Private for Razorstar + Syrrus

[razorstar]

Danny moved slowly through the trees outside of the castle grounds, smiling and humming a soft tune. It was a sunny day in midsummer, and he couldn't be happier. His father often discouraged his habit of wandering, the temptation of a bit of freedom and a break in the continuity of every day life was too much for him to stay inside all day and listen to his father repeating things he had been drilling into his son's mind since before he could walk. He was supposed to be the next King. The next leader and protector of his kingdom. He wasn't a fan of having that much responsibility, but he could live with it. He had to live with it. He didn't have much of a choice, now, did he? He smiled at a small bird chirping in the tree above him, his blue eyes glowing like jewels.


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[razorstar]

This is private for @Syrrus and I


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[Syrrus]

“Dull day, eh, Highness?” Said a voice, a very self-obsessed and proud voice. It came from the top of the apple tree which the young prince just passed under. Sitting in it was a man, dressed impressively in both leather and cloth. He was wearing a heavy good, but his scar lay around his neck around where it was supposed to be sitting which was around half his face. There was no point for him to hide his good looks, not now anyway.


The man was munching on one of the royal apples, which, if he had to be honest, tasted just like any other apple. What a ripoff.


Magpie was laying nicely on one of the thicker branches, comfortable with his upper back against the trunk of the tree as support, making it almost look like he was laying in a comfortable bed. It was as comfortable as could be, for being a tree. He was looking, pouting with his lips at the red apple he held in his hand before looking down at the Prince and a smirk sneaked on to his face.

 

[razorstar]

Danny froze the instant he heard a voice. That definitely wasn't a bird. He dared a glance upward, looking more like a scared deer than a prince. He quickly made an attempt to compose himself, smoothing down his hair and trying to seem confident, although he knew it wasn't going to work. He could feel the red blush in his cheeks, drawn out by the surprise of suddenly being found.


"I-I suppose." He forced out, almost squeaking. The man above him didn't look like a guard or anyone that worked for his father. He clenched his fists and stiffened up, able to feel his hands beginning to shake out of fear. Who was that man? And what was he doing there?


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[Syrrus]

The man jumped out of the tree and landed neatly in front of the prince, just a inch or two away. His cape, however, decided to land neatly over his head which resulted in Magpie trying his hardest to get it off and back behind him where it belonged, causing his hood to go with it and land softly over his shoulders. Shivering with annoying the man stared off into the distance, his black hair messy around his head. He turned his gaze down at the prince, smirk completely gone.


Magpie stroke his hair back, once and only once before smirking at him again. “It doesn't look like you got much of protection though, Highness.” He said, looking around as he placed a hand on the prince's shoulder and began to push him towards the gates, walking terribly close.


The guards was laying around the garden behind bushes and trees with deadly cut and bruises, some even had a arrow or two going straight through them. They wouldn't get up any time soon.

 

[razorstar]

Danny had almost giggled when the cape landed over this man's head, but now he was no longer amused. He moved with the man, able to smell something on him that, even though he was fairly sheltered, he recognized instantly. It was the sweet, copper scent on blood. He could easily assume it was human; although his imagination had been known to get away from him at times.


He turned his head to look at the man, still walking. "What do you think you're doing?" He growled, trying to sound as commanding and brave as his father and failing. It wasn't in him to be like his father, however, and he heard his voice faultier.


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[Syrrus]

“Well, you see, Your guards are too incompetent, so I am here to protect you.” He said, smirking down at him. As they reached the gate he let go of the prince for only a second and before that second started he had managed to tie the prince's hands, unnoticed, with black rope, connected to his thick belt. He was just that good. “Can you climb?” The man asked as he rubbed his hands together as he watched the high wall and the locked gate. He doubted that the little prince could climb anything, he would be surprised if he could even run as weak and fragile he looked. Perhaps it wasn't a prince, but a princess he had come to kidnap.

 

[razorstar]

A frown spread across Danny's face. Yeah, he was there to protect him, sure. It was more likely that he was going to sell him to an enemy kingdom, kill him, or hold him for ransom. He looked up the wall. It seemed easy enough. The place where he usually snuck out was cracked and. Hint easier to get up, but he could do it under normal circumstances. Not now, though. " not with my hands tied." He replied, his soft voice laced with sarcasm. He rarely spoke like that, but now was an exception to many things, wasn't it? He tried to remember as many facts about the man as possible, just in case he escaped and had to tell his father who had snatched him.


