Kingdom of Knuffel

Cole stood up shaking the hands of the guards from him that were hesitant to let him free. "Finally..." He murmured turning his gaze towards the person that had introduced himself as Prince Targus. He cringed at the person standing infront of him. Unfortunately fullfilling his other suspicion. The person before him was someone who looked very similiar to who he knew but many distinct features were different. For once Targus eyes were purple, his height seemed to be on par with his own, his hair cut short and an entirely different speech manner not to mention his voice being deeper.

All this time Cole kept quit, glenching his fist and teeth in anger as his brain processed the meaning of the things he had seen. Slowly putting the puzzle pieces together. He came back to his senses when the crown prince mentioned his sister. His heart skipped a beat. "Right. Where is she..." He made a step forward wanting to take a look around being immediately surrounded and stopped as weapons were literally aiming for his throat. Right, Cole almost forgot he was an unwanted guest here.

He stepped back, forcing himself to calm down, even though he felt like exploding. For just a brief moment he wanted to tell his side of the story and why he was here but bit it down. Even if he were to say anything, he had no prove, no one would believe him, some even viewed him as a lunatic right now. Saying anything of the sort would only encourage that. As he started to sink back in on what to do, he noticed a bush rustling and remembered seeing two people before.

The girl must have run. She.... Coles brain started to ache. He just couldn't understand. Why? Before he could think any further he heard Targus command to leave and never show himself here again. Cole was pushed towards the exit right away but he resisted once more saying with a bitter undertone. "Before I go. My name is Cole. Tell your sister I said hello." With that he finally complied turning around letting himself be led out by a group of guards who still pointed their weapons at his back, to close for comfort.

Finally out he looked back only once, earning a distrusting and nervous glance from the guard as if he would rush in again. No he wouldn't. He got the answer he was looking for. A cold calmness washing over him. His hands in his pockets Cole slowly trotted back into the city. Not home, not yet. After this ordeal he needed a drink, a hefty one. Trying to order his thoughts, a tiny part of him still wanted to believe otherwise but the majority spoke for that one fact. That he indeed had blatantly been fooled. By a brat no less. Frustrated he tried to shake these thoughts out. But they stuck like glue. It felt like his brows were falling farther and farther down.

Cole rudely swung the door of the bar open, entering. Appearetnly after the announcement many people had the same idea. Using the event as an excuse to celebrate and drink. Well for him it was something entirely different. There was still a free seat at the bar. Cole walked over slumping down on it. Cleth had been pretty busy and didn't notice him entering. The more he sounded suprised to see him back so soon. "When did you come back? Where you even gone?" The chubby men winked jokingly at Cole. Who just sighed in return. "Gimme some Whiskey." Cleth now heaved a brow a little worried. "Don't tell me you actually became an alcoholic..."

"Just had a shitty meeting at the castle. Come on. I won't run off without paying this time." Cole gave his fathers friend a long stare before that one finally moved filling in a shot of whiskey, handing it over. Within a second Cole gulped down the liquid as it burned in his throat he said. "Another." slamming the glass down. Cleth was flabbergasted. Before putting his whole attention on the young men he barked a few orders to his assistants. "What happened my friend? It must be something big if it upsets you this much." Cole shook his empty glass infront of him. Who understood. If he wanted to hear something he'd need to loosen his tongue.

A few shots later, Cole had told the old men how he had rushed into the castle to meet the royal prince to confirm a suspicion he had, and that he now was banned from ever entering again. He didn't say what that suspicion was though. Cole let his left arm rest on the counter while holding with his right onto his head, the grimmest of looks on his face. Cleth looked with symphathetic eyes at him. "Did it had something to do with your dad?" He knew this was a touchy subject but the only explanation he had, as it pretty much was the only thing that would get him so upset. Cole flinched a little, shifting uncomfortably, covering now his mouth with the right hand. Not really... maybe... indirectly. Cole learned to live by as a honest person, even if most of the time it would upset the people around him. But he never tried to change or hide who he was.

Cole looked down into his glass, as if hypnotized he slowly rubbed at it's edge with his thumb. "Cleth. What do you think my father would have done in my stead?" He often compared himself to his father, and the older he grew the more differences he noticed in their behaviour. It felt like he grew apart from him, from family, and it made him incredibly sad. His father was kind and trusting whilst Cole was mean and distrusting. Cleth gave him a pat on the shoulder taking away his glass. "That's enough for today, go home, sleep it over." Cole agreed innerly standing up a little wobbly from his seat. He put down his pay, a little more than needed. Before Cole turned to walk away he heard Cleth say. "You should know that best."

He looked up. The sky was allready dark. A few stars glistening afar. He spent almost the whole day in the bar. Ah shucks! Only now did he remember his dragon friend Dramor again who he had intented to visit later today to hand out his snacks. To late now though. It would have to wait till tomorrow. If it weren't for... Cole quitely walked home. Getting undressed he headed straight to bed. Sleep didn't want to come right away. He lay there for quite some time still thinking over what his next move should be.

As soon Cole had woken up he headed to the backside of the dragon shacks. Leaning against a tree, arms crossed. Cole now had made up his mind. With a stern expression he waited for Lee to come.

Leanna found herself shaking when Cole spoke, his voice was agitated, angry, betrayed and that hurt her. She'd never meant to hurt anyone, but there was literally no other way for her to work with dragons - this was her chance... and she'd blown it. Targus commanded Cole to leave, and said he was no longer permitted on the castle grounds, she heard Cole mention her and by the time her brother came round, crouching down beside her, she was crying.

