"I've kidnapped you, m'lord." [ ♠[Rin]♠ + Noise Prince ]

[♠[Rin]♠]

Ah, it was the bitter truth. Nero was not trying anything funny let alone trying to put Glen's mind at ease so that he could run off when the opportunity occurred. He had more or less accepted his faith for the time period, that was it. And he still didn't feel like going to his uncle and aunt was the right way. Everyone would see him as a traitor yet he hadn't even know what was happening until it was too late.

 

He should have paid more attention. He was partly guilty. He would take the punishments.

 

For now, though, it was more important to find a way out. Nero was everything but stupid and he kept his cool attitude up. The poor aristocrat was exhausted and tired, however he tried to also keep his guard up. Not that he thought Glen would do anything to him - it was just in case..

 

"Thank you." Gulping against his dry throat, the smaller one grabbed the sandwich gently and took a bite. Small nips following. It was not filling, yes, but it might be enough to keep him alive. These experiences might help him in the future, too, he was sure.

 

Nero followed Glen back to the place they had been before. "So, we will get to rest now?" he asked, a little hope flashing up in his shining blue eyes.

[Noise Prince]

Glen nodded silently when Nero took the sandwich and thanked him. He hoped it would make this traveling a bit more bearable. He lead him back towards the camping grounds he had scouted before, and set the pack down, and began to open it and pull off two large rolled sleeping bags.

 

"Yes, m'lord, now we may rest." He told him as he smoothed out Nero's sleeping bag over the dirt. "I'm afraid I cannot offer you the travel luxuries you may have come to expect." He had a tent, of course, but he intended only to bring it out if the weather became unbearable. He deemed it was worth the risk to house Nero the best he could from hostile weather conditions. And if the weather was poor, then any search parties would be slim in number, and would be less of a threat if the tent were to be found. But the weather was alright for now.

[♠[Rin]♠]

"Understood." While nibbling on his sandwich, he watched Glen spreading the sleeping bags. At the other's statement, he tilted his head. ".. you make it sound like I am spoilt." Around this soldier, it was easier to speak his mind. He didn't know the reason but he felt more comfortable around Glen than the family he had been with for several years. It didn't look like he would be judged or pushed away. Maybe it was simple as that?

 

Having eaten almost half of the sandwich, Nero waited until Glen was done with the sleeping bags, before he called out his name softly. "Glen. Would you like to have the other half?" The aristocrat held out the sandwich towards the taller man for emphasis.

[Noise Prince]

The soldier gave pause with Nero's complaint.

 

"I apologize, m'lord. That wasn't my intention," Glen told him softly, his voice hesitant and unsteady. He really didn't intend to insult Nero by insinuating that he was probably used to traveling in comfort. He blamed his uncouth behavior on his exhaustion. He looked at the sandwich when offered, once he laid out the sleeping bags side by side.

 

"That is very kind of you, but you should really have the rest." Glen insisted. "It will be another day until we reach a town, and we can have a decent meal. That is the best I can offer you."

 

He instead took one of the dry sandwiches from the supplies they've collected. It would be the first he'd been able to eat in the past two days, so he readily took half and began chewing readily. It seemed so delicious after so long. He looked at Nero again.

 

"Are you comfortable, m'lord?"

[♠[Rin]♠]

"A town? May I inquire what it is called?" Curiously, Nero tilted his head after accepting that Glen didn't want the other half of his delicious meal. He couldn't ever make the other eat it so he dropped that topic and took another bite, finishing it soon. Afterwards, the aristocrat sat down on the sleeping bag nearer to him. Checking its softness, he drove his hand over the material, subsequently nodded. "Yes, I am. Thank you."

 

He hadn't ever been to a town yet. He may have lived in a giant palace, though Nero hadn't left it ever. So the raven was a little excited to arrive there tomorrow night or the day after. What were the people there like? What would the dealers offer? What stories would he be able to catch?

 

Nero's glance went up to the sky. It was beautifully drowned in a dark blue, adored with shining stars. It was ... actually fairly nice to be out here right now, even if his legs hurt, his tummy still sought for food and his throat was dry. It was somewhat worth it. Was it absurd to think that way?

