[IC] A Bloody Murder

[cthulu]

The day and night had been filled with festivities that poured from the castle into every nook and cranny of the streets. Peasants were welcomed upon the castle grounds to watch and participate in games and merriment, while guards watched on and kept the rabble from entering into places they were forbidden. Men and women from the cities of which they were allied came to join in the momentous occasion which was a sight for all to see. Finally their freedom from war and the coming of the twenty and first year of their son coinciding with a beautiful summer of fair weather and good crops.

Every manner of trader could be seen today, those selling chickens roasted on a spit to those who were selling flagons of mead and beer. There were cloth merchants and jewellery sellers and the streets were alive with new smells and bright colours. In the castle grounds were contest of wit and of muscle, jousting and wrestling chief amongst those but chess and croquet to be enjoyed by those who so wished it. There were bards at every stand strumming or banging upon their instruments filling the halls with music while the jovial and the slightly merry danced and sang.

Come the evening paper lanterns were lit and released into the sky and while the days revelries died down the King and his family, the nobles from this city and those abroad were settled in the great hall with a feast, entertainers and bards, their own party continuing until the moon was quite high in the sky with no sign of stopping. It was as the clock approached the witching hour and the entertainment dwindled to the men telling stories of their great feats of bravery and strength and the women exchanging knowing and apologetic looks that Alessandro thanked his father and his guests for coming but excused himself for fear the wine had gone to his head. His father joked and lightly mocked the boy but Alessandro smiled in good humour and with a kiss to the hand of each lady and a bow to the gentleman he left the great hall for his room.

While he truly had had too much that night to drink he knew where tales of bravery would lead and he could not sit through another retelling of Torric’s death, listening to how brave and noble his blood thirsty brother had been and seeing the look in all his families eyes that sent a pain shooting straight and true for his heart. He too missed Torric and mourned in his own way for the loss of his brother but things had become even more tense since his death.

Slipping through the halls he shut the heavy oak door of his room and took the ink black wig from his head, dropping it upon his table and releasing his own golden blonde mane from the tail it had been trapped in. His father was now even so ashamed of his hair that he had had false hair made for ‘every public appearance’. It pinched and it itched but he had to admit it looked better with the royal colours than his own sandy mop. The straight falling black hair also looked neater and more refined than the wildness that came with his natural hair.

He had been dressed in a burgundy long coat, embroidered about the cuffs and hem with images of golden lions and noble eagles depicting great battles from the history of the kingdom. Beneath this a white shirt was worn, which had laced at the front to tighten. A waist coat of tan brown was under this, it embroidered with images from his own personal history in golden hues with wolves and lions predominant. Tan leather pants were also worn strapped in by the boots that were now being loosened and pulled off by his ever helpful servant.

The younger boy helped him undress and took his dirty clothes aside before aiding Alessandro into a cotton shirt for sleeping. The boy made sure his master was comfortable before shuttering the windows and blowing out the candles, bidding his master a good night until the morning. The boy was no more than sixteen but had been a servant since his eighth year and been gifted to Alessandro after proving himself capable.

Though Alessandro thought little about his servant his eyes fought to stay upon against the lull of wine and merry making, instead his mind focused on wholly different matters. Like the talks a mother often has about her son settling down and a father beginning the lengthy plans for such. His mind went to his brother and his sister and the peace they currently had but it wandered for only a short while before overcome by the day he fell into a light sleep.

[PopeAlessandros]

Warm lights reflect in solid azure orbs as the fleet of paper lanterns escape into the sky. A soft sigh escapes his pale lips as the Fae feels a faint breeze press against his back. High above the revelry, the figure clad in blue and white watches those below expressing feelings he has never know. The joy and exuberance is completely foreign, and a part of his mind wonders what it would be link to feel something like they do even once. Flexing his back and shoulders he shifts into a more comfortable leaning position as he watches for a good opportunity to move out.

The young Fae had set out from his house several days ago. The glade in front of the small hut had been filled with school kids getting a lesson on nature from and elder Fae. At the sight of him many of the children ran to the teacher, and with herding motions she moved them away quickly. He'd ignored the actions for the most part, but a single set of eyes amongst the children had stayed on him even as the owner of those eyes we lead hastily away. He watched the little one out of sigh, as always a little curious when it comes to those who act different from the norm set by their peers. The rest had been afraid, so why was that little buy not?' But it was no matter. He had to go check for jobs.

Unlike the rest of his kin, Rei lives a life outside the forest. While he spends much of his off time deep underground in the archives, Rei does not truly live with his fellow Fae. His life with this race ended long ago when in one night he'd lost his home, his parents, and his identity as a Fae. He was taken away from the warm grasses and cool waters of the ancient forest, and was forced into a life on the road. Traveling here and there, watching as his guardians killed any number of people in sometimes fascinating or complex fashions. The taking of a life became as natural to him as eating or walking. His guardians though did teach him that killing randomly is pointless. One should always get something out of the deal.

That lesson stayed with him. Despite falling into his new life and accepting it whole and complete, he still grew inside him a need to avenge the death of his past life. He took out one after another, until the man who had had the biggest impact on his life, raising him like a son. As the lights left the man's eyes, he told Rei that he understood, and that he was proud of him. Those word, his last words, gave him the final farewell to anything he once was. His was the only body he bothered to do anything about. The man had, long ago, told the boy that he grew up near the sea, and he missed the sound of it. It took several months, but when he at last reached the ocean he found a high cliff and pushed the body over the edge. When he finally returned to his people, Rei took that image of the sea and made it his own. He fashioned his clothes after the waves, where the second chapter of his life now rests eternal.

The only thing left from that chapter is his job as an assassin. After returning to the Faewood Rei set up a place on the plains for people to leave him jobs. He'd made himself quite the reputation amongst those who use an assassin's talents often, and it didn't take long to establish a manner for people to hire him with ease. About a days travel from the woods is a large open plain, close enough to a town to make a reference point, but far enough so that the local farmers don't use the land for grazing. In the middle of a large crevice almost completely surrounded by tall hills he sunk a thick post deep into the earth. After he was sure it was in there good, he hollowed it out enough to hold a note on the mark and a bag with his payment. He'd never stiffed a client, so most were willing to pay up front, but for some marks they insist on half before, and half after.

Such is the job he's now on. The note had been brief, simply stating the name, location, and a day where the job may be a bit easier. The note, now tucked inside his skin tight clothing over his heart, smells faintly of flowers and tobacco. The pay however is stashed away in a safe place for him to pick-up when he heads back after the job. The amount is impressive, easily double his normal fair. And it's only half. In his mind Rei's already worked out what books he wants to buy with the total amount, several of which he's wanted for some time after seeing them referenced in other books.

