Lionel had left home this morning, a soft and cold mist was roaming the port isle. At this hour, there wasn't all that much people but soon, as the sun would rise, people, marin and merchants would fill the place, giving it it's usual liveliness. His sword in his back, the young thanati walked toward the dock.
He had already arrange for his travel beforehand so all he had left to do was to find his ship. But it was still early and perhaps a breakfast would do wonder before embarking on his journey. Who knew how long it would be before he'd see thanatos again. A wind of nostalgia breezed upon him as he looked back toward the main city.
Despite everything that his step mother had made him endure, he could say that he had grown happy. His brother always trailing behind him to get a fight out of him, his sister trying to convince him to dance in her imaginary bals. He could see the face of his father, looking at him with proud eyes and his master, aknowledging him as a true swordmaster. He could even take an apprentice now. His hand rested on the emblem falling at his hip, the crest of his family now rested with him. He had to make them proud.
Walking toward the nearest inn, he entered the place, quietly and made his way to an open table. There wasn't a lot of people, except from a few early bird, getting ready to start their day. The innkeeper came to see him and he ask for some breakfast, which was soon on his way. He sighed a little. He was both excited and nervous at the same time. The world was awaiting him.
A rather eye-catching man was seen walking slowly from a distance in the port. He had a stern, yet sorrowful expression frozen on his face. He never really looked anywhere else but down, as he was thinking about his lover whom he left without saying a word. "I wish I could've said something..." He talked to himself while maintaining his noisy steps.
As he sees the morning sun by the horizon, his eyes were filled with hope and happiness. Maybe this is really what he needed: a change of environment. Somehow, his former happy self was restored, making him smile lightly at the waters that face him. With his confidence restored, he decided to do what was necessary at this time: eat breakfast.
He then enters the same inn by coincidence, and with his wooden slippers, it was bound to at least make a ticking sound every step. He walks towards an open table as well. The moment he sat, he immediately called the innkeeper who was already on the way to the kitchen. "Excuse me!" He spoke loudly yet lightly. "I would like to order three whole mangoes please." He told the innkeeper with a smile. "Sure thing." The innkeeper replied with a warm gesture, sending himself on the way to the kitchen once more. He looks around to see what kind of people would be here at the port; and then another man, who looked about the same height as him, catches his eye. He then glances at this noble-looking man.
Lionel was daydreaming, his eyes looking at the ceiling for a moment, that was until his breakfast came in. Eggs and fruits. He thanked the innkeeper and payed for the food before starting to eat. Slowly, people were coming down from their rooms and the place became more lively. Outside, the mist was slowly dissipating.
He ate with apetite before taking out a map from his bag and looking at it. He seemed to be calculating something and with his fingers, traced what seemed to be a road. Not really minding the people around him, the white haired young man was eating while checking out his route.
Eventually putting back the map in his bag, he finished his food and stood back up, stretching a bit with a smile and left the inn.
He was staring at the other man that piqued his interest. A faint thought then entered his mind. This guy looks kind of cute. He just laughed it off, and crossed his arms. His breakfast then arrives: peeled mangoes and a fresh cup of water. "Thank you!" He says to the innkeeper. He then proceeds to eat the fruits quite quickly.
He couldn't help but look at the noble man. Something was quite different about him. "Ah." He mutters softly to himself as he sees the man's white hair. While he opens his small bag and reach in for payment, saw the man stand up and leave the inn. "Oh... Too bad." He tells himself.
With a slight sigh, the slim young man stands up and walks to the counter. The usual ticking sound of his slippers against the floor makes a few people look at him; and he just looks back at them with a gentle smile. "Here's my payment. Thank you for the meal!" He cheerfully says to the innkeeper. He then turns back and leaves the inn as well.
Heading toward the port again, Lionel walked along the decks. Searching for the ship that would take him out to sea. On to the ocean. He stopped for a moment as the wind hit his face, a salty breeze flew over, bringing the smell of the water before him, extending into an immensity of blue waves, white topped of fluff clouds.
This felt dreamy, but soon, the sounds and noises of the world came back to him. The people walking, talking, exchanging informations. The kids running trough the crowd, playing with balls. The sailors working, transporting boxes and barrel from here to there, getting ready to leave the shore.
Reaching for a note in his pocket, he could read the name of the ship. The Lust mermaid. It was a merchant ship, small one, that was suppose to bring him to another isle. He wanted to see Serentipity first, that place had taken his curiosity. Walking off and looking at the ships, he finally found it. Heading toward it, he stopped in front of one of the sailor, which nodded and show him to the captain.
As he headed towards the docks, the young man scratched his own head. "Eh... Where do I even start?" He asks nearby people if there are any ships that would travel by today. To his dismay though, none are offering a ride as of the moment. Maybe it's too early? He never knew.
It took him quite a while to realize that the sun is almost fully up. "Oh my... I need to find a ship or boat soon." He once again walked around a looked if there are any sea vehicle he could ride. Finally, he was able to talk to a merchant. He was accepted on board the ship called the Lust Mermaid. "Hehe... If it really is the Lust Mermaid, I could find a few lovely men myself." He joked to the merchant he was talking to. With the merchant feeling awkward, he just turned back and walked, hoping that the young man would follow. And so he did.
Lionel had been waiting on the ship since the morning, trying to help out with various task, while either carrying merchandise or swiping the floor. He didn't like to stand and do nothing, even if it was a small task, it had to be done, which actually gave him the smile of the other on board.
But as the task diminished, he was left with nothing to do and waited, leaning against the edge of the ship, his eyes lost in the distant sea. The wind was blowing and couldn't help but smile. They were about to set off and the merchant, also captain of the ship, came in, along with another young man.
