Eren showed me how to skin a rabbit, and then walked me through the steps. It was very gross, and messy, but it was necessary.
He then showed me how to cook.
"So where do I get this stuff?" I asked, watching him pull out vegetables.
"Markets" Eren said, placing an onion, two potatoes, carrots and celery down on the counter. "Ye can buy almost anything from people. Like pots and pans, vegetables, even meat" he said, washing the veggies in a pot of water. "Ye need to wash yer food before ye eat it. Dirt doesnae taste verra good" Eren informs me, but I wasn't paying attention. My mind was filled with anxious thoughts.
I don't have money. How the hell am I going to pay for anything?
"Levi?" Eren said my name, and his hand on my arm pulled me out of my swirling mass of anxiety in my head. "What's wrong?" I looked up at him, and saw his concerned face.
"H-how am I going to pay for stuff?" I asked, choking on tears. I had been so focused on other surviving things that I didn't even think about the most important thing. Money. "I have nothing, and I have no skills, I can't get a job" I sobbed, my hands shaking.
"Hey" Eren pulled me into his arms, and I barely relaxed. "We'll figure out something, I'm sure ye have skills"
"No! I don't know anything useful, nothing that I can survive off of"
"We'll figure out something" Eren held me back at arms length. "We can find something for ye that ye like and ye're good at. Apprenticeships are everywhere"
I breathed in deep, and out slowly. "What do you have in mind?"
Eren shrugged, pulling a face. "Baking, blacksmithing, ye could be a farm hand"
My eyes widened. "Farm hand?"
"Yeah, feed and clean up after the animals, harvest food"
"That sounds awful" I sneered at the thought.
Eren chuckled. "Spoiled prince"
I pursed my lips, but didn't argue. It was kinda true. Very true. I never had to do hard labor, and frankly, I hated the thought.
"Ok, so no farm handling. See, we already narrowed down the list." Eren chuckled and handed me a potato. "We'll think about that later, right now, let's get supper started."
Eren taught me how to peel vegetables, and then how to cut them.
We cut up the rabbit, and put the rest in the ice box. The ice box was in the kitchen, behind a heavy stone door, that was filled with ice.
We added all the ingredients in a pot on the hearth.
"How do you start a fire?" I asked, watching as he stirred the soup.
"Oh, like this" Eren made a vague gesture with his hand, and the fire under the hearth went out before starting back up.
I blinked, before giving him a critical eye. "Eren. I'm not a dragon. I can't just—" I made a similar gesture that he did. "—and create fire. I'm a pathetic human"
Eren blinked and looked sheepishly down at the soup, his cheeks turning red. "Oh, right. Umm...I actually don't know how tae build fire normally"
"You're parents never did it?"
"They are also fire dragons, so no, they never needed tae, but I'm sure if I asked my Da, he would know how" Eren pulled a spoon full of soup out of the pot. "I'll write tae him" He blew softly on the broth before holding it out to me, his free hand under the spoon to catch any that dripped off.
I opened my mouth and leaned forward and closed my lips around the spoon and tasted it. I moved it around my tongue for a bit before swallowing it. "Could use some more salt" I said and Eren put a dash of salt in and stirred, with a new spoon.
—————
"Where do you sleep?" I asked, sitting on the bed. Eren was standing near me, adjusting the pillows, making sure my foot was raised.
"I have spare rooms, or in the treasure room" Eren said, and stood up straight. "Good night" Eren said. "Tomorrow we'll go over traps and snares. So get some rest" and he was gone, the fire dying down to just embers. Enough warmth to keep me warm, but not bright enough to keep me awake. I laid down, staring at the dying fire.
My fingers traced the sore spot on my neck, where Eren had bit me. I shivered at the memory. I pressed my fingers harder into the bruise and I whimpered, my eyes closing.
And then the exhaustion from the past 20 some odd hours seeped into my bones and I was asleep in a matter of seconds.
——————
I felt a puff of hot air in my face. I groaned, turning my face into my pillow. Something soft and velvety touched my cheek, and then a large wet tongue licked my cheek.
"What the fuck!?" I growled, rolling onto my back, wiping my cheek and glaring at my assailant. "What the fuck?"
Bell's big brown eyes were staring down at me, and she jerked her head around, whinnying happily at having woke me up.
"Bell?" I quickly reached up and grabbed her, my hands running through her mane. "Bell!" I felt tears in my eyes and wrapped my arms around her neck, holding her tightly. Her head was a comfortable weight on my back as she 'hugged' me back.
"I'm glad she was the right one" Erens voice pulled my attention away. I couldn't see him, my tears blurred my vision to much to make out more than colors.
