Cole scratched Dramors chin as they walked. "Special? Hmm. Well we practically grew up together. My father.." He paused, swallowing hard before continuing, his smile a little wry. "My father had brought back an egg from one of his expedition. We didn't knew if anything would hatch since the mother was gone. But we tried and it worked, so here we are." Cole looked lovingly at his friend leaning in on him. "He is family."

In a way he felt a bit proud he could help Leanna with her worries, even more so when he saw her interact with her dragon. She doesn't belong behind closed doors. As she was handling Azutri Cole sunk into a deep though. How should he tell her? It is not like they knew each other for very long but in a way he felt responsible for her and if really no one was ready to stand on her side but only him, this complicated things just even more. Thinking he leaned sideways on a nearby wooden pillar, before noticing that Leanna came up to him.

Suddenly conscious of it Cole licked over his lip, before wiping it with a finger. "Ah that's nothing. Just got into an argument with another trainee here." It did make him worry though that she brought up her brother. "Why should it have been your brother? Did something happen?" A worried droplet formed on his temple while in the background Dramor tried to persuade Azutri to play with him, pouncing on her who just dodged to the side. "Listen, I don't know exactly what the deal is between you two but if you are worried for me, that is unnecessary." He bluntly said. "I know how to defend myself. I did it before many times. Besides I..." Cole looked everywhere but her not sure how to say the following words. He took a deep breather gathering himself. "I'm going to-"

With a loud bang the door of the shack opened. A cursing bearded und bearlike men stomped toward their direction as soon he had set eyes on them, ignoring the guard that stood nearby. Cole stared a bit suprised at Bermond who seemed to release steam, that angry he seemed to be. "What is this?!!?" Bermond shouted putting up his left arm, which held a letter. A letter he himself recognized well. Because he was the one who wrote it. "I can't sit by and do nothing anymore." Almost immediately a reply came. "Are crazy? You only have two more months left of training before becoming an official Dragon Keeper. Are you really giving that up? What about your promise!!??" Cole glenched his fist looking down. "I... I can't loose the last bit of family I have left."

Bermond threw the letter of resignation on the ground stomping on it. "To hell with that. Without being an official they will hunt you down like any wildling out there. You think you can help her like that??" He grabbed Cole by the collar pulling him closer and staring dangerously at him. He didn't falter, he had set his mind and wouldn't change it. The more time passed the more sleep Cole began to loose, worrying over all the possibilities. The uncertainty was killing him. "I'm going to look for my mother, no matter what." Cole replied in a cold manner himself, not really caring about the opinion of the one who had trained him for years. Bermond seemed like he was about to explode but held it in. "We're not done yet. Before anything you have to convince the council to let you go. And I highly doubt you can do that." Having said his opinion Bermond retreated leaving them behind.

Cole sighed deeply. He expected for Bermond to react that way, but he definitly had chosen the worst time to confront him about it. "Sorry." He said to Leanna turning her way. With a very meek and not very convincing smile, he walked over to her, patting her head to comfort her a little. "I have to go. I'm sure you can handle yourself now." Cole let go, now tapping on the pin that she had stuck to his jacket. "I'll have a charm that'll protect me along the journey." He grinned, putting in an effort to sound as relaxed as he could. "It shouldn't take to long. I'll be back soon." Cole walked over to Dramor getting back his attention. "I plan to go in two days. If you want something until then, feel free to ask." It was time for Cole to start packing.

Leanna enjoyed Cole's stories, he seemed to have led such a fascinating life - imagine raising a dragon from an egg all the way to adulthood. He then questioned her, asking why her brother was still an issue, Leanna swallowed hard - should she tell him? She debating it internally for a little while before deciding it wasn't worth masking Cole worry abut her. "No, no - it's just because he hurt you before" she said calmly, although she felt like her face betrayed her a little.

Cole began to tell her something when a large man burst in, making everyone jump including the dragons - Dramor seemed to stiffen and edged towards Cole, while Azutri hissed at the loud noise and huffed a few times before settling over in the corner. The man began yelling sat Cole, thrusting some paper in his face and screaming about 'giving up'. Leanna felt very uncomfortable, a hand placed on her shoulder as Markus made his way to her side. While the man seemed angry Cole remained very calm, he mentioned finding his mother and Leanna's chest clenched painfully - was his Mother missing? Cole had never really spoken about his family.

