Soohyuk and Boa ~ Like Siblings

@Boa, The Misfit Princess "I also have some skills of my own." I said in a playful manner but to be honest, I have been working on this feat for some time now getting every chance I get to find locations and meet people that I could go to if ever I decide to finally break free from the cage that I am in. I never really thought that this day would come that all those efforts of mine would finally be of used and most especially I would be doing it with you. I didn't really think you would approve or even come with me but everything is just so perfectly in play knowing you would want the same thing as me.
"Hm?" I hummed softly when you called my name, the way you did it was like melody to my ears and I look forward in hearing you call me that way in the days to come. I simply hugged you closer to me and smiles softly at what you said, nodding my head lightly as I your back lovingly for a moment before I gently pull away to look into your eyes. "and you're all I ever wanted in this world." I said, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on your forehead then takes your hand after as I step back lightly.
"Should we go be on our way now? I honestly can't wait another minute to finally be free with you." I said with a soft smile as I gently let go of your hand then I went on towards my horse, checking the saddle and it's rope to make sure everything is good before we make our great escape.

@Soohyuk, Sibling Prince [SH] Hearing the tone in your voice, I stop for a moment to collect my thoughts as I look at you with a small but apologetic smile. I know you're trying to calm me and pull me out of myself but I'm struggling enjoying the moment because there is so much to do and so much at stake. It's too important of a thing to let our future slip away because we were careless and I don't want to let it happen. Still, I do see the point in what you're trying to do because I know that worrying too much won't make things better either and we wouldn't be able to enjoy things that way anyway.

"How did you manage such a feat?" I ask, warming to the idea though I'm still skeptical about the whole thing in general. Even the idea of another person being the least bit privy to the potential plans worries me a bit but I try to trust in you and them. I try to relax even for the space of a second as I wrap my arms around you tightly. "We can do this. Now that we have an idea of where we are going I'm going to need to know the location so I can get us there through back roads and old hunting trails." In my head I'm already trying to map out potential courses and paths to take so that we can get there safely. I actually have no worries about what we will do when we get there though because I know we will be able to make it work.

The warm feeling from your strong frame comforts me as I hold myself against you, letting the moment simply be. Returning your kiss tenderly I place my head on your shoulder, nuzzling into your neck and closing my eyes to enjoy the intimacy of the embrace. "Soohyuk." I whisper softly, smiling just a little bit. "You're all I've ever wanted for myself."

@Boa, The Misfit Princess "Boa.." I called your name softly, wanting to calm you down as you were too much worried about the smallest details in this plan of ours. I know that you meant well but I didn't want you to think too much about it cause it would only bring us more worry and fear of what might happen if we wont succeed. I continued to your cheek in a loving manner as I keep my gaze locked with yours. "No one knows who I am and father didn't even know I went there last time." I explained, calming you down with those certain infos since i know that you would still be thinking about it even if I told you not to worry about it anymore. "The person I have there told me about this small hut out in the woods but not far from the town. We could stay there for the time being. He said there's a river nearby and the forest is abundant with game." I assured you. "We'll do just fine okay? We'll do just fine cause we are together." I smiled softly then and pulled you into another tight hug, holding your body close to mine and just held you like that for a moment since I still cant get used to having you in my arms for I have dreamed of it for so long and just able to finally do it is just surreal for me. "I know it would be hard.. especially for me." I admitted, having lived such a comfortable life since I was born. "but I don't really fear such life or have no worries about it cause I know I have you with me.. and that's all I need really." I slowly pulled away to look at you once more and smiled lightly. "You're all I need, Kwon Boa." I said and then slowly leaned in to kiss your lips softly, letting my tiers molds yours perfectly as I pulled you close to me once more.

@Soohyuk, Sibling Prince [SH] The feeling of your warm hands on my face made my heart flutter as I met your gaze, the multi-shaded brown irises swirling almost imperceptibly as I took in the seriousness of your expression and words. I listen carefully and consider you suggestion, nodding slowly as my brain starts to pick apart what you said. This is going to be a difficult transition for the both of us and I'm trying to make sure that where we go has the best chance of getting us the outcome we are looking for.

"Does anyone there know who you are? Does father or anyone know you've been there before?" I ask, trying to get as much information as I can that would be useful. The minute we leave and try to make this life for ourselves we become prey and our best hope is to think like the hunters to avoid them. If we get caught... it would be the end of the dream for us both and I wasn't ready to lose that. I probably would never be ready to lose you, not now that I had you, and I was going to fight it with anything I had.

Fortunately for us both, I was a damn good hunter and if we were careful then we could avoid all of the troubles for the rest of our lives. "We may want to avoid towns at least for a few weeks and try to live completely off the grid until the search has died down. Then we can resurface and start this life." I suggest quietly, my brain still working on the problem. "It allows us to live roughly, get tougher and seem more like we belong. If we walked into town, any town, right now it would be obvious that you aren't just a run of the mill villager. But we can change that."

@Boa, The Misfit Princess I would have wanted to hold you in my arms longer, letting myself simply to get lost in the embrace as I finally held you in my arms and it felt so perfect like your frame was molded purposely to be in my embrace. Right then I told myself that even in this imperfect life that we have, it's the perfect moments and things like this that I would want to live for. I was still lost in the moment when you pulled away and it somehow made me disappointed.

I just wanted for us to be together and now that we are, we have to quickly move on to doing what we have to do afraid that we might get separated even before we can truly enjoy each other's company. I understood your concern and I could see how serious you are into this. I smiled softly at you, mirroring your smile and naturally closed my eyes as soon as your face got close to mine and what a blissful feeling it is to finally have your lips on me. For a moment, all my worries faded and those words from you only made me feel more confident about leaving everything behind.

