ＲＵＮＡＷＡＹＳ [1ｘ1] | ｍｉｎｋｅ & ｒｏｓｅ .

The large house was quiet, as usual. The only sound to be heard were the maids walking up and down the corridors as they cleaned and waited upon the other members of the household. Neither of Linus' parents were at home; both were out doing their activities for the day. This was the only opportunity he was going to get today and in preparation he'd packed a small bag the night before with a couple of keepsakes and extra clothes, along with some money and food. He wasn't sure how long all of that was going to last him, but it would have to do for now. And so, swiftly exiting the manor while everyone was busy, Linus headed out towards the town, picking up speed the farther he got.

Linus rarely visited the village, so once he arrived it wasn't surprising that he wanted to spend a some time looking around, even though he really couldn't afford too. He did however stop by a small stall with nicknacks and jewellery, most of which had fake stones, but he had expected as much. Giving a polite small to the owner, who was eyeing him up suspiciously, he picked up a necklace with a amethyst pendant - one of the few that was real - and inspected it. Surely he could treat himself to one thing before he left?

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Noël had been patiently waiting on a bench in a more secluded area of the palace gardens, hoping that his friend would hurry up and arrive soon. If he was gone for much longer, his mother would send for someone to find him and he'd have to explain why he was hiding from them - no to mention if somebody happened to walk in on him and Reficul having their talk. They'd been having these secret meetings for a while now, but if anything he got more nervous with each one - surely their families would start suspecting something soon?

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"Your Royal Highness, are you alright?" she asks quietly, glancing away from where they had come from to focus on Lana. Jiang really hadn't explained anything to the princess, she'd just rushed her out of the castle as soon as she was told they were under attack. Though from what or who exactly she wasn't sure, if anything she was just as clueless as Lana. They were currently hid in the underground tunnels, making their escape, but had stopped for a brief brake - it was difficult for her lady to move around the narrow caves with such an overwhelming dress.

The sudden shouts and scream startled him and he spins around to see what all the commotion is about. There appeared to be chase going on and it wasn't long before he was getting shoved around, slowly being pushed further away from the stall. Linus was still clutching the necklace tightly in his hand and he winced when the owner started screeching 'Thief! Thief!' while pointing in his general direction. He didn't take his time with getting away once people started ganging up on him too and it was a bit late to return the necklace now, so he quickly stumbled towards a narrow alleyway, taking a sharp turn down into a dark dark end. As he waited for his pursuers to pass by, he glances down at the piece of jewellery in his hand for a brief moment before shoving it in his bag.

After a few minutes had passed, Linus peers out and looks both ways before carefully exiting the passage and continuing on his way to what he hoped was the quieter end of town. When he arrived, it was difficult for him to stop being so jumpy and cautious, glancing over his shoulder and constantly looking around in case those people from earlier were around. And due to his concentration on where he was going and his somewhat fast walking, he ended up crashing into someone, falling to the ground with them. Linus lets out a small yelp and a hurried apology before placing his hands on either side of whoever was now below him and he pushed himself up to stare down at them.

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Noël had started to get anxious as even more minutes passed with no sign of Reficul. He had a feeling the young man was going to be careful and quiet, so he made sure to be extra attentive to the noises around him. Soon enough, he heard very faint footsteps from behind him and turned his head to look over his shoulder just as a hand was placed on it. He frowns slightly at the nickname and huffs lightly before patting the seat on the bench next to him "What took you so long?" he inquires, ignoring the question he'd been asked.

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Taking a deep breath, Jiang prepares herself for the outburst that was sure to happen when Lana spun around to face her. She listens as the princess complains about her feet hurting and she gives a little nod and smiles "Well then, if that's so, let's keep going shall we?" she remarks wittily, turning slightly as if she were going to start walking again. Watching the other girl fall to the ground in a heap of frills and ribbons, Jiang rolls her eyes slightly before clearing her throat with a small cough. "We're in the underground tunnels, m'lady" she replies simply, hoping that no more questions were on the way.

Linus was just thankful that there was no one was around to witness the awkward few moments between him and the other boy as they silently stared at each other, that was for sure. Watching the stranger wave their hand in a very clear motion after attempting to speak, he complies and hastily stands up, brushing himself down before outstretching his hand to help them up "I really am very sorry, I should've been paying more attention" he says, quickly glancing around before bringing his attention back to the boy, offering him a small, somewhat sheepish, smile.

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Noël glares slightly at his friend when he was patted on the head "I'm not a dog, you know" he whines, folding his arms in annoyance. "And what kind of errands does a prince have to run, exactly?" he asks, raising an eyebrow at Reficul. He knew for certain that neither of them were ever asked to do such a thing.To be honest, he'd noticed that Reficul was arriving later each time for their meetings and Noël had started to suspect something - though he wasn't sure what exactly. He still trusted his friend and had figured that if Reficul had something to tell him, then he would.

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Jiang just stared at the princess with an almost exasperated expression on her face as she watched the girl become even more annoyed at their current surroundings. "For your safety, m'lady" she replies calmly "The kingdom is under attack and I'm afraid we have been forbid from returning to the castle" she adds, crouching down in front of her "So if it isn't too much to ask of you, may we continue on our way?"

