[IC] Out of the Blue, and Off the Throne(Ebby and Eskie)

[VerusEbullio]

The taste of rum had long faded since that late afternoon, a year ago today. The one that landed him in this place. Than again, it might have been an easier prediction if he had been someone else. Theodore never worried about such trivial things. He had had woman on both knees, feeding and giving long drinks of rum at his command. It was his life, and he had loved it. The guards must have been give strict orders that night. They didn't put up with him and his crew as they once did. Maybe one of the young princes had finally grown sick of looking at his smirk as he strolled off the decks and back out to sea, unharmed, as many pirates had before him. Who could tell. However, it wasn't anyone else that night who had gotten captured. It was him. Not even one other member of his crew. He had seem to that, he hoped. After all, he was the only one the guards had seemed to want. That night the crew had spit into a few groups. His first mate had followed him, while others had jumped into the street via window or clumsy ran out the door. Theodore had gone out the back, seemed the best way to get the guards away from his crew members. While running down the alley Theodore had told his first mate to leave without him. Not to wait for him, don't risk everyone for him. Just go.

"Just go" His dry lips whispered, curving into a grin. That is what he had said to them. It had been nearly a year. If not a year than a lifetime. The dungeons were dark, only lit by torches.The torches of course, didn't give the rest of the space any more glory or style, at least not from behind bars of a cell. There was no way of telling the time. No way of letting him know if it was day or night. The entire spaced coated in a thick layer of stone, not even a vent to air out the place of its smells. He could have blocked out on entire year ,without realizing that it had come and gone. Was his crew still alive? Were they looking for him? Maybe they had waited against his wishes and had gotten captured along with him. Thrown in a different portion of the dungeon, or been sent to the gallows and already a pile of ash. He still hoped the best for them. Even if he never saw them again.The crew had build themselves on fear and common factors. Feared by others, with a common love of gold. Over the years they had been able to joke while pillaging, finding an awkward form of friendship.

Now here he lay. His wrists and ankles bound of thick rope, his back flat against the wooden table. He was on the rack. Getting anything out of him had proven difficult as he often said the first sarcastic thing that came to his mind. They asked him his name. He had answered "Prince William, Prince of the Golden Threads", to which he neither wore ,nor bore any such name or apparel. Some questions didn't get an answer, in which he would attempt to brace himself for the next turn of the crank. The next scream that echoed throughout the stone halls, all from his throat alone. He was a stubborn pirate.

When footsteps descending from the cobblestone stairs behind him could be heard, he gave a holler. "Bring the rum this time ya' fat blub?!" The words tore at his dry throat, and he coughed. His beard, that once was clean and handsome, was now overgrown and matted. The hair on top of his head, once flowing in decent dreads, was not so decent A simple pair of torn cotton pants were all they aloud him to wear. The leggings were ripped off at the knees, such in a way that they wouldn't get in the way when he had been tied to the table. His chest was riddled with wounds, both old and new. Clotted blood that would just be more scars to add to his personal collection. The footsteps grew louder, but they belonged to someone who was much lighter than the person he was excepting.

[eskimolander]

Callum sat in his study, papers strewn all across the desk. Most of them were schematics to be used for building new interrogation devices. A few were designs for new cells, nicer ones mostly afforded only to nobility captured in war. If they were returned in decent health, the ransom tended to be larger. And gold meant prosperity for the kingdom. The rest were all reports. Trials to be conducted, trials completed and their outcomes, prisoner releases and entries as well as the results of questioning. There was one that stuck out. A pirate-mogrel who had been imprisoned without trial a year and half ago now. The King--Callums father--had ordered they get information on the rest of the mans crew, and even other crews if possible. He was stubborn though, and strong. This was likely not his first imprisonment, as he had resisted all attempts at answers to date. Oddly, his record came in blank at the end of each day. No feeding, health, or even time-ins for when he left and re-entered his cell. The Kingdom of Junia had always pride itself on its fairness, even to the least deserving of its people. Prisoners were kept fed, in relative health and those not in solitary were allowed to socialize for one hour every other day. The only requirement was to track when each of these things occurred and how. Very strange, Callum thought.

A knock came at his door, "Come in," He hollered to the person on the otherside. A large man, tall and fit, entered kneeling to the floor. "Forgive me for my interruption m'Lord," He spoke graciously. Callum nodded, signalling that he could stand. "What is it?" The man fidgeted under the Princes gaze, despite being obviously strong Callum had no issue making him uneasy. He could do that to near anyone in the kingdom it seemed. He knew it was due to the fact that at a snap of the fingers he could condemn them to a live in the Oubliette. It was impossible for it to be his appearance, Prince Callum was anything but fearsome in appearance. About average height for a young man, and almost womanly in physique despite his constant attempts to bulk up. No definitely not fearsome, his thoughts rang. "Well, m'Lord, it is time for you to do a tour of the dungeons again.." Callum tilted his head confused before remembering. "Right right, 'Getting use to it' I believe father said. Fine, guide me then," It was true, he had been working on reports and trials for a few years now. His father had wanted to wait until he was 'ready' however, before directly working with the prisons.

He followed Sir Vernon through the courtyards and into the entrance of the dungeons. From there he was passed off to follow the Keeper. A short, hunch-backed man that looked something similar to a skeleton. His job was to keep the prisoners, bring them food and conduct the interrogations. It was easily the dirtiest, and abhorred position in the kingdom. Higher rank to only a grave digger. Callum shuddered at the mans appearance, something of a ghost he was. Callum walked rigid between the cells, hands stuck out from the bars reaching and grabbing at him. It made him quite uncomfortable. They walked past one particular cell that was empty, "Where is he?" Callum asked, the old man pointed towards a door labelled "Questioning," in faded paint. "The pirate king goes there," The mans voice was high and raspy. Callum nodded and went into the room.

A foul stench immediately hit his nose as he entered. The source was no question when he saw the man, grotesque and disheveled, on the rack in the center of the room. His hair and beard were long and matted, his body caked in blood, dirt and bodily fluids. "Keeper! How long has this man been here?" The Prince shouted back out the room. "But just a few minutes, sir." Callum scoffed, walking up to the strapped in man. "That's Lord to you," He muttered clearly targeted towards the Keeper. He knelt down beside the man, not daring to get close to touch. "How long have you been strapped here?" He asked tentatively. Regardless of how long he'd been on the rack, it was clear he was not well-cared for. His ribs protruded and his stomach was all but non-existent. It made sense now why his records stayed blank, Callum briefly wondered if this occurred to prisoners often before he took the position. He felt an unusual pity for the man, despite knowing he shouldn't due to his position in life.

