forum "I would burn the world for you" (OxO Closed)

Started December 01, 2022 by @ElderGod-yellowqueen

tune

"I trust my teacher will be a great one," Bel smiles and turns his attention back to the rabbits, down to his hands. His smile slightly wavers remembering the day before, the night before, the… everything before. "Perhaps we can learn another time when… when my hands aren't shaking so much." Bel swallows the nerve building in his throat at the idea of being left alone in the forest and in the dark. He takes the offered rabbit with a strained smile. "Thank you," he says as he takes the first bite from the rabbit.

He's never wished for his spice collection more. He used to be conservative with the powders, not wanting to ever run out, but now Bel would hold no remorse with dunking the chunk of meat into the small tins. Bel's sure that grass is more flavorful–not nearly as substantive, but surely more flavorful. Bel isn't that hungry, despite hardly eating anything that day. Regardless of this, the prince continues to eat quietly, silently observing the men around him and the one beside him.

There wasn't much more than offering a gentle smile that Nicandros could do to soothe Bel's nerves. He gently brushed his little finger against Bel's hand as he handed him the piece of meat. Something that could easily be taken as a mistake and only he himself knew that the gesture was on purpose. he turned his head to the side, looking at his men with the little prince still in his sight. It was Cassian that made eye contact and Cassian that gave a warning look. The others seemed to share his sentiment but they were a bit more withdrawn. Each of them would likely voice their opinions when they had a bit more privacy with their king. They knew better than to share their opinions in mixed company.
The rabbit meat was passed around the fire until finally, the last of it was gone. Nico always offered a piece to Bel before taking his own. He could survive on little food. He'd done it before and he could do it again. He wasn't so sure about the little prince at his side. Nicandros stood, stretching, then tying his hair back. "We still have plenty of daylight. We should get back on the move." I want to put as much distance between us and the palace as possible, is what he didn't say. But the others knew. They had bonded enough it was almost as if they had some sort of telepathic connection. They didn't really but they moved as one and seemed to know what the other was thinking, needing.

Bel somewhat lost in thought–thinking about his life back home and wondering what he'd be doing. His sisters would be home this time of year from the kingdoms they had been married off to. All three of his siblings were aware thay he was to be married off, but none of them knew exactly when he'd be leaving. Val had given him a look of sympathy when she discovered the news. Miran at least looked upset that he'd be the only sibling remaining at home. Treya couldn't care one way or another, the youngest truly only cares when something’s to beneifit her.

When Nico stands, it snaps Bel out of his reminiscing and pondering. He checks the sun's position in the sky, as if to ensure that it won't be going anywhere. He swallows the bile back in his throat. Night will fall again and he'll be a quivering mess all over again. Atop of his own fear of the dark, there's also the fears of disappointing others and being a hindrance. Well, nightfall will bring triple nightmares.

"Yes," Bel agrees quietly before standing, wincing softly at the pain still in his legs. He'll get used to it. He'll get used to all of it.

Nicandors gave Bel a look of sympathy. "It does get easier the longer you ride." What he didn't say was that it would likely take until they arrived for him to fully adjust to riding. He gave Bel a boost on to the horse then mounted just behind him. He placed his hand on his lower stomach, his thumb caressing Bel. The others mounted their horses. They fell right into formation and they were off, hooves beating through the forest.
It wouldn't be until after night had fallen that they found somewhere to camp for the night. They had gotten lucky in spotting some caves. The horses were left outside the cave, free to roam. He wasn't worried they would leave. Nico helped the other make camp and started a small fire. He guided Bel over to them, taking a seat close to the fire.

At the touch of Nico's hand on his abdomen, he shivers slightly. This is going to be a very long journey. Bel keeps his eyes down, not quite wanting to meet any of the other men's attention. Nico has been kind, despite their first encounter, and the others have been friendly but wary. Bel knows the risk he poses for their tight knit group. He knows that he's an untrained prince among a league of assassins. If anything were to go wrong, he would be dead weight and an easy blame for any sort of casualty.

As the night falls, Bel turns his attention to the skies, watching anxiously as the day morphs from blue to orange to lavender as the stars begin to speckle the sky. His arms unconsciously fold over his chest after he dismounts, watching from a distance as the group assembles the camp. The fire is warm, thank god, but it still doesn't dispell the crawling darkness from the clouds and the abyssal black of the cave depths. Bel convinces himself that the animalistic noises from the deep tunnels of the cave are his imagination.