Cole was leaving?

Markus' hand left as the argument ended and Cole seemed tired all of a sudden. He walked up to her and Leanna felt very sad, she didn't want Cole to leave - but it's not like anything she could say would make him feel any better. The way he patted her head made her chest flutter a little and as he motioned to the pin on his clothes she smiled, but as soon as he said he was leaving in two days her smile faltered. "Do you know where to start looking?" she asked, aware that Markus was still here and that her day would be reported back to her Father. "I'll do anything I can to help - if you need anything, or just want anything..." she couldn't stop herself from feeling sad.

Cole was her first friend. Her only friend. And now he was leaving. "Princess..." Markus whispered, "We need to head back soon..." she let out a shaky sigh, holding back the lump in her throat that was a tell-tale sign she was going to start crying. "Don't do anything too dangerous Cole..." she was tempted to hug him, but felt like the tears might start falling if she did.

She turned and left, trying her best to keep everything in. Markus seemed to stiffen beside her, clearly unsure of what to do. When they arrived at the castle, Markus attempted to bid her farewell, but Leanna had already walked off down the hall towards her room. The greetings from the maid she passed were ignored and once she was safe from prying eyes, she closed her bedroom door and relaxed. She cried, not sobbing, but just allowing the tear to roll down her face. She was being selfish, she knew, but now she was losing the only person who believed in her.

"Somewhat..." Cole replied to Leanna as he continued to calm Dramor who was still a little agitated about the scene before. He was able to gather enough information to know in which direction to head, but he didn't want to tell. Just incase Leanna would get the idea of following him, or anyone else in that matter. Cole didn't want to risk anything, so he kept his lips sealed regarding that.

Finally turning to the princess as she offered her help, Cole came closer. It was painfully obvious that she was sad that he was leaving. If possible he would have liked to avoid that, but it wasn't. Instinctively he reached out a hand to touch her cheek but quikly drew it back before touching as Markus spoke up. "Once I return I want to see you enrolled here." He put on a confident smile. "I'll be careful." Cole said reassuringly, bidding both of them goodbye. He watched after them until they were completly out of sight before sighing heavily.

Luckily she didn't make him promise anything. He wouldn't have been able to keep it anyway. The outside was still mostly unknown to him, he had no idea what was awaiting him. What kind of dangers would be lurking out there, but he had to go nonetheless. He couldn't sit by idly anymore. Cole needed to know. To know if his mother was still alive or not. Yet he felt his stomach churn uncomfortably leaving Leanna like that. Frustrated he pressed his palm against his forehead. Since when did he began to care so much for anyone else beside his family? The time they had spent was little but he had been impressed by her enthusiasm for dragons and her bravery going after her dream. Cole tilted his head as he looked at Dramor with a distressed expresion on his face. "People are so complicated..." His statement sounded more like a complaint, but his friend wouldn't be able to give him the answer he was looking for. Only earning himself a confused look.

Just as Bermond had said, Cole was called in by the council to explain his letter of resignation. He spoke from the bottom of his heart hoping to earn their favour. He didn't intend to leave forever, just for the time being, as long he was looking for his mother. It was clear that he had nothing to convincing to say beside that he wanted to search himself. While the headmaster seemed somewhat understanding of his emotional turmoil, the majority didn't. And so it was decided that he was not allowed to leave on dragon back. On which Cole relied heavily to find his mother as soon as possible. Travelling by foot would take far to long. Yet he didn't complain, he accepted their decision and headed out. Cole allready expected this outcome, still he had hoped for a better one. It wouldn't stop him from leaving though.

On his way home, as it allready began dawning, he stopped by a blacksmith named Borg. Cole let his eyes wander across the variety of weapons. "Did you make it?" He asked the bulky men. "Give me a second." Borg kneeled down rummaging beneath the counter. You could hear the metal go -klink- as it hit against each other. Soon enough the men raised up, a sheathed sword in his hands. He handed it over. "I had to delay a few other orders but I made it." He said proud of himself. Cole drew the sword taking a closer look. The blade was a little thinner than his or the usual size. It held nicely in his hand, very light, perfect for a beginner. A rune engraved in its blade. Cole smiled upon it. Luckily he remembered a few things his father taught him. And he felt this one would fit Leanna really well.