"Leanna... sweet sister what did he do to you?" Targus asked, dismissing all guards and holding her in a warm embrace. She cried on his shoulder, "It's all my fault... Cole isn't to blame, he's a nice person it's me - I, I tricked him" She shook her head, moving away from her brother and wiping her face ungracefully. "Please don't tell mother... I've been disguising myself as a peasant boy and attending the academy. Cole is my 'partner'.." Targus looked confused before all the pieces fit together, he let out a sigh and gave her a sympathetic look. "Leanna... Leanna, honestly, how could you be so foolish?"

She did not expect that.

She had expected words of kindness, words of warmth and reassurance... but her brothers face was stern and unforgiving. He grabbed her arm, pulling her up. "Sister you know that I have lied for you, that I still would had it been any reason other than this. This man could have been your lover, your secret teacher in a dark art but... dragons?. You know I can't let this slip." She begged him to stay. "No, no Targus please!" But he was already dragging her toward the castle. "Leanna we, as royalty are forbidden to cohort with dragons! You. Know. This. There have been generations of our blood that have obeyed this rule - why do you think you're any different?!" He seemed angry, and honestly, Leanna didn't know why.

"Why... Why aren't we allowed to be near them?" she yelled, trying to pry her arm free. "I've been with them, brother! I've held them, played with them and pet them! They are peaceful beings who did me no harm!" there were fresh tears on her face now as Targus stopped and turned back to look at her, concern finally showing on his face. He gave a deep sigh, torn between two moral choices. He let go of her and Leanna instantly rubbed her arm, no doubt red finger marks would be left on her skin. "Leanna... I will give you a chance. You are a sweet girl, and I won't tell Mother or Father but you must promise me you'll never return to see those creatures.... or see the man who came here earlier."

Leanna almost instantly refused, but shut her mouth. The risk of her parents finding out was too great, and so she nodded, essentially promising to never leave the castle again. Targus bid her goodnight and left her standing in the hallway, Leanna felt her throat close up, and she so desperately wanted to cry. She walked in the opposite direction of her bedroom and instead went alone into the darkness of the aviary. It was the highest room in the tallest part of the castle, rarely used by anyone except the servants who tended to the few birds they had here, but it was where Leanna's telescope was. Once behind closed doors she let herself cry, sobbing into the darkness and earning only the squawks of the falcons in response. By the time she had calmed down the moon was high in the sky and the castle was asleep.

Leanna had two choices; accept her royal duties and stay under her families watch... Or run.

Leave, and never come back. It seemed drastic but it's all she could think of; for her entire life she had dreamed of working with dragons, of having one as a partner and riding them through the sky. Now her dreams seemed shattered under the iron fist of so called 'Royal Blood'. What did that even mean?! Why weren't royalty allowed to pursue a life with dragons? There had to be a solid reason, surely it couldn't be based on lies or fiction... but in all honesty Leanna had no idea where to even start looking for answers why. She leaned out of the window, looking into the beauty of the night sky and hoped the universe would watch over her family, and watch over Cole and Misses Grogg... because she could not longer stay here.

She removed her shoes and dress, wearing her underskirt and vest, and walked silently through the castle, like a thief. She slipped into her bedroom, not closing the door to avoid any unnecessary noise, grabbed two bags of gold coins, originally her allowance of sorts, and wore her 'Lee' outfit (minus the shoes for now) she left quickly and quietly, with no note or reasons for leaving. Once safely outside the castle walls, she put on her shoes, her hat and ran into town. For the first time in her life, she spent the remaining night and morning on the streets - it was cold, dark, miserable, smelly, dirty and all manner of disgusting. But she persevered - she left one of the gold pouches just tucked away by the door to Misses Grogg's shop, as promised. And decided to confront Cole.

By the time she arrived at the academy, cold, hungry and extremely tired, Cole was already there, arms crossed and clearly angry. Leanna took a deep breath and walked up to him placing her palm in front of his face. "Look - just, listen to me..." she began, not hiding her voice anymore, "I know I've got a lot of explaining to do, I get that you're hurt and I was wrong to trick you but-" she could feel the tears forming again- "This was my once shot, my one chance at meeting a dragon. So thank you, Cole... Thank you for helping me achieve my dream." She wanted to bid goodbye to Dramor and Azurite, but instead pulled Cole in for a hug, squeezing him tightly, and she was going to run when the shouts of armed guards came echoing through the buildings.

There was an uproar in the morning, Royal Guards littered the streets and went through every store, shop and public house without a reason why. The academy was hit hard, with the Prince himself asking to speak with a man named Cole. Leanna pulled away from the hug and kissed Cole on the cheek, before running off through the bushes.

Cole blinked a few times, still not understanding entirely the situation of that girl that was dressed in male clothes again, but speaking to him with her softer more melodic true voice. "What-" As he was about to ask her to explain further she suddenly pulled him into a hug. He froze, speechless, to suprised to react at all, his arms hanging in the air staring with wide eyes at her back.

A moment passed until he started hearing a fuss coming from the academy. The voices were loud and demanding becoming clearer by each second. His gaze turned towards the academy. "What the hell is going on?" he mumbled getting caught off guard by the princess as she pressed a gentle kiss on his cheek, rushing away through the thicket. "Wait..." Cole made a step forward hesitantly. What just happened went over his head and just caused more questionmarks to appear in his head. Unsure what to do he stood there for a while until he heard bushes rustling and twigs cracking he looked behind him.

Two men in armor appeared each with a shield and sword. Castle guards as he had seen them yesterday. "It's him." Said the one guard to the other. Cole recognized the one with the grumpy face, it's the one he had knocked down yesterday. They were searching pretty thoroughly if they landed here, which was a pretty isolated place. "Come with us. The prince would like to have a word with you." The guard said with authority and demand, staring at him watchfully, incase he would dare to run. Coles eyes wandered towards the way the princess had disappeared to just for a second before turning back to the guards. Running after her now wouldn't be to wise a decision to make.

