dcwnthercad

[dcwnthercad]

Looking back or stealing any glances at the winged serpentine beast was hardly unnecessary. While his eyes were trained ahead, the shadow invaded his peripheral vision, along with the fringed landscape that he managed to dance around in less than graceful fashion. who would have thought that a drunken and reckless display could spare him from being wrapped in flames? the mother be willing, he would only be dressed in ash and not become it. his heart overrode any outside noise as his main focus deluded any reason. thankfully he was well endowed with stamina, he could go for as long as … hopefully to the end of this … an apparition captured his attention, deterring his focus entirely. many questions ricocheted and one overwhelmed them all. how could he make so many detrimental errors in such a short span, and how much closer did it bring him to his demise ? the timetable always loomed by that fragile and rotted thread that could be labeled as his luck. he jerked in response to the presence, and there was no time-- soon he felt himself being lunged forward with another body holding onto him. WHAT THE FUCK the hold of ... fate ? .. karma ? seized him and ripped him away from the narrow corridors of his mind. visage of ashes and dying foliage dissipated as they were now engulfed by darkness and there's a body on top of him. normally the unwarranted touch would cause him to go rigid, but rather his heart felt as if it would break free from its cage at the rate it was pounding. when their eyes locked, honestly -- the dragon disintegrated from his mind. the command for him to be quiet earned a muffled response behind the palm, not even attempting to remove it or create space.

" right . . . nothing resonates with calm and tranquil like getting thrown into a cave . . . by some handsome stranger -- " but then the his mind allowed himself to register that there was a fucking dragon above them. " with a dragon just meters away - I would have rather been on a first name basis … but sure, i can be very zen."

𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔞 𝔥𝔞𝔦𝔯𝔰𝔟𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔱𝔥 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔦𝔪𝔢, vast lets himself believe he is safe. the shadows cradle him, the stillness of his heart, the quiet, meditative flux of inhale, exhale undetectable from the natural stirring of leaves and fern. for just a second, the illyrian knows he will get to witness a dragon in all its destructive nature, settling down for something so mundane as a meal of captured fawn or errant equine. but that illusion, like so many, is shattered with calamity — ridiculous, perilous ruckus. 

vast is alerted to the other male’s presence instantly when he shouts — a beacon for the dragon to hone in on. cold sweat blooms on his skin, even in the winter air. the shouting fae doesn’t dive into shadow — no, of course not. he flails madly, drawing the dragon's attention. the fucking dragon who is looming barely 15 meters off the ground. its lungs are a great bellows for the forge of flame churning to life within it. smoke curls from its monstrous nostrils, and vast winces at the meat-packing sound of dead elk hitting the flame-blackened earth as the dragon discards its first meal and chooses to pursue a fresh kill.

oh, shit. cauldron, no — the fae is running straight towards him. leading the dragon right to him.

vast looks around to find another hiding spot, and dread closes in when he finds nothing, nothing, n o t h i n g — wait! a few paces away is a small cave in the earth, a nook of stone too small in diameter for a dragon's claw to reach. and there's the gleam of stagnant water within, perfect to camouflage his scent. when he looks back, the male is in a full sprint; they'll brush shoulders when he passes. the dragon is just behind; barreling closer. its heavy footfalls cause the earth to shudder, the trees to shake. vast moves to duck inside the hollow, to leave the fool to his fate, but something stops him, redirects him.

before reason locks in, vast grabs the fae as he's rushing past, throws his arms around him, and shoves off towards the cave. it's a blur, they're tumbling, but by the mother's grace, they land in the hidden place. vast finds himself atop the other male. their eyes lock, and he clamps a strong hand over the other’s mouth.

❝ quiet, ❞ he mouths, as the behemoth creature stalks the ground above them. ❝ don't make a sound, ❞ he breathes, still as death.

[dcwnthercad]

Burying himself away into the literary world felt like a minimal risk activity; he could honestly say it never painted his existence with an impending doom. It could also be a benefit in learning more about the walls he currently resided in, so that settled his decision. Espresso spheres marveled at the selection that he had been greeted with as he found himself at his destination. Roman wandered closer to the bookshelves and intently captured each title as his finger tips traced along the spines in a delicate manner. Once he found a book that held some promise, he plucked it from its place and opened it to immediately indulge in its contents. Footsteps captured his attention and his eyes lifted from the open pages – and his entire facial expression appeared alarmed. He whirled around to attempt to go the other way! In enough time to avoid a sighting --

SHIT. his effort only ended up bumping into a complete stranger and he offered a sheepish smile, apologizing immediately. Thankfully that had been diffused right away, he threw a look to where he spotted Cillian last – trying to assess if he had another opportunity to find the nearest exit. when it seemed hopeless , he turned himself to face the bookshelf to appear engaged with the book in his hands. maybe enough time passed and the universe could spare him this one … damn. the mother and the universe... why have you forsaken me and refused to take pity --

hearing his name from those painfully familiar lips, he wished that he could evaporate on the spot. a quick smile formed as he turned to Cillian — it faltered when the general continued to speak.

