"The sun may burn me, but the flames within you will leave you in ashes." [OxO] [Mature] [Closed!]

There wasn't exactly a choice when it came down to it. Stay, and be swallowed up whole by whatever the Hells that thing was, or go with the vampire, brave wherever it was that they were taking him to, and hope they didn't die on the way there. Cas was cautious to stand, weary and, slightly wobbly, but he stood, and he followed. The world around him was unknown and dark. Cas had read every royal handbook in existence, had attended every class, and every meeting, and never spoke out of turn or stood out of line. He knew how to stand and sit in every scenario that royal life could have ever prepared him for, but this? This was definitely not in any handbook he had ever found.

Every step was careful. Caspian stepped exactly where the vampire did. The quiet of the forest was deafening. Every rustle or crack and snap echoed, and he felt his breath was too loud, even for him. So different from the world of glitter and the clinking of glasses that he had come from. He wondered whether his father had noticed his absence by now. Whether they were calling for him, trying to reach him and find him in the dark surrounding the castle. No one would be stupid enough to enter the forest. No one would even think about it. It was Caspian's own, stupid fault for wandering too far.

Well, at least the vampire could speak the common tongue, that made things a little easier. That was if they tried to speak to one another again. Caspian didn't want to speak out of turn or say something that would bring about an early death. Or maybe they only knew a few words and weren't fluent? his brain was figged with thoughts swirling and meshing together, and none stayed long enough for him to focus on them longer than a minute.

The vampire had grown used to this life. Alone in the woods. The woods were unkind to those that did not know how to respect the forest. However, the prince had been respectful so for the most part? Nothing was going to hurt him. However… it was nighttime. And the night was more perilous than the day. The vampire was careful, making sure not to make too much sound as they guided the human through the trees and plants.

They walked for about 15 minutes until the trees started to get lighter and the moonlight was clearer. Water could be heard bubbling somewhere nearby, most likely a stream or something. They quickly entered a clearing, where a humble little cottage sat. It was surrounded by beautiful flowers, gardens, and various little creatures that had made their home nearby. The vampire slowly placed their hand on the gate that surrounded the little cottage and the door swung open easily. The vampire beckoned its head forward before moving into the gardens and onto the path toward the cottage.

The home was not theirs, instead, it belonged to the woman in the woods. That is what the vampire knew her as. She had found him when he had first been dumped here in the woods, with no way to survive, on the brink of death. She had taken him in, and helped him regain his strength. This was always a safe place. The front door swung open easily, runes and magic protecting the house from outside harm.

Candles flickered to life at their entrance, but no one seemed to be home at the moment. And he could not sense her presence anywhere, which suggested she was off somewhere. Probably collecting herbs or on one of her trips. That was fine. The vampire slowly settled on the couch and curled up in content, motioning over to a door that stood slightly ajar for the human. That was the extra room, it would be enough for the human for now.

The cottage was a sigh of relief for the prince. Something that seemed safe, familiar. Had it been any other circumstance, Caspian would have been inclined to comment on the beautiful flowers and the soft warmth the place seemed to provide. It was almost like the cottage from his childhood dreams - only with magic and runes he didn't understand and vials of things he didn't want to know what had been inside them. But with the main door closed, Caspian felt his breath loosen, his shoulders fall slightly. He knew nothing of the vampire, of this place they now stood, but one thing was clear - it was not his, but the prince had no intention of asking tonight who it was. If they were in danger, something he highly doubted considering the vampire seemed comfortable, then he supposed he'd find out in the morning. Or in the middle of the night did something decide to occur or someone decide to make themselves known? Who in their right mind would wander these forests at night? The person who lived here, clearly, which in his mind, was mistake number one.

He looked to the door that the vampire had motioned to, and then back to him. For a moment he just stood, like a statue, his green eyes piercing and unblinking, wide and filled with curiosity and fear. The candlelight reflected in them, almost making them brighter, "Thank you." Cas did not dare raise his voice above that of the near whisper, in fear of startlement, or even someone else hearing him. Cas didn't want to turn his back, but he did and walked quietly into the small room.

It was quaint, a small bed only barely bigger than a cot, a pillow and a soft blanket with not much else. Hubble, and nothing like the massive chambers back home. Lying on the bed, Cas wondered if he would ever see his kingdom again, though through blurry thoughts he wouldn't remember in the morning, he felt sadness prick at his heart, if only for a brief, tired moment. It wasn't long before he drifted off into sleep.

