Luna

Nil relaxed immensely after we talked. I had to explain about elves to him, and who Lilas was. He did better when he could talk things out with someone. I did enjoy Nil being protective; being on his side was much better than fighting him. Part of me was curious if Nil even realized how much he'd relax from talking. Probably not, he’s kind of dense on personal matters. It was odd being physically children; the visual feedback definitely made me feel weird at times. I was surprised Nil went along with the ploy to get on the elves's good side. I am so lording this over his head. I was definitely not enjoying calling Nil my hunting dog.

Ailla entered the room to fetch us and had an amused smirk on her face when she saw us. I sat up, making a shhhhh motion to Ailla. If I recalled correctly, Lux woke Nil up by shoving him off the bed. Let’s try it. Nil was much less than amused as he hit the ground. He glared at me, then Ailla, and then sighed as he picked himself up. I got ready first, followed by Nil grumbling how I was Lux two point oh. We went out and had breakfast with Ailla, Lilas, and Chalas. I wonder why Uryana isn’t here. As soon as breakfast was over, Chalas dragged Nil to run laps. His protest did little to slow down Chalas.

“Snuggling into your hunting dog?” Ailla teased with a smirk.

“Holding your little lamb?” I shot back. Ailla shrugged with a smile.

We walked to a clearing behind the house. Ailla was wearing just a tight top and shorts. She was muscular; I looked at my muscles. Okay, maybe I neglected physical training a bit. Not as bad as last life. I was focusing on getting my up to speed, but comparing to Ailla or even Nil I obviously needed to put more effort out. One thing I quickly learned was that Ailla was not a merciful teacher. She’d mercilessly hit me into the ground. We’d start, I’d try to exchange a blow or two with her, Ailla would mix up her attack pattern, and then came the dirt. Come on. I knew I neglected this, but this is ridiculous. I stood back up to try again. It made it abundantly clear I focused too much on my , that I got too fixated on matching Nil's ability.

“You fight too linearly.” Ailla lectured as I was admiring the dirt again.

“What does that mean?” I inquired while standing back up.

“You don’t try to keep your opponent guessing. You rely too much on and it’s obvious.” Ailla clarified as she returned to her starting spot.

I tried again. Mixup my attacks a bit. I tried doing a jab to set distance, but Ailla shot in, grabbed me, and slammed her knee into me. Instantly, I was coughing on the ground. She’s not even moving fast. Ailla was making sure it was fair. As fair as it could be at least. It took me a few seconds to stand back up after that hit. My stomach, chest, and jaw were starting to hurt from Ailla's various attacks.

“Could you hit less hard?” I requested as I massaged my stomach.

“I’m holding back sufficiently; you won’t learn otherwise. Clearly you need to work on your physical condition as well.” Ailla informed me with a matter-of-fact tone.

Around lunch time it hurt to even move. I need a for . Needing ones like Nil made it difficult. I had been able to find a for , which was thankfully cheap. My for was not. would help a lot right now in reducing how sore I was at least. Ailla was too good of a fighter. Lunch was some basic roasted chicken and salad. At least it wasn't moltaug. I shuddered remembering that stuff. Hopefully I would never have to taste in this life.

After lunch, Ailla made me hit the gym. Her workout regimen was about as merciful as her hand-to-hand combat lessons. Come on. A bit of mercy. Unfortunately, mercy was not on her menu. Ailla made me do rep after rep after rep. The weights weren’t that heavy at the start, but the sheer reps made even the lighter ones agonizing. If my form was off, it wasn’t off for long. Maybe Nil didn't whine as much about the stick of corrections as I thought. Having one applied was certainly annoying after the twentieth time. Around dinner time, Nil returned with Chalas. His face was about as thrilled as I felt. Ailla began cooking with Chalas and Nil helping. It was a much simpler burger with fries than the soup of yesterday.

Lilas returned, looking drained. His face lit up when he saw Ailla. Lilas rushed over to her, who hugged him close as she gave him a passionate kiss. Chalas cleared his throat after a few moments, so they stopped. Lilas was telling Ailla about his day revising the tax code. He was telling the story like he was on a gallant quest to rescue the land despite it being the driest, most tedious bureaucracy I had ever heard. Ailla somehow looked genuinely interested as Lilas recounted the type setting of certain forms being a bit off requiring a redraft. I poked Nil, who looked bored to tears. If I recall, in the future he’d pawn off nearly all his paperwork onto Julius.