-Are we leaving soon?-
Lionel asked, as he walked toward the men. He nodded.
-Yes me lad...we were about to! I hope you don't mind sharing your room with this guy, just caught him off for the trip.-
The merchant said, a bit uneasy, but Lionel reassured him.
-I don't mind.-
The merchant left them and went on to finish the preparations for departure. He turned toward the newcomer.
-Hi, the name's Lionel, Lionel Magna, nice to meet you!-
He extended a hand toward him.
The young man who was accepted on board was introduced to the others as a performer. He knew how to dance with a blade thanks to his training with his beloved mentor.
He was just at the back part of the deck, practicing at the open space provided for him. He kept his session on and on until he imagines himself practicing with his beloved once more. He closes his eyes as he performed, letting his scenario run through his mind. The young sword dancer was into his own moment until one of the merchants asked to come with him. He then nodded at the merchant's call.
He was then taken into one of the rooms, and he was introduced to someone. To his surprise, it was the white haired noble man he was staring at earlier in the inn. As the other man introduced himself as Lionel, he replied with a delighted soft tone: "I am Xyldre. Xyldre Orphan. It is nice to meet you as well." After Lionel shakes his hand, he bows down lightly toward Lionel.
"You know, I actually saw you at the inn earlier." He gently speaks to Lionel. "I was actually going to approach you, but you seem to have been in a hurry." He then smiles at Lionel, and walks to one of the beds, with his slippers lightly clacking. The robed man sits and looks at Lionel with curious eyes. "So, what brings you to this ship?"
Shaking the other young man's hand, he smiled as well. Answering to this seemingly kind person. He sat himself on one of the bed, stretching a bit more. Tilting his head on the side as he spoke about how he wanted to approach him earlier.
-Oh, is that so? -
Another smile lit his lips.
-Then I'm sorry...I just wanted to make sure I found my ship...ehhh and well, I'm a swordmaster and I'll be traveling for a while...-
He explained. His voice was warm, yet determine and fill with a kind tone with a light noble accent. He push away a thread of hair from his face. His dark black eyes turning to Xyldre, also with a hint of curiosity.
-Was there something on me that attracted your attention?-
He was wondering why the young man wanted to approach him earlier.
He stared into Lionel's eyes as the young white-haired man talked and smiled. He seemed friendly enough. Truth be told, Xyldre's not the one to approach others voluntary, unless he needed something. But there's something in Lionel that compelled Xyldre. He was feeling quite aggressive though, Lionel might think he's flirting with him.
"You know, I am not actually sure myself. I guess it's just rare to see a noble walking along an inn like that." Xyldre told the young swordsman as he lied on his own bed, and looked at the ceiling.
"I am actually quite lost. I'm just wandering aimlessly." He let his words out with a rather gloomy tone.
Xyldre then tilted his body to side of the wall and curled himself slightly, clutching his own crossed arms.
Lionel had put his sword at the side of his bed, listening to Xyldre's answer and words. To be recognized as a noble was something he should be aware of. The crest of his family was indeed well known, but perhaps it was something else that gave him away.
-I see...well, it's true that I don't really get out often...I didn't knew I would attract so much attention.-
He said. Looking at him, he wondered.
-Lost?-
This seemed a bit like an empty shell. No one was lost, as long as they were looking for something, but perhaps this young man needed something to look for.
-Did...something happened?...I mean, you don't have to tell me if you don't want too...it's just...if I can help...-
He let the last words float into the air, waiting to see if he would get a response from the other young man.
"Let's just say... I had myself thrown away from Thanatos." He said with a gloomier and perhaps a whisper-like tone.
"What happened to me and my family... and my partner, was quite a disaster." He told Lionel as he sat down and looked upon the floor they were on.
"The end result was me being an outcast, socially. People were talking behind my back, treating me like I was a shameful person." The whole room fell into deep silence afterwards.
"...I'm sorry. I shouldn't be talking like this." Xyldre wipes the tears from his face gently and smiles at Lionel.
Thinking that he should divert the topic, he asked Xyldre a question: "Enough about me. We'll just have a sorrowful time if we continue. How about you? Where are you headed?"
Lionel listened to him with attention. He knew sometimes talking about one's problem could help feel better about it, but it seemed like Xyldre had a lot on his mind. Everyone had their share of problems. He had his own too but he kept listening.
He was thinking on what support he could give him. He gave the young man a friendly smile and got up, walking to him and putting his hands on his shoulders.
-Don't worry about it, sometimes talking make you feel better...the past is the past...but I think that...even when we feel lost...if we can find something to look for...then we can never truly be lost...-
He paused, sitting back on his bed to face Xyldre.
-At least...that's what I think...what happened to you sound harsh...-
He tilted his head on the side, while thinking and answering to his question, as he seemed to want to avoid talking too much about it.
-I'm heading out to Serendipity...there is a lot of people from all around the world there...so I figure it was a good place to start..why don't you come with me?
"Serendipity, huh..." Xyldre pondered as the white-haired man uttered the name. He knows himself that there is a lot to know in the world, and what he knows from the other places are just from books. It was his first time heading out into the real world, different from the society he has known. It made him feel scared, yet somehow excited.
"Eh... Well, I'm a few gold short... I might get a bit in your way. If that's fine with you, then I guess I can come." The silver-haired lad replied to the offer with a mix of doubt and happiness.
A knocking sound came out of the door and and opened quickly after. "Oi, Xyldre, it's time for your performance." Said the sailor from outside.
