The Prince of the Fae indeed.

No self-respecting Prince would be caught dead in the attire of paupers and street-beggars, whoever this person was, his commands meant very little to a rugged guard, but inspired something a little more in the victim who was already trying to crawl towards the sea. He took it all back, the wishing to experience life beyond the brine, the desire to meet others that he would perhaps better relate to-- the world that he did not belong to was no less vicious than his own, tide-commanding mother, who was mere meters away. He didn't want whatever a 'Doctor' was, he wanted to crawl into a cavern and wither. At the very least, he required a quiet place to recuperate-- as many animals often did. Every half-effort shuffle was a few inches closer to the water-side, hand-outstretched to her gentle encouragement. What was he thinking, running away like that? He should have just returned... yes, that would have been the smart thing to do.

"I do believe the palace Doctor is a little too high-brow for the likes of a pauper and his little pet spy, eh?"

The clubbed piece of wood swung all the more, this time, at the Prince himself.

"No..." There was no way Sindre could have mustered enough strength to take or dissuade the brunt of another swing, pinkened-reds merely stared through half-opened lids, helpless, pathetic as he had always thought himself to be. Even now, he couldn't protect another. Blood filled his senses, awakened his olfactory senses and even inspired the faint lick of his lips. Blood... and he was so, so very hungry, how unfair was fate when she tempted him with a meal. He had fangs, vaguely translucent and curved, much like a serpent-- and no less so, for his predatory canine's contained potent venom, a paralysing agent, perfect for underwater meal-time.

No, no this was Prince Amanti.

He couldn't.

He wouldn't. He'd promised himself. When had it last been that blood had dripped from those pale lips? Not blood of piscene or natural prey, the blood of a humanoid, a drowning passenger, a stranded sailor, an unfortunate swimmer-- all of them were fair play to a creature who struggled to hunt competitively. Morals be damned when creatures of the deep decided to hunger. A spurt of desperation saw the creature grasp for a guard's leg-- but it was far too fatigued. By now, more had came-- some with winces, for they new that the Prince was indeed as he had proclaimed, royalty.

Whispers carried between royal protectors, someone would have to call the Doctor-- and quickly, less their comrade's mistake dearly cost him. Two of the men-- since none of the Palace's servants seemed to be Dragons at all, given their eyes-- stepped forwards to help take hold of Prince and Mer, gentle, so as to not endanger their jobs or lives. The mer-thing was uneasy on his legs, certainly, they wobbled and struggled to remain upright, for it was a lanky, tall being when not weighed down by the muscular appendage that was his tail. Blood trickled very slowly, pieces of glass that had spiked into him during the escape-- but the wounds were superficial. The hits to his cranium, however, were still to be determined.

"Take them to Lei, he'll know what treatment is the best course of action... hopefully we'll keep our jobs after this." Lei, a doctor, and one who excelled in his job-- and perhaps the oldest resident in the Palace. Not often seen, but revered none-the-less. He wasn't as trying as Emperor and Son-- likely because he was no longer apart of ruling the Dragons. Medicine was his truer passion, not politics, and it was back into the marbled Kingdom that the staff intended to schlep Amanti and his latest gift, apologies presented like welcoming mats to the Fae. No wonder, they didn't want to lose their employment or organs once word got out of this. Lei would be able to fix this... hopefully Emperor Yao would take it better from his elder, for what happened upon the beach was nothing if not pure embarrassment to the Kingdom staff, and by default, to Yao. That thought alone was sobering. Dragged across sand and grass, the albino mer, whom had caused this trouble to begin with, attempted to converse with what little sense the bludgeoning had left in his head. "Wassn't... running away... wass... ssomeone... wass calling me.." He had to let Prince Amanti know. He had never intended to flee, but someone upon the beach had caught his interest-- whoever they were, he hardly even saw by the time he'd reached the shore.

Wood wasn't supposed to hurt him. He knew of the wood fae that lived within the trees of the forest, they respected him enough he would believe, but he must have caused them some form of impeachment. His vision flashed white, then brown as he turned his head up almost in time to receive the blow. His ears rang, deaf to the mocking snub from the guard as he felt the sand cushion his fall. And faintly, he heard the softest chuckle graze his eardrum before the world swam around him. Damn the heart of this world should he lose consciousness though. One blow wouldn't be enough to condemn this planet though.

Blinking away the muddy sand from his lashes, he shook his head and pressed one palm into the fickle surface and pushed himself back up. White grains of sand clinging to his hair, hidden amongst the golden locks. His eyes blazed even beneath his shut eyelids, the light seeping through like sunlight from a curtained window. Burning to the unfortunate bedridden individual, piercing like high beams through the darkness as he stared down at the sand burying his fingers. The cool air was choked with the grittiness of the grains scraping his throat, but all the same he inhaled and exhaled, slowly and surely as if he had to make sure each breath of air was monitored comprehensively to avoid filling his lungs with too much or not enough.

The soft rasp from the forgotten creature drew his attention. His shoulders slumping as he toned down the brightness and heat he was emitting, taking in the weedy nature that was a direct product only from the thrashing of the guard. His fingers curled in the sand, what gave anyone the right to reduce another to this state? If not for the soft footfalls trekking over the sand, the single guard stood before them would know just how lucky he was to have avoided what might've been.

As the rest of the guard came to surround them, he lifted his head, refusing to let a single blow completely dislodge his senses even if the area around his forehead was feeling rather sore and tender at the moment and his vision was still blurred and indecisive. He refused to let a single blow dislodge all of his senses though, lifting his head to stare up at the stranger faces. Their garb no doubt revealed they were of the palace though and should Amanti choose to recognize any of them, they'd be in trouble from the cloth they dawned alone. That was the last thing on his mind now though.

