he only could foresee the rest of his mornings with her being this happy.


A while later, a knock on the door resounded, forcing the two to break their morning play. When things were safe, Randar answered and the blonde girl made her way through the door and bowed her head towards the two. "Good morning M'Lord, M'Lady. Should I bring you the breakfast?" She asked, but this time, Randar decided to keep to his promise and take Ilyia out in town to eat. "No, thank you, Wylla, Ilyia and I will go out in town today. Please, can you get our clothes back? You know, the ones we were brought with?" He asked, trying to keep to another promise that he'd made to Ilyia before. The blonde girl was visibly surprised and even tried to argue. "But M'Lord, those clothes aren't appropriate for..." "Wylla, please. You know I don't like being this way, but I'm asking something of you." Randar said with a slightly firm, yet still warm and nice voice. He didn't try to sound commanding, more like, pleading. "Yes, M'Lord, I apologize. I shall fetch your clothes." Wylla responded before bowing her head and exiting the room.


"No more dresses for you... M'Lady." Randar said teasingly before finally getting off the bed. It wasn't long until Wylla returned, carrying the robe that belonged to Randar and Ilyia's clothing, which seemed to be in quite fine fettle. The girl exited silently, leaving the two to get dressed. Inevitably, they have drawn quite a few gazes when they went out of their room dressed like that, some from the guards, who truly did their best not to gawk, and from some of the ladies and men of the court alike when they made their way out through the main doors of the palace and headed down the stairs. The High Guards seemed to have understood that the two really didn't want to be tailed, and only offered themselves, accepting the refusal with a nod.


Wherever the pair went, Randar having caught Ilyia's hand in his own as they walked, they drew gazes, many gazes of admiration, and even more gazes of wonder, as the folk recognized the man dressed in such a plain robe as being their own prince. Randar only did as much as to give Ilyia a slight nudge with his elbow and chuckle as they silently commented, finding great amusement in the people's reactions as they headed further down to the centre of the large city, a place where commonfolk and nobles alike gathered. Randar led Ilyia in the first tavern they came across, a tavern already full of life at that hour, as it was near noon already. They were met with surprised gazes here as well as they made their way to a table in the corner, and the serving girl rushed immediately to pick up their order with a wide smile.


"Such a surprise to have the very prince and his beloved visiting us. What can I get for you?" She asked, emotion clearly readable in his voice, and slight annoyance readable in Randar's eyes. Oh, how he wished people would just stop calling him a prince altogether. Although, he did enjoy when Ilyia did it, for some reason. "I'll have our famous garlic crab dish and a tankard of ale." He said simply, and the girl nodded before directing her attention to the thief. "And the lady would like?"

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

Their morning play had turned instructional when Ilyia began showing Randar what pressure points and holds to use to render an opponent incapacitated. She had been on top of him pressing her fingers-- not too hard as to actually cause any harm-- into a certain point on his neck when the knock sounded at the door. While they weren't technically doing anything that wasn't innocent, the thief was still quick to pull herself off of the prince. The last thing either of them needed was poor Wylla thinking she had walked in on something. When the girl did arrive, Ilyia made a mental note to tell her to stop calling her "M'lady" and start calling her Ilyia. The thief was too happy about getting her clothes back to say anything about it right now, though.


Ilyia was thrilled. Her clothes were back, and in much better condition than they had been when they'd been taken from her. Her boots, trousers, bustier and tunic felt like a second skin to her, and she was far less self conscious about strapping her dao sword to her back now. Yes, it still caught quite a few glances, but it wasn't as bad as it would have been had she been wearing a dress. Ilyia threw her hair up in the best bun she could manage-- it was getting rather long, and she knew she needed to cut it soon-- and left her cloak behind due to the warmth of the day. Once they were both ready, she was more than happy to set out.


Walking out of the castle and into the streets felt freeing in a way. The open air was warm and inviting, and Ilyia found herself taking frequent deep breaths to inhale all the scents. The further they traveled into town, the more she could smell the foods, herbs, and spices that were being sold in carts and prepared in shops. The bustling tavern was among them, and Ilyia found herself pleasantly surprised when they entered. It was busy, but spacious enough so as to not seem crowded. Ilyia found herself grinning when Randar led them to a table in the corner. It seemed old habits died hard, and her habits had rubbed off on him. She sat down with him, ignoring the feeling of eyes on her back, and waited for the serving girl to arrive.


Randar's order warranted a strange glance from Ilyia. Garlic crab dish? What a strange breakfast. She had no idea what Etersian cuisine or customs were like. In fact, she had no idea what sort of food this place served at all. Even though it was afternoon now, Ilyia still felt like she should have some sort of a breakfast. When the girl turned her attention onto her, the thief couldn't help but to chuckle. People still insisted on calling her lady.