"Ah... is it almost lunch already? Time flies quite fast." He then stands up and looks at Lionel.
"I'm going to perform sword dancing. Would you be interested in spectating?" He tells his roommate with a gentle smile.
Lionel smiled.
-Don't worry about the coin...there are always odd jobs to do when traveling.-
He said with a soft laugh. As someone came knocking at the door, Lionel listened. Turning back his pretty head toward the other.
-It would be my pleasure! I've done swordsmanship but never seen any dance of it! -
He said as he got up, putting back his sword at his hip and heading outside with Xyldre. That would be something interesting to see. Already the first day, he would learn something new.
Xyldre let out a soft chuckle after Lionel's response. They then went on their way to the somehow wide dining area with a small stage up front. As he was walking towards the stage, the clacking of his slippers caught the attention of what used to be a quite rowdy crowd. Those who were laughing stopped by the beautiful figure that crossed their eyes.
Most of people thought at first: My, what a beautiful lady. They were all misled by the young man's womanly figure. And when Xyldre bowed down and introduced himself, many were surprised by the fact that he is male. Weirdly enough, a few men are still attracted towards him. More so for the women who were trying to flirt with him from afar.
He then started to draw his blade, and point it towards the audience. The rings on the handles were slightly unfamiliar towards him, since it was his partner's sword after all.
But then... The moment he closed his eyes and the flute at the background began to play, his sword starts revolving around him. The gesticulation on Xyldre's hands were quite fast, and none were able to follow the image of his hand. The sword that seemed to be there instead became a shining silver after-image all around the right part of his body. He then proceeded to starting moving, swaying his hips gently and moving his arms and legs with the tune of the flute. Suprisingly, the sound of the rings also were in sync with the music.
The whole crowd then became extremely focused. With a few people sighing in awe and attraction.
Lionel sat with the audience. He was greeted by some of the other sailors but stood quiet as the show began. His eyes following the silhouette of the young man to the stage. He could hear the whisper of the crowd, mislead by the young man's figure. That made him smile, it had happened to him as well. mostly because he kept his hips and shoulders bare at all time, even tough there was a practical reason behind it.
The music started, filling the air with a soft and yet exotic atmosphere. His eyes locked onto the performer as he started to watch. The young man was indeed attractive, even to him. He couldn't help but smile as the performance was going on. To his trained eyes, the movement of the swords and hand were very fast.
This feat was impressive. The beautiful art of the dance mixte with music and swordsmanship was indeed a beauty to watch. He found himself gazing at him, with both curiosity, admiration and somewhat of a challenge. Lionel was all about fighting, his technique was efficient, but not as beautiful.
Somehow, he wished he could match the young man's dance, a duel of the art of the blade, made him dreamy, his black eyes kept on Xyldre's movements.
As Xyldre was dancing around, spinning at waving his blade at the same time, his mind's imagination ran to the past where he was sparring with his beloved. "Kastor..." he mumbles to himself as his moves gradually faster and with more grace. His gestures were so passionate that he seemed like a perfect sword dancer for a moment. And at the moment that he stopped, his blade was facing his back, steady as a rock. He then stood straight and bowed down deep, signalling the end of his performance.
Then the crowed goes wild. "Xyldreeeeeeeeeeeeee!" The women screamed as they couldn't contain themselves. Some were actually tossing coins towards the stage for his exotic performance. "Thank you everyone!" He yelled with a bright smile on his face, with a few falling for his beauty and grace. He then slowly picks up the gold coins dropped on the ground and put it in his bag. Before he leaves the stage, he flashes a gentle smile again, with his eyes closed. Some women ran towards him like they were in fury. "Sleep with me tonight!" One of the women strongly stated. "Noooo! He'll be with me tonight!" Xyldre found himself in a situation where he can't escape. With women blocking his way. He was just laughing while scratching his head, thinking of how to get out of them.
Some of the men who were attracted to him were just staring at him. "He can't be a man. He just can't be." One of the men said with a frustrating tone while ruffling his own hair. Little did he know he was blushing. The other man who was in the same table noticed him and told him: "Don't tell me you're attracted to another man." Both of them laughed at continued their meal, with the attracted man still staring at Xyldre.
Lionel clapped his hands with the rest of the crowd, ending in laugher as the women got all over the new kid. He had to admit, Xyldre was attractive, his figure, his style, his dance. What more to be asked?
But as he seemed to stock in a pinch, Lionel got up, might as well give him a hand or something. He walked past the lady with his noble demeanor, imposing himself among the crowd, they slowly let him passed, as if his only presence was enough to call for silence and authority. Something that the young man had. An aura.
-Ladies please...is that anyway to act? -
He asked, frowning at them with an amused smile and fake reprehensive look. Side to side with Xyldre, both young man looked quite dashing. A few more cry of admiration came onto play but Lionel ignored them. At the very least, the wall of woman was now out.
-Xyldre dear, I think you now have a lot of fans! That'll get me jealous!-
He said, winking with an amused smile and then starting to laugh. The young noble seemed to be finding the situation quite funny. Perhaps because he wasn't use to these. Only in tales would this kind of situation happen.
Xyldre let out a slight sigh of relief as Lionel came to the rescue. He laughed as well when he saw a few women cry for him. He then played out a joke. "I'm sorry ladies. I have my man for night." He covered Lionel with his left arm and leaned towards him. He then winks at Lionel.
"Awww no fair!" The woman says with strong frustration. "I'll still take you with me, though!" As she tries to pull Xyldre with her. To her dismay, she wasn't strong enough to pull Xyldre away from Lionel. He then lets out a soft chuckle, and smiled at the woman anyways.