(Sorry about disappearing, had to handle some stuff!)

In the morning, the sun gently peeped through the window. The curtains kept most of the light away from coming in too much, but the noises of morning slowly slipped in. There were some noises outside Caspian's room and soft voices. One voice was as thick and rich as honey, the other softer, harder to pick up on. The thicker voice laughed a little, a woman by the sound of it. She let out another soft laugh before there was a clatter of dishes and something being set on a stove.

Slowly the smell of breakfast came wafting through the cottage. Though whoever was talking didn't seem intent on waking Caspian up. The voices were still hushed, though the strum of magic got stronger. The voices slowly got quieter until they disappeared and there was only the clatter of things being moved around the kitchen in a nearby room.

The woman of the woods had returned early morning, greeting the vampire and assuring them quietly that it was just her. The vampire eased and seemed to crawl into a little tent area set up for them to keep the light away from their sensitive skin. The vampire would sleep, for now, content in their little spot.

(all good, I went to bed anyways lol)

Caspian's head pounded. Partly because of the alcohol from last night, the other because of magic that seemed to whisk its way around the room. It was almost headache-inducing for the man. The bed had been comfortable enough, although in his state of fear last night he hadn't cared whether the bed had been soft or hard as a rock, only that it was safe. Which, considering he was still alive, had been true. The sunlight was what had Cas waking from his slumber, shining onto his face and causing him to wince and groan. He was tempted to try and fall back asleep, although the sounds and smells of food called to him.

He was quiet when he rose, the creaking of the bed softly alerting anyone who had been listening or waiting for him that he was now awake. His fear was dulled, but it still shimmered off him. The unknown of the world he was now in was terrifying. Cas didn't know who else lived in this cottage, but it prayed they were nice. He doubted the vampire would have brought him here if it was any different. He hoped… Maybe he brought Cas here to kill him or let their friend do the dirty work before they ate him.

The prince slowly opened the door, letting the morning sounds wake him fully. Whatever was cooking had his stomach rumbling, a reminder that the only things he'd eaten at the party last night had been a few pieces of bread and a couple of small pastries. Dinner had been boycotted to avoid interaction with his father.

The magic twisted around him for a moment before it slowly retracted and moved back towards the door. It pulsed with life, before slowly easing. Soft music drifted through the cottage, someone humming along with it. The crackles of breakfast eagerly greeted Caspian as he exited his room.

A woman looked up from the cookbook she was looking through and offered a bright smile. Her skin was a deep brown, like the color of earth. Her eyes were stunning purple, offering slight history into magical ancestors. Her hair twisted around her like it had a life of its own. It grabbed at various objects as she wandered through the kitchen. "Ah! So he wakes!" She coos softly. "Saros alerted me of your arrival when I returned home last night. Glad to know that you're alive and well." She grinned showing no fangs like the creature- or rather Saros- had.

She beckoned to a chair. "Please, have a seat. I've been busy making breakfast. I wasn't sure what you were hungry for so I just decided to make what I knew how to make." She motions to various dishes already settled on the table. "Please let me know if you need anything from me, I'd be happy to help if I can." She coos sweetly. "As for clothes, you'll stand out like a sore thumb in this forest, so I'll see if I can make something that will help you fit in." She returned casually to her work, humming happily as she did so.

Caspian opened his mouth, though closed it a moment later knowing he looked like a fish out of water. Whether it was because he was hungover or because he was unsure of this new world, but his head was definitely starting to hurt. The prince didn't question the woman, instead, he sat down at the table, eyes scanning the cottage now he was able to take it all in. From the different knick-knacks on the walls, to the woman herself with her strange clothes and bright purple eyes and to the vampire - Saros - in the corner.

At least he had a name and Caspian had something to refer to him as, "I- Thank you, for your hospitality. Forgive me for intruding." From her smile and the way she spoke, the prince could guess that it would be okay that he was there, although it felt wrong to turn up unannounced. He hadn't had a choice last night. It was live or die and he'd rather not have faced a horrible death on his birthday of all nights.