Cole complied and followed the two guards inside the academy. And there he was. Targus with a heap of more guards, seemingly searching every nook and corner of the whole place here. A few of the staff members were present, seemingly all awaiting his presence. It put him on the spot and made him feel uncomfortable. This much attention was annoying. Cole turned towards Bermond who seemed very serious. "What is going on?" He asked confused, as he trully was, though he did have some kind of an idea what was happening considering the girls flight previously and what she had said.

Before Bermond could even open his mouth Targus shot forward grabbing Coles collar with both hands. "Where is she?" The prince shouted furiously, even though he had been so level-headed yesterday. But as it concerned his dear sister he seemed to have lost all patience. "Where is my sister!?!" He got even louder when Cole hadn't answered him right away. He grabbed the prince's wrist. "Calm down." For a moment they both stared at one another fiercly, none giving in. Slowly Targus grip loosened and he let go, seemingly having remained his calmness, only on the surface though. "Tell me where you took my sister Leanna!" He demanded with a threatening undertone.

"Tsk! Why would I have her?" Cole felt offended for being accused without any proof, considering the previous day it didn't seem very far fetched though. She had said he was her 'partner' and had daily contact with dragons, for the prince it was only logical that she might have fled to him. "I know what she has been doing. And you!" He pricked Coles shoulder with his finger quite strongly. "You put all those stupid ideas into her head. You let her meet dragons! Have you lost your mind?"

Harshly Cole slapped Targus hand away. Getting angrier by the minute. "You tell me? She was the one fooling me! How was I suppoused to know?" His golden eyes glistening dangerously at the prince who seemed to have the same glint in his eyes. "Besides. I am not responsible for her running away, but all your stupidity! Why not allow her to go near dragons? This doesn't make any sense. It's plain ridicilous!" "You have no idea!" The prince interupted. "It doesn't suprise me. Who wants to live in a golden cage-" "You don't know anything!" "-with a shitty family." Cole spat the last words in disgust triggering a nerve in Targus who had his sword drawn within seconds, as so did Cole blocking his swing. Sword on sword, each one pressing forward.

A crowd had allready formed around the two. On both sides concern over what was going on. Both Targus and Cole barked away the people that tried to intercept. This was a battle of convictions, each one defending their own belief. "You dont understand royalty and the duties that come along with it! Duties that have to be fullfilled in order for a kingdom to keep existing!" Targus put more pressure into his hold gritting his teeth. "You're right." Coles knees were slowly giving in. "And I don't fucking care!" With a sudden strenght spurt he sent the prince flying backwards, who managed to stay on both feet.

They started encircling one another, staring daggers. From time to time one of them would launch forward, whilst the other would block. This continued for quite some time. Until both of them were starting to huff and puff like two raging beast on even ground. Cole was dedicated to his training, day and night he would teach himself new moves, new methods. He was an excellent self taught warrior. But Targus had been able to gather a lot of experience outside of Androa, learning on the way and actual battles.

"I seriously don't understand why you would want to keep her locked up." Cole swiped some sweat from his forehead, cautios of every move Targus made. "You can't possibly understand our tradition. It's for her safety." Cole snorted scornfully. "Let her die a slow and sad death, or a quik but happy and fullfilling one? I'd rather the second." "You don't know her!" It hit Targus a bit in the gut, feeling slightly guilty. "Correct. I don't. I am only speaking from my own point of view. But if she didn't feel the same way she wouldn't have run right?" Their swords clashed. "Shut up!" Targus seemed to slowly take the upper hand, as Cole often had to use both arms to block, his right shoulder started to ache terribly. In a battle of endurance he would come out as the looser.

"Why not provide her safety whilst she does what she desires?" Cole breathed heavily trying to gather the last bit of strenght he had left. "And if you can't, give it to someone who is capable!" he shouted getting thrown backwards he landed on the back immidiately rolling off standing up. Targus put his sword up pointing at Cole. "And you think you could do it?" His voice was ice cold. "I don't know. But at least I'd have the decency to try!" It was Cole who launched forward this time. Targus swinging down on him, but suddenly Cole changed his sword from his left to his right hand, dodging. A tad bit to slow though. Targus sword left a red line on his left upper arm. Coles next move seemed ridicilous, only because he changed the sharp side upward aiming at the crown prince's cheek. He slapped Targus with the flat side across the face, making him fall sideways loosing grip on his sword.

Just as the sword clattered to the ground the fight was announced over. Both didn't have the strenght to continue. Cole's right arm felt numb, he could barely move it anymore. Whilst Targus slowly sat up his head felt like splitting, a dizziness taking over. Cole walked up to him, his sword back in the sheath. Now that the steam was gone in either of them they looked at each other calmy. "Maybe you should reconsider your traditions. Take an example in your sister and..." Cole clenched his left hand bumping his own chest. "Listen to your heart for once." He then held out an open palm to help the prince up.

Now both standing the crowd was dissolved by the guards and teachers. They stared at each other for a while, Targus silently thinking to himself. "To answer your question previously, I don't know where your sister is." Targus stared at the ground grimacing, being painfully aware he was part of the reason why she fled. "I'll be on my way now. If you excuse me." Cole said and left without turning back leaving them behind to do what they want.

