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Seb was woken abruptly, torn suddenly from the restful sleep and warmth. He raised his head slower then he should have rubbing groggy eyes. Then Rhys was gone and Seb was up, he straightened himself up quickly the berated himself for being a fool and taking care of his looks. He could hear the other kicking out the fire. He rushed out of the tent and again was foolish as the other nights event came back to him and he blushed as soon as he lay eyes on the Rhys. He ducked his head and made his way to the horses. "Do you know who it is... what it is?" Who could tell in these woods?

He grabbed the bags and whatever else was around the camp packing it away quickly. He closed the saddle bags and started to saddle the horses, it wasn't the neatest or fastest tacking but he got it done and quickly untied them. He waited for Rhys to do whatever he felt was needed before they left. His heart was racing in the chest. What it could be was more terrifying then the idea he was getting scared over nothing. "I'll feel safer staying in that village tonight." He mumbled, but loud enough for Rhys to hear. He mounted his horse and waited for Rhys to mount his, turning in the direction they would escape towards.

Bump?

It's okay! I figured you were going to reply at some point but bumped in case you lost the thread!

Seb was forced to race after Rhys and did so without hesitation. They dashed through the tree's and Seb was forced to duck and avoid the branch glancing blows. He didn't look back to see who was chasing them, the sound of their footsteps quickly drowned out by his own dappled stallions thundering ones. Soon they began to slows and as they did Sebastion felt himself relaxing and he sat up straighter on his horse. He let out a sigh of relief, still not used to the sudden life-or-death excitement that this journey was throwing at him. Seb watched as Rhys put his hand through his hair and forced the urge to tackle the man and pin him down, it came back to him as Rhys asked what he had done the night before. He felt his face light up crimson.

"I'm so sorry, I don't know why I, or I have a big bed back at the castle and I'm not used to limited space." He stuttered out a jumbled reply. When he was done he let a jovial smile come back to his face. "Did you mind though?" He asked smoothly and drew his horse closer to Rhys's.

//welcome back!! haha

Seb frowned as Rhys told him they shouldn't do it again. Because of Yugoutus! My fake boyfriend has done me in with the real one! "My former lover forgot me, remember, so unless you suddenly forget me then you two are going to be completely separate in my mind. But if you believe thing should remain professional for the remainder I will indulge you." Seb found himself desperately hoping the college had some way to cure this. And how had he managed to fall in love with the one person who would refuse the advances of a prince.

They continued riding and Seb began to distract himself from the slow and bland ride by braiding his horses hair. He had down quite a few when he found his hand straying to his own, the mark gave off a soft warmth at the touch and Seb looked towards Rhys curiously, only to see a red feathered arrow fly a inch from the others head. Seb yelped and spurred his horse after Rhys who was loosing arrows as fast as he could. Seb was quick to draw his sword and shift in his seat. He was just in time to see another black night striding towards him on an intimidating black horse.

Seb had trained in horse back combat and so had the other knight, luckily Seb ranked over the knight skills in several regards and in fluid movement Seb had lashed out with his sword and the black knight fell lifelessly from his horse. Seb shifted back to face forward and followed quickly by Rhys, he over took a spot beside the other and waited from him to finish off his pursuer. Regardless of whether Rhys had taken the man out or not Seb watched as three more knights came crashing out of the trees to their left, Seb hand snapped and grabbed the reins of Rhys horse so they wouldn't run into each other. They had turned away from the village.

Seb slowed his horse now, leaving Rhys to lead ahead of the knight and dropped back to engage in sword play with the armored men. It was quick to became a flurry of clashing blades and Seb was extremely glad at the strength of the sword that Rhys had made. He dismounted one knight and found himself hissing in pain as their sword cut into his leg when they fell, more an annoyance then a injury though. He turned to the next knight, there were three knight left.

Seb saw Rhys go down from his saddle and his heart skipped a beat. The he was back up on his feet and Seb was already rushing to his side. He flew past Rhys and raised his sword narrowing in on the other rider. With a passionate fury he dismounted and beheaded the knight who had come so close to running Rhys over. Next he turned the surge of adrenaline on the last knight and after seeing all his comrades killed their spirit seemed a little tamer. Sadly that spilled out his demise as Seb's fury took over and the clash of their swords rang out less then the sound of steel cutting flesh. The cut he mad on Seb cheek was returned in tenfold until the man in black armor sunk down on his horse, finally collapsing to the ground.

Seb retrieved Rhys horse and quickly lead it back over to Rhys. He knew that it would be best for them to leave immediately but his worry had given him a one-track mind. He dismounted and rushed over to Rhys. "Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere's? Did you get hurt from the fall, how are your legs? That archer didn't get you did he?" Seb took hold of the other shoulders as he scanned the other for injuries. He chuckled at himself, "I'm a worrier when it comes to people I care about."

Seb looked off at where the knights had arrived from and noted that they most likely knew where they were going as well. "It might be better if we change our routes. We could go through the mountain caves, more direct but also more dangerous. Whatever we do we'll need to keep moving, maybe loot the bodies to see if they have anything useful?"