Nico watched Bel out of his peripheral. His unease was easy to see. A blind man could have picked up on it just from the vibes he gave off. Nico unclasped his cloak and placed it around the young prince's shoulders. He hoped the weight of it would act as a security blanket and bring him some peace. "Nothing is getting passed us," he whispered in his ear, "Nothing will harm you."

He really needed to watch his promises or he was going to make one he couldn't keep. Laurent meant eye contact with him and a silent conversation passed. The other man grabbed his bow and left, Braxton following on his heels. The pair would go hunt for food and hopefully bring back enough that they could stretch for a few days. A deer would be ideal. The meat could be stretched out for weeks depending on how much they rationed it. Eating on horseback would save them time but Nico worried about how hard they were pushing the horses. If they hadn't been bred and trained specifically, he would have traded them for a fresh pair. But their horses were unique and battle trained. He wouldn't sell them for anything.

"You mentioned you wanted to hear about some of my stories," he said, "Let me tell you one."

Bel only really registers what's happening around him when Nico places his cloak over his shoulders. He manages a small thank you and pulls the collar tighter around his frame. His eyes flick again to the dying sky. He swallows around nothing but dread. There are noises still coming from the depths of the cave. Bel tells himself that it's his imagination. Praying that Nico's words are true, Bel settles in a little further. The cloak is warm.

He hasn't eaten in hours, but he's not hungry. However, he could certainly go for a drink of water. Two of the men left to no doubt hunt for food, they would have to find at least a stream along the way.

Nico speaks, pulling Bel's attention away from his imagination and inner turmoil. A small flutter of excitement curls in his gut with the promise of a story. "I can't wait," Bel says softly, just above the crackle of the fire as he shifts to look Nico in the eyes. There's a ghost of a smile across his lips.

Nicandros spread out, his legs straight and pointed towards the fire and his hands behind him to lean against. In a completely casual way and not suspicious at all, one handed landed behind Bel. He wanted to put himself at Bel's front and back to make him feel more safe. His tense body was a give away. Bel must have never left the ground without a guard and never for long if he couldn't handle a night in the woods.

Nico grabbed a flashed of water and passed it to Bel. He was thirsty, sure, but he would make sure his guest was taken care of as well. Bel was…soft and kind at heart. He didn't need cruetly. Nico would likely get everything he needed from Bel by offering kindness. It didn't sit well in his stomach anymore, knowing he was using the prince. He knew it was necessary but was it really?

But with that smile, Nico forgot all about his worries. A few strands of his hair had fallen out of his tie and fell forward in his face. She asking his head back, he spoke, "This story takes place a few years back. Our party was a little smaller than this. It was Cassian, Kaillas and I. The other two weren't needed for this." They had been recovering from their previous mission, something he didn't want to bring up.

Cassian smirked from across the fire. "I remember this. Are you really going to tell one of your embarrassing stories?
"I think he's just trying to make himself more appealing," Kaillas replied as if Nico wasn't sitting right there, "I mean, look at that little smile on his face."
"You know what, you're right. By all means, embarrass yourself."

Nico wanted to kill them both. She sent them both a glower that would send other men scrambling but the two only laughed. For a man who certainly was against Nico making this friendship, Cassian sure did enjoy exploiting it. "Anyways, as I was saying before these two knuckleheads spoke," he refocused his gaze on the prince with a small smile, "We had heard rumors of sightings of monsters, Kappas. You may know them as imps. Alone, they're not much of a threat but a horde certainly was. We set out the direction we were told to find them, however when we got there, there was no sign of them.

"Nico's failing to mention he got this information from a crazy old lady."

"She's a seer, ill have you know."

"Seer my ass."

Bel gratefully accepts the flask of water and takes a few sips. He ensures to only take his share, to not hog all of the precious liquid. Even so, Bel finds himself taking another sip, and another. Far more than he probably should, but with the hunting party gone, they should easily be able to find a proper stream to refill in when the day breaks.

The noises coming from the depths of the cave fade away as Bel listens into Nico's story. He's interrupted a few times by his friends, but Bel doesn't mind. It only adds to the story. When Bel's mentioned, he laughs and ducks his head, pulling the borrowed cape tighter around his shoulders. The story is even more anticipated with the additions of his friends–and the promise of an embarrassing story for Nico. It's sure to make the assassin vagabond more human. Less of a killer and more of a… friend.