As he walked out of the academy Cole whistled once shortly and once long. Soon enough you could hear the heavy beating of enormous wings flapping through the air. Dramor landed beside him cursiously inspecting his partner. "Hey there pal." He gave the dragon a pat on the nose to calm him down as he nervously nudged him, noticing the blood running down his arm. "Nevermind that. I need your help." Cole sat onto Dramor flying up. "Alright, go this way." He patted his neck and then showed with his hand the rough direction to fly towards. It was the one Leanna had taken, if she has allready gotten far enough she could be by the Dragons forest by now. Cole wondered briefly if she knew which way she was heading. It didn't matter he had to find her. She still had to answer to him, as her previous statement wasn't satisfying enough. With that in mind he flew off to search for her on dragon back.

As the guards drew closer Leanna felt her heart race uncontrollably. There were going to catch her, and then she'd never, ever hear the end of it. Her mother would scold her, even Father would be ashamed of her - and worst of all she had gotten Cole into trouble - Targus had changed from when she was little, he was stern and cold. Leanna felt like his travels had made him cruel but... but it was probably just her being selfish.

Dressed like a man she managed to slip through alleyways unnoticed, her eyes and ear constantly searching for guards and staying clear of them. They were knocking on houses, searching stores and questioning people. What have I done?. The townsfolk were all terrified and confused, some saying that she had run away because she didn't want to get married, some saying she'd been kidnapped - she'd even heard one man say a dragon had eaten her. Leanna scoffed and continued towards the towns edge, she knew that going out the main entrance, where the roads were, was impossible so she headed west, towards a thick forest.

She was being foolish. There was absolutely no way a Princess would survive even one night in such terrain, and yet her feet kept walking forward. She was glad, in a way, that she had managed to get out unnoticed, and yet as looked back towards the town and the castle, she cried, losing the only home she'd ever known. Even Leanna herself wasn't sure why dragon's were such an important factor in her life, they were beautiful and majestic but it was like there was something else calling to her. Something magical almost. The forest had begun to get thicker, as her boots stepped through mud and grass, their leaves were almost blocking out the entirety of the sky. Leanna suddenly felt very, very alone.

She had been walking for what must have been hours, trudging through thick mud (and getting stuck), weaving through bushes and thorny branches, clambering over fallen trees and falling over on more occasions than she cared to admit. She was filthy and hurt and tired and hungry. After a little while she came to what looked like a very small clearing, not really anything special but at least she could see the sky again - it was beginning to get dark. It had almost been a whole day in this forest. She sat down on the edge of the clearing, and cried. She cried long and hard which she knew was only going to make things worse, but she couldn't help it.

After a little while of feeling sorry for herself, she stopped crying and just sat in silence. The sounds of birds, of the wind in the trees and the small bugs that made a kind of chirping sound were suddenly very beautiful. Leanna decided she would spend the night here, it didn't look like it was going to rain, and the weather was still quite warm, closer to the middle of the clearing she noticed a patch of colour, walking up to it she saw they were flowers. Very tiny but pretty flowers. She smiled and sat among them, taking her shoes off and letting her hair down - she had no need for a hat anymore.

Leanna took the flowers and began to connected them in a chain, she often used to do this as a child, once all the flowers were connected she placed the ring on her head. Her own little makeshift crown. With a sad smile she began to make another one, for no other reason apart from not knowing what else to do - when she heard a mighty crack, like a tree had fallen. Terrified, she sat perfectly still and watched the trees for any sign of movement. There was suddenly a lot of noise, rustling and roaring, when two small dragons came bursting out, fighting with one another. Leanna stood, scared out of her mind as the two tiny dragons hissed and roared at one another.

She didn't like this - not one bit. They were going to hurt one another, surely? Leanna watched as one, who was covered in dark red scales, lunged for his small counterpart, who was covered in green scales. They made such a painful sound as they rolled through the grass getting ever closer to Leanna. In a panic, and fearing for the green one's safety she yelled at them to stop.

And they did.

Both tiny dragons stopped and looked at her, yellow eyes and brown eyes watching her without blinking. Why had she done that? WHY?! She backed up incredibly slowly, but the red one began to move towards her, it's head was moving from side to side and Leanna remembered seeing a similar behaviour in a puppy once. The red dragon got it's body close to the ground as it wiggled it's rear and then charged forward. the green dragon let out a sound, but Leanna didn't pay any notice as she was tackled to the ground and the wind was knocked out of her.

She struggled to breathe. The dragon was on her chest, it's claws dangerously close to piercing her skin, but it just looked at her, expecting her to move - to fight back. And suddenly it clicked in her head - the two dragons were play fighting, not actually fighting. This was a game to them, much like she used to do with Targus when they were children. Children? Ah, these dragons were child-dragons! If only she could remember the proper term... "You're a hatchling!" she said excitedly as the dragon got off and began sniffing her. Without her noticing the green one had joined his brother, and was sniffing her too. They were both very friendly and very sweet and they nudged her with their heads and the red one kept trying to get her to play. She chuckled and reached out her hand, the green one allowing her to pet him, but the red one taking it as an act of play, and pouncing on her again.

The two dragons soon got bored, especially the red, and were playing with each other again. They were rolling in the dirt when a distant roar woke Leanna from her pleasant mood. Remember Leanna... there's a reason royalty don't go near dragons came through her mind quickly and she was scared again. She hoped the dragon that made such a loud roar was just as friendly as these little ones.

The trees made it difficult for Cole to spot anything. He spent hours searching until he heard a commotion coming from further inside the forest. Before they reached the clearing a loud roar was heard from the west. The roar sounded angry and did make Cole worry a little but he stayed on his path. As they finally reached the clearing, hovering above, he looked down. There she was with her open silver hair standing amidst the flowers, but not alone. A little farther two dragons were playing with each other, which would look like a fight if you didn't knew better. Dragons usually played a little rough.