After paying the blacksmith Cole headed home. It began getting darker and darker. No time to loose. Quikly he grabbed all the things he though would be useful on his journey, resulting in two packed bags. After getting all his belongings and supplies he sat down with pen and paper. Time to write another letter. Funnily, he needed most of the time for it. After he was done, he grabbed everything and headed outside. A little further outside behind some trees Dramor was allready impatiently awaiting him. Cole gave the dragon a friendly pat loading the bags onto him. "Just wait a little longer." He signaled his friend to stay put. He had a delivery to make.

Carefully Cole approached the side entrance of the castle that Leanna had shown him. Luckily the guard in charge was taking a nap. Quitly he sneaked past him inside. It was pretty dark and very disorienting, besides he had no idea where to find her room. Distressed he looked around trying to figure out which way to go as he suddenly heard footsteps. Cole hid behind a corner, lowering his breathing. It was a maid. In the spur of the moment he grabbed her, pressing a hand over her mouth, muffling the surprised and scared scream of the girl. "Shhh. I'm not here to harm you or anyone else." Carefully he let go of her as she looked with big eyes at him, illuminating the little space with the candle in her hand.

"You are the one that brought our princess back..." The girl seemed very suprised but also a little worried over his appearance in the middle of the night. "Yeah, well uhm.. I need you to do me a favour." With pleading eyes he looked at her. "Huh?" Cole gave the sword and letter to the maid. "Give this to Leanna please." He spoke with urgency in his voice, giving practically no room for her to decline, so she nodded in agreement. "Thanks." Cole was relieved he found someone to deliver his present. Now it was time to go. Just as quikly as he came, he left. Not to be seen for almost a month.

The rest of the day Leanna spent stuck in a downward spiral of loneliness. It was strange, that she should miss someone that she barely knew... but he was her saviour, her rescuer and her friend. Leanna let out a deep sigh, running her hands through her hair as she prepared to sleep for the night. Her chest clenched painfully and she placed a hand over her heart, wondering why it hurt so much. Although the room got darker and darker, and Leanna covered her body with thick and comfortable blankets she couldn't sleep.

A soft and gentle knock came late into the night, and so Leanna walked silently to open it. Maria was there, looking confused and sad but before Leanna spoke she spotted the sword in the young maidens hands. "Your Highness... I was told to give this to you..." Maria held out the sword and a letter. Puzzled, Leanna took them and placed both on her bed. Maria stood hesitantly before deciding to leave, closing the door behind her.

It didn't take long for Leanna to know who these were from. But why? Cole wasn't leaving for another 2 days? She had planned to visit him before he left, giving him anything he needed for his journey. The journey Leanna selfishly wish he wasn't going on. Taking a deep breath she opened the letter, reading each word carefully, and smiling at the scruffy handwriting and crossed out words, but it only took a few words and Leanna was in tears. Cole was already leaving, probably already left. And without so much as a proper goodbye - no farewell hug or party. Nothing. He was just... gone.

Leanna shakily put the letter down and picked up the sword, handling it like a treasured and priceless heirloom, she hugged it close and tried to stop the ache in her chest. She didn't know if she would ever see her friend, her good friend, ever again - and that hurt a lot. Her sleep that night was broken and painful, but Leanna tried her best to understand that this was something Cole needed to do - it was his mother after all. She was being selfish... Trust him, she told herself over and over again.

After the first five days without any sign of Cole returning, Leanna stopped waiting by the gates. After ten days she stopped hoping to see him in the Dragon shacks. After a fortnight she took it upon herself to fulfil his request, it took a long time but her Father eventually agreed for her to be officially enrolled in the academy. A lot of fuss was made, a town celebration was held, and the academy made every effort to make it the biggest day in it's history and it was said attending classes was not mandatory for her. She did, however, attend all of them although not without a bodyguard and there were many students who felt nervous around her.

