Fantasy you and i

[BurntCook]

Baron smiles back at Alexander, a warm one for the first time since they've met. "You'll just have to be careful forest boy, I'm a bit fast, swords weren't really a fancy to me." His heart skips a beat from the compliment, has it truly been such a long time that a nice interaction like this is joyful? It's probably just because he sees another dragon, he assumes, not trying to get his hopes up too fast. "Really? Then you probably know that air dragons aren't the easiest to fly, in fact, many riders tend to stay away from air dragons because of the specific equipment needed during flight." He looks past Alexander to see the saddle on Erran, "If we were to switch saddles, I'd most likely be having a hard time walking around like normal."

He raises his brow, "Academy? I've heard of it but didn't feel the need to go there, my family friend taught me all that I know now, even letting me have his journal. I think he went to the academy, I mean, he had to by how much he knew about dragons. He was able to tell me Ivero's attributes and element just by analyzing him." After Alexander asked of his magic, he shrugged, "Barely any, when me and my friend trained, it was mostly on connecting, fighting together, and flying without breaking my neck from whiplash. He knew more magic than I can count...all the spells in the journal don't make sense to me."

"The capital you say?" Baron repeats with interest, "So, you were in close quarters with the 'bastard' himself." This time, it was his turn to spit venom into those words. "If I were you, I would have done the deed even if it cost me my life, gods know he's taken so many others." he mumbles the last part and for a second there's a hint of pain in his eyes, like a memory flashing in the back of his head. Deciding to change the subject, he smacks Alexander's shoulder, "Well, I'm glad that fancy school gave you a dragon like Erran, seems to me she takes care of you just as much as you take care of her." Recalling how Erran had to occasionally grunt to get Alexander to focus made Baron chuckle a little bit.

That chuckle quickly turned into a laugh when Erran smacks Alexander, it's like he's seeing his life through a mirror. "Maybe she needs a break from you more than you realize." He turns around to look at Ivero still pestering with his feathers, "Ivero, why don't you go hunt with Erran!" Ivero didn't pay mind to him until he mentions Erran, in which he shoves his wings down at stares. His eyes give off that Baron asked an absurd question and then looked back at Erran.

His long ears flickered at Erran's breathing, not used to hearing a creature with such a deep inhale and exhale. It's been a long time since he's been in the presence of another dragon....he doesn't really know how to act. As he gets up, he stretches all of his limbs, letting his wings stretch across the empty area. Then, with one powerful gust of wind, he thrusts his body into the air, the wind once again smack the earth below him. Baron thought he was about to fly away, as if to stubbornly indicate that he can hunt on his own; to Baron's surprise, however, Ivero looks at Erran with a head tilt and makes a high pitch sort of chuckle. Baron hadn't heard that sound in a while, that sound he communicated to other dragons to follow him. Ivero then took off, but rather slower than usual to wait on Erran.

Baron looks back at Alexander, "Shall we get going?"

 

[david tennant]

Alexander raised an eyebrow as he heard his words. “So I am a forest boy now, huh?” He teased lightly. “But you shouldn’t doubt me any. I am sure that we will be evenly matched.” He promised. He was truly looking forward to this all. It would be nice to get back to the way that things used to be. He used to spar with many of his colleagues back in training. He was itching to be able to do it again. “I think you mean air dragons tend to stay away from riders. You are one of five humans that I have met that rides an air dragon. I have only had the pleasure of riding on one twice. I am very happy with Erran.” He spoke truthfully.

The dynamic was much different between the two types of dragons. Air dragons were very agile and their speeds could be enough to unsettle anyone. Forest dragons weren’t as fast, but they are able to fight on the ground easier. The combination was normally helpful when it came to past battles. It was something that he learned and witnessed in his training days. It only assured him that this would work out for them. After all, Baron seemed to be rather decent. He would hate for him to turn out different.

“It is rare to hear of someone getting trained outside of the Academy. The elders were very protective of its secrets. I’m glad you were able to learn though. It seems you and Ivero make a good match.” He confessed. He wasn’t surprised that he wasn’t trained in magic though. It wasn’t something that everyone learned. “Well I could try to teach you if you would like me too. I haven’t been able to practice that as of late either.” He put the offer out there. He didn’t know if Baron would pick it up; but it was worth a try.