The food smelt delicious, and he could feel his stomach yearning for the sweet food laid out in front of him, but he would not forget his manners, even here. He shifted uncomfortable at the mention of his clothes. She wasn't wrong, it was clear he was an outsider in his silk and gems - at least he didn't have his crown or mask anymore. If he ever returned home he worried about his father's reaction to losing them.

She chuckles softly at his flabbergasted expression, "I take it magic isn't very common in your kingdom. That would make sense." She carefully set down a bowl and grabbed a glass of water and some herbs by the look of it. "Here, eat these and drink the water. Should help with the headache." She assures, "I've had one too many glasses of wine myself." She waves her hand a few more plates of food float over to the table, "Please, help yourself to whatever, I rarely get to cook like this." She glances over at Saros.

The vampire was curled up in contentment around a pillow, hair falling over their eyes. Their chest rose and fell slowly and evenly, suggesting a deep slumber. They looked harmless like this, but the speed and agility they had shown the night before suggested otherwise. They let out a tiny little noise in their sleep and a small smile fell onto the woman's lips. "I'm glad he brought you here. The forest can be incredibly dangerous at night." She took a drink of whatever was in her cup. "Said you looked half scared to death."

She glanced over at the other and smiled sweetly. "I mean no offense. We just don't often get humans in here, and we don't usually see royal ones wander in. So… you're an extra special treat to those that might find you." She hummed as she waved her hand. A small measuring tape wandered around him before it set to work on some clothes.

Caspian had never been one to never know what to say or do, it came with the territory of being a royal - to be prepared for whatever social circumstances one may find themselves in and respond accordingly. But this? He was still scared of saying or doing the wrong thing. With the magic flowing around him, it was hard to know what to say in response without sounding ignorant. He wasn't well educated when it came to magic and so it was sure the confusion - and awe - was present in his bright green eyes.

"I didn't mean to wander so far, Ma'am," He reached for the glass and the herbs, quickly eating and drinking before he continued, "It was a mistake to leave the grounds but-" A sigh. The peace and quiet the forest had enticed him with was far too good to let up in the moment. The call of silence, or disappearing if only for a minute to clear his head from how intoxicating the party had been. Caspian was a fool to ever follow his drunken head, and finally, his mistakes had caught up to him on that front.

He watched the tape measure with wide eyes before he finally set to eating, if only starting small out of respect - and manners - for the witch. The prince nearly groaned at the sweetness and deliciousness that filled his stomach. The food was unlike that of the palace, but it tasted better than anything he had had.

She smiles a little at his awe, "This must all be very new to you." She tilts her head a little bit and smiled. "I know that humans tend to be a little awestruck the first time they see magic outside of their kingdom. I wonder how closed off your kingdom is if you don't experience magic all that much…" She finishes off her drink before extending her hand. "My name is Dahlia. It's a pleasure to meet you. There's no need to worry about wandering too far. The forest offers much when it comes to peace of mind and wonder, but I must admit you chose a poor time to wander through the woods." She smiles, "I'm guessing you were looking for an escape? Usually, the forests do not welcome just anyone into their arms. You were looking for peace, perhaps? I was in a similar situation, eager to escape my life… The woods welcomed me home." She leans back in her chair, looking relaxed.

The clothes worked themselves out easily, keeping the prince's colors, but in a much more muted way, as well as allowing comfort and mobility. The clothes folded themselves neatly before settling on a pile on the couch. Dahlia stood and moved over to Saros, patting his head. "Keep an eye on the prince, okay? I've got more things I need to find before we can send him home. The forest won't open for another few weeks, so try to get along with him, okay?" The vampire made a little grumbling noise of acknowledgment before falling back asleep.

Caspian shook Dahlia's hand, offering a small smile in return, "No, no we don't get any magical begin in Eirus." His father had seen to that and kept a strict hand when it came to magic. Magic beings weren't unwelcome, per se, however, it certainly felt that way to the prince. There was the occasional healer that passed through, a witch and her familiar, but apart from that, there was none. Cas had never dared to ask why. As a child, he had overheard conversations - arguments - between his mother and father about the practical ban on magic. Why practising the art wasn't tolerated, or why beings of magical properties were to stay outside the walls of the kingdom. It always ended with yelling, and he had been too young to gauge the full extent of the conversations. All he remembered was the way his father looked whenever it was mentioned. Cold, calculated, and almost disgusted. The only time Cas had been afraid of his own father had been in those moments.