The wind shifts, tossing his light hair from his face off to his left. His body tenses, eyes beginning to scan rapidly over the activity below. 'The guard are moving. Something has drawn heir focus' His muscles bunch and in an instant he's climbed on to the rail he'd just been leaning on. Turning from the people lights and joviality he launches himself up to the rooftop just overhead and takes off full speed for the edge. His small form launches into the air, a cloud passing over the larger of two moons so that even if someone were to look up they would not see the Fae flying through the air towards the roof of the guard tower attached to the outer wall of the castle. With practiced ease he catches the edge of the roof with one hand and hangs there for a few seconds before swinging himself up on to the roof proper.

Standing slowly his cold eyes survey the castle. For the full day prior he'd mapped out what he could of the castle from outside observations and listening in on servants who worked there, having a night cap at the local pubs. His eyes trail up the gray stone walls, counting windows until he locates the one he's looking for. His eyes narrow as the window's shutters are closed by what he knows to be the target's personal servant. Moments later the light behind the glass goes out and as if it was the signal he was waiting for, he begins to move. The grounds are mostly deserted, the revelries kept mostly to the town and inside the castle proper. Using the roof of the stables set against the outer wall he drops down to the ground and presses against the rough hewn wood to take stock of things from ground level.

His attention is drawn to the sounds inside the stable and he slides down ever so slightly to peek through a knothole. 'Stable workers, horse master. A party for them alone' Breathing slowly through his nose he crosses the distance between the stable and the greenery pressed against the castle's walls. Observing the stones closely while crouched inside the foliage he reconfirms that the spacing is conducive to his work. 'The years of this being built were of the time where uneven and textured was thought to be best' Taking once last look around the grounds Rei turns to the wall and finds some finger holds in the uneven surface. Like a spider he crawls swiftly up the wall. His fingers and toes dig into the wall between the slabs of stone and in no time he's at the window. Pulling a small slip of metal from a spot behind his ear he slips it between the two window panels. Sliding it up genitally he unhooks the little latch. He quickly tucks the metal back into place and pulls the windows open slowly. Cracking the shutters he examines the room for movement before pushing one aside and slipping in. 'There is a breeze tonight' Turning her closes the window carefully and latches it so the breeze doesn't pull them open. The noise would be enough to wake his target, and if not that, the draft.

The room is richly furnished, like many of his targets' bedrooms, and Rei takes little notice of the garishness. Instead his eyes are drawn to the large bed, upon which his target rests. An eyebrow raises as he moves closer and he gets a better look at him. 'Young looking, despite his reaching his twenty first year today' His gaze moves over his figure, picking the place where his blade will take the young man's life. His eyes trace over his face, and up over the blond mop spread over his pillow. 'The rumor of his hair is true. My glimpses of him yesterday were only while his head was dark. He must hide it' A faint burning begins low in his belly, just as it always does before a kill. Using skills natural to his face, the Fae mounts the bed slowly without disturbing the sleeping man.

His crawl is slow but steady. The smell of alcohol. 'He's been drinking' He relaxes ever so slightly. He learned long ago how much the effects of the intoxicating beverage can aid in a kill. Soon he is at the young man's side. His breath s low and shallow. 'Still asleep' Reaching to his waits, Rei pulls his blade. Moving slower than ever he shifts a leg over the target's chest, pinning his arms genitally to his sides with his thighs. The position is perfect. He moves his blade into position. Th point hovers, touching down ever so slightly right above the place he plans to plunge it in. making sure his hand is steady he reaches out and strokes his hand genitally over the boy's brow, humming low in his throat. As soon as it seems like the target is waking he presses his hand down on his forehead to keep him for trying to it up.

“I have a blade over a life vein in your neck.” He murmurs loud enough for the young man to hear. “I will be taking your life tonight, and if you don't try to scream, I will also take with me your final words.” He tilts his head to the slowly side as he gazes down at his target. “Tell me, what words do you wish to leave with me before passing on to the next?” His voice is cold, indifferent, but as he speaks the final line a note of true curiosity rings at the end of his question.

[cthulu]

Stirred from his slumber his eyes flicked up to the hand, the knife and he quickly assessed his situation. There was no struggle, no attempt to call for help, even his eyes were clear of fury, or fear or hate, there was just a grudging acceptance in those tired deeps. The fatigue didn't seem of the physical variety, nor bought on by the alcohol, of which his breath smelled sweet but by the clarity of his features he was far from intoxicated, perhaps as far as a young man could get. He listened in the quiet dark to the strange looking creature that sat astride him and he remained silent even as the other finished. He almost seemed bored but it seemed the young man was indeed contemplating something, the manner his lower lip was wet by the tip of his tongue, ultimately it would cause the dryness to worsen but for now his mouth felt too dry to form words.

Sarcasm ought to be avoided and despite his lethargy in the face of this attempt he decided it was better not to tempt fate by speaking the first thing that came to mind. While it would be easy enough to throw this man -his weight barely seemed anything and he had spent time wrestling with far bigger people- there was always the chance that even if he did throw the other off of him his neck would be sliced. Of course where the blade was held was off to the side anyway so it would be unlikely he could strike deep enough for a killing blow should Alessandro decide to throw this man off of him and dispatch him himself.

Though part of him wondered what on earth the point was, this had been the sixth or seventh attempt in as many months and no matter how many times they took out the assassin they never seemed to stop. Of course such information was kept out of the public's eye, the King didn't want panic on the streets and it would be panic that was caused. Either the prince had one persistent enemy or many who were unaware of the moves of the others involved, surely it would just be more peaceful if he let this cretin do it. of course, he couldn't do that to his little sister, nor to his mother, they had grieved enough this year and Alessandro didn't want to see either grieving again where he could possibly help it.

Which meant he had one of two options, risk the wound or beg, the latter annoyed him significantly. Begging was just such a repulsive act, one he thought all humans -not just royalty- were above the need to do. He had never begged for a thing in his life, even as a child he had not begged for a toy or a pet of any kind, he took what came his way and he dealt with the rest.

