Yes, Castiel Devis was sunk. He had fallen and he had fallen hard. Although he staunchly refused to acknowledge it, Jaxon saw it quite clearly. He never missed an opportunity to tease Castiel about it. So much so, Cas wanted to shove him off the cliff. He guessed he deserved it after all the time he had spent teasing Jaxon about Avelyn. But still, didn't he have anything better to do?
"SHUT UP!" Cas growled as Jaxon sang yet another love song about him and Demina. He was ready to strangle him. Jaxon stopped singing and smiled, climbing off his horse.
"We can rest here for the night."
Castiel nodded. It was getting dark. He carefully slid off his own mount, unpacking his bedroll, and the food that the ladies had sent with them. Jaxon unpacked his own sleeping bag and a stack of wood. He rummaged through his bag, finally locating his matches. He started a fire and Cas tore open a bag of beef jerky, sharing some with Jaxon. He sat next to his friend, scooting closer to the fire's glow. The warmth made him feel drowsy as he stared up at the starry sky. Before he knew it, his eyes were closed. He could've sworn he'd only fallen asleep for two seconds when he felt Jaxon rise. Castiel was fully awake and alert though, his hand on the hilt of his sword, when he heard the sound of Jaxon's sword leaving its scabbard.
"Who's there?" Jax demanded, "Show yourself!"
Castiel stood, tense and wary as a shadow took the form of a human. The person stepped closer to the fire, revealing their features. He looked to be the same age as he and Jax. He was maybe a bit younger. He had dark, disheveled hair that seemed to get in his bright green eyes. He was about Jaxon's height but very thin. He held up his hand and Castiel narrowed his eyes. There was a scar that ran from the middle of his palm down to his wrist. A scar only thieves could have. Jaxon shifted and Castiel knew he had seen it also. Cas moved closer, sword unsheathed. The boy gulped.
"Please. I mean no trouble." He said nervously, "I only want a bit to eat...If you have any to spare?"
"And how do we know you won't rob us?" Castiel asked. He pressed his sword to the boy's throat.
"Please," the lad begged, "The only reason I was branded as a thief is because I was caught stealing bread to feed my little sister. If that isn't a good reason for thieving, I don't know what is."
Jaxon's features softened but Castiel remained unconvinced.
"And where are your parents, boy? Surely you have someone to take care of you," he said.
The kid's shoulders slumped.
"Not all of us are as fortunate as you. My parents died of fever 'bout three years ago."
Jaxon sheathed his sword, putting on a warm smile. Compassion had won out over caution. He gestured for Castiel to do the same. Cas slowly removed the sword and sheathed it. Jax grinned, holding out a hand for the kid to shake.
"I'm Prince Jaxon of Barnstadt and this is Prince Castiel of Nissania. We have plenty of food. Come warm yourself by the fire. Where is your sister? She may join us also."
A shadow passed the kids face.
"She was...killed...by Drax... a few days back. I'm all alone now."
Jax frowned and gave him hug, rubbing his back. Cas cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"What's your name kid?" he asked. The boy stepped out of Jaxon's embrace and wiped his eyes. Fear made its way up Cas's spine as the boy smiled.
"Raiden. My name is Raiden."
