It has been a long trip.

Cyril had arrived to his mansion, now alone. His horse Valor stood outside, eating some grass upon which the beast had grown incredibly hungry from their journey. Of course, the royal prince had arrived with guards on his way here, but when they arrived he dismissed them, returning to their duties in where they were needed, in the Kingdom of Aelfmenn. During this... strange hunt, their forces were left to fight the creature. However that did not stop his mother from going. But, Cyril had other matters that he deemed more important. However seemingly coming to this place as a vacation, indeed the prince had other motives as well. No, he was not a coward. A coward who would run from fear of the plant somehow getting to him was not he. He felt no fear toward that creature. He expected its defeat with the rise of the next dawn. He had faith in his soldiers, and in his mother as well. Silently he prayed for their safety on his way here. Though, as he now arrived, his white cloak billowed behind him as he made his way into the interior, covering over his exquisite silver and pearl robe that lay underneath. The dark coloring shaded over his light features, and his light blue eyes were perhaps the only bright thing that stood out within the grey light as he entered. Going through the trap door and down the staircase, indeed he remembered this place as he left it. Of course, this was one of the many mansions he had inherited. Though they had been in his family for generations. But, his father and mother had not used many, so he decided to make use of them for himself. After all, they made great warehouses, to store the many valuable treasures that the royal elf family had. But no meager thief could find them, nor get past the many walls upon which they were sealed. Though, these places were nice to find solitude. And often the prince needed such distraction. However, that wasn't the reason why he was here. Continuing to make his way down the wooden floor, the prince could smell the scent of musk and dust that rose into the air. Indeed, this place would need refurbishment. Though he couldn't entirely blame himself for not keeping up with the place. After all, there were so many other mansions he had to oversee. But when he returned to Aelfmenn he would make sure to notify the staff to come here and clean the place. It had to be in decent shape after all, and he would allow them the night to sleep here. But, right now he had to make do with what he had.

Light footsteps gently padding along the dark wooden planks of the floor, his eyes averted up toward the river above, which flowed over the high ceiling. He was then covered in an array of blues, along the rest of the mansion. Many plants were potted here and there, making the place seem more in tune with nature and more at home with the elven lands. This was one of his favorite mansions, as it felt cozy, much like a cabin on a cold winter's evening. Indeed, he quite missed this place. Though he barely came here often, though he should. But at least there were no cracks of any sort over the glass that lied underneath the running water above, as he inspected the edges carefully. But then, as he made his way past the tables and chairs he sighed. It had been a long journey for him, and he felt rather tired. He took off the white cloak and placed it on one of the chairs as he sighed, a slender hand reaching the surface of the table as he took a breath. Though, he could not rest now. The day had only just barely begun. Looking forward he made his way further into the room, making his way by the couch then he saw a startling sight. He almost jumped however he did not, though his blue eyes were widened just barely. It was a woman, fast asleep on his couch. Long, tangled mess of silver hair, she seemed to purr as her chest rose and fall in slumber. She was most likely homeless and had stumbled her way here. Though that was to say that it would not be expected. But she was not a threat. His eyes softened, then made his way again across the other side of the room.

An hour had passed as he waited for her to awaken. Two porcelain white cups sat on decorative plates upon the table, the liquid a reddish, pinkish color with a pair of small leaves placed in both. As he sat at the table, he brought his cup to his lips. It tasted ever so sweet, yet extremely pleasant. When he heard the woman stir he looked up to see where she had been, knowing that she was awakened. Where he sat was at an odd angle, his legs faced along the edge of the table's edge, his chair pointed toward the couch however the other chairs were tucked in neatly underneath the surface. The other cup sat at the far end of the table, the nearest to where she was. His legs were crossed, a feminine gesture however it was one in power such as him did not pay heed to. Taking another sip of his drink, his eyes averted down at the rippling liquid before averting back up to her again.

"You had a nice rest," he commented. Tone clear and calm as the waters that flowed above.