The prince gave Dahlia a sheepish look when she guessed his reason for wandering into the forest, "Yes, peace. Just for a moment. The party was… too much," Overwhelming and suffocating. He watched the witch move over to Saros, and his eyes widened when she said weeks. "Weeks? I- I can't be here for weeks I-" He didn't want to go home. He missed his father, yes, but the moment he stepped foot back into the palace he was to be crowned king. Any sense of freedom he had from being prince would be gone, and the rest of his life would be devoted to his people, more so than it was already, if at all possible. It was conflicting - to want to stay and do the moral right thing despite what his heart wanted.

Dahlia hummed softly, "I expected as much, considering the past." Her brow furrowed in worry. "I understand why that might be the case, but…" She sighed deeply and shook her head. "I suppose that makes sense how humans are not fond of magic users." She sighed sadly and shook her head, "I suppose peace was never an option." She carefully picked up a vase and filled it with water. "But yes. I understand the need to escape and how the forest offers that sanctuary." She placed the vase in the sun so that the flowers could bloom. "But it wasn't just the party, was it?" She whispers softly. "It was everything else, wasn't it? The expectations, the loss, just… all of it." She turned to face the prince. "It is going to have to be weeks. The forest only opens itself to new people when both moons are at their peak. Trying to escape is nearly impossible…" She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Please, rest for now. I'll see if I can find you a way out of here faster, but… for now, just stay here." She raises a placating hand. "Saros will keep you company while I'm gone. If you need anything, he'll provide." She pats Saros' head before exiting the cottage.

Saros stretched casually and waved a hand to her as she left but stayed curled up in his little spot. He looked cozy for the most part, his eyes shutting in contentment. He stretched a little and regarded the prince curiously, his eyes flashing a soft red before he settled again.

Caspian stuttered, unable to find the words to try and ask if there was anything she could do now, any possible why, and how the Hells she knew the true reasons as to why he had wandered into the forest. Dahlia was gone before he could say anything to gather more information. His appetite had disappeared, and he pushed the plate of food in front of him away before standing from the table. He was going to take the new clothes she had conjured up for him and change, but instead, he stood at the side of the couch as he and Saros made eye contact for a brief moment.

Saros was unlike anything the prince had ever seen before, from the way he had moved last night, to how he looked and acted. He was different to how he was told vampires were supposed to act. Caspian recalled that Saros had spoken to him last night, and it seemed he had spoken to Dahlia, earlier, too. If they were to be together for the next few weeks, then they would have to speak eventually, otherwise, Cas might go crazy.

"Thank you, for helping me yesterday." That seemed like a good place to start. He'd thanked Saros before bed but it hadn't felt enough. If Saros hadn't found him, or even tried to help him than he would be a mess of a corpse lost in the forest. At least now there was some hope of returning back to Eirus, despite the long wait.

Saros looked up when Caspian spoke, tilting his head ever so slightly before he sat up. Carefully he stalked around the room, shutting the curtains so that the sun wouldn't burn him before settling on the couch. He stretched out a little bit and tilts his head. "I'm just paying a debt forward. Dahlia saved me… and it was clear that you were new within the forest." He shrugged a little bit and grabbed a blanket and curled up under it. "Though- I was tempted to leave you there if I'm being incredibly honest. Enough of your kind has tried to hunt me and kill me, simply because I'm not a tameable vampire." He rolled his eyes and shrugged. "But- your blood didn't lie. You were scared shitless. You could have killed me at any time last night. So. I figured you're fine enough." Saros shrugged before he winced a little.

Bunnies were enough to last him an evening. But tonight he would need to hunt again. He had enough strength to go out hunting that evening, but he was worried that he would need to find bigger prey, and larger prey was difficult when it came to not straying too far from Dahlia's home. "I'll have to leave again tonight. The runes are enough to keep the creatures away at night, so you'll be safe enough." He shrugged a little bit and stretched out a little on the couch. "But for now, you're stuck with me in the house. Can't go outside or I'll turn into ash." He wiggles his fingers playfully before chuckling. "Ah- not actually. I'll just get a really bad sunburn."

