The trio had barely moved more than a hundred standard paces away from the dismantled rope trap, when a rather brazen voice called out to them. "Seems like someone's been cutting down my snares- not a very wise move when you're trespassing on private property."
The flippant remark sounded more amused than furious; yet Malik still seemed unnerved by the possibility of an angry landowner chasing after them. He turned and hissed to his rescuer, "Bakura, we'd better move!"
"What, you've just been chased by a flame-belching dragon and you're afraid of this guy?!" The annoyed blacksmith shook his head. "If I didn't have a prince riding on my back right now, I'd slap the cr*p out of you myself!"
Though it indeed sounded like only one man was nearby, Ryou felt his uneasiness growing as he scanned the surrounding woods. Soon a lone figure started walking towards the trio, his posture matching his arrogant tone. "I am known as Otogi. Otogi the Visionary." Here the emerald-eyed young man gave a rather licentious wink towards the young royal still hanging on atop the blacksmith's back. "And you're in my part of the woods now."
"Actually, we weren't aware of that fact; mainly becausewe don't care." Bakura replied dryly. "Now be a good sport and shove off!"
The raven-haired man laughed while flipping his bangs aside in a carefree motion. "Sorry, but I'm not going to let a beauty as glorious at that get away from me- not without a bit of... posing, first." He glanced again towards the now-cringing prince.
Malik seemed disgusted, but Bakura only yelped, "WHAT?!" Yet they were both ignored by the brash landowner. The raven-haired man stepped closer, and gave a formal bow before addressing Ryou directly. "Surely a lady of your breeding deserves far more suitable company- an elegant gentleman of refinement and class... such a myself. Allow me a moment to handle these crude 'ruffians,' and I'll entertain you with my... most artistic strokes."
"..." Bakura wordlessly pulled out an impressive dagger from between his belt and his tunic. "Your perversion is detestable enough, but I think I'll kill you just for being annoying, rather than on any justifiable principle."
"Eh?!" The black-haired man suddenly jumped back, holding his arms out in a pacifying gesture. "Wait, wait! Hold it! You misunderstood my intentions- I'm an artist!"
The injured royal finally decided to interject, loudly declaring, ""and YOU misunderstand my inclinations, sir- my name is Prince Ryou Bakura, of the Kingdom of Tresloin. I am traveling with these two men acting as my personal retainers."
"Oh. Oh!" The olive-skinned youth gave a hasty bow of apology before spluttering out a response. "My deepest apologies, your highness... I have heard of your mother's unparalleled beauty, and it seems that you have inherited your own fair share! Please, excuse my witless folly!"
Ryou only gave a quiet sigh, as though this sort of mix-up happened a lot. "It is of little consequence. My family's unusual looks are infamous throughout the lands, and I cannot fault you for taking notice with your creative eye."
"Thank you, my liege." The now standing landowner glanced over the unusual party. "I do not wish to leave any bad feelings between us; might I offer you and your traveling companions a home-cooked meal by way of restitution?"
Malik's eyes lit up at the mention of food, and even Bakura seemed tempted. Ryou was far less eager, but once he noticed the looks on the other two's faces, he had to give in. "I can hardly refuse such an earnest pledge; if you truly feel that you can accommodate we three, then our group will gladly accept."
"Then allow me to host you for the evening." Otogi gave another bow, before guiding the trio to a large, wood cabin. He unlatched the heavy door, and invited the odd trio in.
"Oh my..." The young prince glanced at the décor as they were ushered inside the warm dwelling. Every wall held several paintings; most of them were based on natural plants and wildlife scenes; but a few seemed more abstract and unique. "You do indeed have quite an eye, mister Otogi."
"High praise from someone undoubtedly very well-versed in the arts." The man bowed again. "I study the inspirations of nature in this remote cabin, where I might not be disturbed for days. I do not often have guests here, but I believe I can offer a meal that will please us all."
At these words, the prince (no longer astride the blacksmith's back) pulled something from a small, cloth bag hidden within his robes. "Naturally, I would never expect such an unheralded request for lodgings and nourishment to be complimentary..." Ryou then held out a glistening, golden coin- clearly a very valuable piece of his own kingdom's currency. "Will this suffice as fair trade?"
But the reclusive artist balked at the sight of the large circle being presented, and he shook his head. "But- that's pure gold, is it not?! No, no- that's far too much, your highness! I can't possibly provide you with the appropriate change for such a precious coin!"
The prince smiled and dropped the coin into the other's palm anyway. "There is no need- I'm offering the whole piece freely."
The artist tried yet again to protest, but the prince was insistent. "You've been very generous, despite that fact that you aren't one of my own subjects. (Not to mention we did kinda destroy one of your traps). Please, let me repay you for your kindness."
