A/N: Wow holy fuck look at that where have I been nvm back to the story. Latvia might be a little OOC but that'll go away later

When he was younger, the willows used to tell him stories. A lot of good things happened when he was younger, childhood was always such a wonderful thing, it was as if the world was his to explore, to conquer, quests and adventures were always around the corner or beyond a small puddle. He had loved following the beautiful faeries to a small quiet field to watch them dance their entrancing dance in a festival of lights and colors under a bright moon, sometimes they would ask him to join them but he declined, for even as a child he knew the workings of the fey, if he had joined the music would take him and he'd find himself on bloody feet. But this never discouraged him from watching happily from the sides. Sometimes he'd get lost, though he wasn't afraid for a gentle wisp would gladly show him the way back to his home, it would even be so kind as to sing him songs to keep him calm while they walk through the dimly lit forest. He'd reach up and try to pluck a leaf from a low branch but the wisp would move his arm away from the tree, telling him that a slumbering dryad resided within, he'd giggle and softly apologize before they continued their walk. By the time his home glowed brightly from the distance he'd turn to thank the wisp but soon finds that it's nowhere to be seen, save for the fading tendrils of smoke that twisted into beautiful patterns. He would smile and leave behind a token before walking back to his home alone.

Childhood is a wonderful thing, he had done well to cherish it, he was aware of his position and his situation, it didn't surprise him much when it ended with him seeing the way his parents would die.

Years later it happened

The nobleman coughed and covered his mouth with his sleeve, he hacked and wheezed causing his wife to look at him worryingly, the man smiled softly at her and held back a cough "I'm a-alright" He reassured her, rubbing circles on the back of her palm. She frowned at him and squeezed his hand "Will you be able to say your vows?" She asked. He chuckled quietly and coughed once again "Of c-course my love and if s-something happens Raivis could d-do it for me. C-Can't you son?" Raivis blinked at his father, arching his eyebrow questioningly, his dark blue eyes glanced at his mother and she nodded at him. Raivis tried to smile "Yes father" The duke grinned at him and patted his shoulder weakly "I can always count on you Raivis" a throat clearing caught their attention. A tall Russian man stood by the door way and nodded at them "Excuse me your grace" He started with a smile "It is time" Raivis unconsciously shrunk back at the sight of the man, he had heard of Ivan before and quite frankly he was a bit intimidated, the Russian man caught him staring and waved at him cheerfully, Raivis bit his lower lip and waved back hesitantly. Duke Galante stood up and helped his wife up as well, Raivis followed after them. The family walked past the new royal advisor and into the throne room where duchess Galante had requested to have their vows taken. She knew it was unusual but her husband's health had been deteriorating recently, risking him to be exposed to the elements of the outside world was dangerous for both him and their people, once he felt a little better they promised to come out and meet their people instead of being so closed off as they were now. She just hoped that their soon to be kingdom would understand.

The family was instantly greeted by fellow dukes and duchesses talking amongst each other as they walked down the dark blue carpet that lead to the thrones at the front, the noise of the room slowly died down when the family came into view, eyes landed on them and whispers moved about but they held themselves high as a royal family should. Raivis caught some of the other families glaring, he recognized them as their fellow candidates for the throne, finding their heated glares too much he decided to keep his focus solely on his parents who looked at nothing more than the thrones in front of them, the young noble decided to do the same. Once the family were at the front they turned slowly to face the small crowd within the room and watched as Ivan walked down the carpet as well and stop in front of them. The royal advisor regarded them individually, nodding respectfully at each, but when he caught Raivis' unsure gaze the advisor gave him a comforting smile and mouthed 'You will be okay'

Raivis woke silently, the Latvian prince stared up into the dark ceiling of his room for a moment before sitting up to look outside his window, it was already past noon, the prince frowned and shook his head, he didn't intend to sleep for so long but he was just so tired…'No, Raivis pull yourself together' The prince blinked rapidly and pushed himself out of his bed, he has to stay strong, he has to pull through this. Raivis shuffled towards his small wardrobe to pick out his clothes for the rest of the day, as usual he picked out a brown satin tunic with matching pants. They weren't the usual garments required for a prince to wear but what was the use? He wasn't allowed out of his room anymore. The prince glared at the floor once he finished slipping his clothes on, this wasn't fair, what did they think they were doing? He sighed and turned back to sit on his bed just like he did every day, every week and every month that he didn't spend living. Raivis found little comfort in his room unlike it used to offer him before, back when his family were the newly crowned royals, back when he spent his time avoiding the degrading talk from other people in the castle, back when he used to run away from Ivan because the man just didn't rub him the right way, back when he'd silently apologize to the advisor from the other side of his door and hear the man's quiet laugh before the sound of boots walking away made him look outside through a small crack. His room was once his sanctuary but now it was his prison.

The prince looked behind him to stare at the door that remained locked far longer than he liked, the only times it wasn't was when a servant comes to give him his meal then fetch his empty or- on bad days- still full plate and scurry away just as fast as they came, sometimes he could hear the quite murmurs from outside, indicating that there were guards stationed at his door, he once requested to be let out but his plea had fallen on deaf ears as it always did. He chuckled bitterly to himself, remembering as a child that he had thought the life of royalty would be great, he'd be happy, he knew better now. Although it wasn't always like this, he was kept here for a reason, he hated that it was for a reason, the reason itself? He hated that most. Raivis sniffled and hugged his knees, he wanted his parents to be with him, he wanted to see them, he had every right to spend his last remaining days with his parents 'Three more days' His mind answered for him. Three more days before he won't be able to see them both, permanently. The young prince tore his gaze from the door and looked out the nearby window with a glare, no, he should be with his parents at least one last time, he didn't want to stay here knowing perfectly well that they were….