"Hm... eggs," the thief replied. "And whatever fish you have. Scaled and uncooked. Ale as well... thank you."


It was perhaps a crude meal, but the thief had eaten a certain way for so long. It had done her well thus far, and she didn't see the need to change it. Her diet in her guild had been catered to her training. Living life of the road, of course, didn't allow her to adhere too strictly to that diet, but she tried her best. Now, Ilyia was determined to start working her body back up to its former glory, and her meal choice was a reflection upon that. The serving girl left, no less confused than she'd been when she arrived. Ilyia turned her attention toward Randar.


"I stick out worse than the Dragon would in Crastor." She told the prince. "I'm beginning to think I'm sprouting a second head, given the way people have been gawking."

 

[SilentMadness]

The serving girl was surprised by the choice, not so much the combination of eggs and fish, but the request for the fish to be uncooked. Even Randar's face displayed that certain surprise, and wonder, at how exactly this could be. However, he also noticed Ilyia's face related to his order. When the serving girl left, Randar explained quickly. "Garlic crab is a very common dish around these parts. Since we have the biggest fish and sea fruit market out there, crabs are common food. Of course, most people would argue that this is the poor folk's food, but I enjoy it more than all the fancy stuff back at the castle. You should try."


As he finished his explanation, the serving girl returned with the plates, setting two loaves of bread in a small basket, and placing the plate with eggs and fish in front of Ilyia, and the crab with garlic sauce in front of Randar, as well as the tankards of ale. Randar thanked the girl, who nodded before going off to clean some tables, and so, the prince first took a thirsty gulp of the ale and let out a satisfied sigh. "Damn it, I missed this so much. Better than any wine." He noted with a smile, looking at Ilyia, before returning his attention to his plate. He began carefully breaking the crab's shell, and portioning it, eventually managing to pull out small chunks of meat from its insides. Breaking a loaf of bread, he bit into it, then dipped the meat into garlic sauce and put it into his mouth, smiling as he felt the familiar taste.


"You don't know what you're missing on, love." He told Ilyia as he continued eating, showing little to no restraint in doing so, attracting even more gazes of people surprised seeing their prince eating like a borderline savage. He still took care not to look silly while doing so, but he just let himself loose, wishing nothing more than to feel set free of those boundaries and restraints. "It's not you who's sticking out like a sore thumb." Randar said with a chuckle as he continued eating. "People are just surprised to see a prince walking and acting like, well... common folk. I'm guessing they believe you twisted my minds or something. Which, to an extent, I can't deny."


He gave her a light nudge with his elbow, and grinned. The two had their meal, and even a refill of ale, and Randar truly felt like not even moving from that place, but he knew they still had a place to go to. His uncle. "Well, I think it's time to go." Randar said with a smile to Ilyia before standing and offering her his hand, all while placing the coin for the meal on the table with his other hand. Local custom, if anything. Later on, they were again going through the streets which were more crowded at this time of the day. His uncle's domain resided somewhere at the border between the luxury and the commonfolk houses, and while it was still a large house with the terrain, it didn't look as pompous as the domains that extended throughout the luxurious zone.


Randar led Ilyia through the few guards that were posted near the entrance on his uncle's domain, the guards recognizing him and therefore, trusting him as they should. Lord Meralon seemed to have seen his nephew arriving, and before the couple reached the large wooden doors to his house, the doors opened and a tall, slim man dressed in a blue, simple tunic, with neatly arranged hair and a warm smile on his face, welcomed them. "Why, if it isn't my dear nephew and his beloved. I've heard you were back and I wanted to visit, but alas, you know how busy one man can be." He said with a smile as he led them inside. The lobby was large enough, with two sets of stairs that took up to left and right, all while two corridors on either sides of the room took to other rooms set respectively to the left, and to the right. Sir Meralon stopped once the two were in and turned to Ilyia, looking upon her with a somewhat knowing smile. "Ah, pardon me, where are my manners. Lord Meralon Althalos, at your service." He said before formally bowing low enough to pick up her hand and mimick a kiss to her knuckles. "An honor meeting you. Come now, my personal office is right this way." He said before turning around and leading the two through the right corridor, and finally, through the door at the end of it.