 

His eyes wandered back down to his lap. He shouldn't daydream like this...

[Noise Prince]

Glendaule hesitated for a moment. If Nero knew where they were, relatively, he might be trying to find a way to slip out, given half the chance, and wondered if it was better not to say anything to him. He looked down at him, and decided that regardless, it was his job to make sure he didn't escape his escort.

 

"Unterdelle." Glen told him. "Beyond that, we'll be getting to Dellemaer."

 

Dellemaer would be the name Nero most likely recognized. Unterdelle was a very small town, under the shadow of the more grand Dellemaer. It would be easier to hide in Dellemaer, though. New people walking in was not a particular event. So they wouldn't be able to stay in Unterdelle for long, as it would seem fairly suspicious. But Dellemaer was a good place for the cautious kidnapper. They would be able to restock, eat some nice food, and Nero could recover for a day or so, before Glen had to make him continue on to their journey.

[♠[Rin]♠]

"Underdelle... Dellemar..." No, those towns or villages really didn't ring a bell. Unterdelle sounded familiar, though it didn't seem like aristocrat owned much information about it.

 

"I am afraid I haven't been to those places yet," Nero said with his quiet voice, his eyes wandering around to just study the area, when in fact there was literally nothing to watch.

Frankly speaking, he had always been fond of travelling, even if he had only done it four times a few years ago. And it had never been long roads. Just a few villages, on a horse, guarded by knights. He had also never made friends, so after a while being inside, able to read a book, had become the only pleasurable thing in his life. While others worked hard on low wages, the raven would just not be allowed to set one foot outdoors.

 

Shimmering lavender eyes moved to Glen for a second, before the noble averted his glance. Whatever. He doubted this soldier was utterly interesting in anything regarding Nero's life. They were strangers. Barely acquaintances.

[Noise Prince]

Glen was a little surprised by his answers. Of course, he was not that familiar with the cities, either, but he'd visited them at least once before, Dellemar three times. And Nero lived a good deal closer to them. He started to get a better idea of his life from this, he clearly must not travel a lot if he'd never been to Dellemar at least. As a ward, even as a lord, he wasn't guaranteed the same life as biological children. But he did seem quite educated. But that might just be from Glen's point of view.

 

"They're very nice. You might like Underdelle more, it's a quiet place." He told him. Nero seemed like a peaceful person who'd prefer a quiet, small town over the city. Unfortunately they wouldn't be able to stay long. "But Dellemare has a lot more to see, if that's something you'd be interested in. Interesting people, interesting wares. I've… been given a small allowance in addition to necessary funds. I might be able to buy you something that you fancy, if you wish, m'lord."

 

He wasn't quite sure why he just offered that. But the young raven looked so delicate, had been so patient, Glen wanted to buy him something to make the trip a little easier. Of course, he wouldn't even be able to buy him something nice, if he wanted to be responsible. Which he did- after irresponsibly offering to use the allowance to buy something frivolous.

[♠[Rin]♠]

"I see. Thank you for the information." He would gladly see something from those places. In fact, he would love to stay there for some time, though that wouldn't be possible. It was a bizarre situation. God knew what Glen and he were. They functioned like a team, yet they were somewhat hostile towards each other on the inside. Nero more than Glen, probably. It was a forced trip, however they followed the path as if it were planned all along.

 

Somehow they were fond of each other's company, though Nero would flee when the chance was given. It was unfortunate.

 

"You don't need to spend money on me. Small things make me happy as well. Like your kindness."

[Noise Prince]

Glen nodded. "Anything to be of help," He answered. Glen truly hoped that he enjoyed the places they would visit, even if it were for short periods of time. Nero really had no choice in the trip at all, so his guard wanted him to be able to enjoy some things about it. The fact that he wasn't well-traveled might be to his advantage, though, since the visits would be new experiences to the young lord.

 

Glen was a little taken back by Nero's response, his eyes widened, and he leaned back a little. He looked away, his cheeks turning pink.

