Bright shining skies, no clouds, a perfect blue colour among the highest points. Mountains, that was. Beautiful, colossal mountains that reached to the heavens, though never really getting far enough to do so. They also, strangely, lacked snow. On a tropical island it was likely that such things would be rare with the warm air blowing from all sides. Even the ground on the very top of the mountains was nice and warm, a constant spring feeling all the time. The flowers were few and far between, not that anyone minded too much, as they learned to live without them. On the rare chance that one did pop up, it was kept in a secure magical encasing to make sure it stayed alive for as long as possible. Only the two nobles were allowed to see them, along with their guard. The most common and arguably the most beautiful was a pure white rose, said to have been cleansed by the unadulterated mountain air, washed from the colours of temptation. It blossomed on pure sunny days, growing year round but oddly never being found unless the weather was just right. The locals found this queer. While they ached to do studies on it, the royals refused, wanting to find a way to have a stable supply of the roses before measures were taken. It didn't feel right to let the flowers risk extinction. The people were annoyed, yet they knew not to question their rulers, and simply went about their days as normal. With the occasional flower grabbing, of course.

One of the royals sat outside on the balcony, sketchbook and pencil in his hands, eagerly drawing one of the small birds that happened to sit upon the railing. Its feathers were a nice few shades of brown, orange, and black. Long and soft, and covering the rather tiny body that the bird inhabited. He did wonder sometimes how such a small creature could exist. The bird's black eyes blinked and glanced around, noticing him, then quickly flew off in fear. It was so fast that the royal barely had any time to react. His eyes blinked, it was gone. Such a curious moment, with a curious creature, he half thought it to be made up in his mind. The royal glanced to the railing in hopes that a feather would be left behind, and to his luck, there was. One of the longer ones, too. He smiled with glee and reached forward, picking it up gently in his fingers and twirling it about, the colours matching very well with the bird. It's dark eyes had been the most key feature; how could such a tiny animal with eyes smaller than a pin, pack such a wondrous gaze into it? Regardless, he had another thing to add to his collection, and hummed softly while he sketched the feather into his book. The royal was a little disappointed he couldn't capture the glow of red or brown into it. Such things needed to be shown. He pondered the bits of colours he had brought with him and as he looked through the small pouch he carried, he realized he would need to get more. The ones he currently acquired were almost down to the ends.

A light knock on the door to the balcony caught his attention, and he looked over his shoulder, glancing at his brother with an even wider smile. The other royal of their wonderful little kingdom. One of his brows raised curiously as he wondered why his brother would wish to interrupt him.

"Rose? Is something the matter?"

The second royal just shrugged in response then walked out to join him, sitting in the other chair to overlook the scenery. It was a wonderful day. Beautiful and calming, sunny, warm with a cool breeze, there but not annoyingly. Able to be bypassed to focus on other things, though it was still there, still cooling the two from the unwavering sun. They might not feel heat like their subjects but they could tell when it got too much. The two smiled as they watched from above, the citizens looking like ants in comparison, most of them covered up in some way. It was beautiful. They loved where they resided, feeling lucky in some way, and delighted to share the experience with others.

The first royal went back to sketching, having tucked the feather away as a keepsake. He'd find a better place to put it later. For now, he wished to enjoy the time with his brother, not worrying about deadlines or meeting with aristocrats or signing new laws. Just the quiet, serene sounds about them, and the never-changing mountains they called home. It was silent apart from the chatter below, the birds among them, and the wind through the castle above. Such a wonderful experience it all was. Even his pencil was soft compared to the other noises, which said quite a bit since usually it was fairly audible, to where some would question what he was drawing that required he be so loud, but it was as simple as the paper he used. He had two types; rough, for the note taking and quick sketches, and the softer ones mainly for use when in the castle. As he had a tendency to stay up sketching the stars and constellations, he'd prefer to stay as quiet as possible so as not to wake his brother.

".....hey, Datura? Do you ever…wonder…if there's more out there?"

The royal blinked, surprised his brother would bring it up, or talk at all, as Rose was normally known to keep quiet while they spent time together. Of course, Datura wouldn't pass up an opportunity to talk and played the question back in his head. Wondering…wonder if there was more beyond their kingdom. He did occasionally. So he nodded in response to his brother's question, smiling, his gaze never having wandered away from the page he drew upon. It was almost done as he added the remaining details to the bird's feathers. It took quite a bit of concentration to make sure he got everything right. It would feel wrong to have studied such a beautiful creature and something be out of place. It felt wrong, in a sense. Just a few more lines and he will be done.