"Take, Take him to the doctor and see that he is tended to and given adequate meals. Let him eat on his own choice. I do not wish to hear complaints from him that you have mistreated a creature belonging to me."

His own command was perhaps dampened by him having to be helped to his feet by another, his own foot still askew to a side so as to not to aggravate the raggedly bandaged wound. Refusing the wince as he listened to them prattle on worriedly in how they could possibly cover up such a blunder on their companion's part. Amanti didn't feel like speaking up and soothing their worries, for now he just wanted to be treated to this Dr "Lei" and for the night to end on a sleepless, hungry note. For now though, as long as they feared, they would follow his orders even if his own position held no real standing in this place other than as a 'guest of the Emperor."

Limping besides the carried creature, his ears pricked at the raspy utterance the creature was trying to form into words, "Hush now, Sindre. You're going to be taken care off now, there isn't anything to worry about." He soothed, gazing at the Mer, eyes drawn to the bruises he had sustained during the brutal clobbering.

He could no longer see the guard, but rest assured he would be well informed of his mistake.

Again, Amanti pushed that out of his mind, glad to leave the dark unsure sand of the shore to the comparable warmth of the palace once more, letting himself be led by the guards, hoping that their entrance wouldn't arouse sleeping minds. Then again, who knew what was lurking within the walls?

"I fear... there iss much to worry about."

It was a solemn regard, spoken by the pale creature of which turned his head akin to an animal, peeking the looming command that was the Dragons Palace. If only such a place lay in ruin, if only it were to crumble into fine particles of forgotten affluence and buried under it's own arrogance. The creatures who ran the show were curiously unforgiving. Judging by the reptilian eyes, they seemed to be the only ones of Dragon descent, the Emperor and his little, bitter-hearted hier. Sindre thought, on any other day, he would be comforted by the promise of care and food on his terms, but this world above the surface wrung any sense of luxury from the proposal.

There. Large, imposing crimson pillars welcomed them with an impressively sized gate. The walk to the palace had been silent on many parties-- no one had anything worth saying another, and Sindre considered himself a little too stunned from his fake escapade to wish the formation of words. His feet slapped against elaborate tile, cold but not discomforting to him, aside from the few pieces of glass gifted to him by karma. Once the Emperor found out, what would become of his outlandish attempt at escaping? Worse yet, if the Prince found out...

They were presented to a rectangular door, a smaller one with less grandiose to it than other parts of the building, not that the merman could discern what made one door fancier than another. It was knocked precisely three times, then opened slowly, with the motion of a guard that the boys were to enter. The room was warm, kept alight and comforted by the crackle of a fire lodged into the wall. Chairs settled around it, long, bleached fabric that had been fixated to legs and cushion-stuffing. A table settled in the middle, topped with books that were dangerously close to toppling from the size of their piles, like knowledge-filled towers. There was a presence in the room, at the side furthest from the dimming light of the flames. A desk, once again, decorated with books, sat a creature content to scribble in ink and write down findings. It had hair not unlike the merman, white and pale, but with more silvery toned strung through-out, fashioned into a thick braid that fell over his robed shoulder.

Once again, the eyes were undeniable. A strangely intelligent tone of lime, characteristically spiked by a reptilian pupil. His orbs were partially hidden behind thin, squared spectacles, which now found themselves pulled from his face, one of a man in his thirties, and folded gently between his fingers. "You are not palace staff, nor dragons from what I can pique... so I must inquire, what brings your presence to my attention, gentlemen?" His voice was eloquent, well pronounced in a language that was not his first. Soft, with a grace and upbrought way about it. As too, was the hand that gentle motioned to the chairs in his, as it would appear to be, study. "Do take a seat. The only reason I can fathom that you bless me with a visit is that one or both of you are injured or unwell. Since I can keenly scent your essence, I'll assume you're both bleeding." The tiny crimson rivulets were apparent on Sindre's chest, but it was the blood from Amanti's foot that sought the old creatures nose.

Glasses placed upon the bridge of his face once more, the fire dimmed marginally as a log crumbled into ashes. "With lumps on your heads, too. Care to divulge as to how you came to meet with such injuries, gentlemen? So that I may better assess treatment for you both-- it would help to divulge the species you belong to." This man, who stepped akin to a paw-print in the snow and spoke like wings over water, was apparently, Doctor Lei.

He didn't understand, he found himself having these sort of abstract moments increasingly so. Silence blanketed over him once more as he merely observed in the weakened creature from his own solace. Brow furrowing as he failed to understand and perhaps set himself back a few steps backwards even in trying to decipher what might as well be indecipherable or simply was a problem with no solution whatsoever. Perhaps he was just tired and the exhaustion was making him try to create problems and puzzles for himself out of some form of sheer sadism. He wasn't quite sure anymore as he allowed himself to lean most of his weight against the servant. Still eying Sindre in quiet waking repose. Not even wanting to add to his worries by allowing his mind to venture into the realm that questioned what might possibly befall them should the King find out that he had run out to find the creature, never mind if details of their injuries were omitted on part of the guard's. Perhaps he wouldn't know at all. It was much easier to think of this whole incident as never reaching the ears of the King nor his unruly prince, yes...so much simpler to keep that sort of mindset.

Then there was only his wound and his awaiting bed, and of course, the creature that he seemed to have now taken under his wing, but that could be dealt with at a later date, to worry about.

It was hard to even see the imposing pillars or the lavish tapestries hanging adorning the walls; they were nothing more than red and golden shaded blurs as his eyelids began to droop. The pain in his leg had started to taper into numbness, not because of blood loss thank the heavens, but merely because his own tiredness had finally come crashing down upon his shoulders like tumbling boulder. And like if the simile was real, he was struggling to stay awake or alive in matter of the metaphor-simile, he corrected himself last moment. Shaking his head to try and regain some consciousness, he lifted it up to gaze at the rather humble pair of doors they had been brought to. Slowly, turning his head over to glance at Sindre. Even in his failing consciousness he wanted to make sure that the mer was alright. He wasn't sure if he could trust the guard anymore to treat him well.