“ is it really so shocking ?” The tone was laced with a touch of sarcasm as he allowed himself to laugh through the awkward feeling. “ oh - yeah, yeah ... you never were a man of so many words. “ now that he could think clearly on things, he couldn’t remember a conversation between them that had any sort of depth. just a figment of something that wasn't actually there-- coming to terms with that only intensified the secondhand embarrassment from the rose-colored glasses he adorned during the entirety of it all.

@dcwnthercad

Cillian was bored. So much of his life was disciplined and regimented when he was back home, so this life, this life of monotony, lacking purpose and direction at the moment was not for him. He didn't do well living like this. He had paced in his room so much he was sure he was wearing a path in the rug. So tonight, he was going to try something different. He would go to the library. While studying wasn't his favorite activity, he could fill his time with it. He could fill the minutes of the day with words and knowledge to maybe learn something that would help them get out of the gods forsaken land. The palace library was just a short walk away. He found himself surrounded by scribes scholars and books. He scanned the shelves looking to find something to pique his interest. He was falling short and not even sure what he was looking for. He turned to ask the closest scribe a question when he realized the person closest to him wasn't a scribe. "Roman? Fancy seeing you here. Didn't know the second in command was into reading." He commented. "Although we didn't talk much when we were....now did we?" He said a smirk on his lips as he remembered the last time they were together.

[dcwnthercad]

where peace is often sought, it could be found simply submerged with dying foliage from nature's brittle caress. If those words were to ever come from his breath, the truth would hold no residency, and glazing each syllable was not a common feat. while colors still thrived through the biting temperatures, it often left room for nostalgia as his mind transcended from its pocketed induction, a forlorn melody that he tuned out. picking apart the benevolent became challenging as the histrionic whispers kept him company with each step that he took, carrying himself down an uncharted and twisted path.

the art of the hunt in anything, no matter the target or the endgame – awareness of signs were always pivotal for success. SIGNS of ANIMATION SIGNS of EXISTENCE & above ALL else – SIGNS of PENDING & POTENTIAL HAZARDS. it dawned on him, just how severed and clouded his sense of contingency has become. " shit .. . is that ... " the words were hush against the chilled air. suddenly glacial pressure coursed through his veins as he became aware of his predicament. a nest. That's a fucking nest. " SHIT. " the secondary curse was timely with the far-reaching screech that made the earth and everything surrounding them tremble. no hesitation came from roman as his legs carried him forth with no destination in mind, just trying to out RUN a dragon's wings. as if anyone could while within such damning proximity " i didn't fucking know, i don't want your children! " in all honesty, he didn't even see what the nest contained, or if the dragon itself was a parent .. . he didn't exactly have the means to congratulate, knowing it would likely end with him on the menu. but his words only seemed to be a transgressor as the heat radiated behind him, surprised by his own evasion on joining the foliage in ashes, and he became so fixated on his escape that he did not register that he flew past another being.

— closed starter for @dcwnthercad // 𝔡𝔢𝔞𝔡 𝔴𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰 𝔟𝔢𝔞𝔱! ( roman & vastien — nearing nightfall on a wooded cliff's edge, overlooking the dusk court. )

𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔰 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔰𝔥𝔞𝔡𝔬𝔴 are vast's dearest companions. they swath him in a tight embrace, carry him silently over foreign terrain, cosset his cheek, and beckon with curling fingers. the season has turned, and he is clothed in heavy leathers lined with soft deerskin and wool, and still, he moves like a wraith — seamless, footless, like water carving its silken path down a mountainside. he is but another dimension of the shifting shadows that swarm beneath a canopy of evergreens and bare, clattering branches.

what brought him out beyond the city is much like what brought him to the dusk court in the first place: fate. he answers when he's bidden, and he outruns the darkness of his own nightmares when they won't relent. this instinct has kept him alive all these years, kept his general and illyrian brothers alive.

as he approaches the edge of the treeline, he sees a bald cliff ahead, a landing overlooking the city. nothing an archer loves better than high ground. hazel eyes survey his surroundings quickly; no one's coming. as he slips between trees and heads toward the open, he notices ...the once tall grasses that stood here have been scorched to brittle bark, the earth is ashen, and blackened bones litter the ground.

a fucking dragon's perch. fuck.

and then he hears them: massive wings beating in the dark overhead, and the trees around him stir to life as the serpentine beast prepares to land. vast's own wings tuck tightly against his back, and he folds himself into the shadows, watching, silent, invisible. just another shadow, or so he hopes.