Rose noticed the nod from the corner of his vision, pleased with the response, however nonchalant it may seem. He imagined such fantastical things, like banners that sat upon boats, floating proudly in the breeze, or people being able to fly in the sky like birds. It was such a wonderful idea. He knew it wouldn't ever happen, but stars above if he couldn't dream. The books they had never steered him wrong. They spoke of crowds of people fighting, wars existing, fanciful weapons and armour created to protect those who required protecting. He found his mind wandering, wanting such things to exist, wishing they would. But his brother wanted peace and tranquility within the kingdom. Rose understood and wouldn't fight it, no matter how boring it got to be at times. His melancholy grew each day he woke up. When he wasn't forced to do his duties, he was looking out at the same landscape he grew up loving. He felt ashamed for never finding beauty in much anymore. It all felt just too perfect, too calm. Rose had an undeniable feeling of dread that something bad would happen at some point.

"Your Majesties. You have a visitor."

Both of the brothers turned to their guard, then each other, unsure who would want them. They'd both been expecting a painless and calm day of doing nothing. Rose sighed and stood up, his robes crumpled slightly from his bent-over posture sitting in the chair. He smoothed it out before giving a nod to Datura, then to the guard, headed out to greet this newcomer. He'd been hoping for a day to relax with his brother, but fate was a fickle mistress and seemed to have other ideas. How he loathed her at times.

Datura hung back for a while to take in the scenery one last time. The sun remained high in the sky, illuminating the earth below, shedding a warm yellow glow around them, showing millions of miles of land still unexplored. He had the urge to. The young royal simply never had the time. Whenever he felt he did it was ripped away, forcing him to stay in his role, doing as told by those who were considered 'advisors'. He never saw them as such. He refused to be negative or cruel, but he saw them as a nuisance. It was quite the bother when he wanted to be free, to do as he wished and pleased. Datura blinked his thoughts away to have the courage to stand up and be what others saw him as. He gave one last look to his drawing, considering just packing it away for later, but decided against it so as to not damage the paper. He'd likely keep it by his side so he wouldn't lose it. He sighed and stood up, already missing the warm company of his brother and wishing the moment could have lasted longer. Datura looked to his guard, who kept a friendly expression, smiling softly and hands clasped behind his back. It made the young royal smile as his stature eased some.

As they walked through the corridors, they kept conversation, not wanting it to end yet. They enjoyed talking to each other.

"Prince Datura, I must say your artistic skills are improving. I am very much impressed with how well you've been able to grow these past few years."

Said prince lightly laughed in response.

"Pray, you don't need to be so formal around us. Just because you're the guard doesn't mean we are incapable of having a friendship," Datura stated with a smile, glancing to his companion with glee. "And besides, I'm quite bored of the royal speech myself."

Pray nodded, though he didn't give any visible hint that he cared. Datura always wondered what went on in the head of his guard. The guard and his friend, as well as Rose's. They all were stalwart and held together through thick and thin; it was a surprise they even stayed alive through most of it, actually. Between the previous rulers suddenly vanishing and him and his brother being forced to rule at such young ages, even when they weren't really of royal blood. Was it perhaps the rare species they inhabited? He hadn't seen anyone of their kind apart from Pray. Even those who visited outside the kingdom were of no relation to him. It was a secret never to be told, he assumed. Most likely for the best. If he and Rose found their heritage and it was spread among the folk, there would be mutiny at their doors. That was something he hoped and wished to not happen to the beloved place he called home. It wouldn't be fair to him, to his brother, or his friend.

"Even so, Datura, I am proud of you. Have you ever considered painting for money?"

That got the wheels turning. The prince had thought of it a few times. He just assumed his abilities to not be up to par with the other artists within the kingdom. Plus, he'd rather not make it a full-time thing. Datura wished to study the stars more than anything else. He wanted to go out and enjoy the faint glow from them and to name the constellations with Rose and Pray. It had always fascinated him and he had no idea why. If he took painting as a job, that meant the free time he was graciously granted would be spent doing something that, while he enjoyed, he'd soon get bored of and try to avoid. Much like his princely responsibilities.

