Once Landed

As always, morning brought a whole new set of issues for Kain to deal with. He rolled out of bed, spry and fully awake as many of the castle and townspeople would not be for several more hours, and then only with aching heads and miserable curses. He took himself to the armoire that stood on the south side of the bedroom, and opened the doors to find that in his infinite kindness, Edge had also left a change of clothes. He pulled the long shirt from where it hung, looking at the deep maroon of it and sneering. The most sumptuous of his clothing was all that had been left him; even the leather riding pants he had worn as the kings’ page. He changed swiftly, pulling the cloak back on over the opulent clothing, feeling a deep remorse at the disappearance of his armor.

He threw open the doors to his chamber and shut them swiftly behind himself; no one need know that the knight was without his armor, spear, or belongings. The fact that he would again travel in public without his armor and weapon as he had not in years alone was enough for comment; he did not doubt many would not recognize him. Which suited him just as well as any alternative. He tried desperately not to think of how the festivities had gone, tried not to wonder if anyone had looked for him after his disappearance. He knew that it was unlikely, as he wasn’t exactly the best company at a party. Still, he knew Cecil and Rosa had worried. And what had they expected?

The kitchen was empty of all but the cooks this morning, and the breakfast set out in the serving hall was not much more than cheese and bread, and, of course, all of the delectable leftovers. He skewered quite a bit of the left over roast beef and took a large hunk of cheese, finding a loaf of bread from this mornings batch to carve a chunk from, and, with a mouth full of meat, found himself a seat by a fire. He had only so much time before he must find Edge; he had decided, as he lay awake, that he must ask for his weapon in such a way that he did not appear dishonorable in any way.

As he had not expected, Edge entered the room, another black ensemble quite like the previous evening’s on, the difference being in the lack of silver gilt along the edges of the cloth. He did not look haggard in anyway, but fresh and invigorated. He picked over the table and took nothing but meat away, and one small block of cheese, and walked towards Kain though he had not looked at Kain directly. Kain hoped that he would not be seen but ignored the thought as unworthy; what knight would wish he could skulk away from any man?

Despite never having laid eyes on Kain, Edge sat down directly opposite him, eating thoughtfully and with a grace that betrayed his ability to fling knives. He did not speak, merely ate. Kain considered for a moment the way he looked, and how odd it had been that he did not remove his mask. How hard it must be to pull aside the cloth to stuff a perfect mouthful under, how annoying to measure each bite by hand. And how pointless to continue to wear it- after all this time, everyone in the castle no doubt knew that he was the crowned prince of Eblan. It was foolish to believe that he would not immediately be recognized, particularly with his strange garb. Edge finished eating and drank wine he poured himself from a goblet he took from the pouch at his side- the only one Kain had ever seen him drink from, an ugly tin that had been beaten into a new and interesting shape. Kain finished his meat and began laboriously on the cheese; he felt as though he had been starving, and it occurred to him that this was probably due to the lack of food he had eaten in the past twenty-four hours.

“It’s good to see you up,” Edge said, still not looking at him, sapphirine eyes glittering above his mask with the same light in his earrings. “I’d worried I wouldn’t see you this morning.”

“You had no reason to worry, Edge. I am just glad you left me some clothing to change into.” Edge’s eyes crinkled in that smile of his, but he didn’t say anything, merely eating. “When will we depart?”

“I’d thought to go early but, as acting representative of the nation of Eblan, I can’t leave without saying goodbye to the ruling monarchs. Wouldn’t want to start a war by insulting somebody,” Edge answered, rolling his eyes. “So I have to wait until the happy couple decide to join us.” Kain did not speak, did not even change his expression. “I had thought, of course, that you’d like to avoid that whole mess-“

“I won’t go prowling away, Edge. I will say goodbye like a respectable man before I leave.” He took a moment to watch Edge lower his mask just enough to pop another bite into his mouth.

“It’s not that big of a deal,” Edge said softly and Kain realized he’d been staring. Rudely. “After so long you get used to it.”

“So long…? How long have you been wearing it?” Edge’s eyes crinkled.

“Since I was ten. It’s a sign of my station that no one has seen my full face since the day my father first tied a mask on for me, to show me how it was done. And, of course, I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was extremely helpful during puberty.” He grinned. “I wasn’t exactly a sight to behold.” Kain smiled, genuinely amused at the mental image of a pimple-covered ninja child. “What about you?”

“What about me?”

“I bet you just rolled out of bed one morning with a clear face, a full beard, and that deep ringing voice of yours.” Edge smiled and took a drink of his wine, making a face at it. “I detest this stuff,” he added before returning his full attention to Kain.

“Well, I had a great deal of trouble learning to shave, of course,” Kain said, smiling. “But once I got the hang of it and grew into myself, I can’t say I had any other difficulties. I generally don’t look in mirrors; I’ve only seen the lower half of my face in my travels.” Edge choked on his wine.