Even if she arrived closer he would not move from his spot. "Please, have a seat. A drink has already been prepared." He took another sip of his drink nonchalantly. As if nothing seemed to have bothered him. That she had trespassed the prince's estate. Though, he did not say who had prepared the drinks. It was he of course. He hardly knew the arts of crafting food and drink, however he was familiar with elven dishes. He did the best he could, although what he drank now was his favorite. As he drank his eyes closed temporally, the cool liquid gliding down his throat. Indeed, if it was anything, this was the drink he was best making at the most. But, he just merely waited for her response, not appearing to be bothered by her presence in the least bit.

Cyril watched her as she neared the table, the cup close to his own mouth to show that what was not in there was poison. Otherwise, he would be a fool to offer. However, her suspicion was to be expected. His eyes fell to her as she sat and was testing out the drink. She should like it, or according to him that was. Knowing she was a feline werebeast of some kind, she was not elf so perhaps they might have different. But this speciality was the finest. There was no doubt even in their differences she should come to despise it. He was silent for her first question, however the second one he made more sense. With a sigh, he placed the cup back down onto its plate with a light clang on the table. His eyes closed temporarily before looking upon her again. "It would have been unlawful of me to do so," the reply came smooth, and he further sat at the table, uncrossing his legs and tucking them beneath the table, his posture ever so straightened and refined as his two hands then slid around the cup. Lowering his eyes he took the cup and raised it to his mouth once more, then leaving it in midair as he did not even bother to look up at her. "Elves are hospitable after all." That much was true. They were indeed, and he was showing it outmost. But, he was not harboring her here out of feeling of need for duty. It was because he truly believed in the hospitality that the elves gave to the other races. Provided, in return that they assimilate and become loyal to the elven kingdom. But, there was a treaty in place now. They were all protected, until one of the royals decided to declare war, that was. But with such an alliance in place, surely whomever was unlucky enough to declare war first without allies would fall easily. But, in time perhaps that would change.

A moment of silence passed and he let the drink fall to the plate again. He then turned to the woman and noticed she still hasn't begun to drink it yet. "It is a delicacy among my people. The buds can only be found in the most rarest parts of Dryhtwood Forest. The taste it gives is incredibly sweet. Though it also has many remedial and nutritional attributes as well. The leaves are stinging nettle. I hope their addition is not in poor taste to you." With that he took another sip, to provide perhaps, encouragement for her to do so as well. She should try the very thing at least. If she liked it a small form of smile would appear on his face. Alas, if not he would continue anyway after a short moment of enjoying the exquisite tea. His light blue eyes moved back up to her.

"Though I must ask. What is it that had brought you here?" he inquired. He was wanting to know. Though, politely he tried to start the conversation with. After all, he couldn't scare her off so soon. She needed time to awaken and return to her senses before making any haste decisions. But, he held no anger or hatred toward her presence here. In fact it was quite curious. Were the numbers of those without homes higher now? If so he would have to bring it to the attention of the landlords. So many left without a place and not even labor was even being handled or offered to these poor souls. But, he had no intentions of sending her anywhere to any of those places. Where she decided to go was her own decision. He had his own kingdom to attend to. He could only hope that she would find a better place here in Dryhtwood. That was, if she was planning to stay here.

He didn't look at her as she spoke, merely focused upon the taste of his tea. Placing it back down onto the table once more, he replied softly, "Not at all." His eyes looked closed somewhat, as if he was pensively pondering about something menial. "I did so because I had desired to." He brought the cup back to his lips once more, almost half-way through his drink. At least she enjoyed it somewhat. Though, he could tell that she was not fully satisfied. Perhaps there would be something she'd rather drink in the kitchen that he could prepare in place of his tasteless drink. However, it might have been that she could still be wary for poison of some sort, or maybe she did not have the tastebuds of the elven tongue. His eyes flickered to her once more, looking over the cup as he then lowered it once more. He did not comment on bringing her another refreshment just yet. He would have to wait and see what happened before he would decide to do so. After all, he had poured his heart and soul into crafting the tea. The least she could do is take a few more sips, however fake they were. But, to hear that it was pleasant was good at least. Even though it may be a false statement to not disappoint him.