Leanna paid them no mind. They were not why she was here. Now, she spent a majority of her time at the academy, studying and looking after Azutri who was now known as the 'Princess' Dragon', the idea seemed to have gotten to the purple beasts head as she no longer allowed anyone but Leanna to touch her. At home, the older, retired knight - Rickum - was more than happy to teach her how to use it, he focused on building her strength and using the light blade to it's advantage with fancy footwork and quick attacks rather than power.

Today, Leanna looked at the stars as she sat in the aviary among the messenger birds, the sky was clear and beautiful. How long had it been since Cole left? Every day she wished he would return safely, that there was no new scars and that he had found his mother. She prayed to every deity she knew and cleaned the sword routinely, repeating the meaning of the rune over and over as to not forget it - Courage.

A knock came that made her jump - she thought no one knew she came up here? "Leanna, darling. It's your mother", swallowing hard, she opened the door and the Queen lifted the hem of her dress as to not get it dirty on the stone floor. "Leanna... I know you've been up here every night. Winter is coming, you should come back into the warm." The Queen wrapped an arm around her daughter and hugged her lightly, "I will mother... soon.". Leanna heard an awkward and pained sigh. "Sweetheart, we've let it go for a while this dragon business has been going on but... my dear daughter you need to find a suitor." Before Leanna could protest a finger was placed on her lips, "I know what you're going to say. Don't. As much as you deny it, you are a Princess. And a Princess must have a husband, there are a number of neighbouring royals coming to visit over the coming weeks, we're holding many festivities for them. Please... please at least try to consider one of them... for me"

Leanna simply couldn't deny her mother when her eyes looked like that, so wide and pleading. "Okay mother... for you." and yet as the words came from her mouth, her heart ached and her mind thought of Cole.

The first party was held a week after her chat with her mother. Leanna dressed exactly as told in a purple dress that was given to her by the neighbouring Kingdom. Her hair was up neatly and she held a small glass of wine in her hand as the Lord of Serkonas drabbled on about how he 'rescued a dog from the river' - he was obviously lying about it too. She put on a fake smile and when he left she was immediately caught by the Serkonian Duke, who the tried impressing her with his poetry and literature. Leanna would give anything for this party to end, but in just three days times there would be another... and that one would have the King, Queen and Prince of Pinevale.

Apparently, they're a big deal.

Gently the door squeaked open. Cole threw his bags into the corner as soon he had entered, going for the candles to get some light. Slugishly he made his round as another person entered after him. "What the hell happened to the lock?" A gentle female voice called to him. He turned to look at her with a sigh. "Long story..." Cole sat down beside the table, his body ached from all the strain over the past month. Compared to actually travelling, his training seemed meek. Poor Dramor collapsed as soon they had reached Androa and now was taking his well deserved rest in the woods for now. Well everyone was tired.

"Seriously... I'm away for a while and you turn our home into a pig stall." The woman sounded dissapointed, and Cole was far to tired to explain why and defend himself. "How about you take it easy, relax and calm down. You're finally home mother. Welcome back by the way." Cole said with a canny smile on his lips, as a warm feeling spread inside him. He was finally back and slowly it started to sink in, forgetting the things he had experienced previously.

The woman took place on the opposite side of the table letting her head rest in her hands looking at her dark haired son. "It's weird..." Cole looked at her sideways. "What is?" For a few moments she thought to herself. "Well you calling me mother. Usually you called me by name." He smirked. "Shall I call you Freya again? Or maybe Fre? Or the super intimate one, mommy?" Cole mocked her playfully to which she leaned back crossing her arms playing hurt. "Why you so mean?" She only recieved his laughter in return. It has been a while since he was genuinely happy and laughing freely.

"I'm sorry." Freya said out of nowhere catching Cole off guard, letting her head hang in shame. His mean turned more serious as he averted his gaze. "We allready went over this.." "But, if it wasn't for me you wouldn't have had to-" "Enough!" Cole raised his voice, standing up. His expression was beyond grimm as he stared at the floor, his mind wandering to dangerous and dark places. "I'm going for a walk." Cole left his mother behind speechless. At a slow pace he made his way through the streets, halting as the castle caught his view. Leanna... He hesitated. Should he pay her a visit now? He was curious of how she had fared so far by herself.