The problem with this would-be-murderer was he was so confident he had already won, that the Prince was just a hapless little prick like any other mark he'd ever dealt with. He held the blade in such a way that sure, he could strike true to a precious vein and he'd bleed out quickly, but the awkwardness of the angle such as it was would mean anything that jostled the bed, the target or the killer himself would mean the blade would slip and it was unlikely to do much but produce a shallow wound, if it nicked his flesh at all. It was this kind of arrogance that usually caused the mild mannered Prince to lose his patience with people, it was perhaps the one good piece of information Torric had ever given him 'As long as you are drawing breath you haven't lost' likewise of course an enemy who still drew breath was a threat but that wasn't quite Alessandro's cup of tea.

For now he was going to play it careful, as the last thing he needed was for his own confidence to be his downfall. "I do not appreciate being sat upon, it makes it hard to think." Came a growl, his voice a low baritone but not so low as his fathers, it had a rumbling quality that in most cases would seem warm but right now would seem anything but, he eyed the cretin carefully, "If you are going to ask for last words then how about you do so with a level of decency instead of like a common whore."

[PopeAlessandros]

Rei watches with vague curiosity as the boy seems to assess his situation much in the same way he himself would go about doing it in the same situation. Something dull and almost bored behind his gaze makes him feel a little odd. He's heard of a few assassins who have been hired to kill someone who was very use to having attempts made on their life. ~“Like this was just another thing in their day they had to deal with. It's freaky!”~ While he is not freaked out, Rei acknowledges mentally now that the look is indeed disconcerting. The low town accompanied by a growl sets Rei's nerves alight. 'A fighter' However, his final statement gives the assassin pause.

'Different' He stares for several seconds, gauging everything quickly, calculating what he can and can't get away with should he withdraw. Finally, more out of curiosity than anything else, Rei blinks one slow blink before nodding slightly and leaning back. Making sure to keep his blade tight in his grip, out of the path of the boy's hand should he decide to try and knock it aside, he leans slowly tone one side and dismounts his target. 'He must think his last words are important indeed if he wishes to think about them thoroughly' Rei has no problem with waiting, knowing that no one actually checks on the young man from his research. Settling back so he's on one knee, the other leg up so he's in a kneeling position and ready to act, he stares at the boy, eyes standing open and alert, without being creepily wide.

[cthulu]

With the, thing, finally off of him he shifts to slowly sit up and stretches first one, then the other arm across his chest. "Mind if I get up?" He didn't wait for a response though and slipped from between the covers which fell away like a ripple of water revealing his near pristine flesh. Near. There was a scar on his back about the same size and shape as a cane like those a teacher might hold. There were a couple on his knees and a jagged one that seemed to have healed rather poorly above his left hip. With his back to his assassin he stretched his arms above his head and worked the kinks out of his body, yawning quietly and ruffling up his own hair as he relaxed from the stretch. "I can't think on an empty stomach, looks like I have grapes and water, oh wait. Or wine." He poured them an a glass and placed it in front of him with a small bunch of the black grapes before kicking back into his chair and pouring himself some water, savouring the first cool sip of it.

"So, who is it who hired you to kill me, I think if I'm going to...hold on." Lifting a hand to shush the hit man there was silence then a a couple of seconds later footfalls and a rap on the door. A timid voice shouted through, "Are you alright mi'lord?" To which the Prince called back, "I am, I can't sleep so I'm going to read before bed. Run along now or you'll never be up early enough to help me dress in the morning." There was a quiet eep and a hurried 'yes sir' before the foot steps retreated back down the hall and away. "You lay one hand on that boy and I swear I'll haunt you." For a moment the jovial, unbothered appearance became as hard and keen as a Lion's predatory gaze, his eyes like a hawks honing on a target. Then like a shadow on the moon it had passed and he was relaxed again. "Where was I? Oh yes. So who hried you? I think I have the right to know if I'm not going to see the sunrise don't I?"

[PopeAlessandros]

The young Fae watches the other closely. 'He clearly doesn't see me as a threat. Curt, dismissive, he must really be use to my kind' Shifting slowly to the edge of the bed so he isn't too far from the target Rei remains silent. His body remains faintly tense, ready for action, but he takes his eyes from the target's head to trail over his body. 'I've seen marks like this before, but never on one of such a high station as this. He is indeed not treated as well as other princes I've met' His eyes trail back to the young mans face as he takes a seat with his food and drink. When the sound of footsteps approaching reach his ears Rei's gaze doesn't waver. His body remains at the same level of awareness as before as the prince speaks with the one outside his door, sensing the young man has no intention of actually calling for help.

'He is indeed different, it's vaguely entertaining' When the prince threatens him he slides carefully off the bed so he can rest his feet on the ground, leaning back against the poster at the closest corner to the prince. 'He cares for that one. It must be the one I see most often around him' Slipping his arms behind his back so that he's holding his opposite elbows Rei blinks slowly. “I am no killer. I take the life I am paid to take, no more, no less.” His voice is low but easily heard in the quiet room. His eyes examine the princes as he speaks. “For you to think another is in danger from me then you have met very poor assassins in you time.” His gaze passes to the door for a moment. 'There is no harm in speaking one's mind to one who will not live to repeat it' With that thought in mind he adds, “Though I do find your worry for his life over your own either very insulting, or rather endearing.” His tone is even and completely lacking of any real emotional notes.

Looking back to the prince he blinks slowly again. “I can tell you find me little to no threat, so it is pointless to try and convince you of the fact you are still well within my grace to either kill or let you live for a little longer.” Tilting his head to the side he continues. “However I will reply to your question with one that you should get from any good assassin. Their name shall not pass my lips even upon my death,” He pauses with a nod, “Least they bid me reveal it, or I receive a better offer.”

[cthulu]

With a roll of one shoulder he took a grape from the stalk and turned it in his hand as he responded, "I have met very poor people in my life time." He uttered, punctuating the 'people' comment with a small squeeze to the grape. "He is one of the few people I've met who isn't a shallow empty shell driven by little more than self service and arrogance." A far better person than he was for instance, he popped the grape in his mouth and with a couple of chews, he swallowed it. "If he came in you'd have little choice but to kill him. Which is why I am telling you now, do not touch him." There was a vague smile on his lips. "If you find it insulting or endearing his hardly any of my business mister killer. The only one who can determine the worth of another's words is the listener after all."