Cyril continued to look upon her as he listened, hearing attentively to every word she said. She wandered, she said. So was she a wanderer? Or perhaps she had gone traveling a little too far away from home. He continued to listen but her explanation was short indeed. There wasn't much to hear other than the fact that she mentioned his mansion. Of course, there was refined taste in elven architecture. The building itself was commissioned many years ago, long before the war had ended. It served as an underground safe area, he had learned. But even still, it had ornate design to its useful features. Now it was used for vacations. Much like the other mansions he so visited. But, that wasn't exactly the purpose he often used them for though.

He looked at her calmly as she had spoken of him giving his name, followed by a humorous remark. Indeed, he quite liked that. Charming. Though, his face remained blank as ever, but his features only softened a little as he then looked down, setting his near-empty cup to the surface once more. "Well, Miss Lucia," he started, eyes continuing to focus on the cup as he placed it down. "I am surprised that you have not recognized me yet." Surely, even among the other races, he was widely known as the elf prince, destined to one day inherit the throne from his father. It was knowledge spread amongst the lands, though perhaps this one had lived in the far outreaches from the kingdom. Even still, even now as they sat together it was clearly evident that he had the beauty and grace of one. "I am Cyril Ashwin, Prince of the Elves and Aelfmenn Kingdom," he clearly introduced himself, his bright blue eyes trailing up to her. He expected her to be surprised, or taken aback nonetheless. However he did not consider much about it, their statuses compared to one another. Instead, he much prefer they discuss as equals. They were here in this mansion after all, alone. It provided an excellent opportunity.

Then he watched her with more curiosity, a gentle hand rested beneath his chin as he lowered it only slightly. "Though, I am curious about your predicament," he said, some interest in his voice. "How did you happen to wander here? What is it that you do for a living that would have caused you to find this place?" His tone was light, casual. Not interrogation-like at all. He just wanted to know her housing situation. Where it was that she lived and what would have caused her to take a rest here.

He listened to her as she spoke, his light blue eyes gazing evermore as he then sat up, head rising from its relaxed position to take a more straightened one. Cyril's features remained calm, cool, collected. As if he were as still and had the appearance of a marble statue. However, it was when she had spoken of her freedom it had perked his interest a little bit, mixed in with what appeared to be, a look of concern in his eyes. But then she had turned over her wrist to show him the marking, explaining what she had meant. So, that's what it was. Indeed he could quite imagine the type. "Yes. I have been placing efforts into dispelling those sorts of trade." He spoke with an even tone, looking at her with all seriousness. "However there are still few that even my own men cannot find the roots to." He then rose from his chair, taking a few, light and soft steps toward her as he eyed the marking on her wrist. "May I?" he spoke with an offered a hand. He did not seek to scare her, and he had considered that she may wish to keep their identity a secret but if she had been set free then more than likely she should allow him to. And if there was anyone else there forced into the trade, she should know that they would not come to harm under his hand. If she allowed him to inspect the marking, he would take her wrist gently, smooth skin upon hers as his slender fingers delicately glided across before wrapping around it. He would then bring it only closer to him slightly, inspecting the sort of marking it was and would try to remember it. He didn't recognize it, but surely he would bring it to the attention of the guards when he arrived back. He would then release his grip, letting the arm go as he then looked to her when she spoke again.

Her first statement had been true. There was no one currently there at the moment beside him. Perhaps she was expecting a guard or servant to come and that may be why she was suspicious, however neither of those would come. It would just be he and her, for the day at least. And most royalty did not, and even he typically had company surrounding him. But on occasions like this, he had arrived alone. "Yes, I have noticed and I had planned to notify the cleaning staff when I arrive back in Aelfmenn," he explained about the mansion part. He left out all the confusing details, perhaps she would figure it out on her own or not wouldn't care to hear.

