Zephyr continued to eat as he watched Taloon get a sandwich for himself. Sure, he had eaten plenty of fancy food, but what Talon had made for him was exquisite. It had just the right kind of seasoning, and everything tasted delicious. He glanced up from his plate of food when he heard Talon talk again. He smiled a little bit when he heard Talon ask him another question. He knew that the other had hit his five question max, in only a short amount of time, but for some odd reason he felt compelled to tell the other more about himself. Was this trust? He didn't have many friends at the palace because most people feared him or stayed away from him. The people that did approach him, he found out later, were only interested in him since he was the heir to the current ruling family. He quickly dismissed those people from his site and even out of the city. He wouldn't tolerate people using him.

"Well," he began as he tried to think about what his mother had actually said. It had been such a long time after all. "It was more of a threat story if you get my drift. She would only tell it to me to frighten me when I was acting up or when I was bad. She told me that there a long time ago there were many dark wizards and witches that lived among the shadows doing whatever they wanted. They were mercenaries of a sort as well because they would kill if they were offered enough coins." He took another sip of his water. "Later there was a rather large war between the dark wizards and witches and the forces of the enlightened ones. They stood for everything that was good and righteous in the world. However, after the war there were few dark wizards and witches left and they clung more and more to the shadows than before. She told me that they would kidnap children and offer their souls to their heathen gods in exchange for power. So I guess in the end none of that was really true right. Urban myths and all right?" He looked at Talon expectantly, hoping that the other would back him up and agree as he said that they were untrue as well.

As the story was explained to him, Talon sat intent in his listening. He’d even paused in his eating, sitting still with his bread just barely floating before his tightly closed lips, which had taken on a tiny frown. He too had very well heard of the war and thought of it as fact. He’d even read of the kidnappings, but surely Crowell was above that. When Zephyr finished telling the little story, Talon finally felt safe to take a large bite of his sandwich again, still in thought for a short moment as he seemed to take the kidnapping detail into further consideration. That had to be the product of stories growing grander and grander as they were passed from person to person, Talon decided. Or, perhaps, only practiced among the less civilized practitioners of such magic.

Talon shook his head as the other gave him a look as though he sought confirmation. ”No. None of that is true about Master Crowell. He was the only one to take me in after the death of my father,” Talon spoke in an oddly blank manner, as though he was still too lost in thought to respond properly. Something about the story had truly caught his attention, as his mind continually fell back to the idea of kidnapping. He didn’t remember much from the earliest days of his youth, though he held memories of events Crowell often told stories about.

Still blank and staring as though he saw something in the distance, Talon continued, for some reason compelled to share his life story now that he had a listening ear, “You see, Master Crowell says that at three I perfected the spell to kill a man in a moment of anger and slowly murdered my very own father. He says my mother didn’t know where to turn or toss me and it was just by a stroke of luck that in passing he heard of her plot to free herself from such a horrid monster. If not for him, I would very well be dead.” The gratitude that had long been instilled into Talon became apparent, although he still spoke blankly. With this, he took another large bite, almost finishing his bread in it.

Zephyr wasn't really sure why he felt so comfortable talking to Talon. It was true that the other had practically breathed life back into him, but he was also a complete stranger. He was battling his emotions, and his own common sense right now. As of right now his emotions were winning him over, that and the need for more medical treatment. The other had offered to heal his wounds, it wasn't like he was using the other. He raised an eyebrow though when he heard heard that the stories, the horror stories, that his mother had told him were all false. Then was there any truth to them? Or were they all fabrications to scare a child into obedience?

He took another bite of his food as he listened to Talon's story. After hearing that he had killed his own father he both admired and feared Talon at the same time. Feared him because he was the age of three when he had taken his father out of the world of the living. However, he also admired the other because he knew that he didn't have that kind of power over his father. Though if he had his problems would have been solved long ago. Long ago indeed. As the other continued to recount his story he could practically feel the emotion in the air for this Master Crowell. He was actually not as frightened to meet him as he had originally thought he was. However, he seemed to be nowhere in sight. "Speaking of Master Crowell," said Zephyr as he looked around. "I haven't seen him once this morning. I would like to properly thank your Master for teaching you magic. For if he hadn't I would probably still be dead."