[dcwnthercad]

ROMAN .

FULL NAME: ��romanus eros naida 
NICKNAME(S): roman 
NAME MEANING: warrior
AGE:  thirty three (330 )
DATE OF BIRTH:  June 30th

ZODIAC: cancer
CURRENT LOCATION: autumn court
GENDER: demi- man
PRONOUNS: he/they
SEXUAL ORIENTATION: gay asf 
ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: demi-romantic
RELIGION: the mother
OCCUPATION:  second in command / lord
SIGNATURE SCENT:  sandalwood, black pepper

PERSONALITY

LABEL(S):  the icarian 
POSITIVE TRAITS:  charming, intelligent, eccentric, passionate, honest, determined. 
NEGATIVE TRAITS:  sarcastic, aloof. Impulsive, unlucky. 
LIKES:  uncovering mysteries, the company of creatures ( although a dragon would be questionable — maybe ), and soaking up information that he probably shouldn’t know, lightening spirits in dark times. 
DISLIKES:  cruel intentions, dishonesty, & being alone. 
FEARS: losing more people he allows himself to get to know, or come to care about. Not being enough. 
HABITS: bottling emotions ( difficulty expressing deeper emotions ), his fingers fidget when he’s nervous, speaking without regard to the trouble it could get him into. hides behind humor. 
PERSONALITY TYPE:  INTP
MORAL ALIGNMENT: chaotic good
ELEMENT:  air


FAMILY, RELATIONSHIPS, ETC.

MOTHER: deceased 
FATHER:  deceased 
SIGNIFICANT OTHER: n/a
SIBLING(S):  older brother ( eatranged )

HEADCANONS

( death & suicide mention , alcohol & addiction mention )

- hardships began when he was just a fledgling, as he bore witness to his mother being hunted & brutally murdered while his family was under a dominating grasp and power. as young as he was, there was very little he could have actually done.

- immediately after his father’s response to his mother’s death was to fall into an addiction to alcohol, his regard to his children slipped away. while his brother became more and more detached , roman had taken upon himself to be responsible for their father. that is until tragedy struck yet again, when his father took his own life.

- when he accepted and rendered reaching his brother as a lost cause - he found comfort in training, proving himself and honing his skills so that he could not feel as powerless as he did.

CONNECTIONS

first heartbeeak: his first rejection, he could have gotten himself roped up into a friends with benefits type of thing, which would have been doomed from the start because he likely had feelings.

older brother : honestly their ties may be very broken, but he still has love for his brother. he’d just approach it with being more on a surface levels

friends roman is only guarded when it comes to people getting to know him on a deeper level. to prevent getting close to others, he keeps them very much on a surface level ( minus two. ) will 10/10 get in any shenanigans if you enlist him to help, has a hard time saying no if someone needs assistance. he may judge, but he’ll follow through.




[dcwnthercad]

and this marks the end of an era ! happy to get the ball rolling with everyone ! : ) everything below this post is archived so please disregard ! currently sprucing this place up a bit ! affiliated w/ ofcourtfables

[dcwnthercad]

the comment stung , but of course it was to be expected. he didn’t argue it because there was shame behind his actions and how he handled both of the important people in his life. Jakob was a glutton for self - destruction that never released any warning signs. or perhaps he was truly that good at remaining under the radar … being known as the impulsive one. when the question dropped so did Jakob’s voice, “ I’ve already begun taking matters into my own hands .. “ the vague confession slithered from frowning lips as he glanced over to his brother. “ but it’s only just the beginning. “ there were other perpetrators involved, he was sure he cut the head of the snake, but the smaller ones were just as deadly.