How can he sound so enthralled by something so boring? Nil asked, sounding ready to start slamming his head into the table.

Mister lover wants to complain about what someone else finds interesting? I teased, which earned a glare from Nil.

What’s that supposed to mean? Nil probed with an annoyed tone.

If this was a discussion on theory, would it be boring? I checked with a smile.

That would be an interesting topic. Nil defended himself, averting his stare a little.

Uh huh. I retorted. Nil looked like he sucked a lemon in response.

It would be! Nil insisted, glaring at me. I tapped my lap. Nil gave me a really stare before complying.

You nerds are all so specific on what is an interesting topic. I added as I began petting Nil.

I’m not a nerd. Nil snapped, keeping his face fairly neutral.

Face it Nil, you could ramble off or listen to theory for hours without getting bored. I taunted him with a smirk.

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How did today with Ailla go? Nil deflected. He knew I was right.

Probably about as well as your day with Chalas went. I informed him.

Merciless taskmaster? Nil inquired as he adjusted to get a bit more comfortable.

Oh yea. I confirmed, trying not to think of the week ahead of me.

How long do you think it’ll take to reach home? Nil asked, shifting a little.

Probably about a month if we’re lucky. To my knowledge Themys doesn’t have a navy, so we need to find a way to afford a ship to take us back. I explained, trying hard not to sigh.

About how much gold would it cost? Nil probed, bracing himself for my answer.

Probably several hundred. Maybe even a thousand. I answered. Nil relaxed. Wait, did he have an emergency fund on him?

That’s not a problem then. Nil informed me, with a lot of the edge removed from his voice.

You have an emergency fund, don’t you? I checked, wanting to confirm the answer was yes.

I do. My parents gave me one to hold onto just in case something ever happened. We have two thousand gold. Nil answered, nestling his head into me a bit. I felt instant relief.

That’s one hurdle down. I replied, relaxing on the couch a bit. Not in the clear, but a major problem was able to be dealt with.

I did have another question, why did we not tell them I’m a Crown Prince? Nil probed. Because he was currently my hunting dog. Not that I should say that answer.

We’re not sure how friendly with Speranza they are. Being two lost children who someone tried to kill is much better. I informed Nil who kind of shrugged.

That’s what I figured. Nil confessed as he yawned a bit.

“We’re going to shower and sleep.” I announced, tapping Nil for him to stand. We gave a polite goodbye before going to the guest room.

“Ailla, remember. Your walls are thin and Lilas is loud.” Chalas lectured thinking we were out of ear shot. Nil and I both had to bite our lips to stop ourselves from laughing.

“But what if I have a ball-gag to keep me quiet?” Lilas checked, sounding a bit desperate.

“Can you two not cool it for a week? Those two are kids and don’t need to potentially hear that.” Chalas snapped back, barely keeping his voice down.

“Fine Dad. We can keep it to hand stuff.” Ailla conceded with an air of disappointment.

“None.” Chalas insisted. Nil and I were both struggling not to laugh.

“Okay Pops.” Lilas sighed softly in a completely defeated tone.

Maybe I should get a ball for my dog. I teased Nil. Nil gave me an amused eyebrow raise.

Wow. We’re kids. And I’m the lecherous old man. Nil shot back.

I meant when we’re older. Someone looks like he enjoys his collar. I clarified to Nil, who was looking quite unamused.

Pervert. Thinking about that as a child. Shameful. Nil retorted with a smirk.

Someone wants to sleep on the dog bed? I inquired, grinning back at him.

That’s not fair. Nil whined, giving me puppy dog eyes.

Who would want to sleep on a bed with a pervert? I mused, as Nil realized his mistake.

You play dirty. Nil grumbled, glaring at me slightly.

I’m using our environment to my advantage. It’s called being tactical. I corrected him, smiling wide.

Shouldn’t you be showering? Trying to clean those filthy thoughts of yours? Nil deflected, trying to salvage the situation a little for himself.

Sounds like someone really wants the dog bed. I replied. Oh, Nil was definitely getting revenge for this. Totally worth it.

Don’t do that. Nil whined, giving me his best pleading stare.

Not even a please. Wow. I thought you were sorry. I continued, enjoying Nil squirming.

Why are you teasing me like this? Nil grumbled. Okay, I better stop here.