“I would’ve if I wasn’t eight at the time. I had no clue who he was back then. Now if I had been any older, I would’ve killed him in a heartbeat. I would’ve done anything that I could’ve to prevent what he did.” His words were bitter. He lost so many friends when the slaughtering happened. Thinking back on it brought him so much pain. It was pure torture. He cleared his throat lightly as he blinked to try and suppress those thoughts. “She does keep me on track. I do have quite the terrible focus. I would be lost if it wasn’t for her.” He said with a small smile coming to his lips.

It only grew as he felt her tail hit him. “I’m guessing so. She normally isn’t so hissy.” He continued to tease her. She let out a gentle gargle at him, the sound echoing in the trees surrounding them. She slowly stood, stretching her wings out. They covered much of the area surrounding them, their edges sharp enough to cut through trees. With one flap of them, she was swiftly in the air and following after Ivero. Alexander then began to walk to where he recalled the town to be.

 

[BurntCook]

Baron smirks at his words, "I mean that too, in fact, before my friend let me meet Irveo, I never saw an air dragon up close. At Willow's Peek, I usually saw earth dragons," his eyes look up with delight toward Erran, "which is why she's a sight for sore eyes." It just occurred to him that he never gave him the compliment back, about the happiness of them meeting. "Um, yeah, I'm glad to have met you too." is all he can say without his smile from growing. He'd rather keep his image of being wise and intelligent, despite knowing the clear different between where they learned their skills.

"Who knows, he could have been an elder, or maybe the son of one, he was super old enough to be." he chuckles at the distant memory of his friend, missing him every day. "I also never met a fire dragon as big as his until he came to our village." he input, not knowing that his dragon was a big piece of identify his friend. But alas, he continues on as if it was a simple comment. He tilts his head a bit, "I never thought to learn more about magic, but if you ever have the time of day I guess I wouldn't mind. I'm more of a fighter than a magician."

The expressions between them matched when they spoke of the king, both of hate and vengeance. Even Irveo growled at the mention of that demonic man. "Let's hope for the capital's concern that we aren't in the same room with him, otherwise I'll hold him down while you tear him apart." Just the thought of putting that man to an early grave put a type of freedom in his soul that seems so out of reach. The man who caused all this blood, both humans and dragons, to spill, all over his pride and control. Despite only knowing Alexander for half an hour, he would easily join him to take him down. Then again, why should they split after this? Isn't four heads better than two?

"She's a woman Alexander, the key to knowing about women is that you'll never know, as my father once said." Baron follows right beside Alexander, watching their dragons leave until they're up in the clouds. It pains him to watch them have to climb so high just to not be spotted by anyone, when once upon a time they could fly at any altitude they want with no fear. Oh how he wishes he could just fly back to Willow's Peek. "I understand that this place is more bare than other towns, but what kind of supplies could you possibly need here? They barely have anything for themselves." But it wasn't their fault really, in fact, this place used to be famous for their mining techniques and be able to sell off silver...when they had earth dragons helping them. After the slaughter, they can't produce silver fast enough than before, causing them to go into a money predicament since.

 

[david tennant]

“I am not surprised. Earth dragons were some of the most common. One dragon I have always dreamed about meeting was a water dragon. I have never met any rider who has been lucky enough to be paired with one.” Alexander admitted. He still had hope that the water dragons were out there. After all, they were some of the most versatile. They could slip into the oceans when the land and air weren’t safe. He would hold onto that idea for as long as he could. He looked towards Erran as he spoke, nodding his head. “She was the only forest dragon that paired. I have gotten really lucky with her.” His tone softened as he spoke about his companion. He turned his gaze back towards the other male at his words, offering him a proper smile again.


He froze when he heard the mention of the fire dragon. “Gods, I know who you are talking about. There always used to be a story that went around through the elders. There was a man on the back of a fire dragon. He was one of the first riders.” He realized. “Do you know if he is still alive?” He inquired. It would be a dream to meet him. The one thing that came with being paired with a dragon was the difference in aging. Humans would age much slower than normal. It was just a normal part of the bond shared. “Magic is very helpful. It was one of the things that got Erran and i free the day of the slaughter at the academy.” He explained.

“That’s if we are ever lucky enough to get to the capital. It was one of the places that I have been avoiding all of these years. There are too many soldiers patrolling. That’s another reason why I want to get the supplies soon. I want to get out before the next patrol comes.” He didn’t know how much Baron was aware of it, but figured he would let him know. He didn’t know how often he frequented these types of town.