Raivis stood up from his bed and marched determinedly towards the doors, he knew this wouldn't go well in his favor but for the sake of his parents he's willing to try again. The young prince started banging as loudly as he could at the doors and began to shout "I DEMAND YOU LET ME SEE MY PARENTS!" His shaking voice strained to keep its volume. There was shifting on the other side before a reply came through the door "I'm sorry your majesty! We have our orders" Raivis scowled and started banging on the door once more "I DON'T CARE! I WANT TO SEE MY PARENTS!" He knew he was acting childish but if he'll ever want anything he's prepared to go through these kinds of lengths to get there. The guards on the other side glanced at each other, with frowns the opted to remain silent instead "LET ME OUT! AS YOUR PRINCE I DEMAND YOU TO LET ME OUT!" Raivis' shouting and repeated door hammering echoed through the halls, loud enough that a certain mage coming out from the dungeons heard it. Vlad quickly ran to the front of the prince's chambers and confronted the guards "What in the name of the kingdom is happening?!" He demanded. The guards looked at each other then one of them answered the concerned mage "It's the prince, he has requested to be-" "LET ME OUT! I DEMAND YOU LET ME OUT!" "…To be let out mage Vlad" Vlad sighed and shook his head "Have you told him no?" The guards nodded. The mage clicked his tongue and ushered them out of the way "I will speak with him" The two men stood at attention as the mage opened the door, both ignoring how the mage wiped away the blood on his hands.

Raivis nearly fell over when the door had suddenly opened, were they really going to let him see his parents? Of course not because Vlad just entered. The prince frowned and walked back to his bed, sitting at the edge without looking at the mage, Vlad sighed and closed the door behind him then went to approach the young Latvian "My prince" The mage greeted. Raivis gave him a curt nod in acknowledgement but didn't do anything further, he never liked talking to Vlad. The mage in question sat down next to him and clasped his hands together "….You know you can't leave" Raivis shot him a glare "Yes but I want to" Vlad frowned at him and bit his lower lip, something Raivis translated to as 'I'm gonna explain something' "My prince Raivis…We're keeping you safe, we want you to live. If you're gone who will take the throne? That's why we're taking really good care of you" 'Like a pet you mean' Raivis' thoughts lingered on that fact, they were keeping him here groomed and well fed to be the perfect little monarch they want him to be, he scowled "Taking really good care of me? So that must mean you don't take care of my parents?" Vlad shot him a nasty glare that only lasted for a few milliseconds before he schooled his features into a cool and collected one, Raivis never liked Vlad to begin with so he silently rejoiced in the fact that he caused the mage's mask to crack even for the tiniest of seconds "Please do not think so little of us your grace, your parents are well and happy"

Raivis huffed, same answer as always Vlad, there was never a following 'and' or 'but' because the only words that ever come out of the mage's mouth were the words he wanted to hear. It irked him "I want to see them, I don't have to go there directly, you can give me a magic mirror or crystal ball or something!" Vlad laughed a bit and shook his head, for a prince ruling over a kingdom Raivis has little to no knowledge of a lot of things, it was perfect really. He turned to face the prince's offended glare and returned it with a knowing smile "It does not work that way my prince, such magic takes time and a lot of effort, I would gladly have one of my fellow casters conjure up something for you but you must understand that we cannot provide within only mere seconds" The prince stood up and walked towards his window, arms crossed "I can tell what you're trying to say Vlad, don't treat me like a child. Your answer is no and it will always be no right?" Vlad frowned and stood himself but made no move to approach the prince "Of course not your grace, it's simply a matter of-"

"Stop lying to me Vlad" Raivis turned and glared at him, Vlad held himself high despite it "Every word that comes from your lips is laced with poison, I've seen it before Vlad, you talk with grace and charm and your actions speak kindness but in the end they're just whispers" The prince walked up to him and Vl-ad simply watched, no reaction, Raivis had the urge to hit him. It was no secret to him that Vlad had an air of superiority and with his parents out of commission he had no control until he became of age to take the throne. Despite his right as the next King for all he knew Vlad was already named as the whole monarchy "Dear oh dear my prince, I'm sorry that you see me that way" Vlad stepped back a bit and walked to the small bookshelf on the wall closest to him, he traced his fingers down a worn book's spine before taking it out and flipping through the pages. Raivis already knew which book it was and regretted not having it burned sooner "'And you above all should know the price, to save, to care and to nurture this land of which we are blessed with. Heed these words and grow, heed these words you of the land, you of the people, you as the sun, the moon and rain, heed them well'" Vlad carefully closed the book and smiled at him, the mage held out the book which Raivis reluctantly took.

"We face great trials my prince, these trails are won by means that even I detest but I serve my kingdom and it will always come first. I can never bare to see her fall and if it means that I myself will destroy my morals and virtues then so be it. You must understand my prince" Raivis gnashed his teeth together, silently fuming, he never really understood what it was about Vlad that made him so frustrated- other than the obvious of course- but every little thing inside him screamed at him to be as far away from the mage as possible and he never doubted his instincts, it helped him more than once. He rubbed his temples and set the book down on his bed, turning away from Vlad his waved his hand dismissively "Just go Vlad, leave me" Vlad hovered for a while, unsure of what sort of not Raivis had ended their conversation on, sometimes the mage silently fumed at the fact that despite his uncanny ability to read other people, his prince was mostly unreadable at times. The mage thinned his lips and bowed, saying nothing he opened the door and left the prince in his room. Raivis let his shoulders drop when he heard the door close, he sniffled and rubbed away the tears falling from his eyes, the thought of being trapped in his room for years had hit him- this wasn't the first time- and it scared him very much. The young prince held back his sobs as he looked at the book on his bed, with a frustrated cry he flung the book across the room and wrapped both hands around himself as he slid to the floor.