 

"I-I'm glad that such a simple thing I can offer can make you happy, m'lord." He told him, his voice quiet and halted, clearly embarrassed.

[♠[Rin]♠]

Nero blinked when he heard the guard stutter. Adorable. Just the picture of such a strong man not being able to say one work right and properly, was sweet. He couldn't even decide whether or not to comment it, though he dropped it eventually. However, he couldn't keep himself from tilting his head at the blush on the other's cheeks. He had never thought a man would look even more handsome with a pink shadow lingering on his face.

 

"Truth be told, it is still kidnapping," the prince then voiced his thoughts carefully. He was more of the quiet type, so he tried at least wording it rightly, without annoying the man in front of him. "But I am very much enjoying myself, thanks to you." Anyone could have gotten him, even some grumpy solider or a really self-centered knight. Only because they were soldiers of his family didn't mean they would be as kind as Glen was being. "I will return that favour, one day."

[Noise Prince]

Glen nodded solemnly. That's true. He was still kidnapping the young lord, no matter how friendly or kind he was about it. Nero's kindness and agreeability were far more generous than should be expected. Glen had hoped to make the transition as easy as possible, so he was very fortunate, and grateful, that Nero wasn't resisting more. The soldier needed another few moments to collect his thoughts after being told he was actually enjoying himself! It seemed as if Nero had never gone camping, so Glen thought that it'd be particularly challenging for him to get used to, but it seemed to be the opposite.

 

"It's enough that you're enjoying yourself with me." Glendaule told him earnestly. He didn't need any for sort of repayment. He served his house, and that also included Nero, that was enough. "On this journey, m'lord." He added quickly, not wanting to sound too informal with his better.

[♠[Rin]♠]

Nero politely stared back into Glen's eyes, though he did lower his glance at some point after a thought hit his head. "Yes, for this journey." The young lord bent his legs and pulled them to his chest, softly hugging his knees with his arms. His gaze wandered back up to the stars. Those things were worrying about nothing, right? They were just there, and watched humanity in the darkest hour of their brightest day.

 

Was it wrong to enjoy a trip which was still kidnapping? Was it alright to find the kidnapper charming? Could he be accused of false actions and feelings? Was it possible to choose a right path here? Should he act in favour of his country and against his feelings, or comply with his feelings and betray his folk?

 

No.. the latter was unacceptable.

 

" ..usually, when I would be allowed to leave my rooms, I would often stand in a corridor, having to choose whether to go right or left in the huge palace. Though, all halls would always look the same. When you are not sure which direction to choose even though everything's the same; is it then wiser to go the left, where nothing is right; or to the right, where nothing is left?" A small pause fell upon him, before just the smallest of smiles appeared on the male's facial features. "This place is so careless, silent and even if it looks like it's just an endless room of nothingness, it's still beautiful."

[Noise Prince]

Glen turned his gaze down as well, when the young lord looked away, and he fiddled with the pack more, as if preoccupied with finding something that needed to be done within all the supplies.

 

"Well, nothing is always safer, but safe isn't always the most worthwhile option. Especially if you know what you're looking for." Glen answered him a little absent-mindedly, before realizing he might be encouraging the young lord to adopt reckless behaviors. "Not that safety isn't its own reward, of course, m'lord." He looked to the young Nero, a peaceful smile crept over his face.

 

"The natural world can have that effect," Glen agreed, taking his eyes from the supplies and took a moment to appreciate the stars as well. He had spent so much time outdoors, battling the elements, that he didn't remember often to step back and enjoy just how beautiful the stars were.

 

He was looking forward to Unterdelle. It was a small town, which Glen preferred to larger towns or cities, like Dellemaer. Of course, the two of them couldn't stay in Unterdelle for long, since it being so small they'd be more noticeable the longer they stayed, and that wasn't very good for their traveling in stealth. Since it was a popular stop for those going to Dellemaer, it wasn't that noteworthy that travelers would come through for a day. He thought Nero would be more taken by the city, though. Even if he hadn't really been traveling, he lived in a grand estate, he was probably use to something more like what Dellemaer offered.