Cole couldn't resist. Just saying hi and letting Leanna know he was back was all he intented to do. Not to much in the mood to have an extended talk. No, simply seeing her would probably suffice and calm him. As he arrived at the castle he finally realized that some kind of event was taking place. A little suprised he walked towards the entrance before being stopped by a guard. "No entrance for uninvited guests today." Baffled Cole heaved his brow. "What's going on?" The men looked at him annoyed. "Don't tell me you didn't hear. These are events for the young princess to choose a suitor. Nothing for peasants like you. Get lost."

More or less willingly Cole left, inspecting his appeariance. His hair had grown a little longer, covering a scar over his left eye. He wore a long coat in dark green which was a little dirty on a few spots, just like his trousers. He tugged on his thin scarf to adjust it. He wasn't looking to bad, at least from his point of view but of course not as noble as those snob's inside. He sighed as he made his way towards the side entrance trying his luck there. Looks like it was on his side today. No one was guarding today, he simply saw a few servants walk in and out. A crowd he could blend in better with.

Inside he acted naturally blending in with the flowing stream of people. That is until he reached the grand hall where all the noble and royals conversed. He felt pretty out of place and was about to turn back, but in the corner of his eye he caught her. Leanna stood amidst a small group of men chatting. In a daze he stared at her in the purple dress. Still weird seeing her in one. Cole chuckled to himself. Seeing her somewhat healled his scarred soul, thinking that maybe the things he had done in that month actually didn't happen. He sighed deeply. This wasn't a place for him, he would get enough time tomorrow to meet her.

Just as Cole turned he accidently bumped into a servant carrying a plate of wine spilling it all over himself, the panicking servant and floor. Well shit... He thought to himself while actually apologozing to the poor men. Guess his day wasn't so lucky afterall. The scene caused some attention on him but he didn't care, after he helped pick up the broken shards he made his way back the way he came. Outside the door he stopped taking a look at the demage done. He allready could hear his mother complain to him about it. Cole looked up. It was getting chiller but the sky was clear, with a beautifull moon above. Just as Cole kept looking he realized that he finally was home.

All of the men that spoke to Leanna were awful -dull, boring, mindless, passionless, liars - and it was beginning to grind on her temper and patience. She remembered the other parties she had attended, how she had been ever-so-sweet to everyone, but now she was a different person, and it was hard to stomach the snobbish words that they all vomited. She smiled again, nodding to act like she had been listening for the past ten minutes as the Duke laughed heartily and went to get another drink.

Finally, Leanna had a moment alone, she quickly turned to leave only to hear a smash and a few gasps of shock. Interested, she peeked through the bodies of those looking and gossiping to see a dark figure on the floor along with some servants. She squeezed through and noticed the spilt wine and smashed bottle - the man in the dark clothing apologised and stood quickly after picking up the pieces of glass, and as he shuffled around to leave Leanna spotted the face she had been missing for the past month "Cole?"

In shock, her words were barely even heard by the lady next to her, who was now talking about the servants incompetence - torn, Leanna quickly ran over to the servant who was cleaning as the party resumed, "Are you hurt?" she asked, grabbing a cloth and wiping the wine from the floor alongside him. "N-No your majesty" he mumbled, in shock and fear, "Don't worry, nothing bad will come of this, it was an accident" her smile seemed to reassure him somewhat and he gave her an awkward smile in return. "Actually - perhaps you could tell me about the man who bumped into you?" she asked as they both stood, a small red stain now just where her knee was, "H-he looked a bit, uhh, rough if I'm honest - your highness - with shaggy black hair and gold eyes - a big scar he had too - your grace"

Black hair and gold eyes - it was Cole!

Her heart was hammering in her chest. He was back! Too excited to thank the poor servant she ran as fast as she could in heels to escape the party, screw the party! With a smile plastered on her face she ran past the serving maids who yelled at her to stop and return, but she carried on. Through the kitchen, through the secret gate, attempted to cross the beach but the proved too hard in heels so she discarded them, lifting the hem of her dress to run on the sands until she reached the small little cabin that was lit gently for the first time since she left it. So many questions ran through her mind as she approached the door, unsure of how to greet him.