Seb felt his cheeks grow hot as Rhys brushed off his worry. He knew Rhys could take care of himself and as the hand lay on his shoulder and he felt the warm and familiar rush of magic go through his body and heal the small injuries he realized that Rhys took care of him too. He buried his feeling of inadequacy and listened to Rhys as he spoke. "Has it only been two day? Feels like much more to me an din the court you never see someone for long anyways. You have to make friendships fast." He said cheerfully, trying to cover up the meaning his words had actually held.

Seb looted the bodies nearest to him taking coins, a small blue vial (which was either poison or medicine and Seb wasn't going to find out anytime soon) and a blue river stone that Seb left behind. He mumbled a quick prayer for fallen soldiers more out of habit then any sort of religiousness before returning to his horse. He mounted it and showed the coin purses and the small vial to Rhys before putting them in his saddle bag. "A small sum of coin and this vial of whatever. The blue was pretty..." he trailed off not wanting to seem frivolous. "What about you, anything good?"

sunsetcurve I totally get if you drop this now (I'm sorry I disappeared on you) so if you do just pm me if you ever want to plot again you are legit that best RPer I've roleplayed with so haha don't hate me

Seb handed the vial to Rhys with a pout, "I wouldn't use it unless it was an emergency." He realized that depending on the type of emergency the vial would probably be really helpful or deadly, so in turn his statement made it clear he shouldn't have his hands on such a mystery. He twisted in his saddle and started to lead his horse onward. He perked when Rhys spoke about alcohol.

"Me and you should have some fun when we get to the mages city, all this killing gives me the chills." It didn't really, he just didn't like to admit that he could slaughter three men and drink happily within the same day. His indifference was what gave him the chills. "And you can't complain about me spending money and looking good with all the staring you've been doing!" Seb had no idea if Rhys had looked even once but he enjoyed the casual banter.

He turned his horse down the path towards the mages city and felt the excitement catching up to him. Each step was one closer to Rhys's memories. He hands went to the mark behind his ear and he turned in his saddle to look at Rhys. He wondered if the mark caused Rhys to feel anything, its presence was constant to Seb and he had felt its warmth more then once. He had once been told by a travelling sorcerer that it marked him and protected him from other magic users, he had also said that whoever had marked him was incredibly strong. He had always enjoyed showing off the mark and for the one hundredth time wished to cut his hair short again.

Seb realized he had been staring at Rhys for a while and opened his mouth to give an excuse. Remembering Rhys earlier statement about explanations he clamped it shut and turned around on his horse. "We're almost to Serki."

//Yeah we should skip to the mages city since most of the plot gets kickstarted there anyway

Seb was amazed by the cities beauty, even though he had seen it in passing once or twice he and his father were not on good enough terms with this kingdom to visit the cities for the sake of admiration. He was caught off guard by the though of his father bringing back the familiar ache. His father wouldn't get the chance to visit these cities with him ever again.

He felt a strange tingle where the mark was as they approached the city, as if the protective magic was probing the magic that Seb guessed was in the air of the mages city. Seb couldn't feel it at all. As the approached the guard he just listened to Rhys explain everything. Vague but with the name drop there it had brought an excellent expression to the guards face.

The mark stopped whatever it had been doing by the time they reached the gates and Seb unconsciously rubbed it to try and get the feeling to fade away faster. He forgot about it as soon as they entered the streets of the city and were greeted by the hustle and bustle reminiscent of his own home. He found himself looking for his castle even as he berated himself for being foolish. His eyes did find the spiraling white towers of the collage though.

The towers were connected to a large circular building that only the top floor was visible from the city entrance. The dark purple flags with a magic design Seb didn't recognize were attached to each tower. Seb had a feeling that entering the college would not be as touch and go as he had first though? Would they even be allowed into the library to do the research they needed?

Seb was still lost in thought when the mark acted up again, this time not to the magic in the air but more sharply to a presence. The man had his eyes settled on Seb, who moved his horse as step closer to Rhys as he met the mans eyes. The man then turned to eye Rhys and seemingly surprised at what he saw turned away quickly and hurried down the street. Seb wondered if he had sensed the taste of the mark and the power of Rhys as one in the same. He hurriedly turned away himself and urged his horse just slightly faster in the busy streets.

"We should probably rent a room first to put all our stuff in before we check out the college." Seb spoke up as he turned a corner randomly. He was a little shocked to see a young child playing around with a mage light. The sight of such blatant use of magic in city streets was still unfamiliar to Seb, although he had grown used to seeing Rhys preform menial tasks with magic he was surprised at how often other doing it caught him off guard. Since Seb's father had been one of the kings who ruled during an age where magic user were hunted Sebs kingdom had become one that the gifted often avoided.