I went on and held your hand in mine as I cupped your face gently with the other, my gazed locked with yours as I the back of your hand assuringly telling you to calm down and relax as I am also taking this seriously as much as you. "I got just the place in mind." I said, nodding my head a bit and continued on. "It's a small town off the major road on the east." I explained. I did a few exploration of my own 2 summers ago while I was away and it was a town I came across to. "People there dont really ask about who are or where you're from. As long as you dont make trouble, everything is good. I know someone there that we could trust. He'll help us get set up and live there quietly and together like we wanted." I was just asking around at that time really but I didn't really think it would come in handy.

@Soohyuk, Sibling Prince [SH] Your laughter snapped my attention back to you and I wondered briefly if you heard a single word I said right up until you wrapped your arms around me. At first my spine stiffened in surprise and I held my arms out helplessly as I tried to figure out what to do, my mind still reeling from trying to plan how to make our escape together. Instinct quickly took over though and I closed my eyes as I pressed my head to your chest, holding you tightly in my arms. It was nice to just push everything away for even a brief moment and enjoy this small embrace that I had dreamed of for so long.

"This is nice." I agreed quietly, taking in every small detail of the moment. From the way your strong arms felt around my frame, the sound of your heart beating in your chest, the warmth coming from your body and the subtle masculine scent of you which filled my head. All of these little pieces added up to create a vivid and beautiful moment with you which I didn't want to let go but the reality of our situation kept lingering in the back of my mind.

With a small sigh I pulled back and looked up at you, searching your eyes so you would know that what I said was serious. "But if we don't do this well or right then this could be our only moment and I'm not ready to accept that. I can't." I said quietly and exhaled slowly, swallowing hard. "I need you to think about where you want us to start over. You've got more knowledge of what's going on outside of the kingdom than I do so I need to rely on you for that. Once you pick a place, I can get us there quietly and safely through back roads and trails but I need to know where I'm going." A smile curled my lips as I cupped your cheeks and tiptoed up to kiss your lips softly, my eyes closed as I enjoy the simple feeling with you. "As long as its with you, I don't care where we go."

@Boa, The Misfit Princess Your words were more than enough to reassure me. It was enough to console my nervous heart as you affirmed to what I asked of you. It means you saw me the same way and I couldn't really explain the happiness that I was feeling inside. Though I was filled with glee and excitement, I ended up smiling lightly as I was feeling shy at the same time. I always hoped that you might have seen me as a man too but I never really thought that you actually did.

When you started planning on our escape, I could only look at you in awe and amazement like always. It was me who proposed running away but you're the one who's more eager to do so right now and I couldn't help chuckle and shake my head as I look at you. "I know very well it is.." I said, nodding my head lightly as I took a few closer steps towards you and held you by your shoulder to keep you still and calm as I locked my gaze with yours again. "but lets enjoy this last few moments in this special place of ours okay?" I said with a soft hum and didn't hesitate enclosing you in my arms as I wrapped my strong arms around you and pulled your body close to me.

You dont know how much I have thought about holding you like this, having you in my arms like this. i have dreamed about this countless nights and now, I finally am able to hold you in my arms as my woman. I closed my eyes as I hugged you closer and just basked in the moment wanting the seconds to last longer as I really like having you in my arms like that. My heart pounds hard against my chest as the simple act of holding you close like this was filling me with thrill. "This is nice, dont you think?" I muttered softly then as I leaned my head slightly against yours while moving one hand to caress the back of your head gently. "It's just so nice...""

@Soohyuk, Sibling Prince [SH] The more you spoke, the further away the world felt from me and all I could focus on was you. Everything in the background faded to nothingness as I hung on your every word, my heart pounding hard in my chest until the drumming made its way to my ears and blocked out even the sound of your voice. It was too much for me to really consider that maybe for quite a while that you had felt something for me beyond that love of brother and sister. The possibility that you could see me as a woman, as your woman, was almost too much to take.

Looking into your eyes, a brief tremble of fear flows from my spine out through my body before the warm feeling of confidence at your acceptance replaces it. Color and heat rises in my cheeks as I nod slowly, even offering you a small smile as my brain quickly flicks back into action and I start considering exactly what your offer means to and for us. 'Us.' Being able to even just think that makes me happier than I can say but I have to stuff that away to get to the task at hand.

"Then I will stay with you." I say quietly my arms raising slightly as I have the urge to hug and hold you but I bring them down again, not at all sure what I'm supposed to do. In the end I decide to just pat your arm as I look around us quickly, trying to figure out the best mode of escape. What we had started as a small camping trip just turned into so much more and I was relying on my skills to make our new dream come true. "But that means we have to go and today is the best opportunity. We need to try and quick preserve the meat and let your horse rest. Take everything off that he doesn't absolutely need and we will put it on me when we go. I'm stronger and can run longer than any real horse. When we run, we are going to go fast and as far as he can go safely without becoming lame." I look up at you, eyes wide and burning with determination. "This is our one chance and we have one day to put as much distance between us and this place before they start looking."

@Boa, The Misfit Princess I could see how much questions you have in your eyes and I somehow know that you are doubting what I am asking you of. I understand that it would come as a total surprise to you for I have been feigning ignorance and never once have I told you or hinted you about my feeling not until now. As much as the future scared me, what I fear the most is not having you in it for you are the only future I can think of. Being King or what so ever wouldn't mean anything if I don't have you by my side and so I am taking this leap now and ask you to be with me.

"I am asking you, my dear Boa to be with me." I smiled softly, cupping your cheek gently with my free hand as I the tears away from the corner of your eyes. My hand were slightly trembling as I am still nervous of what your answer may be. I was anxious that perhaps I have been reading the signs wrong and you dont see me anything else but a close sibling. I have doubts but I am holding on to the hope that you feel the same way for me.

"I am asking you to be by my side.. now and forever." I added. Those were the words I really wanted to say to you. For so long, I have kept quiet about my true intentions but I dont think there's any reason for me to hold back now. I simply want you to be with me from this day on and until the rest of my life. If you would ask me if I see a future with you, I would answer that it's not just a future I see with you cause darling, you are it.