Raivis' thoughts wandered towards his parents, to his weak father and his heartbroken mother, he hasn't seen them both in so long, they were so far away despite being in the castle with him. Sometimes he wondered if they missed him just as much.

He saw his brother. He saw his brother. His brother saw him.

His brother was a resistance member. His brother was a wanted man and he'ssupposed to hunt him down.

How did he get here?

Ludwig scrubbed his face with a hand for the fifth time that day, come to think of it his face started to feel sore, he chewed on the inside of his cheek and tapped his foot against the ground repeatedly, the colonel could barely contain his stress up until the point where he actually excused himself from duty to spend a day just recollecting his wits in a small garden near the kingdom, it did little to ease his racing heart and troubled thoughts. Gilbert was a resistance member, he could barely wrap his head around that thought but it made perfect sense, his brother would be away for long amounts of time, claiming that he was hired to do some sort of guarding job by passing travelers, Ludwig had his suspicions before but now that it was confirmed he felt that he was torn between punching his elder brother or asking him for advice.

Now Ludwig wasn't on the resistance's side or anything, he wasn't on anyone's side really, it's just that he apparently wasn't as good as his brother when it comes to lying through his teeth, if Vlad's accusing gaze earlier that day was anything to go by he had to be a lot more careful, he didn't want to risk losing his position in the army just because his tongue slipped, he worked too hard to get to where he was and if he were to fail now he would never forgive himself. Now that he knew that his brother was part of the resistance his position as colonel meant something else entirely once again, he'll have to figure out how to contact his brother to explain and hopefully have Gilbert understand why he had to do this, there were too many things happening all at once and he just needed time to fix it. Though as much as it may hurt his brother he won't help him or his resistance friends, there was too much at stake and Ludwig has been doing a great job of being subtly neutral in the workings of the kingdom.

Ludwig looked up from the ground and breathed in deeply, the earthy smell around him calmed him just a little bit, this garden was his favorite place to go to during times of distress, it was a place where he could pretend that he was still back home in Seval, his little village, often he got so lost in his daydreams that the smell of baked goods and smoky ashes would cascade from his memories until he believed he could actually smell them, the steady buzz of his village would fill his ears as if he were there and on rare occasions he'd expect his brother to bounce out from behind one of the trees and exclaim how he was such a girl for smelling the flowers, when it didn't happen he'd always shrug off the disheartening feeling before it fully gripped his heart. He couldn't afford such airheaded behavior, especially since two people now depended on him. God help his soul.

The soldier let out a small pained sigh once the reality of the situation slowly but painfully sank into his mind, how long has it been since he had been home for long? It seemed only like yesterday when his bruder had come back home and told him about his so called 'new job' that stole him away for too long and as time passed Ludwig had become accustomed to being alone and without is elder sibling, he was still so young when it happened - barely a man but neither a child- he couldn't help but feel the small pangs of sadness when his bruder comes back home and tells him that he had to leave once again in a few short days. He couldn't say anything to stop his brother though, he didn't want to be selfish, his brother had done so much for him in his youth, raised him all on his own even! Ludwig had no memories of parents, only his brother, Gilbert on the other hand seems to have them for whenever a younger Ludwig would ask the elder sibling's eyes would run away with immense loneliness and despair until he smiles and distracts him with something else. Now that he's older though he knows better.

He heard their neighbor screaming, he heard their neighbor dying. Otto clamped his hands over his ears and sobbed, he sank to the floor and flinched when he heard someone outside start begging for mercy until a metallic 'shink' silenced their cries. He felt cold, he felt himself shivering despite the scorching heat of unforgiving flames outside his home, where was Gilbert? Where was his bruder? A nearby window broke and the young boy's panic finally flew into gear, tearing a terrified scream from his throat 'Oh Gods, the guards are here, they found me, they're going to KILL ME' Otto screamed in terror and shut his eyes tight, nearly digging his nails into the sides of his head. He heard rushing footsteps and nearly jumped out of his skin when a hand grabbed at his shoulder "GO AWAY! LEAVE ME ALONE!" He yelled and kicked at whoever was there "Otto hey shh!" His heart startled. Otto blinked rapidly until the tears cleared away from his eyes and the hazy vision of his bruder grew clear "Gilbert? GILBERT!" The boy threw himself into his brother's arms, nearly tripping when his feet felt like jelly. The older Beilschmidt held him tight and gently carded his fingers through the shaking boy's hair "Hey bud it's gonna be okay, I'm gonna keep you safe alright? No dumb guard's gonna get you, so do me a favor and be awesome for me for now okay? We gotta go quickly you hear me Otto?" The boy gave a weak nod and let his brother hold his hand as they made for the back door as fast as they could just as the doors up the front were kicked open.

Gilbert cursed under his breath and pushed his younger brother ahead of him as the guards began shouting and searching their house. Otto for the most part ignored the flames and broken streets, he turned away when the sight of a still body came close to his view, he held back his sobs and let his brother's hands on his shoulders assure him that he wasn't alone, yet it also reminded him of the horrifying fact that this wasn't a dream "H-Help! Please help! My wife is trapped! Someone please help her! PLEASE!" Otto glanced at the man they passed by, it was the old baker mister Wellis, he faltered in his step which didn't go unnoticed by Gilbert "Otto! Don't stop keep running!" He turned to face his brother "Mister Wellis' wife is trapped bruder! Didn't you hear him? We should help!" Gilbert gritted his teeth "We can't Otto! I'm concerned about one thing and one thing only! It's to get you somewhere safe! Didn't you see their house?!" Gilbert's voice cracked as he swiftly knelt down to his brother's height, a pleading look in his eyes while his hands tightened on his brother's shoulders, making Otto wince at the feeling "The guards already set flame to the inside! If she was in there she'd be screaming! Wellis is in hysteria and his wife is already dead Otto! There is nothing we can do for him now!"