 

Glen would soon find out, because they eventually reached the skirts of Unterdelle. The air lingered the scent of manure from a pig farmer's land they were unfortunately downwind from.

 

"Sorry if the odor offends," Glen told his charge. "The town itself will be much more pleasing,"

 

And it was. It was a lively town, with people using voices of volume that might be unheard of in regal company. There was a woman breastfeeding while loudly bartering with the local baxter, who was also breastfeeding. There were young children covered in filth, and looking at if it was of their own preference, as adults dodged around their careless plays in the streets. A sweet maker was already opening shop, the sugary smell filling the air when they propped the front door open. Maybe Glen could buy a sweet for Nero, if he was interested.

[♠[Rin]♠]

They wandered along the next day. One could assume by the silence and the powerless appearance that Nero was no morning-person, though in fact he was always like that. He hadn't slept that well, though that was to be expected since he was used to a routine together with a king-sized bed and endless pillows.

As soon as they reached Unterdelle, if he remembered right, he was half-awake. The smell in the air woke him a little, though he just quit breathing through his nose and tried to ignore the unpleasing air. However, when he did his first step into the town, the young lord blinked. It was so... so different. So loud, intim, though in a comfortable way. Nothing was fake or stuck-up.

 

He walked beside Glen, though his gaze was always somewhere else. His eyes took notice of every detail, and he was careful to not stare at people. They just acted and looked so natural, it almost felt like this was how life should usually be. Though, it was not his destiny to live like those people around him did right now. Not run around in dust like those children over there. Not show any skin like those women with their babies on the left. And not leave the house, like everyone here did..

 

Nero suddenly halted in front of something he hadn't seen before. It was a tall effigy, however he didn't know who that person was which the figure was representing. Lavender eyes moved from the top down to the bottom, noticing the remarks on the hard white marble written in gold. Ah... wasn't this the name of some Catholic angel? Maybe he should ask Glen, if the man didn't mind right now.

The young noble turned to the side, though... his soldier was gone. And when he looked around, he couldn't spot him anywhere.

 

Oh dear!

[Noise Prince]

Glen smiled, watching Nero as his eyes darted about, taking in the sights. He had been very quiet for the walk since they woke up, obviously not too well-rested. He was used to much nicer sleeping arrangements, after all, so it was to be expected. But at least they would be sleeping in real beds for tonight. He kept close to Glen, which made him feel secure that he wouldn't head off in a random direction that caught his interest.

 

He gently gestured for him to follow him towards an inn, where he could get him something warm to drink. People were just waking up around this time so the inn was bustling with people. Perfect, they'd be even less noticeable. Glen was about to take Nero's wrist gently to lead him to an empty table when he realized no one was there. He whipped his head around, then stepped down the entrance and back outside. Nero wasn't outside, either.

 

He gritted his teeth. This wasn't good. He couldn't get anyone recruited to help find him, or ask around. It'd be counter-productive to ask for people to notice the young lord. He paced down the road he walked up, wondering if Nero was still meandering around there- hoping he would be. No, he wasn't there. When did he walk up and away? This was troubling, Nero didn't know his way around, he wouldn't know how to go to the inn- the most likely place to meet back up if they were lost. His heartbeat felt heavy and violent. He took a deep breath for a minute. No, he'd find him. He had to.

[♠[Rin]♠]

Nero was just turning around when something hit his hip. He gasped for air though in the next moment was pushed to the side. Stumbling, he searched for halt and ended up taking a random woman's arm. Upon realizing that, he straightened his back and lifted his hands. "Have my apologies, m'lady.." However, before he could add another word to this, the poor boy was dragged along by the crowd, people pushing and he could swear to feel something weird on his hand.

 

As soon as he finally found a place less crowded, he sighed to himself and looked around, desperately looking for someone who looked like Glen, though no success. He tried walking along, his gaze wandering around and the moment he thought he had found the soldier was probably the happiest in the past 48 hours.

Nero hurried over, finally recognizing the other's face, and instantly hugged his arm. "Glen! I found you." Burying his face in the other's shoulder. He wasn't exactly scared, just so confused and uncomfortable in the huge crowd. Also... there was a piece of salad clinging to his sleeve.