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[Syrrus]

Magpie looked up the wall, studying it, still rubbing his hands together. “I suppose I have little choice.” The man was no proper human, after all.


With one strong grip he pulled the prince into the air and plopped him over his shoulder like a bag of vegetables. He then took a few step backwards, taking a few deep breaths and then ran towards the wall and he didn't let the wall stop him but continued to run, on it, sideways and everything. As he reached the top he made a leap and landed neatly upon one knee on the other side of the wall.


Two guards was there, though they didn't seem very inclined in helping their prince. Mainly because they were stuck to the wall, pierced against it with arrows, but mostly because they were dead. They wear bleeding, painting the wall and the ground bellow them in the deepest of red.

 

[razorstar]

This wasn't what he thought would happen. Not at all. He let out a harsh squeak when he was thrown over the mans shoulder and then run up a wall. He felt the air escape him when they landed, and it didn't come back. How could he breathe when a few men that worked for his father and were meant to protect them were dead? He stared at the bodies in horror, now shaking like a leaf in the wind and suddenly pale. "Oh my god." He suddenly managed. He recognized them. Their faces were ones that he had seen over and over again. And they were dead.


Wait.


It this man killed the guards, what had happened to his family? His mother and father and little sister?was he the only one left? Nightmarish visions of his family dead ran through his mind and he forced his eyes to close.


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[Syrrus]

Whistling loudly with two fingers in his mouth caught the attention of a horse. A beautiful black and white stallion. It wasn't his obviously, but it listened better to him than it had to any other owner it had had. Magpie proceeded by tossing the prince up on top of the horse and jumping up behind him shortly after. He placed both his arms around the little man and took a tight grip of the horses mane. At least it had a saddle, what more could someone expect?


Magpie pulled up his hood, placing in neatly over his head and pushed his scarf up over his mouth and nose. He had managed to kidnap the prince of the kingdom, without as much as one scrape, during bright daylight. He wasn't going to take any chances on the road back to town and the men who wanted to pay enough money for the thief to retire.


“Hold on, Highness.” He whispered in the boy's ear. Deciding that it was going to be the humans name from now on. He smacked his tongue loudly and the horse went off like the wind towards the forest and the city beyond.

 

[razorstar]

The young prince didn't dare to move, let alone try to escape. This man had killed armed guards that had been specifically trained to deal with people wanting to break in. Danny had been trained with a sword, but he didn't have one, did he? He wasn't that good with them, anyways. He was great with how and arrows, but father discouraged his use of the weapon, saying it was for girls. Was it so feminine now that some of his best guards had been killed by one.


"Where are you taking me? What are you going to do? Who are you? Did you hurt my family?" Questions started escaping Danny like a waterfall, and he soon found that he was shaking again. This wasn't happening, was it? No. He must've fallen asleep under a tree. It was all just a nightmare, he was sure of it. It had happened before. But, he bit down hard on his tongue, only letting go when he could taste blood and the pain made him stop. Okay, this was actually happening. He was being kidnapped.


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[Syrrus]

He wished he have had a better way to introduce himself, riding on a horse wasn't that impressive and he had to admit: he loved to show off. “I am known as Magpie, greatest thief and assassin this world have every seen!” He chuckled and made the horse turn sharply to the right almost causing his hood to fly off him again. “And no I haven't hurt your family. I only killed them who tried to stop me. Why would I waste arrows, which costs five silver and thirty nine copper each, on things I certainly don't need?” The whole question was absurd. Wasn't it obvious?


“And I am taking you to the man who was prepared to pay me a fortune for you.” Magpie said, nodded towards the now visible city and is gigantic church. They were getting closer, and as soon as they entered the city, screames by them who almost got run over echoed through the streets.


Magpie stopped his horse by the church gate and tied the prince up by the fence. “This is unbreakable rope.” The man said, tugging on the rope tied around the prince's wrists. “It will stick to you till the bitter end, now wait here while I speak to the priest.” He winked and vanished inside.


It didn't take long till Magpie was heard, shouting through the halls as he walked back out on the street. “What do you mean you don't want anything to do with this!? You promised-- AAAGH!” The man proceeded to scream as he threw a giant piece of the brickwork over the prince's head in what could only be described as pure rage, for it sure wasn't love he was feeling. Close enough though.

 

[razorstar]

While his captor had been in the building, Danny had been working on trying to untie the knot holding him captive. He had just been able to persuade it to loosen a hint when he heard Magpie. He instantly tried to look like he hadn't been trying to escape, but did it matter? He was going to be sold, anyways.