Dramor sat down gently on the grass, only a few meters away from the girl. Cole got off a little clumsily. He still was drained from the fight with Targus and the search. His body also felt a little stiff from being on dragon back for quite a while. A little stretching revived him, and he finally walked over to the princess. With a blank face he stared at her. "Don't think you'll get away so easily." And as he was about to grab her wrist to bring her away from here, the trees suddenly parted and a large dragon came stomping through.

Cole instantly changed to a battle stance his hand on his swords hilt. The two young dragons stopped fighting and looked at the bigger one. The big one had mostly dark green scales, with few black ones sprawled across it's back. It protectively stood infront of the younger ones letting out a threatening growl. The dragon didn't move into their direction though. "Ahhh. I get it. It's the mother." Cole said relaxing from his stance. The female dragon wasn't going to hurt them she just made sure no one would hurt her children. Cole watched as the mother guided her children back into the forest, probably their nest. He sighed reliefed. Things could have turned out ugly. Dragon mothers are very protective of their children and tend to overreact if one isn't careful.

Silence spread when the dragons were gone. Cole looked to his side. "You are either brave or really stupid running away like that." His tone was harsh but truthfully he was worried for her. For a fellow human who shared the same passion. "Your brother came to visit." He sighed. "I really don't get what the problem of you royals is. I think i never will but how about you try and enlighten me on the subject. After all this ordeal, I think I deserve a better explenation."

To tired to stand Cole sat down amidst the grass and flowers only now noticing the blood. His left arm must have looked pretty awful. It was just a cut but the blood had run down to his hand. It was allready dry and stopped bleeding some time ago. He would need to wash it later and get it disinfected when he'd get back home. Dramor came closer smelling Leanna, as he recognized her he gave her a gentle bump sitting down. He was also tired from the flight and didn't seem as active as when they first met.

"Lee..." Cole cleared his throat akwardly. "I mean Leanna." He felt really weird saying her name when he had met her as a guy. "I understand that you felt cornered as things turned out. I don't know your circumstances, but if you wanna hear my honest opinion." Cole scratched his head. "What you're doing right now is pretty stupid." He bluntly said the truth. "You don't know how to fight, you don't know how to really handle dragons, you don't know anything about the outside world. I think your survival chances are pretty slim, if not nonexistent." He leaned back on Dramor looking up to the night sky the moon illuminating their silhouettes. "You must have had people who supported you in what you were doing. The ones that helped you get out and someone who helped you enter the academy." Cole really wondered about who that might have been. "Also that dragon that took a liking to you. Are you really okay by leaving all of them behind, your family? Even if they are a little skewed. They are worried."

Cole averted his gaze to the side. "I.. feel a little guilty." It was difficult for him to admit that, but he felt he needed to say it. "I am sorry for putting you into this situation." He let his head hang a little in shame. "As an apology I can do you a favor as long it is something I am capable of doing." He was dead serious when he finally looked into her face waiting for an answer. It was his father who always used to say, if you did someone wrong you should try to make it up to them by making it right.

Leanna enjoyed watching the two baby dragons play, but got distracted when a rather familiar dragon came soaring down from the sky. Dramor settled in the grass and Cole came striding towards her, he went to grab her when a large dragon came out of the trees. Cole said it was the mother, which made sense, so Leanna waved goodbye to her playful friends and turned back to Cole.

"I know..." she admitted, after Cole demanded an explanation. He was right, as well - she wasn't smart, coming all the way out here. She went to say something when he sat down, tentatively touching his arm which was bleeding heavily. In a panic she ripped her jacket, getting a long strand of material, and took Cole's arm into her hands. While he talked, she worked on bandaging him, careful to ensure the cut was clean and then the bleeding would stop. She had never bandaged someone before in her life and it took her a few tries to get the material to stay put - having to tie it in two knots. It was messy and very unprofessional but at least it was bandaged. She then used her sleeve to help wipe away some of the blood that had run down his arm.

Once they were both done, she sighed sadly. Looking up at the sky and enjoying Dramor's peaceful breathing. "You're right, you're absolutely right." she said, pulling her legs in and hugging them tightly. "I'm just a spoilt brat who wanted to rebel. I was so fed up of being a 'princess', fed up of the castle, of the fact I can barely leave my room without an escort." as she spoke, she began to cry again, "I never meant to hurt anyone, or make them worry... I just wanted some freedom" she wiped her tears from her face messily, smearing Cole's blood from her sleeve over her face, "I have no idea why royal's aren't allowed to be with dragons, but they always held a kind of magic for me. They were the symbol of everything I ever wanted. And look!" she said, patting Dramor gently from where she sat, "I've now met four dragons, all of which have been nothing but friendly... I just don't get it"

She went back to hugging herself, trying to make herself as small as possible, toes curling in the grass. Something fell in front of her face and she picked the flower crown from her hair, a few strands tangled in the leaves. She reached over and placed it on top of Cole's head. Giggling slightly at the sight. "You're right... I should head back. Come on, if you bring me back you'll be heralded a hero" she stood, ready to leave, although she knew what awaited her when she returned. A life of solitude, of boredom and 'duties'. "Can you stand?" she asked, offering Cole her hand. She felt incredibly guilty that he had gotten hurt because of her. Targus had apparently changed a lot since he left for his travels, he used to whimper at the very mention of blood and he cried once when he got a splinter.

Thinking of home made her feel worse, Father would be worried sick and Mother would be so very angry when she returned. Leanna could no longer tell how Targus would feel - was he worried? Annoyed? Disappointed? She wasn't the princes her mother wanted her to be, and that hurt a lot. She had tried to enjoy her lessons in music, in writing and in etiquette but it was all so incredibly dull. Why wasn't she allowed to travel the world or take part in combat training? Because she was a girl? Targus was more of a wimp than she ever was, even at four years older, and yet he was the one who got to explore the world and experience life.