As the own guard he had been leaning on let go of him, he stumbled, catching himself on the doorframe before he turned to receive Sindre. Taking his arm up and having to awkwardly hold him as he leaned most of his weight on the door. Amanti paused, turning to examine the abode before them; the shades of red having been used rather warmly here rather than outlandishly and pretentiously throughout the rest of the castle, not that Amanti dare ever bring that up to the king who's fondness for the color red seemed to overshadow his taste for lavish golds. Such harsh thoughts could only be formed whilst he was truly exhausted, it seemed. Shaking his head, he tore himself away from the obviously well lived in and furnished setting to that of the man that stood within the heart of the room.

Blinking away some of sandman's spell from his eyes as he straightened in attempt to bow low to the man, the motion awkward and difficult with the position he was in. Taking in the man's aged and well worn features, something more than years in the lines etched across his face. The air of which he carried himself reflected what was already made obvious by the stacks of long tilted slabs of books crowding every available corner shelf and desktop. Even his words were lined, laced with wisdom beyond years. And with that wisdom there was a sense of welcoming. A warmth and...unmatching softness that Amanti hadn't heard in quite a while since he had gotten here. Instantly, he felt...what was the word, more at home stepping into the man's office.

Bowing his head, he nodded, then limped towards the closest cloth lined chair where he could lay Sindre down upon before he rather apologetically had to drag his own chair over for him to sit himself down into. Keeping his foot lifted to avoid the crimson sanguine fluid from dripping and staining the soft carpet below him. Biting his lip as their own disheveled appearance was assessed, "Forgive me," He was quick to apologize, "For we have not even introduced ourselves and I have never had the...pleasure of meeting you. I am Amanti, Prince of the fae and this is Sindre, a...a mer." The words were a little rushed, perhaps because the man was sleepy and wanted to or perhaps because he wished not to start off rudely; though in case of the former it was hard to tell if either was true.

"As, as for our injuries. We..we met with accident along the shoreline. There was.. there was glass upon the shore. And in stepping upon it, I grabbed my companion and caused us both to fall and hurt our heads against the rocks along the waves. My companion of which has suffered worse due to my own folly." He bowed his head, avoiding eye contact with the doctor. Lying was not something he enjoyed doing, but it didn't mean he was that bad at it.

"A Fae and a Merman." Their species were mostly unknown to him, and his books for a majority. The Palace Doctor was versed in traditional medicine, and, most importantly, of the anatomy of Dragons. Lucid greens watched the pale albino settle on the couch quietly, where it held it's head inbetween it's hands and cradled it's own cranium injuries, bruises that seemed rather extensive and almost disorientating for the creature. "Lei Long. Brother of Emperor Yao, and constant Doctor to his son; my nephew." It would seem Lei was much more specialised than the on-site medical advisor, the way he annunciated it was that perhaps Jin-Wei took up much of his time and study. Then again, that could have been for reasons of mischief, not just medical attention.

Robed hands were folded into each other, for a few good minutes after the Prince's tale. Behind the shape of his glasses, thinned greens watched and inspected wordless and without any incline as to what they were searching for. "...Glass upon the shore-line, I could believe, however." The proclaimed Doctor stepped forth and tentatively pulled the albino's hair away from the swollen injuries. There was little blood to speak of, but it was a rather nasty appearance. "I don't think this is falling on the rocks. I've been to the beach, you need to be up the coast to hit rocks-- which are sharp. The fact you've both managed to take a spectacular fall and wound up with blood-less injuries on your heads makes me query your tale. However, I shan't press the matter. I'll offer advice, look a man in the eye when you weave such stories. You recounted that you stepped upon glass. Let me see the injury-- please, prop your foot upon this table and sit down, I'll assess if there's any glass remaining and dress your wound." The books upon the tea-table were slumped onto the ground and motioned, the so called Prince could rest his foot there.

Lei, on the other-hand, turned to rummage amidst his own labyrinth of novels and scribblings, until a wooden box, plain as it was, was procured. Flipped open, for a quick inventory check. Bandages, salve, tweezers-- and a few more torturous looking devices that he was going to choose to not divulge in. "I cannot account for your marine friend, but I know them to grow ill when not in their homes." The words may have been true enough, Sindre hadn't spoken or moved since he'd been lead to the couch. He couldn't have been sleeping, but perhaps he simply mourned his pitiful position. Hostage, yet again. Who had been calling on the horn, anyway? Lei settled across the table on the opposing chair, gauze at the ready. "We shall have to be quick, gentlemen. Jin-Wei's condition is a nightly occurrence, and I do believe the moon rises in the sky outside. Once we are done here, go to kitchens, and inform the staff I request you both to eat a light, simple meal and rest swiftly." It sounded like an order for children, to have dinner and go to bed. Clearly the title of 'Prince' didn't sway this Doctor. He spoke to the Fae Prince without any particular caution, treated just as anyone else would be in his care.

"I do hope my little brother has been behaving whilst in your company. He's known to have a high strung personality, especially with in conjuction with his son." So, the Doctor was not only a sibling of the Emperor... but he was the older sibling. By far, but he wasn't about to divulge his age, and honestly, he seemed not the slightest bit bothered that his younger brother had seen the throne and not himself. Lei preferred the pursuit of knowledge than politics, after all. "I will also advise you do not wander the palace at night. Nothing frightening goes on, but there are certain things that must stay within these walls. If you understand, that is."

