Had someone told Emris that he would find himself genuinely entertained by plant talk, he would've shaken his head and told them to get lost. But here he found himself completely enchanted by the other man, the passion evident in his voice when he spoke of poisonous plants, marble barked trees, and more stories than Emris could've imagined there were revolving around plants. Maybe it was the prince's animated expression, or his smile that set the flecks of sunlight in his eyes alight, but Emris found that he’d listen to the man all night if he could. But in the face of exhaustion he was powerless, and it pulled at him relentlessly, until he couldn’t keep his eyes open, even if he’d wanted to.<br/><br/>Despite the brief disappointment, Emris smiled, although it was somewhat subdued when the prince agreed to accompany him back to his room. He tried to not think of the suffocating air of the passage, though he did feel a bit of relief when Bazel mentioned that they didn't have to go back through the dreaded tunnels.<br/><br/>The creak of the study doors only confirmed that the prince was right at home traversing through the tunnels; in the dark even. Emris couldn't begin to imagine how he did it. Couldn't imagine would it must be like to not feel as if the entire world were about to bury you alive.<br/><br/>The soft echo of their footfalls off the hall walls sounded deafening in the silence, and Emris considered something to say to break it. But he was too tired for conversation; feared that he would say something foolish. Even still he was tempted --fear of making a fool of himself be damned-- anything to keep his mind off of the man next to him and the dangerous thoughts that trailed after. Though he couldn't ignore the warmth emanating from the other man with how close he was.<br/><br/>On reaching his room, he bid the prince a good night after thanking him for the trouble, collapsing face first onto the bed the moment the doors were closed.<br/><br/>Breathing out a muffled sigh he rolled over onto his back, waiting until the flutter of a thousand wings in his stomach subsided to push himself upright, and work his boots off. He just managed to step out of his clothes before crawling under the blankets, sleep taking him into it’s sweet embrace before his head had fully hit the pillow.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center"><b><span style="font-size: 18px">~~~<br/>
</span></b>​</div>As tired as he’d been and as late as he'd gone to bed, Emris still found himself waking with the sun. He still lay longer than normal, his mind attempting to catch up with it's unfamiliar surroundings. It would take some time for him to get used to waking in a bed that wasn't his own. He only hoped it happened quickly. The waking confusion and initial disorientation nothing less than vexing.<br/><br/>Remembering what the Prince had mentioned of the witch likely wanting him to hunt something, Emris spent extra time checking over his gear. Making sure his bow and arrow were in working order, and that his hunting knife was as sharp as it should be. It was nothing different than what he normally did, and the familiarity of the routine calmed him.<br/><br/>Any worries, or doubts he may have had on waking dissipated in the early morning quiet, and he felt lighter for it.<br/><br/>Once he'd dressed and made himself presentable, he headed out into the halls to the prince’s study. He doubted that Bazel was awake, especially given that he'd intruded on the man's peace most of the night.<br/><br/>On reaching the study, he knocked first, considered leaving when there was no answer. Maybe the prince was actually sleeping. He rocked back on his heels, not wanting to disturb the man if he was. And given the man had mentioned spending most of his time in his study, Emris wouldn't have been all that surprised if he slept there most nights.<br/><br/>Not wanting to disturb the man, Emris started back the way he'd come, hesitating at the threshold where the prince's wing converged with the rest of the castle. He remembered how to get back outside from here. Better than the passages even, but the thought of bumping into one of the mindless puppets that wandered the halls knotted his stomach.<br/><br/>But he couldn't stay shut away in his room all day. Emris kept his eyes forward as he walked, making no attempt to greet the few persons he passed. Not that they did any different.<br/><br/>Stepping outside in the chilly morning, Emris let out a heavy sigh, welcoming the open space and fresh air. Needing a moment to clear his thoughts, he bypassed the stables as he followed the path, making a short detour to greet the dogs as he passed their pin. For the first time sense arriving at the castle, he felt a faint sensation of homesickness, mostly missing his constant canine companion who would no doubt have trailed after him, always eager for  their morning trek through the country side before Emris saddled up and they didn't return until well after dark.<br/><br/>Bidding the canines a fond goodbye, with a promise to stop by again later, he continued his morning walk. His footsteps slowing at the sound of a voice that was quickly growing familiar.<br/><br/>Unconsciously, Emris' steps quieted. Turning a bend in the path he came upon the prince seated on a bench under a large oak tree, a small song bird perched on his finger. It explained now why no one had answered when he'd stopped by the study.<br/><br/>He couldn't help the smile that the scene manifested, and he simply watched the two of them for a weighted moment, before he cleared his throat to announce his presence and taking a small step forward. "I thought you might be sleeping."