As the creature speaks the prince chuckles, "Is that what you think? I think you are very much still a threat. A fae murderer is out to kill me, I can not be more scared, for a start my father has told the Kingdom the fae have long since left our shores and none has been seen for hundreds of years. An assassin got into my room and attacked me while I slept and now like a cat toying with a mouse is waiting until he grows bored to end it." He wasn't being sarcastic, he was being quite genuine, with a sip of his wine he sat himself up from his half lounge and ran his fingers through his hair. "I simply don't care if you decide to kill me or if you decide not to. I am rather sick and bored of playing this game over and over again putting the people I care about in danger just to prolong my life until the next murderer turns up wanting my blood. Any moment now my sweet little sister could come running in as she sometimes does if she has nightmares, my loyal servant might decide he has forgotten some small detail and come to fix it, the guards, my father, any number of people who live here could die tonight just so you can kill me and I don't want that on my conscience any longer."

With a deep breath he nodded when the fae said he would not reveal his employers name, "Quite right too." He uttered quietly, shifting up from the table and taking a final grape between his lips, "Well then here are my last words and then you better get on with it. You can dress it up anyway you like to but the simple fact is you're nothing more than a common killer and the money you get will never be enough to fill that ever growing abyss in your heart. You probably don't even know what it is so I'll tell you, it's despair and loneliness and you can throw all the money and jewels in the world at it but it'll only get bigger and deeper and blacker and colder until every time you kill is the only time you can escape it. You might be killing me tonight Fae, but in the end, you're killing yourself as well." He gave a sorrowful smile to the blond haired creature on his bed, one of true pity almost and then, with hands behind his back, he waited.

[PopeAlessandros]

Not really caring what the boy thinks of him as far as what he is, Rei stops trying to convince the prince that he is not a murderer. 'There is a big difference, but at this point the whole thing is moot. However. . .' The boy's words about something black and cold inside him passes over him like a breeze. Instead of responding right away he looks to the door, then to the room. 'This place is far more than most could ever ask for. Just this room could house entire families far more comfortably than most of the meager homes I've seen in my travels' His eyes wander back over to the boy sitting rather stiffly in his chair with his arms behind his back. 'Despite what I've learned of him and his treatment, he has it better than even the richest commoner' His arms relax, one falling to his side, the other sliding down to grip the handle of his weapon gently. 'And yet, the one thing, the only thing, he seems to care about is the safety of others. I have met many in positions like his, and all placed themselves first. All offered anything to keep their lives, or tried to fight me' His head tilts tot he side and a finger begins stroking over the weapon handle.

'But not him. He's different. He's interesting. Like the people in the books I read. But real. He's here, with those eyes I've seen so often on poor towns. The ones worn by those people who pity the poor. Yes, pity, that's the look. He pities me' His grip tightens on the handle and in a smooth slow motion he draws it. His eyes remain locked on the prince as he does so. He settles the blade in his opposite hand and rolls it thoughtfully. After a few quiet minuets his shifts the blade up so the point is pressing into the flesh in the middle of his hand. It does not draw blood, but as he concentrates the spot begins glowing. A moment later the light goes out and he drops the hand, bringing his other down at the same time to rest his blade at hip level.

He blinks a slow blink and takes a breath before finally speaking. “You are different.” Those words hand for a moment as he comes to a decision. “A lot of what you say makes no sense to me, as I do not feel as humans do, but I have become curious.” Pushing off the bed post he takes a step towards the prince. “I have never met one as you, though from what I've read you are as a ruler should be. You concern being first for others rather than yourself.” He takes another step. “I don't understand it. I find you interesting, and I. . . .”His mind casts about for the right way to put his thoughts. “I. . . .Do not think it would be to my benefit to kill you.” He takes another step, standing right in front of the prince now. He nods, “It is true, I live for my own benefit, thinking only of me. But for me, I am the only one I have, so thinking of others is pointless.”

Slowly he brings the blade up, keeping a tight hold of the handle. He settles the tip directly over the boy's heart, the tip barely a hair's breath from touching him. “I have no obligation to fulfill my contract, seeing as I haven't spent the money yet. However I think letting you live would not be good enough to fulfill my selfish wanting.” Reaching down with his free hand he pulls one of the prince's arms from behind his back and settles his hand atop his own on the handle of the weapon. He blinks slowly again, his face expressionless. “You say you don't care anymore, and that you are tired of 'playing the game'. So here I will give you a choice. If you truly have no care for you life anymore, I do not see a point in you living it, so I will help you end it.” His head tilts gently tot he side. “But if there is any part of you that is willing to live, I will stay my hand and return the money. In exchange for permission to stay and observe you, I will pledge on my life to keep you and any others you wish me to safe and alive.” He pauses for a moment then adds, “Though for every life I have to take in that pursuit I expect compensation. One can not live on slaked curiosity after all.”

[cthulu]

As he watched the emotionless boy he thought back to a doll his sister had, it was a darling little thing but always gave him the creeps, it's large expressionless eyes on such an innocent and pure face, that's what this little fae child reminded him of. Honestly of course he ought to be screaming, proclaiming the thing wasn't real and calling guards to burn it, he should be panicking but he was both too tired and still too far under the affects of alcohol to over react in such a way. Not of course, that he had ever heard of anything good about the fae people but he saw little need to be afraid and cower openly. The fae child made it blatant that emotion was not his forte and spoke as one might if a character from a story book had suddenly begun answering back. "A person can not live for themselves alone that isn't living, thats just not dying." Though he doubted the fae would understand that either for he only just understood it himself.

Approached he remained where he was and listened to all the fae had to say and allowed his own hand to be moved over the handle of the blade. "I have not given up on life, I have given up on making others suffer so I may keep surviving." He dropped his hand from the handle and, half in a daze, reached up to touch some of the oddly fluffy hair atop the fae child's head, running it carefully between his fingers, "If you help make certain that those I need to protect get their protection I will pay you in whatever it is you desire, I will, much to my father's despair, one day be king but I have no use for jewels and trinkets, though by your words you seem more interested in a different form of power. We have a library, if that better takes your fancy?"

[PopeAlessandros]

Rei stands silent for several seconds, listening to the boy speak. His eyes follow the hand as it reaches up and caresses his hair. The feeling is odd, but not unpleasant so he does nothing to stop it. 'It is strange. I recall a few of the men and woman I was raised around toying with my hair from time to time, but this feels different' He blinks, looking back down at the prince. 'He looks almost distracted, but he truly hasn't given up' His blade drops slowly. “Time in your hall of books would be nice, but I have a collection of my own I would like to expand as well.” He looks down at the young man for a little longer before stepping back, sliding his blade back into it's scabbard. Walking back to the bed he reaches out, touching the nearest bed post.