@Soohyuk, Sibling Prince [SH] It was clear from both your tone and expression that something was troubling you quite deeply and I began to wonder about all the things that were going on for you beneath the surface and behind closed doors that I knew nothing about. For as close as we were, a lot of your life and thoughts were hidden and even alien to me. Whatever it was that was pushing you this far and this hard, I hated it. All I wanted, all I've ever wanted for you, was to be happy and to be the great king I knew you could be but with this new side of you it was throwing even that into question. I was beginning to doubt myself.

The more you talked I began to hear the strain and the stress in your voice and my heart ached for you. So much had been placed on your shoulders from the moment of your birth and you never asked for any of it. They expected a lot from you. I expected a lot from you. I just never thought that you would react so strongly against it or feel so much of the pressure because I had so much faith and trust in you. It never occurred to me that you would have doubts or fail.

"Soohyuk...." I whispered quietly, sympathy lacing my words as I tilted my head and tried to piece together just what it was you wanted me to say to you. The small part of my heart that leapt at the chance to be with you, to be free and seize all that I wanted but never dared ask for was quickly brought down and tempered by the other part that cautioned me that you didn't really mean what you said. I wanted to ask you what life you saw for us, if I was there at your side as simply your sister or if that ghost of a dream came true and you saw me as something more. Then of course came the other questions of whether or not your impulse to run away was to be with me or simply to escape a future that scared you.

When you took my hand it felt like my heart leapt into my throats and my breath caught there, lips parted and trembling as I tried desperately to form words. My dark brown eyes searched yours for some kind of depth and meaning to your statement, hoping but not quite believing it could be true. "What are you asking me?" I asked quietly, finally managing to swallow the lump though tears kept building and threatening to block my vision. "Don't you know that if you need me then I will always be there? Not even the best frackers in the kingdom can find me when I really try."

@Boa, The Misfit Princess .
Reaching the bank, I went on and tied my horse to a tree near the river, glancing your way as you shifted back to your human form and I could tell from the looks of you that you were having a hard time about my proposal. I nodded lightly at your question, humming a bit as I walked over closer to the water and bent down, dipping my hand in to the river and moved my hand against its flow. "I would like to think that it wont be the only life I would be living.." I said, becoming silent again as I pondered on my own thoughts.

Being the prince was something I never asked for, all the more inheriting the throne in the future. It would seem like my life has already been laid out from the time I was born and all this time, what I've been doing was to go along with it. I work hard, yes. I work hard learning things to become a proper prince and king since it was what I was already told to be but I would like to think that I wouldn't be just that. I don't want a life confined in the walls of the kingdom, doing things that are expected of me. The thought of it makes me feel like a prisoner and it's the last thing I want to be.

I thought more of the consequences my rebellious actions would bring and I know it wouldn't be easy for me. Running away would mean leaving behind everything and it would include the comfortable life I am accustomed with. I personally am not sure that I would be doing but I am willing to make ends meet. I would be working harder than I ever have in my life and honestly, Im not afraid of whatever the outcome may be cause If you are with me, I just know I would want to give it my all to provide for you.

"Father wouldn't be please... but I dont want to disappoint him in the future for failing the kingdom." I heaved a heavy sigh, closing my eyes for some time before slowly opening them again and look at you. I was thinking that doing this now would not be much of a disappointment compared to what I might end up doing if I was to become king. "Come with me, Boa. Let's run away and start a life together." the words just came out and I was more determined this time. I didn't say it directly but my words would imply that I really want to be with you and in order to do that, we would have to leave the life we know.

Smiling lightly, I stood up from being bent down by the river and walked my way towards you, my eyes never leaving your gaze but deep inside I was nervous and afraid of what your answer might be. I have never been vocal with my feelings for you but I just cant let that be. I would have stayed silent about it but the thought of you being with someone else was just something I couldn't take. Just the thought of it hurts my heart and the thought that you will not be able to be yourself hurts me even more. I was never really sure if you looked at me the same way but I would like to hope that you also see me as a man. I am not the boy that I used to be and now I am taking all the courage I have to let you know my deepest desires. "I just really want to be with you." I said, nodding lightly and carefully took your hand in mine, gently caressing the back of it with my thumb as my gaze now locked with yours.

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@Soohyuk, Sibling Prince [SH] Hearing you speak about leaving had me both excited and worried about the prospect. I was concerned at what would make you want to leave so badly, to forget your duties and your responsibilities as well as your family. The king, our father, had always been good and kind to me but he was even more so to you. No matter how hard I tried, I was always on the outside but you were nearly completely different. You were loved and respected by everyone so how could it be that you wanted to leave them? What could it possibly be that would drive you to want to be so far from home?

These questions flooded my mind as I lead us down the trail and I shook my head, I couldn't come up with any solutions. It was even vaguely amusing that you seemed to entertain the idea we could live as normal people. Assuming we could even disappear to begin with, I wasn't sure you had any kind of skills that we could use to provide for us. I would be fine, of course, I could survive just about anything and make my living anywhere but I wasn't sure about you. Even if we did somehow manage to break away, I wondered what kind of life we would have. There was a worry that walking out from the responsibility would weigh on your guilt. You were a good person and I knew that it wouldn't be easy on you.

Rounding the corner to the flat end of the bank, I moved over to the water and began to shift back. Black fur and massive frame dwindled until I was back into my human form but I was still struggling with how to speak to you. The look in your eyes was asking me something that I couldn't even begin to hope for and I didn't dare dream. I couldn't figure out how to respond to that or what I wanted to say so I just looked at you in blatant confusion until the words just bubbled up in me out of somewhere. "Do you really want to leave this place? The only life you've ever known?"