For the first time in quite a while, Talon remembered how utterly depressing he found his origins. The past, it seemed, was the one thing bleaker than the present. Really the only thought to soothe such bitterness was the glimmer of hope that always lay just beyond reach in the too fondly spoken of world of what is yet to come. Such pessimistic thoughts overtook Talon’s appetite and after swallowing the large bite he’d just taken, he tossed the small remains of his sandwich onto the floor to be picked up by his loyal cat, who was clearly motivated to carry on to the next day by the prospect of food and perhaps a good belly rub.

It was to his surprise that Zephyr seemed to lose or at least temporarily forget his fear of Crowell and practitioners of the dark arts in general so suddenly. It had been nice knowing someone had listened to him speak- that he’d spoken to something that could hear him. Now, it was nicer still that he found himself faced with responses. Still in mild shock because of this, Talon was slow to return a reply, as though he had to put much thought and effort into first finding words then figuring out just how to convey them. At the ease of his conversational partner, Talon seemed to tense for just a moment before catching himself in the act and with a deep breath, forcing himself to at least appear to be relaxed again. After all, it was his very own home and he by no means should have felt anxious in it.

“He very often travels. Sometimes he is gone for just a day and other times weeks to months at a time,” Talon began slowly again, as though having to reacquaint himself with proper speech every time he was faced with it. ”He mentioned something about the eastern... or western lands, something about having a hunch that there were troubles, amongst the authority or rulers, no doubt. Master Crowell rarely bothers with petty problems of peasants.”

((Had bunches of sudden appointments last night... actually, I completely forgot about a party of sorts, until my ride came. Sorry I didn't give prior warning))

Zephyr continued to eat the food that was in front of him, completely forgetting at times that it was there. He was so engrossed in what the other was talking about. Talon was so free, free to do, free to live whichever way that he wanted to. He was the exact opposite of him. He was brought up within the confines of the castle walls. Not free to talk to certain people, not free to act like a "normal child. His lessons were always taught by grumpy old people, that only cared about etiquette, and how to impress the people of the court. Talon was a lucky person in his eyes.

Zephyr continued to listen to what the other was saying about where his Master Crowell was. He heard that there was a traveling sorcerer or sorceress that had been traveling around from city state to city state giving out information, and investigating other countries only to report back. He hears Talon say something about the western lands, the land of his birth.

The western lands were covered in lush forests, dotted with lakes, and some was even covered by fertile grassy plains. It was land that everyone wanted for farming crops, raising cattle, and harvesting anything that they could find off of the land. There were land disputes constantly between the western kingdoms and the eastern kingdoms. Judging from where he was right now, and how far the castle was to the eastern border he had a good wager that he was in the eastern lands. He wondered if he should mention anything to Talon about this. He was beginning to trust the other, and the other him, and as of right now he didn't want that to be jeopardized by anything like where he was from or where his allegiances laid.

He was dwelling on the past. Something that he shouldn't be doing. He changed the subject to something more light, and happy. Something that would interest the other more in another conversation. "So," he started. "What has Master Crowell taught you so far?"

((That's totally fine. I understand real world things happen. It's called Life.))

Being asked to speak about himself caught Talon completely off guard. He’d almost forgotten that magic was often considered an interesting topic and that he was likely an oddity. Already sweating palms became apparent and added to anxiety as he sat for a moment with his mouth agape, bottom lip quivering just the slightest bit as his mind raced through potential answers to such a question. Each possibility brought about fear that he would either reveal too much and prove to be something to be feared, or he would say too little and murder the conversation in one short second. He’d long held the fear of being frightful and chasing others away by doing as was natural, but only now did he learn the desperate, almost pathetic feeling of just so very badly wanting to be approved of by a single individual.