"Ah, brother?" The fae startled in his seat, eyes widening, his grip tightening on the polished armature as his muscles tensed and stiffened in his feeble attempt to stand before he recalled the deep cut along the sole of his foot. The pain threatening him to settle back down into the soft cushion of his seat, forcing him to merely bow his head and clasp his hands together as he straightened himself in his seat, "Forgive me, I knew not that the Emperor had any kin, let alone a brother. Had I, I would've come to greet you earlier as well, I...I did not mean to offend you with my own ignorance. There is no excuse that can be made." Once more, the words spilled and tumbled like a waterfall down from his lips as he ventured a peek up at the esteemed doctor, having missed his mention of the unruly prince in his haste to make amends for his honest mistake. It was unlikely he would care too much for the casual mentioning. And it was far from unusual for a member of royalty to have a constant if not permanent medical attendant; thus he paid little heed to it.

It was certainly a more substantial and shocking revelation to hear that the Emperor had a sibling, especially straight from the mouth of the latter as well. He should've known, but there was little means of doing research from his own home; he had not such diverse and comprehensive documents and explicit novels like that of those scattered extensively around the room. Long winded titles and even longer subtitles that he could barely comprehend in his blurry eyed state. The news had at least served to bring him somewhat back to consciousness and such an effect would carry on as his accounted story was brought up and it's flaws dragged out into the limelight for the Doctor to pick apart and scrutinize. His eyes widened, pupils constricting just as his own heart palpitated a few beats too fast within his chest.

He'd not think his story was all that detailed nor informative, but he had at least hoped it would pass for believable and be written off without much thought. Perhaps he should've known better from the well aged man in all his wisdom, he felt almost sheepish when the man seemed to pity him enough not to prod him any further on his fabricated story, but rather give him some counsel on the subject. His voice caught in his throat as he lifted his head up to look at the Doctor, feeling very much like a child under the intimidating watch of his very daunting elder, "I'll...I'll keep that within mind, my lord."

Finally, he returned his gaze back down to the small coffee table cleared away for him, feeling even more hesitation in setting his own bare foot against the polished surface. Especially after the books had been so callously shoved off just to accommodate him...

The Fae truly was far too modest to a fault at times it truly seemed.

Eventually, he lifted his leg up obediently with some effort, the limb having gone a little numb, and settled it down gingerly upon the table. Propping himself up further in his seat so he did not slump in his chair. Keeping his eyes trained down upon the sand grains trickling down the curve of his foot, carried in from the beach and into the palace. Unnatural grains across the polished table, the color so similar it was almost hard to discern them from one another. Perhaps it was for his own good that he did not look up until the Doctor approached him once more, in time to see the lid of the box he was rummaging through flipped open towards him so he failed to see the strange and alien shaped metal tools set down inside. That of which would certainly make the Fae shiver and dare to second guess the safety in seeking treatment. It was but a mere flesh wound after all.

His attention was raised away from such thoughts that had yet to crawl into his mind at mention of his poorly friend. He had nearly forgotten the man's presence with the silence he had encompassed himself with. Close enough for the first time in a while to reach over and gingerly hover his fingertips over the Mer's shoulder before he finally touched the smooth pale skin with even more hesitation, "Sindre.." He started, then trailed off, unsure what to say. He couldn't lead the Mer back to the sea now, not with the guard that may well be guarding the exits if not waiting outside for them still. Even then the moment was interrupted by the steady procedural voice of Lei's.

"Ah, condition?." The Fae asked, a little dazed as his attention was shifted back to the well worn man, then shook his head as he fully processed the doctor's instructions, "Forgive me, I mean not to pry." But the second mention of the draconic prince and now this 'condition' had piqued his curiosity even if for the slightest moment before he reigned himself, "I believe I am somewhat..shell shocked from my fall." He made sure to look the Doctor in the eyes this time, though he was certain he was only being childish. He could not hold the man's piercing green gaze for long anyway and so turned back to the Mer. Finding it easier to worry. Tomorrow, tomorrow he'd lead the Mer back to the sea, for now he had to bare with it.

He reached back over and placed his hand gently upon the Mer's own as if to reassure him the best he could or at least let some connection lie between them whilst he listened to the Doctor's banter; perhaps chatter was his way to ease his patients into a more relaxed state. At least the revelation of the Doctor being the Emperor's older sibling was less startling than the first. The Fae knew not of the customs norr hierarchy of the dragons anyway, perhaps it was youngest to take the throne, "He is, a good host. I only believe I have overstepped my boundaries with him at times, but he has been a very forgiving Emperor and..a strict father from what I may incur. Firm. It is not my place to make any more statement." He said quietly, nodding solemnly after to Lei's instructions and warning(?).

"I understand, I will hurry myself and Sindre back to bed at once. I do hope, if I may ask, that you keep this incident unknown to the Emperor and that of his son should any inquire.." Perhaps it was too much to ask..

---

Thoom thoom thoom The Prince's door groaned, subject to the forceful knockings.

"Calm yourself, boy. I care not for manners of the court, or the allure of the hierarchy. Even if you were aware of me, the only visit I'd expect from you would be if you succumbed to injury." They were all creatures of flesh and blood, when it came down to it. It would very much appear Lei did not willingly abide by the policy of royalty, he spoke as he deemed fit to, called the cards he saw. Glittering greens dropped to the sole of the Fae's foot for any signs of remaining objects inside his foot, but all appeared to be well, sparing the Prince the tweezers. Only one flicker to his aquatic companion confirmed he wouldn't be so lucky, but the tiny shards that occasionally found the mer's unbuttoned torso were superficial. A swab was dipped inside the small box, into a liquid that smelt strong, sharp and sour. "This will sting, but it will cleanse your wound." If anything, it had a scent of alcohol to it, perhaps a key ingredient. White gauze was warped around the lad's foot, it seemed a little over done for the type of injury he had, but the wrapping over the wound and then around the lower leg was solely to keep the bandage on. "I'll replace the dressing once more tomorrow evening, if you'd care to attend the medical wing as opposed to my office. It's not a serious infliction, but it's best to prevent infection, lest you wish yourself ill-tidings."