Caspian frowned, “I was pretty tipsy and defenceless. If anything you could have killed me.” He shrugged. The prince had had no weapons, he had been confronted with an unknown creature and was drunk. In his mind, if he had even attempted to try and kill or attack Saros he would have been killed quicker than he had even tried to attack. He picked up the clothes that had been left on the side, hugging them to his chest as he looked at the vampire swaddled in the blanket on the couch. It was very different to how he had felt last night. At least now, Cas felt that he was some what safe. Saros wouldn’t hurt him, he hoped. He doubted Dahlia would be very impressed if she came back and found the prince dead in her home - or missing.

The prince didn’t hide his curiosity when Saros spoke of his sunburn. What he knew about vampires came from myths and legends, which any stories about any creatures were mostly lies and fabrications, but as a child it had always felt real. No vampires came into Eirus for obvious reasons, so Caspian had no knowledge of what the vampires in the northern regions were like, and Saros was wild - he was even more different, “I thought you would die. Are all vampires like that when it comes to the sun?” He felt ignorant, stupid, even. His curiosity was clear and he conveyed no ill will, just wanting to learn. If they were to share the space together for a few weeks then they would have to get to know each other. He supposed they could ignore each other but that didn’t seemed likely.

(Hi! Sorry for the late reply, I'm sick :/ Not covid luckily, but a pretty back flu, so I spent the majority of yesterday resting.)

Saros hummed and let out a little chuckle, "If I wanted to have killed you, I already would have. But- I'm not sure. You just looked so terrified. Plus it's been a while since I've seen a human wander these woods. If anything, I was curious." He cuddles more into the blanket, his long hair creating curtains around his shoulders. He felt cozy, but he was also incredibly curious. Humans were different, and they were more secluded. Their kingdom had many walls, except for the forest behind them. They did not like magic, though Saros could not imagine why. Magic was so helpful, as Dahlia made it seem.

When he noticed the other's curiosity towards his sunburn, a little chuckle left his lips. He stretched so he was in a more comfortable position to face Caspian and shrugged. "No, no. I'm a younger vampire. Over the years vampires have become a little more immune to the sun and its effects. And before I became a vampire, I spend the majority of my life in the sun, thus extra tolerance. Older vampires, per se…. well. Put them in the sun and they'll shrivel like a prune before turning to ash." Saros clicked his tongue. "They deserve that though." He glanced at the other, "But it makes sense as to why people have expectations when it comes to vampires. We, just like humans, come with different abilities, different strengths, and weaknesses. Though- I have to admit it's a little strange that humans think holy water and wooden stakes can kill a vampire. Holy water- well hate to tell you your churches are so corrupt that the holy water is no longer holy. As for the wooden stake- wouldn't that kill just about anyone if you were stabbed through the heart?"

(Heya, no need to worry about it! I am the king of late replies lowkey and I've got uni classes today so, no need to apologise. rest up friend!)

Caspian took a small step closer, hugging his new clothes to his chest as if they would act as a shield if Saros was to change his mind about killing him, "I suppose that makes sense." The books in the library of Eirus clearly had not been updated in centuries when it came to the knowledge of magical beings and their properties. Most, based on myths or tales passed down for generations, probably had a lot more lies than just those basic ones, "What are you weak to then?" It was a curiosity question and none that had any ill will behind it, evident by the look on the prince's face - soft, a little tired, and maybe a small amount of wonder. For someone who had spent his life being told magic was of evil forces and should not be messed with, he seemed less scared now that they were talking compared to last night. His world had been flipped upside down within the last twelve hours. What he thought he knew was wrong and he was like a child taking their first steps into the world once more.

The prince knew all there was to learn about royal life. From the type of crown to wear in different scenarios to what fork or spoon to use at dinner. How to conduct himself in meetings with adversaries compared to his own people. He could walk blindfolded through a castle and know exactly where every room was and what they contained and argue every point made across a board meeting on trade routes or alliances. But when it came to the real world? The world of magic? He was clueless, only having knowledge based on fairytales and stories told as a child, the outdated books that seemed to crumble when you picked them up too quickly, and rumours that spread throughout the streets of Eirus. A strange position to find yourself in when all he wanted when he left the party was a little bit of peace.