Even though the open prosecution based on the simple act of having magic had been stopped sorcerers certainly didn't flock to the testily open gates. Seb tried too quickly mask the shock at the sudden realization that he was surrounded by so many people with powers. The mark, oh so familiar and constant quickly quelled his worries. It was a gift from the old Rhys. Seb didn't look back to Rhys as he spoke this time, "so while we search for a tavern can I ask you something? Why does your family name have such weight? Ambrose."

He tested the name on his tongue and then in his head like a foolish girl, Sebastion Ambrose. He almost laughed at the thought- Rhys would have to take his name if they didn't decide to keep their own, or share.

In that moment he was pretending he wasn't aware that marrying Rhys was impossible any way, especially while Rhys memory remained in such a state/

//angst!! it could be that he sees the mark but Seb won't tell him where he got it because he is worried that Rhys will be hurt by remembering. He could start to remember little by little from then on to draw things out. He could get the memories back in dreams and flashbacks when he sees something that reminds him of the past.

and I didn't know how to fit this into my post but Seb went with his father before to experience real battle so his kill count is low but he had seen enough death to be unfazed by it in the beginning, though to many and a lot of gore still upsets him some and he isn't capable of watching an execution anymore.

Seb felt a pang of loneliness when Rhys mentioned that there wee only a few of his family left. Seb himself had a large extended family and was close enough with several nobles houses to consider them as such. Though he was one of a few royalty left he was considered dead so it held little power anymore. He knew that he had Rhys and wondered when or if Rhys would realize what Seb was to him again. He wanted Rhys to know that he would always stay by his side.

Sebastion jumped a little in his saddle when an older woman shouted out Rhys full name. He prepared for some sort of attack knowing that with Rhys old job he probably left enemies wherever he went. His worries were subsided as soon as he saw the smile on Rhys face. He waited on his horse as they greeted and reminisced for a solemn minute. Then he was introduced, again, as a companion. He offered his own pleasant smile and slipped from his horse. He knew that people in this area, especially magic users, probably weren't aware of what exactly he looked like. The only thing was he was unsure of how common his name was. Probably quite common though.

He didn't want to chance people putting two and two together though. And he wondered how good his ability to appear as a commoner was so he played it safe choosing a more common name from a separate country. "I am Dorian, a pleasure to meet you Greta." He said and offered his hand, twisting it slowly out from an extended hand to take and bow to and turning it to the side to shake.

They were lucky that Rhys knew someone who worked in the library and would help them get access. Although Seb was a little hesitant to stay in the castle .As she would have knowledge of Rhys past and of his mark and he didn't want to her to find out that he knew about both as well. He followed behind Rhys and lead his horse towards the castle.

He jogged a little so that he could walk beside Rhys as they approached the large white castle. Seb was well aware of the inner workings of their council and knew that they wouldn't need to be cautious of upsetting a king during their stay. He nudged Rhys slightly, "I don't think we should tell people my real name just in case." As they approached the hall Seb grew excited at the prospect of finally sleeping in a fit room Though he doubted that the room they would be placed in would be very good if they were only relying on the help of a librarian.

"We could go to the library tomorrow, it might be nice to take a short break today and visit the city. I wonder if there are any happenings this time of year? Or we could go out for drinks?" Seb added the last idea as he remembered the flask that Rhys had found that day after killing the men. He wasn't sure if Rhys had drank it but they could stop at a small tavern,lose their wits and still have enough gold for their travels.

Separate rooms huh? Seb knew that it had it's benefits but even after a week of traveling together he still didn't want Rhys to leave his sight. He was worried he might just disappear again, though he also knew that he shouldn't doubt Rhys. Seb found himself liking Greta, she seemed more open to the idea of them having a relationship then Rhys did. The door thing was a great bonus and as she said it Seb turned to Rhys and whispered, "if you plan to sneak in for a late night calling don't bother knocking, I'll leave it unlocked." He gave a smile that let Rhys know he was joking. But it wasn't enough to convince himself.

Seb just nodded vigorously when Rhys said to get cleaned up to go and went to his room to drop off his stuff and grab a towel. He was a little slow as he got distracted and stopped to clean the sides of his boots in a water basin in his room. He finished it quickly and grabbed some clean clothes, hurrying off to find Rhys and the baths.

He saw Rhys and smiled, then hid it in embarrassment as he realized where they were. He hurried into his own pool and melted in the warm embrace of the waters. He almost immediately forgot Rhys was there as he worked to scrub himself free of the grit and blood their journey had stained him with. He was lathering soap in his hands to wash his hair when he turned to Rhys.

"Does your family have a seal or something. Something you would recognize immediately if you saw it." He asked because his patience was wearing thin with the length of his hair. He washed his hair after that and rinsed it with the warm water until he finally felt princely. When he was finished he left the bath and wrapped himself in his towel, the air outside seemed much colder now compared to the bath. He dried off and put on his clothes again, tousling his hair and drying it with the towel.

"So what should we do first," He said when he was finally dressed and dry. "I'm thinking food." They had only eaten their small travel ration at lunch that day and now it was well into evening. "But let's splurge and get something good too."