The attracted man from the table, who was already apparently drunk, stood up and walked towards the two young men while woozy. "Hey. You. I'll pay you tonight." He stared at Xyldre with conviction. Xyldre read his eyes and he knows what this one wants. He wants Xyldre on his bed for the night. "I apologize sir, I am not the one you're looking for. I am a male." "That doesn't matter." He replied rather aggressively. The man grabs Xaldyr by the hips and held him by the torso. "You look really beautiful for a man." "E-ehhh...?!" He was shocked and staggered by the stranger's words. He felt nervous. Here goes another pervert trying to hit on him.
As the women were in dismay, Lionel decided to play along, also laughing it off, but making sure too keep Xyldre out of their reach.
-Aww c'mon ladies...don't be so mad, there are plenty of other man around...now off with you..-
He said. He would have stayed calm and let it off if it hadn't became a problem, when the taller and drunk man, even if the sailor was on his shift for work, came into play. Taking Xyldre from him rather aggressively, and without the young man's consent, while he had clearly rejected him the first time, Lionel couldn't stand it.
This was exactly the kind of situation why he had decided to travel, too many were taking things for granted and that didn't sit right with him. Frowning, this time he clearly did not look nor feel like playing. He moved to the taller man.
-I'm sorry sir...but Xyldre clearly said no earlier...either you leave him alone or I'll have to make you...-
The man didn't quite like Lionel's attitude, he looked at him with anger in his eyes, leaving Xyldre alone but moving to him and throwing a punch.
-I DO WHAT I WANT YOU SHI** BRAT!-
It grazed Lionel's face. Frowning some more, Lionel understood that this man wouldn't listen anyway. Despite being a swordsman in the first place, he was also a good fighter with his hands and feet. Using the man's arm as a pillar, Lionel lift his body into the air with ease and slammed rather strongly his knee into the man's face, a cracking sound could be heard from the impact and the man fell off on his back without much resistance then a doll, his broken nose bleeding heavily.
The rest of the crowd looked at them, astonished, mouth open, unsure as of what to do. They wouldn't have expect something like that from the young noble man. Lionel landed back gracefully and looked at the small assembly.
-Now...if any of you...hyenas try to make one more move like this on Xyldre...there will be consequences...-
He warned. His tone harsh but clear. The crowd fell silent, almost ashamed of itself. Lionel took Xyldre by the shoulder and started leading him back to their cabin. Nobody tried to stop them, they moved away from their path. Looking at the two young man slip away from them.
Things were too fast, and Xyldre was just staring in shock. The moment he snapped out of it, he was being pushed by Lionel away from a crowd that seemed to be engaged in something. Maybe Lionel punched that pervert? Maybe he'll find out some other time.
He was still pondering about what happened until he realized they were back at their cabin. "O-oh my. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to space out." He said while looking away from Lionel, turning red. But then he remembered that Lionel helped him with whatever happened. He turned towards the white-haired man and gave him a rather warm, tender hug with his arm under Lionel's. "Thank you for helping me, Lionel." He then lets go of his roommate and walks to his bed, and fixes it.
"You're a pretty brave person, you know. I wish I was like that too." The silver-haired man then proceeded to sit on the bed, and decided to lay down his sword. Right after he places it, he stares at it, becoming lost in thought. He then utters unconsciously: "Kastor..."
Back at their cabin, Lionel let out a sigh. He was glad it went this well, handling more then two or tree men could have become a bit more complicated. He put his hand on his cheek, where the man had grazed him, there was a small cut, but nothing big and it wasn't really bleeding.
-Aww...don't mind it...I just can't stand these kind of people...-
He said as he received the hug from Xyldre. He patted his back with a kind and soft smile. Once free from the hug, he himself went to his own bed and sat down after taking off his sword. Hopefully, their wouldn't be too much repercussion on the trip and the man would have learn his lesson.
-...well...sometimes I'm more reckless then brave ha ha...you know, it takes courage too to perform in front of others like you did..-
He wanted to encourage him a little, since he looked so down. Hearing the name, he wonder who that person was, but he had no idea if this was personal or not.
-Kastor?...-
He repeated, looking at the other.
"Ah, I'm sorry..." Xyldre said, startled, as he snapped back into reality. "Kastor is... my beloved. It's a rather long story..." He then crossed his legs and arms.
"You see... back at Thanatos, I was living a rather awful life because I chose him over my own mother. But you know, I can't really be happy being away from Kastor. He was the one who understood me, and he was always there beside me, and he always made me happy. In fact, he was the one who taught me to be compassionate and caring towards others, even in they look down upon me. He was literally my other half of my world." He let his own thoughts out continuously as he reminisces about his lover.
"But something happened... and I had to leave him as well... and now, here I am." He cuts his monologue short as he didn't want to disclose any other details, as he remembered all the pain he gave his own mother.
Xyldre decided that he'll rest for the day. "I'll just... stay here. I'm quite tired from my performance." He then lays his head on the bed and faces the wall. "If you wish, you may call me when it is dinner time." The performer, exhausted physically and emotionally, closed his eyes looking for a rest.
Lionel listened, but did not comment. It wasn't his place anyway. As he watched the other boy fall asleep, he wondered, if he would ever have anyone like that...someone to complete him. It had never really crossed his mind so far.
-Yeah...will do...-
He left the cabin to let Xyldre rest and went on the bridge, his swords at his side and fell silent as he watch the sea unclose before him. People were avoiding him now, apparently, they didn't want to get in his way. The tall man tough, eventually approach him without he noticing.