Now, the mermans turn. It took a few good moments to inspire the albino to move at all, he only had to sit up straight, but Sindre seemed a touch resistant to the whole endeavour. Lei moved from his opposing seat and wandered towards the fire, to pluck a small candle and light it on the dying flames. The tiny ember was brought back towards the closing merman, and held close to his eye-- which, naturally, only inspired Sindre to recoil with a serpentine hiss. Fire was unusual to him, not to mention the flame hurt his eye. It appeared Lei only needed the brief window of opportunity to hold the candle to him, however, as it was blown out without a second glance. "His pupils are fine, it's unlikely he''ll suffer much more than bruising-- however, I would like this young man to return so that I may assess him tomorrow." Why Lei did not speak directly to the merman wasn't spoken aloud, but Sindre had yet to utter a word. Perhaps Lei assumed the creature could not speak fluently, if at all.

The glass was then plucked, piece by bloodied piece, with nothing more than tweezers and occasional wincing hisses from the marine being. He was lost in his own contemplation, who had sounded that noise at the beach?... Surely no one would be looking for him, the shunned freak who's pigment had seen to it that he was orchestrated and mate-less in the clans under the surface. Yet, he preferred looks of disdain and hiding inbetween coral rocks than the upside down world that was this one.

"Condition." Lei confirmed as the final pieces of glass were settled on the table, and the mermans torso and cranium found itself on the recieving end of stinging, disinfecting ointment. "As a professional doctor, I should not divulge, but it would be best to leave my nephew to his own devices at night. What you say is true, Yao is imposingly strict with the boy. However, I cure the body, not the mind. Take from that what you will." Finally, another set of bandages was wrapped around their brooding merman with practised fingers. Truly, this man must have seen many injuries and heard many lies-- how old could such a creature be? The greens that sought Amanti did not even react to his request of secrecy, they did not ponder or flinch, simply observe his resolve with gentle scrutiny. To hide this event from his own family?

"Then I suggest you hurry to your quarters and do not allow anyone to observe your wounds, as questions will be asked. I shall omit this report, but if it is paramount to a cause, then I will divulge. I bid you a good-night, gentlemen, and a pleasant rest."

It would appear the merman knew languages quite well, he rose to his full, elegantly tall stature with difficulty, holding onto the chair for support as one step was carefully placed in front of the other. Balance and co-ordination were alien to him since he had formed legs, they felt gangly and unstable compared to strong dependence of his crimson tail. A growl worked it's way from his stomach, noticed by the Doctor, but never remarked upon.

"I do not like thiss place."

"Still..." The Fae started, staring down fixedly at his hands because he wasn't sure he'd dare look up and meet the Doctor's piercing gaze. For he felt like nothing more than a mere child below that solemn gaze that commanded respect towards authority, and yet had never acted like that or a commander nor like that of a royal as he rightly so had revealed himself to be. The Fae felt even smaller than he usually was beneath the Doctor, every slight reprimand and sage advise making him feel like he really was once more being taught and groomed by his 'father figure'; he used the term 'father' loosely at best. The man was just so casual and natural with the power he held, it seemed more like he should be the Emperor instead of his sibling though Amanti would be remiss to state something as outrageous as that. All the same, he found himself stepping out of place at least mentally ever since he had stepped into the affairs of the Draconian rulers; forming opinions that he shouldn't at all. His main goal seemed so foggy and unclear now, distant...

He blinked at the sleep blurring his vision. Trying to think positive; perhaps his first day here was just an entire fluke and he had just so coincidentally come at a bad time period. At the very least, he had found one semi-friend, though he was unsure now if the Mer still trusted or would even ever speak to him again. He was not sure if his silence was aimed purposely at him out of some spite or if the creature really was so ill out of water that he had lost his will to speak.

So distracted was he within his thoughts, he was able to fall into a long hard silence of contemplation as Lei examined his wound. The Fae wasn't ticklish nor did he mind being prodded at if it was meant for his own good. It wasn't until he heard the creak of the wooden container did his gaze flicker upwards to inquire curiously what the good Doctor was doing now. Something acrid and stinging burned his nostrils as the box was opened, Amanti unable to help but wrinkle his nose up at the unfamiliar scent. He had no qualms that the thick substance would sting even before Lei stated as such. Gearing himself up for the feeling as the substance was swabbed across his leg.

Keeping one expectation's high made it so the actual reality of the situation didn't hurt as bad. Biting his lip through the initial bite of the medicine, he felt the numbing effect of the medication starting to take effect afterwards as the bandages were wrapped tightly around his foot, Lei's hands moving too agilely and swift to be any less than that of an experienced practitioner. Amanti couldn't help but wonder if perhaps many of the royal family or guard had to come to him often seeking professional aid for something other than sickness. Certainly Jin Wei seemed to seek him out often even if un-wantingly so as Lei seemed to phrase it. Amanti took from him what he could when he said so later on and questioned no more.

"Thank you, perhaps I will seek you in the evening if i can. I hope it will not be too late, at least I hope it will not be as late as we have come to you tonight. I did not even think, but forgive me if i have disturbed your rest." The Fae spoke up as he slowly lifted his foot off the table and gingerly let it rest upon the floor. Not standing as he turned to observe his quieter companion as Lei's attention was turned to him. His own anxiety only growing as Sindre seemed almost completely ignorant and unresponsive. Amanti leaned over the arm of his chair, trying to bend down and peer up into Sindre's face to see if he could discern if the Mer was suffering from the symptoms of homesickness or the exhaustion of a long night or even the pain of his injuries, but before he could, Lei had already caught the creature with the flame.