[VerusEbullio]

Theodore closed his eyes, trying to focus his ears into hearing the conversation going on just outside the door.That old hump back. When he gets out, that man will be the first. This place was made horrible by that man. He had treated others within this prison with dignity at the beginning. That had lost its appeal quite quick it seemed. Most the prisoners at least got half a meal each. Theodore got nothing. He had been given a small cut from a loaf of bread once, but it was long gone. If it weren't for the facial hair he had, one might think he were a skeleton. that is, if they didn't already think that from looking at his torso. When the slender man had approached him he opened his eyes to meet the face of the young prince.

His left eye whited-out, clearly sightless, still gazed at the feminine features of the man. Not befitting of a prince at all, more of a women playing a game of pretend. Theodore coughed slightly to clear his throat. "But just a few minutes, sir" he said in a mocking tone towards to foul little man. "Thought I needed a stretch, m'lord." He added with a dry smirk. How was he to know how long he had been there for. Could it have only been a few minutes? No, it had to have been days. His belly had been almost align with his rib cage when he had been put on the rack. Yes, much longer. He coughed again. This time into a minor fit that tore and stung his throat, and when it was finished he took a deep breath in the regain the air he had lost. It was obvious just from looking at him that his right arm just no longer in his socket. The torture had already been carried out on this device. Evidence of using multiple devices was also very evident on his chest. The stubborn pirate still held his smirk towards the young prince.

[eskimolander]

Callum was shocked to see the whited out eye. It mesmerized him for a brief moment. He stood up, uneasy under the mans gaze. "Just a few minutes, I'm sure." He strutted towards the doorway where the hunchback stood. "He's yet to break your spirit, I see," Callum smirked at the man before turning his attention to the Keeper. Still smirking, "Now, be truthful, how long has been there? Don't lie, I do so hate liars." A drip of anger could be heard just barely hidden behind his calm facade. The Keeper swallowed hard, he had never had issue with his methods before. The previous Master of the Courts would forge the records he had left blank and word never reached the King. But of course the newer Master, this young man, shared a dinner with the King every night and breakfast every morn. It was inevitable that he would be far more diligent and honest in his work. "A uh.. few days.. m'Lord," His voice was quiet, nearly inaudible.

Callums face twisted in anger at the mans confession. "Days? DAYS?!" His face quickly turned redder and redder. Prince Callum had always been known for his wroth, a less than desirable trait in a prince but perfect for the career chosen for him. It kept men in line. "What of food? Water?!" His voice was loud, billowing down the halls. The men sitll in their cells sat silent. The Keeper just shook his head slowly. "Do you wish my father be known a tyrant?!" He went incredibly close to the mans face, nearly touching noses,to intimidate him. "You dare dishonour your King?!" The old man trembled under him. He stormed over to the pirate, quickly undoing the straps. He pulled the man to his feet, shackling him just tight enough so he wouldn't bolt of. "Pack your things, sir. I'll find a new Keeper who is capable of his duties. Be thankful I don't put you on that rack." He left the room, pulling the pirate behind him.

Callum pulled him through the halls, past his old cell and up the stairs of the tower. He headed towards some of the nicer cells above. Those oft given to nobility. While they were no castle, to a common man they were plenty comfortable. They had their own Keeper and had different rules. They were fed quite well for prisoners, allowed to groom and send letters. A few even had slats between the rooms one could open to chat with their neighbour. He opened the door to a cell and brought the pirate in with him. "Forgive me for that.. unsightly behaviour." He unshackled the man and sat on a small bench in the room. The cell was fairly large, a soft bed sat in the corner and the center had a small sitting area with a bookshelf. Religious books mostly, but better than nothing. It even had a window, strongly barred though one could still see outside. "Sit. This will be your new cell. Consider it a solace for your treatment." Callum crossed his legs, almost ladylike, before quickly uncrossing them. "I'm sorry. You never went to trial, if I'm correct. What crimes did you commit?" He wasn't sure why but he had an odd interest in the pirate. Perhaps it was the mystique of traveling the open seas, or the terrible ordeal that he felt at Callums hands. But he suddenly wished for the older man to feel better welcomed.

[VerusEbullio]

Theodore's eyes slid closed once again, as the young prince turned away from him. It was no surprise that the boy had been shocked by what he saw. The deformed, useless eyes on the right side of his face. It was accompanied by a scar, which made for quite the interesting story. At least he thought so. He listened to the Young prince and the hunchback talk. This little girl of a man was fierce for his age. Although Theodore didn't open his eyes, he did hear the wroth in the boys voice. Amazing how all that could come from such a small figure. The next thing he felt almost seemed foreign to him. The straps being released from his body. He was free. Not that the freedom did him much good, the Keeper had seen to that. His body raised and forced into shackles. Like he would even attempt to run and risk a wrathful prince chasing after him. Theodore could guess that the boy was fast, with no muscle to weigh him down it wouldn't be hard.

Things kept getting more and more strange to the pirate on this day. The prince was actually taking him up the stairs. Was it to freedom? Had he paid his debts and was free to attempt life again? No, it wasn't meant for him. Another cell, much better. However, no matter how many bows you put on a cage, it is still a cage. This was his cage. A wind blew into the cell from the window, and for a long moment Theodore just stared. His ears had picked up on the princes words, however his mind thought only of the window. Even without all the luxuries, with this window he was in both heaven and hell. He had a chance to see the stars that once guided him through the ocean, he had a chance to feel the breath through his thick hair. The reality wouldn't change however, that this was still, a cell. He could see and feel, but never touch. Never feel the oak of his ships wheel that he longed for. Was this really better? He had thought right from the start the window was beautiful, although now, after taking in the scene, it was its own torture that perhaps that boy didn't understand.

"Unsightly behavior.." He muttered lightly, snapping back from his own thoughts as his shacklings were removed. He rolled his ankles slightly at the relief and took a seat on the bed. It was like a cloud, compared to the wood table and he soon went from sitting to laying. His overgrown beard now hiding his smile. His mind was everywhere, bouncing between if this was a good thing or bad. His mother had taught him how to read small words, but not well enough to pick up a book, so the self was useless to him. These cells weren't meant for his kind, that was obvious, so the slots in the walls were useless. He wondered what else was different. Would he get food? Water? Soon hopefully, at least on the water. He smacked his lips lightly feeling the dry torn skin and licked them slightly. It wouldn't help, but it made him think it would. "I am a pirate, boy, remember that before you start handing me things. I heard you have papers once papers telling you everything about me, from what I smell like to my darkest secrets. Why should I tell you anything?" Theodore asked against, pausing a few times in between to take a cough and clear his throat once again. He tilted his head to once again meet the eyes of the prince. What did this man want with him he thought as his eyes thinned.