Maybe she would wear the green dress when she got home.

She petted Dramor, and thanked him for coming to get her. The sky was already beginning to get dark, the first set of stars shining delicately in the sky. "Cole... I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I should never had dragged you into this mess." Leanna had never actually been on a dragon before and hesitated by Dramor's side - the dragon seemed content with his current position however so perhaps both he and Cole still needed to rest. Unsure what to do she turned to Cole, "You don't need to feel guilty, by the way" she said with a small smile, "You've done more than enough for me. Besides, who else can say they've literally 'rescued a princess', that's kind of story they had in books" she let out a small laugh, enjoying the way Dramor reacted when she did.

Cole observed the bandage that Leanna had made out of her clothes. It looked a little sloppy but would do the job for now. "Thanks." He said in appreciation as he listened to her explenation. It certainly seemed to weigh heavy on this young girls heart if it made her cry. Cole panicked a little as he never knew how to react in this kind of situations. It made him feel somewhat tense. Yet it seemed that the princess herself was just as confused about the royals reasoning as he was. Sure, it wasn't common for woman to become warriors and ride with dragons and Cole himself wasn't all to keen on it either, but if someone did posses such passion for it he wouldn't be the one to oppose it.

As Cole was a little lost in thoughts he suddenly felt something being placed atop his head, hearing a rather cute sound come from before him he gave Leanna a baffled look, before feeling for the object on his head. As he took it into his hand he examined it from a few angels before placing it on top of Dramor, who seemed amused by the flower crown balancing it on his head. Cole snickered lightly before saying with a serious voice. "I think this suits him better than me."

Cole declined her offered hand and stood up by himself. "A hero..." He sneered at that word. He definitly wouldn't be viewed as such by the others. More like a villain who abducted the princess. But appearently she understood what he tried to convey though he could see she was saddened by the option of returning home. Well returning to a home to be locked up wasn't something he'd dream of himself. Still she had little chance of coming far in her current state, nice education won't save you in the mids of battle.

From out of nowhere he put his right hand on her head ruffling through her silver hair pretty good without holding back his strenght. "You're right you shouldn't have but you did, and here we are." He sighed gently pulling away his hand. "I hate liars, but I can now somewhat understand why you have gone this far. I guess I can turn a blind eye to it just this once." Cole smiled at Leanna reassuringly. There was no point to hold a grudge against someone who just strived for her hearts desire. Especially when he himself could relate to it, even if it is in a different kind of sense.

At the rescued a princess part Cole made a bit of a grumpy face. "I don't care if you're a princess, the queen herself or a goddess. I came here out of selfishness because I felt frustrated and wanted things cleared up." He felt uncomfortable to be made out as the good guy, he wasn't used to it and it didn't seem like he had helped her in any way. He was also about to bring her back to what seemed to be a cage for her. A not very good and rewarding feeling that gave him.

He observed Leanna for a while interacting with Dramor who seemed to really enjoy her company. It was odd how she had a natural affinity towards dragons but she only had met a small portion of the them and nothing was proven just yet. His right shoulder began to ache again, reminding him that it was truly time to return home. Cole gave Dramor a gentle pat on the nose to get his attention back saying. "Down." The dragon did as asked and made himself as flat as possible. Meanwhile Cole lifted Leanna up on Dramors back. "Stay calm, don't let go and I really hope you don't have fear of heights." He said with a little bit of an evil grin. It was pretty fun seeing peoples reaction or even overreaction riding for the first time.

Cole seated himself behind Leanna holding the reins infront. Caging her between his arms, making sure she wouldn't accidently slip off her seat while leaning over to much. Well this would be probably a first for him too. He hadn't taken anyone else to ride on Dramor, not even his mother, but she had no need to anyway. With a small pull from him Dramor opened his wings lifting off. They only slowly made their way up but soon enough had gained a good height to overview the forest which possesed an impressive scale of land.

As Dramor was slowly flying towards the city Cole got constantly hit by Leannas long hair. He tried to endure it but after only a few minutes he snapped, peering his head over her shoulder. "You should probably tie your hair next time you fly, it's annoying." He said bluntly trying to see ahead. As they flew Cole thought. It didn't sit well with him by dropping her off like that. He could feel how she became more tense as they came closer to the castle. "Don't give up." He tried to encourage her. "If you really love dragons and want to live together with them, fight. Convince your family, prove them otherwise." He paused a little. "Even if they lock you up. Remember this feeling of freedom and break out as often as you have to. I doubt they'll do more than that." Cole though back on Targus. Even though he had seemed so cold he did care for his sister.

They almost had reached their destination. Only a few meters away, yet Cole didn't give any signs to Dramor to go down or stop. In a split second he made a rash decision and they flew past the castle towards the coast. It was obvious that both of them were tired not only physically but also mentally, none of them in the condition to argue effectively against a horde of worried guards and royals. Cole sighed. "Let's go to my place for the night." They would have to stay overnight at his home, to gain some strenght before entering the lions den tomorrow.

Leanna smiled gently, Cole was genuinely nice to her - he didn't care if she was royalty, if he was female or if she was reckless - he treated her fairly and she was grateful for it. Suddenly, he placed hi hand on her head and ruffled her hair, making her blush a little and giggle at his behaviour even if it was a little rough. When his hand left, she smoothed down her hair that had been messed around, making it lie flat again. She smiled at Dramor, who now wore the flower crown, complimenting him as she pat his nose gently - she knew Dramor was trained, but honestly how could anyone consider such a calm and peaceful creature a threat?