Then she had spoke of herself being dangerous. He gave a melodic laugh, one that flowed smoothly much like the river above. "I guess I would," he said jestingly, a smile still on his face. "I could demonstrate the strength of my ability, however I would not prefer for the ceiling glass to break." His head tilted slightly as well, there was more of a color to his face now, a more warm look with vibrant blue eyes. He could let her guess what his power was, perhaps water would be the most likely suggestion. However even water was a strong force by itself indeed. But he knew that she would be far from dangerous, otherwise so far he might not be here talking to her now as he did. "But I would not believe one such as yourself to willingly bring harm to me. However I do not doubt your strength as well." He spoke with amusement. He was testing her perhaps, or so it would seem. His normal expression then returned as he moved back to his place at the table, the long locks of white hair trailing behind him.

He didn't look at her as he spoke again. "I am glad you are enjoying your freedom however. You should visit the Kingdom of the Elves. There are some extremely breathtaking sights." A suggestion for her to visit. Then, he sat down, not even taking a gaze at his cup as his downcast eyes then flickered back up to her. "Though might I ask if you currently have a place of residence?" he then asked, folding two hands as they intertwined and hung below his chin. "If you are in need of one I can provide that to you. And paid work if that need be." An offer. He expected her to decline, but perhaps maybe she would be interested. After all, if she lacked a home, he could take her under his wing.

He smiled simply. "Something like that." He repeated. Cyril looked at her as she spoke of pain not being a bad thing. How tempting. He could hear her purring, it was evident that she was a werebeast of some sort. However, he did indeed catch on to the meaning behind her words, despite the fact that he might have not been able to. And due to her previous line of work, it made sense. He continued to listen as she spoke of a master. So one that had purchased her? Indeed it would be hard to separate her from him then. But, to Cyril it may be an easier task. If he could locate this man, perhaps he could use the information to further locate the trade that she stemmed from. That, and the fact that he may be able to cut the ties of her and him. That was, if she wished for it. Maybe she cared about him but ultimately the decision was up to her. Though, it wouldn't be a problem if she was able to work if she was able to get to where she needed to be. Cyril would not minding her living elsewhere whilst working for him, as he only offered the housing if she needed it. Leaning on his hands further, his piercing sky blue eyes peered up toward her. "If you discuss the matters with your Master, or if you would allow me to, I am certain we can make proper arrangements," he spoke fluidly, confidence straining his words. His face looked rather amused, though perhaps he was more interested with her than actually speaking to her master. He looked at her with slightly narrowed eyes when she had asked the question. From beneath the table he had crossed his legs.

"I would like you to join my battalion, Lucia," he spoke with clarity, gazing directly at her in the eye. "Or to join my personal guard. You said that you could prove to be dangerous did you not?" But, of course he would put her in the correct training. Either that or he would have to help train her himself. Though as prince he did not have much time to, and the trainer of the battalion was much more efficient for the job than he. The smile he wore was angelic, inviting. "I can tell you are werebeast. Of the feline family. Though what is it that you can shift into, may I ask?" he said, gesturing a hand as he spoke, the other one leaving his chin as he then sat up, sitting up straighter as he leaned back. He did not need a demonstration, although that may indeed prove to be more useful to him to see it for himself. Giving her a little time to show off, if she wished perhaps. While the elves typically fought with sword and spear, having a cat such as this one could also prove to be beneficial, he thought. It provided difference in their fighting tactics, which was something that needed diversification. If they wanted to sustain themselves, to fight against any other forces if need be. And with the treaty in place, it didn't make that job very dangerous, or seemingly so. Looking at her diplomatically he spoke again with reasoning. "To join my guard would lessen the chances of risky encounters, however there are the occasional assassin. If you feel up to it, however there will be many who will assist you in your task as well." A choice. But a sound one. If she preferred to fight perhaps, maybe on the front lines would excite her. But, seeing as she was harmless at the moment, just arriving out of forced trade, that kind of thing would not appeal as much to her he assumed.