[eskimolander]

Callum simply sat and watched the man lay there. Wary for if he made any sudden movements. He was no idiot, a little naive but not stupid. It would not be unheard of for prisoner to attack, even under such gracious events. Honestly, Callum wouldn't blame if he did. Had it been him in that position he had no doubt he would've. Many things were often said about the young prince, he knew this. He was wroth, and greedy. At only 15 years he had asked his father for his own land. To which he was denied, and every year on the anniversary of his birth he'd ask again. The request was always denied him though. But Callum never sought to take it by force. All in the kingdom knew him as Prince Callum the Impulsive, but very few knew of his secondary nature. There was denying his wroth and greed, but he was also nothing if not just and fair. To see the poor man rot was beyond his abilities.

"Typically, we keep papers on all who enter these dungeons." He spoke solemnly as if he had committed a grave crime himself, "However, your records are all-but blank. I should of investigated sooner.." He trailed off, ashamed of his irresponsibility and neglect of his work. "If you must blame someone for what happened to you, blame me." He stood up, hands held infront of him and nodded in the mans direction. He turned and headed towards the door, and left without looking back on the man. A conversation was held outside with the guards. "I have done this man a great tragedy, officers. I cannot release him early, but I can permit him a better stay." The guards nodded before he continued. "He is to be fed and watered immediately. Understood?" The guards straightened and saluted before on ran off to grab the required sustenance. Callum left the dungeons, sure to inform the upper-Keeper of the mans special conditions.

Several weeks went by and Callum paid little mind to the dungeons or the strange man, much like before. He had been taken on a trip to the markets with his father and mother. Being the only child that remained at home, it was fairly common. The streets had been cleared away from them to peruse at will, only the merchants stayed behind. His mother was in a shop looking at new furnishings, discussing the latest trends with a storemans wife. His father was inspecting some horses he had become interested in,while Callum himself browsed the foreign goods brought in by travelers. There were a few trinkets and bobbles but nothing really noteworthy. A shame really, they usually had such bizarre items. He let his hands trail over some objects a luxury the average shopper wasn't given. Some gold doubloons sat infront of him, he tapped at the coins absently. They were the currency of pirates, used on the rare occasions they traded. As currency they were useless anywhere but on the see, but made neat collectibles and were lighter than gold bars. For the first time in ages his mind trailed back to the pirate sitting his cell. Paying for the doubloons he walked into the shop with his mother. The gleam of metal caught his eye from the far end of the store. A set of shaving blades all different lengths. They were made of silver and had precious gems on the handles. He thought for a while before buying those as well. His mother giggled when she saw him carrying the blades. "What on earth do you need those for? You don't shave" She grabbed his face tenderly and gave him a peck on the cheek. Callum blushed profusely "They're for.. a friend."

The next morning, Callum woke up and made his way quickly to the dungeons. Checking on each of the prisoners individually. Ensuring they were cared for. The new Keeper was a million times better, hired at Callums own selection. The conditions had improved enormously. After his check-ins he received the weeks reports from the older man and headed upstairs repeating the same process. When he made it the room at the end of the hall, he stopped before unlocking the door and stepping. There the pirate sat on the bed, clearly bored. He was just as dirty and hairy as before but had put on some pounds and looked healthier, "Morning, how are you this day?" He stopped glancing at the shelf, not a book out of place. "I trust your treatment has improved?"

[VerusEbullio]

The weeks that followed were much better than the past year. He still ate his food cautiously, not wanting to risk starving when a shortage hit. He kept small scraps on the book self, wedged between the books that he couldn't read. There were too many words that he didn't know. He had attempted to read one out of boredom. The end result was a headache and more confusion to why people wasted their time and energy making up weird symbols to put on paper. Prisoners would attempt to talk to him now and again. Asking pointless question like "Why did the prince put you here?" and "Are you a real pirate".

To which he had answered to best way he could. "Yes, he put me here to keep an eye and ye' land lovers, n' such that there be no fornicating with ye bedding.". Noble land people who knew nothing outside their own port were sad folk, and it amused him greatly that they had believed him and left him alone to his boredom. He had attempted to braid the dreads that were forming his beard. However, that had been abandoned shortly after getting one of his fingers stuck and having to it out. Now he would just have to waste the day away laying on his bed, feeling whatever little breath could make it in.

The next morning he had heard the prince was coming for a visit from the new Keeper he had. A route check up to make sure everything was up to standard. As far as he knew it was. He couldn't complain, other than his utter boredom of course. Theodore was staring at the ceiling when the Prince finally made it to his cell. The opening cell door caught his attention and for a moment he thought he was being released. The door closed again and he gave a sigh and returned to his staring. "Do you give personal visits like this to everyone . Or am I just special?" He said with a smirk. It wasn't like the one Theodore had given the prince weeks prior. It was a happy, sarcastic smirk. "I trust your parents feed and water you daily as well." He added sitting up. "Improved, but not fixed." After his finial comment he stopped talking to give the prince a chance to explain himself.

[eskimolander]

Callum just shrugged when he asked about his visits, "None of the others interest me." Interest. That's what one could call it. Or perhaps curiousity. This man was one of, if not, the only person outside of his world of wealth and status that he had access too. This man had seen the world, and perhaps would continue to some day. To Callum, who was forever stuck in confines of the realm, with no opportunity to move forward, that was fascinating. Some part of the boy was jealous of the pirate, even if he was never released at least he had experienced true freedom. Most of the prisoners that came through were thieves, murderers or prisoners of war. But regardless of how they came to the dungeons, many of them had never left land, most were born into their positions. The same couldn't really be said for a pirate.

Callum suppressed a smile at his snide remark. "No, I usually feed and water myself actually," He replied with a smirk of his own. The prince sat on the bench, and looked at the shelf, "Wouldn't reading pass the time?" Callum really expect an answer. Adjusting himself on the hard seat, he turned and faced the pirate. He smiled weakly, "Honestly. I think I'm just curious about you. Y'know the live of a pirate and all. It's a very romanticized profession, I wonder if the rumours are true." Getting back him he wandered to the window and stared out at the sky. Sighing almost sadly he closed the pane and pulled the drape infront. It was thin enough to still allow some light through. He sat down on the edge of the mans bed, not really caring about their proximity. "Tell me some stories of the sea." He stopped, "I-If you don't mind, that is."

[VerusEbullio]

Theo chuckled slightly."A little boy like yourself? You're old enough for that?" He said continuing his chuckle for a few moments after his comment. The Prince still looked very much a child, in both spirit, experience, and physical appearance. If you stood Theodore and Callum side by side, Theo would win. When the young man regarded the books Theo gave them a quick glance before returning the sight of his good eye back to Callum, who had planted his behind on the edge of the pirate's bed. Theodore, feeling uncomfortable backed up a little more against the wall. He wouldn't tell this man that he couldn't read a single page of any of the books on the self, or of anything else for that matter.