“Well, we…” to break awkward silence that, although had lasted less than a moment, felt as though it was never ending, Talon cleared his throat and began what sounded as though it would be a promising explanation, although the promise quickly died as he continued. “He’s very well taught me everything I know, from things as meager and plain as cooking to healing and fire starting and granting and taking lives,” His voice grew a bit more steady, though his face showed deep regret as he realized he’d spoken of merciless murder. Although he’d only ever practiced on rats and toads, how badly the words fumbled out of his mouth was enough to make him wince as he spoke, although he tried to press on, “I.. well… he is a man of many talents and Master Crowell has tried to pass each down… But, matters of life and death seem to be where my talents lie.” With a forced half chuckle, Talon succeeded in increasing the awkward vibe he simply radiated tenfold.

Unable to bring himself to eye contact, Talon focused on the table and slowly closed his eyes. Wanting so very badly to be liked was silly, and he very well knew this. But, he seemed to be unable to remember that at the moment, not when he was so near another being and especially not when the other still wreaked of the freedom he so badly wanted to at least know of. And when the warmth that Talon had felt in holding Zephyr the previous night still lingered in his arms, felling as though it would sweetly burn through when he dwelt back on the feeling. To fight the overwhelming urge to apologize for acting so strangely, Talon clearly clenched. Muttering to himself in his own little mystical language seemed a too tempting method to find a calm place within himself, but even that, Talon worried, could be interpreted as dangerous to one unfamiliar with his ways.

((You are just too awesome~))

(Daww~ -blushes- Believe me though coming from 4 years of college juggling a job, and various other things. I understand that life can be utter insanity at times. Just breath and take it one step at a time, that's my nindo :P

Sometimes I want to sweep Talon up in a big hug, poor kiddo))

Zephyr listened and waited, and then decided that he would have to wait a little longer. The silence in the room was deafening, if that was even possible. It was awkward as hell, and for some odd reason it made Zephyr very uncomfortable as well as it made his skin crawl. He let out a sigh of relief, not noticing that he was holding his breath, when he heard the other begin his tale. He could tell right off of the bat that the other was still skittish around him. Well, not around him specifically, but around people in general. Whatever had happened to Talon in his training had probably left him like this. Judging from what he had just heard, and from what he had gathered thus far he could tell that the other didn't get out much, or he might of even been forbidden to go out or away from the grounds.

Even though it was a rather awkward conversation that turned into an equally more awkward conversation Zephyr found himself smiling at the other. He didn't have brother's or sisters, but he had many younger cousins, some of them were about Talon's age now. Thinking what he would do when he could see that they were visibly afraid or shy or even in shock he would hug them and tell him that it was alright. Before he could even stop himself he had gone around the table, placed his arms around the other's shoulders, pulled the other against the back of the chair, and then hugged him as he said,"You don't need to be nervous around me. I'm not going anywhere."

((I don’t think giving Talon hugs is a very good idea… apparently after over a decade and a half without one, he’s quick to get creepy about it. Watch..er.. read))

At first contact, as he felt arms placed upon his shoulders, Talon froze completely. For a split second, his entire body tensed in a way that made it seem as though he was ready to bolt like a rabbit freshly trapped in a box. Then, he was pulled into a hug, too confused to fight. There it was again, that warmth. It seemed to engulf him and give the curious action good purpose. Stiffness quickly melted as he eased into such closeness. Suddenly, he didn’t want to escape, but to make the moment last forever. On an impulse, he returned the hug, pulling himself tight enough against the other that he could turn his head to bury his nose in dark hair that still smelled faintly of the outdoors.