The office was small, and quite plain, having only a beautifully crafted wooden desk, upon which rested sheets and a quill dipped in ink, and two shelves of books on the wall to the right. Lord Meralon ceremoniously sat himself down at the desk, inviting the two to also sit down on the two chairs on the other side of the desk. "So, what brings you here? I must say, I deeply regret for what happened to your father and... well... my brother. I've noticed he wasn't well for a long time, but what could I have done? I tried warning people, but it seems that my work for the common folk has turned me into a sort of... joke for the noble lords and ladies. A shame. " He said as he began perusing the documents on the desk, most being related to the orphanages and care centers that he led in town. "Actually, uncle, I came here to ask you to... well..." Randar said, arranging his voice with a soft cough. "Uncle, I want you... to take the throne." He said, and the man lifted his gaze from the documents with confusion in his gaze. "Ex... cuse me?"


Randar arranged himself better in his seat, before beginning to explain himself. "Uncle, listen. With my father, and my mother gone, I am obligated to take the throne. A throne which I don't want. It's why I fled Etersia in the first place. I'm simply not fit for ruling. I'm not made for it. Plus... if I would take it, I wouldn't be able to be with Ilyia." He said, grabbing the thief's hand. "She's all I want in this world, and I just want to live a normal life, as a normal man." His uncle listened intently, but tried to argue. "But, my child, I am too busy with administrating the orphanage, and taking care of the poor. They need me." "Yes, uncle, they do need you, that is why you need to take the crown. Think about it. You will be able to implement laws and regulations that will work a great way in their favor, you will be able to take care of them better, and give them a good life. Not all rulers care about the common folk. You are, as Ilyia said, the champion of the people. You will have their full support, and I know that you will do the right thing. Please."

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

After lunch, Ilyia-- who had been almost certain they were supposed to be visiting the merchant stalls today-- was a bit disappointed to find they were skipping over all of that and going immediately to meet Randar's uncle. It wasn't that she didn't want to meet him, she simply hadn't had the time to prepare herself for this. Physically, she looked quite like the common thief she was. Mentally, she was in too relaxed a mindset to be able to present herself formally to the man who was supposed to, hopefully, take the crown. So, one could imagine the thief's surprise when they approached Randar's Uncle's home.


"Wonderful," she muttered with slight annoyance. "Had you warned me we were coming here now I would have at least done something about my sword."


She imagined that his uncle, given the type of work he did, was a passive man. That was good, but she couldn't imagine that a man who instituted orphanages would be keen on a woman walking into his home with a sword. There was no choice, though, as she was already being lead into the home. When introduced, she gave the man a nod of her head.


"Ilyia Odenfield, sir." She said respectfully. "A pleasure to meet you."


He was an... interesting man. Kind, but kingly? She didn't think so. He seemed too much of a pacifist for that. Ilyia kept quiet, though. She simply followed the two into Meralon's office. Rather than sit right away, she idly roamed around the room and looked at this and that while uncle and nephew had their debate. Her ears were tuned in, though not overly so. She had roamed near the chair where Randar sat when he suddenly reached out and took her hand. Blinking she looked down at him then over to his uncle. Clearing her throat, she decided to speak.


"If I may... I know, well, next to nothing about ruling, but I do know a thing or two about resources. Lord Meralon, you would have many resources at your disposal. You would have a council to help you keep up with the orphanages. You could delegate tasks to them to ensure the poor are taken care of while you... focused on other things."


Like keeping Etersia safe from falling into the hands of black magic again. She didn't say that out loud, of course, but it was the first thought in her mind. That might be a difficult task for the man. He said himself that some people had thought him odd. He didn't have the support or the respect of the upper class, it seemed. The support of the poor wouldn't fund the protection of the kingdom. Her eyes flickered to Randar. She began to have second thoughts. What if his renouncing of the throne was a terrible idea? What if he was giving up his throne to someone less fit than he to rule? Worry creased her brow line, causing her to look away from him. Perhaps their plan hadn't been a good one after all.

 

[SilentMadness]

Both Randar and his uncle listened intently to Ilyia's words, paying her as much attention as she probably never expected. Their gazes found each other a short moment later, and Lord Meralon smiled. "A smart woman, she is. But yes, looking at things from a perspective, there is much to be worked on. That is why I am very much... concerned with the thought of being a king, you see." Randar let himself fall back into his chair and sighed. He, too, felt Ilyia's concern, and somehow, both their thoughts were the same. But he yet decided to push on. "All you'd have to do, from where I see it, is reform The Three. Surely, there still exist very powerful mages out there. The late... Queen... used her black magic to take control of my father. He built an army, an army which now awaits for a supreme commander. You can name Ser Valoric, probably the most experienced knight we have, as master-of-arms, and with him, and The Three at your side, everything will go on well. Come on, uncle, I know you're a very smart and dedicated man, you can make this work!"