"Stories? You want me, to you stories?" He said relaxing his figure closer to the prince now. Leaning so close to Callum that his overgrown beard rubbed against the prince bare face." If I give you stories you must give me something in return" He said. There were only a few things his heart desired, none of which this man would agree to. "Freedom..." The word flowed out of his mouth like water, as if it was the ship itself, rocking a long the ocean. The answer was just as he was expecting, but that didn't stop it from hurting. "Than I want a mountain of gold doubloons!!" He said, throwing his arms up into the air leaning back. The emphasis of the motions caused Theo to fall back against the bed, just missing the wall. Still his request was denied. A sigh erupted from under his knotted beard. "Fine." he said in utter disappointment and began thinking of a story to tell.\

"Stories normally start with once upon a time, my mother had told me that once. So once upon a time a boy lived both feet on the ground. His heart born to the sea herself, and thus he wished nothing more than to meet that call. Although his father would be gone for months at a time, he had always returned with much love for the boy. On the boy's 5th birthday his father decided and a common wasn't for his son. The boy was not to be a writer, nor observe n adventure through the pages of a book. There is only one way to live, experience the world." Theodore started. This was one of his favorite things to do. Telling stories to explain his life. The crew had often done that. The difference now was that he didn't have to worry about some drunk stumbling over and changing the story halfway through.

"The boys mother didn't have a choice to let the boy go. She had seen how her son yearned for the blue waves off the port. Of course there is not much a child can do on a boat, and this boy was the only one. He had made friends with the oldest member of the crew, Elmere, who shared stories not of what had happened, but what the boy was going to experience." Theodore continued, his eyes narrowed as he remorsed over the man in the story. The pirate shook his head and stood. He drew the curtain open on the window and stared out.

"Little did I know that my first adventure was going to be his last. Alistria, a dangerous native island where the natives bore huge teeth that popped out of their mouths like tusks. That was my first adventure. It took us only weeks to get from my homeland to that barbaric land. The ship had been left a miles off the islands shore. Alistria looked as if it were a funny hat. The mountain that took up most of the island was lope sided and curved into a point that seemed to droop downward on its left side. No matter where your eyes looked there was green. The thick trucks of any tree were covered in mosses and hidden behind leaves of trees. Big leaves. Some bigger than I had been at the time. I took a moment to take it in as we had landed ashore. The sand was soft, like duck feathers and rushed around your feet as the tide tried to sweep you away. " Theodore was now turned away from the window and facing Callum, moving about the cell as if it were a stage as he played out his story. His arm waving about the air to attempt to recreate the scene in midair.

"We were only suppose to be there for a short time. Find food and leave. I had wondered off, as the others did. I found these weird fruits. With yellow on their bottoms and red on their tops, growing from a tall tree. When i managed to get one down I thought it might break under the pressure of my grip. So I had to gently before I stuffed the thing to my mouth. For all I knew it was poisonous and I would drop dead any moment. But the favor whirled around in my mouth. That foreign sweetness almost as hypnotizing as the view when I looked out. The tree had been perched at a high enough altitude that the canopy of the lower level could just be seen over. The ocean tucking the sun into bed for the night. Strikes of orange and red filled the the skies, and reflected onto the water." Theodore continued his hand motions before returning to his bed. "We made camp on the beach. No one knew of my own adventure." He smiled. There was more to that story. He had been meaning to tell in the beginning, the natives still had to come in. Something a little more manly. This lighter story was his end result. He hadn't turned to look at Callum and actually see him. This wasn't the story the prince wanted. He had wanted daring pirates, who pillaged and stole. There were plenty of those stories to be told, thus Theodore had started with this one. Now Theodore turned to look, to see the reaction of his listener.

[eskimolander]

The Prince made a mocked look of a offense at the pirates remark, "I'll have you know, sir, I am 19." By all standards he was an adult. Most men started their adult lives at 16, several would be married perhaps even with children by Callums age. He would have those things too, but he had focused on the career his father laid out for him. It wasn't much in the way of a prince, but he would work hard and become the best at it. "Forgive me if I am not an old crone like you," Callum replied with a sting. Perhaps his offense wasn't so mocked, afterall.

Then the man came daringly close to him. So close infact, Callum could feel the breath on his face. The hoarse hair of his beard touched his face very lightly, making the boy more than just a little uncomfortable. "Something in return? If it's in my power, sure." Suddenly the pirate looked solemn, a clear wanderlust in his eyes. Callum knew that look well enough, giving way immediately to what he would say. Callums heart cracked a bit at the request. He really didn't much like keeping the man here, he knew all to well what it felt like to be caged away. "I-I can't do that.. I'm sorry," His voice was just as sad as the pirates face turned at the answer. The next request was clearly just to ease tensions, and it was much welcomed. Callum almost reached out to safe him when catapulted himself backwards, cringing as he expected the man to hit his head. He chuckled at the antics when he realized the man hadn't, "I only have four to my name, unfortunately. And I'm not giving them away."

Surprisingly, he still went and told his story. Callum shielded his eyes when he struck open the drapes. He made sure to focus his eyes on the exuberant man, to avoid looking out the barred window. It would only prove to depress him and distract from the story. He watched his movements, doe-eyed and awestruck. It wasn't a talk of daring swordfights and risky escapes like he had hoped. Instead it was a story of familial bonds and a childs misguided adventures, but everybit as interesting. Ever word was an adventure Callum would never be allowed to experience. When the roles were handed out to his fathers sons, he got what was easily the most home-bound job one could ask for. His three brothers before him all received land, their own armys and wars. They marched alongside their men joining in the travel and battles that awaited them. There wasn't enough to go around when Callum came about, so he was stuck at home for likely the rest of his days.

The pirate had stopped and now stared at him for an opinion. "Wow." His mouth stayed agape for a moment, "That's amazing. You've really gone such places?" Callum tucked at the buttons on his jacket awkwardly. "I could only ever dream. You're luckier than you think," His voice was small, not wanting to give away too many of his emotions. Or risk offending the man. Callum stood up and waking over to the shelf, glancing over each book. All boring educational things, "You wanted something in return, huh?" He put a finger to his chin, thinking. "How about.. I teach you how to read? I'll bring some better books next time I'm here." He turned and faced the man, looking for an answer.

[VerusEbullio]

The Pirate was happy to hear that the prince and liked his story. "Yes, many places. All different in culture and the food, and the fighting. It was truly something I consider luck to have" Theodore said detecting a hint of pain behind hearing of how lucky he was. Turning to face Callum. His brows raised in shock "You want to, teach me to read? I have no need for such lessons. What man cannot read. Those are just.." He paused trying to think of a word. "..Boring." He finished after a few moments. Had Callum really figured it out. Theo guessed it wasn't hard, seeing as the self looked almost untouched. His head was turned away as to not make eye contact with the boy. He couldn't hold it back for long however. Sure enough the pirate found himself turning his eyes back to the prince. "Ok.. You help me, and for every bit more I learn, I will tell you more stories." He finished smiling slightly at the thought.