Attentively, Amanti listened to Lei's observations and conclusions, nodding obediently. Because if he didn't listen, he doubted the creature would care to in his despondent state. Watching with a sick feeling in his gut as each shard of glass was slowly plucked from the man's flesh and piled up. Said pile growing higher and higher with each passing second. His second to last nod a little hesitation as Lei ushered them to hurry, biting his tongue, "Yes," He nodded for the last time, "Thank you again, I cannot thank you enough."

And before he could finish, Sindre had already stood, prompting the Fae to rush to his own feet even if he had to limp ever so slightly to avoid applying pressure on his newly bandaged wound. He doubted it would hurt too much, however, still feeling a little numb. Thanking the Doctor once more, he rushed over to the Mer's side, eager to aid him even with his own walking problems. They could lean upon each other, he supposed; a sweet naive little thought.

Quick to loop an arm around the man's shoulders and make it so he had to lean his weight upon him and the fae the same to the other. He didn't understand the sudden appearance of functioning limbs, but gigantic fire breathing lizards could become six feet high humanoids, so there was very little to actually question, "It's alright." He said softly, though his plan hadn't quite worked out considering the height difference of the two, but he was trying and they had managed to slowly make their way out of the Doctor's office. Amanti having also taken note of the creature's rumbling stomach, "We'll make it back to my room and I'll fetch fish for you and you can rest in my bed tonight." He hoped he was being reassuring or at least accommodating, but that little hope was dashed at the creature's blunt hiss.

Averting his gaze, the Fae's smile wavered and then faded as he went back to biting his lip. His own 'sunny' disposition having long dissipated, replaced once more by the freezing air of nature. His hair stark white in the darkness and his eyes shining silver instead of gold now.

"I am sorry, I hope we will be able to get you back to the sea by tomorrow, but for now, you'll have to bare with me for what you can. Perhaps you will prefer if I prepare a bath for you to soak in or...sleep in if you want to."

He tried to fill the silence, uplift the creature's spirit a little or as much as he could. Make the journey back a little less dull, but he found his own voice awkward and almost unwelcome. He could not bare to let them fall into silence though so he hummed when there was nothing to say and hoped out loud that he would not disturb those sleeping with his hushed speech. He couldn't help but feel relief wash over him though as they finally reached his own door. He could still see the faintest stains of ink so he knew it was his door lest the Prince enjoyed splashing ink over other palace doors.

"Here, rest a while, I'll be back soon Sindre with your food." He said, pushing open the door and leading them inside. He helped the creature up onto his own bed.

---

Howling doth goes the wind or perhaps some other prankster of an unseen nature breaking down the Prince's door. Whatever it may be, it carried delightful mischievous laughter upon it's breeze and scratched deeply into the red paint, the shape of a large X across Jin Wei's door like some crude mockery.

"There will be no 'perhaps' about it. You will attend the infirmary in the evening, Doctors orders. Prince or not." It wasn't a request the Dragon had graced, he had told the males to attend his appointment for medical reasons, it wasn't for social chit-chat or idle reasons. Lest they wanted their injuries to turn putrid and crusty, he fully expected a visit, regardless of wither the Fae was of royal descent or not. Books were replaced back upon the table, one hand at a time as the other was braced to the man's mouth in a long, winded yawn. He was indeed tired, and though it may not have seemed so upon his face, the dragon was exceedingly tired this night, used to resting and rising early. The final embers from the fire flickered and fell, crushed into black ash.

Sindre really wasn't the most ideal being to lean upon. Slim and almost lanky, he stumbled under any weight placed upon his unpractised appendages, the way he clung to the Fae was desperate, and his movements not unlike a young foal learning how to use it's slender legs to move at any appropriate speed. Pale brows furrowed, angry, annoyed even, that he was not picking up movement on land quicker. How frustrating it was to move so slowly! Despite his emotional aggravation, he was listening to the Fae. "What iss a bed?" The idea of fish was one that pleased him, but nothing would be said on their behalf until what was called a 'bed' made itself known to him. Little did he know it was just a fancier form of a nest, essentially. Where did merfolk sleep, anyway? Under the sea and stars, but what protected them from the cruel creatures who stalked the ocean for an easy meal? They certainly weren't the largest carnivores in the pond, eating only from schools, crustaceans and on vegetation of their secretive world. "I do not wissh to return to the ssea. It wass not my intention to return, I mearly wisshed to ssee the causse of a sstrange noisse I heard. It ssounded longing." A ragged sigh forced itself from the albino's lips. He didn't know what he wanted.

"What iss a bath?"

As if they had such things under the brine. The room had little comfort to the merman, it remained with shattered glass across the floor and water everywhere-- a blessing in disguise, it meant no one had found it and assumed the merman to be free'd of his crystalline prison cell. He was helped, albeit with his own reluctance onto... a strange thing. A soft type of nest, of which he stayed for many moments in silence. What was he to do? Rest on this thing? His knees were dragged up close to him, braced by his arms whilst the wind blew in from the balcony windows. Fetal and confused, the merman wanted nothing more than for morning to bring it's clarity.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

The Crowned Prince had not been in his room for quite some-time. He never really did frequent it-- despite his royal title, the abode of the Prince was actually very small. Decorated in red quilts and golden accents, as was the theme of the castle, the four-poster bed remained un-touched, the room had little in the way to suggest anyone with a personality lived within. The sound sandals slapping against the cold marble halted once his door was unfortunate enough to be laying horizontally. Hm. Unusual. The etched X across his door? Also unusual, but for different reasons than a 'who-dun-it.