"You…" I stuttered. "You got her?" I sobbed, gripping her mane like a lifeline.
"She seemed really important tae ye," Eren shrugged.
"She is" I sobbed, pulling back to look at my horse. She blinked at me and I stroked her nose. I looked over at Eren, a small yet genuine smile on my face, tears still in my eyes. "Thank you"
Eren blinked, his mouth open as he stared at me. The fire pit next to me blazed up, the fire strong and hot.
Eren cleared his throat and looked away from me, the fire dying down to a normal strength.
"Ye're welcome."
I smiled shyly. I felt my cheeks heating up, and not from the fire. I opened my mouth to say something, but Eren beat me to it.
"Besides, ye'll need a horse. For when ye are on yer own"
The warm feelings in my chest froze, and reality came back to me. I was leaving. I couldn't stay. No matter what attractions I had for Eren. Nothing could happen because I was leaving.
"Right" I couldn't keep the disappointment from my voice. Eren glanced at me, his fist clenched at his sides. "How did you get her over the wall? How did you get over the wall?" I asked, changing the subject.
Eren grinned. "I have wings"
I started at him. "You flew "
"Yes. I got over the wall and found the stables. The 'stable boy' ye were talking about was sleeping, and she was the only black horse. I took some apples and lured her out" He walked up and put his hand on her back. "When she was outside, I transformed back into a dragon, grabbed her and flew back. Scared the shit out of the poor girl though." He chuckled, patting her firmly. "Now, let's eat and then learn about traps"
—————
Eren taught me about snares and traps, as well as more botanical knowledge.
He had cleared out space for Bell, where she could sleep, and she had access to the outside, so she could go out and roam.
The last two weeks had gone by fast, my wrist was fully healed, and my ankle was close. It didn't hurt anymore, but Eren said we should wait another week just to be sure.
Once he determined I could walk, he took me to a stream and taught me how to fish, and I had a natural talent for it.
"Ye could be a fisherman, sell the fish ye catch" He had been brainstorming ideas for trades I could do to live off of.
"That wouldn't be a bad idea." I said, looking at the pile of trout I had just caught.
That's where Eren was now. There was no way we would eat that many fish, so he had gone to sell them.
I was sitting in the bed, Eren's father's botany book on my lap. I was very confident in my ability. When I wasn't practicing snares, I was studying plants.
I was gaining confidence the more I worked, and my attraction to Eren grew as well.
He was so kind, and funny and witty. He wasn't offended by my humor, he threw my snarky comments right back at me. He was very thoughtful as well. He didn't need to take in a complete stranger and nurse them back to health, he didn't need to share his knowledge, but he did, and I was ever grateful.
I heard the happy sound of Bell neighing, greeting Eren. I turned the page of the book and started reading the letter we had gotten a few days ago. It was a step-by-step instruction on how to start a fire, with pictures and everything, courtesy from Erens parents, who I learned where named Grisha and Carla.
"I'm back" Eren greeted and I glanced at him. He was holding a few things. One was a basket with some basic food, and the other was a box shaped thing wrapped in blue.
He put down the basket and walked over to me. He took the book with his free hand and moved it away and placed the blue box on my lap. "That's yers, and so's this" He tossed a small brown sack in his hands, and the sound of coins clinking together. He placed it on the bed next to me and sat at my feet. "Well, go on, open it" he gesture to the parcel on my lap.
I gave him a suspicious look and touched the blue cloth. It was nice and soft, and a beautiful blue. I started pulling the bits away and found a hood. It was a cloak.
"It's beautiful" I said, feeling the inside. It was warm and fuzzy. "This must have cost a fortune"
Eren shrugged. "I have many fortunes" he then waved his hand and the cloak. "There's more"
I smiled and pulled away the pieces of cloth to see a book. "Gringouf Kirkpatrick and the Four White Knights"
I could tell by looking at it that it was a children's book, but I smiled non the less.
"I thought that it looked interesting and that you would like it" Eren beamed, and even though I loved the present anyway, I would treasure it always seeing how happy he was.
"Eren, thank you" I thumbed through the book, smelling the new book smell. I swung the cloak around my shoulders and clipped it into place. "This is so nice. Thank you so much" I smiled at him, rubbing the cloak against my cheek. It was so soft.
Even smiled and he looked away shyly. "Ye're welcome"
"But why?" I asked, generally curious as to the reason of these gifts.
He smiled at me. "Happy birthday"
My brows furrowed. "It's my birthday?" I asked. I had no idea what day it was, but my birthday had been very soon the last time I was in the castle. "How did you know?"