”What do you mean by this?” Talon finally loosened his grip in their embrace, clearly embarrassed for having so quickly taken a friendly action so far. A hug was a sign of affection, according to what he gathered from story books long stored away in rooms that he hadn’t opened in years. Surely there was something more to it, as they’d only just met. Talon was quickly learning of the complexities of interaction. He wasn’t quite sure what to expect or what caused certain actions in the other. Actually, he now found himself unsure why he reacted in the ways he did and questioning himself more than anything. It was so lacking in dignity to have been so eager for that contact, yet he knew he’d only regret it if it was met with bad feedback. Why something so simple could have brought about such comfort was another mystery. All at once, he felt as though he could speak and act freely, though he’d continue to be just a bit hesitant. ”The embrace, I mean. What drove you to it? Furthermore, how could you have risked it, when you couldn’t be sure of how I would respond?”

((-sweatdrops- But, then again human contact is something that we all need, and Talon has been practically 'starved' of it since his master is rarely there, and he doesn't sound like the most affectionate person in the entire world either)).

His first reaction when he felt the other stiffen was to pull away, but then again that would seem kind of awkward since he was the one that had first initiated the hug. He relaxed a little though when he felt the other relax and wrap his arms around him. While he was an only child, he still had cousins, cousins that would have been Talon's age. He remembered the fondly. Those were about the only happy memories that he had left of his family, when there were family gatherings with lots of people.

Kai felt the other loosen his grip, and heard the other ask what the meaning of this. Shrugging a little he felt his face flush a little bit. He couldn't give the other an answer for the pure sake that he couldn't answer it himself. He had just done it on impulse. He wanted to take care of the other male in front of him because Talon looked like he needed it. He got that caringness from his mother, something that his father deeply frowned upon, which only made him do more actions that involved him being kind. He remembered bitterly that his father had once told him once that kindness was for women and that he was to rule a nation, not be someone's women. As he thought about what the other said he managed to sputter out," It looked like you needed it. Besides, I imagine that your master wasn't one to show you much affection." "Judging from the way the other acted around him." he added to himself. "It's a sign that you are special to me." It was true that he was special. However, he was not sure if it was as a friend or something more, and right now it was way too early to tell if it was something more.

((Nah, Crowell's kind of a buttface.))

At seeing a flush from the other, Talon returned hints of embarrassment. Although it was something unusual to him, even he knew very well that such a reaction on his part was surely nothing short of too forceful. Now his cheeks too were taking on a tickled pink color and he seemed to again lose the ability to make proper eye contact. The only escape from such discomfort was in acting as though he’d gone through apathetic and come out equally as unaffected. To take attention off of himself, Talon began stacking books and (for the first time in a long time) organizing what lay on the table.

Already Zephyr seemed to have figured out more about him than even he’d really cared to think about. It was very true, that Crowell had long been a cold figure. In fact, there were days when he was flat out cruel, though Talon knew this was all with good purpose. Just as mothers spanked children for cussing or stealing an extra dessert, so too did Crowell punish his student for not fully learning lessons or spending too much of the precious days outside with the creatures that often crossed their land. The feeling was familiar, though. Something about the hug had brought about comfort and even a dash of safety, as though it was something he’d long ago learned to associate with such nice things. Otherwise, the action itself seemed completely random. That familiarity seemed to be what had set him off. Though, who could have possibly taught him a hug was comforting was still a mystery. Certainly it hadn’t been Crowell… and his mother, according to his master, had long been too afraid to touch him. Still, like a normal child, he’d known how to feel in an embrace.

“Well, thank you,” Talon finally spoke again, clearly more at ease. “I think you are special to me as well. I’ve never actually talked to someone that responds, outside of Master Crowell. And I certainly never thought I had it in me to call back life.”

((LOL!))

Zephyr had always prided himself on being able to read people. He got that from his father, one of the good traits that was. His father was a card player. a Kanni-jin** player, and the whole game was based on seeing if you could tell who was bluffing. Then you would need to out bluff them and win. Having these skill also helped him in everyday use as well, and this time was no different. He had learned more about the other in these few interactions then the other had probably figured out about himself in roughly a few months. He smiled and found himself blushing as well when he heard the other say that he was special as well. He wondered if the other knew the weight of what he said.