The rest of there visit was short. The prince might have had other duties for all Theodore knew, and he didn't bother to ask. Giving Callum a goodbye nod was he left. Saying goodbye, like an old friend would be weird, and waving is just girly. A nod was a mans way to say goodbye without words, at least Theodore thought it was. As the cell closed and the prince walked away Theodore went back to his lounging about the cell. His mind now filled with thoughts of the prince. He strolled over to the bookshelf. The pirate didn't touch any of them, just looked. For all he knew they had their own adventures of sea monsters and far off lands that he had never seen as well.

Turning to go back to the bed Theo bumped into a small wooden case that had been unknowingly laid on the table. Plain is appearance on the outside that made Theodore's mind wonder when it had gotten there. It wasn't there before. Did the prince leave it for him? The pirate slid the case open and found what had been hiding without it. A small chain that held several shaving knives. "What the.." Theodore exclaimed as the held a handle of one of the knives in his palm. Each had their own jewel on within their handles. It was beautiful, far greater than the one he had in the captain's cabin. Was this a gift to him. Weird to the prince to leave the pirate a gift. What Theodore didn't hold that thought for too much longer. He took a cup of water that had been sitting at the corner of the table and splashed some onto the table. Using it as a mirror, the pirate hacked away at the mats that consumed his face until he was close to skin. Then came the sculpting. He changed knives for every like detail, making sure to get his facial hair just how he had loved it, before the prison had took it. Carefully gliding the blades down his face, revealing that he had one under all that hair. Taking one the bigger ones he slashed off his hair. Now Theodore clean cut and lighter. cleaning up the mess would be easy, take it to the waste bucket. He finished with ripping a piece of cloth off his pants and tying his hair into a ponytail.

Over the next few days Theodore had gotten into the routine of staving again, making sure his cheeks were smooth and that the little beard he had now stayed little. The knives, he had hid at the back of the bookshelf, behind several of the books that he couldn't read. He didn't want someone to come and find them and take them from him. They were precious. This was a lazy day for him. Theodore had already eaten and was now attempting to take a nap. Curled up in the bed, the window open the allow sunlight to hit him with warmth. He was dreaming of sailing. Showing the world to someone as if this was their first time. His smile was bright and the wind blew threw his hair.

[eskimolander]

"That sounds like a deal," Callum said. He sat there and made some small talk for a few minutes before leaving the room. Walking towards the door, he dropped the small wooden case on the table. It would of been too weird if he had outright given to him. He might of got the wrong message. What message was Callum giving him anyways? He wasn't really sure at this point. The man felt almost like a sort of project, but at the same time he felt like he was slowly becoming a friend. At least that's what Callum thought, he wasn't really sure how friendships worked. He had a few friends growing up. Mostly servants children that had no choice but to play with him. But he mostly just clung around his brothers. He doubted any of the kids he knew befriended him of their own will, he was anything but nice growing up. An adult friendship was entirely foreign to him.

That night he opted out of dinner with his parents, instead going to his study. He finished up some reports he had neglected to go chat with the pirate. He came across his report, which now had some things written into. Mostly feed times and the like. Callum glanced at the top of the page, where a name should be. Prince William of the Golden Threads, was written in quotations. In the quiet of his study, Callum burst out laughing. Stopping when his side began to ache. That was definitely not his real name. It then occurred to the young prince that he didn't know his name. He made a mental note to ask next time he saw him.

It was another week yet before the prince had a chance to go to the dungeons. His parents insisted on visiting his brothers, they would of visited his sister too but she lived quite far. All in all it was fun, when they weren't picking on him at least. His mother decided to share her suspicions of him having a secret lover. A conclusion she came to when he bought the shave-knifes. "Shave what exactly? He's as bald as the day of his birth!" His eldest brother had laughed, the other two joining in quickly much to Callums embarrassment. That's what older brothers were for though, Callum thought. When they returned back home, he spent the remainder of the week shopping with his mother. His second brothers wife was expecting. It would be his parents first grandchild, and ofcourse it would make him an uncle. Honestly, he looked forward to it. It meant he'd get to go visit them more as he knew his mother would want to spoil the tyke. They had bought mountains of clothes, of either gender, to be sent up to them. Not to mention the rattles and playthings. One night he walked in to his mother writing furiously, looking tired beyond reason. "Stocking up, mama?" He asked, pointing at her pile of papers. She turned in her seat and chuckled, patting next to her indicating he should join. Callum sat down and began reading a few of the letters. They were all tutorials; How to swaddle, feed, change and burp the infant. Some mentioned losing the baby fat and how to fit a corset to hold a growing belly. "Don't trust her or something?" He joked, nudging her. The Queen smiled as her quill hit another page, "They're just things that might help her, having a child is a scary journey." She stopped and wrapped one arm around him, "Whether it's your first or your fifth." Callum just leaned against her and sighed, it wasn't often he got to share such tender moments with her anymore. He was often regarded as too old for such things, but in the privacy of night age meant nothing.

The next morning, Callum woke up feeling oddly somber. Rolling out of bed he put some of his older, shambled clothes. He looked more like a peasant than a prince. If it wasn't for the crown he sported one might mistake him for it. Meandering down the halls he went into his study, skipping out on breakfast. He immediately began scouring through his bookshelves, until he came to one section in particular. Several dozen books sat on it, majority of them were dusty from disuse. Grabbing a small handful he looked at the covers, faded and tattered. They were childrens books, all well used and well loved. Putting them in a sack, he walked briskly to the dungeons, almost giddily. Going in he passed all of the cells, heading directly to one in particular. With a nod to the guards, he went inside.

His gaze immediately went to the strange man on the bed. "What happened? Last week there was a furry beast in this cell, but today theres a man? Explain this witchcraft," Callum spoke jokingly as he assumed his spot on the bench. "I have returned, and I have brought books. Better books." Opening his pack he started laying them out on the table, most were basic learning books they rest were story-telling. He said each's title as he put it down, "'The Girl in the Shard.', 'The Prince of Crying.', 'Years of Ice.', 'Seventh Husband.' and 'A Pirates Scorn.' These were some of my favourites as a child, still are really. Some of them are a little advanced, but I'm sure you can get there. You seem smart enough at least." He added, almost eager to teach the older man. It was break between his otherwise mundane schedule.