"Stohess has a huge celebration for you every year"
"Oh, yes, of course"
"Though...it was different this year" Eren said, tone suddenly serious.
"How so?"
He blinked at me. "They think you're dead"
My smile fell. "Oh"
Eren stared at me, eyes intense. I felt very uncomfortable under his gaze. "Why do they think you're dead?"
I hadn't told Eren anything about... that day, and he never pushed me to tell him. But now? Now he was so intent on learning why they thought I was dead, and I wouldn't be able to dodge it.
I took a deep breath, clenching the fur blanket in my hands. "Do you...do you know who Kenny is?"
Eren thought a moment before shrugging. "The Lord of Mitras?"
I nodded. "He's...my uncle" Eren nodded, and made a sound like 'mhm' and I continued. "He...he killed—" my voice caught and I cleared my throat. "He killed my father, and tried to kill me"
Erens eyes widened. "What? But...but that's treason"
"I know" I closed my eyes tight. It hurt to remember.
"A-are you sure that he killed him?" Eren asked. It wasn't in a condescending way, he was just making sure he knew all the information, and I knew that, yet I was still overcome with rage.
I glared, my teeth clenching. "I saw him kneeling over his dead body, a bloody dagger in his hands and my father's head in the other. I slipped in my father's blood. Yes. I'm sure" I spat, growling. I'm sorry" Eren cringed. "It's just...it's a lot tae take in"
I looked at him and saw the sympathy and pain in his eyes. I took a deep breath. "I barely escaped" I closed my eyes, hoping to stop any tears. "I should be dead"
"But Ye're no'." Eren touched my hand. I kept my eyes closed, breathing deeply. When I opened my eyes, I looked down at our hands.
He was stroking the back of my hand with his thumb, giving me comfort.
I blinked at our hands, and moved my fingers to interlock our digits. My heart was pounding in my chest when I looked up to meet his eyes.
His green orbs were still on our hands, and without looking at me, he pulled away. "I'm going to put the food away" And he was gone.
I listened to his footsteps, my heart heavy in my chest. I swallowed thickly, and got off the bed, pulling on my boots and pulled my new hood over my head.
I walked out of the cave, my boots sinking into the mud. Rain was still sprinkling, but the canopy of leaves caught most of the moisture, only dripping occasionally.
I needed a clear mind and fresh air was just what I needed…hopefully.
I got to a stream a few feet from the cave. It wasn't a big stream, about two feet wide, and I could see the rocky flooring in the shallow water.
I sighed heavily and sat on a rock. The Boulder was wet, but I couldn't bring myself to care.
I sat, listening to the trinkle of the stream and rain, the sound of wet leaves being disturbed by the calm wind.
I didn't know what was going on. I didn't know what to do.
I sighed again and looked at my hands. Or to be specific, the hand Eren held. I could still feel his warmth, and the roughness of calloused fingertips.
I longed for him to touch me again, and not just my hand. I yearned for him.
I made a noise of despair, and dropped my face into my hands.
Why did the one person I wanted have to be a fucking dragon ?! And why did he want me gone so bad?
I was pulled from my thinking by the sound of muted footsteps. It was Eren.
His steps were cautious, and he was being loud. Normally he had the agility of a cat, he never made a noise. He wanted me to hear him.
I kept my face cupped in my hands. Eren stopped next to my rocky chair.
It was silent for what felt like ages. I wasn't going to say anything, and he was waiting for me too.
Just when the silence became too much, Eren spoke. "It's raining. Ye should come inside" his voice held no certain emotion. This wasn't the first time this has happened. We would have a moment, he would break it and leave in a hurry, and after a minute or two, he would find me and act like nothing happened.
I wasn't sure if I hated it or was thankful for it.
I looked up at him, staring at him. He was so handsome. I hate him. I looked away.
"No"
"No?" Eren sounded surprised. Of course he did. I have never told him no before. I always did as asked. He knew more than I did, and I didn't want to risk him kicking me out before I learned everything. Now though, now I had nothing to lose.
"That's what I said" I sat up straight, staring into the green wilderness. "I want to stay out here."
Eren said nothing, and I kept my back to him. There was no sound from him, and I was beginning to wonder if he snuck off with his cat like movements.
"Alright" he said, right behind me. I nearly jumped out of my skin. I don't know if I flinched, but if I did, Eren didn't notice, or he stayed silent about it.
He moved, and sat, in the mud, against a tree near me.
"What are you doing?" I asked, staring at him.
"Staying out here." I blinked before glaring at him. I turned away. "I can handle myself"
"Sure" Eren leaned back.