@Boa, The Misfit Princess I was glad that you weren't able to speak at the moment as your current form refrained you from doing so. I didn't know what your response would be and I wouldn't be really able to explain things properly if you were to ask specific questions. I was relieved though, to see that you were giving my question some thought too and I tried to continue on, trying to find the words to say exactly what I have in mind for I haven't given it much thought myself either. "You know.. just leave and forget everything and anything about our lives and start a new?" It was what I think and felt about running away. If we were to leave then might as well forget what we were since it was what we were running away from in the first place.

Though being the heir to the throne is very much enticing to anyone, I didn't feel like It was really what I wanted to do. The perks that came along with being of king's blood gave me the advantages in life and lived comfortably unlike the other men and women in the kingdom but I never really asked for it. And I never like it. Sometimes I felt like doing commoner's task than doing my duties as the prince. I know what commoners do is not of menial task but I know I would feel much more alive doing it. And if given the chance, I would choose to break away from my life from the castle and be somewhere where I can truly be myself and live happily with the person I cherish the most.

With that thought, I gave you a look and quite a meaningful one. Silently asking you to run away with me. If you were to free then I thought that you could live your life as you want it to be with no one telling you that you're not living it the way you should as a lady or what so ever. I may not talk much about it with you but I never liked it when people told you off for the things you do just because you were doing differently than how you were expected to act like. It's not as if you were hurting anyone for acting differently and yet they would constantly judge you for your actions. It's the same for me also. The court's advisers and council constantly tells my father about my activities, telling him I shouldn't be doing this or that for it's not likely for a prince when I was simply trying to do certain things any normal person would do but for them it was unfit for I was a prince - like it even meant anything more than just a title.

And if I was to run away then, I would want to run away with you. If I was to break free then I would want you to break free too. If possible, I would really want to be free with you. Or to put it simply, I just want to be with you.

@Soohyuk, Sibling Prince [SH] Although I love to transform and the variety of freedoms it offers, I have never felt comfortable or special being able to do it. Among the humans, my ancestry was always a topic of scorn for me due to how much the vila are feared and distrusted; so actively displaying my abilities was frowned upon. It made me think that I was weird or somehow lesser for it, especially when the others would say how ugly it was, so I always try to hide as much of the process from you as possible. You never made me feel bad about it but for some reason I unconsciously wanted you to see me as beautiful.

Once I was changed, I could no longer speak or emote the way that I would have in my human state so I just stared at you as you drew close. It was obvious that something was bothering you deep down and it tore at my heart that there seemed to be nothing I could do. I had no way of knowing what was running through your mind and if I did, I would only be able to say that those exact same things worried me and haunted my sleep. Deep down I knew that no matter where I ended up it would be a cage. It was just a matter of how bad the cage turned out to be.

Your touch almost startled me but it was comforting and the simple gesture made me feel so warm inside. If I could have smile, I would have, but instead I just lightly nudged you with my muzzle before starting down the path. I was just following along the trail when I heard your question and I almost messed up my gait but I caught it, my trot stuttering only slightly.

It was something I hadn't actually considered before or given much thought to. Of course the idea of leaving in my mind was a distant fantasy if I ever thought it was something I had to do but I hadn't reached that point yet. I turned to you in curiosity and mild shock but I was unable to speak it. Instead I wanted to show you that you had my attention so you could explain yourself further.

@Boa, The Misfit Princess I knew you can see right through me. You can see through every lie and pretending I do but this time, I just tried my best not to show you the sadness and longing that I feel. As much as I wanted to make this day fun and only be filled with great memories for the two of us, my heart's emotion couldn't really be hidden easily and I knew you could sense that. I could only avert my gaze from you for a moment and stared at the straps on the horse instead, pretending to fix as I didn't want your eyes to be looking at me like that. I feel like I could just break down if I would look into your eyes longer than im supposed to do so.

With a light nod, I watched you transform yet again and this time I made sure to watch closely. It was as if I am trying my very best to remember every detail of your transformation thinking it would be my last time to witness it if ever. Yet again, I am in awe and could only stare in admiration as you turned into something more beautiful once more. I couldn't help wonder if you would be able to do these transformation of yours once you get married. Will you'd still be as free as you are now? Doing things you love the most with no one really batting an eye? I was more worried of you than I am with myself. I didn't want to think you would end up in a cage soon. I want you to be free as you are now. As for myself, I can only dream of being free with you.

Once you were done, I moved closer and glide my hand over your body, smiling softly as I let my hand remember how soft your fur is in this formation. I met your eyes then and I smiled softly, a bit brighter than before and motioned you to lead on ahead and I will follow. With you ahead of me, I pulled on my horse and walked closely behind your lead, my eyes never leaving you as you trot happily ahead. "If given a chance. Would you run away from here?" I asked out of the blue, some sudden thought coming into mind amidst the other things I have in mind.

@AlexCross [SH] As you trailed off into thought, I could sense your sadness and feeling of longing. That had nothing to do with my otherworldly nature though but rather with the closeness and kinship I had always felt with you. Even as children it was as if you could fool everyone else but never me. I could look into your eyes, see the subtle tensions in the curves of your face and just know that something was amiss. Not that I could always pinpoint the exact emotion, thought or reason accurately but it was enough just to know that there was a distance between what you showed to the world and the part of you that you kept hidden for yourself.

"Soosoo, my little pup?" I called to you fondly, flashing a dimpled smile your way to try to bring you out of yourself by using a childhood nickname. It seemed as though you were already dwelling on our separation or maybe even your upcoming engagement and I didn't want that. Never would I have thought to guess at your true motives as I couldn't even imagine for a minute that you could feel the same way about me. That didn't change how I treated you either. I never expected or wanted anything from you except for you to be true to yourself as much as possible given your station and to try to be happy.

As you seemed to suddenly return to yourself with a chuckle, I felt more at ease. I had even been about to compliment you on paying attention to your training until you lied. It was an obvious one to me and I narrowed my eyes at you suspiciously for the space of a second before I decided to play along. Your reasons were your own and I respected you enough to leave it at that. Besides, we were going to have to part ways soon enough so I too wanted as much time with you as possible.