[VerusEbullio]

Theodore chuckled lightly. Seeing the boys reaction towards his transformation lifted his heart. Today the pirate had seemed much happier than in the past. He felt it too. There was a sense of freedom that came when his beard left. His face was brighter. Not just from the lack of dirt colored mats that used to mask the lower portion of his face, but rather it felt like he had gained some pride back. The cell didn't seem to enclose him, it expanded a little giving him room the breath. "Pirate's have done deal with witches and magical hair cut imps for thousands of years. It just took them awhile to find me, being locked up and all." There was a joking matter in his voice that rang with every word. The statement held no malice towards the prince. Were they turning into friends? That was not possible. The royal prince of most noble blood, befriending a pirate. A friendship based off a clean shave and some books. This prince was just passing time, Theodore told himself.

"Better books?" Theodore inquired. "What is wrong with those one?" He asked in confusion. How many different books there were in the world as a complete mystery to the pirate. He used them of other purposes on his ship, and they were rarely seen in any sort of good condition within the cabins. Puzzled by the books the prince had began to lay out, Theodore walked over to the table. Staring at the cover of each until the next was put down. When they all lay upon the time Theo's eye begun examining the covers. These were much different from the books on his self. Quite thinner and much more colorful. The books that self contained were all thick in pages and leather bound. None had any defining features at all about them. If Theo picked one of and places it in a different portion of the self, it wouldn't look any different.

After taking into careful consideration and analyzing the pirate came up with his answer, he turned his head to the prince and let out a small breath "What are they about?" He asked, in the most serious voice he could mutter. With the denial of the information to which he inclined to know the man went back to staring at the books. This wasn't getting him anywhere and he sighed. The one book that popped out the most was the second to be placed on the table. He didn't know why, he could he recognize the "The" at the beginning and the only reason he knew that must was because they were the first three letters of his name. He picked up the book entitled, 'The Prince of Crying'. For a moment Theodore had intended to pronounce the title "Thee.." He began as if he were to say his name, but paused. The rest of the words he had no idea. Blank from his memory and replaced with swordsmanship and gold, lots of gold. "Thee" He began against, now taking the book to his bed as he pondered the next word. It was a fruitless effort and he laid the book against his bed and looked up, finially towards the prince for answers.

[eskimolander]

Callum chuckled at the mans response. It was nice to see that his gift had been of some use. He looked much different underneath all the fur than Callum expected. He was younger than previously thought. Callum had expected an old man, his fathers age maybe but he looked about the same age as his eldest brother, his senior by only 7 years. He kept some of his beard, but it was short and well groomed. If Callum were a woman he might even venture to say the man was handsome. The only flaw being a scar that stretched from his ear to his eye on the left side of his. Whatever it was from, was likely the cause for his blindness on that side. "I'm sure that's what happened. And the sugar plum fairies come to give children dreams."

The prince nodded at his inquiry. "These books are a good level for beginners but still interesting." He walked over to the shelf picking up on of the thinner books. "These ones here are all religious or educational. Aka, boring." Callum held it up so that the pirate could see it. Going back to the table he picked up a large colourful book. The pages inside had a different texture, clearly made to write in. He brought it over to show the man who was still having issues with the title of the book he picked up. He opened it up and started flipping through the pages, making sure the pirate was looking. It was a book designed to help children learn how to write. Large letters were on the top half of the page and the bottom half had lines for them to try copy the letter onto. They went through the book together several times. Callum teaching him how to saw his alphabet, ignoring his occasional sigh of boredom. He followed up by teaching him how different letters sounded together, writing down a legend for him check into when Callum wasn't around.

Callum reached across the bed, grabbing the book long forgotten 'The Prince of Crying'. He read the title incredulously slow, making the man repeat it after him. "With the notes I made, you should take a whack at reading it. Don't forget the work books. If you have issues with them, ask the guards to send me a message and I'll come." He moved off of the bed and sat back on the bench, cozying up for another vibrant story from the pirate. A smile erupted on his face, as if supressing a laugh "Now I've done my part, it's your turn.." His face twisted in his attempt to not laugh, ".. Prince William, oh and congratulations on the little one!" The laugh could be stifled no more, and it echoed throughout the cell. The man just looked at him deeply confused. To which Callum stopped and twiddled his finger at him, much like a mother does to her child whose behaved badly, "Very clever, using my brothers name as your own."

[VerusEbullio]

Theodore smiled " The most noble of the Sandman's followers" He added onto Callum's comment about sugar plum fairies. Many fairy tales rolled with ocean tides. Myths and legends that had all went into details about where storms come from and the changing of weather. For the most part, they were easy to believe. He himself had once prayed to Calypso when she conjured up a massive storm. He thought of the old story Elmere had told him once about her. She was the sea itself, allowing her children to run free. The pirate looked towards the prince as he had picked up the book, explaining its content. Theo nodded in recognition to what the young man had said and pushed thoughts of the sea from his mind.

Callum, stealing the pirate's focus began flipping a book fill of wordless pages. Explaining how to use the book and then going over the letters themselves. Theodore stared at the different letters, imprinting each curse, circle, and line into his mind. When he was younger his mother had praised Theo for his quick learning. She herself hadn't been the most literate, however she could read children's stories to him at night. Theodore repeated each of the letters aloud to Callum. There had been times where the prince had felt the need to re-pronounce a letter here and there, boring Theo a little. The pirate had allowed the occasional sigh to slip from his lips, because he didn't sound any different from Callum when he revoiced the letters. Then came combinations. Some were really confusing like how with 'ph' the 'p' is silent, and where the 'i' and 'e' were placed in the word changed how they sounded, or made a sounds at all. Like how 'bite' wasn't 'by-tee', and 'weird' wasn't 'wee-i-rr-d'. Theodore made as many mental notes of all these things as he could before the prince and reached to the bed. The abandoned book that he had chosen to read was still laying where he had left it. watching Callum lift the small book and read the title so clearly and slow. reading must come as natural as speaking to nobles. "The Prince of Cry-ing" Theo repeated almost just as slow as the prince did, then was taking back in shock as the man purposed Theo attempt to read it. Could he? Even with the cheat sheet that had been made for him could he pull it off without outside help? Theodore finally looked back from the book and met both Callum's eyes with his own. His clouded iris moving involuntarily with his good eye. watching the boy sit down on the bench "I suppose it is my turn." He replied, a smile of gratitude curling his lips slightly. The boy almost looked cute, a childish cute that one might have while waiting for a bedtime story. However, the smile didn't last long with the boys sudden mention of a child. "I suppose-" He had started in a low tone, but was cut off the prince who had finished his sentence. "Your brother?!" Theodore said in almost a shout. He had still been quite drunk when the old hunchback had asked his name. It had sounded funny at that time, and he hadn't fully realized where he had heard it before. "I..I guess I got caught on that one eh?" He asked rhetorically. He had been caught, although the prince didn't ask for further information on what his real name might have been, so he wouldn't tell. If the off chance was that his name was one that the boy knew he could be put to death. "right then a story.." He said changing the subject.