Would a hug be too much? A handshake would be weird though, right? Cole, you're back! Cole! You're safe. Welcome home. It's good to see you. Shaking her head she took a deep breath and knocked on the door in three hard raps. She was, however, unprepared for the woman who answered the door - the both looked confused by the other. Leanna had never seen this woman before, who was sh- "YOU'RE COLE'S MOTHER?!" she all but shouted, a blush rising to her face when she looked at the state of herself, covered in wine, sand, shoeless and out of breath.

For a few moments Freya blinked entirely confused by the young woman infront of her. Did she just say her sons name? Now wait. Something was very familiar about her. "Ohh!" She gasped. "Little Lea? Ist that really you princess?" Freya smiled gently at her. It has been quite a while since she has seen her the last time. Back then she was just a mere child when she had nursed her back to health. She might not even remember anymore, but appearently that was also not the reason she had run here. "Come in, come in." Freya ushered her inside.

After closing the door behind them Freya offered Leanna to sit down whilst she went on ahead to poor them both some tea which she had made previously, well after Cole went off. "If you are looking for my son, he isn't back yet." She sighed, but turned around with a smile and two cups of hot fresh tea. The tea was brewed with the leafs she found on her trip. It had a mint-like taste with little bit of a bittersweet aroma, which felt like your energy being replenished. Placing one infront of the young lady whilst sitting down opposite with a very curious look on her face. "I never would have though I'd be visited by the princess herself." She chuckled. "I'm very curious to know how you know my son. Especially since he isn't the kind to seek contact with other people..." Freya sipped on her tea leisurely.

For a while the two of them chatted on a friendly basis. Freya enjoyed the company of the unannounced guest. It was really good to see people who weren't after your secrets or life. Suddenly the door creaked and swung open. It was Cole who had returned from his detour on his way back. As soon he had seen the two of them staring back he froze in the door frame with a flabbergasted expression. "You... what... when... how?" He stammered, seeing the wide grin of his mother he felt a little worried. Later he would get an earfull from her regarding the guest that somehow ended up coming still in her dress. "Where were you?" She asked. Cole finally closed the door and went on ahead to pull of the coat and scarf hanging them over a wood pole. "I paid Cleth a visit at his bar. He gave me this for you as a returning gift." Cole tilted the bottle of wine in his hand back and forth putting it down on the table.

Cole sat down beside his mother looking a little awkward. "Well uhm.." He scratched his head. "Good to see you. How have you been?" It was the most standard sentence one could say but that is the only thing that came to mind right now. Cole didn't expect for her to appear like that before him, including his mother. "You know..." His mother intercepted their talk, going on about how hard it was to raise him, since he was a stubborn child from the very beginning and that he had gotten himself into a lot of trouble. Frustrated Cole opened the cork of the bottle.

While Freya kept on telling old stories, he had poured himself some wine drinking, taking sips from time to time. Cole sighed softly as he looked at his mother then at Leanna. She seemed to have her attention on his mother. Her hair was made up, a few loose strands hanging down to her collarbone leading his gaze farther. He took another sip as his eyes fell on Leannas chest and he couldn't help but stare. "Don't you think it's rude to stare at her boobs?" Freya suddenly said making Cole spit half the drink out the other half getting caught in his throat. He kept on coughing, turning away. "Wha.." He coughed. "I didn't..." Cole desperately tried to defend himself from his mothers accusations.

Probably for the first time he felt himself blush. He had been caught doing many stupid things but this was the first he actually felt ashamed for. "Just drop it will ya." He said annoyed to his mothers who chuckled amused. "It's just to much fun." Freya admitted as she laughed heartily. Cole sighed walking over to Leanna grabbing her wrist. "I'll get you home." Truthfully he wanted the whole situation to end. It almost felt like torture. In a blink they were outside on their way back. Almost like the first time he had dragged her along just this time he knew she was a woman so he held her getnler. "Sorry..." Cole didn't knew exactly what he was apologizing for. For staring at her chest or for leaving her behind like that? He simply felt the need to.