“You haven’t looked in a mirror? I mean, you never look yourself over, don’t look at your hair- anything?” He was aghast, and Kain shook his head. His wide eyes looked him over. “Why not?”

“Vanity is a sin,” Kain answered. “The last time I used a mirror larger than the palm of my hand was when I was a page, and due to the king’s request. He said he couldn’t afford to have his reputation ruined at the sight of an unkempt page.” Kain smiled in memory.

“So you know your jaw line fairly well, but that’s it?” Kain nodded, and Edge shook his head. “I can’t believe it.”

“Why not? Are ninjas vain?” Edge smiled, his eyes predatory once more.

“Kain, you'll be *appalled* at how sinful we are compared to this…” He looked around at the few people trickling in, all of whom were conservatively dressed and well mannered, even amongst themselves, with ‘good morning’s and ‘how was your evening’s and ‘excuse me’s. “…Saintliness.” Kain looked around, familiar only with this environment, now worried at what he had gotten himself into.

“…In what way are you sinful?” Edge’s eyes shone, though his smile disappeared with a semblance of seriousness.

“Kain, I can tell you that all but a few of the things you've been raised to believe are bad and evil are commonplace in my home. Your mindset, and Cecil’s, is entirely wrong- but at least he has the excuse of being a holy knight. You're meant to be a full and living person, and capable of thought and decisions. I’m going to teach you a great deal, once we make it back to Eblan.” Kain’s eyes were wide and worried now.

“If you mean to make me dishonor myself-“

“No, no, no,” Edge cut him off in a very reassuring voice. “No, no. I'll never make you do anything degrading or humiliating or shameful, Kain! I only want to talk to you, to show you my home and teach you about our ways. I imagine you're the kind of person for it'll be good for.” He ate another piece of cheese as Kain considered what he was saying. Kain was used to his lifestyle, used to the way things were. He could not imagine doing anything else. He was a knight before he was a man; he must stay true to his heritage. If Edge wanted to talk to him, Kain would listen. However, he would not do anything to compromise himself. And as soon as he retrieved his spear, he would disappear. To where, he was uncertain, but it would not be in any of the cities where he would be well known.

“I will listen to what you have to say. However, my main concern is for my-“

“Spear. Oh yeah, I know. Don’t worry. I don’t have any illusions about the reason you'll be accompanying me.” He smiled charmingly. “But that doesn’t change the fact that you’ll be accompanying me.” He finished his meat and took a final drink from his wine. “I’ve already had my men pack all of our things onto the airship. Once we’ve said goodbye to the reigning king and queen of Baron we can get the hell out of here. I want to assess the total damage Rubicant inflicted on my castle.” A bite of hate stained his voice when he spoke of his old nemesis.

“Edge, don’t you think it’s time you’ve forgiven Rubicant?” Edge’s eyes flashed for a moment with icy anger. “He never meant for that to happen to your family. He-“

“And how do you know all of this, how are you so sure? Did you know Rubicant? Really?” Kain looked away from Edge’s eyes, knowing full well that anything he said at this point would only embroil his temper further. He had tried to stand up on the behalf of a dead man; he did not want to make it a point on which he and Edge fought constantly. After a very long silence, Edge spoke again. “Let’s go. If I have to drag their Highnesses out of the bed I’ll do it myself. And you’ll help.” Kain’s eyes were huge, and Edge looked at them with curiousity, being so used to seeing them framed in metal.

“I could never-“

“You can and you will be doing a lot of things that you hadn’t expected when you’re around me. If not because I asked then because you have to!” Kain vaguely considered once more how important the spear was to him, and how he would be compromising himself to barge in not only on another man with his woman, but on Cecil. With Rosa. A look of pain must have crossed his face for a moment, because Edge remembered who it was he was talking about, and who to. “Okay, you don’t have to do anything quite so drastic as that… why don’t… Why don’t I just pin a note to his door or something?” Kain looked vaguely confused.

“You are supposed to be acting as crowned prince, aren’t you?” Edge hit himself in the forehead, once. It had been a long time, all the long while they travelled, and he had grown so used to acting outside of etiquette, which he was never very good at to begin with. He shrugged a little.

“You know, you’re right. I’ll go back to my room, find a scroll, write out a long and complicated letter with lots of little flourishes and seal it with my family crest. That should be more than pompous enough.” He nodded. “Come with me. It will take only a moment and we can hurry to the airship, hopefully to be home before lunch.”

“If you are still hungry-“ Edge shook his head.

“It isn’t for me. My men may be able to feign seasickness, but I know when they're just being polite. Again, your food doesn’t sit well; it's too sweet. The only good thing I can really say for it is that you have good taste in cheese, and your desserts are ever imaginative, if nothing else.” He had led Kain to his rooms, keeping in step with him, which naturally made Kain nervous. A crown prince walking beside Kain, as though they were equals? He could understand it if, perhaps, he had been walking beside Cecil- to anyone looking on, it would only be natural for Kain to assume position of adviser to the king. However, for the crowned prince of Eblan? Edge opened his door but didn’t walk in, throwing out an arm to stop Kain. “Don’t go further,” he hissed.