His fingers trail down in, feeling the grain of the wood slide against his fingers before they wander across the foot of the bed. Heading towards the window he makes his way to the other post before stopping. Turning to look back at the prince he tilts his head to the side. With a slow nod he looks to the door then back at the boy. “I will protect all whom you point out to me to protect, and I assure their safety as long as I draw breath.” He looks over his shoulder at the window. “It will take me a day and a half to return to this place.” His gaze returns to the other man. “I will come here night after next to find out what arrangements you have made for my being here. I trust your word in this matter,however if you are speaking untruthfully to me now, I will simply pick up the contract again if it is still available. If not, I will leave and you will never see me again.” With that he moves over to the window, turning so he can sit on the sill, waiting for the boy's response.

[cthulu]

With a small smile the prince nodded and then gave a bow. "By the night after tomorrow eve' I shall have had it all arranged with the staff and my father, the library is rarely locked lest the gates are open and so you will find you can come and go there as you please. Though I urge you not to take any of the books there out of the library. If you find one you like or desire for your own I shall try and find a copy. You will, if it suits you, live in the castle, I shall have a room made up close to mine so bring with you whatever you desire to have or I shall furnish the room as I believe will suit you. If you desire an abode away from the...finery. Of the palace I shall inquire into the various houses outside the castle." For all the Prince was he was efficient, come the sunrise he would speak with his parents, though he would leave out the assassin part and make them aware he had hired a body guard who needed a place nearby to lay his head. He would speak to the library meister to make sure that the white haired ragamuffin was allowed access to the library and he'd arrange and set up room or quarters with the necessities a man like him would need. A bed, wardrobe, chair, table, and book case would seem adequate for the time being.

One, after all, didn't make it far as the prince of this place without being organised and honestly the sooner the boy was nearby- though he'd never admit as much- the safer he'd feel and perhaps he'd finally get a good nights sleep. Glancing to the boys peculiar ears he uttered, "It would be best if we covered those." He rose a finger to gently, if permitted for should the fae flinch he'd drop his hand to his side, "We have been told your kind are extinct, gone. If the people find out that isn't true...if my father does." The Prince sighed lightly, "You don't have a glowing reputation among the people. Maybe a change of clothes as well, to keep their suspicion at bay. Will that be okay by you?"

[PopeAlessandros]

'He seems to be taking this seriously. This is good' Rei listens silently as the other talks, keeping his eyes locked on the prince as he comes closer and closer. 'A room, good, and more books. I will not have too much time to read, but I will make due' His eyelids droop down a little at the gentle touch to his sensitive ears. 'I know I am the first he's seen, but does he really find me so interesting that he needs to keep touching me? I'm not use to such sensations' His blinks slowly, looking up at the prince with a odd expression. He doesn't know he's wearing it, but in his eyes his confusion is faintly evident. 'It is not unpleasant, just different. But I suppose that's why I wish to stay by him, because my experiences around him even in this short period of time have been, different. . . .' With a faint nod he murmurs, “I will cover them.”

Reaching up behind his back his fingers brush the latch to the windows. “I will come directly to this room when I return, and much in the way I did tonight, I will not let myself be seen. If you feel I must wear something different, feel free to pick something out for me. I must remain as mobile as I am now though, so please keep that in mind.” He blinks slowly again. “As for my people, I am not a shinning example of my kind. Most are much like humans. They love, they fight, they live for one another. I don't know how your father sees us, but if he finds out what I am it will not be from my lips.” With that he unlatches the window. A quick glance over his shoulder confirms that the palace grounds are free of anyone who could see him and with a final nod Rei tips back wards out of the window. His body twists much like a cat's in mid air and with barely a sound he lands on all fours behind the bushes at the base of the wall.

He does not hesitate and in less than a minute he's upon the outer fortifications. He pauses, both moons shining down upon him, but there are no eyes to see the glow it seems to set up around him. 'Perhaps one set of eyes' His gaze turns back up to the palace and with one final glance towards the prince's room he turns and takes off into the night. All four of his limbs are used to crawl, climb, and leap as he moves towards the edge of town via the rooftops. Often called the thieve's highway, Rei has always wondered why people would build their cities in such a way. 'This design makes it so easy for people like me to get around. Whether it be reaching a target, or fleeing the guards, the rooftops make life that much easier for those with ill intentions' His final vault over the outer wall of the city lands him in the middle of a small group of chickens. Only a few notice him and scatter but the rest barely wake up before tucking their heads back down and drifting off again.

Glancing up he gets his bearings then heads towards where he hid the first half of his payment. He sets up a steady pace and reaches the spot before sunrise. The rolling grassy hills around the small cave glisten slightly in the moonlight as the morning dew begins to gather. His bare feet leave tracks on the stone floor as he ducks a spider web and moves to a small pile of stones against the cave wall. The dark blue stone of the cave reflects the light of the moons making it easy to see as he shifts a few large stones aside to reach the one he wants. Rolling a boulder the size of his torso over reveals that it's mostly hollow. Tucked inside is a brown bag which he pulls out carefully and sets to the side. Once the rocks are back in place he scoops up the first half of his payment and heads out.

'I just have to put this back and tear the contract to signify that I won't take it. Once my job with the prince is over I can start taking contracts again' His gaze travels to the sky above as he runs across the open fields towards his next goal. 'I wonder how long I will stay by his side. It could be some time. I should let the villagers know I will not be using my home for a while. Perhaps they could use it for something. As long as they don't touch my books' Letting out a sigh he runs over his books in his mind and wonders which ones he should take with him. When he at last reaches the spot where his contract post is buried he brushes aside the long grass and pops the top. There are no new contracts for him. With a nod to himself he slips the bag inside before pulling out he contract tucked under his clothing and with one smooth motion he rips it and drops it atop the bag. Replacing the cap he stands and looks towards the forest he was born in. He simply stands and stares at it for a while, lost in his own musings, until with a final nod he takes off towards it's border.

[cthulu]

The prince indeed had watched from the window, even once his human eyes could no longer track the fae's movements. The evening had been bizarre to say the least and while he, now, needn't worry about much it concerned him how easily the fae had gotten in and the concern he felt at knowing the fae were not all dead or gone. Though there was plenty to do in the mean time to keep his mind off the gravity of the events he had somehow just survived.

While the fae was away the Prince had to gather his thoughts and prepare the castle for the coming of this stranger. It wasn't easy for his father was always so stubborn when it came to letting anyone into the castle, he hoped though that the recent attempts on his life would be more than enough incentive for his fathers mind to be changed. His sister and mother would both easily be won by the idea of a body guard for him and so if he failed to convince his father himself he was pretty sure that they would convince him for him. All he had to do was get his story straight and make sure plans were already in the works to make sure his father had an even harder time of backing out.