"Whatever the choice you make. I will be certain to ensure that you are well paid." His face turned downward if only slightly, but his eyes remained on her. "And a residence along with food if you decide to wish for housing here." And elven housing wasn't so bad. It was out in nature along with the trees and the forest. For a cat like her, she might like that. Hopefully she would consider his offer.

As she moved near him and sat next to him, his light blue eyes merely followed her. Feeling her leg brush up against his he kept his expression, calm yet with a tint of a smile. Her actions hadn't bothered him in the least or yet so far. If she were an assassin she would have tried to seduce him earlier surely. "A snow leopard," he repeated pensively with thought. "How beautiful. I have only had the experience to see one in my lifetime. Up in the northern lands of Krizala." And it had been just a mere encounter. For a few brief seconds upon the sight of spotted skin before it took off again. Though it wasn't a large cat by any means, it could still be just as deadly. Perhaps as deadly as she had so claimed to be. She had made the comment about him not telling her what he was capable of. With a light single barely audible laugh as his shoulders raised for a second, he looked at her with amusement, adding lighter color to his eyes. It was only fair to tell her after she tell him after all. "Alright," he said amusedly. "I will tell you. My magic comes from the stars, and the very star you see before you up above, I can wield it's majestic power." His eyes briefed to the river above, the sunlight filtering through the moving currents. He left out the details on how, but perhaps that would further add the mystery and intrigue to him. She had laughed at him for offering too much it seemed, however he continued to look at her with that light smile of his as he listened. Of course she would be concerned about motive. She was just freed after all. He didn't even expect that she would even consider his offer, but he was glad that she would. To have her on his side would prove beneficial, for both him and her. It was a fair trade.

"My battalion is lacking personnel," he explained. "My motive is relatively simple. We need more men to fill those positions. However since we do not have a draft within Aelfmenn I cannot force anyone to fulfill these roles. Despite the current treaty perhaps the task appears unappealing." His smile lifted a bit, further curling up his cheek as he discussed. "Though I had expected you to be wary. Take time into your consideration. Ultimately the decision is up to you, to believe in my words or not." His tone was even, and truthful. He had no qualms for her declining his offer, as it were a mere suggestion. "And yes I believe that you would prove to be relatively hard to kill. You have escaped from the trade and made it through alive. You must be incredibly strong, both body and in mind." He continued to look at her with the same look as even she tried making herself appear more appealing, arching her back slightly. Cyril blinked a few times, although albeit rather calmly. Appearing unaffected by her movements. However, the words that he spoke betrayed that.

"Not at all," he dismissed lightly. His elbow then propped on the table as his direct gaze continued to pierce into hers. "If only you desire to," his eyes then narrowed, looking at her with a rather seductive look of his own. He didn't think that she would offer because of her previous profession, however maybe she did enjoy it.

His smile curled a little more at her compliment. Indeed, he thought that his power was beautiful in its own regard. Though it was typically used for offensive purposes, to kill others and burn the to a crisp, the way that he had done so was rather a spectacle. Cascading lights upon the earth, one could not fight with lesser grace. He was quite proud of his magic. "No, I can control the star that burns within the sky right now," he said, eyes lifting briefly to where the sunlight was and back. Though, that wasn't to say it didn't have its weaknesses. "However I can only bring forth its power once per time," he explained, leaving himself vulnerable a little. She didn't seem to harmful, or to him at least. Yet, he continued to remain only a slightly bit wary to say the least. But, his power was now only a little mystery to her so she fully did not comprehend its nature just yet.