Theodore pondered on a different story, leaving his last one only half complete. "At 19 I had started my own crew. My first mate, Balu, and I had planned out our entire future. Filled with gold and rum and woman." He began with a smirk. "We had washed ashore on some port that even to this day I don't know the name of. Anyway, Balu had some great idea to steal a navy ship and take the kings gold. High tailing it out of there. Well it was suppose to go smoothly, he had a much smaller built then I did. Plus on his homeland he was a hunter, so sneaking was his best skills. We went our separate ways that night and were suppose to meet on deck of the ship. I had a little dagger that my father had given to me, no sword, no armor. I swear these guys were massive. Built like boulders and carried long swords that out did my dagger in every way possible." This was one the more manlier stories Theodore could think of.

He stood with one hand angled an imagined dagger at an invisible enemy. "I had clumsy feet and stumbled onto the deck, waking all the navy patrols below, as well as alarming the guards of exacting where I was. They came at me, swords in hand. Metal to metal my dagger held its ground. They hit hard. Hit enough that it vibrated my entire arm! I swung the tiny dagger, hooking it under the hilt of his sword. With a yank the sword went flying. Without thinking I gave the man a kick, blowing him off the deck and taking 3 others with him. But they didn't have enough they kept coming and coming. Sweat poured from my brow. They struck with killing force. Most I dodged and they would take each other out. Others went for a jabbing motion. I grabbed a stray sword and fought them off their own deck. Most went swimming for land, well others had met a watery grave thanks to the great Theodore 'Dead-eye' Daniels. After Balu returned with our gold and even the crown, we sailed away." Theo had been acting out his sword fights throughout the room as if he had rehearsed it a million times over. He didn't even realized that he had just blurted out not only his name, but his pirate title as well. He planted himself back on the bed, now laying down and taking a moments rest before turning to look towards the young man.

[eskimolander]

Callum clapped quietly had the mans display, clearly impressed. "Even the crown, eh?" Callum reached up pulling his own off his head, looking into the jewels. Using the edge of his slightly tattered sleeve he rubbed at the large red one in the center. He could almost see his reflection in it, "I guess if you can carry the weight, they're a fine thing to own." The tone of his voice lead way to believe he wasn't being literal. He stood up, getting into an almost-fighting position with an invisible rapier. One arm tucked behind his back the other completely outstretched. Then he started fencing with his imaginary opponent, "I'd love to experience such daring swordfights." He stopped and look at Theodore. "The most I can hope for is a melee tournament here and there, hardly the same." He sauntered around the room, occasionally swinging his arm as if still in battle. "I've heard about that battle, y'know. The Kingdom of Evan is where you were, made international news." Callum stopped and smiled at the pirate, "I never much cared for King Berian. He's cruel, fat and stupid. I think he deserved to have his crown stolen." The Prince finally stopped and sat next to the man on his bed, caring little of their proximity. "So, your names Theodore? MInd if I use it, or must I forever pretend you share my brothers name?"

[VerusEbullio]

Theodore grinned at the boys gestured rapier skills. "It's harder then you thing, Prince. A mere melee tournament is nothing like sword fighting on a boat. The floor under you shifts and swags, you have to adjust your balance or your dead." His statement was meant to be a light one, recalling when he had first started his sword training with his father. He continued to watch the boy move about the room, his invisible rapier in hand. "You heard about it?" He asked then soon felt senseless for asking such a question. He was a prince, of course he knew of other places, just had never been there. "from what I heard from Balu, Berian had a bed to himself, his wife couldn't fit on it with him, and the man had thought he was completely safe in leaving the crown at the dinner table. Never seen the man myself, though Balu can exaggerate things when he tells a story." He commented watching the prince sit right beside him. "I was quite enjoying being Prince William of the Golden Threads, but Theodore will did, only if I get your name, Prince." He said said, with pirate grin a crossed his face. After getting the Prince's name and repeated it a few times to himself, making sure to get it into his head. "Callum, Calllllllum, Caaaaallllooooom!" He said aloud staring at the ceiling. "Callum". He finally said looking over at the prince who didn't looked all to expressed with his english skills. His grin grew bigger, thinning out his lips more. Unfortunately Callum did have other duties to attend to today, and with a polite reminder from the Keeper had been sent away well Theo got his next serving .

The next month went by slowly. Theodore had only managed to see a handful of times, when he had walked by his cell. Most of his days were spent with the children's books Callum had left for him. He had attempted to read every single one of them after he had full understood 'The Prince of Crying'. He couldn't believe the ending. "Thats what he gets.." Theodore had muttered under his breath as The Keeper and walked by one day. Poor man thought Theodore was going insane and had made sure the record every sentence that seemed off in his daily reports. Some were a little easier to understand and others harder. This morning he would read 'The Prince of Crying' then get to work in grooming himself, before he tackled the big one.

He had also continued to practice his penmanship. He was getting better. When he had started his letters were more like scribbles done by a toddler, however, as he continued to fill up the book and slowly his letters took a smooth form at the bottom of the page. He wanted to show Callum next time he came to visit, all the improvement he had made. In the back of the book were simple lined pages, void of the single letter in the corner as the rest of the book had. It was intended for writing sentences, as Theodore used it for just that. He took the simple quill that had been there when he arrived there, in his left hand and began writing out random things such as, 'The birds fly south for the winter.' and 'When is there a good time to be with their friends.' There was so many words that sounded the same , but were different. Theo made sure to practice and remind himself of the differences between them.

When he finished up his writing for the day his attention turned to the bookshelf. Theodore rose from his chair, his feet shifting towards the bookshelf, and took a deep breath as he allowed his fingers to track along the spines. Today would be the day he tried a different book. His eyes closed tightly as he reached for the first book his fingers touched, and pulled it from the shelf. When the pirate opened his eyes he looked immediately at the title 'The Holy Book of Junia'. "Holy?" He asked aloud, to no one in particular. "This book doesn't look holy to me, quite solid in fact.." He commented peering at the book from all different directions.

[eskimolander]

Callum had gladly given the man his name. "It's Callum, and nevermind all that 'Prince' stuff. It's not necessary." Although he knew, technically, it was. Anyone with a lower status was to call him Prince Callum, or in some cases just Prince. His lone name was reserved only for his family and other nobility. It was the custom of the Kingdoms of the Arch. For some reason though, formalities felt odd between him and the pirate--Theodore--He reminded himself. Infact he doubted it could get any less informal between the man and him. "Of course it did, that event became the stuff of story-books." Callum smiled at Theodores second-hand description of the King, "That all sounds about right. King Berians wife passed away a few years ago.His court claims she choked in her sleep, saliva or something equally disgusting. Though speculation has it that the King and his wife were bedding and he was too heavy for her to take," He remember when his father first mentioned the alternative to her 'official' death, the whole family had erupted in laughter. Callum thought it was hilarious to this day, but at the time he had barely understood what bedding meant. Just laughed to match his brothers, it had been a little while later that he figured it out. Callum and Theodore sat there chuckling at the princes little story, when a knock came to the door. "Forgive the intrusion m'Lord, but tis feed time for the prisoners," A frail, old voice rang through the small slot in the door. Callum waved a quick goodbye and left the man to his food.