Randar was too hard-headed to actually give up, that much was very familiar to Ilyia. Lord Meralon seemed to take some time to ponder, and consider his options. It was a strange moment of silence, and tension, in which Randar felt his heart pushing out of his chest. He was already preparing the rest of his speech, in case his uncle would decline it this time, but the latter finally nodded his head contemplatively before speaking. "Well, I suppose it could work. Even without the support of the noblemen at first, I still think I can pull this off well. There's still a High Council and advisors to help me out, if needed. I know them well, they're fine men, but your father didn't listen to anyone else but the vile magic of that... woman."


Relief washed over Randar hearing the words of the man. Somewhere, deep, he knew that his uncle would be good at this. Better than him, anyway. He gazed at Ilyia, all while his uncle seemed to return, briefly, to his papers. "Well then..." Randar began after a short moment in which he caught his breath. "I will have a small meeting tomorrow with the High Council and give up my rights to the crown. I'll propose you, and well, you'll establish the crowning day. All I ask for is that me, and Ilyia..." he said with a smile looking back to the thief. "... get a good ship to take us across the Midnight Sea. That's where I wanna spend the rest of my life."


His uncle rose his gaze from the papers once more, and smiled, shaking his head. "Ah, my boy, my boy. You'll get your ship, don't worry. I'm truly happy for you. And well... you see, when I was younger, I... abandoned the love of my life for duty. I don't regret it as much now, but it still has left a hollow spot in my heart. I'm not letting you do the same." Meralon said as he stood, a cue that the meeting was over. The man simply didn't want to seem impolite by just perusing papers whilst talking to the two.


With the meeting over, Randar and Ilyia were out whilst the sun was still present, and so, the prince decided to honor his final promise to Ilyia for the day. Taking her hand once more, he reassuringly kissed her cheek before taking her down to the rather large market, bustling with life from one end to the other. "No need to worry, love. My uncle is the best we can get for that throne." He said as he let himself led by the thief, knowing somehow that her catlike curiosity would get the best of her and they'd spend perhaps until nightfall perusing shops and wares.

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

"The 'best we can get' isn't exactly a reassuring concept," she told Randar as they maneuvered the streets. "I just hope you're making the right decision."


If not, it could be reflected upon the hundreds of lives that looked up to the crown and counted on it. Ilyiia was no longer so sure all those people should be disregarded for the sake of her and Randar's happy ending. Still, she remained quiet about the matter. It wasn't her affair to meddle in, after all. She was just a girl from Candaria, a forgotten home. She decided, instead, to focus on the streets and the shops.


They had perused for hours, looking at everything and buying very little. Ilyia had found some more clothes that were to her liking, mainly things of thinner material that would make the warm voyage across the Sea a little more enjoyable. Once across, she knew they would have to trade yet again for cooler clothes. The coastal lands were constantly hot. After the clothes, Ilyia had taken to the food merchants. There was a seller from the southern peninsula, and he brought with him dates and figs bigger than Ilyia had ever seen. The thief was partial to dates, and the handful of them that she'd bought didn't last very long.


The sun had dipped below the horizon, and starlight began to twinkle in the sky alongside a fat moon. Torches and lanterns lit up the streets, providing light for the still thick crowd to traverse by. At some point in the day, a stage had been erected, and now there was a band and some dancers performing upon it. The crowds had gathered toward the stage, which made walking a bit easier for Ilyia and Randar. The thief moved a little more slowly than she had earlier, her body feeling the fatigue of the day. Her hand absentmindedly rubbed at her chest.


"I look forward to the day this wound doesn't bother me so much," she told Randar as they walked. "I feel as if I haven't trained in forever. Even you might be able to beat me in a sword fight now." She said, offering him a sly grin.

 

[SilentMadness]

"He's better than me, he knows what he's doing." Randar said with a certain security that seemed to have built up inside him. He was put at ease that Ilyia didn't pry on the subject, he didn't want to go all over again through the same discussions. He was simply happy that the two of them would soon be free into the world once again, and he had a plan in mind to never return here as more than a mere citizen. Of course, his face would never be forgotten, but at least, it would all be fine. He followed Ilyia around as she perused the shop, giving small opinions on different clothing and looking for things himself. There wasn't too much he could buy, though, and so, he was just content to carry whatever Ilyia would buy in her stead, just because he liked.


He didn't even notice, again, when time passed, but he did understand they had spent their whole afternoon through the market, which, in itself, wasn't a bad thing at all. He liked it. He walked beside Ilyia, in silence, for the moment, listening to the music as they passed by. He was pulled out of his absentminded thoughts when Ilyia spoke to him, and he turned his head, giving a grin of his own in return to hers. "You think? Not really sure, but we'll have to try. We never got to spar after I went to the Circle." He said, his voice dying down as he remembered something. He still couldn't feel a thing in regards to his magic. Raising his healthy hand, he looked upon it. "But... it seems as though my arcane resources have been completely drained. It's odd."