He furrowed his eyebrow a little bit when he saw the other go and busy himself with stacking various books and cleaning the clutter that was around the room. "You said that you have lived here a long time. Are you. I don't know how to put it. Forbidden to leave or something. I mean Master Crowell can't be that harsh right?" said Zephyr before he could stop himself. Where had that accusation even come from? Of course the other wasn't being held here against his will. Right?


((**made up card game, but basically poker))

When the question came, Talon again froze for the tiniest second. To get himself out of this state of what seemed to be shock, he quickly shook his head and set down a book entitled Modern Medicine (though was dated to be at least one hundred years old). With a deep breath, Talon again sat down, counting on his fingers.

"Seventeen years. It has been seventeen years since I've left this land," although in passing, the time hadn't seemed to long, as the number slipped from his mouth and overwhelmed the only ten fingers he had to count on, the time all at once felt immense. From beneath the table, Cleo came and nudged against Talon's leg, as if to comfort him. With this, Talon lifted the cat onto his lap and began slowly running his fingers through his tangled fur. "But... Master Crowell isn't harsh without reason. The day I am able to control my magic well enough to break the spell he uses to keep me here will be the day we're certain it's safe to send me out into the world. It's for the best."

Although Talon had told himself this again and again, he'd never been fully content on believing it. Of course, there was the benefit of staying within limits in an environment where he could do little harm, but he'd grown up so lonely. Only now that the question had been asked by another and he'd been forced to actually speak the excuse did he feel the full impact of the years that had been slowly working to carve an empty spot within him. Then came that heart wrenching fear that he would never escape- that one day the hole would grow too large and cause permanent damage and he'd come out an even greater danger.

"I can't be missing too much, can I?" his last words were just a quiet addition, meant only to help him comfort himself. Whether or not they could even be heard depended on just how well the other was listening. They seemed a mere grumble upon lips that now refused to open enough to enunciate.

Seventeen years?! Seventeen years? Talon had been here for seventeen years studying magic and other things to do with sorcery. Now if that wasn't dedication Zephyr didn't know what was. He then felt a little crest fallen when he heard the other mutter out that no one would be missing him. From the story about the other's past and from what he had gathered from their previous chatting he gathered that he probably didn't have the best home life ever. They were in the same boat for that, but for completely different reasons. "Well that just means we need to get you stronger right," said Zephyr as he walked towards the other. Glancing at the ground he noticed that there were some dust covered books strewn about. Picking one up that read Plants, Potions, and Their Uses. There was a thick layer of dust on it. Zephyr opened the book and began reading it to himself. The thing read like gibberish, he wasn't even sure that it was even in a language that he knew. "Well I guess we need you to do more training. I guess what were you working on before you found me."

Dwelling too much within himself, Talon only half noticed it as the other began nearing again and picked up one of the books that had long been ignored for generally out of date information and lack of structure. He only nodded as it was suggested he do more training, to confirm that all which Zephyr spoke had been true.

"Sometimes it just doesn't seem possible that I could have done such a thing to my own father," Talon had become too lost in speaking to actually be present. He'd started venting and found himself unable to control it. The ideas had long been floating around in his head, but he'd never been able to bring himself to put them to words in either talking to Cleo or writing in that red, leather bound journal he'd kept carelessly open on his desk upstairs. They were almost blasphemous. It was so very wrong to question Master Crowell, especially in the confines of his home. "I've tried again and again, but I can only repeat the spell on tiny things, like the frogs you saw earlier and even that can bring me to my knees and rear me powerless for days- it's so much easier to bring life back. I just don't know how it could have happened."

Immediately after the outburst, Talon's hand flew from Cleo's soft back onto his mouth, covering the lips which had just betrayed his master. Talon found himself only able to stare at the back of his cat's head in shame. In the still lingering excitement of having someone to converse with, he'd allowed himself to be carried away and place passion in an idea so utterly inappropriate and simply bad.

