[littl3chocobo]

he didn't like the hug and remained stiff but he was happy enough not to have to travel alone now, at least for a little bit. "ree, i want to leave this place, let me stay with you until i can find a charter to take me across the sea, i can pay you and it will not take long"

[Poggio]

Ree shook his head. "And let my investment die. I was promised a boone I have not collected on, and I also promised until I get you home, I would protect you." He pulled back just a little to smile into those grey eyes. "If this is not your home then I will be there when you find a new one. Lets go." He let go rising from the bed.

[littl3chocobo]

he shivered at the oath and thought back to his books. grand adventures always started out with words like that and though he understood the difference between reality and fiction he could not suppress the thrill. "i have silver, enough to cross the sea and then some, i need to grab my rings"

[Poggio]

That only earned a laugh from the thief that was well prepared. "... I have spoons and other objects I managed to grab along the way. As well as some funds from two days ago. However it is best to try and find a ship were we can work out a contract as you did with James. Silver only last so long." If all else failed, Ree had no qualms about working of their passage. The thrill the young noble had was contagious, he had never been outside of the city before. He watched the young noble grab his bag as well as a small chest from the dresser. Once Kais was ready, he grabbed the other buy his hand, guiding him through the shadowed curtains past the guards to yet another door into the castle. The taste of freedom was a shorter walk this time. It led them to an out door cellar of an abandoned noble house.

[littl3chocobo]

he didn't let go of the hand even after they came out of the blackened tunnel and escaped from the abandoned manor and into the night. if anything he tightened his grip, he didn't want to be separated this time, not when he was so close to freedom

[Poggio]

Ree did not slow his mad scurry until they were close to his own shack. He finally slowed to a stop, realizing it might have been the last time he would see the abode. He could hear the kettles whistle even on the street. "I need to talk with mother alone, if you go upstairs you will find my bed empty, you can rest there for tonight. We will leave at dawn."

[littl3chocobo]

he shook his head, "it isn't that simple, i will expect to spend the entire day looking for a safe and sturdy ship, it will be a couple days before we'd leave, this is not like an adventure story, planning and care is needed"

[Poggio]

He let out a sigh that he didn't know he was holding. And then he laughed. "I have never read an adventure novel. In fact, my boon was going to be a request for you to teach me, but now I must rethink that." He adjusted his bag over his shoulder. "You can go upstairs and sleep. I must get ready to do chores, heat the water and so forth."

[littl3chocobo]

he let the other go this time and said nothing. he could not fathom not having any knowledge of the world outside of his ears. he was not sure how he felt about that. silently he tried to recall the way to the narrow cot in the uppermost room of the house

[Poggio]

By the time he returned he was sweaty and tired and realized he missed the large fluffy bed. It felt like clouds. He saw the other lying on his bed and remembered his offer from before. He grabbed his pillow curling up on the floor with the little ones. He had forgotten to tell the Royal about James. He yawned as the rest of the house was waking up. The furnace was already ready for them.

[littl3chocobo]

he was nearly asleep when he felt the other taking a pillow from the bed. opening his eyes he slid to the edge. "ree... i want to teach you how to read"

[Poggio]

His eyes flew open and he found himself hanging off the edge of the bed close to the other. "You will what?" He whispered in disbelief.

[littl3chocobo]

he was shocked as a hopeful dark face nearly pressed into his. blinking stupidly he repeated himself feeling unsure, "i....want to teach you to read..."

[Poggio]

Ree moved until his nose was pressed against the other. His eyes were wide with excitement. "Not just words, but maps and other things?"

[littl3chocobo]

he nodded slightly still staring into rounded red eyes "if i can read it i will teach you as well, a voyage by water will take weeks even months depending on the port we head for, there will be time enough for it"

[Poggio]

He blinked dreamily like a doe eyed moon calf. Curling his fingers around Kais face he excitedly pulled him in for a quick kiss. "Thank you. you have more magic then I ever will."