Saros hummed as he glanced at Caspian step closer, tilting his head a little bit and chuckling softly. "Yes… I suppose it does." He tilts his head and smiles at the prince. "What am I weak to? Hm… cute humans who wander into the forest?" He giggled quietly into his hand before waving it off. "Ah, but for actual weaknesses, other vampires' blood, per se. It's highly toxic to us. Very similar to poison. Some of us are halflings, which makes us immune to vampire things, but weak to human things and vice versa. Some older generations are weak to the sun since they're so incredibly old. Some, like me, are weak to metals like iron and silver, mainly silver." He shrugged, "It depends on the classification, age, and sometimes even the gender of the vampire. Females are predominantly stronger than males, but even then some vampires can shift size, shape, and gender. It's all a whole mess. The main reason is simply that when vampires were on the brink of extinction we bred and bit in every way we could so that we could at least carry on the bloodline. That's where you humans get the idea of us being monsters." HJe shrugged. "Any other questions?" He asks gently, there was no malevolence behind it, if anything it appeared that Saros seemed to understand Caspian's eagerness. Saros was a curious creature as well.

Cas remembered in his half tipsy have petrified state that he’d taken his sash off due to the silver that had been sewn into the fabric when they had first met last night. He almost hit himself for forgetting, although, he was more embarrassed about how drunk he had been at the time than anything else. He could hear his fathers voice in his head reprimanding him for drinking too much - for behaving uncivilised. It wouldn’t have been the first time, had he not wandered into the forest, that he would have had that conversation. ”Caspian, you’re the crown prince, you cannot be drinking your days away when you should be preparing for your coronation.” and “Your brothers would have never done this at their birthdays - they knew how to keep appearances and act professionally.” His father had never used the word disappointed during that time, but Caspian had known it was what he had been thinking for a few months. When the prince registered Saros’ first comment he opened his mouth, closed it again for he didn’t know what to say, before he shook his head at the vampires last question, “Uh no- no I don’t think so,” He swallowed, “I’m going to change, excuse me.” Caspian hurried off to the room, gently shutting the door behind him before he got to changing out of his car too extravagant party outfit.

Saros hummed faintly as he watched the human seem to remember the night before, and he leans his head on his hand. He was curious about what Caspian was thinking, but he didn't want to interrupt. He smiled a little bit when he saw the prince register his words before humming faintly, "Alright. Just let me know if you do." His eyes followed the prince when Caspian hurried off to his room to change, a little huff leaving his lips before he cuddled back into his blanket and looked up at the ceiling. How interesting to no longer be alone in this home. Dahlia rarely ever returned to her home, usually off scavenging in the woods or mingling in various kingdoms. She allowed Saros to live here under the agreement that he would keep the house safe from various creatures and keep the house neat. He didn't complain, the cottage was comfortable and had everything he needed. He didn't think it was a bad idea to welcome a human into the house, and Dahlia seemed fine by it. He grunts softly as he stands and wanders to the bathroom, trying to brush out the tangles in his hair. He didn't have the heart to cut it, it was part of his identity, after all. But he didn't know how to braid and tying it back into a ponytail hurt his head. So he just sat and brushed while he waited for the human to finish changing. How interesting it would be to have a roommate for a few weeks.

Caspian wasn't slow when it came to changing, however, he did take his time looking over the magical work Dahlia had created. Strange to think that she hadn't touched the clothes and yet they were made to his size and shape, comfortable and practically the same as what he would wear back at home. The navy blue button-up was loose and breezy, leaving room for him to move around without constraint or worry that a button would pop off. The pants of similar fit - only in black. The prince neatly folded his clothes from the night before, placing them on the small cabinet that sat in the corner of the room. If he ever managed to leave this place, he had to make sure to bring them home. Not that it mattered in all honesty - he had far too many clothes than he knew what to do with, but he supposed, it was what he had worn on his birthday, and he would rather avoid his father becoming upset over something so small when Caspian didn't care. What he did find himself caring about, was making himself presentable for Saros. Why? He didn't know, but he found himself combing through his mess of soft curls with his fingers in order to tame them just a little before he headed back out into the living area, smoothing down his shirt a moment later. His headache was fading, leaving him more clear-headed and able to take in the comment the vampire had made about him being cute. Saros was doing it to wind him up, surely, otherwise why else would he make such a notion?