The name 'Little Lea' rang several bells in Leanna's head, but she couldn't quite place why. Did this woman know her? Before she could reply, Leanna was shown inside and she sat down on the sofa she once slept on while the woman poured them both a drink. Even the taste of the tea was somehow nostalgic as Leanna sipped it gently and enjoyed the warmth compared to the cold chill outside. She mentioned that Cole wasn't back yet, which struck her as odd - perhaps he went a different way?

Leanna giggled at Freya's description of Cole, "To be honest, I disguised myself as a boy and attended the academy - Cole was my 'trainer'. Once I was found out he defended me and even rescued me when I ran away". Leanna looked into her tea with a warm smile on her face, remembering just how happy she had been to see him come for her. Before she got lost in memories she and Freya began chatting, their conversation ranged from what Leanna was doing now, to how she had managed to sneak in as a boy - they laughed together at how foolish Cole must have been not to notice straight away. Leanna regaled Freya with all sorts of praises and compliments about Cole - a light blush on her cheeks.

The door opened, causing her to jump, and Leanna saw Cole staring at her with the most confused look on his face. His mother seemed to have an almost mischievous look on her face, but Leanna didn't question it. He had brought a bottle of wine and sat down looking slightly worried and awkward. "Good. I'm glad to see you're safe..." she replied, and she wanted to ask about the new scar on his face but Freya turned back to her and began telling Leanna about just how stubborn he was, even as a child. Leanna couldn't help but giggle at the stories - Cole as a child sounded adorable. She loved Freya's stories, and as she spoke Leanna studied the woman's features, she was truly a beautiful woman, with thick hair and a face that emits kindness.

Leanna finished her tea just as Freya joked around with Cole, mentioning her breasts. Leanna's face erupted into red and she almost dropped her cup as Cole began to choke on his water. Suddenly, the floor became very interesting as she tried to look anywhere but at either of the two people in the room. She also felt exposed, and wondered if perhaps her dress was too revealing? The heat in her face didn't stop, even as Cole defended himself and asked Freya to drop it. All too quickly she was being dragged out the door, she was still embarrassed so couldn't find the words to shout back to the house as Cole's hand gently held her wrist.

He apologised, and Leanna blinked a few times, wondering why he was saying sorry. "Oh! No, no, y-you have no need to apologise." she said, cheeks still a bright red as she couldn't think of anything to say back. It had never been this awkward before, had it? He was still holding her wrist as they slowed their pace, the castle in the distance was still lit and Leanna would have to think of some reason to explain why she had disappeared. The silence stretched on for a little while, before Leanna decided they should be talking, "I'm glad you're back" she said honestly, all her emotions suddenly resurfacing, "I'm so glad you're safe". She smiled warmly, "... And you found your mother! Cole I'm honestly - I'm so happy for you." She gave a soft giggle, "And she's a lot of fun".

Leanna slowed their pace even more until the were just stood facing each other. The blush that had slowly faded came back as she looked at him in the moonlight, "... I've missed you" she paused for reasons she didn't know before explaining all the things she had done while Cole had been away. The Academy, sword fighting, the fact that Azutri felt like she was a Princess too, even the way that she had gotten the authority to go out into town whenever she liked.

It was somehow nice to hear someone worry so much over your wellbeing. It gave Cole a warm fuzzy feeling inside. He but sighed at the mention of his mother. He was incredibly relieved to have her back safe and sound even though it was difficult to get there. Cole chuckled half amused, with a hint of desperation. "She loves to tease me, but that is a mothers right i guess." He shrugged. "Just don't believe every single word she is spouting.... pls." Cole was a little worried what she might have told Leanna while he was out. Probably something embarrassing, hopefully nothing to deep.

Cole complied as Leanna made a halt, both of them staring at one another for what felt like an eternity until the princess herself broke the silence with words he wouldn't have expected. With slightly widened eyes he stared unsure how to respond. "Uhh.. well, mhhh." Cole mumbled. Truthfully during his search he barely had time to think of anything else. But sometimes he did think of her, even if those times had been rare. It was somehow comforting to know that someone else could be just as reckless as him.