First he spoke to the meister of the library and detailed the man who may frequent at all hours, he spoke to stewards and pages to set up a servants quarters near his own with various necessities while he told the cook about the new mouth to feed and his likely odd diet and requests to come. He even warned the guards that should they see a blonde man scaling the walls to ignore him.

By the time he spoke to his family in the great hall the preparations were well under way and the Prince spoke calmly and rationally. "I have hired a personal bodyguard and he will be moving into the castle upon his arrival." He expected the gasps and his fathers return. "How dare you! Do you not know your place boy? You are not even crown prince yet and you act as King?"
"Your guards allowed another assassin to attack me, last night, in my own chambers." His sister whispered to her handmaiden in quiet shock, "Had it not been for this strangers intervention I would lie dead and my steward would have found me sprawled a corpse on my sheets. This man asked for nothing in return but a bed to sleep in and books to read. Considering he saved the life of your son I considered it the least we could do." The conversation continued for over an hour but by sundown the king had agreed that the stranger would stay and retired to his chambers for supper.

The prince sighed heavily and went to the fae's quarters, checking everything was to his specification before laying out what the tailor thought best, tight fitting brown leather breeches and a loose sleeved but tight cuffed white shirt. There was a brown waistcoat with the lions symbol embroidery upon it and both belt and boots to match. With a bowl of fruit upon the table and night fast approaching the Prince returned to his own room, not two doors down, and opened the window, lounging on the bed to enjoy the cool evening air.

[PopeAlessandros]

As he re-enters the village for the last time in a long time Rei looks about at the various inhabitants. 'I wonder what they did in the past to make the humans afraid' To his eyes they all seem rather tame and calm, the only raised voice those of children calling to one another, or a parent calling their child home. With a sigh he walks down the naturally formed stairs that lead down into the main meeting grounds. Each step is outlined by a tree root of a tree that's well over a thousand years old growing a few yards away. The entire village is so deep in the forest that the only lights are the ones the villagers themselves keep, and the luminescent plants scattered through the entire area. Large glowing mushrooms and bio-luminescent moss that grows up the walls of the finely crafted homes.

As he moves swiftly through over the hard packed dirt of the meeting place he ignores the frightened looks and fleeing figures of his fellow fae and instead focuses on his house in the distance. His living space, barely more than a large hut, is settled near the central lodge where the leaders often meet to work out problems that community has from time to time. 'I know they keep me close to keep an eye on me, however it is all the more pleasant for me to be close to their hall of books' Climbing back up out of the meeting place he pauses to let that same group of children from before pass by, their instructor hurrying them along. She looks startled at his sudden appearance and her wide eyes stay upon him as they pass. Once again his eyes are drawn to one boy who does not seem to be frightened of him. He even stops to stare at Rei as he moves on towards his house.

Rei looks back, watching as the instructor darts back to grab the boy and drag him up with the others. 'If they are so afraid, they should not pass by my house' Finally he arrives at his house and pushes inside. He has no need to lock the place, though many of the locals have taken to doing so more often as of late. Other than his books, there is nothing to steal, and no one is really interested in them. Just inside the door there are a few steps leading downwards into a kind of cafe like area, surrounded on all sides by smooth thick roots the size of his torso and thicker. Most of the houses near the great tree at the north end of the town are somehow incorporated into the tree's root system, and his is no exception. Ducking under his only table he digs carefully past the books he has stored there for a leather bag. He'd purchased the messenger bag years ago when he bought so many books it was a little awkward carrying them in his arms.

'Right where I left it' He wastes no time in pulling it out and packing the three books he does not want to leave behind. Once the bag is secure he heads back outside. A moment later he ducks back inside and rummages around for something to use as a headband. It takes some time but at last he finds a silk scarf he once used to strangle a man's mistress that he's pocketed because he liked the design. Folding it over a few times he tries it out to make sure it would work to cover his ears, looking at it in his small mirror over the wash basin. Giving a nod, the light glistening off of the snake design centered on his forehead, he unties it and slips it into the bag along with his books. 'Now I am ready' Slipping back out of the front door he makes sure it is secure behind him before stalking quickly over to the lodge. The building is twice as long as the great tree is wide, the tree itself centered behind it.

The great front entrance has no doors, symbolizing that all are welcome, however at the sight of him a few guards shift uncomfortably, the hands tightening on their weapons. The only place with guards is the lodge, the village maintaining an easy peace for many years now. He pauses, letting those who wish to flee flee before making his way over to one of the lodge workers he knows by sight. He pale blue hair shifts from one side to the other when someone whispers to her and she whips around to face Rei. She laces her fingers together nervously and waits for him to come within speaking distance. “Hello Rei. How may I help you today?” The girl is on edge, but the usual fear glinting behind the eyes of the other fae is absent in her gaze.

He gives her a nod. “I will be on a mission for a long time, perhaps over a year or so. I may find occasion to return from time to time, however if there is a use for my home while I am absent, feel free to make such use of it. I only ask that my books remain undisturbed.” His voice is low, thwarting most from overhearing what he says to the young woman. However a few catch what he says and soon a faint hum of murmurs and whispers break out around the hall and Rei knows that by the time he leaves the boarders of the village everyone within it's boarders will know of his leaving.

He eyes go wide and a faint smile finds it's way to her lips. “Oh, I see. Well, it is your home, and I can not think of anything right now to use it for, however I will tell the council of your offer.” She pauses for a moment then in a faintly forced nice tone she adds, “Enjoy you time away!” He simply nods in return and turns, moving swiftly out through the tall wooden arches. More people than usual watch him as he makes his way to the edge of town. Less seem to run from him, and a few even come out of their houses to watch him go. 'At least I can give them this little joy I suppose' A few paces from the edge of town he pauses. A faint chill runs up his spine and in a slow motion he turns around to look back towards the glowing wood. There, silhouetted against the blues and greens of the village is the young boy. They simply stare at one another for a long minute before they both turn, and walk in opposite direction. 'That one is different. I wonder why he is so interested in me' Shaking off the chill Rei begins the long trek back to the kingdom whose prince he will soon be in the employ of.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Getting into the palace this time is a little more difficult. Rei watches carefully as even in the middle of the night guards patrol the grounds inside the palace walls. 'Their formation however has several flaws in it. I suppose it would work for an invading force, but they know nothing of keeping out individuals' After watching for over half an hour, marking out the guard's patterns and keeping a sharp eye on all the overlooking windows, he at last drops down and moves like a shadow to the bushes beneath the prince's window. He had watched the open window for a any signs of movement within, and seeing no sign of the young man so often at the prince’s side he deemed it safe to make the trip past the guards. He watches for a particular guard to pass before starting a count. At the count of thirteen the guard passes out of sight and he has just enough time to scale the wall before the next one comes into sight.