Saros hissed softly as the brush tore through another knot. He hated how tangled it got, hated how long it took to brush. But he could not bear to think about chopping it all off. So he continued to brush, slow and carefully, trying not to yank out too much hair. His thoughts wandered as he brushed. Why had he brought the prince here? Obviously, he didn't want the other to die… But why not take him somewhere else? Why take him to Saros' home? That made no sense. No sense whatsoever. He sighed and shook his head as he allowed himself to focus once again. He perked when he heard footsteps, so lost in his thoughts that he didn't properly register who was coming out. He paused as he carefully grabbed a knife he kept with him. It was not made of silver, but rather obsidian. He had carved and created the knife. He held it in his hands, ready to strike, before realizing that it was just the prince walking around his room. Saros let out a little grunt and gently placed it down. He would need to get used to a roommate that was for sure. He wasn't used to sharing his space. He picked up the brush once again and set back to work, making sure to keep the prince's footsteps in mind. When Caspian emerged from his room, Saros looked up and smiled, "Well don't you look fitting." He hummed as he swooped some of his hair over his shoulder. "Just let me know if you need anything else."

And there it was again. There was no need to make comment about Caspian's appearance, so why do so? The reasons alluded him. Vampires were so different to humans, Saros more so than any other from what he could gauge, and thus it left the prince feelings confused, if not only a little bashful, too. He heard the vampire grunt beforehand and noticed the hairbrush in his hand. He almost offered to help considering the amount of hair the other had. His mother had had hair of similar length and as a child, she'd taught him to braid. For your future wife. She'd said at the time. It would have helped him too, had he decided to grow his own hair. But he found that it was too much maintenance for him and he disliked how he looked with long hair. It made his face look strange, and his brothers had picked on him a little he had attempted to grow his hair as a young teenager, "Do you… need any help…?" He asked though the hesitancy in his voice showed, "I can braid if that's of any use." It was quite relaxing the more he had learnt and grown his skills. Not that he needed them anymore, considering his mother was no longer around and he had no interest in finding a wife but, maybe this could show that they would be able to get along while he stayed with Saros for a few weeks.

Saros paused when he heard the human offer help. He glanced down at the brush in his hands and sighed deeply. "That obvious, hm?" He chuckles a little and shrugged a little before offering the brush to the human. "Here you are then." He wasn't as hesitant regarding offering the brush. If anything he looked relaxed. "Braiding would be useful- I haven't a clue how to do that." He sighed and settled on the nearest chair so that it was easier for Caspian to have access to his hair. Now that he was sitting down his hair brushed along the floor of the cottage. He looked surprisingly relaxed as he sat there. Perhaps it was because he knew that even if Caspian attempted to attack him or something of the sort he was fast enough to handle the situation. But he doubted this prince would do that. It was just something about the vibe of the prince. "So… why wander out into the forest in the middle of the night completely drunk? If I may ask of course." He tapped his bottom lip in thought. "Though the forest does call to the lonely and exhausted." He shrugged and tilted his head over at his new roommate. "Or perhaps it was a way of escape? I don't doubt the prince life is stuffy and exhausting."

Caspian accept the brush with a quiet thank you and moved around the back of the chair. Saros had more hair than his mother had ever had, but that wasn't going to stop him from braiding. It would kill the time and relax them both, it seemed, from the way the vampire sat in the chair. Something about it was both intimidating and nice. He got to brushing as Saros spoke, taking his time and being gentle with each knot he came across with a delicate hand. The prince hummed softly. Why had he wandered into the forest of all places? He could have stayed in the grounds where it was safe, but no. Something had called him there. His inner desires? Fear of what his life would become had he stayed at the party? Probably both, "Ah, yes well…" He sighed, "I- I don't know, really." He met Saros' gaze for a moment before biting his lip and turning back to brushing, "I mean I was drunk, I wasn't thinking straight." Maybe he could pass it off as an accident. On second thought, it was obvious that even Cas didn't believe his own words, "I just needed some air and got lost. The party it was- it was too much, not even the wine could save me from how insufferable the people were." And his own thoughts. Usually they were drowned out by the buzz of alcohol but not that night.

Saros seemed to relax more and more as the brush went through his hair. It had been a while since someone had been so gentle with him. He hummed as he leaned back a little bit into the touches. He looked much like a cat, his eyes closed with a very content look. As he allowed the prince to work through his thoughts Saros just simply melted into the gentle hands working through his hair. He paused when he heard the prince's voice and glanced up and raised his eyebrow before nodding when he heard the actual thoughts behind why the prince would run. "But was it really just the party? Or was it the expectations being thrust upon you?" He tilts his head. "Usually those who run into the forest are often trying to escape something. Many come into the forest because the magic lures them with promises of escape, of comfort." He slowly looked at Caspian, "Or I could be completely wrong and you were just drunk out of your mind and went 'oh pretty leaves!'. Sometimes things in life just aren't that deep." He shrugged hopelessly. "The forest is just weird in general, but terrifying at night." He paused for a moment, reflecting back to the reason why he escaped into the forest. He inhaled sharply and shoved the memories away before glancing at Caspian and smiled. "Either way, you're stuck with me for a few weeks."