A hit behind the dead shove him to the plank. Blackness before his eyes before he was tossed agains the main mat of the ship, then punch again. He barely had the time to dodge another punch. Blood was now slipping trough his lips, he had bit them thanks to the man's punch.
-You don't learn do you?...-
The man stood silent and tried to punch him again but Lionel was quicker this time and gave back a good kick behind the head of the man. The latest been join by others, Lionel was outnumbered and soon found himself cornered. They manage to give him a good beating before the captain finally decided to stop the small riot, telling him to keep low from now on. Breathing heavily, his left eye darkened and blood at his lips, Lionel tried to stand up but his feet wouldn't let him, so he leaned against the mat and waited for a while.
He was left alone as the sun was setting slowly. It would soon be dinner time. He bit his lower lips, annoyed. So much for protecting...he spit a bit of blood and slowly walked back to his cabin, then let himself fall on his bed, his head still spinning.
Time passed by quickly as both men were rested on the bed. It was unnoticed that it was already evening.
Without knowing the hour of the day, Xyldre slowly raised from his rest, stretching his arms and head for a bit. With half-closed eyes, he got up from the bed he was sitting on, put on his wooden slippers and went on his way. However, when he was halfway towards the door, he felt someone's presence from the other side of the room. And as he faced his roommate's bed, he saw the young noble resting with a quite bruised face.
"Oh my..!" He said as he quickly rushed to his friend's side. Luckily, he had a couple of medicinal herbs and a bandage in his bag. He grabbed the mentiones items with haste and sought to help his injured friend out. "This is all my fault..." He sighed as he tended his roommate's wounds. "I hope he'll be okay..."
As soon as Xyldre's hands started touching Lionel's face, he winced a little and opened his eyes, unsure of what was going on. His left eyes wasn't seeing so well right now and barely stood open. He manage to see his roommate and some medicinal herbs, at least he hoped it was.
He slowly rose up to sit on the bed, looking at Xyldre, uncertain of what to say. He was wondering what the boy could be thinking by now. It was rare for Lionel to get into a fight, but it wasn't usually ten vs one. He rubbed his chin, which was hurting a bit, his left side of the face was still throbbing a little.
-Hey...-
He said slowly, looking at Xyldre.
-I think we missed supper...-
He added, trying to joke about it, despite what had happened.
"Hahah..." Xyldre let out a small soft laugh as he pat Lionel on the head. "But what happened to you?" The young man says as he kept on tending his roommate's wounds.
He started preparing the herbs and proceeded to put it on the bruises. He then crushed and mixed another one with a very small part of water, making a very viscous liquid. "This might sting a bit." The worried young man liberally applied it to the part of Lionel's head that used to bleed.
"I guess that's it." Xyldre stood up and rubbed his hands to take off any excessive herb residue on his hands. "Let me get some dinner for us." He smiled at his partner as he left to gather some dinner for the both of them.
Lionel winced a bit as the medecine sting. He could feel it plainly.
-Just got into a small fight...with a few of your fans...-
He said, sticking out his tongue at the other young man. He wasn't accusing him, he was the one who had started the fight anyway by saving Xyldre from their clutch, but still. If it had been a swords fight, he wouldn't have ended up like this.
He let Xyldre apply his little concoction on it, at least it would help it heal. Has Xyldre was about to leave, Lionel wanted to stop him but he was already gone. Hopefully he wouldn't get into trouble. This crew really had a few loose screw.
Xyldre was walking along the same path as where Lionel went through. Unfortunately, he encountered the broken-nosed pervert. Xyldre then let out a soft sigh and said: "Sir, I'm afraid I've already stated my side on your offer." The other man, filled with lust in his eyes, let out a hearty yet evil laugh. "You see, you can't deny me." He whistled to call his 'friends' to prepare for Xyldre's capture.
Xyldre, unafraid, grabs the man by the arm. "You've heard of Entropymancy, yes?" He tells softly as the merchant's robes turn into dust, falling on the floor. "Please, don't make me do things that are not meant to happen. I just want to serve dinner for my friend you beat up back there." The man stepped back in fear as he realizes the magical gift bestowed to whom he was interested with. Now he wished that he didn't mess with Xyldre. "Y-yes! I'll have them get you some food..!" Everyone else rushed toward random directions. "I-I apologize f-for what I have d-done. P-Please." When everyone got back, Xyldre was offered lots of fruit. He then left out a soft laugh. "Oh... this is too much." He then handpicked fruits that he seemed were best, and he turned his back on all of them. "Thank you, kind gentlemen." As he walked back to where the cabin was, at least half of the men were sighing in admiration.
The door creaks open slowly, with a rather cheerful man prancing in. "We got ourselves some fruit~!" He cheerily tells Lionel.
While Xyldre was away, Lionel could only wonder if the young man was alright on his own. After all, he was the target of all those lecherous beast. Should he have gone with him? But then again, there was no point in angering them more then that.
He sighed, feeling kinda useless, softly brushing over his left eye. His vision was slowly coming back, but it still hurt. He had to admit, he was really annoyed at the moment and it showed somehow on his face. He turned in his bed, facing the wall for a moment, until Xyldre came back. Forcing his expression to a more calmed one, he turned around, surprised by the catch and how cheerful the young man was.
-Err ok...you didn't got into any trouble did you?
He asked, raising an eyebrow in interrogation as he looked up the fruits Xyldre had brought back. It would be a good feast since it was already late.
The young man put down the fruits on Lionel's bed, and flashed a grin. "Let's just say... I have my charms." He winks at Lionel, hoping to get a funny reaction.