The next four weeks had been tiresome for the boy. There was enormous surge of men being sentenced, which meant just as many extra reports. He felt like he was drowning in them some days. And, when he wasn't trapped under mountains of paper he was on a cart-ride to the Northern Province to visit the real Prince William. In less than a month they probably visited the couple more times than they did in the 6 years since he left home. It wasn't so terrible, except for the part when Callum was left to himself for most of the time. His mother was off with his 'sister' oohing and ahing over growing belly. While his father was taking William on several one-on-one hunts since he wouldn't be able to when the baby arrived. Resulting in Callum wandering around the courtyard, chatting with a few a guards here and there but nothing beyond that. He wasn't allowed in the market without an escort, so he was stuck within the walls. One of the side effects of being the youngest child was your parents insisted on forever treating you like a baby. He did manage to get out to the stalls once during the many trips. There were more doubloons which immediately snatched up, he had 10 now, he had no idea if that was worth anything to a real pirate though. He also bought a large stack of writing paper as well as a quill and inkwell.

Towards the end of the month the visit became less frequent. It was to be expected, winter was fast approaching and the horses had a difficult in Junia's typically deep snows. The incessant traveling had result in Callum a huge amount of catch-up work to do. He stayed up into the early hours of the morning each day trying to complete them. By the end of the week he was worn quite thin. On the last Saturday of the month Callum had woken in a particularly foul mood. Walking through the dining hall, he passed his parents as they ate their morning meals. "Callum. Why do you skip meals so often as of late? Come eat with us dear." The boy just shrugged and headed for the door on the otherside of the hall. Suddenly, his father stood up "Young man, abide your mother! That forsaken prison can wait!" The King roared, face red. Callum turned around with a scowl on his face, "And do what? Eat food I don't want? Listen to you two yap about 'the baby'? Unlike some people, I have work to do!" His faced stayed relatively quiet, but clearly was laced with anger.

Callum stormed out of the castle not even glancing towards his study and the pile of reports left undone. Without so much as nod or 'good morning' to any of the guards, he breezed through the courtyard to the dungeons. He practically ran up the stairs and threw open the pirates door. Not even a care if he woke him or walked in at inappropriate time, Callum slammed the door behind. "Ugh, the nerve of him. I don't care about Will! I don't care about his obnoxious wife! And I certainly don't care about their damned brat!" He slammed down onto the bench, crossing his arms over his chest angrily. "What if I don't want to gallavant back and forth to do nothing? What if I'd rather stay home while they left to visit? I'm damn-near 20 years old and they treat me like I'm still at my mothers breast!" Callum stopped and took a deep breath, counting to ten in an attempt to calm himself. "Sorry about that.. I just.. ugh," He let a long, baited sigh. The poor prince was clearly at his wits end.

[VerusEbullio]

Theodore brought the book back over to his bed and took a seat. His fingers pulled the book open. Pages upon pages of small print that cause a headache almost instantly. How do people just sit here and read this? That was beyond all Theodore's comprehension. Slowly and with much effort he began reading the sentences one by one, making sure to pronounce all the new words aloud and at a extremely slow pace. However, it didn't take the man long before giving his eye needed a break. The sun was setting causing the light within the cell. Only a torch was left to illuminate the cell. Theo had undressed, placing his tattered clothing on the floor beside him. He hadn't seen the prince in roughly a month and knew that if he was to visit tomorrow that it would be later in the day, after all his work was completely. With this the pirate dozed off.

The sun had barely begun to raise. Theo's blanket now lay half on the floor, and only covering a small portion of his leg. The cell burst open as the prince had stormed in. Theodore, who now lay bare as the day he was born still lay sleeping in his bed. He had been dreaming of sailing, and the oceans, and Balu. The currents were pulling the boat out further into unknown territory, when he heard a voice calling to him from out into the water. Theo strolled to the side of the boat and saw Callum in the water. Drowning and failing about, bobbing and coming back up grasping for air. Theodore wasted no time. He took off his jacket and hit the water with a splash to save the young man. He jerked awake upon hearing the angry shouts of a familiar voice. The force of his jerk sending him off the bed. "G-good morning." Theodore conveyed looking towards the prince and rubbing his eyes. It took a moment for the pirate to realize he had been standing in front of Callum, without so much as a sock on his body. Grabbing the blanket from the floor, covering his front. "Uhhh.." He said at a lose for words, wrapping the towel around his waist. "I-it's ok.." He said looking around the room. "I um, finished the book you gave me see." He walked over the table. Holding the blanket with one hand, and grabbing the note book with the other. Then leaned towards Callum, his arm outstretched to give the prince the book.

[eskimolander]

Callum heard a loud thump come from behind. The prince jerked to look at the source, and very briefly he saw a very naked Theodore. He immediately felt the heat rush to his face and guessed it was likely just as red. Averting his yes quickly he stared at his own feet, not daring to move his gaze. "Uh, I.. ahm, I should've knocked," He cleared his throat awkwardly, "S..sorry." Callums voice was very weak and only grew quieter as he spoke, almost as if something suddenly lodged itself in his airway. If this could get anymore uncomfortable, Callum had no idea how. Of course the pirate insisted on showing him just that. His eyes stayed firmly glued to the floor as he listened to the pirate scuttle his way across the floor. Nothing but a sheet between his indecency and the world.

The prince had every intention of never moving his head from its position. Again however, the pirate he insisted he do just the opposite. He slowly moved his gaze, stopping briefly on the mans waist before going farther. His eyes stayed a little longer on his chest. Catching himself in his actions Callum snatched the book and shoved his face in it. The now beet-red of his cheeks grew even darker, if that were even possible. With a great deal of control he kept his eyes on the book, opening it slowly. His fingers caressed the pages, reading each line. Flipping to the end, he read the various sentences Theodore had written, "Impressive, only a few weeks and you've completed the book. I wish I had been that quick." Callum faced the man, intending to congratulate him. Very quickly he remembered the reason he looked away in the first place.

Callum dove to the floor, grasping the pile of discarded clothes in his hands. Without turning his head he throw them in the direction of the pirate with a great deal of force. "Clothes, please!" He cried out, much like a young woman being exposed to her first man might.