The mention of the seer causes Bel's smile to waver. A mage. One that receives visions and prophecies and other unholy episodes. He pushes the thought out of his mind, or as close as he can, and tries to convert all his energy to listening to Nico.

Kaillas, quiet Kaillas, was the one to continue the story. "Anyways, the intel was wrong. There were no imps anywhere to be found. There wasn't single trace of monster or magic. A waste if time but that's what happens you listen to a crazy old lady. Just as we were about to walk away, we were caught in a trap and suddenly swinging in a net above the ground. If imps had done that, we would have been in a world of trouble. They're not very smart, that's what we rely on to kill them, they're stupidity."

Nico gave a small chuckle. "The old woman wasn't completely crazy. There was something there. Just not imps." Bel's wavering smile wasn't lost on Nico and it was for that very reason he took over the story. He wasn't about to share his own magic and terrify the poor prince. Out of the five of them, only three had magic, and none of them relied on their magic above any if their other skills. It was helpful when needed and needed a release from time to time, but they needed their other skills to be just as sharp.

"So here we are, swinging in this net, arguing over, not how to get down, but who the hell is smart enough to set a trap like this. Turns out it was harpies, though blasted things. A right pain in my ass. Two of then flew up to us, caring insults. Kaillas here put a knife in their heads. Effective in killing them but not very effective in getting us down." Kaillas shot Nico a playful glare. That was alright, he wasn't the only one he was about to throw under. "Cassian here had the bright idea to try and climb the net and cut it from the top. All that managed was pushing his ass in our faces. I could have dealt with that if he hadn't let one rip-"

Cassian sprung across the camp in a flash and tackled him. The two started wrestling in the cave. Nico was laughing loudly even as he was losing. "I'll make you regret that. Eat dirt!" Cassian was pushing his face down to the cave floor.

(aayyy 100 posts!!)

Bel folds his knees closer to his chest and covers them with Nico's cloak. With the warmth of the fire and the cape, Bel's shivers have mainly subsided. He only jolts when an intrusive thought of monsters and darkness pierces his brain. Imps sound… terrifying, being strung up from a tree trapped in a net sounds slightly more. At least you could run away with an imp. The net is a prison.

"Harpies," Bel whispers, a mix of bewilderment and fear. Of course he knew such creatures exist… but to actually face one of them seems unheard of. He listens intently to Nico with a smile and shake of his head. His laugh only grows as Cassian springs to tackle Nico. Bel shifts away from the battle, not wanting to be caught in the middle of it. He hides his face in his knees.

The men are clearly comfortable with each other–brothers, partners in crime, comrades, and friends. They have thousands of stories between them. Bel would love to hear them all.

After a few minutes of wrestling, the men pulled away from each other. Both were covered in dirt and a few more bruises than where they had started. They returned to their original seats, Nico back next to Bel. His hair was a mop on his head, tangled. Despite his appearance, there was a light in his eyes. His legs were open in front of him and he went as far as putting an arm around Bel's shoulders, squeezing it.

"Suffice to say, we were stuck there for a few days before they sent out a search party for us." Nico attempted to wrap up the story.

"You're forgetting the best part," Kaillas cut in. "Our little friend here," he wagged a finger at Nico, "had an obnoxious amount of beans before we had left and had a case of gas. The. Entire. Time. Because we were stuck in a trap, we couldn't exactly use the restroom. Let's just say it was not a comfortable experience."

Nicandros flipped him the bird and chuckled to himself. It wasn't the highlight of his life. Unfortunately, to say, it wasn't the most embarrassing thing that had happened to him on one of his missions. Some of those had to do with his magic, which would be kept quiet until further notice. "It wasn't very comfortable on my end either. Holding that back, hmm, not fun. My stomach was screwed up for weeks."

Bel cringes at the thought, yet a smile never leaves his face. Casual conversation is something he had never experienced before, something he never thought to contribute to. Everyone always addressed him using honorifics and formal speech. His only friend was his maid, Mathilde, and yet she was three times his age and only used "sire" and "liege" to speak with him.

When they're done with their wrestling match, Bel scrunches his nose at the mess of Nico's hair, reaching over to fix the mess. He pulls the hair tie from Nico's hair and begins working his fingers through it, already beginning to pull it back into the beginning semblances of a braid. He stiffens slightly when Nico wraps an arm around him, but eventually relaxes.