“That is very true. She is the most stubborn being I have ever met. Dragons may be known for their hard-headedness, but I do have to say she tops them all.” He spoke with a soft laugh, shaking his head while he did. “I need to get some herbs and some food. It won’t be much. Afterwards we should meet back up with Erran and Ivero. There was an abandoned mine I was looking to explore. There have been rumors going around that someone found a dragon egg. I want to see if there is any evidence suggesting it before the soldiers get there.” He informed.

 

[BurntCook]

(Finally settled down in the new apartment, super sorry that I had to be away for a day or two!!)

"Now that's a dream to live up to, I haven't heard of anyone to be lucky enough to have a water dragon." Baron folds his arms, "Now that I think about it, they have to still be alive. It's impossible for a king to destroy an animal that can dive so deep. There's hope at least..." Now that he's met Alexander and Erran, there's a tiny hope in him that believes that maybe there's another out there, at least a dragon. Surely those that never bonded with a rider would just migrate away from the danger...right? I don't know what to believe as fact anymore....

Baron lifts his thumb and index finger to caress his own chin, "Now that you mention it, he was pretty old...and knew a lot of stuff that people probably shouldn't know from outside this 'Academy' of yours." He motions to the Ivero before he took off, "That journal is pretty thick, maybe when he gets back I'll show it to you." When he speaks, it seems like he's doubtful of Alex's words, that old man couldn't have been the first rider, wouldn't that mean he's ancient? "I don't know man, I can't imagine him and his dragon being that well known. His dragon was a sight to see however," he smiles, "Kere, his dragon, used to hate how I would climb on her tail when I was younger. But she'd let me do it....I heard that some fire dragons don't have a lot of patience so I look back and am shocked at all she'd let people do."

When he asked about his friend's whereabouts, Baron looks away and shuts his mouth. The memories rush through too fast, fast enough for him to have shut them off. "I don't know." is all he says to Alexander's question. Baron could be lying or he could be hiding something painful. He moves on when Alexander speaks of the patrols, letting him look back at him with a scowl. "Those damn patrols, one of the reasons I'm glad Ivero can fly for hours. That's how we usually avoid them, I stock up on as much as my saddle can carry and then we fly on. It's when the sky is clear is when we have an issue." Speaking of that makes him reminded of why today has been a bit aggravating, the skies barely have clouds in them.

"Why shouldn't you go see about that rumor before anything else?" Baron questions, not in a rude way but pure curiosity, "I mean, now that we know there's more than just one rider and his dragon; we should try to find as many traces as possible." Speaking of that makes him look back at Baron with furrowing brows, "What happened to the Academy, is it in ruins?"

 

[david tennant]

that’s okay! i am glad you are settling it c: ))

“It would be incredible. I have so much hope for them to still be alive.” Alexander’s words grew softer as he spoke. Any time that he would think back on dragons and other things that happened in the past, it brought a wave of sadness over him. “I don’t think he is smart enough to find them. They are the trickiest dragons to figure out and get near.” He added after a few moments. He wouldn’t know how to feel if he found out that they had been killed as well. It would probably crush him. He was sure that Baron would feel the same way. He took a few gentle breaths to try and clear his mind some.

He focused more as the other male continued to talk about the man that had trained him. Everything that had been said about him led to what he had identified him to be. “It had to be him. You said that he had a lot of spells in his book as well. The magic can help slow your aging. I’m sure you are aware of the affects that being paired with a dragon has on your aging as well. That is the only person who makes sense.” He confessed. His smile grew some as he listened to him speak. “That was him. I recognize the name of the dragon. The legends told about him at the Academy were incredible. You wouldn’t believe the things that he did.” He spoke truthfully.

Concern flushed across his face as he listened to him. It made him feel bad, especially since he could tell the subject was a touchy one. He didn’t push more on it though. He knew it wasn’t something that she be talked more on. “I understand that struggle. I usually have to travel during the nights with Erran. It is a bit odd to see a green speck in the sky. Whenever we do fly during the day, we always have to stick low to the trees. She blends in better that way.” He explained. They always avoided the more populated towns as well.

“Trust me. We will go to the town first and then head to the mines. I know the patrol times for this region. This will make our lives much easier.” He promised. He had been in this area for quite a bit of time recently. He knew that he needed to begin to move on though. He paused his steps when he heard his question. It took him only a few moments before he began to walk again. “It was the first place that was destroyed in the Slaughter. He knew that everyone would be there. After all, who wouldn’t go after the one place that was guaranteed to both dragons and their riders there?” His words held his sorrow for the situation. “I was the only one who made it out alive. I feel like a coward for leaving in the way I did.” His tone turned almost bitter then.