And then it began. The words just bubbled out of Leanna and she kept telling him how well she had fared so far on her own. It was nice to hear that she actually put his gift to some use. "We should have a sword fight sometime, I want to see how much you've progressed." Cole smiled content. It did amuse him imagining a dragon acting like a princess, but he actually could somehow see Azutri doing so since she always gave him the cold shoulder.

Cole smiled as he gave her a light pat on the head, not wanting to mess up her hair even more. "You did well." He praised her taking a closer look. "Aren't you cold?" Noticing only now didn't help though, he himself forgot his cloak and scarf. It wasn't to much of a problem for him though to bear the bit of fresh wind. Coles gaze almost fell again on Leannas chest but he avoided it by staring at her naked feet instead. A little shocked he kneeled down taking her right foot between his warm hands. "Seriously? What the hell were you thinking... Idiot." He sighed feeling guilty for dragging her out like that. After a while he let go standing up. "Do you know where your shoes are?"

After mulling it over in his mind he put out his second suggestion. "If you wan't I'll carry you the rest of the way." Cole turned more serious as he put a hand over his face. "Well if you don't mind being carried by a hoodlum..." He remembered how the guard had sent him off and even if he tried not to let it near him, it still left a bitter aftertaste. Besides that fancy party had a reason that he remembered just now. "Wait. Actually that could cause some misunderstanding. Afterall you are looking for a suitor right?" Why couldn't things be easy for once. If Leanna really had been a boy things would have been so much easier, and he wouldn't feel agitated in such a way.

Just hearing Cole's voice again made Leanna feel happy, in the month he had been gone she put him to the back of her mind and focused on literally everything and anything else. She felt embarrassed by how much she was talking and trailed off, wondering if perhaps she was acting a but too excited. But Cole smiled at her and she couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face in pure happiness in return. "I warn you though, I've been taught by the best!" she joked, playfully punching him in the shoulder.

His hand came up to pat her on the head and weirdly Leanna enjoyed the feeling. It wasn't patronising and it gave her a strange, warm feeling inside. "Cold? Oh..." she looked at herself and her bare feet as she squished the sand between her toes. She hadn't thought about being cold, maybe the heart from her face rose her entire body temperature a few degrees. Cole suddenly knelt and held her foot gently between his hands and the heat returned as her cheeks turned red again. "I-Its fine" she stammered, feeling stupid, "I threw them off on my way here".

After a little silence Cole offered to carry her, and she wanted to joke around and accuse him of being nice for once, but for some reason the words wouldn't come out. And then he seemed to change his mind, looking slightly down as he mentioned the reason for the party - her potential suitor. Leanna sighed, looking at her feet and suddenly feeling the cold. What should she say? She wanted to defend herself, to explain she didn't want one - and yet she couldn't get any kind of words to come out. Why? she thought, [/]Why can't I talk to him?[/I]. It was like a wall was suddenly up between them and Leanna didn't understand why.

"It's fine" she said after a while, "I'll head back myself..." in honesty she didn't want to go back at all. But Cole deserved to spend time with his Mother, and Leanna would have a lot of explaining to do to her Mother and Father. She'd prefer it if Cole wasn't there for that. "I'll probably get scolded for leaving the castle... especially during a party. I'd rather you not see that" she gave a light but forced chuckle. She played with her fingers a little and bit her lip. "W-Why not meet up tomorrow?" she suggested, "Meet me at the academy and I'll show you just how much I've improved" she smiled, genuinely smiled, and bid Cole a goodbye before running off back to the castle.

As she ran she felt tears run down her face, she didn't know why. It was stupid - there was no reason to cry. She went back in through the servants quarters and was met with worried faces all around, and then Marie, looking rather grim, told her that the Queen was waiting for her. Leanna took a deep breath and headed upstairs to meet her mother. Their conversation didn't last long, it was mostly the Queen explaining just why she was so disappointed in her daughter, and why it was 'unfit' for a Princess of her age to go running off like that. Leanna didn't answer back. Her Mother seemed defeated, "Go to bed" she said, and Leanna obliged. She had known the day for choosing a suitor would come sooner or later, as a little girl she had even dreamed of meeting her Prince.

So why was it so painful now?