"Follow me then." I said quietly as I knelt down to all fours, back to you as I began to transform again. My legs and arms elongated quickly as my torso and neck expanded. Bones, joints, muscle and sinew shifted to create a stronger and more powerful silhouette than that of the small girl I had been. Fur as dark a black as a starless sky at midnight grew across my skin and clothes. My hair shifted and sprouted along my neck to create an inky mane at the same time a matching tail sprouted from the back. Hands and feet became hooves that seemed to me made of chipped onyx that rustled the ground in my nervous shifting.

It turned back to look at you, my large dark eyes meeting yours before I nod ahead of us; indicating that you should follow. Patrolling the woods as a mare, running and jumping along the forest floor was one of my favorite things in the world to do and I was glad to have st least on more opportunity to share it with you. Wordlessly I began to trot slowly, waiting for you to come along so that we could make it to the campsite.

@Boa, The Misfit Princess "True.." I trailed off, now realizing the same thing. Whenever I was with you, I didn't really think much of my status. I didn't see myself as the heir to the throne, the prince of the kingdom. I was just me and I liked it. There was no expectation what soever when it was just two of us and that's what I love the most when I am with you. But as we grew older and now both reached the right age to married off, I find it not easy to ignore what is expected of us anymore. Soon, we would be both married off to someone we dont even like for reasons we didn't even agree too and most likely it's because its for the good of the kingdom. Soon, the world we both made for ourselves will slowly be forgotten as we are made to face the harsh reality of the duties that were forced upon us.

I could only sigh thinking about who I might be married off to. Probably some Princess from another kingdom, who's father had made a deal with my own to make their kingdoms one and stronger. She might be pretty. Who knows? and even very well mannered as she was groomed to be one but I don't think I would even look at her the same way I had always looked at you. Despite all the court ladies I have met or made acquaintance with, No one can compare to you. You were different from the start and it was the charm that got me smitten to you. You didn't confirm to any mold society expected you to follow and that made me adore you more and more each passing day you tried to be different from the rest. You were not the definition of a princess but it didn't matter cause I dont think I was looking for one in a first place. Right from the start, I was looking for someone like you. I only had my eyes for you.

Im not exactly sure how you saw me as but I didn't want to remain a boy in your eyes. Each day, I try my best to be better than yesterday, wanting to prove myself to you than anyone else. You're exceptional and I felt like I have to do better to be worthy of you. You're just so capable by yourself that sometimes I can't help feel if I'll be even enough for you. I was working hard not because I wanted to be a great king in the future. I only wanted to be great for you. Call it selfish but I've had enough of pleasing others all my life that I just want to please the most important person that matters to me.

All these thoughts came flooding in my mind that I wasn't really able to pay attention to you and simply nodded my head to your question. I don't really remember when was the last time we both spent time like this but I do know that If nothing is to be done, it might be our last summer together. Chuckling lightly, I tried to divert my attention from the sadness I feel with just by the thought of losing you and smirked lightly at your question. "I didn't spend all my time training for nothing you know." I nodded quite confidently and was actually ready to take you on your challenge of a race but a thought suddenly occurred to me. "but lo and behold. I have forgotten the way." I lied. With the thought of both our impending marriage in mind, I couldn't help feel like my time with you will soon draw to an end.

At that moment, I just want to spend every second with you with no rush. If it was even possible, I would have wanted for the time to stand still if that's the only way for me to spend eternity with you.

@Soohyuk, Sibling Prince [SH] The look I give you about your explanation shows just how much I don't believe a word you are saying, shaking my head at you though I'm still smiling. "Most of the things I can teach you are things you don't need to learn. It's beneath you and mundane. What you need to focus on is more big picture stuff." I remind you lightly and let out a soft sigh as my words hit even me. "I shouldn't know them either. It's not like I'm going to be able to do much with them unless I happen to get married to someone who wouldn't care that his wife is a more capable man than he is. That's not likely though and I think I know exactly who I'm going to be wedded."

Vague dread hovered around me as I saw in my mind the image of my probable future husband: a fat and old widower from the northern steppes with more ambition than brains. He was on the market, father had made sure to mention it to me on more than one occasion, and I knew he needed to shore up support among the lands there. They had been talking about rebellion for a while because the king hadn't been paying attention to their needs as much as of late and I think father figured that by sending his favorite daughter to them that it would go a long way to smoothe things over. He wasn't wrong and I though I had tried for days, I couldn't come up with a better solution for the problem.

Your voice brought me out of myself again and I quickly put on a smile, not wanting to think such dark things when I was around you. I loved you too much to want to bring you into that sadness with me and more than that, it was a particularly sore spot when in truth all I had ever wanted was to be with you. It was a dumb dream considering the circumstances and I always knew that; a fantasy made all the more ludicrous when I began to realize just how counter my nature was to the other court ladies. I was always too thin, muscular, and tan from running around in the sun. My hair and clothes were kept simple and practical in the style more like the rangers and woodsmen than a princess. I smelled more like soil and earth as opposed to the opulent perfumes the others wore. In short; I felt more like a low-class brother to you than the beautiful and classy woman that I knew you deserved but even that couldn't stop my wishes. It honestly never even occurred to me that you saw me as a female and that in itself was the perfect armor to protect myself from ever sharing these feelings with you.

"It's been what? Two or three summers since the last time we were both free?" I asked casually as I avert my eyes from you and clean off my hands with the water before tucking it away. Last summer he had taken you with him as he toured the western marches and the summer before that I had been sent to the southern islets to try and help track down a troll. I couldn't remember the summer before that one though so it wasn't clear if we had spent any of it together or not. "I hope you've gotten stronger because it would just be embarrassing for you to lose in a race to me now." I cast a teasing smile in your direction and stick my tongue out childishly. "Do you still know the way or are you going to have to follow me?"