 

[BurntCook]

Baron elbows Alexander, "Well, I've seen Ivero be a great swimmer- for a dragon of air- so maybe he can try to find one." He knows he's joking, even an air dragon with the best eyesight, better than Kere's, couldn't find a dragon that swims at the floors of the ocean. They have to be alive...only a fool would try to dive that far for a beast like them. "Who knows really, it could be impossible to imagine such a fantasy," he flashes a small, childish grin to the ground, "or maybe not."

As he listens to Alexander about his old man, the disbelief on his face grows. His eyebrows might get stuck in place if they stay in that stance for too long. "All the things he's done...." he repeats in a soft mumble, "I'm not saying you're wrong, you seem to have some book smarts in that brain of yours." The sudden news of his old friend, one that he misses greatly, makes him shrug for now. "I suppose I can't imagine such a gentle, sarcastic old immigrant like him to have done such great things." Finally, some news that I can learn of that man. And even though Alexander asked a question Baron wasn't ready to answer yet, he didn't want this conversation to be left on a negative note. One, because the old man deserves every positive wishes his way; two, because he worries that Alexander might leave if things become too "emotional" between them.

So, he perks back up with that grin that Alexander has to get used to, forcing out a chuckle that almost seems natural. "It's stupid how soldiers will travel for miles to find a dragon that's under their noses like Erran! Then again, I might be a fool too, having not noticing you and Erran this long."

Baron grazes the staff latched to his back, feeling the scratches indented from previous discombobulations. "Very well, since you know the place better than I do, I'll trust you. Don't get too scared though, wouldn't want to have to be your knight in shining armor, would we?" he teases, letting go of his staff and crossing his arms. He has enough supplies for longer down the road, so going into towns leisurely hasn't been something he's been able to do in a long time. This "trust" in Alexander might be more of a trial than actual teamwork here. He still doesn't truly know Alexander all the way, but how he speaks so much sorrow of his Academy and past friends; he couldn't be faking this. After all, he's not like Baron, he doesn't use trickery as defense....

At first, Baron didn't respond to Alexander's sorrow, how can he if he barely gives himself room to express his misery? For some reason, in some way, Baron wanted to comfort him. This is going to suck, he can already tell. While looking at the ground, contemplating how to respond, the tips of his ears grow into a pinkish hue. "Brave men can only know what brave is when they feel fear and weakness." he says quietly, almost not audible if he had been just a tad further away from Alexander. Embarrassment fills his heart, feeling like a horse just kicked him in the chest. He coughs to break the silence he accidentally created, and tries to look at Alex with his stiff shoulders.

 

[david tennant]

Alexander listened to his words, a gentle smile coming to his lips. He had forgotten how much it was to have a sense of companionship. He hadn’t been around anyone since the fall of the Academy. It was hard for him to fathom that he finally did have someone who would be able to help him and understand him. “Maybe. I just love to imagine the idea of water dragons still being somewhere deep in the oceans, waiting for the day it is safe to return.” He confessed. He was sure that his fantasies were not reality, but it seemed as if Baron felt the same way that he did. “We will just have to try to find one. Only then will we be able to know if they are still alive or not.”

He turned his gaze to focus on the other rider’s expression as he spoke about the elder. “It seems like he was trying to hide that portion of his identity from you. I mean, I don’t blame him. Terrible things happen to people that find out about riders. He was protecting you by not revealing those secrets about himself.” He spoke truthfully. Baron hadn’t a clue of the Academy either. It was clear to see that he had been protecting him. “I am glad he didn’t tell you.” He mused.

He allowed a gentle laugh to leave him, brightening the mood when he saw Baron’s smile. “The king’s soldiers definitely are not the brightest. Erran and I have done well to conceal ourselves for this long. It wasn’t easy at first, but we have managed.” He stated. There were many times in which they both had almost been caught, but managed to escape at the last minute. “Well you have found us now. I do believe that is the most important thing.”

He raised a brow at his teasing words, rolling his eyes in a playful manner. “You haven’t seen me fight just yet. I have a feeling I will have to be your knight in shining armor.” He retorted, keeping his tone light. He didn’t want for the other male to take offense to his words. He looked towards the sky then, letting out a string of whistles. They sounded similar to bird calls. They were actually a repeating rhythm to let Erran know what was happening. It was one of the things he had been taught back in training. Dragon’s had incredible hearing and this was very helpful for their communication whenever she had to go hunting.

