Ivan was happily eating the food. It wasn't the best, but it would do. It was so true what Iris said. At least they were home. That was what really mattered.
Picking up a piece of food on a fork, Ivan turned to Iris with a bright smile on his face, holding the fork by his mouth.

"Open wide."

He told him happily. Ivan was in a bit of an odd mood. But he always was when he was really happy about something. Like now. He was happy to be back in the village with his best friend. And on top of that, Iris had even gone to bed with him when he had asked. Iris really was a big fuzzy teddy bear after all.

Ivan looked really happy that Iris actually ate from the fork that he held to him. And on top of that, Iris looked rather cute when he smiled in that way. So Ivan really was in a delightful mood. But he really wanted to see Iris in the best possible mood, since there was something he wanted to tell Iris about himself. Something he hadn't really dared to tell him yet. All Iris really knew about him was what Ivan had told him. That he was from another town far away, and that he was a peddler and sold things he invented himself. It was pretty much half true, but in reality, being a peddler was just a cover, and he was peddling because he was looking for some one. But after meeting Iris and getting along so well with him, he had kind of started to abandon what he was supposed to do, and on top of that, he had been staying around this village allot, just so that he could be around his friend. He could pretty much call this town home by now, as much time as he had spent here the last couple of years.
But he shook that off, and gave Iris a smile as he was handed the fork back.

"I simply felt like it. That's all. But... I do have something I really would like to tell you. If you promise that you'll believe me, and not laugh or get upset..."

For once, Ivan's smile seemed to fade. He was a bit worried about how Iris would react. He might have mentioned on some occasion that he was looking for some one, but much more he hadn't really told him about.

Ivan felt allot better to hear that Iris wouldn't change the way he thought about him. That was such a huge relief. Most people changed their way of thinking about him the same moment they found out about him. But he would make sure to tell Iris the entire thing in a more gentle manner, so that it wouldn't be too much.

"Thank you. I'm happy you said that. Iris, you might remember that I maybe once told you that I'm looking for some one. The one I was looking for is my younger brother. I have actually found him though. He's in a small and rather kind down, leading a more normal and happy life. He got amnesia, so he doesn't remember anything from his past. He doesn't even remember his name. But the reason I keep acting as if I'm looking for him, is so that our father, the king, won't take him away from it. Just think that he's better off living the life he leads now. Even without memories, he looks much more happy. And the reason why I come here so much, is that I simply enjoy being with you. I never really had a friend before. So right now, things are actually rather simple, since I can pretend I'm searching for my brother, but still come here instead and be with you."

That's right. Ivan was actually the crown prince. And yet, he enjoyed the simple life so much more. So acting as a peddler was just perfect for him. Even if it might seem to the villagers as if he's planning on moving in permanently. But he could never really do that. Since he still had to go back to the castle and report to his father once in a while. Otherwise, the king would send out soldiers all over to look for Ivan's brother. And if they found him and brought him back, then Ivan wouldn't be able to travel anymore himself, and then he couldn't meet Iris anymore. So it was important to keep his younger brothers location hidden, and that people didn't know who he was, since it would be bad if his father found out that he wasn't looking, but was staying in this town instead. Quite a complicated situation. But so far, things were going well.

Ivan gave him a bright smile. From that reaction, Ivan was rather sure that Iris would treat him the same way as always. That was such a relief. Ivan was so happy that he couldn't resist the urge to hug him. So Ivan just wrapped his arms around Iris, hugging him tightly. And he did have rather happy news for Iris too. He still had another two months before he had to head back and report. So there was nothing to worry about.

"I can't possible be in more luck then to have a friend like you. And don't worry. I'm not going back yet in another two months, so there is plenty of time. And I promise you that nothing will be able to keep us apart."

He probably sounded like a lover or something right now. But he was just happy.

Ivan nodded, smiling with as bright of a smile as ever. He wouldn't mind going back at all. Specially if they could get that journal back again. He really wanted to hear the rest. And that lead him to yet another request he had for Iris. Something he also missed now when they were out of that hole and all.

"When we get it back, would you mind to read it to me again? I really enjoyed sitting with you and listen to you read for me for a change."

Usually, it was Ivan the read things out loud. But it had been really nice to listen to Iris read for him for a change. Ivan could certainly see why Iris always seemed to enjoy to listen to Ivan reading for him. He had always thought that it must be boring to listen to some one else read for you, but under the right circumstances, it was a real bliss to have some one you cared for reading something for you.
And maybe, if they could get inside trough some other way, they could even spend another night there together. But this time, both of them being alive and well, and on top of that, have food and water with them, and being able to get out without a problem. And maybe cover the bones with a blanket or something so that they didn't have to see them.

But when Iris asked Ivan about for how long he had been coming there, Ivan just chuckled a bit, giving Iris a playful pinch on the cheek.

"You really don't remember that? I been coming here for about six years ago. But I suppose that elves don't usually think much about time huh? So I don't blame you for forgetting. By the way. Once I have to go back and report to my father, would you like to come along? I usually have to stay back at the castle for a week before I get to leave again, and on top of that, it's rather lonely to travel back and forth alone. And it's lonely at the castle without my brother too."

Hearing the part about not even celebrating birthdays was a little sad. But thinking about it, he couldn't remember ever celebrating Iris birthday. And that was really bringing him down quite a bit. But that really gave him a good idea of what they could do when Ivan woul let him come to the castle with him. Why not have a birthday for Iris? It wouldn't have to be anything too big, but celebrating your birthday in a castle would still, without a doubt be something special.