I gritted my teeth, but kept my head high. I kept my eyes on a tree a few feet away. It had a large piece of bark that had been chipped away by some animals. A woodpecker maybe.
And Eren kept his eyes on me.
"Stop staring at me" I snapped.
He blinked those gorgeous eyes at me before looking away, in the direction I was glaring at.
"What tree are you trying to set on fire?" He asked.
I wanted to snap, say something short and snarky, like I had been doing, but I couldn't. I laughed. A small little chuckle. "I'm sorry" I said, quietly. "I'm just...confused"
Eren turned his eyes to me once again. "I know" he sounded pained. "It's a good thing you're leaving in a few days." I could have sworn I heard him choke on his words. I looked up at him, and he was staring at the water. He looked just as confused as I felt. He was hurting too.
Did he want me like I want him?
Whatever was causing the expression, I hated it. I hated seeing him in pain. I had to do something.
"Hey, Eren" I called out, leaning forward and dipping my hand in the stream.
"Hmm" Eren asked, looking up at me. When he did, I grinned and flung a hand full of water at his face.
His eyes were wide and he blinked owlishly at me, before they narrowed and he smirked. He said nothing, just threw his own handful of water at me. I shrieked and splashed back.
We had a water fight, screaming and laughing. Erens smile was back, and that was all I cared about. "Alright!" Eren called after spitting water out of his mouth. "Let's go inside and clean up"
I followed this time.
—————
I think I understood what Eren was doing. I had been thinking about it while I bathed. He did want me, he had to. Right?
Anyway, if he was, then he kept pulling away because I was leaving soon. Four days to be exact. He maybe didn't want to complicate things by…by having…sex...with me.
I blushed at the thought.
Maybe it would be harder for him to let me go?
Or maybe he knows I'm a virgin who hasn't even had my first kiss and doesn't want the burden of taking a virgin. I heard it was a lot more work.
I stood in the room, drying my hair. A shadow appearing on the wall of what eluded me to Erens presence.
"It's dry" He said, laying my blue cloak on the bed. "I knew it was worth the gold"
"Thank you"
Eren looked at me and smiled. "Do ye need anything?" He asked. I shook my head. "Okay. Goodnight"
"Goodnight" I watched him turn, and he walked out of the room. I pressed my lips together. There was something I wanted. Something other than him. I had been trying to find the courage to ask him for days. I was running out of time.
"Eren!" I shouted.
A second later, Erens mop of wavy brown hair peaked around the archway. "Aye?" And my mouth went dry. "Did ye need something?" He asked, stepping more into the room.
"Well" I cleared my throat. "It's...it's more of a request"
"Oh?" A brown eyebrow was raised in question.
I took another deep breath. I was really going to ask him. "Will you take me to Stohess?"
He blinked, a small smile on his lips, as if waiting for the punchline. When I said nothing, keeping my stance straight, and holding eye contact, his smile fell.
"No"
"Why not?"
"Ye just told me that they tried to kill ye! Why in Gods name would I take ye near them?"
Ok...good point.
But I wasn't backing down. "No one will recognize me. No townsfolk have ever seen me, not since my name day, and I bet I look very different from a week old baby to an 18 year old"
Eren narrowed his eyes. "Why do ye want tae go?"
"I've dreamt about it my whole life. The only thing I really wanted was to see my kingdom. My father—" my voice cracked, thinking of him. I cleared my throat. "—always promised when I turned 18 he would let me see. I'm 18 now"
Eren cursed in a language I didn't understand. "It's dangerous"
"You said it yourself, Stohess is a very friendly place, and the cloak you got me covers me very well." Eren reached a hand up to run it through his thick locks. "I'm going Eren" my voice was firm, no room for arguing. I had made up my mind a long time ago. "With, or without you" That got him to look at me. "I've wanted this for so long, I'm going. I just thought it would be nice to have a guide, someone who knows their way around, but I'm sure I can manage without one"
Eren sneered, like he smelt something bad and swore again in the strange language. He looked at me, exasperated.
He put his hands on his hips and started tapping his foot. He was staring me down, but I was no coward. I kept my stance, and never broke eye contact.
Finally, Eren grumbled a swear, and closed his eyes. "Fine ye stubborn, spoiled…" he growled, thinking of something to call me. "...prince" he spat, that being the worst thing he could think of, and I had to hold in my laughter. "We'll go in two days, give your ankle a bit more time tae rest"
He turned around and left, mumbling obscenities under his breath, some in English, others in his strange language I never heard.
I had to fight back a squeal.
I ran to the entryway and could see his retreating back. "You need to work on your insults!" I shouted and he stopped and turned to look at me, and I grinned. "Brat!