His expression fell some as he looked back towards Baron. “That is a lovely statement. It still doesn’t forgive what I did.” He mumbled. He slowly began to walk once again. He didn’t want to go into too many details on what occurred that day. It was still far too painful for him to discuss. He also didn’t know the other male that well yet.

 

[BurntCook]

Terrible things happen? Baron didn't quite know what to do with this information that he's been given. After all, a dear friend that he's known for years, that whole time, might have been hiding something THIS important! A part of him wants to be shocked, but another part of him feels stupid. That would explain the magic and dragon lessons.... Thinking it all through resulted in Baron not responding to anything Alexander said in that moment. His lips would twitch, almost wanting to retort his own thoughts rather than Alex; his eyes gaze everywhere but him. When he finally did come back to reality, he just put what Alex said in the back of his head. Of course, as of now, there's more important things to consider now.

"It hasn't been easy for us either, I don't know who told him, but the king has a specific way he's killed air dragon. Ivero is usually not afraid of soliders, but whenever he sees those specific attacks and weapons he gets a bit nervous." All those times they were almost hit by those weapons...all those roars of anger from Ivero, made him clench his shoulders into a stiff.

Baron lets out a light huff, almost like an airy laugh to amuse Alexander, "If you can focus long enough, but something says my face will keep you looking just fine." It's true Baron doesn't mind flaunting himself or flirting, but it's also because it's been so long since he's had this long of a genuine conversation without an obvious elephant in the room. No hiding where he's from, who he is, and how he travels. As of now, Alexander knows Baron more that most of the strangers Baron has ever talked to. He's also the only one that not only knows of dragons existing, but isn't afraid of them either. For a minute, it almost seems natural to want to be open with Alex and not closed off like usual.

Baron watches him walk off, though maybe his words did help, maybe they didn't. Though his handsomeness can take many people's breath away, his words never could. After all, he's just, in the end, a farm boy talking to a well-educated dragon rider. For a moment he accepts his defeat in cheering this guy up, but he eventually sighs to release the tension in his shoulders. Following behind him, he smacks the back of his shoulders, "If you get me killed, I'll just haunt you, how about that? I'll make sure all the food you eat is spoiled." he jokes before adjusting his mask back over his mouth. Seeing the town made him want to hide himself.

 

[david tennant]

Alexander didn’t elaborate any further on the words that he said. He was sure that he would tell Baron in time what he meant, but he didn’t know him well enough to trust him with that information. There was a lot the other male didn’t know about the world he was entangled with. He kept his gaze forward as he walked, his steps still on the slower side. While he wanted to get the trip into town down, he also wanted to give Erran ample hunting time. It wasn’t often the two of them were able to split up. He didn’t want for her to get killed while she was gone. He felt a bit better knowing that she was with another dragon now, but the worry still pooled in his chest. It wouldn’t rest until she returned to his side.

“I’m aware of them. They are inhumane.” He spoke gently. His thoughts were beginning to get to him. Everything that he had worked towards could unravel quickly. While he appreciated the company, it made him worth that they might get caught easier. “It’s the same with Erran.” He added after a few moments.

He forced a light smile to his lips, trying to shake off what he was currently feeling. He didn’t want for the other male to feel obliged to try and help him through it. “You are very cocky. I can’t tell if I like it or not yet.” He mused. His tone was a bit lighter now, but it hadn’t returned to how it was before. He fell silent then, disappearing back into his mind. The memories from the Academy were haunting him with every step he took. He knew that he needed to go back. There had to be answers within the ruins. The king couldn’t had destroyed all of the books and scrolls. He was dreading the day that he stepped back there.

“Trust me when I say I won’t get you killed. If you get killed, it will be by your own devices.” His smile was more genuine this time. He pulled his hood over his head, adjusting the cloak he wore. He pulled his own mask up as well. He normally was able to pass through without any interruptions. He already had planned what he needed to get. It wouldn’t be too expensive or take too much time either. “Are there any supplies you might need?” He inquired as he led the way through the streets and to the market.