Otto was taken aback by his brother's response "Y-You don't know that! What if she fainted?!" Gilbert grimaced "She didn't Otto, she's dead. Look" The boy glanced back at the man in front of his burning house. Mister Wellis was crying uncontrollably, clutching what appears to be singed clothing "I saw her just this morning Otto, that was the color of her dress" Otto could barely believe it he couldn't speak, he couldn't breath, he didn't even feel his brother start pushing him back into running until his lungs were heaving, he felt hot tears stream down his face as his brother's shouts drowned out all the devastation around them. All these people, he grew up with them, in just a wink they were gone, taken by the flames or claimed by a blade, it was unreal. Gilbert suddenly pulled him to a stop, he jerked forward when his brother pulled him to his chest "Gilbert-?" "THERE!" He froze, Gilbert spun around and held him back as the guards came into view and were rushing towards them "Otto do something for me will ya?" The younger Beilschmidt's eyes were wide and scared when those words left his brother's mouth, he didn't like where this was going "I want you to run to the forest okay? Run and don't stop running, don't look back, don't be scared, I'll find you okay? I'll always find you" His throat felt dry, he couldn't get one word out, say that he wanted to stay, that he wanted to be with his brother until the end but before he knew it his own two feet were moving on their own accord and soon the entrance to the forest was in his line of sight "COME AT ME BASTARDS!" He heard his brother yell as he jumped over a bush. Otto ran faster than he ever could, he ran until his heart pumped wildly in his chest, until his lungs felt as though it had heavy blocks of ice in them, until black dots danced at the corners of his vision, he ran until he couldn't anymore and collapsed to the ground.

When he woke up he wasn't alone, someone was beside him and tapping his shoulder, at first he thought his bruder had found him but a soft voice he didn't recognize greeted him instead "Hello? Mister human are you okay?" She sounded nice. Otto blinked his eyes open and took in a huge gulp of air, he shakily sat up and whipped his head towards the sound of the voice. It's owner was shocked to the say the least, by least he meant she jumped in surprise and leaped as far away from him as possible "I-I'm sorry mister human! I just found you here a-and my fratello is probably gonna be mad at me because he said I shouldn't be near humans but I saw you running and I-I thought you must be scared of something so I thought I could help but when you collapsed I got scared too cause I thought you died so please don't hurt me!" He almost couldn't understand what she had just said had it not been for the fact that she spoke so fast and that he was completely mesmerized.

Standing there like it was just any other day was a centaur, she was small and wearing some sort of green clothing that didn't quite reach up to the part where human like skin met horse skin, her auburn hair shined in the sunlight and reached her shoulders with a cute little curl poking from the side, he complexion wasn't as pale as Otto's and it made her even more mesmerizing, she was staring at him wearily as if he might run over there and eat her which is funny because Otto was thinking of the same thing, he was aware of the fey but he never really knew what to do when actually faced by one, he opted for the cautious approach "I'm not gonna hurt you…" He slowly stood up just as she looked as if she was about to leap away. The centaur watched his every move so he stayed exactly where he was "Y-you're not?" She took a step back, Otto nodded "Yeah, I'm sorry I scared you, I was…m-my village" He swallowed and looked to the direction of his home, the centaur blinked "Your village? Is it the one that's burning?" He flinched at her bluntness, he supposed the fey don't beat around the bush "The royal guards came and they were asking for our tribute but we couldn't give it to them so they…I-It's not fair!" The centaur startled at his sudden outburst, Otto blinked away the wetness in his eyes and sniffled "My brother's still in there and I don't know if he's okay! I think he challenged the guards and I know my brother's strong but sometimes he gets arrogant and he gets hurt- Oh gods what if they killed him?! What will I do?! I can't go back but I want to! I want to know if my brother's okay!"

He didn't even notice the centaur approach him until he found himself in her embrace, he sobbed and quickly hugged her back, thankful for some sort of comfort even if it was from someone otherworldly "I can look for you if you'd like it mister human" Otto pulled away and stared her in the eye "You- n-no I can't ask for that! The guards might get you!" She simply smiled at him and stomped one of her legs on the ground "No they won't! I'm good at running! They'll never catch me!" Otto clenched and unclenched his fist, he looked away from her and back to the direction of his village "…Can you really? Would you do that for someone you just met? It could be dangerous" The centaur placed her hand on his shoulder and smiled reassuringly "My fratello used to do things for me too when I was scared, he was grumpy but I know he cared, sometimes he'd do a lot more things than what I wanted. You're scared right? So I should do something to stop you from being scared! It's what my fratello would do for me" He opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water, Otto sputtered for a while but eventually he got himself together "Thank you, truly! I'll repay you I swear!" She flinched "Don't do that mister human, if you promise such things to fey you are bound forever, I-I don't want to do that to you" Otto had none of it though and stared her directly in the eyes "I mean it! I you can bring my brother to safety or at least watch over him I owe you a debt, just please please don't keep him out of your sight"

She stared at him for a short while until nodding reluctantly to the subtly made deal, after which she galloped away and left Otto alone once more, he should keep running just as his brother said but he couldn't help but wait for the centaur's return. He stopped, gods forbid he didn't even know her name, with that in mind he stayed just as he were to wait for her not only to know of his brother but also her name.