Zephyr listened to what the other was saying. One minute they were having a conversation, and the next minute the other male was ranting about something about his father. What had the other done to his father? What was so bad? It wasn't like the other had killed him or anything. Well, then again, maybe he had, and that was the reason that he was being "imprisoned here." Maybe Crowell didn't want him to be unable to control his powers. If the other was so destructive while not even trying, he could only imagine what the other could do if he concentrated. It didn't make any sense when he heard Talon answer about what he had been practicing before he had come barging into the home. Small things, frogs. He remembered the frog that was skewered to something in the room above. So how was it even remotely possible that the other was able to resurrect him like it was child's play. It was unfathomable.

After the other's outburst about his father and venting about his master an eerie quiet fell over the room. It was so quiet that it was unnerving and stifling to say the least. "So," began Zephyr as he tried to think of something to say to change the subject. "Where is your master anyway?" Speaking of being away he wondered how the other would take him saying that he would need to be leaving as well. He was pretty sure that the other would be alright with it, though Talon could have gotten very attached to him, and might not react to well either. He needed to get back to the palace. Even though he hated the people that resided in it, he knew when enough adventuring was enough.

In the silence that overtook and filled the room, Talon felt suddenly as though it would be inappropriate to so much as move. Until the other began to speak again, he hadn’t noticed that he’d been holding his breath. With the simple word “so,” Talon released a once again nervous breath and allowed his hand to move down the cat’s dusty fur once again. Cleo must have walked through another one of the cobwebs again, as his face and head was covered with thin threads that caught and stuck to Talon’s hand. The new topic came as a welcome change, though, Talon almost laughed, had been something he was certain was already discussed. That must have been the desperation to escape awkward quiet at work. Still, any change was better than that overwhelming nothing which had followed his rant.

“Somewhere to the west,” Talon began, trying hard to keep his response from being something that restricted conversation, “That’s really all he told me.” The effort had been in vain, there was nothing more he could think to say on the subject, as there was little else he knew on it. It was just a relief that the other had never asked where they currently were- that, too, was something Talon had never been allowed to know and never really cared to ask about.

”Can we go outside? On a walk… or something? I don’t like it in here,” the question spilled out as a rushed offer, like a small child asking permission from a mother for a play date. Again, the small quiver in his voice had returned and he was on edge once again, though this time Talon attempted to calm himself to avoid more hesitant contact.

Zephyr knew that he had asked that question before, but it was the first thing that had come to his mind to change the subject. He just wanted the awkward silence to be broken. "To the west huh," said Zephyr as he tried to think what was out there. Obviously there were the western lands where his family resided, there were a few smaller hamlet towns, and then there was the religious capital. He figured that the other probably hadn't gone to the religious capital since the man was involved in the dark arts and all. He figured that the other would respond with a little more than his short worded answer, and then the creeping silence began coming back. Swallowing he tried to think of something else to say, when he heard Talon ask if they could go outside.

Why was the other asking him if they could do something. It was true that he was the "guest" and all, but it was the other's house, albeit his master's house, after all. Then again he figured the other wanted to make sure that he was comfortable, and that brought a smile to his face. Talon was too caring, sometimes, for his own good. "Sure we can go outside," said Zephyr. He loved being outdoors, and it would be a welcome change from the musty book smelling, dust covered area. "Lead the way." Zephyr, obviously, didn't know where he was going, and had he known, which he didn't he would have most likely gotten them lost in the process.

“I know it’s childish of me, but when Master Crowell is away, I get out of this building as much as possible,” Talon began, his words slurred in a lazy mutter. Their only purpose was to fill the air because, as he’d just learned, silence was even more uncomfortable than forced and unnatural conversation. He was very much relieved that his proposal had been agreed to. At least in the outdoors sound was always present as the day was sung to by birds, the wind, or whatever else was out for the day.