However, Randar cast any shadow of worry aside in the next moment. They'd have the time to think about such after they finished their current business. And that was the next day, when Randar would summon a Council meeting. For now, the pair went back, this time, to another tavern, to have something to eat for the night, and eventually have a drink. It seemed as though people have started to get used more and more with the sight and idea of their yet prince walking around them like a normal human citizen. There still were gawkers, and odd gazes, but the prince learned to simply ignore them, and at best, to make fun of them silently with Ilyia.


"I almost forgot that tonight, it's full moon!" Randar exclaimed at a point, looking at Ilyia excitedly. "You want to see it? I know just the right place where we can do that."

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

Talk of the missing arcane powers took Ilyia, briefly, down darker thoughts. A lot had been taken from them that day. A lot had been taken from Ilyia all the days leading up to that day, too. So far, her only lingering aftermath was the pain in her chest and the scar upon her heart. She still couldn't remember a lot of things that happened while she was under the Spider's influence. The time from the Circle until the time Randar had found her again seemed... spotty. It was like there was a thin veil over her mind that kept her from seeing things clearly. Ilyia feared what it might look like behind that veil and how she would handle it should it be lifted someday. She supposed she would just have to wait for it and cope with it if and when it did come.


"A full moon?" The thief raised a brow as she drank from her tankard. What was so special about a full moon? She had seen plenty of full moons in her life. Her curious look directed at Randar lingered as she finished her drink and set the now empty tankard back onto the table. "Well... I suppose so. It must be something special if you're so up in arms about it." She slowly rose to her feet. "C'mon, then."


This time, the thief allowed the prince to lead the way. She adjusted the pack that was strewn over her right shoulder so she could carry it a bit more comfortably. The shopkeepers had practically begged Ilyia to let one of their workers deliver her purchases to the castle for her, but she had refused. She had said she needed the exercise, so she would carry the things herself. This had resulted in one or two surprised expressions, but nobody dared to argue with the girl with a sword on her back.


As they walked, Ilyia allowed her mind to wander again. She chewed on the inside of her cheek in deep and silent thought. She had no idea where they were going for this grand sight, but she supposed it didn't matter. It wouldn't hurt to indulge Randar's almost childlike excitement. She had forgotten how young he could seem at times. Eyes lifting from the ground, she glanced over at him as they walked.


"I can almost remember, you know." She said suddenly. "Memories from the time we were... apart. But just when I think I've almost got it, it slips away from me again. It's like a dream you can still feel in your mind but can't quite remember the details of it. I know it happened, but that's all I know." Sighing, she gave a shrug and lifted a hand to push a few strands of red hair from her face. "Maybe I'll never remember, and maybe that's okay. It's just... strange... you know?"

 

[SilentMadness]

He looked at her with slight worry readable in his gaze. Worry, and at the same time, compassion, for her. She seemed to have become serious once more, and while he enjoyed her nonetheless, he wished he could cast away her shadows, somehow. But he listened, and nodded before catching her free hand in his and giving it a squeeze, in an attempt to establish contact. "That's because, well, you weren't yourself, and most of the memories of... whatever you've been doing..." He avoided mentioning the fact that he had practically followed a trail of corpses to her. "... have vanished once with the power that was put over you. You should just let it go. The past is the past, and this has gone by. I know it's hard to, but... let it be. I don't think it will help you much if you keep trying to return there."


During the talk, the two had slipped into the large domain around the castle, but Randar took Ilyia somewhere off the main walk, while still moving towards the castle, only to its side. For a while, it almost felt like the two were sneaking around, and Randar felt the certain excitement of doing what he used to do when he was a child. It wasn't long until they stopped upon a large formation of rocks that overlooked a gulf below, with large waves crashing ashore with a specific sound. The visible horizon was only water, into the distance, and the shadows of a few ships anchored here and there. And above it, the large, full moon, reigning supreme over its domain, reflecting onto the water, and lighting up the sky.


Randar stopped there, along with Ilyia, looking upon the sight with a smile. "Well? I'm sure you've seen many full moons but... you gotta admit, this one's really something. And..." He turned his head and grinned to her in the semi-darkness. "... we're not really supposed to be here. But let's just say I discovered a route when I was little, and took advantage of it many times."


He simply relaxed, and breathed in the salty air. Taking a step further and letting Ilyia's hand go, Randar proceeded to sit down on the edge of a rock, and simply let his legs dangle in the air. He didn't ask Ilyia to come by him, and only let her decide whether or not she wanted to, but he just hoped it would lighten her mood. Seeing her so thoughtful once more didn't really sit with him, it was as if his own mind was being bothered. He realized just how much he loved her, if even her slight mood managed to somehow break his.

