The final bell tolls over the Cold Kingdom, the last chime before morning comes, or what they consider morning as the days are short and darkness comes quick. Lukas turns his head to see out the window where the looming clock hangs from a building, bells strung above to be pulled on the right time. He glances around him at the bits of parchment scattered on his desk and forgets them.
In a swooping motion he pulls the fur lined shawl over his shoulders, clipping it tight in the front. The stone steps echo as he practically runs down them in his effort to go, his bag clutched tight in his hands. A small stop at the flowing fountain kept heated so it doesn't freeze, a full canteen lantern, and he's on his way to the stables.
The horses snort at him as he enters, letting in some of the cold from outside. Snow covers every building and footprints are clearly seen. Lukas approaches the back stalls cautiously to not spook the horses any more. They are larger than any he's ever seen, shaggy in their coats and woven clothes over their lower leg to keep warm. The horse in the back, black and silver, is just a bit smaller. His in any right and graciously allowed to stay in the stables. His breath comes in small puffs.
He reaches the horse and raises a hand up slowly to pet it's muzzle. It neighs lowly at him and allows itself to be pulled to touch the top of Lukas's head in a sign of affection. Like he's done every weekend he could, he pulls the horse from the stable to the outside. The wind has yet to pick up for the night and for that he is also thankful. His hand grips the reigns tight and he closes the stable door gently enough to not startle the other creatures.
He turns and stops short at the other person there. The cook for most meals, holding tight to his bag that clangs with a pot or two. They stare at each other for a moment until Lukas's horse bumps him out of his daze. He glances up at his horse then to the chef. He waves them closer and they scurry forward with a smile breaking across their face.
Lukas hoists up their bag next to his then helps them onto the back of the horse. The creature steps in place as it gets settled with their weight. Lukas sits himself properly, glancing back for just a moment to see if the cook is ready. They hold tight to the thick blanket that serves as a saddle and give Lukas a nod. He turns forward and nudges his horse with a tap of his heels.
"Lys, go," He whispers to the animal. At the sound of it's name the horse trots forward with more urgency. Together he and the chef leave the main walls and border of the Cold Kingdom under the cover of a night that comes too soon. When they are farther away Lukas taps his horse more and the speed is picked up again, as fast as the animal can go with two people on it's back.
The wind stings his face and he pulls the rag from his pocket to tie over his face as much as he can. His fingers have frozen in place on the reigns but his horse knows this way as well as he does. The Cold Kingdom looms in the distance, a monument of sharp beauty.
Lukas didn't want to work there, not for what he had to give up to do so. Most would give up everything to work in the palace, to be deemed worthy of a 'pretty' title like the one he has. A menial task worker if anything, one in charge of the actual maids and butlers of the castle itself. It's decent, one that he can do. A job he earned only because his looks provided him such.
The chef behind him, a friend on accounts, chosen as well for his skill in the kitchen. Tino past the mark at cute and his kitchen work added a bonus to that. Lukas isn't too sure about his life past the castle, all he knows is they both didn't want to give up everything to work in the castle.
Far too long in his opinion a gate appears next to the path they take. He hops down, patting his horse as he lifts the latch. Tino nudges the horse forward. As it passes Lukas closes the gate leading into the outskirts of the Cold Kingdom, a place where those deemed unworthy to be looked upon are sent to survive if they can. Lukas and Tino are both guilty of helping them.
He holds the reigns to Lys and walks beside the creature, petting it as he does. He doesn't want the weight to be too extreme for his companion. His breathing comes in foggy puffs as lights appear in the distance, houses that are still awake or have candles to spare. The small community has what it needs to live and Lukas is very thankful it lives.
He stops at on of the first houses in the line. Carefully he helps Tino down and unlatches his bag. They share an understanding look and though Lukas isn't one for much affection, he accepts the quick hug with grace.
He pulls himself up onto his horse just as the door to Tino's house opens. A tall man is there with grease smudges on his hands and face. He drops the rag in his hands in disbelief, an adoring look on his face as Tino comes closer. Lukas waits just long enough to know Tino is safe, wrapped up in the arms of the blacksmith, before continuing on the dark path.
Some look out their rickety wooden window to the horse and person decked in castle garb, but Lukas pays no mind to them. There is one house just at the end of the line with lights glowing inside that has his attention. He slides down Lys once more, guiding her to the shabby made stable and covering her in more blankets to help block out the chill of the night for as long as possible.
The steps creak under his weight and he stands at the doorstep for a moment longer, wondering if what he hopes is waiting for him still waits to see him too. He's answered by not even getting the chance to knock on the door when it's opened. A gangly person there with dirt on their face and cuts on their hands stares back at him.
"Emil!" They shout and grab a fistful of Lukas's clothing, yanking him inside. The house is a welcome difference from the cold as is the embrace he's dragged into. He catches his breath hard and grips back to the arms around him.
"Luka!" Another voice shouts and another body crashes into him. He wraps his brother up in a tight hold, breathing deeply and nuzzling him close. It's been too long since he's seen them. The large fire pits at the castle are nothing compared to the warmth of this home. They stay huddled on floor, clinging to each other.
"How long are you here?" Emil asks, both worry and excitement in his eyes. Lukas brushes some of his brother's hair out of his face, seeing how much he's grown in the two weeks he's been gone.
"Not long," Lukas admits plainly but there's a sad hitch to his voice they both pick up. Matthias gently runs his fingers through Lukas's hair and pulls him close. Emil is wiggled into their hold as they try to forget the sadness of Lukas having to go back to the stone walls that confine him to a 'pretty' title. He had been happy living in the outskirts with the unfavorable. Accidental almost he got taken to the castle, not his choice nor Tino's.
He takes every chance he gets to leave, making arrangements with the other castle managers, slipping notes into Tino's work schedule to tell him when he's going home. He doesn't hate it there, the money pay is fine, most of it heading home to Matthias to take care of Emil and the others in town. He clings to them just a little tighter.
"I made some food," Matthias says suddnely. Emil giggles and pulls away out of the super tight hold but remains close.
"Is it over the fire?" Lukas asks evenly and the smile Matthias had drops to sheepish. Emil snorts at him.
"It's frozen now isn't it." Lukas deadpans to him . Matthias laughs and scrambles up to find the pot he used to make food. Lukas rolls his eyes and Emil pulls him to his feet, dragging him to a corner where Emil has been diligently working on a small bird wood carving. It's much farther along than the last time.
Matthias fixes the food easily enough and Lukas is relaxing more and more with the familiar taste of it. The night ends with Lukas leaning on Matthias, and Emil leaning on the both of them.
"Do you have to go back?" Matthias asks once they know Emil is asleep as evidence by his light snoring. Lukas sighs and runs his hand over Emil's back.
"Yes," He answers plainly. His mood drops and he can tell by the tightness in Matthias's hold that he's not happy with the answer either. There is not much they can do about it either. Lukas has a job to do. He could be killed for disobeying. He rests his head into Matthias and tries not to let his mood sour. He may have a pretty job, but it's ugly in the ways that count.
AN: Lys is 'light' in Danish.
A bit of a switch from our regularly scheduled three. But there are other kingdoms and people, so here's a peek at that.