She said her name was Feli, Ludwig mused, after the tragic events that transpired in their once quiet village passed, Feli told him that she had to leave for her family were about to move away as well, he reminded her of his debt to her to which she begrudgingly acknowledged. She had bid him farewell and left almost as soon as she came and it wasn't long after when his brother found him surrounded by others who he now knows to be fellow resistance members. That was the last time he saw Feli until a few years later. He was a young man by then and Gilbert had been away at that time to accompany a merchant passing through the valley- although now he wondered if his brother had been away fighting the royal guards stationed at the valley- and he was out helping his fellow villagers rebuild what had been destroyed during the raid of some passing ruffians, it was the start of a cruel and hard time which would lead up to where he was now- where his whole country was now- it was a strange sensation but he couldn't stop it either way, he had felt a cry for help, he didn't hear it but actually felt it. Up to this day he didn't know how to describe the feeling it was just as strange as the fact that the fey existed but nevertheless he was glad he felt it, he had stumbled and crossed through the forest in a frenzy as if his actions weren't his own, he ran for what seemed like miles until he came to a halt close to an intersection in the forest. He was close enough to see but not to be seen. There he found royal guards on their trusted steeds pulling what appears to be a prison cart.

"Just wait until Mage Vladmir sees this, I'd bet you 2 silvers that he'd award me with some sort of charm" One guard chuckled and elbowed his companion "You hear that Strafs? I'll be getting 2 silvers for sure, Mage Vladmir isn't exactly the giving type" The first guard snorted and simply waved him off "If he doesn't like you that is, I on the other hand do a good job with helping him out with tasks that need a soldier" Another guard laughed, startling whoever was in the cart "HAH! You'd lick his boots if he asked you! Obviously you're just his dog and you don't even know it" The first guard glared at him "We'll see who's laughing once we reach the kingdom with this beauty in tow, we were lucky enough this centaur got too close, it'd be a great addition" That caught his attention, Otto looked hard at the cart until he spotted a familiar shade of auburn hair that was now shorter, he couldn't tell much from his position but he was sure she was frightened just as he was all those years ago, maybe even more so "Quickly then, this thing isn't gonna deliver itself" The cart started moving and the guards on horses rode to it's sides. Otto crouched behind a bush and followed it until it reached the end of the forest, he stood up slightly and watched the cart go. In seconds Feli's amber eyes met with his, she stared at him with as much hope as a parched man seeing a lake in the desert. He gave her a tight smile and mouthed the very same words his brother told him all those years ago 'I'll find you'

It wasn't easy trying to get into the kingdom's ranks, it took him years of training and dedication to be able to even barely pass for a soldier. He never told his brother though and was glad that he didn't now that he knew the truth of his brother's doings, if he had told him before Gilbert would have never allowed it even if it were for a friend or acquaintance maybe? He wasn't so sure of his relationship with Feli at that time.

It wasn't long until he deemed it time to infiltrate the kingdom and hopefully come back home with Feli, he just hoped nothing bad happened to her while he spent his time worrying and working. When he left the village he was a full-fledged adult, he had told his brother that he wanted to find some sort of work outside of their little village, especially since Gilbert was having troubles with money, reluctantly Gilbert had permitted him to leave his 'awesome presence' and he was off. The journey was long and exhausting, he even had to fend off some band of thieves at one point and constantly had to keep his hand on his belongings in fear of pickpockets. The country was unstable and was quickly falling apart during those days when multiple resistances ran rampant, many folks took this opportunity to slip away from the law of the kingdom while the rebels decimated the kingdom's forces.

As horrible the circumstance was for everyone Otto was grateful for it, if the kingdom was barely keeping it's soldiers together there was a greater chance that he would be recruited. In fact the kingdom was welcoming volunteers even younger than he was, it wasn't a great move but they were desperate and the brash youth jumped at the chance to prove their worth and gain the glory of soldiers, if only they knew what they were signing up for. Otto still shuddered at the memory of the heartless guards that ransacked their village, they showed no mercy and no sense of human decency, he wondered if they were like the young men volunteering once, dreaming of fighting for their kingdom and country and wishing for the fame of a war hero, if that was what they had become Otto feared what might happen behind the kingdom's walls. He looked down at the waters and swallowed, he felt sick and it wasn't because of the boat he was currently riding, the idle chatter of others around him drowned out the pounding of his heart as the kingdom grew closer. He was afraid that if his purpose was found out not only will Feli be in danger but his brother too, maybe even the whole village if the kingdom thinks he's part of some sort of resistance and that his village was housing his fellow rebels, these days those kinds of deeds were punishable by death, the kingdom couldn't afford an uprise while so many rebels wreaked havoc across the country, it was only right to stomp out the spark before it burst into flames.

He thought of his bruder and all the secrets he kept, now he had one of his own as well, Gilbert wasn't going to be the only one with a silver tongue in their household if he were to succeed in this suicide mission of his. He recited his new name in his head over and over to ensure that even if he panics he'll at least blurt out his alias than his real name as to not endanger his brother, it was a simple name and easy to remember, in fact he got it from a piece of torn paper he found in his brother's room, he was unfamiliar with the name but the paper for the most part was taken care of so it must have meant something to his bruder. He didn't take the whole name obviously, just the second name 'Ludwig' and his surname was simply a word in his mother language backwards, he just hoped no one in the kingdom spoke German. Soon the high walls were towering over the boat and all it's passengers, 'Ludwig' steeled himself and left the boat once they stopped near the entrance, he can do this.