As he patiently waited for the boy to respond in some way, Linus looks him up and down. He appeared to be a working boy of some sort judging by the dirty clothing and by the smell of horse coming from him, Linus could only assume he must be a stablehand. This meeting might actually be of some use after all, it seemed. A voice brought him back to attention and he blinks at the boy. To be honest, Linus didn't think he'd sound like that, but thinking about it now, the guys voice suited his otherwise feminine appearance. "Oh, it's not your fault, don't worry" he replies, nodding his head at the thanks "You're welcome" he grins, dropping his hand back to his side. "By the way, if it isn't too much to ask, what's your name?"

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Swatting away the other prince's hand, albeit with a small smile and the quietest of snickers, he eyes up his friend with a disbelieving look. "Mmm, okay then" he says, deciding to just go along with it. He could always question Reficul later, they didn't have time to argue at the moment. Startled by the shouting, Noël flinches "Don't be so loud!" he scolds, gently punching Reficul in the ribs before tutting. "Other than you killing my poor ear just now.." he complains, lifting a gloved hand to his head, pretending to be hurt "I'm fine."

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Jiang was somewhat horrified by Lana's outburst, but in this situation she had suspected something like this might happen. She was used to the princess cursing foul things under her breath, but Lana had never outright shouted them over and over again. It had apparently taken a lot out of her though, as Jiang watches the girl sprawl out across the floor, whining and trembling as if she were going to cry. "M'l-...Lana, I know you're upset and angry" she begins, placing a hand on her arm "But we have to keep going" she explains. "How proud would your Papa be of you if you were strong and continued down these tunnels?" she smiles comfortingly, hoping the mention of Pachua would help encourage Lana.

The boy suddenly seemed rather tense after Linus had asked him about his name and he took his time with replying. He wasn't in some sort of trouble was he? That was the only reason Linus could think of as to why someone would get so anxious about their name. Though, with confidence that wasn't there a few minutes ago, the boy introduces himself as Ari. "Well then, nice to meet you, Ari" he says cheerfully.

Sire. He sniggers at the word he'd been called and waves a hand at Ari "No need to call me that, Linus will do just fine" he smiles. He'd never been much of a fan of fancy titles such as 'sire', 'master' and 'lord'; he'd much prefer to be addressed by the name given to him. Placing his hands on his hips, Linus does a light shrug in response to his question "A nice walk is always good once in a while, right?"

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Pouting with his arms crossed, Noël huffs lightly "I wouldn't have done it if you weren't making so much noise!" he argues, rolling his eyes at the wink and glancing off to the side. Though it wasn't long before he was slightly startled by a sudden kiss on the cheek "E-excuse me?" Noël stammers, flushing lightly at Reficul's words.

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Jiang let's out a small sigh of relief when the princess stirs a bit. Her plan had worked then. Good. Now maybe they could actually get somewhere. "Mhmm, of course he will" she replies, getting back up on her feet again before Lana starts to march down the tunnel, thankfully going down the correct path. Jogging to catch up with her, Jiang falls into step behind Lana as they trudge on in silence.

Linus chuckles softly at Ari's hurried and somewhat panicky responses. The lad seemed to be an odd one for sure, but he didn't mind. Perhaps he was still a little shocked from their incident just now. "Actually, would you happen to know where I could get a horse?" he replies, his head cocked to the side slightly as he asks, briefly checking over his shoulder in case he had actually been followed. "Also, I really can't stay long, so if you do, could we go there right away?" he adds, bringing his attention back to Ari once more. He probably seemed a little suspicious at this point, but he could always resort to bribing the lad if need be.

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As Reficul continued on, he reddened even more. It would be an understatement to say he was simply flustered. "I n-never asked for you kisses in the first place!" Noël argues, though he didn't resist the sudden handholding from the other boy. "Well, actually, I was thinking..." using his free hand to wave around as he talks, Noël tries to find the right words as he turns inwards a little to face his friend. "Reficul, aren't you tired of this?" he asks, referring to the secret meetings and the whole hiding situation.

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It was nice to see Lana back to her cheerful self, even if it might not last very long, Jiang was glad that the princess wasn't moping around and complaining anymore. She held the girl very dear to her heart, but she had to admit, her lady was a handful a times. "Indeed he is.." she murmurs softly in a half-hearted reply as she trails after Lana. She waited for the other girl to exit the cave first before clambering out shortly after, squinting slightly due to the sudden sunlight. Once out, she glances around tentatively "I'm not quite sure where we go from here, Your Royal Highness"

"Ah, how convenient!" he smiles, glad that his assumption was correct. As he listens to the boy ramble on about the horses he couldn't help but chuckle softly "You're fond of them, I guess?" he asks, his cheerful grin faltering a little at the mention of going back to the market area. "Ah, okay then.." he replies, pursing his lips in thought. Just how exactly was Linus going to get to the stables when he'd be recognised within seconds?
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Putting his hand to his forehead with an agitated sigh, Noël shakes his head "That's not what I meant!" he exclaims. As much as he loved his friend, Reficul would certainly be a handful at times. "I meant that- ow! Refi, that hurts" he glares at the boy, trying to wriggle his hand free from the sudden tight grasp "But anyway, aren't you fed up of having to meet in secret all the time?" he questions

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Jiang watches the princess as she calculates the time and which direction they were facing, which needless to say impressed her a bit. It wasn't often that Lana actually put her many skills to use, so Jiang often forgot that she was capable of such things. After the girl was done with her informative speech, Jiang smiles widely and claps her hands together "Wonderful! Shall we get going then?"