It’s fun watching you squirm. I’ll stop. I informed him. Nil was looking irritated at me. Knowing him, he’s likely to hold a grudge.

Why is it fun? Nil pouted, glaring at me. His amber eyes were glowing a bit.

I might have gone a little far. Come on, let’s shower then I’ll make it up to you. I told Nil who looked a bit upset.

Fine. Nil conceded with a sigh.

I went first to keep appearances and then Nil. When he got out, Nil was still clearly annoyed. Forgiving others was never a strong suit of his. I took the towel and began drying his hair and horns for him. Nil instantly turned a bit red as we sat there. I handed him the towel after he was dry which he put back. Nil looked a bit more relaxed.

“I guess teasing you with the dog bed was a bit mean given you can’t afford to tease me back in case I meant it.” I told Nil while stroking one of his horns.

“I was pretty sure you were joking.” Nil grumbled, looking a bit embarrassed.

“You weren’t sure if I’d do it for the joke.” I realized. Nil diverted his gaze a bit more.

“I wasn’t.” Nil confessed in a really embarrassed voice.

“I’m guessing when you’ve been teased in the past they went quite far with their ‘jokes’ against you?” I inquired, feeling a tad guilty.

Nil’s face was all the answer I needed. And we’re a quite far from home which has us both on edge. I hugged Nil, which surprised him. He reciprocated after a few moments, hugging me tight. We stood there for a minute or so, just hugging each other. Nil was pleasantly warm to hug.

“Nil, when I’m teasing you, you can assume I don’t mean it. Also, that I don’t plan on taking the joke further than mild teasing.” I informed him. He hugged me a bit tighter.

“Okay. Sorry I got like this.” Nil apologized, leaning on me a bit.

“It’s fine.” I assured him. Nil was muscular as I held him. Still the frame of a kid, but he clearly worked out; I needed to.

“I think we should sleep.” Nil suggested, looking red still.

I hopped onto the bed. Nil climbed on behind me before I snuggled onto him. You know, Nil never talked about his past much. All I knew was it was horrible, and he wasn’t well liked. Even in the days we were traveling he wouldn’t say much. When Nil was blind he opened up a bit. I kind of wanted to know more about Earth. Maybe if I asked him now he wouldn't completely clam up. He told me a few stories, but I distinctly felt there were quite a few more he didn't say.

“Nil, could you tell me about your past?” I requested as I rested my head beneath his.

“Why do you keep asking?” Nil inquired, wrapping his arms around me.

“I’m curious. I want to know about you.” I explained, adjusting my head so that his landed between my horns.

“Why do you like teasing me?” Nil deflected. Okay Nil, we can discuss that instead.

“Because I like knowing that you still have your heart; that you’re still this version of you.” I answered, moving the blankets around us.

“I’m guessing I was not that pleasant after losing my family.” Nil checked as we both adjusted a bit.

“Not at all. Just know if I tease you, it’s because I like seeing you like you are now.” I explained. I definitely enjoyed seeing Nil as he currently was infinitely more.

“I understand. I’ll note that you won’t go so far as to make me actually sleep on the dog bed for teasing.” Nil quipped, resting his head fully on mine.

“To an extent. If you go too far, that dog bed is yours.” I pointed out. Nil chuckled a little.

“What about when we get back? What’s going to stop me then?” Nil taunted. I can feel that smug smirk of his.

“I’m sure I could convince Lux to help me. She needs any reason to mess with you, no matter how thin. Plus, I could request you to learn more dances.” I shot back. There are also other methods you brick.

“I already had to learn the stupid foxtrot because of you. Duthane is incredibly strict.” Nil whined. I could hear the slight torment in his voice. You should be glad because your family clearly intended on punishing you further for what you did to Grisbane.

“You’re welcome. And I know you think you’ve learned it, but I highly doubt it.” I teased. I did not imagine Nil being an excellent dancer at all.

“Well, it’s not my feet that are going to be stepped on. Hope those boots have steel toes.” Nil added with a chuckle.

“You’re the one that’s going to look like an idiot as I lecture you in the middle of a dance.” I informed him, and made a note to get some metal put into the toes just in case.

“Oh no, people may think I suck at dancing. However, will I live?” Nil declared dramatically, acting like it was discussing the end of the world.

“We’ll see. Come on, let’s get some sleep.” I told him, nestling my head a little more.

“Fine.” Nil replied, tightening his grip a little as we both drifted off.