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

Ilyia couldn't say she agreed with Randar on this one. Yes, the past was the past, but it was also knowledge. She didn't want to go without knowing. In a way, she felt that knowledge could protect her from the past repeating itself. There was a small worry inside of her that Randar knew more than he was letting on; that he was purposely keeping things from her and thinking he was protecting her. She chewed on these thoughts so thoroughly that she couldn't even completely appreciate the sight of the full moon and the sound of the waves violently beating against the rocks below.


For a while, she just stood behind him like some silent vigil. Her figure was silhouetted in silvery moonlight, and the loose tresses of her red hair blew in the seaside breeze. She stood straight, legs together and arms folded across her chest, and the way she looked out upon the sea made it seem like it was just a small thing that she could conquer. She was like a warrior, a goddess with fire-kissed hair and a swift blade, locked inside the memories of old battles and old scars.


Several speechless moments passed before Ilyia's nimble steps carried her easily to the side of the rocky overhang. She sat next to Randar with her feet dangling carelessly over the edge. Her eyes remained on the horizon that was ahead of her.


"I suppose I've always had a little darkness in my heart," she said suddenly. "Maybe that's what made me vulnerable to the Spider's influence. And..." she cut her gaze over to him, "if you're going to start telling me that the past in the past again, you might as well save your breath. Thinking about the past is what's kept me human. The past made me stronger. I'm not looking for answers to reopen wounds, Randar. I'm just... looking for some sort of closure I guess."


Sighing, she turned her gaze back out toward the horizon. Her long fingers pushed themselves through her hair as she thought. Her eyes seemed to search the sea, as if it would have the answers somewhere inside it


"I just want to make sure that what happened never happens again. Just like I've made sure with everything else. My home, the slavers... everything."

 

[SilentMadness]

He listened and sighed in slight frustration. It felt as if she was truly trying to tear down any bridge that would form towards something of a brighter future. As if she wanted to dwell on it. "Would it help you in any way if I told you I found you by following dead camps and corpses?" He finally asked, defeated. If she truly wished to take things in that way, then why would he try to stand against it? "That's what happened. You killed people, by the looks of them, outlaws. My best guess is they tried to take advantage of the fact that you were alone, and they got what was coming for them. I don't know how this is shedding any light on anything at all, but that's all I know. Even when I found you, you slept near a charred corpse. I have no idea of anything beyond that."


He looked into the horizon again, and fell silent. Perhaps it was too much to ask of Ilyia to leave her demons at the door for now and simply enjoy herself. By what he saw, dwelling on all of this only brought her more and more questions, and bitterness, and it was something he hated to see, he just wanted her to feel good. "I know you want to make sure it isn't going to repeat from now on, but the best way to do that is, in the future, to avoid anything that has to do with black magic. The Spider was something that is gone, most likely forever. So it should be." He said, gazing up at the moon.


"I'm... not asking you to forget the past, Ilyia. I'm asking you to forgive it. Yes, I agree, the past is to be remembered and never repeated, but there's plenty of time to ask yourself questions." He muttered, letting himself lie on his back on the rock. It wasn't perfectly comfortable, but it wasn't too bad, either. He simply breathed in the air deeply and kept silent for a few moments. He felt, again, tired, but he wasn't going to say it, not just yet. He almost felt like he wanted to sleep out there rathern than go back into the castle. His thoughts were still directed to Ilyia, and he looked at her with the corner of his eye.


"How long do you estimate it will be until we're going off again? I'm not sure how much more I can take of sitting around here. I'm itching to get back into adventure. Don't you?"

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

The thief continued to stare out at the horizon. She paid full attention to what Randar said, and her jaw seemed to clench in a hard line. Not because of what he told her she'd done, but because of the way he was speaking to her. She felt her heart clench a bit in anger and disappointment. Ilyia felt foolish for thinking that the young, naive prince was gone. He clearly wasn't, at least not fully. And he clearly didn't understand her.


"What right do you have to talk about me and my past?" She asked suddenly, glaring over at him. "When you ran away from yours."


Her words were sharp and a result of her anger. Not tainted by darkness, but pure and natural frustration toward him. It was as if he wanted to live in this little bubble where they didn't acknowledge any of the things that happened to them. She decided she'd had enough of that bubble. It wasn't her, and it wasn't where she wanted to stay.


Saying nothing more, she stood up just as he was laying down upon the rock. She turned and left him there to stay oblivious and happy in his little seaside reverie. The doubt that had been gnawing at her all day seemed to be rearing their ugly heads again. How could he claim to love her when he didn't even understand her? He never even tried to see where she was coming from. While he rambled on about his home, he had never once asked her about hers.