Caspian swallowed, "My coronation is- was - supposed to be next week." Saros wasn't wrong. There had been other motives and desires as to why he wandered into the forest instead of simply disappearing back to his chambers. All those dreams he'd had as a kid, the wish to live a quiet, soft life whether on his own or with someone else. The closer his coronation had come over the recent weeks the stronger those desires had become and he had often found himself sitting in the nook in the palace library, watching the forest and hoping to get away. With the wine, with the party, everything had built up and consumed the prince. He could blame the wine all he wanted, but the truth was there under the surface, "I guess- I guess I didn't want to become king." He shrugged as if it wasn't just a huge thing that he had admitted to Saros. If Cas didn't become king, Eirus would have no other heir to fall back to. His father was old, it was why they weren't waiting until he passed to crown Cas as he was practically already running the kingdom, but without him? Eirus would be prone to fall. Cas knew it, it was why he didn't denounce his crown, why he had stayed, "I… I needed some more time before-" Caspian placed the brush down, starting to part Saros' hair with his hands into sections before he got to braiding.

Saros listened intently, tilting his head slightly when he heard Caspian explain how he didn't want to become King. His eyes soften, "That's a lot of responsibility for one person, not to mention…" His voice was soothing and gentle. "Well… Consider these next few weeks' time to relax from that thought, hm?" He gently pats Caspian's wrist and smiles gently. He hummed as he leaned into the gentle hands in his hair, a soft sigh leaving his lips. "Being king is a lot of responsibility, and my guess is that you barely had any preparation for it?" Saros could speak from experience per se. But he didn't delve deeper. "Thank you for trusting me with that information." He murmured softly, "The forest often calls to those wishing to escape. Some do escape into the forest. Just look at me and Dahlia for example. But do not allow the forest to wrap you in its vines. This forest is dangerous, even in the daylight. I will protect you best I can while you are here, and I shall do my best to get you back home… But for now, spend your time here relaxing." He hummed as he nuzzled into his blanket and shuts his eyes as he relaxed into Caspian's hands.

Caspian hummed gently. He didn't know how desperately he wanted to get home. A few weeks was a long time to be away from home, especially as he would be considered missing by his people, by his father. The only reason why he would go home would be to dull the nerves and fear that his father was probably experiencing. Guilt swarmed in his stomach. What kind of a prince was he if he was running from responsibility? Deserting his kingdom, his people, his father? His brothers would never have run. Well, they wanted to become king, anyway, so it was slightly different, but despite that, even if they didn't, they would not have done what Cas had. They would have stayed, they would have accepted, and they would not have been cowards. Swallowing those thoughts, Cas focused his attention on Saros' hair, taking his time when it came to parting the sections before he began gently weaving the hair together. The braids weren't tight, they were quite loose however had enough grip that they would stay, "I had plenty of time to prepare for my coronation." Not entirely false, "I should have been ready."

Saros sighed deeply and leaned against the others hands as he allowed the prince to think. He wasn't sure what was going through the prince's mind- but Saros didn't doubt there was a lot of turmoil between his heart and his head. There were a lot of expectations placed on a prince's shoulders when it came to taking over the realm. He knew that feeling all too well. His thoughts were cut off when he heard Cas speak and he glanced up, "Are you sure? Usually when people have 'plenty of time' it usually means you were placed in the position as a last resort or unexpectedly." He tilts his head, "But should have been ready, and 'completely ready' are two different feelings." He relaxed a little more when he felt his hair was braided. "Though of course, I could be wrong. You could have spent your entire life working towards becoming a king and I just might be spouting things from my ass. But either way, it's very different for all of us and why we came to the forest. But we all have one thing in common, we wanted to escape from something." He shrugged. "It's completely up to you what you do now." He offers a gentle smile, "I, for one, am not complaining about the company."