"Thank you, Pray. I don't think I'll have people pay to get them from me. You know my obsession with the stars. If I were to paint for my people, I'd never get the chance to see outside again. I don't believe I could live that reality."

Thankfully, the guard understood and gave a nod to show it. He wrapped his arm around Datura's shoulders to bring him in for a side hug as they walked the halls. They both laughed from the rare moment of peace awarded to them. A glorious event he wished would last forever. Alas it was not to be, as they soon came to the grand hall, and separated to avoid being seen as suspicious. Friendships weren't allowed, as Datura had been told many times by the advisors and people of his court, so he and Rose kept it to their secret quarters and away from prying eyes. It was upsetting yet necessary. However the two hadn't ever been told to be content with it, so they weren't, and the brothers craved to have a day where they spent out with their friend, doing things that the normal populace would do. Rose and Datura would complain to each other of how it didn't seem fair. It wasn't fair. Why must they be forced to keep up statuses that neither were even wanting to take?

Rose talked to the newcomer within the other's vicinity, chatting about rather mundane things, simply wanting to know why the stranger decided to visit. And what had compelled him to want the attention of the two princes. The royal calmly listened as the sordid wretch spun a tale of woe, saying he was a traveler that was unfairly tossed from his place of residence, sought upon by bandits, and in dire need of assistance. Rose was a little skeptical of the story but spoke nothing of it; if the traveler wished to be in place of comfort and hospitality, then so be it. He wouldn't deny someone a home until they could find a way to fend for themselves. He and Datura had plenty of rooms that the newcomer could choose from. He noted that even with the stranger standing upright, perfect posture and everything, their white hood obscured any facial features. Other than the voice, he'd barely know if they were a male or some obscure creature. The species of the male was also indecipherable. His clothes hid basically everything. All Rose knew was that, whomever this new person was, they were tall and intimidating. Which said a lot. Rose was already quite tall, in terms of most things. He beat his brother in that contest every time. It wasn't by much yet it wasn't a thin margin either. He could easily rest his arm on Datura's skull if he felt a need to, which was quite rare.

"...I suppose you could stay here for a while. If my brother is ok with it, of course. He should be here any moment now."

The prince turned and saw Pray and Datura watching from afar. He always found it amusing when they tried to eavesdrop; it always failed in quite the incredibly amusing way, and this was no exception. He'd expected it, which was why he had spoken louder than usual, making sure that the two would be able to know. It was their cue to come in and say hello to the new person. Rose motioned them over with a smile and slight jerk of his head. He watched as the two convened for a moment, seeming to try and see if only one should go or both, then eventually deciding to both go over. It wouldn't hurt to introduce themselves, after all. Such events as this happened so rarely.

"Hello there. I'm Prince Datura. I see you've met Prince Rose."

The starry prince was taken aback by the imposing height and stature of the stranger. It made him get a chill up his spine from fear. He didn't know why, but it felt as though the air got colder. Datura did his best not to show how he was scared of this new person. Everything just felt so wrong about him already. He took a breath to steady himself and his breathing. It had grown a little shaky as the constant anxiety streamed through him like a river.

Pray, on the other hand, rather tuned out the conversation. He didn't feel it was necessary to him. He wouldn't be needing to watch and protect whoever this new man was. As he looked, he recognized the pattern in clothes and colours, and the voice brought back a few memories. Memories he'd wished to push away and forget. He knew this man. He knew exactly who this man was, and he knew that he and his friends were already doomed from the man talking to them. The need to protect them grew the longer the two princes talked. He couldn't exactly say why it bothered him. If he did, the man would most likely kill them all, and take the kingdom for himself. He didn't want that. It would happen eventually, but for the moment and until that day arrived, he would serve them and keep them safe. That was his job since he came here, and he wouldn't let them down. It felt odd to say. Pray had been simply minding his own business one day when he was randomly teleported to a new place, no reasons given. And he had no way to return. It was bothersome, to say the least. He wanted to go back, yet his connection to the two princes was tighter than most he'd ever known in his life, and he couldn't just leave them. That would be unfair to them. Unfair to him.

"Well, I do hope you enjoy your stay here. Do you mind giving us a name?"

Datura looked expectantly at the stranger. His eyes conveyed excitement poorly hidden within a professional demeanor. He saw the man look up and reveal his eyes.

"William."

･ﾟ:✧*⋆.