" for all we know the doctors have played their part in it . . . " he dismissed the mention of what the doctors have said about their parents. " our father had gained backlash with his desire to join the french in an alliance, the more I thought of it -- the more it made sense to me. I needed to see the evidence with my own eyes before i let it be known . . when i came back from denmark , I had to avoid catching anyone's eye. if i let you know you know without proof then it what would have been for nothing. " he answered honestly to his twin. " i didn;t want anyone else to take the fall for my actions - "

[dcwnthercad]

" for all we know the doctors have played their part in it . . . " he dismissed the mention of what the doctors have said about their parents. " our father had gained backlash with his desire to join the french in an alliance, the more I thought of it -- the more it made sense to me. I needed to see the evidence with my own eyes before i let it be known . . when i came back from denmark , I had to avoid catching anyone's eye. if i let you know you know without proof then it what would have been for nothing. " he answered honestly to his twin. " i didn;t want anyone else to take the fall for my actions - "

"No...they were sick. It was just stories created by my-..." Jasper waved towards his head as he spoke, though even as he said the words he hardly believe him himself. "The doctor said-..." The eldest prince crossed his arms tightly over his chest, trying to ignore the swarming thoughts that swam around his head while also wondering why Jakob finally decided to agree with him. "Why now? Why do you believe what I said now?" he asked desperately. If his brother believed him and what he had seen; wasn't at all in his head like everyone was telling him than maybe he wasn't as crazy as people made him out to be. He shook his head at Jakob's question. "I have barely talked to anyone...why?"

[dcwnthercad]

that was a good point that he made, and he conceded. neither of them valued other opinions, but in a sense jakob had to be weary of them. it was a sensitive manner while rising to the throne -- and it's not necessarily their opinion of him that mattered, it was their ill-intentioned thoughts. especially where the nobles are bare just as much guilt as his uncle -- if his theory is correct and that he didn't act alone. but now his thoughts were distracted in what was pleasant -- but turned sour rather quick. " a joke made about someone you've only known for how long ? " his tone was laced with contempt of the idea. the hand on his wrist made him hesitate for just a moment as he stared at him directly. " i don't think that would be wise." he told him, " perhaps my idealism will be the death of me., wouldn't you agree? "

"Since when have I ever cared what my country thinks?" Halden asked. He had lived his life how he saw fit, and there were plenty of things about him that his country might not agree with, at least if he stood by Jakob's side it would be with someone he knew he could trust. He could not help the widening of his smile when he heard that the other missed him too. Though any joy that had filled the room seemed to leave as quickly as it came. "It was a joke-..." he mumbled out in response. Halden placed his glass down beside Jakob's, instead settling for just drinking straight out of the bottle. "Don't-..." he began, reaching out to grab the others wrist to stop him from leaving. "Don't do that. Come on, have a drink with me. Don't leave."

[dcwnthercad]

There is a hesitance in his reaction to halden voicing his offense to his uncertainty on the subject. Many things have actually gotten in the way of them, and that included themselves. “ but there are some things that could implicate you, could ruin your own stance with your country . . . what if my choices would have made denmark reconsider its alliance to England ? “ he asked with raised brows, but there was a soft laugh. “ I've missed you as well … “ When he did take the glass, his hand tightened around the neck of the glass. The smile faded from his lips when the name was brought up once again , “ that's the second time that you've said his name. “ Jakob couldn't help himself from letting the statement leave his lips. “ perhaps it would be best if I had a drink elsewhere. “ he murmured as he set the glass to the side. “ I've suddenly lost my desire for company. “

"The fact that you think you have to ask me that offends me," Halden replied, they had been friends for far too long to let anything come between them. Hell just a short while ago he had still been angry at Jakob for cutting him out, and now look at them - they were talking as if they were almost themselves again. "Necessary or not...it still hurts, I'm just glad we are able to talk like this again. I missed my friend." At Jakob's reply, Halden grabbed two glasses from the drawer below where he kept the liquor before walking back towards his friend. A smile played at the corner of his lips as he held the hand with the glasses in them out for Jakob to take one. "Maybe Theo is right...maybe I am a bad influence," he said with a laugh.

[dcwnthercad]

He allowed himself to offer a smile at his attempt to comfort him and honestly it did ease some of the weight that had been lifted. It helped tremendously to know that he hadn't pushed the people that he trusted the most too far from his reach. “ will you ? Well I hope you won't regret that, it is rumored that madness runs in my bloodline. “ he inquired cheekily with raised eyebrows. “ but that is a relief to hear, hopefully it will not be in vain. Any trouble that has been made, I promise, was necessary. “ jakob assured him, but couldn't out the details … as much as he trusted him – could he really implicate him with the treason he committed? The offer for liquor was definitely one that he would not pass on, “ you had me at akyavit. “

Halden squeezed Jakob’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort him, not knowing what to say to make things better or if there even was anything that could be said, except for - “I’m sorry.” Halden frowned, he didn’t want Jakob to think he didn’t believe him - he just didn’t want the other to dig themselves into a hole they could not get out of. “I will believe whatever it is you believe. It is not my place to make assumptions, I just don’t want you to cause unnecessary problems for yourself.” Halden hesitantly stepped away from Jakob, walking towards the cabinet in his room where he stored the liquor he had brought from Denmark. He was running low, but he was willing to share with an old friend - especially when it was clear he had far worse troubles than him at the moment. “You sure you do not want some akvavit to ease your mind?” he asked, uncapping the glass bottle.