No. Apparently he wasn't, according to what Magpie was yelling. Had the priest changed his mind? What had he wanted the prince for, anyways? It wasn't for money, if he was willing to pay so much for the young man.


Danny closed his eyes, forcing his thoughts away. He didn't want to know.


What he did want to know, was what would happen now? He wouldn't be let go, would he? A boy could dream.


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[Syrrus]

After kicking rocks and shouting enough to catch the local guards' attention, Magpie finally turned towards the prince, breathing through pearly white teeth. "You know what I hate?" He asked, frustrated with everything but himself. " Let me tell you exactly what I hate..." He walked forward and took hold of the black rope tying the prince to the bright white fence.


"I hate when people lie to me. Yes, it is petty and probably happens every day..." He pulled the prince close as he walked towards the horse, his hair standing to one side as if he was standing in a strong draft. "Come, highness. I am sure we can find someone else that are willing the pay tons and tons of gold for your life. "


Magpie helped the prince back up on the horse by lifting him by the waist. There had to be something he could do to earn enough gold for such a humble cause. He was going to burn down the town first though. Out of spite. Which was why he jumped up on the horse, behind the little prince and watched the guards come running as he removed his boy from his back and placed it in the prince's hand. "Have you ever used a boy, highness?" He asked as he gave the young man one red painted arrow as he kicked the horse's side and went riding towards the outskirts of town. "If you have, be a kind little royal and shoot that arrow into town. If you do I promise to cut you loose..."

 

[razorstar]

This was quite the conundrum. Shoot the arrow and have something happen but be free, or not shoot and have nothing potentially bad happen but he would be tied up still. He bit his lip, frowning. The idea of being sold off to the highest bidder wasn't the best. The idea of going home was so tempting...


Taking a deep breath, Danny strung up the arrow and shot it, watching the Til hit slightly to the left of where he had aimed. He blamed it on the horse moving and stress. He had no clue what kind of fate he had just doomed the town to, but a part of him didn't care. He just wanted to go home to his family and be safe. He assumed Magpie would keep his promise, seeing as he had just been complaining about those who broke their promises. Danny could only hope he would let him go free.


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[Syrrus]

Magpie's eyes followed the arrow as the cut through the air, he muttered some words in a language unknown to man into the ear of the prince, by mistake. The prince didn't need to hear anything, but it was difficult to ride the horse with someone in front of you, without leaning against them.


It was hard to tell if it was the man's words which had set the arrow on fire, or if it had done so by itself but as it struck the ground, somewhere in the town bellow the hill the both of them were currently climbing on top of the strong stallion, it burst into hellish flames which could threw itself on every person, animal and building like impish demons. Setting it all on fire.


Magpie stopped to horse, far enough so the fires wouldn't reach them but close enough so they still could watch what was happening. A smirk growing on his lips. "Good job, highness." He said as he cut the rope and tossing it onto the ground and as soon as it touched the grass it vanished into a puff of smoke. "Lets go." He then said and made the horse slowly move forward, without a thought on actually letting the prince go.

 

[razorstar]

Thoughts instantly ran through the prince's mind. 'Cut him loose.' He never said he would be freed. Now, a town was ablaze and people were dying because he didn't take Magpie literally enough. He looked down at the ground, mentally insulting himself for being so stupid. But, now he had a chance. At the same time, he now knew exactly what he was up against. Magic? He knew nothing on the topic. His father had dismissed it as myth his entire life.


The king was a fool.


Danny watched the ground, able to feel Magpie almost unbearably close to him. He wasn't tied up. His mind created a stupid, stupid idea. It was just stupid enough to work. He suddenly dove under Magpie's arms, hitting the ground as he jumped off the horse. It took him a moment to get up before he started sprinting. He might be able to get away. If he could get to heavy woods, the horse wouldn't be able to keep up, right?


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[Syrrus]

"Huh, where are you- Oh." Magpie turned to horse around so the both of them could get a better look at the running boy. It was quite adorable, that the boy thought the rope was the only thing strong enough to keep him. Or perhaps it was just a strong act of will that he had just witnessed. Adorable.


"This isn't funny, highness." Magpie said, even though he sounded very much amused as he kicked the horse and made it gallop after the silly little prince. He made sure to slow the horse down, just as he ran up to the boy, following him side by side. "Don't you realized what you have done? I doubt even a prince can get away with slaughtering a whole town, just like that." Magpie snapped his fingers and leaned forward, trying his hardest to look the prince in the eye, even though they were both still moving. "You are just as bad as me know. In the eyes of the gods we are both sinners this day. But by all means... go back to your castle and hide behind the stone walls... But can you look your mommy in the eyes without feeling guilty? And how long do you think it will get until justice is going to be served."