The throne room was grand and luxurious. Very clearly befitting the two princes. Neither of them were much for details or large spaces, mostly leaving that for things such as the ballroom or the library. But a throne room had never been something that they expected to be large. The most they ever got in there was a party of eight, and it seemed to be made for much more than that. They couldn't exactly help it though. The kingdom was small, with a low population, and everything was at peace for the most part. They didn't have much of a reason to seek help or advice from the royals. Which did little to ease the work put on said royals, though they were both grateful nonetheless. Datura found it sweet how their people tried to not bother them. Rose saw it as a little pathetic, yet nice. However both were still forced to sit in the throne room, on their respective thrones, waiting for someone to come along with a problem.

These were the times both were lucky to have hobbies they could carry with them everywhere. Datura sat upon his orange and white throne, golden used as the chair with orange cushions and white jewels framing it, and a flower native to his name crystallized to show which was his, laying on his stomach and drawing the stars as per usual. Rose sat more eased on his own, a darker and more mysterious aesthetic having taken hold of his throne. Deep red and black with hints of purple or light blue, soft and fluffy pink cushions to rest upon, and a beautiful bright red rose symbol to signal that it was his. His back was to one of the chair arms, leaning against it with his legs hooked over the other, reading a book that rested comfortably in his lap. Both of them smiled while doing their activities, taking their jobs seriously most of the time, but enjoying a moment in their day when they could do something they loved.

Pray stayed right by their sides, quiet and content to be within their company. He was completely silent until Datura asked for an opinion on his art, to which the guard would answer back positively and honestly. While he wished for his friends to be happy with what they were doing he also knew they could improve. So he left gentle suggestions here and there to slowly ease them in the direction they most wished to go. He wouldn't lead them; that wasn't his job, to lead. Pray's job was to keep them safe and happy. He rested against the younger royal's throne, smiling a bit to himself, somewhat content with the life he had.

Light filtered in through the great windows above them, filling the room with warmth and sunlight. It was such a peaceful atmosphere that none of them wished to be ruined. It felt too nice. Three friends, calmly doing what they enjoyed, not a care in the world. However things are not to remain that way. Fortune is a fickle mistress. She will not allow comfort until it is earned fairly.

The large white doors burst open, a wave of cool air flushing through the three as they curiously glanced to the entrance, wondering what had prompted such a thing to happen. There stood a rather large group of assorted characters, disheveled and displeased with something. They all stormed inside and walked far too close to the thrones, prompting Pray to get off from where he was leaning and move to stand in front of the angered crowd. It was their one and only warning to not step closer.

Datura and Rose looked at each other, then sighed and took a moment to sit in their thrones like usual, the latter more annoyed than his brother. They couldn't have a modicum of peace. Once they were situated as they'd been taught, Datura motioned to have one of the citizens speak their grievances. He hoped that all of it would be the same so it would remain an easy fix, and so he, Rose, and Pray could go back to what they were doing before. One of them, a rabbit merchant, raised her fist with an angry scowl.

"How could you?!"

Confusion. Datura was utterly confused. He gave a side glance to his brother, who awkwardly shrugged. He hadn't a clue what had happened. At the notice that one spoke up, the others did as well, throwing curses and blames to the brothers. It didn't help to ease the situation and only fueled their anger. Rose felt one of his eyes twitch as the kingdom's people voiced their grievances to the two, Pray doing a fairly good job at keeping them at bay, not letting them step even a foot or whisker too close. He took his duties seriously and wouldn't let his friends be hurt. He'd be damned if he let that happen.

After a few moments they were able to slightly calm down the crowd, enough to get a story at least. A random person had appeared in the square one day, when the merchants were selling their stock and gathered around, as the festival was coming close and they wished to let everyone celebrate as best they could. It was a normal day for all of them; the streets were packed, and items coming and going very quickly. The rabbit merchant in particular has been selling her family's stock of fruit and veggies, specifically her homemade lemon meringue pie. She considered it a fruit as it contained fruit in it. As she bent down under her booth to grab more, her head poked out to catch the stranger simply taking one and walking away. As she tried to get his attention, he vanished, as if he were a cloud of smoke. She had searched the whole square to no avail. This however worked to her advantage as the other merchants came out and said the same had happened to them. Then a little while later, one of them had noticed the same man going into the brothers' castle, yet never came back out.

Datura felt his body crawl with uneasiness.