[dcwnthercad]

Black Adder ( Callista )

How does your muse handle negative emotions ??

Depends one the situation because she feels things very openly. When angry , she reacts. Confrontation?! She’s not afraid of it , which is why she is rumored to forever be unmatched.

[dcwnthercad]

Hawaiian Bobtail Squid ( Aimes )

what is a subject that your muse cannont understand ?/ Innocence. Aimwa simply canet understand empathy or genuinithy. her upbringing involve a lot of her clan being burnt at the stake , or simply abandoning her to fend for own well beining. sje jad beem taken in by a scottish family that had treated her as their own, but still she is incapable of trusting that. if she dcoudl trust her own family, how could she triust anything else ? falling for a stablehand has certainly thrown her from her own belliefs.

[dcwnthercad]

the fact that he appeared to believe him was everyhiing. the reaction felt similar to his own - a process that he had to endure to grasp ahold of it. jakob also couldn't find the words, but he also spoke against how jasper could be hallucinating such things -- which is his ultumate regret rather than actually considering them. the psychical contact actually brought him back from his anxiousness -- but his words brought about a seriousness within himself. " his familt is meant to be our own , shouldn't that count for anything ? " he cuntered with a conviction. there was a time where he loved his uncle and couldn't see him ever ignoring him or his brother . " I am positive." hes stated firmely. " you are free to have your doubts, but I' ve considered my brother's point of view . . .. and the things i've witness are very likely. i don't expect you to believe in me. ' he sisn't move away from from the contact, making eye contact with him. " I have been teetering with te concept ... back and forth -- time and time again . . . I can only hope that i am right .. "

Halden thought over the words in his head as Jakob spoke them. He did not know the his uncle - other than some stories that he might of heard of the years. For once, Halden found himself speechless - instead allowing the other to vent about the troubles that had ailed him. When he was finally done, the Danish prince finally spoke up. "I am sorry I thought you had pulled away for foolish reasons," he said, allowing himself to take a few steps towards Jakob again. Gently he placed his hand on the others shoulder, "And if what you say is true, then at least karma caught up to him," he pointed out. "But even in death - these stories could haunt his family...I do not want to play devils advocate, but I feel like I must-..." he began, reaching his other free hand up and tapping the side of Jakob's head as he spoke. "Are you sure you have enough proof to know it was in fact him that killed your parents, and not Jasper's stories messing with your head."

[dcwnthercad]

Cephalopod, Crustacean, and Shellfish Headcanon Questions

Feel free to change pronouns as necessary, and remember to specify muse for multimuse blogs.

CW: Food

—

Peacock Mantis Shrimp: How is your muse's eyesight? Good? Bad? Fair?

Common Limpet: Does your muse have an unpopular opinion on something?

Antarctic Krill: How available is your muse for helping others?

Colossal Squid: What is your muse clinging to?

Broadclub Cuttlefish: Does your muse hide parts of themself from others?

Colorful Hermit Crab: How sought after is your muse? Can people not get enough of them?

American Oyster: Is your muse easily manipulated?

White Shrimp: What does a typical night in look like for your muse?

Acorn Barnacle: Does your muse give up easily or are they ride or die?

Tiger Prawn: What does your muse do to show off?

Kisslip Cuttlefish: Is your muse stylish?

Dumbo Octopus: What is a subject your muse pretends to know a great deal about but doesn't actually know much about?

Hawaiian Bobtail Squid: What is a subject your muse just cannot understand?

Queen Conch: Is your muse prone to stealing?

Flamingo Tongue: What does your muse think about animal prints?

Striped Pyjama Squid: What does your muse wear to bed most often?

American Horseshoe Crab: How resilient is your muse?

Shortfin Squid: Is your muse considered tall or short for their age?

Blue-Ringed Octopus: What is your muse's main toxic trait?

Flamboyant Cuttlefish: Does your muse like to dress up?