“What is it?” Kain asked, looking around.

“Sometimes Sky likes to play minor tricks on me.” He pulled a short knife from his belt and cut a tripwire before him. “There. You’re safe.” He smiled winningly. “I promise you won’t have to worry about this from him.” He entered the room and immediately began rummaging through the only pack left in the room; he pulled out a bit of wax and all the accoutrements, a scroll and a small bottle of ink. He quickly began penning a note on the large desk in the corner, indeed adding many unnecessary flourishes.

“One of your men snuck into your rooms and set a wire to-“ Edge waved over his shoulder dismissively.

“Not ‘one of my men’. My adviser. The Chancellor, of course- he'll retire as soon as I'm home. Sky, however, is a completely trustworthy man that I was paired with as a child. My parents thought it healthy I had someone to grow up with; of course- it’s a time-honored tradition that his family and mine grow alongside one another. The Chancellor's actually his father… Anyway. We mostly grew up playing pranks on one another, just the general sort of traps we’d set for one another as we learned them. He’ll soon know better than to trouble you, Kain.” He finished penning his note and set the hot wax on it, using the ring on his finger, with its seal, to mark the wax. “There. Can they read Eblanese?” He turned to ask Kain, blowing gently on the wax.

“No, but they have people to do that for them.” He shrugged just a little. Edge nodded at his words, then shook his head as he looked down at the scroll.

“It's a shame.”

“What is?” Kain asked.

“That so few people outside of Eblan know our language, and yet so many within know yours. Someday soon we may have to switch our national language all together.” He looked at Kain. “Who do I have to give this to to make sure it gets delivered?” Kain considered it for a few moments.

“If there is any way to make sure they receive it, it will be through the kitchens. I will speak with the head cook if you like; it will be his job to make certain they are fed.” Edge nodded, eyes grateful. Kain took the scroll Edge offered him and began his purposeful walk back to the kitchens. There, he found the cook (whom he had known since he was just a child in the castle’s winding corridors) and gave him the explicit instructions. It did not sit well with Kain that he should not say goodbye, so he took a few moments to write a scroll of his own from just a tattered bit of parchment, and slipped it inside of Edge’s. They would arrive together, just as the two men had departed together.

“You ready?” Edge asked. “Cid must've been in a giving mood; he gave me the Falcon, and we can steer it home. All our things are packed, every man spoken for, and I’m getting damned tired of this well-populated, soft castle.”

“Soft?” Kain asked, confused. Edge nodded.

“Every man, woman and child in my home is hard-bodied and fighting strong. Seeing so many people in the halls like this speaks to my inner demon; all these loose purse-strings!” He cackled, all but rubbing his hands together in glee. “I just hope that I can’t say the same of my countrymen!”

They traveled easily to the docking area, still being built, most easily reached through the rooms used for research once by the dragoons. Kain kept silent as they passed his old work area, and Edge kept up a happy commentary on how dreary the place looked, the small bag he had slung over his shoulder clinking against the bag at his side. Kain looked at the painting of his father on one of the walls and quickly turned his eyes elsewhere; somehow those prominent and proud, noble features always seemed to make him aware of everything inside of him that was loathsome. He could just hear his father exclaiming over the loss of his weapon. Of course, in this case, he was certain even his father would agree that it had not been his fault.

The long bridge through which they walked was relatively new, carrying them to the new area in which the airships, their Falcon, and the Lunar Whale all docked. It was a relatively wise decision of Cecil’s to build it, and of course, no one could deny Cid now that Cecil was king. Cid, in fact, was in attendance already, and he rushed over to where Kain and Edge had entered.

“We’ve got yer airship ready to go!” He said with a little twirl of his hand that was his go ahead sign. “Just remember ta bring her back now and again so I can check her up!” Edge smiled gratefully at the old man.

“Will do, pops! Just stop getting hurt on me, I don’t want to have to find someone else to trust my ship to.” Edge found himself fairly ignored for the first time as Cid looked Kain over.

“You goin’ with him, Kain?” Kain nodded. “Well, can’t see as to I blame you, what with things bein’ what they are. You come back too, you hear me?” He all but shook his fist.

“I will, Cid,” Cid nodded, grinning his funny grin.

“Git outta here, the botha you. I need that space cleared to build a new ship in. My Enterprise ain’t gonna be a prototype any more!” He all but danced in place at the thought of fueling his hobby on the king’s money, and shooed them to their ship. Kain and Edge climbed on, and Edge immediately shooed away the steersman in favor of taking the helm himself.

“You ready Kain?” Edge asked, flashing an amused look at him. Kain nodded and the engines started. They were off.