For Feli

Ludwig stood up and left the gardens, he had enough reminiscing, too many emotions came all at once and the soldier didn't come for a breakdown, the gardens were supposed to be his refuge from such things, he decided that maybe he should go back to the training grounds and tear his subordinates a new one, surely training up the new recruits would do his stress some good. He sighed and made his journey back, even now he would subtly glance around him for that one shade of auburn, he never saw Feli for long in the kingdom, he was happy when he saw him again- and very surprised when he found out that the centaur wasn't a woman- but when Feli looks him in the eyes he saw nothing but vague confusion and distrust, another thing that had shocked him when he came to the kingdom, did Feli not recognize him? Had he changed that much? What he did know was that Feli was always with a mage and more often Vlad, he was even glamoured to look human the first time Ludwig saw him that he had to do a double check. From his years of serving under the kingdom he heard only whispers of the mage's intentions which were the usual; experimentation or recruitment. Ludwig didn't want to know what had happened in his time away from the centaur, he just hoped that one day Feli might recognize him again so that he'd finally take the centaur away from the kingdom and back to where ever he came from. Ludwig couldn't right now though, he had to be more careful.

Toris had one job and somehow he couldn't accomplish it. His job was simple actually, he was a guide and companion, all he ever had to do was stand beside someone, tell them things and make sure they're taken care of. This time though he believes he's been hexed. So far 2 of his candidates had ultimately met a dark end, it had hurt him a lot considering that he had grown fond of the last two candidates, such a thing never happened before and it was a new and delightful feeling until both had left him and this world too soon, he was afraid but undeterred and wouldn't mind if the next candidate were to also become his friend and now he had more reason to cherish that would-be friendship, though he did promise himself that this time he'll do better, too many of them had been lost and he can't afford to lose another especially now since he was on a race against the clock, if he didn't succeed now who know what might happen. He had located the next candidate in a place called the kingdom, he wasn't quite sure if that was its actual name or if no one just said its name out loud for some odd reason, he didn't mind though so long as the candidate was still standing, the essence was weak though and he couldn't quite feel where the candidate was exactly, only their general location.

He was amazed at this kingdom place, he had never seen such powerful wards before, they must have really learned spellcasters, it was a sticky bind but nothing he couldn't handle and soon he was walking with the crowd inside the towering walls. To Toris it was like he stepped into some sort of portal, the world within the walls wasn't like the world outside, it had a different feel to it that didn't quite agree with him and it made him slightly uncomfortable but he shook it off and soldiered on, if he wanted to find the candidate then he had to just suck it up. Despite the uneasy atmosphere which was surprisingly unnoticed by the people, their world was quite beautiful and the peace was constant- another unnerving thing- and come to think of it the sky didn't feel right either, even though curiosity was bubbling inside Toris he couldn't stray from his original purpose, it was time to find the candidate but that didn't stop him from making a mental note of coming back to investigate on his free time.

The companion swiftly moved through the crowd, his dull red cape flowing behind him as he followed the tug until he was gaping up at a tall and intimidating castle at the heart of it all. He must have been staring for quite a while because someone caught his attention "It's a real beauty isn't it?" He looked to his side to see a young woman smiling up at the castle "They say that it was once just a fort and that the first king refused to leave it or his country when everything was bleak during the war, eventually it was constructed into a castle once the king expressed that the fort played an important role in his survival and should always be remembered" She sighed and met his eyes "What brings you to the castle stranger?" Toris glanced back at the castle and felt for the familiar tug, after feeling that phantom pull he was sure that the candidate was definitely in there "If you won't mind miss, might I ask if you know how many people reside in the castle?" Her brows furrowed at the odd question but answered it anyway "Well from what I know there are many, from the kingdom's soldiers, the mages and the royal family themselves good sir" Toris nodded "That doesn't seem like many people…" The woman giggled "Oh but it is I assure you" The companion merely shrugged in response "No, it isn't that many. Some are strangers" The woman looked at him weirdly and began to back off "No offense to you sir but you are the stranger here, nevertheless I hope you find what you're looking for" Toris watched her go until she was out of sight. He glanced back at the castle and looked around for anyone that was watching before stepping inside.

Casually, he strode up to the entrance where two guards were stationed, they eyed him wearily "Halt, who goes there?" Toris smiled at both of them "I'm here to search good sirs" The guards glanced at each other and gave a snort "Search? Hmph, trust me fellow, there's nothing here worth searching except for treasures but you'll have to go through us if that's you're plan. The kingdom doesn't take kindly to such acts especially from strangers" Toris pursed his lips and nodded "I see….but what you don't know is that I'm not a stranger, not entirely. I'm a companion" Suddenly a cold washed over the guards, they blinked twice and gave Toris a once over "Oh, you're right, how could we not have….We apologize sir, let us show you in" Toris held up his hand and gave both of them a pat on the shoulder "No need for that really! I'll be fine on my own, just open the doors will you please?" The guards gave him one salute and opened the doors, letting the companion inside. Toris looked around and gave an appreciative smile, paintings of the fey hung on each wall and a gigantic circular red carpet adorned the floor, it's design was that of an old feyan song about a water sprite who drowned singing birds in her lake until one bird got her to sing instead which ultimately caused her to drown in her own lake. The story isn't so nice but the song itself was enchanting and whoever would learn it would not be able to resist singing its song until they choke on their own spit. Alright maybe the song won't be as nice if you sing it but it IS a very beautiful song.