Atlantic Blue Crab: Is your muse grumpy in the mornings or are they a morning person? Do they run on coffee?

King Crab: What is your muse known for?

Geoduck: Is your muse a foodie?

Chambered Nautilus: What is something your muse collects?

Giant Pacific Octopus: What is one thing your muse will run from every time?

Vampire Squid: What are your muse's defense mechanisms?

Decorator Crab: If your muse is hurting, how do they handle it? This can be physical, emotional, or mental pain.

Humboldt Squid: What makes your muse a smooth operator?

Caribbean Spiny Lobster: What is a valuable piece of knowledge to get close to your muse?

Caribbean Reef Octopus: What is your muse's least favorite color?

Giant Triton: Is your muse a good listener?

[dcwnthercad]

Snake Themed Character Questions

Feel free to change pronouns as necessary, and remember to specify muse for multimuse blogs.

CW: Food Mention, Snakes

—

Green Anaconda: What is the most exaggerated feature of your muse?

Inland Taipan: Does your muse hold grudges?

Coral Snake: What toxic traits is your muse aware they have? Do they try to hide them?

Banded King Snake: What is a misconception about your muse?

Corn Snake: Does your muse enjoy cooking, baking, or another food-related hobby?

Black Adder: How does your muse handle negative emotions?

Emerald Boa: What is your muse's favorite feature about themself?

Vine Snake: Is your muse judgemental? Do they let people speak for themselves or do they assume things based on their appearance/etc?

Hognose: What is the cutest thing your muse does for themself? What about for others?

Leaf Nose: Is your muse sensitive about anything regarding their appearance?

Frog-Eating Rat Snake: What is your muse's hygiene like?

Rattle Snake: What does your muse do when they are warning someone to stop engaging with them?

Copperhead: Is your muse dangerous? In what way(s)?

Cottonmouth: How comfortable is your muse in the water? Can they swim or do they sink like a rock?

Blunt-Headed Tree Snake: Has your muse ever been bullied for something? If so, what and how did they react?

[dcwnthercad]

“ you were speaking your truth, what else could you have done ? Mother and father didn't deserve what happened to them. “ he attempted to reassure his brother. “ we can't waste time on what could have changed things, this is the hand we were dealt,” and perhaps his words should have made him hesitate but they didn't have that affect. “ everything is as they should be . . . isn't it ? So I would like to believe that it wasn't for naught – “ although there was something that troubled him that he wasn't saying. “ I despise going about it the way I did, I should have never distanced myself. “ there was a moment where he felt silent. " have you spoken to our cousin ? "

Jasper had not only worried that his brother seemed doubtful of his words, but that he had also hurt him in some way. The nobles he had accused were not just strangers, but people who were close to their family and while he still held strong to the idea that they had in fact had something to do with his parents death; he worried that he might have been wrong after all. If he had been; he ruined his families ties with these people for nothing. "Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut...not announced it the way I had. If I had just confided in you maybe it would have ended up differently-..." he mumbled out in response. "I do not blame you for not believing me brother. I just wish you had stuck by my side. I hope whatever kept you away was worth it in the end..."

[dcwnthercad]

the air in the room felt less tense when jakob allowed some of the truth to fall from his lips. and now that halden can have a better look at his predicament . . . it allowed for an explanation that it wasn't for nothing. pulling away from him wasn't something he wanted to do. it felt like something he had to do. " yes. on his own ? absolutely not. he certainly wasted no time to take my father's place . . . it wasn't his to take. and jasper's words had no weight while I wasn't there for the fall out of it all. he fed his children lies, that they were to be the heirs of the throne. as if my parents bloodline didn't exist. how can that not be suspicious? " he pointed it out candidly before allowing himself to sigh. " i didn't feel i had much of a choice but to keep my distance. i wasn't so sure of myself and what to make of it. ."

" not the reason for us being in greece, for god's sake, i meant the reason for why there's distance between us, and you're not the only one, jasper as well. " he wished that he could have contained himself better, and kept the moment between them as it was. but there was something much more grim happening that the other didn't know about. and he carried that burden alone, and perhaps he deserved that impending loss of sanity. he always ran because in his reality -- it was the logical thing to do. but he remained where he was. " when i did that i thought i was protecting the both of you. i had every reason to believe that my uncle was behind my parents murder . . . i wanted to investigate it, to find out the truth when i learned there was no contest for the throne. . " his voice trailed off as he mulled over his words in his head now. " call me mad myself, but the evidence to his theories were substantial . . . "