"I hope you know you're disgusting," Bel notes softly. "Also… did you not think to just cut yourself down? Unless you were so far off the ground, that feels like a reasonable solution, yes?"

Nico laughed at his words. He didn't take offense. He was a man and we, sometimes he was disgusting. However, the situation hadn't entirely been his fault. He wasn't expecting to get strung up for days.

"See, we did think about it. The rope was too far out of reach." He leaned his head into Bel's hand. It felt nice, his hands in Nico's hair. His eyes shut briefly before opening. "We're not entirely stupid. Only on Tuesdays and Sundays."

"Here here." Cassian drank to that.

"Don't worry, there's a lot more stories where that came from," Nico said. "Sometimes logic isn't all there. We don't always think these things through."

"Well, I'm thankful it's Thursday," Bel says casually, tying the bottom of Nico's short braid. He used to braid his youngest sister's hair just like this, both of them next to the fire and listening to their pacing older brother's tirades on his latest conquest overseas. Valera, the sister just three years younger than Bel, would be curled in the corner reading whatever book she abducted from the library or smuggled through the back door. When asked to read them, Valera would snap it shut and disappear. Bel's no fool to know she was studying topics their father hadn't approved of. "I'll be sure to look after myself when Sunday comes."

Almost hesitant to remove his hands from Nico's head, Bel sits back again. "I look forward to all of the stories."

Nico gave Bel a thankful look. His eyes said all the words he did not say. "Thank the gods for that. You'll be our only brain come Sunday. Don't worry, we have faith you'll be a fearless leader."

After giving him one last squeeze, Nico finally let him go. He didn't go far, placing his hand only just behind Bel. "I'll tell you all my stories. At least the ones I'm authorized to say." For there were some things too classified and too horrible to ever speak into existence. Things he had witnessed and things he had experienced.

"You should get some shuteye," he diverted the conversation. "We leave at dawn."

"I'll ensure none of you fall into the maw of an awaiting beast," Bel reassures with a small smile. He leans back a little, just enough to touch his back against Nico's arm. The thought is almost humorous, the six of them trekking through the forest and suddenly dropping off the face of a cliff and into a basilisk's gaping mouth. No matter how humorous it sounds, Bel knows that the situation will be nothing short of terrifying.

At the suggestion, Bel nods and briefly looks around. The bedrolls are still attached to their packs near the mouth of the cave. Would it be awkward if he stood to grab one? Should he just wait? Foolish questions like these are often the reason Bel hesitates when acting or speaking. He looks towards the depth of the cave. When the conversation dies out, Bel will begin to hear things again. Or maybe he isn–no, stop that Bel. You're fine. Nothing is there. "Sleep sounds good," Bel says though he knows he won't catch it quickly.

Nico almost smiled when Bel leaned back against his arm. Almost. He knew of the looks the other shared, he understood what they were thinking. Here he goes again, way in over his head. He was in over his head but he would rather regret trying than not try at all.

He noticed Bel was hesitant to get up, so far as look at their bed rolls tied to the horses. He pulled his bottom lip between his teeth. He saw that fear. He understood it. Nico himself would be a fool if he wasn't afraid. Any man should be stepping into the woods. But it was a fear he had learned and adapted too. He knew how to handle himself. Bel didn't. The prince didn't know how to fight, by the looks of it. He wasn't adapted to this. Nico nudged him. "Come on, let's go get your bed roll."

Nicandros stood and walked with the prince over to the horses. He unhooked his bed roll that he was loaning to Bel. He took his time unhooking it from the horses, sneaking glances to Bel.

"Alright," Bel says, slowly getting to his feet. He looks over his shoulder, back at the cave and two men still sitting around the fire. The cloak is warm around his shoulders, so Bel pulls it tighter. It barely brushes the ground, Nico just a few inches taller than Bel. The night air outside the cave is cooler, slightly damp with the evening dew. He leans against the back of the horse, softly petting their backside.

He isn't blind. He can see Nico sneaking a few glances at him. It's all such a weird feeling… such a psychological whiplash of a day. At first he was terrified and compliant and while he still is, the assassins have proved that they aren't out to harm Bel. At least, that's what it appears to be. Miran had always chastised Bel for being too trustworthy.

Bel finds himself not wanting to go back into the cave, not yet at least. It's quieter out here. More personal.