Cole seemed ready to go, so with a heavy heart she nodded and prepared for her first ever flight. Dramor bent down to help her get on, and she did so rather ungracefully, but she was on - riding a dragon! Cole hopped on behind her and seated himself in order to keep her safe and steady, Leanna couldn't hold back a blush at the closeness but stayed silent. She held onto Dramor's neck with a gentle grip, and took a few deep breaths to prepare herself. Cole pulled the reigns and Dramor's wings beat heavily as they gained lift and rose into the sky. Leanna couldn't close her eyes even to blink.

This was incredible.

Literally the best experience of her life so far.

They were soaring through the sky at a calm pace, the beat of Dramor's wings the only sound up so high, she could see the entire town and all it's pretty lights, she could see the mountains in the distance and the felt like she could touch the clouds. Cole suddenly made himself known, making Leanna jump, and mentioned her hair; "Sorry! I'll try to keep it under control" she pulled it round her shoulder in an attempt to keep it tame but the wind kept taking it anyway. "... Sorry" she giggled, almost enjoying the look on Cole's face.

It wasn't long before they were in range of landing by the castle and Leanna couldn't help but tense up. She really didn't want to go back - not after such a magical evening. Father would be glad at her return, but hi sad eyes wuld make her feel guilty; Mother would no doubt scold her harshly but not without a tight hug and kind words. Targus... What would Targus do? She tightened her grip a little and clenched all of her muscles, even going so far as to bite her lip in nervousness. Cole spoke once again, and although it was harder to hear with the wind rushing past her ears, his kind words made her smile.

She took a deep breath, enjoying what might be her first and last flight, when without warning Dramor too a sharp turn and they headed away from the castle - "Cole wh-" but he interrupted. Stay at his place? she felt anxious at the thought, but it was an excited kind of anxiety. "Thank you" she said resting herself against him slightly. She had never slept outside of the castle before - Leanna made a mental note not to talk too much about Cole's house. She didn't want to act like a typical princess and belittle his home by accident. Dramor led them to the coast and settled down much more gently than Leanna had imagined.

Getting off was harder than getting on and she almost fell flat on her behind. It was suddenly apparent that she had left her shoes back in the forest and the feeling of sand warmed her feet and got between her toes. It was a pleasant feeling, she had never been to the beach before. The sound of the waves was incredibly relaxing and all of a sudden Leanna's body remembered how exhausted she was. "Lead the way" she said, smiling at hat she hoped was her first true friend.

They safely arrived at the coast. It also seemed the commotion of the search had died down. The atmosphere was quite and serene. Cole got off with an easy hop but Leanna seemed to have a little trouble. It was no wonder after such a long and tiring evening. Even he himself felt like falling flat into the sand taking a long nap. But he had someone to look after right now, besides that he had to check if his house was alright. Some guards might have invaded on their search of the princess into some of the houses. It did make him worry a little.

Cole scratched Dramors favourite spot on his neck on the left just behind his ear that twitched plafully whenever he got stroked there. "Thanks my friend. You did great." He gave him a gentle smile before stroking his forehead. "I'll definitly give you your snacks tomorrow, promise. See you then." With that he said goodbye to his dragon who lifted off satisfied heading towards the shacks. He probably was gonna take a long nap, which he fully deserverd after today.

Cole turned his head to see Leanna stare at her feet in wonder. Was this her first time at the beach? Having lived in this city and having grown up near the coast, he had been so used to it that he never would have thought someone else never had the chance to experience it. It was kind of sad in a way. He gave her a nod walking ahead. The house was only a five minute walk away. So they arrived there pretty quikly, but unfortunately just as he had expected, visitors had come.

With a disheartening sigh Cole entered trough the broken door. It wasn't to dark but to be sure he just said. "Be carefull were you step." Almost comidically tripping over something himself, he caught his balance and kneeled down picking up a blanket that had been sprawled across the floor. Quitly murmuring to himself he placed it on the couch. Carefully treading towards a little shelf he pulled on the top drawer taking out some tinder, starting a little fire in a bowl before taking a thin and long wood stick. He spread the fire from the stick to a candle on the shelf taking it into his hand.

Almost like in a trance he walked from candle stand to candle stand making the room brighter each time. His house was a comfy little home with a living room, two bed rooms and a bathroom. The little kitchen was included in the living room. It was surely nothing special or outstanding but it gave off a homely feeling with mostly light brown, brown and warm coloured furniture and decorations. They had even a little fireplace which he would have lit if he hadn't forgotten to chop some wood once again.

After the room was bright enough Cole took a good look around. Most of the stuff was in it's place just a few things were bumped over. So there really were some guards here, luckily no one else, or Cole might have gotten seriously angry. He sighed again this time a little annoyed as he went on to pick up the few things that were sprawled about. Among them was this dragon rider figure made of wood and little iron armor. It was quite the crafty handy work, which his father was responsible for. His dad had been pretty good with his hands and would make some of those wooden figures whenever he had free time and wanted to take a break. Which unfortunately wasn't all that often.

For a few moments he held on to it reminiscing old memories before finally putting it back on the shelf above the chimney. "Hold on." He said brushing past Leanna who must have been feeling cramped here compared to her enormous castle, at least that's a thought that crossed Cole's mind as he went ahead and did a quik repair on the lock of the door with a few nails, a small wooden block and hammer. Within moments he was finished, finally locking the door from inside for the night. He put the key on the dinner table walking over to a rather thin door which a normal human wouldn't fit.