So the artist gave in and began setting up a feast. He quickly raided his personal stores and began setting places at a lovely oak table. "Give me half an hour, then; if you can!"
Soon the modest abode was full of the sounds and smells of simmering soup, fresh-chopped salads, and a hearty mix of finely-grilled meats being carefully placed over a thick pasta dish.
Ryou used his 'walking stick' to get over to the table. His ankle was still sore, but it was starting to heal (for the most part). Malik and Bakura took seats on either side of the pale royal. They did not have to wait long for the first course, and everyone eagerly tucked into a very fine soup.
"Mmm- I do love the flavoring in this- it's very rich!" Ryou commented while giving the chef a gratified grin.
"Basil, parsley, and black pepper- all freshly grown in the garden just out back." The 'visionary' declared proudly. "I don't allow much to distract me from my art, but I insist on top quality ingredients for all my meals!"
"It's hard to make a masterpiece from bad paints." The prince agreed.
"Exactly!" The shamrock-eyed youth nodded- clearly he was pleased by the white-haired nobleman's discernment. "And here I can make all my paints from the best and purest components!"
Bakura and Malik were waiting for the second course, each lost in their own thoughts. Malik was rather grateful to finally get a meal that wasn't saturated with meat. Bakura, though, was still wary of the stranger now conversing with the prince. 'Something's amiss here- I don't know of any artist who has to set traps to get ingredients for his meals and mediums...'
Clearly the prince had been pondering the same thing, and he casually asked- "I suppose you set those traps to discourage intruders, then?"
Otogi sighed. "I wish I didn't have a need for them, but this land-plot used to be popular fodder for the locals- they would trespass all the time, hunting for stags and wild boar."
Malik frowned. "Surely that's illegal?!"
"Oh yes; but this land sat vacant for ages, so no one truly cared." He waved one hand in annoyance. "See, the last owner of the property died without a proper will, so it took quite a while to sort out the details. My master was finally able to buy it half a decade ago- but there's still some stubborn fools who refuse to accept that such 'prime hunting grounds' now belong to a mostly non-hunting artist."
"Your 'master'- you were a slave?!" Malik sounded stunned by the supposed-revelation.
But Ryou quickly corrected him with a soft nudge. "In this case, I believe our host means he was a pupil studying under a very skilled artist-?"
"Indeed- my teacher and guide, Ceruz Falkone, was the most masterful artist in the province during his time."
"I have heard of his works- his pastel landscapes were always well-respected." The royal youth added.
"Yes- unfortunately, he passed away last winter." Ototgi clasped his hands together and bowed his head over them in grief. "He had developed an illness no herbs could cure, and slowly fell to waste."
Ryou frowned as he saw the student's pain at recalling such memories. "My truest condolences."
"Thank you- he left this world too soon." Otogi nodded before unfolding his arms and proudly adding, "nonetheless, I shall try to honor his memory by developing my own works, and upholding his legacy as a testament to the power of true inspiration and raw talent!"
Though the determination in the black-haired visionary's was impressive, his words didn't quite reach the two males still plowing through the third course of the meal.
"Whath the heckth is he saying?" Malik quietly muttered to Bakura through a thick slice of bread.
"I haven't a d*mn clue- and stop spraying me with crumbs, you idiot!"
A short while later, with his guest's stomachs comfortably full, Otogi began racing around the cabin. Apparently the golden coin was of too great a value for him to consciously accept it as payment for a single meal. Instead, the creative recluse quickly went through his stores and wrapped up three bundles of bread, cheeses, and (much to Malik's disgust) various meats. The cottage owner also managed to get three fresh skeins filled to the brim with clear water from 'a nearby well.'
Soon, Otogi was standing the doorway, waving off the now heavily-laden trio. He called helpfully after them: "There's an abandoned mill not too far from here- about 600 sp down the road on the right! It's far from a royal palace, but it should keep you dry until you reach your next stop!"
Ryou waved back with a cry of "many thanks!" The blacksmith and his 'follower' were more reluctant to wish the unusual artist well, but they waved back anyway.
The trio had barely taken on the road again, when Bakura glanced towards the cheerful royal. "I have to say, you certainly took to that artist's stew faster than I would have thought. Surely a nobleman such as yourself should fear trickery from strangers met abroad?"
"Oh, well-" the slender prince shrugged in embarrassment, "-actually, I thought it would be better if I sampled it first- you see, as a member of a royal family, I've had many protective spells cast on me to help in the event of poisoning or foul magicks." Malik glanced at the rowan-eyed youth in surprise. "I figured I could take a few bites first, and then if I felt odd I could warn the two of you."
The blacksmith felt stunned by this revelation. What he'd taken for naive recklessness... had in fact been pure selflessness.
"You're a very strange royal, you know that?"
Ryou let out an awkward laugh, trying not to let his nerves show as they marched onward. 'If only he knew the truth...'