[Noise Prince]

Glen struggled about, trying to find the small noble. He should have been more careful! He shouldn't have expected Nero to stick closely, naturally he'd take advantage of the first opportunity he had to escape him. All it took was a crowded enough area and Glen's own folly and ignorance for Nero to slip away. He almost felt sick to his stomach. How could he have let this happen? He knew he needed to be careful, but even after spending the entire trip reminding himself how he'd have to be wary of Nero's agreeableness, he still let the noble out of his sight. And now he was gone.

 

But he didn't think he would have slipped out of town. For one, there was no way he'd know how to get back, so he guessed Nero planned on hiding out in town until he found someone who would take him home. So he just needed to find him before that happened. Glen wouldn't underestimate Nero a second time, nothing was going to go unnoticed. After about an hour of searching, he found the young lord clinging to his arm. Glen was almost dazed. Nero had actually just gotten lost, and had been trying to find him as well? Glen peeled the lettuce off of Nero's arm.

 

"I'm glad to see you're safe now, m'lord," Glen told him, finally gathering his wits. "I would have found you no matter what, so please do not fret over it now."

[♠[Rin]♠]

He exhaled once more, before finally letting go. Now that was done. He adjusted his clothes a little, then folded his hands. Okay, composure. Regain composure. "I figured, thank you." Glen was skilled, he could tell. And kind, as well. How unfortunate that they had met under these circumstances. Not that Nero had decided yet in whose favor to act. It would probably be for his kingdom, though. He refused to be part of an upcoming war.

 

The noble looked to his side, towards the direction Glen had probably come from, and moved a little aside to let some kids pass. "We were about to walk to an Inn, right?" Nero brought up the last topic. His body was still exhausted, and sought for a comfortable bed. For his standards. Though, out here, his meant nothing, because he mustn't use it. Glen would also kindly keep him from doing so, Nero assumed.

[Noise Prince]

"Yes, of course. If you'll come this way," Glen said, composing himself as well. It would draw too much attention if they carried this out too much. He found Nero, which was the most important thing. He wouldn't let this man out if his sight again anytime soon, though. He led Nero back down the streets, and back to the inn.

 

Glen was now sure he was keeping Nero at his shoulder, so there was no chance of losing him again. He led him inside, and to the front desk.

 

"Changed yer mind?" The woman at the desk asked with a large grin. Glen stood still for a moment. Stiffening, before he realized she was talking about how he came in and abruptly left. Would it look strange to return with a companion?

 

"Yeah, something like that,"Glen answered. "We need a room for two,"

 

He paid for the room, and took Nero up before the woman at the desk could start any more idle chitchat. The room was small, two beds on either wall, with barely enough room for two end tables between them, though there was only the one. It was a room for sleeping in and not much else.

[♠[Rin]♠]

Nero watched Glen as he answered him, and then followed back to an Inn. It didn't look like what he was used to at all, though he should have expected it. The accent of the woman threw him off a little, but he told himself not to let anyone notice. It was strange, hearing people talk like this.

Glen ordered a room for two, of course. He wouldn't get a room for himself, this man was still his kidnapper.

 

They walked up a flight of stairs, then to a door and then inside a small room. Wow. This was literally 1/8 of his chamber..

The noble looked around, did only step and was instantly right next to a bed. He let his fingertips slide over the bed sheets, then looked down at the only table. Suddenly, the idea of sleeping with someone in the same room made him feel a little uncomfortable. He could feel his cheeks redden and just hoped Glen wouldn't turn him around and see it. They had slept next to each other outside as well.. So why did this seem to be worse?

[Noise Prince]

Glen set his large pack to the floor, and stretched his arms over his head. He felt so tense, after carrying the heavy load for so long, and then on top of that losing Nero, fearing the worst. It would pale in comparison to what Nero was used to for sleeping arrangements, but he also had sleeping outdoors for comparison purposes.

 

"I'm sorry if it's not as pleasing as your own bed, m'lord, but it's a serviceable bed," He promised, noticing that Nero seemed a bit bothered by something, and presumed it was the room's doing.