"Iris, how about we have a birthday for you when we get to the castle? Everyone deserves a birthday once in a while. No doubt about that. And it would be fun to celebrate your birthday."

He really seemed happy about that idea himself. So now he could barely wait, even if he still had to be here for a while. And they had things to do and all. But it was still nice to plan something like that ahea. He would love to give Iris something for a special occasion. Even if he did tend to give Iris present rather often.

Ivan nodded a bit. He didn't like big fancy things himself. He would like it to be only himself and Iris. That would be fun. And Ivan could ask to use one of the better rooms of the castle to. Then they would get a really nice view too. There was a room with a huge window, and the view there during night was the best ever. But he would save that as a surprise for when they got there, so Ivan just gave Iris a smile.

"Let's not think more about that. We'll think more about it when were going there, ok?"

He said cheerfully. But he couldn't help but to chuckle a bit when Iris asked about clothing and such.

"Don't worry so much about that. Just wear what you like. I usually do that myself, even if my father isn't that much for it."

"Don't worry. I'll figure something out, so he won't mind at all. And why wouldn't I be able to make at least one friend? If I'm supposed to look for my brother, why would I have to constantly be all alone?"

He said with a bright smile. He had barely touched his breakfast yet, and yet, he took the fork again and out some food on it and held by Iris mouth again.

"Open wide."

He told him playfully. Obviously, Ivan was thinking more about enjoying himself then to eat. And that wasn't good considering what he had been trough.

Ivan gave a bit of a pout at that. He would rather feed his big and cozy teddy bear then eat himself. But he then gave a smile, since he had an idea that he would really enjoy. He was not planning to eat himself, so he would keep teasing Iris for now.

"Fine, I'll eat, but only if you feed me."

He probably was acting like a kid now. But being stuck at the doctors house till he could walk, he had to find one way or another to entertain himself. Otherwise, he would be bored to death. And he had another idea of what they could do after dinner. Something Ivan was really missing right now.

"And after dinner, would you mind reading a book or something for me? I know we don't have the journal, but there has to be at least one good book you could read for me around here. I really miss listening to you reading for me. It helps me sleep falling asleep to your voice."

He kind of seemed to drift a bit on that last part. But Ivan was a bit of an odd one after all, so that wasn't exactly new.

Ivan gave a bright smile when Iris agreed to actually feed him and read something for him. Now that would be fun, no doubt there. And when Iris put the fork by his mouth and said open, he gladly did, taking the food on it. Actually tasted much better this way. Maybe since it was so much more fun. And the fact that Iris was going to read to him, that just made it all better and better. He couldn't wait. And he didn't care if it was in elvish. It was a pretty language after all, and he did understand the basic elvish, so he would be fine.

"Don't worry about translating. I might only understand the basic elvish, but I'm good at guessing what new words mean from how a phrase is connected. And besides, I will just be glad if I can go to sleep hearing your voice, so it doesn't matter that much to me what language you read in."

He said while he took another bite of the food when offered to. Ivan really was eating more properly now when Iris was feeding him. But he couldn't resist the urge to feed Iris a few times to. But at least he was having fun. That was probably a good thing. But he had one thing he really wanted his friend to do before reading for him though. It was better for him to just tie back the hair and braid it, or it would be a royal mess later. Having long hair like he did might be pretty, but it was a mess if you allowed it to.

"Iris, before you read something for me, do you think you could help me braid my hair? If it gets too messy it will take hours to fix it, and that's just bothersome."

Ivan gave Iris a rather annoying look at the suggestion to cut his hair and all. There was no chance in the world that he would to that. He actually liked it that long, and he could bet that Iris liked it from time to time to.

"Iris, I'm not getting a hair cut, and I won't change my hairstyle. I like it as it is. And if you don't want to help me to braid it, I'll just do it myself."

He was actually a little offended about Iris even giving such a suggestion. Where he was from, it was actually a symbol of his status. And it was one symbol that took a long time to grow. And if he came back with it cut, his father would probably kick him out of the kingdom. He might like acting as a peddler, but he wouldn't want to become one permanently. He had plans on things he really wanted to change to make things better once he became king.

Ivan's frown soon enough turned back into a bright smile. He knew very well that Iris most likely had no idea at all about his country and the culture, so he couldn't blame him. He had just lost himself for a moment. But he didn't mind. And he would let Iris braid it if he still wanted to, as long as he didn't cut it. But he trusted his friend enough to know he wouldn't do that.

"Don't worry Iris. You didn't know after all. Please just help me braid it. I can barely wait to hear you read again. But, will you still stay with me?"

He wanted to know if Iris would stay in bed with him while reading, and after Ivan had gone to sleep. Then he could sleep with his head on Iris chest. There was nothing he would rather do right now then to fall asleep to Iris voice and heartbeat.

Ivan gave a smile, sitting so that it would be more easy for Iris to braid his hair. It was actually fun to have Iris baby him. Even if it made him feel like a spoiled brat. But oh well. They just survived one heck of a time, so why not have some fun? As long as Iris didn't mind, it should be fine.

"I prefer a lose one. Tight ones looks a bit too feminine, even for me."

He said with a bit of a chuckle, joking about that. He knew very well that he did look rather feminine. But it was true that it would look more feminine if it was too tight. And it wasn't really Ivan's style either. He didn't look good in that at all.
And as Iris asked him about if long hair was a big thing where he was from, he shook his head a bit.

"Not really. At least not for commoners and nobles. It's only important if you're a royalty, since it shows your status. It's a rather stupid tradition, and it's starting to disappear, but you have to agree that I probably would look really strange if I cut it all off."