Cade smiled weakly, an odd pang of guilt in his chest. He looked down at Nasrin's fingers, curled so trustingly around his wrist. He believed them to know each other well enough through their correspondence to be friends- but years of habits die hard, and although the Doriaty Prince deserved to have the utmost confidence and assurance in the one with whom he traveled, Caderin would need just a little more time to curtail his paranoia. The tall man ardently brushed the scar on his chin with a knuckle, an unconcious gesture he barely realized he was doing. The Phouka on his shoulder shot him a look of concern, catching the small gesture with his wide, slit eyes. The long tail of the shadowy creature came up to carefully touch his neck, questions on the featureless face of the fae whom had been his only friend for so long. Cade absently gazed just a few inches away from the ivory Prince, lost in a swirl of thoughts. He had trusted his father. Trusted him with the bond of blood and the love that a child holds for the one who raised him- only to be betrayed in the blackest of ways. He knew in his heart of hearts that Nasrin was good, a fit ruler for any country, worthy of being bestowed the token of friendship that the Eloquir kept so fervently from the world. He jumped when Mythranys nudged his face with his muzzle in a gesture that was almost gentle for such a wild and untameable creature as the Phouka was. He blinked away the ghosts from within his violet and crimson eyes, nervously scratching his neck and bringing his gaze back to the kind man before him.
"I- I apologize... I seem to have wandered off the beaten path of my thoughts again."
He apologized with a wince. A fine ass was he making of himself, for certain.
"If you wish me to savor my strength, I will do so without objection- I only hope that you, as well, might remain healthy. I am no healer, and if you are to be wounded, then I am not versed enough in such arts to save you. I will see fit to watch your back for you, if I may be so bold. It would kill my resolve to watch another friend fall dead at my feet, while I stand helpless as a babe. Do be careful, Nasrin, for my own peice of mind?"
Cade took a steadying breath, finding the flood of memories growing too much. His best friend, closer than a brother could ever be, slaughtered like a prize hog with his father's own blade thrusting like an accusation from his gushing heart- the glassy set of his eyes trying to find his face in the darkness- the hoarse, gurgling whisper of Markulan's dying words. He couldn't witness such a thing again. He couldn't. It hurt, and the Fallen Prince found his left hand flashing up to rub over his chest, over his heart, as if he, too, could feel the bite of steel running him through just as it had the man with whom he'd been so close. Sharp, long canines were revealed as the shadowy Eloquir grimaced with physical and emotional pain, lip curling up and eyes squeezing shut. Shadowfire flared to life in his hands, shooting protectively up and down his forearms as if to ward off invisible attackers. The Phouka looked at the ivory Prince with blatant warning, dragonfly wings seeming to materialize on his back and fluttering into alertness, so he was hovering just in front of Nasrin's face.
"He will be fine in a moment- the black fire will freeze you to death if he touches you too long now. It is best if you stand back-"
He began to say in a low voice, but Cade was faster. He shuddered, body rippling, eyes flying open to reveal pupils blown wide of over his odd irises. His voice was strained, coarse and ragged as he held shaky hands up as the Shadowfire sputtered out in flickers.
"I am... Alright."
He grated, pinching the bridge of his nose to chase away the impeding headache. He took a trembling breath, slumping against the landmark rock as if the fight had been thrown from his bones. His lips twitched in a crooked half smile, though it was without substance.
"I am deeply sorry, my friend... I suffer from the memories in my own head- the trauma of my past has left its mark on my heart. The thought of seeing you die, anyone die..."
He trailed off, sighing. "But I am fine, now. I would wish to be on our way before I grow too weepy on you."
Cade joked at the end with a chuckle, the Phouka appearing again on his shoulder, large, eerie eyes narrowed as he carefully watched his friend. The far was still unconvinced of his apparent recovery.
OOC: lol it was beautiful Nas, no worries! Hope you don't mind my emotional range in this post XD