 

It was a small room, but it was only for them to sleep in, they wouldn't be spending a lot of time in here. He intended to take Nero back downstairs for something to eat, and maybe show him the town a bit, before officially settling in for the night. Unless the young lord proved to be too tired or disinterested.

[♠[Rin]♠]

"Please don't apologize," Nero answered politely, turning around to hide his reddened cheeks. He just folded his hands behind his back and pretended to study the room. "...it looks comfortable." It was a sweet small room, maybe one could even call it neat. However, the noble silently exhaled and finally looked back over his shoulder towards the taller man. He looked delighted, probably because he had the chance to put down all those properties and supplies. Nero himself couldn't even imagine himself carrying all that. It looked heavy and he was just skin and bones.

 

"Do you feel tired?" he then asked hesitatingly, though in a polite manner. Getting lost had probably forced Glen to be even more attentive, now. If Nero really wanted to successfully escape, he needed some of his kidnapper's trust and a good opportunity. And much luck. He had to add Glen's strength, education, experience and stamina to the equation. All things Nero lacked. As far as he knew, he was only a quick runner and he was small enough to find good hiding places and also fit in them. So before anything... he needed to learn of what their environment looked like. Glen had said they wouldn't stay here more than one night and travel to a bigger town on the next day. Maybe that would offer an occasion. And maybe Glen would show him around a little then.. In fact, Nero didn't really doubt that. The solider was pure and kind, willing to fulfil his wishes as good as possible. The noble almost felt bad for his thought of using the man.

[Noise Prince]

"Ah, that's good." Glen smiled, relieved that Nero was so accepting of the circumstances. Glen was sure that after sleeping outdoors so bare, Nero would be hoping for the reprieve to be more luxurious. It was going to be serviceable for sleeping, and at least in a contained room, Glen could relax a little more, and Nero would be sleeping in his own bed, instead of with their sleeping bags touching like when they were outdoors. Glen rubbed and moved his shoulders a little, to get the circulation moving again after carrying the supplies. He hoped, when Nero asked if he was tired, that his motions didn't come off as some kind of complaint.

 

"No, no, m'lord, I'm fine," Glen replied, smiling. "But it's no matter, since we'll have plenty of time to rest." He added, knowing that Nero wasn't as used to such traveling, even if he wasn't carrying anything. "Would you like to rest here before going to dinner?" He asked him, sitting himself at the bed closest to the door. That scare he had earlier only reminded him how vigilant he needed to be. If Nero had intentionally slipped away instead of just getting lost, it would be completely due to Glen's own failings. If Nero had any ideas of slipping away in the night, he wouldn't be able to without waking up Glen before he got to the door.

[♠[Rin]♠]

Nero gave a silent nod in an understanding manner. They would have time to rest... That sounded great. His body had been complaining anyway. He was surprised he had made it this far. However, complaining wasn't a thing he would do. It had always been better to just stay silent. Despite the fact he hadn't grown up with his parents - which he of course had often wished he had - it hadn't been that bad in the adversarial family. He hadn't had much contact with people, though he also hadn't been treated terribly or anything as well.

 

Glen sat on the bed right next to the door. Shoot! Nero almost tensed up. The soldier had indeed started to be more attentive and careful, no matter if he was the definition of kindness. "Ah..." A little embarrassed because he had almost overheard Glen's question due to being too deep in thought, the noble brought his slender, pale hands in front of him and folded his fingers, averting his glance. "No. I found myself rather interested in getting to know the, how to say? Life out here. The people." He carefully stepped around the bed, careful, very quiet, almost like a ghost, moving to the small window to look out onto the busy street. "Despite being a son of a royal family, I have never seen such a scene.. It looks very chaotic yet idyllic." Hm, it sounded better in his head. Maybe Glen didn't even know what he was talking about, speaking in such melancholic manner, using words meant for books and poetry in a normal sentence. He must sound like an idiot.

 

"Excuse my interest, it might as well just sound strange."

 

Dinner sounded like a better plan.