Cyril looked at her as she brushed his long white hair behind one ear, with interest it seemed as he was pleasant in her company, or calm and content at least. The vague smile still held to the corners of his mouth. Of course, not many had been with a prince. He did not expect her to ever be. But he also did not wish to be treated as an ordinary being, like most royals claimed. He liked to be somewhere in between. The lines of where there was casualness of one, but the respect given to his status. Or at least, so he could retain the air and grace of the prince he was. That was important to him. But as he continued to look at her, he began to understand her as he pondered about her desires for a little bit. He had assumed that she did not wish to because of her previous occupation, yet, she desired to sleep with him. As to why, of course would be baffling. Did she have something to gain out of this? Is this an assassination plan of some sort? Like he had thought previously, if she were to have made any moves she would have done so previously. Like she had said she could have been dangerous. An elf versus a snow leopard, one would not test patience before lashing out at him. Maybe it was to gain his trust before assassinating him? Or to get something out of him before she killed him. Or even perhaps she could be a spy. But what information she could get out of him that would prove to be of any use, was doubtful. It was more beneficial to him that she were to join his battalion, so to deny her this right would have been illogical of him. He had nothing to lose, essentially. The reason for her behavior must be that this was what she was used to. This was how she worked. No, this was how she lived. Much like how Cyril had known the life of being a prince. Always so formal and delicate in nature.

But her next set of words had surprised him. Of course there were many elves that lived in Cendra. In their own communes of poverty. Indeed it was devastating to hear about from Aelfmenn. It was confusing as to the reason why elves would live in such an impoverished place. They were constantly sick, in need of aid constantly from the kingdom but there was little they could do. The best was that they would bring aid from the temple time to time, in hopes that it would work. But, under the treaty there wasn't much place for aid for them within that city. Though, maybe they have gone there for a change of lifestyle but it was maddening. The Elf Kingdom was within nature, the elves' very home. It was idiotic to decide to live in such a place but perhaps they had their own reasons. Cyril ventured there a few times to bring aid, and to evaluate their conditions. He was trying the best he could to try and help them. Though they were helpless all on their own. He had an Elf Kingdom to keep to. "You would be surprised, many do," he said, although he kept his amused tone of voice, trying to not ruin the mood.

Even though her words rang true, he did not give much of a second thought. He had already made his decision despite the fact that he did not treat her advances as such so far. He would not mind a simple affair. In exchange for her loyalty it would prove worthy in the long while. If this was her way of showing her gratitude, who was he to deny it. A woman whose life was only defined by such acts. If she accepted his offer little did she know how much her life would change. He looked down at her own white locks as he felt the nips being taken on his tender neck, she was practically on top of him now as she was closed in between him and the table. Nevertheless, he did not stop her or move away. But, even if she did come to regret this, even if someone figured out this happened, where would be the proof? Cyril doubted the fact that anyone would even find out about what happened here at this place. It was secluded, and even the hairs of the woman would be gone after the cleaning crew arrived. Cyril always kept himself proper, he would keep silent about this. And if she was wise, if she had desired this so, she should know to do so as well. After all, her previous profession required as such, many would go and keep it a secret from their wives. It should not be that hard to do. And, if she desired him, she wouldn't want to hurt his reputation after all. That would decrease the encounter happening ever again if she did. Unless that was her goal of course. Which by her purring he so doubted. "This can be our little secret," he spoke lightly, a slender hand moving behind her head upon the hair, the smile on his lips more evident, showing a little bit of bright white teeth.

She had asked him if she should stop, but before he could reply he was taken away. By a kiss no less. As hers hungered his the prince began to moved his own, pulling her head closer to him as he forced it a bit more, less distant than before and more lively. His eyes closed, some passion behind the kiss as he continued. Though it was brought short as he then stopped, pulling away only briefly as his eyes bore into hers, narrowed in intrigue.

"Let us find a more suitable place," he spoke, the smile still lingering on his lips as he then tried to stand, if she had gotten off of him first. He could not condone such acts upon his dining table. To filthy it and the cups of tea, would be such a waste, and how uncomfortable it would be. He would lead her to his bedroom, which was not very far but down the hall as he walked. He would much prefer to do this the traditional way.