Ilyia angrily muttered to herself all the way back to the castle. There were plenty of confused and perhaps even frightened glances as she stormed by with fists clenched at her sides. She went straight to her room, and slammed the door. ot even Wylla was foolish enough to bother her.

 

[SilentMadness]

"Huh..." He mumbled as he got into a sitting position at once, nearly slipping too far and off the edge. Managing to balance himself, he stood, and watched as Ilyia simply dissapeared. He stood there, recalling what he's said and judging upon it. Perhaps he had made it sound completely wrong, but he clearly didn't mean it the way Ilyia received it. Or did he? She did have a point about him fleeing his own past but... in that very moment, everything made so little sense to him that he didn't even exactly know what to do. Something told him he should just leave her be for the night. He remembered the last time she'd been angry at him, and trying to solve anything at all at the moment would've been, well, pointless. With a sigh, he finally started making his way towards the castle, thinking about whatever he was going to do to make things right. He didn't even know what he should do beside apologizing. Trying to explain what he had meant?


When he made his way through the large doors, a guard who was there when Ilyia angrily stormed through, tried to announce Randar. "The lady went..." "I know..." The prince said with a sigh and shook his head, slowly beginning to become angry at himself. Perhaps she was right. He just wished to make her relax, at least until they'd be off on their way once more. But boy, has it backfired on him horribly. The guards, much like the few other people in the castle that have seen Ilyia make her way angrily to her room also watched Randar as he silently went through corridors without even as much as looking at them. When he finally drew close to the door to Ilyia's room, he hesitated for a moment. Eventually, he moved away, and instead entered his own chamber, deciding to avoid any other contact at least for the night.


The night hasn't been remotely good, either, and Randar spent most of it either glaring at the nightsky through the window, trying to lie in a bed that felt as if it had thorns, and thinking upon his mistakes. He twisted, turned, fear gripping at his heart with a hand of steel. What if he lost her? Of course, it was a bit far fetched considering they've only... argued. Sort of. But the crippling fear was still there. What if? And he realized now, that it was more of his mistake than he'd initially thought. Perhaps he deserved it, perhaps he didn't even deserve her. All these thoughts clouded his mind the whole night long, and when morning arrived, he had barely had any sleep at all. His face was saying so, as he looked, well, tired.


But one thing he had decided, and that was that he was still going to renounce the crown. Even if Ilyia would leave, something which he slightly doubted but highly feared, he was still going to go through with his plans. However, before all of that, he decided that the best he could do, as of now, was to apologize. Perhaps she was going to be furious again, but yet, he didn't know what else to do. Exiting his room after looking in the mirror to see if he looked even remotely well, which he did not really, Randar decided to simply stick around the hall where their room were located, and await for Ilyia to leave her room. Maybe she was sleeping, and he didn't want to disturb her. He'd caused enough damage already. He only hoped that she was still there, and didn't leave earlier, or something of the sorts.

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

After Ilyia's temper had subsided, she was forced to sit alone with her own anxiety for the rest of the evening. Perhaps she had overreacted a bit in her anger, but her feelings remained the same. She began to worry that her feelings toward Randar were built from some unsteady foundation. What, after all, did he truly know about her? How could he possibly love her if he didn't truly know her? All of these thoughts were born from her own uncertainty and perhaps even insecurity. Now that she had seen his past, where he came from, she knew it was so unlike her own roots.


There was also the matter of what he'd said. To leave the past, because what good could dwelling on it do? In fact, she hadn't been dwelling. She had simply been wanting to know what happened, because Ilyia could not be content living life without answers. Oblivious and naive may have been the way for many women, but it was not the way for her. The night had passed with her thoughts going around and around like this. She never truly came to any conclusion or resolution. Instead, she battled with her nerves until she was able to sleep. When she did sleep, it was fitful at best.


She awoke early that morning, before Randar even. She decided she couldn't stay cooped up in her room, and needed something to help dispel all of this nervous energy. The thief had opted for an invigorating walk along the broken cliff side, followed by some strength training. She pushed her injured body perhaps past its limits until every muscle in her body felt the dull ache of exertion. By the time she returned to the castle, she was flushed and sweating and in need of a bath. Her hair was pulled up in a sloppy bun, she was in her tunic and trousers, and her feet were bare. She was touching a hand to the back of her neck when she arrived in the hallway to see Randar standing there.


Ilyia paused and simply looked at him for a moment. She had been thinking about what she would say to him, and she'd thought she had the words aligned. Seeing him now, though, made her realize that her thoughts and feelings were still just as jumbled as they had been before. Regardless, she approached him and began speaking.