@Boa, The Misfit Princess "What?" I said simply, shrugging my shoulders lightly at the glance you gave me. In my mind, I was simply suggesting something that might be able to help but didn't really think through of the nature of the pet I would want to keep. Father has been telling me about this impulsiveness of mine. I often tend to jump into decisions which actually has good goals but the accompanied consequences, I still have to think through. But I was thinking that maybe we could both take care of it.

"You know. teaching me things I can't really learn in class." I explained, referring to your actual skill sets like hunting and such. I was cleaning my blade then, wiping the blade dry with a cloth and stop midway when you spoke of marriage. My sudden change of expression was apparent from being relaxed to tensed, the idea of you getting married to another person haven't really settled well with me. I have been evading the thought for so many years now and I didn't expect it would come sooner for us like this. if father was going to marry you off this season, then it means he already has someone in mind for me to marry.

I tried to smile, shaking my head a bit and moved on to another topic like I didn't hear what you said about getting married. I didn't want to think of it. I wasn't ready for such things. Not especially when it involves you and not me. "I always remember what you thought me." I moved towards my horse then, making sure the meat is strapped well on to the horse before taking the water from you to clean the blood off my hands and nods, liking the idea of spending the day like that with you. "Sounds fun. It's been a while since I last played in the water with you." I said, nodding my head a bit and hands you back your water and moved on to fixed the saddle on the horse. As much as was trying to divert my attention to something else, the thought of you getting married still bugs me and I don't like it if I was to say honestly.

@Soohyuk Although I do think it's cute and even sweet that you would want to try and protect the deformed deer, I give you a small sympathetic glance that also indicates that you should also know better. Keeping something that should be wild as a pet is something I have never been good about and I believe you know that after all the years. Still, I am still touched by your compassion and it's these small moments that give me hope for the future. Underneath that princely exterior and years of classes that seemed to be trying to make you cold to the world, you still are the same warm and caring boy I've always loved.

"What do you mean you have me to learn from?" I ask, shooting you a rather confused expression as I start packing everything away to be safely carried to our camp. Well, where are camp will be because I haven't set it up yet. I focus on wrapping it up tightly and strapping the meat to your horse, not quite able to look at you as I speak. "Father has already started marriage talks for me, he told me weeks ago. I'm supposed to be wed before the season is out once he finds someone."

Your playful manner makes me smile despite myself and in spite of the serious nature of the talks, shaking my head at you. "At least you haven't forgotten everything I've taught you." I tease as I pull out a small skin of water to rinse off my knife, cleaning off the blade and drying it before I put it back in its sheath. "Do you remember the flat bank where the river meets the lake? That should be the best spot to spend the day. Well, what's left of it since you haven't slept it all away." I tease you and wink, handing over my water so that you too may clean a little. "Fishing and swimming when the sun is highest to keep cool."

@Boa, The Misfit Princess Despite your tough exterior, I always knew there's that soft spot in you. You're the one who opened my eyes to certain things around me that no one else would have opened my eyes to. Through the thoughts in your head and the stories you tell me, I end up seeing the world differently each time. I smiled softly at your story, nodding my head lightly as my eyes were focused on my task but my ears were attentively listening to you. "Now I want to find that deer and keep it as my official pet." I said those words knowing that deep down, hunting it down was the last thing you really want to do but you had no choice given the presence of the wold pack that's been roaming the woods.

"I only know things but I haven't really put them all into practice." I shrugged lightly, admitting that my skills still lack in some aspects. I may be learned with the laws and theories but I still am short with putting them into application into the real world since I have yet to fulfill what im being groomed for. "But I don't worry too much since I got you to learn from." I shrugged once more but in a playful manner this time.

Letting out a soft laugh, I bent down before the hanged deer and started going through its organs, sorting the ones we can use from the ones we don't really want eating. "I dont mind doing it all as long as you cheer for me." I retorted, glancing up at you then with a faint but playful smile then looked down on the innards again as I shift through it and finds the heart. "Found it." Took the heart in the pile of innards without hesitation and proudly showed it off to you. "This reminds me of those tales about Daedra Hearts from long ago." I said while staring at the heart in my head for a moment, recalling those books I have read when I was younger. I gave it a light squeeze as if trying to magically make it pump once more before putting it among the other organs that we're gonna feast on tonight.

@Soohyuk A small smile appears on my lips as you speak to me and I can feel myself once again opening up to you. "Well, its mother chose a bad place to give birth. She wasn't as protected as she had hoped and during the process, the lone wolf that had been roaming these parts attacked. The baby came out rather rough and he is now deformed." I explained easily, trying not to let the sadness I felt over the story make its way to my features. Life wasn't fair and I knew it, but I still hated it when bad things happened to the innocent. With a small sigh, I tried to push the negative emotions out of me and looked up at you with a forced smile; trying to pretend I was more at peace with the way of the world than I was. "If he survives the winter I may have to cull him. Death from me will be kinder than if he gets caught by the pack."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." I replied with a groan and laughed a little, shaking my head at you. In what time I did spend with you at those classes I do remember you slacking off a little bit but I know I was worse. Then again, I always hated even being in the castle so that wasn't much of a surprise that I wouldn't want to spend my time in a dusky classroom learning things I didn't care about. "But you should have picked up quite a lot."

I stepped back with the skin and dipped into my bag for the materials to start the curing process. The stag had a nice hide and I was already thinking about something useful I could make of it for you, smiling to myself. "Next time we go hunting I will let you do it all." I teased as I started into my work, glancing up only to see the pile of innards. "Make sure to pull out anything we can use tonight and don't lose the heart."

@Boa, The Misfit Princess I looked at you as I listened to you talk, always lending an ear whenever you do so. "You know that I like long and stupid." I said, telling you that I don't mind hearing more of it at all. No matter what topic you get on or whatever you say, I always listen to you, your stories always interesting to me no matter how simple they are and also the sound of your voice. It would be a lie if I don't admit I like the sound of your voice. It somehow calms me and brings me some sort of happiness whenever you spoke. And for the times that I dont get to talk to you, it's just simply any other day without you. And for those who would actually take time to notice, Im actually livelier around you, contrary to my usual stoic and cold behavior towards my acquaintances.