As he spoke, Talon began slowly making his way around the table, picking up a book as he passed it and made his way over and around piles of knick-knacks and books to a small entrance way that was half hidden by robes, shoes, more books, an old umbrella, a broom that bore more dust than the rest of the home, and a number of other random little things that had quite clearly remained undisturbed for the longest time. Neither he nor Crowell had ever taken to using the front door. The quiet corner seemed more a place that had been used as a closet of sorts, and had once or twice served as the place Talon was made to sit to contemplate mistakes. The horrible broom had once been the deliverer of painful blows to small arms and legs (that is sat so dusty and unused now made Talon smile just a bit at his triumph).

”Maybe we could talk some more?” Talon continued as he kicked away all that blocked the door, ”I’m not much for conversation, I know. But, I’ve always wanted to know what life is like off of these lands and most of my books are too dated to be reliable. I could teach you something in turn, too.”

((zomg. -cries- I am so sorry for not updating thing. I read it on my phone and it changed the status from unread to read so it wouldn't show up))

Zephyr looked up at the other young man as he found himself slowly nodding. It wasn't that he wanted to go outside, but more on the lines that he needed to go outside. Every room that they had been in thus far were covered in dust, and smelled of old books. He needed some fresh air, so it would do him some good if they could go outside. "Alright," replied Zephyr as he got up from the table and eyed Talon a little bit. He watched as the other began walking around the table grabbing a few things here and there, but then he raised his eyebrow when he saw Talon rummaging around behind what he had initially had been some form of closet for coats and cloaks. Getting up from the table he walked up to the other waiting for the other to find the door so they could go outside.

((No worries~ It's fine.))

From behind all of the mess, a doorknob appeared and soon an entire door followed. Its hardwood, painted a deep red and green, looked fresher than much of the rest of the building, as though being covered for so long protected it from aging the way the stacks of old books had. Now the piles had just been transferred onto a lazy lump on the floor. Talon had simply thrown old cloaks down over even older tomes, creating a cloud of dust that came from equally forgotten objects colliding.

”You can tell me things like…” his eager statement was interrupted by a sudden attack of coughs brought as dust found its way to his open mouth and down to his throat. Still trying desperately to catch his breath, Talon’s clumsy hands found their way to the old, metal knob. Turning it, he found himself having to use all of his weight to violently coax the rusty hinges to yield to such a command and open. All at once, they gave in and Talon was sent back so he hit the wall behind. ”Sorry.”

Zephyr could hear the other struggling with the door, and decided to give the other male more room to work with. The space was rather enclosed anyway, and it would be interesting trying to fit two of them into the one spot while the door was being opened. Zephyr began looking at the various tomes and books that were scattered and piled up around in stacks as he high as he was tall wondering who had the time to read all of them. He was about to pick one up to flip through its contents when he heard Talon, who had disappeared behind a stack of cloaks, begin to cough rather violently. Glancing up to the other male he called out,"Talon are you alright?" He then heard a sound that he would have preferred not to have heard. He heard the sound of the hinges squealing like they needed to be oiled. It truly was a ghastly sound.

Zephyr watched as the other male thew all of his weight into the door a few times, and he hoped that the door wouldn't give way all at once. But, low and behold it did just that. Running up to the other he offered his hand to him as he said,"Talon? Are you alright?"

Again, Talon offered only the strangest of responses at the hand held out toward him. His attempt to sooth himself by rubbing the back of his head (which had hit the wall hardest) was paused so he could look from that hand to Zephyr with wide-eyed wonder in awkward silence. He’d done it again- allowed the room to fill with the unbearable silence that had haunted him since childhood. Shaking his head, Talon regained himself enough to push himself to his feet with the support of the wall, only remembering to take that generously offered hand after he’d already stabilized himself and instantly pulling away at realizing the mistake in his order.

“Yes, I’m fine. It was just a little jolt,” Talon cleared his throat, again rubbing the back of his head. With the other hand, he pulled the door fully open again, knocking back an old coat in the process. Stale air eagerly rushed out to be replaced by new and fresh air as that musty smell lessened and a light breeze that snuck in through the open door to unsettle dust and toss tattered soft covers.