After eating some of the fruit that he served, he stood up and went back to his place. "Even though I slept for long, I still feel quite sleepy..." He told his roommate as he yawned. Even though he is practiced in the art of Entropymancy, he still hasn't developed endurance for it. It was told that he should only use it at crucial times, as using his art can easily cause death to his foes. "Goodnight, Lionel." He then closed his eyes as he fell asleep once again.
And it was exactly because of the young man charms that he had gotten into trouble the first time. Lionel gave him a small smile and shook his head. He ate in silence, the fruits were good and it filled his hungry stomach. Once he was done, he fell over to his bed. He was sleepy as well and it seemed like a good time to get some well deserved sleep.
-Good night Xyldre...-
He said. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep, night was up the window and soon, he found himself in dreamland. Later into that night, something woke him up. Opening his eyes, he felt a cold chill run along his spine, he could feel a strong wind into the cabin. The cracking sound of the thunder finish to wake him up as he stood back on his bed, sitting up. The wind was blowing trough the small porthole in the cabin, whistling furiously, as if screaming at them.
One look outside and Lionel could tell a huge storm was going on. The waves were humongus and one of them crashed against the both, hurling water into the small cabin. Lionel was pushed away. He barely stood back up and got his sword, secured it against his belt and woke up Xydlre in a hurry.
On the bridge, screams could be heard, another crack, the sound of something very heavy falling, shook the whole ship's up. Lionel was effraid that what had just fallen, was the the main mast. He was effraid the ship would wreck anytime soon. They had to get to the bridge, already, the water was starting to fill the small cabin.
-Xyldre!! Xyldre!!! Hurry up!! Wake up!!!The ship is about to sink! Get up!-
He shook him vigourously to wake him up, while then opening the door to avoid been drown in the small cabin. thunder and lighting furiously lit the sky outside as the waves crashed against the boat.
The young blade dancer was sleeping pretty soundly when he was violently awoken by someone. "Xyl...! Xyldre..." He could barely hear anything but the shake made him snap into reality. "The ship is about to sink! Get up!" He sprung out of bed and quickly grabbed his belongings. "WHAT?!" He yelled, reacting to what Lionel had said.
"Let's get out of here! Quick!" Xyldre quickly said as he ran outside by the deck. He tried to look for any signs of land, but due to the raging waves and the rain that fogged the entire sea, his sight only led him to dismay. "Oh my... I can't see a single speck of land... What do we do..?"
He ran to the captain's area, and he saw the captain knocked out. "Oh dear... Somebody help!"
Lionel nodded as they rushed to the bridge. Everyone was thrown into a panic, the crew members were running here and there. The main mast had fallen and had litteraly crushed the ship in two. The captain was out cold and the few that remained a bit calm were trying to put the row boat afloat, to no avail. The waves were so huge it was clashing against the ship, almost breaking it.
There was no time to think about the others.
-Xyldre! There's no time! C'mon!-
He was emptying some barrel. That would be there only chance in this storm, barrel could easily float, even on sea and would be hard to turn over. He had taken two out and laid the fish on the deck without much care. He pulled Xyldre by the sleeve and dragged him to the barrel.
-We've got no choice! Get in...I'll push you over.-
More lighting came crashing in the sky, it was already hard to keep one's balance. Lionel was ready to push the barrel off to sea as soon as Xyldre was in, attaching a rope to the barrel so they would stay together. Once Xyldre was in (tell me if you don't want to, I'll change the post.)
Lionel pushed his own into the sea and jumped into the water. It was cold, he barely made it back to the surface and manage to reach his own barrel, which he quickly entered. The waves were high and the ship was slowly sinking right in front of their eyes. Others had imitate them and were trying to get into barrels. But Lionel couldn't not see them anymore as they were pushed away from the ship.
Xyldre entered a deep state of panic where his mind got all confused and heavily troubled. Little did he know that Lionel already prepared an escape plan, or rather, quickly improvised one.
As he was dragged onto the barrel, he just stared at the rather disturbing view of the ship being battered apart by the waves. He never even realized that it was split in half.
Then when they drifted far into the sea, he was just expressionless. It seemed like a rather grim event that he witnessed. He never experienced anything like this in Thanatos: that many people, even innocents, dying right in front of his eyes.
Once that the view of the ship was gone, he was sitting quietly like a reprimanded child, robbed of his right to talk.
As the waves kept crashing and appear as humongus walls of water, ready to sink them to the bottom of the sea. The dark skies showering with rain. The thunderstorm crackling trough the sky, cutting it with sharp edge of lightning.
They could barely make each other out in the tempest as the only thing linking them together was the rope they had. As they drift away, Lionel could only hang on to the barrel, hoping that they would make it safely to land, even if that seemed like a very small possibility.
He would never imagined his first travel at sea would end up like this. He didn't know when, but eventually, fatigue took the best of him and he drifted into unconsciousness.
*********** some time later....
The sun was bright, the storm had passed, the sound of pushing waves on the sand could be heard and the far away chirping of unknown birds was slowly taking them back to reality. During the night, the barrels had crashed along shore and both young man were face down in the sand.
Lionel slowly opened his eyes, making out the shape of what seems to be a small crab. He slowly rise up, kneeling on the beach, a hand to his head as it was throbbing heavily. Out of instinct, he reached for his sword, luckily, it was still secure at his side, but during the rumble, it had stomp into his side, living a large bruise. At least it was safe and unbroken.
As he looked around, he remembered he wasn't alone, as quickly, he rose up but fell again on his knee, he probably hit his head somewhere. Taking it more slowly, he started to look for Xyldre, calling out his name.