"You know I don't really listen much to those classes, dont you?" I said, my eyes watching your hands work skillfully and once more, I am in awe with what you can do and sometimes couldn't help think what can't you do? Despite the classes I took - more like forced to take - I don't really think I excel at anything. I am average with each aspect of skill that I have but I still try my best with each and everything. Nodding, I spun the knife in my hand, holding it with the pointed end facing downwards. "I'll do the skinning next time okay?" I flashed you a confident smile before piercing the pointed end of my knife on the deer's lower abdomen, slicing through it's skin downward towards the end of it's chest, its guts falling out soon after. I stepped back quickly before some of it would land on my shoe and watched as most of it's contents fell on the ground below it.

@Soohyuk It was strange sometimes simply to just be around you. Of all the people I had ever known, you were the only one who made me feel beautiful without doing anything and not at all like the freak I thought I was. Others would say these things to me and call me 'beautiful' but they were typically lying or trying to make fun of me in some way so I had tried to built up a bit of emotional armor to protect me from it. But you, somehow I had no defenses against you and even these idle moments of normalcy would sit in my heart for days making me smile. I tried not to let it show though and settled right into moving the carcass with you.

Though you pulled your knife out, I did much the same and moved around to the front of the body with you. I caught a glimpse of your trick out of the corner of my eye and chuckled quietly to myself, not at all wanting to start some kind of challenge playing with blades. Instead I stand back and admire my quarry, my eyes moving from toes to head as I know slowly. "He was a good buck." I admitted and reached out to pat his flank appreciatively. "His offspring look like they are going to do well too. Even for yearlings they are pretty fast. Except for the one but that's because his mother was young and stupid." With a small embarrassed laugh I shake my head at myself and then look over to you, realizing you have no idea what I'm talking about. "Sorry. It's a long and stupid story. Let's just focus on this fellow."

I move in with the knife and start making the cuts to remove the skin, my actions quick and practiced from years of experience. "Being the best hunter isn't all that wonderful." I remind you as I absentmindedly continue my work. "Besides, you had the best teachers to begin with. Most everything I know I figured out for myself or it just comes to me." Once the cuts are made I step back with a grin and gesture to the stag. "Would you like to do the honors?"

@Boa, The Misfit Princess Shook my head at your question. "Me? Never." I said simply. There's something about you changing forms that always makes me feel... I dunno. I can't quite find the right words to say but I know I never got tired seeing you changing to different forms. Whenever you do it, I am always in awe like it's my first time seeing you take form of a bird and soar up the blue sky. It's the most beautiful thing I have seen in my life and no matter how many times I get to see you do it, I'd still be amaze.

I smiled softly your way and gave you an encouraging nod as if telling you to go on and dont mind me. During the process, I could only look at you in awe seeing you turn into something beautiful - well all your transformations are beautiful for mi but this one is my favorite of them all. I shook my head lightly at your playful gesture simply waving my hand and gestures you to fly up the air so we could get to the main point. I watched as you flew up the air, proudly cheering you on in my mind. Once you dropped the rope, I didn't miss one beat and grabbed it as it fell, holding it under my arm as I put on my leather gloves and wrapped the rope around my hand.

Once you were back on the ground, I glanced your way and gave you a nod. "Nice flight" I said, moving back slowly while pulling on the rope lightly at first. "Pull. Let me do the hard work." I said with confidence, pulling more of the rope now and the carcass started to move off the ground. Although I know you are capable of doing either task, I still want to be manly around you doing the more difficult role. I dont know why but I also want you to see me as a capable man, someone that you can rely on when it comes to the point that you feel like you cant do it anymore.

With a soft grunt, I pulled the rope harder and with your help, we were able to hoist the deer carcass up. After lifting the game at a considerable height off the ground, I went and tied the free end of the rope on the tree's trunk, working skillfully with knotting the rope to secure it nice and tight. "Now the dirty part." I said, puling a hunting knife of my own and playfully spun it with my fingers as I walked back to the deer, poking it lightly with the tip of my index finger. "You caught a big one this time." I said, admiring your game and flashed you a soft smile. "You should really teach me more of your ways." Though I am skilled with hunting, my skills cannot be compared to yours. Even the proclaimed best hunter in the kingdom is still an arrows short to your skills.

@Soohyuk I knew you were feeding me a line of bull about the rooster not crowing and I knew you knew so I didn't even bother to give you the look. We had known each other for too long for that to have been necessary and I was sure you could probably picture that expression perfectly in your head as you spoke; It was one of the odd perks of growing up so close together. Unlike our sister who decided to focus their attention on receiving proper feminine education, I had always chosen to run rampant with you and the other castle boys. Father had encouraged me at every turn, even providing me with more pairs of pants than dresses and allowing me to attend any of the private lessons you received. Well, for as long as he could try to keep me in the classroom anyway.

With the deer nearly in position I stood again and pulled the dark leather hunting tunic I wore back into place, the act of being bent over had caused it to rise more than I was comfortable with. I cast you a curious look, my brows knitting together as I was still baffled by the fact you still seemed to enjoy it when I changed forms. "Aren't you sick of this by now?" I asked before I put the free end of the rope in my mouth. For a split second I paused, almost hoping you would look away as I made the change because I knew it wasn't the most pleasing sight in the world. I didn't know why but I never wanted you to think of me as ugly like so many others seemed to.

Closing my eyes I pushed the thought out of my mind and focused instead on the ephemeral swirls of unseen energy around me, mentally tapping into it to start the shift. My clothes and gear seemed to meld into me as my body shrank steadily. Bones, sinew, and musculature rearranged itself quickly and painlessly beneath my skin. Obsidian colored feathers tinged with a deep forest green sprouted and grew to cover my body. In less than 10 seconds I had changed from the woman Boa into a beautiful raven, the cord held tightly in my beak.