From a hiding place beside a broom, that nosey cat jumped between junk to push through and be the first to exit. “Here we are.”

Zephyr eyed the other as he saw that Talon got up on his own too feet. Maybe he was spoiling the other. Shaking his head he waited for the other to take his hand, noticing how the other gripped it like it was a lifesaver. He continued after the other eyeing how the other expertly maneuvered through the various things that were blocking them. He heard the sound of a click and soon the rather stale air was greeted by that of fresh, cool, and crisp air. He was about to take a step when he saw a flash of fur dart for the door. Guess the cat wanted to be the first out. Tightening his grip on the other he began leading him out of the door and into the outside world. He needed to be outside. He needed to hear the sound of birds, he needed to feel the breeze against his skin, but most of all he needed to get home.

The sun had only recently worked its way high enough in the sky to fully light the land. A neglected lawn stretched on the vast lands with soft, long blades in a green so vivid that they appeared bright on the greyest of days. Crowell had long thought the land large enough to keep his young apprentice fulfilled, and for the longest time it had. Running beside the tower that held Talon’s room among a series of other, mysterious doors, was a small creek that had grown with recent rains. It had long kept Talon preoccupied in his childhood, providing a surplus of frogs, crawfish, and interesting rocks among other things (the half-drowned cat was still Talon’s favorite find).

Even now, the creek kept Talon fairly well entertained with its endless study possibilities. The only thing that set him to unrest was watching the water flow so quickly away. Jealousy toward a creek was silly, but it still panged hard in Talon’s stomach whenever he was left alone with the shallow waters for long enough. Otherwise, they were almost entirely cut off from the outside world when out of the tower. The hilly terrain and tall surrounding trees saw to that.

Talon finally stepped out of the open door onto a messy path that’d been half overtaken by the flowering weeds which added dots of color to the green canvas. Although his shoes had been lying near the door, Talon didn’t bother with actually putting them on. No one had ever actually forced him to act civilized, not when he was out and about. Time in nature was time that was his very own, even Crowell respected that and even found it amusing just how wide-eyed the boy was able to get. Manners applied only indoors, during meals that weren’t eaten alone or other events that stimulated gathering.

“Zephyr,” his voice was quiet enough to be almost lost in even the softest breeze as he turned to face his first companion, “Where do you come from? Is it that town in the distance? What are the holidays like? I always see little lantern lights during their times of celebration. Is it fun?” Again, he spoke with little separation between phrases, as though afraid to lose momentum and stop speaking entirely.

As Zephyr's eyes began to adjust to the outside light he found himself squinting a little bit in the high morning light. Once his eyes had adjusted he got a good look at everything. There were forested areas and mountainous regions. There was a creek though, that left a soothing sound to glide through the air around them. It brought comfort to him. He had always liked the sound of water. He had a small fountain in his room that was on when he slept. The white noise always helped him fall asleep.

Glancing up at the other as he heard Talon's question. Holidays. What were his holidays like? He was the crowned prince after all. It was expected him to go to the various ceremonies that were held in town. At least one would think that. In truth, other than today and a few rare times he had never been outside of the high marble white walls that housed him. When asked, his parent's would always tell him that he was above everybody else, the common folk that was, and that if he wanted anything all he would need to ask. It was the servants job to provide it for him, no matter what it was. "Well," he began. He knew that he didn't want to tell the other that he actually hadn't gone to a legitimate festival in town, but Talon looked so hopeful. "Well it's a lot of fun. There are sounds and lights. Oh, and the food is wondrous. There are all different kinds. There are games, music shows, and magic shows. It's really quite fun." He stopped as if he was out of breath. He felt bad suddenly because he knew that the other probably had never seen a festival. "Though, it is kind of boring. I go to them more as a formality than anything else. Not for fun."