"The past isn't a means of punishment for me. It isn't meant to... block my happiness. It is a means to remember and to learn. And in some regards, it's all I have. You ran away from your home, yet here we are standing inside of it right now. I would have never left mine if I didn't have to. But it and everyone in it was burnt to the ground. So, no, Randar... I cannot let the past be the past. I have to keep it with me, because its memories are important to me. I cannot be some... some girl who doesn't think about things. I cannot be a mindless, giggling fool with her head in the clouds all of the time. So..." she swallowed a lump in her throat. "If... if that is what you want, then perhaps I am not the one to give your love to."


The last words pained her, but she still managed to stand before him with her pride intact. She would never be some wallowing, tearful fool for any man. At least not in front of his face. She was quite certain that the second she was left behind closed doors she would break down and cry, though.

 

[SilentMadness]

When he saw her, every word that he meant to say became forever lodged somewhere in his throat. The more she approached, the more unsettled he became as he struggled in vain to utter anything, to say something. He opened his mouth to let forth a simple apology but his words never came out as Ilyia began speaking, and like through a magic power, making him listen to every word carefully. It was clear to him that the words he'd spoken the night before were, well, poorly chosen, and that what he meant turned into something else because he didn't think before speaking. Her last words weighed down the hardest on him, and caused his heart to race at the thought that this might just turn into a goodbye scene. Fear gripped at his heart as he looked her in the eyes in shock. His gaze fell away after a second as he felt the guilt eat at his insides much like he did after Prauthe.


"I'm sorry..." He said, trying to steady his voice, but managing to only partially do so, as it bore an obvious tremble to it. "I didn't mean it to sound that way. I don't want you to forget your past, it's nigh impossible for anyone to forget their own. I don't want you to be a girl with your head in the clouds constantly, that would certainly feel... odd. We're soon going to be on our way, and I just wanted you to enjoy peace of mind, at least until then... I'm not going to make excuses and say I didn't do anything wrong... I did. I'm only human, as are you. I understand that you can't find peace of mind until you've had your answers... I just don't want you blaming yourself for anything that happened in that time... I'm sorry."


He fell silent, continuing to look down as he did. He wondered how come that he always managed to land himself in such a position? Hard to understand, but his worry that Ilyia might just leave him because of this overshadowed everything else. Combine that with the lack of sleep and there was his inability to express himself more than he did. Perhaps he just didn't understand Ilyia yet, or at least, not as much as he wished to, but one thing he knew for sure, if she was going to leave, he would probably be unable to recover from it.


"Maybe I don't know you as well as I wish I would, and it's perhaps too bold of me to ask of you to... give me time. And perhaps there's still a part of the fool that I was when you met me, somewhere, here. I'm sorry... Ilyia. I didn't mean to hurt you." He said, barely containing his strongest emotions whilst he spoke. He spoke in a slightly low tone, but on the other hand, he didn't care if the guards heard him. Again, he was only human. And humans made mistakes.

 

[Sleepless_Dreamer]

His explanation helped to calm her nerves, if only a little. She felt better now that he seemed to understand why she was upset and where she was coming from. Still, the thought that he didn't know her as well as either of them had thought or wanted made her feel... strange. It was like a hand was gripping her sternum from the inside and twisting it in such a way that she felt uncomfortable in her own skin. They had traveled together for upwards of a year. All that constant contact and seeing each other through good and bad situations... yet there was still more to learn. She supposed she never thought about it before.


"It's alright," she finally said. Her means of accepting his apology. "Just... please, don't try to dictate when and where I should think about things. Suppressing my thoughts just for the sake of a pleasant boat ride seems... well, stupid."


She was so pointed and matter-of-fact it was almost comical. It was rare to see a woman so bold. Tilting her head to the side, she folded her arms across her chest. She was fatigued and wanted nothing more than to clean and change for the day, but she knew she couldn't just walk away from this conversation. They needed to be having it. Pulling her lower lip between her teeth, the thief thought for a moment.


"And I don't blame myself for what happened, not really. Had I not been under the Spider's influence, if bandits and marauders came across me, alone, on the road I am sure they would have come to a similar end. It's not like I enjoy taking life, but I have done it before and would do it again if it means defending myself... or you."


Dropping her arms away from her chest, Ilyia took the few steps needed to close the distance between herself and Randar. Either unaware or uncaring of the eyes around them, she allowed her arms to drape over his shoulders.


"You don't have to shelter me. I am a big girl," she said with a grin. "And I am quite capable of taking care of myself."


She closed the distance between their faces and placed a soft kiss upon his lips, showing that she was no longer angry with him. After a few moments she pulled away, but her fingers stayed to trace gentle circles on the back of his neck.


"All is well... right?"