"Are you hungry?" Cole asked as he opened the door which held a build in shelf carrying a small variety of food. He picked out a few things. Putting some vegetables and fruit into a bowl, some bread which was a few days old but still pretty good, and a bit of smoke-dried meat. He wasn't a great cook if none at all that's what he had been living off the past month since his mother went on her trip. It wasn't anything extravagant but would fill the stomach as needed. "Go ahead if you want." He looked at her from the side.

Cole noticed that she was nervous for some reason. He stared at her a little confused before it did click in his head and he gave himself a face palm. "Nooo. Don't worry. I won't do anything indecent to you, I swear." He drew a sign over his chest with his hand before putting both of them up into the air in defence. God forbid he'd do anything to a innocent girl, a guest and princess. He'd be skinned alive for it.

For a few moments he disappeared in the bathroom coming out with a full bucket of water, of which he filled a big bowl to the brim and two mugs to drink from. "Don't worry the water is clean. You can also wash some dirt off. I'm afraid I can't offer you a bath though as I don't have enough water at present." He really needed to stock up on supplies soon. He went on ahead and finally washed his bloody arm and hands but also face, to refresh himself a little.

Now came the hardest part. He opened an upper shelf taking out a bottle of high percentage alcohol. He opened the lid with a plop of the cork, drenching the cloth from Leanna on his wound with it. His body bend as pain surged from his arm throughout his whole body and he held in a scream, instead quitly cursing under strained breathing. Disinfecting wounds was the worst thing in the world. But it was needed if he wanted to keep his good arm. Afterwards he took a small sip from the bottle itself before closing and putting it back.

Tired Cole plopped down on the chair closest to the wall. It was one of four around the square table. "You'll have to sleep on the couch. " He would have offered Leanna to sleep in his room, if it wasn't in complete shambles. His parents bedroom was out of question, if his mother would find out she'd lecture him for weeks. "Sorry about that." He took some dried meat and started chewing on it as he absentmindedly stared out the window by the table. The view was calming and whenever he looked out he couldn't help but wonder what could possibly lie beyond that great sparkling sea.

Dramor seemed tired as well as he left and flew home to have a well deserved rest. She watched him fly off, enjoying the cooler breeze that the shore brought with it, the ocean was stunning from her window, the way it sparkled in the light, but now she was actually here and it was even more beautiful than she could have dreamed. Cole began to walk in the other direction, so she swiftly followed, enjoying the comfortable silence as they headed towards his home.

Cole's face and the fact that so much had been turned over and broken, Leanna made the assumption that Cole's house had been ransacked - by royal guards no less. He warned her to be careful, while slipping himself, and Leanna couldn't supress a snort and laugh, covering her mouth with her hands quickly to silence her giggles. He walked further in and she followed, standing a little awkwardly and simply watching him as he lit each candle to bring a little more warmth and light into the room. They had a fireplace, she could see, but Cole didn't bother lighting it - Leanna didn't question it. This was his home, and his rules.

Cole picked up a small statue and held it gently, he had a look on his face Leanna had never seen before, but it was one her father made often when holding her in his arms. The statue seem to mean a lot to Cole, and so she smiled as she watched him place it back in it's rightful place, he seemed to snap back into reality and walked past her brushing against her slightly, and so she mumbled a quick apology but he was already fixing the door and rather expertly at that. He asked if she was hungry, and so Leanna thought for a little while and nodded, walking over to watch him work. It looked rather plain, but she wasn't opposed to anything in particular... except tomatoes.

Leanna watched Cole carefully, he was incredibly kind, but perhaps she was trusting him a little too much. He was technically a stranger to her, Cole seemed to notice her tension and made a promise to keep her safe. Leanna relaxed. For some reason she felt very safe with Cole, like he would protect her should anything bad happen. She knew she was foolish for thinking it, but couldn't help the way she felt. He disappeared while she was munching on some of the dried meat, and returned with some water. "Ah thank you - I need something to drink" she gratefully took one of the mugs and gently helped herself to some water. It was very cold and refreshing - just what she needed. He mentioned not having enough water for a bath, which made her wonder where his water came from, and Cole began to tend to his arm.

She wanted to help but her feeble attempt at bandaging before was proof enough to show how unsuited she was to nursing. He retrieved a small bottle that smelled awful and yet oddly familiar, reminding he3r of the small bottle her mother hid in their master bedroom. He grimaced, arm, as he applied the alcohol to the wound and she felt a wash of sympathy. Once he was done, he took a sip himself and sat down, clearly exhausted. "I don't mind at all" she said with a small smile, Cole looked tired, and so she walked over and ran her hand through his hair, like she used to with Targus when they were little. It never failed to make her older brother sleepy and so she hoped it would work with Cole.

"Thank you" she said softly, keeping a soothing pace with her fingers, "For helping me" at this point she wasn't even sure if Cole was awake. "You're the first person who's ever told me to live for myself. That means a lot." she felt a little sleepy herself and decided to gently leave, "Goodnight Cole" she was tempted to give him a small kiss, as she did with her Father when he bid her goodnight, but bit her lip and withheld. She made her way to the couch and was about to make herself a comfy when the thought that her clothes might be a bit dirty, she didn't want to strip however and so steeled down carefully and then got back up, checking for any residue left behind. None.

Satisfied, she got comfortable and turned to rest on her side, she noticed the candles still burning and let out a small sigh, she wouldn't be able to rest with them still burning. So she stood, and blew each one out quietly she was about to head back when she spotted a small book about dragons, picking it up it looked fairly old and so decided ton take a quick look. She wasn't sure how long she had been flicking through the pages, but after a while she couldn't stop herself from yawning so headed back on the couch.

Compared to her bed at the castle, it was small and lumpy, but it was warm and it didn't take Leanna long to fall asleep at all.