Glancing up at you with my bird's eyes, I tilted my head to the side to make sure I had you attention as I spread my wings and playfully bowed low. If I could have, I would have chuckled as I then launched into the air, taking the rope with me. It was a short flight but I still always enjoyed it any time I was able to change into my other selves and let loose for just a bit. Being a human was fun and all but it could not compare to the experiences I had as a snake, wolf, panther, and even raven but it was a secret I held deep within my heart for how could I tell anyone that those things were also how I was truly meant to be.

I arched over the branch and dropped the rope hoping you would catch it. Angling my entire body I tilted my wings to bring me in a small loop back to you in order to help hoist the carcass. Midway down I began to change back again, reversing the process so that when I became human again I was jogging light up to your side again without breaking my stride. "You wanna pull or lift?" I asked, knowing that it would be less damaging to the deer and less likely to tear if we worked together.

@Boa, The Misfit Princess When I was younger, the thought of being the heir to the throne was the only thing in my mind. Everyday as far as I can remember, I was already being groomed to be the next King to the throne, learning the ways of what it has to take to become a good leader. It was the only thing that interested me for I was not really given the opportunity to explore other things but that. Spending time with you though was my door to the outside world. The times I spent playing with you when were were younger showed me how simple and enjoyable life can really be. And slowly, my interest have shifted to something else. I just want to live a normal life.

Being the only heir to the throne, the simple life I have started to dream of slowly faded away as each day brought me new task and roles to fulfill as the prince. As much as I wanted to do other things, I am obliged to do and fulfill my duties first before my own happiness unfortunately. I actually miss those times when I simply run out the courtyard with you and play till we're dead tired. Now, our priorities have changed and I have my role to fill while you have yours to do. Even with such current situation, I still go out my way and try to be with you like the old times because in all honesty, I feel myself when I am with you and I always like that feeling.

With your statement, I slightly made a face at the thought of the guts coming out of the game. "You really want me to do the dirty work huh?" I shook my head at you in a playful manner as I was just teasing you in return. Nodding, I grabbed the deer's legs as you instructed and pulled it over to the tree with ease. "I would have come earlier if the rooster didn't forget to make a sound." I tried to defend my tardiness and shrugged my shoulders lightly, looking at you then and nods like it was what really happened. Though I know that you already know the real reason I woke up late. "Well come on now. We don't have all day." I clapped my hands twice and motioned up the tree to get you flying up there already. not that I was in a hurry, I just really want to see you transform and fly up which still amazes me until now even though how many times I have seen it already.

@Soohyuk Once the stag's heart stopped and the creature breathed its last I knelt down to begin the dirty but necessary task of dressing it. I reached to my waist for a coiled bit of rope, tied one end around two of the beasts legs, and was just about to change form to take off when I heard your horse approaching. To be completely honest, I was more than a little surprised you had managed to make it out of bed at all before the sun hit its zenith. As we had gotten older it seemed like your attentions were constantly pulled elsewhere, to other people and other things that a proper prince should be doing. A small hunt with a relatively unimportant family member hardly seemed like something you would have had to pass on but nevertheless, I was happy to see you.

My eyes glistened in delight as I took one long look at you, somehow simultaneously seeing the boy I used to know and the man in front of me at once. The thought made me smile but it was bittersweet and deep down I wished that the moment hadn't had to come at all. Our minutes together were becoming numbered and I think we both realized that. It was well-past that point where I should have been married off to some baron and popping out sons and for you, you were expected to find a suitable queen and convince her to marry you. After that we both knew we would only see each other at the rare political event in my little corner of nowhere and that would be it.

"You only missed the most exciting part." I teased dryly, feigning the impression I wasn't amused at all. "But now you get to help me rip the guts out so that when we eat it, we don't have the s and stomach cramps for a week." This time I really did smile and even managed to laugh a little. "I need you to tug this guy over to that tree and when you're close enough I will fly up, and drop this end of the rope back down to you. Then we both lift and secure it." I tap your chest lightly with the back of my head and bend down to give you a hand. "Thanks for coming. This part is much easier with two."

@Boa, The Misfit Princess Waking up, the sun was already shining its rays through my open window - which I forgot to close last night before going to bed - causing me to rub my eyes gently with my knuckles and let out a soft yawn. I scratch the side of my head as I move to the side of my bed and a thought of something important came to my mind, only to realize that I should have waken hours before for hunting. I got up from the bed quicker than a chicken running away when being chased and I dashed to change into my hunting clothes. Glancing out the window, I could tell that Im way too late to catch up but it's better late then never i thought and quickly headed down the stables.

On my way down, one of the servants saw me and was actually quite surprise that I am up earlier than usual. I had to stop from my tracks and went back a couple of steps to gesture to her with my index finger against my lips to keep quiet since father doesn't know about me heading out to the woods without escorts or guards. I sneaked in the stable, taking my favorite horse Lancelot out and got on the saddle. Before the stable boy noticed the doors open, I was already on my way to the woods to meet you.

I reached the entrance of the woods in no time and glanced around for any signs of you but I saw nothing. Sighing, I went deeper in the woods and guided Lancelot along the path im sure you've taken. "Where are you?" I muttered to myself, still glancing around for the signs of you. The sun was getting high up the sky and its rays starts to creep in the woods, illuminating the path im taking. I thought I had missed you already and was about to go back when lo and behold I saw your figure from a far! It was still a bit foggy and my eyes couldn't really make the exact image of who it was but I knew for sure it was you. Without knowing, a small smile formed on my lips and the next thing I know, I was already pacing towards you. "What did I miss?" I asked with a hint of playfulness when I finally reached you and hopped off Lancelot, giving him a gentle pat on the side of his head for doing a good job like always.