Moving swiftly and silently he makes his way up the wall and in a few seconds he is inside, his feet making no noise as he lands in the stone floor. Before even looking to the other person in the room he checks to make sure none of the guards spotted him. With a nod he confirms that he was not spotted and turns so he is standing beside the window rather that directly in the moonlight. His breathing is slow and even, showing no sign of exertion. A quick sweep of the room confirms that the prince is the only other living creature. Finally his gaze settles on the young man and he tilts his head, waiting for instruction. Murmuring just loud enough for the other to hear he says, “The guard is much thicker tonight.”

[cthulu]

The Prince smiled faintly from under his own arm as he heard the familiar voice and slowly sat himself up. "That i believe would be my father's way of trying to soothe his bruised ego." Alessandro rubbed his lower back and stood up. "If anyone asks by the way, you stopped and disposed of the assassin that tried to kill me last night. My father isn't big on second chances. Shall I show you to your room or would you like to discuss things some more before we go?" Alessandro ran ah and through his hair and crossed the room to pull on his shoes once more, there was a faint shuffling of feet passed the door but he had already informed his own servants and those that worked here he would have a guest so they didn't linger long. "I do only have two rules, don't kill anyone unless they're trying to kill me or my family and try not to sneak into peoples rooms in the middle of the night. It's a little bit creepy." He offered a good natured wink and with a coat settled on his shoulders, for the castles hallways often got cold even if a log fire burned in each room, he waited by the door.

"Everything has been arranged as I said, you will have access to the library as early as tonight should you wish it until the foreseeable future. The only wing you are not allowed in is my family's west wing where my father, mother and sister sleep. Only disobey that if they are in trouble. Until my father makes an announcement to all the guards you are considered neither hostile nor part of the guard so keep your behaviour appropriate. If you happen to run into my parents please use manners around them, my father doesn't tolerate fools and while my sister has a slightly better humour it is not easy to temper my father when he's angry. I...hope this is all alright? I don't mean to bombard you but things here are quite...strict."

[PopeAlessandros]

Rei watches the young man rise, his eyes watching his movements carefully. 'He seems far steadier today. I have heard of egos before, and the danger of bruising one. I pray his father does not seek out to sooth it by giving me a hard time. That would be counter productive' Instead of replying to the man's question his head turns towards the door where the sound of shuffling feet draws his attention. It isn't long before they move off but Rei still listens carefully until they are a goodly distance away. 'I suppose I will have to get use to knocking if I can not simply walk into rooms as I have always done. Though this will prove to make defending people more difficult'

Following behind the prince several paces behind he reaches into his bag to retrieve the scarf. Stopping a good yard and a half away from the young man his listens silently as he turns the headscarf into a headband and slips it under the bristle of his bangs and around his head. 'Defending these people sounds like an interesting challenge. It sounds as if I will have plenty of time to observe many different kinds of people' His gaze comes up to meet that of the prince. 'However I am confident he will remain the most interesting' Blinking slowly he formulated his responses to the sudden pouring of information.

“I will most likely map out the palace tonight, keeping to myself to make the job go more swiftly. I understand this rule about the west wing, however I will need to see it as well, however I will be more stealthy than the rest of my tour if it would please you. No one will see me.” Slipping his fingers beneath the headband he settles it into a comfortable position, curving his fingers over the tips of his ears to make sure they are covered before pulling the fabric tight so he can tie it. “I will do my best not to be rude, however I have very little practice with social graces seeing as I was raised by assassins and after killing them and returning home the majority of my kind avoid me like a plague of boils. Perhaps it would be best if I avoid speaking unless absolutely necessary as I do in my home village.”

Securing the knot in a comfortable place Rei turns his head from side to side serving the dual purpose of making sure it isn't pulling any hairs and showing the prince that his ears appear completely human now. “As for being strict. . .” His voice becomes a little distant. “I understand rules. I grew up with a lot of them, and breaking them meant death so I have become quite skilled at following them when they are important.” Blinking again he turns to look back at the young man who is now essentially his master. “My room would be a good place to go. I assume the clothes you picked out for me are ready? From your own words, the sooner I change out of these, the better. Lead the way.” His tone is soft and exacting, his methodical nature coming through loud and clear.

[cthulu]

Alessandro chooses not to argue with the fae, he seems to know what he is doing and as long as he remains unseen he is certain that things will turn out alright in the end. With a small nod and slightly amused smile he turns and leads the way out of his room and the short walk to Rei's new abode, it is a maximum of about twenty meters from Alessandro's own and is in a direct line to it with few adornments on the walls on this side of the palace. There are staff moving about quietly down the halls and about various points in the palace but all seem content and polite offering gracious nods and smiles. "You could always survey it tonight." Alessandro utters quietly when they are alone in the halls, "Or you can allow me to take you on a tour of the more prominent regions of the castle and examine all else tonight. It might be slower for you but it will make your profile better known to the servants so if you are spotted they can dismiss it as an accident rather than an intruder." He offered before pushing and holding the door open to Rei's room.

A bookcase had been bought inside and filled with books that ranged from geographic survey audits to the history of the kingdom, books on the various natural resources of the land and local wild life including just one book about the old fae and human wars. There was among these also story books, novels rather than the picture books of children, most of which were more stories meant to frighten children to behave where the antagonists were usually fae. The table had been covered with a pitcher of water and bowl of fruit, at some point a roast quail and potatoes had been placed under a silver bell shaped lid and a clean goblet sat to one side of it with utensils to eat with. The bed had been made up with a few extra pillows and a throw as well as the duvet while the fire had been lit with a hickory log at it's core so it both warmed the room and freshened the scent within. One of them aids had seen fit to put a small vase of flowers above the fire place to help rid the room of any bad smells and there on the bed were the laid out clothes that Alessandro had chosen earlier, including a soft cloth hat which he'd rustled up for his ears.

"What do you think? Is it acceptable?"