-Xyldre!! Xyldre! Can you hear me!?-
He called, trying to find the other boy, hoping that he had also made it to the island.
Upon hearing a faint call, Xyldre opened his eyes. His blurry vision was caught unguarded by the heat of the sun, making him squint and cover his face. He let out a groan and tried to stand up. Due to his fatigue, he slipped fell right back on the sand, with his face flat on the ground. Instead, he sat down, trying to recover himself. Once again, he heard his companion's familiar voice. He tried to scream out, but instead he left out a rather soft tired whisper: "Lionel..." In frustration, he just held his own arms tight. To his surprise, he realized that his beloved white robe was gone, as well as his black sash. "So much for the money I earned..." He softly whispered to himself.
Hoping that his friend would find him which he couldn't see, he just waved his arms high up as he can without standing up.
Walking along the beach, his legs still a bit wobbly, he eventually caught sign of his friend, waving his arms, couldn't he walk? Or perhaps he was wounded. Not running but trying to walk faster, he called his name once more.
-Xyldre! Are you ok?!-
He called out as best as he could. He had blood on his face but he hadn't noticed it yet. Getting to Xyldre, he fell to his knees on front of him, tired but relieved.
-I'm glad...you made it...I was worried...-
He said slowly, panting a bit. His hair were undone and falling over his shoulders now, they were longer then they looked as he had always kept them up on his head in a knot.
-Are you ok? Are you hurt?-
He asked, worriedly.
"Eh... heheh... Looks like we survived." The weakened man whispers with heavy breaths. He seemed to still be weak from the tragedy. "Of course we'd make it. I had faith in you." He showed a faint yet tired smile. "For some reason, I can't stand up. But forget that. Do you have any idea where we are?" The feeble young man asks his friend.
Lionel nodded slowly. Well, perhaps Xyldre had faith in him, but Lionel hadn't tought even once of a way to save the other member of the crew and he felt guilt gutting him down as he was thinking back. He looked down, feeling the shame and bit his lower lips. Eventually turning back to Xyldre.
-Aye...I don't know...-
He glanced around. So far, all he could see what the ocean surrounding them and a tropical forest further away from the beach. There didn't look like there was any mountain...but he could see a large piece of rock sprouting out of the forest.
-This looks like an isle...I don't even know if we made it to a continent or something...we'll have to see for ourselves...-
He said slowly, then taking a look at Xyldre's legs to see if he was injured.
Xyldre looks at his own legs to check what was wrong with them. It looked like it has several bruises, from the time he forced his whole body into the barrel. He then remembered that the violent waves caused him to bump around, with the final hit knocking him unconscious.
"You know what, leave me here for a while. Maybe I just need a little more rest." The persistent young man told his friend. He knew that he'd slow Lionel down if they traveled together. "You scout the area for now and go back when the sun falls. I'll see what I can do here." He gave out a rather cheery smile towards Lionel as a sign of faith and trust.
The bruises seemed heavy, no wonder he couldn't walk. Lionel nodded slowly.
-Fine...Just...be careful...I think you should be safe on the beach but..still...-
This was probably the best to do for now. it didn't seemed like his legs were broken, but still. He got back up, securing his sword at his side and went on. The first thing he wanted to check was how big the isle was. So he started walking up the beach, making his way along the sand, as Xyldre's figure was getting farther as he moved on.
Moving along the land, he noticed the beach seemed to be continuing on for a while, until he reached a long cliff, the waves hitting it's side with furry. There was no path to continue on this way, so he went back a bit and found a small way into the tropical jungle, and it was buzzling with life. It was very humid and the sun was harsh. Climbing up as the field was rising, he somewhat made his way to the cliff edge, giving him a view of the surroundings. This wasn't the highest peak of the isle...but he could see that, they were surrounded by water...they were on what seems to be a deserted island.
He couldn't tell if it was inhabited or not. He would need to explore a bit more, but first, they'd need to get something to eat. Regardless of his wounds, he took out his sword and after making sure he would find his way back, slashing cuts into trees, he moved on further into the jungle.
It would be only a few hours later, as the sun was almost about to dawn, that Lionel made it back with what seems to be the body of a dead large wildcat. He was bleeding from the left arm but it didn't look too deep. He walked back toward where he had left Xyldre.
Xyldre was thinking how to relieve the bruises that he had. He just quietly thought of what to do. Then he remembered something: that cold temperature eases bruises. The young man then struggled to drag his feet across the beach where the waves are somewhat aggressive. He dipped his two legs right into the freezing waters, closing his eyes and letting out a sigh as a sign of relief.
After a while, the swelling of the bruises seems to have been somehow lessened, and he was able to walk once more. So he stood up and looked around for what he could do. "Ah, we definitely need a campfire." He told himself. He wandered around for a bit, familiarizing himself with landmarks and such. He also found Lionel's footprints, or at least, that's Xyldre hoped for. After finding the jungle that Lionel had also traversed on, he harvested a few thick branches. "Hmm... If this is still Thanatos territory, I guess there's not much to be afraid of." His thoughts were what on the island was like, but he knew that he wouldn't able to go far since his feet were still bruised. It will take a while to recover, but he had to rest.
He went back on his way and prepared the campfire, and sat there, bored. "Hmmm..." He was thinking with his hands on his chin on what to do. With a few materials, he made is own spear and went on fishing. He was swimming by the waters until the sun went down, but to his dismay, he was only able to catch three fish.
Finally finding Xyldre, Lionel waved at him, but quickly left his arm fall back as it hurt. The pain was still there, he would probably need to make some bandages somehow. He joined the small fire camp the other boy had manage to make and looked at him and his catch.