Magpie stopped his horse, watching the boy run. "You are a sinner now, boy! And you will be hanged just like one. Unless... you come with me." He reached out his hand for the prince, grinning from ear to ear. "You'll survive with me."

 

[razorstar]

Danny slowed to a stop, glaring at Magpie. He was trying to break him, and the prince wasn't about to let that happen. "I only shot an arrow. You're the one who set I ablaze." He growled, for once feeling as bold as his father would have been. "I have done nothing but wish to return to my castle and back to my royal duties." He stood tall, shoulders back and his head held high for the first time in a while. Hell, if he had been wearing his crown he would've Already been found and taken back home to his family.


"The only sinner here is you, sir." He rethought over the points the man had made. It wasn't his fault, right? It couldn't possibly be... But, he found himself doubting that.


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[Syrrus]

"By all means then, highness! Return to your castle and your little tiara." Magpie said as he leaned back over the stallion, placing his hands behind him so he had something to lean against. "Seeing what a fantastic prince you have been today, I am certain I will watch your people burn as soon as you put that heavy crown on your head." Chuckling, the man continued. "After all, I am only offering you treasure, adventure and women to fill that empty heart of yours. But if you rather go back to your comfy bed and pretend you are worthy of being called king, be my guest... Kings gets changed every day..."

 

[razorstar]

While he had no interest in the promise of women and he had all the treasure he could dream of, one thing caught Danny's attention in Magpie's little speech. Adventure. It was the one thing he wanted that he could never hope of having. Adventure was freedom. The freedom to do what you want, when you want, where you want. The freedom to experience things outside of books and stories. Danny pursed his lips. Was he actually considering this? Sure, he hated the idea of being a king, but it was his duty. Could he just abandon his family and life to go with a man he didn't know who had kidnapped him and made him burn down a town?


The answer was shockingly easy for him to find.


Danny walked slowly towards the horse, his boots dragging through the dirt beneath him. He was surely going to regret this. His father was going to send people out and he would be found. What would he say then?


Why, that he had been kidnapped, of course. It wasn't really a lie, was it?

 

[Syrrus]

Magpie couldn't help but grin even further. He reached out his hand towards the young man, looking down upon him with a typical look that suited him all too well. "What is the purpose to live if you don't enjoy it. Eh, Highness?" It was the philosophy the man lived by, something he never stop thinking off and something he never would change. He was a sinner, true but how could that surely be a problem when he never regretted a single thing he had done? He had enjoyed every moment, or at least... almost every moment. There was certain things even Magpie didn't enjoy and it had been one of the reason why he had decided to kidnap a prince.


Unfortunately nothing ever seemed to go Magpie's way when it came to freedom. Not a single darn thing. At least he had found himself a travel companion and an adorable little one for that matter. Someone he could tease and teach. At least till he got bored and decided to ditch the boy.

 

[razorstar]

A small smile managed to bloom on Danny's face as he took the man's hand, getting onto the horse with ease without even using the hand to help. "I suppose you have a point." He chirped, adjusting himself slightly. He knew there was still a chance that he was going to be sold-a probability, actually- but he could live with that. Life stuck in a castle as a prince wasn't all it seemed it would be. He would give it up in a heart beat.


Well, he actually had just attempted to give it up. It didn't even take him very long to decide he wanted to throw it all away. "So," he began. "Where are we going? Anywhere in particular?" He cocked his head slightly to the side after turning to face Magpie. He might as well get used to talking to the man. They were going to be traveling together for at least a little while, and riding in silence made Danny's skin crawl.

 

[Syrrus]

Magpie instantly kicked the horse with his feet to set it in motion, as soon as the prince sat comfortable in front of him again. Where were they going indeed. It was hard to tell, he never really had a plan seeing how useless at reading maps he was, and how little he trusted other people's directions when he actually took the effort to ask them. "Where ever our feet leads us." He said, pouting in thought.


He assumed they could ride to the Dragon Nest, it was a valley between the two tallest mountain. A great place for people like himself, a beautiful place too and he was certain he could turn the little prince away from his duty completely would he see it. Like a star in the heavens that place was. Prettiest in all the lands. But it would mean that they would have to travel across a strong mountain range, through the desert and past the jungle, they even had to cross the great sea.


"What about... The Desert? It is beautiful this time of year."