Nico was hesitant to speak. He didn't want his words to offend or scare off Bel. After a few minutes of silence, he opened his mouth, "It's alright to be scare of the dark. The night can hold many terrors. We're not judging you, so don't feel like you have to hide it. We all have our fears and we all fear the dark to a certain extent, especially out here. The cover of dark can be protecting and yet expose you to other creatures." He hesitated. "We just, we understand. We moght be your kidnappers but we're more understanding than you might think."

Yeah, because that was the right way to say that. It was a great idea to remind Bel that they were his kidnappers, because that wouldn't create hostility. He almost smacked his head. If Cas had been there, he would have done it for him.

"I know it's alot to ask." He reached and arm up and scratched the back of his head. He didn't understand why he was so awkward right now. He knew how to talk to girls and boys. This shouldn't be this hard. "But you can trust us. We mean you no harm. And when this is all over, we'll get you to where ever you want to go, whether its back to your home, your fiance, or somewhere else. We'll give you enough money to set up and give you resources and contacts. Or…or you could stay with us if you desire."

He wasn't a fool. There was no way Bel would want to stay with him, not after all of this. And yet there was a part of him that hoped that perhaps he would want to stay.

Bel feels the back of his neck heat up. The dark holds plenty of strengths, but it's also Bel's weakness. His mother said he shouldn't fear it. She said that there's nothing to be afraid of, but then she was slaughtered beneath the night's veil and the king blamed the darkness and mages for her demise. It doesn't help that Bel can hear the noises of the night–the beasts and creatures and rustling trees. It all feels much more heightened here. Bel nearly opens his mouth to say something but Nico isn't done speaking.

The reminder of the entire situation hurts, to say the least. Bel's a hostage. Bel's only to be used for information before he's served his use. Even so, Bel listens. He listens to Nico's entire speech. They mean him no harm. Well, it hadn't started out that way.

"If it was…" he begins quietly. "If it was my brother in the carriage would you have hesitated? Or either of my sisters?" He pauses as he stares to the skies. A familiar prickling sensation floods the backs of his eyes. "Did you spare me because I told you to?" Or because you… find me attractive? Bel leaves unsaid. "I appreciate your kindness, but at the end of the day, I'm still just a resource for you and your men to use." Bel takes the bedroll from Nico, his fingers only slightly brushing the other's. Bel can't tell if it was purposeful or not.

Nico reached out and grabbed Bel's hand before he realized himself. He had taken hold of it. It was too late to let go and retreat. "If it had been any of your siblings, we would have taken them alive as well. We have no use for any of you dead. They would have gotten the treatment of a prisoner, yes. But we are not entirely cruel. Not without a purpose. We would have been kind enough, offered food and water and protection if anyone else attacked. Byt they would be prisoners. And do you think any of them would have reacted as you had? They would likely fight us until we locked them up or let them go." He sighed. "The point is, they're not you. And yes, you have something we need. But that doesn't mean we can't work together, fund some sort of compromise. Your father is not all who you think he is."

He finally withdrew his hand away and tucked it into his pockets. "I believe in the cause that I'm fighting. But just because this is war doesn't mean that I'm willing to kill or harm innocent people. You are innocent Bel.and my- my leader thinks the same. He is not cruel if he does not need to be. Please, just let me show you."

There was only a matter of time until his identity was revealed. He wasn't so sure how that would go down. Likely not well. But he had no intention of telling him anytime soon. When the time was right he would. Now was not it.

Bel's eyes go wide as Nico unexpectedly grabs onto his hand. The touch is warm and cold, firm but soft, unwanted yet needed–a juxtaposition that causes Bel's heart, stomach, and gut to do a loop.

It's true. Bel is the softest out of the four heirs. Miran is too stubborn, Val too elusive, and Treya too manipulative. Miran would've fought his way to the death; Val would've scrambled her way into the woods to get lost in. Treya would break and sob and play the damsel in distress until their backs were turned. Perhaps it was great luck that allowed Bel to be the one found. He feels it was the best route, the least amount of possible casualties. Nico's words are almost reassuring. Perhaps he is just… overreacting of sorts.

However, before he can quite come to terms with his own emotions, a quick spike of fear drills through Bel's spine. "Your leader knows who I am?" Why? How? What importance could Bel possibly hold to the leader of the Lisias? Do they also know of Bel's siblings? Is their eye on them as well? Was this entire thing an accident– Bel's thoughts don't stop racing. He looks up. There's darkness. The stinging in his eyes intensify.