-I see you can walk now...good...-
He put down the beast he had catch and quickly started to break it down in order to use the meat for food. He had learn how to do it with one of his master. Hunting was part of an adventurer's life so he had to know about a lot of things.
-Where on an island...it's probably deserted....I could only see the ocean all around...so I doubt we are anywhere near known land...-
He said, while keeping on cutting down the wildcat. He eventually stopped and took off his shirt, showing a nice build and tan skin. He ripped part of it and made some bandages for his arm, before returning to the task at hand.
Xyldre was swimming back on shore and walked towards Lionel. He was then dazzled by the man's somewhat appealing body. He stared with his mouth slightly open and his face flushed red. It did remind him of his lover, but somehow this one looked... different.
"Gah!" He gasped as he snapped back. "L-L-Let me cook th-the fish now..!" He stuttered as he tried to prepare the fish he caught. Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot, but he thought it would be fine since there would be fruits around the island to look for tomorrow... or so he hoped.
After a few minutes... an aroma filled the air... the smell of cooked fish. "Here." Xyldre gave out a stick of a rather large fish to Lionel. He then started to eat his own food and stared out into the open sea, wondering if anyone would actually pass by where they are.
As Lionel was cutting down the meat from the wildcat, he watched as Xyldre was cooking the fish he had caught. When given the fish, he smiled at Xyldre.
-Thanks...we'll have more meat for tomorrow...-
He had taken large palm trees leaves and was now washing them in the salty water, it wasn't much, but it would have to do. Then putting the meat pieces he had cut in them to make them dry. Until the sun would set, it would be fine. He ate his share of fish.
He had also taken care of tanning the skin and fur of the beast, which would come in handy to keep themselves warm from the night.
-I hope you don't mind snuggling a bit...we've got only one fur for both of us...and night is gonna be cold....-
He said, taking another bite.
"O-of course not..! I-it's fine..!" He said while stuttering. Xyldre knows himself that he feels... different if he sleeps with another man. But nothing will really happen, as far as he knows, the other guy is not interested in him or anything of the sort. "Yeah..." He murmurs to himself as he lets out a sigh of relief.
"You know, I fear that we may not be able to go back to populated land." He tells to his friend in front of him. "I don't even know too much besides entertain people. He became then completely silent, staring at the smoke trailing from the fire upon their camp.
---
OOC: Sorry for taking long to reply
@Mephistel , I was too busy with work recently >.<
-Hmm...well, I suppose we might not for a while...but I'm certain we can survive on our own...anyway, we have access to food and we can built a shelter eventually...-
He said. He gave a pat to Xyldre's shoulder.
-Don't worry...if we help each other out, we will be ok.-
He said, grinning with confidence. He was trying to be positive in all this. He hugged him, bringing him closer then brought the fur he had manage to make bearable over them. It was starting to get cold after all, despite the fire, the sun was about to set on the horizon.
As Lionel hugged him, Xyldre felt warm... He felt secure, certain that they'll be fine. He then closed his eyes and whispered softly: "I trust you..." He then gives out a gentle smile to his friend. "Thank you, Lionel."
He thought that they should rest early so that they would get more done for tomorrow. "We should sleep in a bit, so we could get a lot of things done for tomorrow. What do you say?"
Lionel nodded slowly.
-Right...let's get some rest, we'll need it...-
He extended some large palm leafs on the ground, then lay down with the fur, motioning for Xydlre to join him to keep warm and get some rest. As they both had no more shirt, skin contact would certainly keep them warm.
Xyldre joins Lionel and somehow unconsciously snuggled to his side. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but he couldn't. He felt rather unfamiliar with Lionel's body. After all, he was only used to being beside his own lover, no one else.
But for some reason, he liked the warmth that he felt. Even if it was someone else, he knew he needed to be warm to fall asleep.
The young man was rather conflicted in his mind, and he couldn't really shut his consciousness. However, his body is already asleep. He noticed that he couldn't move his arms and legs. I guess, it's fine like this... The half-awake man tells to himself in his mind. And within a few moments, his consciousness finally fades.
Night passed on, the two boys keeping each other warm under the moonlight. Nothing came to disturb their peaceful sleep, under that fur. Only when morning came did the sunlight ray hit them both. Lionel slowly opened his eyes, finding himself close to Xyldre, he did find it comfortable and reassuring somehow.
He could hear his own heartbeat, throbbing as he looked at his face. The sound of the waves washing upon the shore was soft and soothing. He could hear birds in the distant jungle. The fire was long gone, only ashes remained.
He lowered his head back to the ground, he didn't feel like getting up just yet, looking at his companion sleeping face and finding it rather cute. He waited until the other would wake up.
The sunlight was something that never bothered Xyldre. Even in the midst of the brilliant sun, he was never the one to be disturbed by such trivial things. He was rather loudly snoring, even with his mouth barely open.
As soon as he got enough rest, his eyes quickly opened as he remembered that they were in a deserted land. Then, without realizing, his face was in front of Lionel's.
"Ah..!" He whimpered as he was flushed red. "I-I-I uh... I...! Gah!" He jumps out of the cozy place they were in and he quickly fixed himself and wore his shirt, struggling in panic. "W-we should get going... u-uh.... uhhh...." He walks in circles briskly while looking at the ground, rather nervous.
Lionel jumped a bit as Xyldre did so, he didn't expect such a reaction from the boy. He started laughing, then asked, swiping a tear from his eye.
-What's the matter? Am I that scary?-
He grin, showing a smile.
-We should eat first...then we can try to explore a bit..-
He said, tilting his head on the side.