Toris sighed and crossed over the carpet, the candidate was close, he walked up the stairs and went by unnoticed by most guards, those that did notice him reacted just the same as the guards that were stationed at the front doors. He was on what was the third floor at the North hall of the castle when he felt the tug of the candidate grow stronger, he quickened his pace and stopped in front of a light brown door decorated with gold, he was about to open it had not a familiar and unwelcome presence alert him "No…she's here too.." Toris looked to the hallway to his right when he heard footsteps approaching, cursing he ran to the opposite direction until he was sure he was away from danger. The companion looked around for a place to hide in until she leaves, he spotted a door with two guards at the front and deemed that a worthy hiding place. He walked up to the guards and flicked their heads before they could say anything making them mildly disoriented, giving Toris the perfect chance to slip inside while they tried to gather their senses again. He closed the doors behind him and sighed, he didn't think she was this far too, that was bad, if she was here and so close to a candidate he really had to work fast, thankfully she hasn't eliminated the candidate just yet which was odd but a blessing nonetheless "E-Excuse me?" Toris jumped and put a hand to his chest when the voice came from behind him. He let out a wheezing breath when he realized it wasn't her.

"Oh! You scared me! Didn't anyone teach you it was rude to sneak up on people?" Raivis was- to put it simply- confused. He was having a nice quiet day and was about to fall asleep when all of a sudden some brown haired stranger comes barging into his room. He was close to yelling in surprise when it happened but the stranger didn't appear to be aware that someone else was in the room with him so he took caution and approached him slowly. To say that he was a bit intrigued was an understatement, not many new people get to come to his room, especially since Vlad barely lets anyone come in, most of his curiosity was stomped out when he remembered that fact, he sighed and crossed his arms "Did Vlad send you? I told him already that I don't need new servants" Toris' eyebrows furrowed together "Vlad? Erm, sorry I don't know him and servant? I don't think so, well I was a servant once but that was a long time ago" Raivis startled and he stepped back, was this man an assassin? A mercenary? A ruffian? Or even worse! A rebel?! "L-Look, I don't want any trouble, I don't even know what happening outside my own walls!" Raivis' vision blacked for a bit before returning to normal, he was surprised and blinked a few times to assure himself that it actually happened but he shrugged it off as a trick of the eyes instead. Toris on the other hand didn't think it was a trick.

Before the prince could say, Toris' shocked and bewildered face was close and examining him "Could you do that again?" Raivis stepped back when he found that his personal space was being violated way too much "Excuse me?" Toris urged him on "That! With your eyes!" Raivis was convinced that this man was insane, he really had to call his guards soon or if it comes down to it Vlad, he didn't want to catch the sickness of mind, the thought of it terrified him, he'd really like it better if he kept his coherent thoughts thank you "I'm sorry but I want you to leave" Toris' eyebrows jumped to his hairline, he glanced at the door then back to the prince "I'm sorry? You want me to leave?" Raivis steeled his expression and nodded "Yes, stranger, I want you to leave and don't think I can't defend myself! My guards are also right outside and will have no trouble putting you down if need be" Toris put his hands up in a gesture of good faith, he didn't want to scare this boy honestly, he just thought that…. "Alright, alright look, I'm here for a reason and I have reason to believe that it might involve you" Raivis gnashed his teeth together "I'm warning you stranger, try anything and I will call my guards" Toris was unaffected by the threat and began to circle the prince, with Raivis keeping a wary eye on him the whole time "That's strange, this has never happened before, there is still a living candidate but then there's you"

Raivis frowned at him "What in God's name are you talking about?! Candidate? What candidate? Are you just spouting nonsense?" Toris was too lost in his own thoughts to have heard the prince's questions, the companion stopped in front of him and regarded him with caution "If you're here then the situation is more dire than I thought. There's no time, its better to be safe than sorry I suppose" He looked at the prince and Raivis met his gaze defiantly "What's your name?" Raivis was silent for a short while but when it was apparent that the stranger wasn't going to leave without an answer he sighed and gave in "Raivis" Toris smiled cheerfully at him "It's going to be alright Raivis, all of this will pass. And would you kindly forgive me?" Raivis' brows furrowed together "Forgive you? For what-" In seconds Toris picked him up and slung him over his shoulder before jumping out his one window. Raivis had little time to process what was happening until he felt the feeling of falling and began to flail and scream wildly "YOU ARE A MADMAN!" Toris on the other hand was calm as they fell, he cupped a hand to the side of his face and yelled at the guards "I'M KIDNAPPING YOUR PRINCE!" The guards instantly looked up and clamored into one place in a panic, they scrambled for whatever could save their prince from a dreadful demise and ended up with only a brown sheet that once covered a bale of hay. With Raivis screaming and Toris whooping cheerfully, they landed with a bounce on the sheet and to the ground before the guards could process what had just transpired.