 

[BurntCook]

Baron leans closer toward Alexander as they walk, even bumping into his shoulder. He held his hands behind his back and hummed a low, honey-like tone, "I could be cocky, or it could all be an act, one thing I've learned is that you should never let everyone know the true you." He walked a bit further than him and walked backwards, almost like he was toying with him. "Either way, if we stick together, I know you'll like it," he says as he looks at Alex's hair in amusement, "just like how I'll learn to like your bed head." He chuckles before continuing to walk normally.

"My own devices?" He repeats, lowering his voice when they started walking closer to others, "You make it seem that I don't know how to use this thing." he motions towards his staff. He decided to let it go for now, but he can't wait to one day spar with Alexander. It'll be great to fight with someone without, you know, involving death, just a sport! Hopefully Baron will remember to use some wood rather than his sharp staff. He shook his head at Baron's question, "No, I stocked up yesterday, plus I live on a dreadful diet of sheep tar." he shivers at the mention of it. "It's the meat of sheep cooked for an excessive amount of time to prevent molding while traveling. But it feels like you're eating leather between your teeth."

 

[BurntCook]

(Also really wanted to say sorry about that month not being active! I missed this so much and I'm so glad I put my foot down and was like, "I don't NEED sleep, I NEED DRAGONS" XD

 

[david tennant]

it’s okay! i have been crazy busy with school starting, soccer, and working so i feel you c: i will respond in a little!))

 

[BurntCook]

(take your time!! Trust me, I completely understand the busyness XD

 

[david tennant]

Alexander turned his gaze towards the other male as he felt his shoulder being bumped. “That’s very true, especially in this day and age.” He agreed with a gentle smile. He looked back at the other in front of him. He kept the other male in his vision when he began to walk backwards. “You truly do seem to act like you know what I enjoy.” He teased. He knew that there wasn’t a reason to mope too much now. Despite all of the pain that he was feeling internally, he couldn’t let it show too much. It would just harm them both in the long run. He cleared his throat at his words, reaching a hand up to run through his hair. “I always have bed head. It is definitely something you will have to get used to.” He confessed. His hair never settled down in the way that he wanted it to.

“A staff can only get you so far in battle. I am going to need to teach you some magic.” He mused. It was only fair that the other male learn. They all were supposed to be taught it. Each rider would come into their full power when they completed their training. “It will be nice to spar with someone again. I have a feeling you are going to be a good partner.” He stated. He was only hoping that the two would continue to get along. He cringed slightly when he heard the description of the food. “You can’t keep eating like that. I will buy you a few things.” He said quietly. He made his rounds to grab every single item he needed. By the time he was finished, his bag was completely full. “Now let’s go check out that cave.”

 

[BurntCook]

He didn't expect Alex's eyes to be that sparkling, icy blue up close as they walked. There was a few seconds when he was caught off guard by them, even the obvious freckles on his nose. The smile that was on his face dropped for a second before he blinked tightly, pulling himself back to reality. He kept playing along, shoving that little moment to the side and focusing back on what his new companion was saying. "What can I say," Baron shrugs, "I have a knack for figuring people out." He lowers his head a bit to match Alex's height but he wasn't looking at Alex specifically, more like above his eyes now. He slows down to point at his hair, "I'll say, you might have a squirrel living in there."

"Magic? Didn't ever really hit me to try to learn it." he admits, all he's done is rely on him and Ivero's bond. I bet the old man would have taught me if I had more time though. The idea of learning magic never left his mind since the first time Alexander spoke about it. Besides, all the times that Ivero had near misses from those weapons, maybe Baron could have prevented some of them if he new a spell or two? Whatever it takes to protect Ivero, he can't keep pulling my weight. When no one was in ear shot, Baron spoke quietly, "Okay, how about this idea, if you manage to keep me entertained enough to learn magic, I'll let you see my old man's journal. You'll possibly learn more out of it than I do, doesn't that sound interesting?"

Baron shook his head, "It's fine, though I'd rather eat anything else, it has the protein. It was my town's recipe during the harsh winter months, whenever we couldn't trade." By the way Alex spoke, he knew that he wasn't going to deter him from his kind acts. Whenever Alexander bought something for Baron, he made sure that it wasn't too much, both price and materials. Sometimes he'd take it with a stubborn tongue flick, not liking depending on someone; other times he'd force Alex to put it back down. To others looking from afar, they'd say there were acting like brothers.

"Finally, for a moment I thought you were going to buy me a house." Baron jokes lightly before looking down at the food Alexander bought for him. It made his chest feel weird for someone to do this for him, for no reason too. The longer he looked at it, the more he felt like he owed Alex for this unnecessary deed.