Apparently Prince Amanti had some nerve after all.

Without empathy, the reptilian golds that blinked listlessly down upon his vandalised door stayed there for a few seconds, contemplating the next piece to be moved in his court. "Hm. Things suddenly got a little more interesting." Too bad Prince Amanti hadn't thought to come up with something original-- mimicking Jin-Wei's prank just wasn't cool. He stepped over the door with nary a care towards it-- doors were replaceable. It was not to the Fae's room that Jin-Wei stalked, but to the kitchens. He was sure they had some exotic fish in here, spiny eels and puffer-fish, creatures with all kinds of nasty stingers and fangs.

After all, Prince Amanti had clearly challenged him, and Dragons weren't known for losing. He'd portion up the pieces of cruel-looking fish with almost an expert hand in the kitchen, no one would question him if they knew what was best for him-- but the kitchen wasn't inhabited at night time anyway. Who wanted a meal at this hour?

"Let's see you reciprocate this, fairy-boy."

Of course, he shouldn't have been so silly under Doctor's orders. One last nod to the Dragon and a little guilt flickering as he observed the man, still somewhat stooped in age, bending down to replace his fallen books and show a sign of his own exhaustion. He really was such a troublesome guest, he supposed, and all on the first day of his visit. Night hadn't even passed yet. He let out a silent sigh, less of it attributed to him having to better support the Mer's weight upon him since his prior plan of supporting one another didn't seem to work out very favorably. He did not mind that Sindre had to cling, but he wished the Mer wasn't so tall and cumbersome. He had never quite known what it was like to 'learn' how to walk, to suddenly know how to not use one's own limbs, but he figured the Mer was completely new to what could be considered alien appendages to him. The height difference forced him to reach up awkwardly to loop his arms around the Mer's side and support his chest wholly as they made their way forward.

At least, the Mer responding to his speaking encouraged the Fae as he broke from his completely despondent state, perhaps he was only ever so withdrawn and walled off when he was in the presence of others or perhaps in the presence of more than one person. He could understand not liking crowds, the feeling was all too familiar to him at times, but even more so was the feeling of not being around enough people. The Fae might have sighed once more if not for the Mer's sweetly naive and simple curiosity, a small smile tugging up at the corners of his lips as he tried to elaborate, "Well, it's a place where many of us return to sleep to at night. It's...a piece of furniture or-" He trailed off, having to ponder his next words a little, "-functional decoration if you will. I will show you what it is once we get back to my room."

And it was almost becoming comfortable supporting the Mer creature or at least speaking to him was well enough to overshadow the burden of the awkward tangling of limbs and movements until they reached their destination.

The Mer's words did confuse him a little though, the smile slipping off his face as his brow knit. Strange sounds? In the midst of a dark starless night, sounding into his room? A longing sound? That threw him off, but did nay sway what he said next, "Perhaps it is merely your imagination Sindre, especially on the land, you might well be disorientated or even just hungry if you had not yet eaten then. I'm sure you'll feel of clearer mind once you're rested and fed." He paused and stared down at the floor before he lifted his head, processing the rest of the clashing hisses, "And, you do not want to go back to the sea?"

That seemed like a sudden decision even on the creature's part, especially when before he seemed to have no qualms when the Fae spoke of getting him back to the ocean's depths, "That, seems like a colossal decision, Sindre." He said quietly, "Maybe you should rest before you make any big decisions. Here," He patted the mattress next to Sindre after he had set him down upon it, "This is what we call a bed and..a bath is ,from what I understand, a container that people fill with water to wash themselves in, though I know that at times, they merely wish to soak themselves and relax in the waters. I have not yet seen my own, but it may be big enough to accommodate you for the night."

He tried to make do with hand gestures, pretending to outline the figure of a tub; hopefully suffice to explain it's width and size. He thought he had explained it adequately enough for the Mer to understand. He wondered what else the Mer would not know about though, he didn't think there was very much beneath the waves to know. Never mind, Amanti would address it once the subject was brought up.

"Don't worry too much about it, just rest here and think about it a little bit while I get you something to eat okay?" Leaning over the bed, he tugged at the blanket that he'd discarded earlier after use as a curtain. Without thinking, he drew it over the Mer's shoulders, letting it drape across him like a cloak before he turned on his heel and very carefully kicked the carpet over the remaining pieces of shattered glass to hopefully avoid future injury.

A small wave to the Mer and another quick assurance that he'd be back soon and he was out of the door. His foot felt much better, a little numb at the very least. He could well remember his way towards the dining room, after having run from there all the way back to the room when he had heard the Mer had gone. He figured that the kitchen would not be far off from there, if not right next to the room in a much small cooking area. Though, everything seemed so extravagant, he wasn't sure what to expect entering said facility.

((Well, I'll leave it off here so you can decide if perhaps these two clash in the middle of the night. I mean, it could still be Amanti's fault for what happened to the Dragon's door, he could've stopped over there when he was running back to his room and left that message, maybe, maybe it was him...or someone else, who knows you know?))

"My dessicion iss mine. I do not wissh to return to the ssea." His apparent choice was spoken with a touch more gusto than prior, as if to reiterate to his 'owner' that he had truly decided to leave water entirely. A creature whom, having little knowledge of the more humanoid anatomy, must have no realised the consequences of his choice. How could this being possibly wish to continue a life with legs, when now, even the blanket that had graciously been draped across the vaguely broad definition of pale shoulders had seen to it that his crest turned anxiously. Why had Amanti placed this odd, soft coating upon him? Was it for decency? Speaking of, Sindre's attention was drawn to the attire he had put on without a thought. A shirt that was a little too large with buttons he couldn't master, and trousers that persisted on being a touch too small. He'd be sure to wriggle out of these god-awful clothing.