"Hey hey hey," Nico moved forward, grabbing Bel's cheeks with a gentleness that a man such as him shouldn't possess. "It's okay. He knows of your family. How can he not? We haven't been writing to him and he hasn't been written to. It's just what he's heard. And even if we had kidnapped one of your siblings, he would not find then entirely guilty either. He knows your father has manipulated them. He is not an unreasonable man nor a cruel one. You have nothing to fear."

Bel's fear only made him more sure of keeping his identity hidden. At least until he could convince the prince he was not a threat. He never would be. Not to him. Not to anyone who didn't deserve his wrath.

He realized then, that he had been holding onto him far too long. Nico released him and took a step back. He cleared his throat. Gods, why was he so awkward? He wasn't sixteen anymore. "I just-please trust me. I won't put you in harms way. And if at any point when I take yiu back to my home, if you feel like you're in danger, I promise I'll get you out. I'll take you far away where no one will touch you."

Still shaking, Bel finds himself leaning into Nico's touch. He closes his eyes tight, blocking out the darkness from the sky with the darkness behind his eyes. "I'm sorry," he mutters between labored gasps. "I'm sorry–I'm so scared–" His father is a distant man, but Bel has never known him to be cruel. There's never been a hand raised towards him nor his siblings. The King has never laid a finger on Bel. Only a firm word whenever he stepped mildly out of line. Despite that, Bel was never harmed. He was happy just to fly beneath his radar, allowing the Crown Prince Miranos to hold all of their father's attention.

Cruel… No, his father wasn't cruel.

The sudden release makes Bel feel as if he was dunked beneath freezing water. His eyes fly open and he finds Nico. Half of him has the sense to give the other man his space, but the other far less rational but far more dominant side says otherwise. Bel crashes into Nico, curling his arms around the other man. "I'm sorry," he says again, the warmness of the other slowly beginning to calm him down. I won't put you in harm's way. "I trust you."

To say Nico felt relived when Bel hugged him was an understatement. It felt like a weight lifting off of his shoulders. His arms circled around him tight. Not enough to prevent him breathing, because he could certainly do that. Just tight. Just there. Nico pressed his face against the side of his, nose dug in his hair. Even though they had been on the road and both of them could use a good washing, it was the best thing he had ever smelled without being weird about it.

"Thank you," his lips brushed against his ear as he whispered. "I won't make you regret it." He relished in the hug a little long before pulling back just enough to look at his face. "Come on, the others will be wondering what's taking so long."

(oh now I'm curious to know what you had planned 👀👀👀👀)

Another shiver rolls down Bel's spine at the whispered words, a feeling much more pleasurable than the jolt of fear. "I hope I won't," Bel responds. The loss of touch is an unfortunate one, but Bel's sure that they'll somehow end up tangled together in the night. He bends down and grabs the bedroll from where he dropped it, strokes the fine stallion a few more times along its back and follows Nico into the cave.

He keeps his eyes low as he enters, not wanting the other two men to see his reddened eyes. They likely heard the entire encounter, Bel's panic and Nico's frantic reassuring. If they didnt, great.

The bedroll unfurls beside the fire and Bel hesitates before sitting down on its edge. Despite Nico's assurance that it was his to borrow, it still feels odd to be occupying another man's bed.

(also would I be playing Miran, Val, and Treya? I'm assuming i will granted I have their backstories and stuff but I'm just making sure)

(Tee hee. And yesss. They're your characters to do with as you want.)

Nico didn't want to realse him. He wanted to stay frozen in this moment with Bel, wrapped in each other's arms. Unfortunately, reality was calling and they'd regret it if they didn't take advantage of the time to sleep.

He walked with Bel back to the cave, giving the other two a deadly look. Not that either would have said anything but, just in case they had a smart remark, they knew to keep it to themselves now. Kaillas could hold his tongue but Cas didn't always. Nico wanted them to know this was not the time nor the place.

He helped Bel with the bed roll and made sure he was all settled jn before taking his seat. He offered to take first watch, his nerves set off in only the best of ways. He knew it would be hours before he would be able to sleep. And besides, he wanted to make sure his other two companions made it back in one piece. They had been gone for awhile and wouldn't be back for awhile still. And yet he worried. He always worried about them. They would give him an earful if they truly knew how much it scared him to be out with them like this. One wrong move and any of them could be dead. He couldn't lose another friend. He couldn't.