[PopeAlessandros]

Rei follows the young man quietly out of his room and down the hall. As they pass those who appear to be servants of the house,Rei keeps his gaze clear and disinterested. 'Many servants are underestimated when it comes to their powers of observation' He cocks his head a bit at the offer to show him around first, but wonders what the prince means by “Tonight”. 'Is it not already tonight? The sun is down, it is dark out, so it is indeed night. Perhaps he means the early morning hours where most are asleep. That was the plan for the restricted sections, but if he wishes to accompany me until them, I have no real objections'

Stepping into his now abode he gives it a cursory look, his gaze lingering on the partially stocked bookshelf. 'There should be room for mine' With a faint nod he walks towards the bed and sets his bag down beside the clothing. “It is at least twice the size of my house. I am sure it will be fine. Thank you for the bookshelf.” As he finishes he pulls out the few books he grabbed and moves over to place them on an empty shelf. “About what you said before. If you wish to accompany me before this night grows into morning, I would have no objection. When most of the house is asleep though I would prefer to travel alone.” Moving back to the bed he looks over the clothes, tilting his head this way and that before nodding. “They look to offer sufficient movement.”

Reaching up he pulls on the flexible material of his outfit at the neck and like peeling off a tight sock, he pulls the entire thing off in one go and leaves it in a pile next to his feet. Testing each item with his fingers first he pulls the outfit on over his nude body until he he is faces with the last two pieces Wrinkling his nose at the boots he glances back at the prince before pulling them on slowly. “I fear your servants will be finding these left around the castle and ground quite often. I will wear them to avoid suspicion, but I will not hesitate to remove them when necessary.” Once they are on, he wiggles his toes, staring down at them for a moment before scooping up the hat and looking it over. 'Never hurts to be double cautious, however if the hat goes over the bandanna and the hat is pulled off, so too may be the bandanna, so perhaps it is safer without it. . .' He thinks about it for a moment, his body unmoving as his mind weighs the pros and cons. Finally he decides and pulls the hat on carefully over the cloth wrapped around his head and turns to the prince. Tilting his head he holds his hands out. “Do I look sufficiently human?”

[cthulu]

The prince remained standing and kept his eyes sufficiently averted as the fae went about examining then changing into the new sets of clothes, he was glad the fae seemed happy with the accommodation he'd provided, it was not much more than a personally decorated servants quarters but even that had seemed to be rather over the top in the opinion of the fae. He had thought about what the fae had said the previous night about how they had it easy while others suffered, he'd never thought about it before, aside passing thoughts, that there was just so much pointless space in the castle. Of course when it was built it was probably intended for keeping the villagers or nobles safe if there was a siege or war as that had been done several times in the history books but it was still strange that it was built so large. Perhaps it was also the way, back then, a person proved their wealth by having larger homes?

Alessandro nodded lightly to the fae's words about the viewing of the castle, it made more sense that he show the bodyguard around, while he was certain the fae had amazing skills the Prince had learned no one was perfect and no one was infallible. Fae or not there were going to be things he overlooked, things that the prince for instance wouldn't as he knew where to look and what to look for. Like no doubt if Alessandro visited the fae's own abode he would know more than the prince about the ins and outs of it no matter how talented Alessandro thought he was. There were secret passages and peepholes, there were alternate routes and squeaky boards there were so many twists and turns it could make a man dizzy and one false step, even for a fae, would find a person with their head upon a chopping block. His family were not fools, foolish at times perhaps but they were not fools and they were well prepared for most eventualities, the guards on top of which were loyal and hard to corrupt and even the queen and princess had learned how to use a sword.

The prince though remained quiet accept for his nod of understanding to the fae, he would show the fae what he could before the hours grew too late and then he would hope and pray to the gods that the fae didn't go and get himself caught in a place he ought not to be. Soon the subject of matter was the clothes, he had personally chosen such an outfit with what the fae had had in mind and was glad to hear they met his exacting standards. When the peripheral of his vision caught the undressing fae the prince made a more obvious act of turning away and keeping his eyes closed until he was asked for his opinion on the outfit. Turning around he glanced over the fae who was now donned in the Kings colours and gave another nod, "Yes, you look quite human now and less like you intend to kill me. Which i must say is a relief. Would you care to finish settlign in or shall I show you around?"

[PopeAlessandros]

His head falls gently to the other side as the prince looks him over. His comments cause him to blink one of his slow blinks but other than that he has no real reaction. Dropping his arms to his sides he turns back to the bed. 'Less like I intend to kill him? I wonder what he means. He hired me, and he knew before now that I have no longer any intention of killing him' His eyes trail down to his fae outfit crumpled on the floor. 'Does that really look like the clothes of a killer? Was it even the clothes? R have I somehow changed in some other way and just not noticed. . . . .' He remains silent, moving around the bed slowly.

His head remains tilted down as he trails his fingers over the soft covers of the bed twice the size of his own. Continuing his slow trek he moves to the wall at the head of the bed. Bringing his hand up he presses it against the cool stone and begins following it around the room. 'There are two other ways into this room' Small amounts of his magic trickle around the bricks, seeking out as much information as it can and filtering it back to Rei. His magic isn't very developed, most of what he's learned he's had to teach himself, and given his job description it works mostly in a manner most useful for an assassin. From stone to glass he pauses only briefly to glance out the window. 'I am along the same wall as the prince, however this room is more easily observed by those in the stable'

His gaze drops back down and he continues on. 'Not garish, no tapestries or other ornate objects' His fingers trail along the mantle place, the smell from over his head bringing his head up once more. His eyes trail over the flowers and the vase, his head tilting to the side. 'Not the prince's idea I'd wager. This part seems different from the over all feel of the room' Continuing on he passes between the prince and the door, his fingers testing the strength of the wooden door with small flickers of magic. His inspection takes him all the way back to his bed where he stops and draws back all of his magic, the information it had gathered filtering in carefully as to not overload him. 'One of the ways in leads to a servant hallway, and the other is connected to an occupied room'

Letting out a faint sigh he looks to the prince and nods. “I will be sealing one of the secret entrances to the room, the other will prove most useful in protection you.” Stepping away from the head of his bed he motions towards his small bag. “I did not bring much. Books. I will have time later to unpack. For now I would like to get to work.” He steps closer to the prince. “From your own words, your life is in danger often, and I would like to be ahead of the next attack. Such frequent assassination attempts may have more meaning than one would expect.” His eyes flash at the prospect and he moves towards the door. Opening it he pauses and motions that Alessandro should lead the way. Bringing a foot up he scratches the back of his leg with the toe of his boot. He wrinkles his nose and looks down. 'My toenails are rougher. How does anyone scratch with these things on without bending over into a vulnerable position?'