"Thank you kindly!" Toris said as he ran away from the castle and back into the busy streets. It wasn't long after someone yelled "STOP HIM! HE HAS THE PRINCE!" And multiple shouts of orders began to fill the air as guards began to run after the companion and captive prince. Raivis on the other hand was trying to worm his way out of Toris' hold "LET GO OF ME YOU CAN'T DO THIS!" Toris shot him an apologetic look "I'm sorry! I really am and I hate to do this but for the sake of your world you need to come with me for now! I promise I'll bring you back Raivis I will truly but you have to trust me now!" Raivis for one did not want to go with a madman but something about Toris' words made him curious, despite being a stranger Toris had some sort of air of knowledge to him and to be fair he got him out of his stuffy room which was what he always wanted, he never thought it would be this soon or this strange but he was out, that thought alone stilled him for a short time while Toris raced them through the streets. They jumped over objects, pushed away people with apologies and tried to shake off the guards behind them, soon the towering wall was in sight and Toris began to run faster "STOP! FOR THE SAKE OF THE KINGDOM SOMEONE STOP THAT MAN!" The guards at the front gates heard the cries of their kinsmen and began to stand guard and capture the companion. Raivis was sure that they'd be stopped and taken away at any second now but surprisingly Toris just ran past the rigid guards, which made the guards behind them yell in confusion and fury, then they were out the kingdom walls. Once they were outside Toris set Raivis down "Excuse me for a moment" He turned back to the guards still standing in place, ready for an enemy already out of sight "CLOSE THE GATES HE'S NEAR!" All of a sudden the guards snapped into action and frantically closed the gates and charged towards their fellow guards causing havoc among the ones that were chasing after Toris and Raivis, unsure why their own kinsmen began attacking them. By the time the gate was closed mass panic had flared in the castle due to the prince's kidnapping. Toris held out his hand to Raivis "Hurry up before they catch up" Raivis looked at him unsurely then back at the offered hand, he was out, he was free but his parents were still in there, Toris sensed his distress "Don't worry, I promised I'll bring you back and I will but for now please come with me" Raivis glanced back at him and with one last look to his home he took the companion's hand and ran off with him, towards what he doesn't know.

Vlad was beyond mad, he was infuriated. Not only had he lost two people inside the kingdom today but hearing that it was once again caused by one man? Now that was a sore spot and in just one day. He cursed and kicked at the things within the room, flinging various things around with his magic to vent out his frustrations. It was bad when he found out Arthur was taken away by a rebel group but hearing that Prince Raivis Galante was snatched by some madman in a red cape was something else worse on its own "How?! HOW COULD HE HAVE BEEN TAKEN?!" The guards that survived the confusing confrontation with their kinsmen shuffled uneasily "We're not sure sir, the stranger was seen just walking in the palace according to others" Vlad gnashed his teeth "You mean to tell me that a stranger was walking in the palace and none of you tried to stop him?" A younger guard was the one that spoke up this time "We thought he was welcomed in here, my partner said he saw him being let in the front doors" A window beside them broke, the shattered glass scattered everywhere and hit most of the men gathered there. Vlad's hand unclenched itself and he bit his lower lip until he tasted blood "Have those two guarding the gates executed, we've no need for such fools" And with that he dismissed the guards, leaving him alone in the room.

He yelled and let most of his magic escape him, it flung itself around the room in a horrible show of destruction. By the time Vlad had calmed down most of the room looked as though it had been ransacked by barbarians, Vlad inhaled deeply and rubbed his temples with his fingers, he glanced up and saw himself on a shattered piece of a nearby mirror and he paused. Somehow his reflection didn't seem right, cautiously he approached his reflection and touched his face, his doppelganger doing just the same, he didn't look right somehow, just a few days ago he was okay but now he seemed….different. Vlad stepped away from the reflection and looked down when a cracking sound echoed through the room, he had stepped on a broken piece of the window. The mage looked around him and saw the destruction he had caused, this didn't feel right. Vlad's hand flew to his chest where he felt his heart pounding wildly, somehow all this didn't feel right, he could barely recognize himself, he was always angry most of the time, always out of control of his own emotions and- oh god Ivan..

Vlad covered his mouth when he felt bile rising up in his throat, with a pounding heart, a troubled mind and an uneasy stomach the mage left the room in hopes of understanding what caused such a disruption in him. Was this the work of the stranger?

Arthur was silent, thoughts had begun to race through his mind ever since that talk with Agnes. Could it be there was more that the kingdom was hiding from him? What else were they keeping stashed away at the bottom of everything? It troubled the mage because he never had to question his home like this before…why was that? Did nothing ever come to him as odd by then? Sure he knew of the kingdom's less than righteous deeds but that should be able to coax out some unsure feelings within him up to the point where he'd have to investigate right? But it never happened so- "Arthur hey you look like you're constipated man" The mage snapped out of his thoughts has his new traveling companion's smirking face became clear "I was merely thinking that's all" Gilbert hummed and swung his arms behind his head as they kept walking "Sure looked serious, wanna talk to the awesome me about it?" Arthur rolled his eyes with a smile "I'm sure you'll just fall asleep halfway through it" Gilbert chuckled and grinned at the mage "True but I can listen, I'm the most awesomest listener trust me. I mean my bruder used to whine and cry a lot so I've got a lot of practice" Arthur didn't really want to voice out his concern just yet, if he did that meant he was admitting something to not only the rebels but to himself, so he decided to change the subject entirely "I never really did ask much about your brother. Where are your parents?" Gilbert grimaced slightly before schooling his features back into nonchalance "Oh you know, lived and gone, Otto doesn't remember so that's cool and I'm okay with it. I was still pretty young but I was good enough to raise my bruder and I'm not complaining, I was pretty awesome at it" Arthur huffed out a laugh "Wow, raised him on your own did you? I never took you for the responsible one" Gilbert shrugged "Eh, comes and goes, its no fun being stuck up all the time, I mean look at Yao"

"I heard you Gilbert" Yao commented from the front making Gilbert laugh "You were supposed to hear me!" Arthur smiled at the albino and sighed "For being an insufferable twit you're not half bad" Gilbert smirked and slung an arm over the mage's shoulder "Don't be surprised, no one can resist the awesome me for long, you were bound to fawn all over me at one point" Arthur laughed and Gilbert laughed with him, Alfred didn't, Alfred growled at them.

A/N: Mhmm so yeah, I'm so sorry I take way too long and this is the only thing that came out of it. I'll uh just go now.