Once Amanti had left him to his own devices, Sindre had little but the rumble of his stomach to keep him company, and the thoughts that coursed through-out his pained crest. Just who or what had created that sound on the beach? Bright rubies moved to admire the remains of the sunset in the curtained balcony, but all peace left him when the moonlight bounced from the bobbing waters of his home. A frown greeted their welcoming sparkles, it was as if the sea-shore was inviting him to re-consider his hasty choice of abode. He shook his head once.

No, he would not return.

For he had heard of a better place, with kinder people, than the treacherous surf he had grown accustomed to.

A place where a certain Fae claimed to have hailed.

= = =

Perhaps Amanti had not expected Jin-Wei, then.

The Draconian beast evidently hadn't expected the Fae, either. Not when he was blatantly holding a platter of less than delicious looking piscine selections. Spikes from fish that puffed up, spines from eels and stingers from aquatic delicacies-- everything that no one would eat. Not even to give to a dog. "Well well well. Look who's here. 'Fraid the kitchen is closed, you should have eaten your din-din's when we gave it to you. Might have saved me a bruise if you had done-- but that's fine, I know where I stand with you, 'Prince'." There was nothing friendly about Jin-Wei. His voice was often hollow with little tone or emotion behind it, but his words meant ill. His face never seemed to express anything other than dull observation, but it was all too apparent he could provoke-- and be provoked in the very emotion his face lacked.

"Nice stunt with the door, by the way-- but try come up with your own revenge than some knock-off of what I've done. It's so not cool. Even so, I knew you couldn't keep up the goody-two-shoes act, and I'm glad about that. I hate the whimsical, never-do-wrong guys who's flaw is their just so shy." Oh dear. Well. Now that Jin had glimpsed into why he apparently disdained the Prince so, he seemed ready to shove him out the way and leave, playing a little game of innie-mennie-minnie-moe with the selection of inedible fish. Let's see Amanti top this one, huh?

Sandals stepped away from the catering area with a determined stride, one powered by revenge and mischief rolled into one child, a Prince with too much time to spare and too little to lose from his actions. "I can tell by your foot you met Uncle Lei. I wonder what you went and did to have to go and see him. Maybe I'll swing by and ask him after I give your pet some scraps." He must have meant his horrible meal that he'd all but slain in the kitchen, given the bloodied knives and disregard for the fish sprawled across the tiled floors. All the same, they had been cut rather professionally despite the mess, clean cuts without any hack and slash, as if the Prince held some talent, background or passion for culinary arts. Unlike him, perhaps.

((Oh, Jin totally thinks it's Amanti. I totally don't think that, but for him, logic dictates it was. xD ))

The light flooding in abundantly from the open door should've been a clue, but Amanti was naïve enough to think that perhaps someone had left a flame on or that it was normal to leave the lights on in the darkness of the night. With more thought, he might've suspected a late night snacker other than himself had chosen to occupy the kitchen and pantry at this particular time, but never did he think he'd come face to face with the imperious prince expertly dicing through and plating an assortment piscine and cephalopods; very few of which Amanti could recognize and name through their less 'friendly' spinose body segments. He froze in the door way, hands placed cautiously against the frame as his silver eyes met the gold flecked orbs of the draconian prince. The latter speaking sooner than the man could fully process and respond to the coincidental conventionality of the situation. Springing to attention as he was addressed even with the venomous condescending tongue of the prince, he straightened and tilted his head up further; not exactly shifting away from his meeker stance.

It took him precious seconds longer to find his tongue and voice hiding in the back of his own throat and even in all that time, his mind was still piecing together some form of response to the Prince's cutting greeting. His tongue seemed more ready than his emotions, but Amanti was searching for response, not rebuff,

"It is, peculiar that I should see you tonight as well, Prince Jin Wei." He bowed his head and kept his gaze to the floor though the platter of unappetizing seafood made his mind and stomach uneasy and queasy, he had a bad feeling; no almost instinctual knowing that the Prince was probably up to mischief, "Forgive me for being so hasty in my departure from the dinner table, but-" He began, but cut himself off almost as simultaneously as Jin Wei did when the Prince opened his mouth once more.

It was then, then that the Fae wasn't afraid to lift his head and meet the man's gaze full on, silver eyes as bright and piercing as the ever watching full moon, but clouded with confusion at mention of some door and more jibs and jaunty barbs at his personality that seemed vaguely insulting despite...well, it was confusing simply put and Amanti didn't quite grasp it. His brow furrowing as he stared up at the prince before his gaze, the silver of his eyes flickering between a full, half and crescent moon every so often, slid over to the platter that the prince indicated.

Almost on cue, he stepped back when Jin Wei approached him, taking that stride as intent to leave the room and subsequently the conversation on that note. His lips pressing together in a thin line and his right foot slid back and hid behind his left as Jin Wei made that observation, "I stepped on some loose shards of glass, that is all." He offered as explanation, hurriedly before his attention was once more brought back to the platter Jin Wei carried and then to the mucus and blood that stained the kitchen floor, fish scales glittering up in the light and the disemboweled creature in question staring up as if disbelieving of it's fate. It made the Fae, who dare not touch meat, feel sick. The boy's cut was expert, but all else seemed rather sloppy.

As his stomach churned furiously, having nothing to squeeze and regurgitate out, the Fae once again turned to the man and his deadly plate, "You can't serve that to Sindre! It.." he paused, realizing he had spoken out of place, "He may not find it edible to his species," Bowing his head, he took a breath and bowed, "Please, there must be something from the sea that he can eat without worry. I know it may have taken great effort on your part to prepare such, delicacies for him and I, but I do not think it will suit his needs. Let me apologise on his part."