The teal gates loom high above them as Avians fly through the sky above their heads. What Alfred imagined as a small village with a few high building is in reality a large city etched within the mountain side. "Whoa…" Alfred says craning his neck to get a better look at the people flying high above.
His blue eyes are full of wonder and joy that brings a smile to Allistor's face. "It ain't nice ta stare." He says with a light hearted wink as Alfred continues to watch them in pure fascination. "They don't like that."
"They can fly."
"Yeah they do that." Gil says as a few Avians land nearby. "Have you ever seen any other breeds?"
"Do they all look like that or?" It gets a laugh from Abel. "What?"
Abel wraps his arm around the omega's shoulder as he continues to chuckle. "These guys can fly but there's some that can't and trust me you'll probably see them eventually." He escorts Alfred away from the Avians and towards the city market. "But for now we have work to do."
"Oh yeah um…" Alfred starts still breathing in the new exciting sights and sounds. "How are we going to sell these?" He shifts his weight thankful that he won't have to carry around the large load of furs much longer.
"A little bartering and to get a good price it'll take a little know how." Abel says as he takes his large bag towards a shop keeper. After a few minutes he returns with a large amount of coins and a loaf of bread. "Easy as that."
"What did you say to him?" Alfred asks as the bread is handed to him.
With a smirk Abel shrugs. "Just told him the truth."
"You said my poor pregnant mate is hungry didn't yah?"
"Maybe that a few other things."
Allistor exchanges looks with Gilbert for a moment. "He's pretty smart when he wants ta be."
"Yeah he can. "
"Wait that's not right." Alfred starts as Gilbert takes the furs from his bag. "Hey." He grabs the strap and holds tightly to it. "You can't just use me to get more money."
Gilbert sighs as Allistor takes Alfred's hand. "Alfred, give it to him while we…see the city." He hands off his furs to Abel as Gilbert is able to pry the bag from Alfred's fingers.
"But Allistor."
"I'll explain a bit alright?" He gives a warm smile as he pulls Alfred away. "We'll catch up with yah at the city square." Once they're away from the markets Allistor pulls out a cigarette. "Alright, now."
Alfred cuts him off. "That's bullshit and you know it."
"You do what you can to survive. In the cave we hunted for our food and there was plenty to get us through the winter but out in the open we have to do what we have to do. Now if that means lying or pulling at someone's heart a little if it means a safe place to sleep and some food in our bellies we're gonna do it." He takes a piece of the bread and pops it into his mouth before putting the rest of the loaf in his satchel. "It don't make us bad."
"It doesn't make us honest either."
"Now what about what Abel said wasn't honest?" Alfred can't answer him as he looks down at his swelling stomach. Allistor can tell he's torn so he gives Alfred a warm smile as he rubs Alfred's stomach feeling a flutter of moment under his palm. "He comes first, you second and us third, so we'll do what we can for you and him."
A blush grows on Alfred's face as he looks away. "I know."
"It's cause we love yah." Allistor says warmly as he kisses the Omega's temple.
Alfred mutters as his face turns a deep crimson. "I love you too…" He looks away to see a familiar face in a nearby crowd. "Hey there's that Avian."
"Hmm?" Allistor looks over to see the man standing on a platform along with another Avian with jade eyes and a wide cheerful smile. "Well shite."
As Alfred's about to ask the Avian starts to speak to the crowd. "Hello my friends after a long winter my brother has returned to our clan." His smile widens as he motions to Lovino behind him. "And soon he'll be ruling along with me."
Lovino lets out a groan as the crowd starts to cheer. "Antonio I never said I wanted to rule this fucking place with you."
"Oh but Romano they missed you." Antonio says hugging his younger brother. "And it's only going to be for a little while anyway."
"Yeah sure it is." Lovino starts catching Alfred's eye beyond the crowd. "Excuse me."
"Where are you going?"
"I don't have to tell you where I'm going." Lovino answers spreading his wings and soaring over the crowd towards the pair. He lands in front of Alfred as his wings fold and tuck behind his back. "So only two of you made it?"
"No uh my friends are trading a few things while we see your city." Alfred answers. "So are you some kind of prince?"
Crossing his arms and looking back over his shoulder at his brother Lovino answers. "You could say that but really that bastard there is the real prince here."
"Oh is he your mate?"
"Brother." Lovino corrects trying not to snap at the Omega. "I don't have a mate."
Alfred gives him a smile. "Oh my bad Dude." He can't help but stare at the other's wings. "Um can I ask you a few questions?"
"Sure…"
"Alfred." Alfred answers with a smile before motioning to the fox beside him. "And this is Allistor." When Allistor nods turning away so not to blow smoke at the pair Alfred continues. "What's it like to fly? How do you sleep? And do you like lay eggs?"
"What?"
Allistor flicks away some ash. "He's not use ta seein' other breeds." He makes a mental note to tell Alfred later that he can't just ask personal questions to just any breed but for now he'll watch and see if the Omega will get any answers.
"Flying is flying." Lovino answers unable to find the words to explain something he's never thought about. "It's like asking what it's like to walk or swim. It's a natural thing." He can tell by the look in Alfred's eyes that he's disappointed so he tries again. "It's like…" He scratches the back of his head knowing that his brother will be joining them soon. "Fuck this is hard. Like you can go anywhere on the winds, nothing is holding you back. It's just you and the sky."
"It's like freedom." Alfred says with a smile. "That sounds awesome."
"Hmm never thought about it like that before but I guess it is." He feels a hand on his shoulder and instantly he sighs. "What?"
"Sorry to take you away from your friends but we have to do a few things before the party." The man's smile doesn't waver even as he spots the Fox. "Oh Allistor." He says and for a moment he forgets his brother is there and it's only him and his old friend.
"Hello Antonio, it's been a long time."
"Yes it sure has."
"Still collecting your turtles?"
"Still looking for your brothers?"
Allistor looks away as he throws the remains of his cigarette away. "I've…put those plans on hold for the moment."
Both Alfred and Lovino watch confused. "Hey," Lovino whispers. "How does the Fox now my jackass of a brother?"
"I don't know…" Alfred answers. "Is that really that weird?"
Before the other can answer Antonio takes his hand motioning back towards a large building near the setting sun. "Come on Romano. " He says before turning back to Allistor one last time. "I hope you find your brothers…" With that the two take off for the white tower.
For a moment Alfred watches them soar before turning to his mate. "Um…"
"It's not important." Allistor says not letting Alfred come up with the question to ask. "Let's find the others before it gets dark."
"But…" Alfred starts still confused. "You knew him and he knew you and-"
"We were friends until the night I ate one of his fucking turtles."
It's too easy and it's out of his mouth before he can stop himself. "More freaky shit or?"
With a roll of his eyes Allistor leads him back towards the center of town. "That I ain't telling yah." He knows it'll drive the younger crazy but he's not willing to admit everything to his mate just yet. "So let's go."
One more time Alfred looks back at the building and the Avians flying towards it. "Yeah sure…" He says taking his mate's hand letting him guide him back towards the others. "Do they really lay eggs?"
