A/N: Well, here's another chapter. Things are gonna get interesting.....

Darkwulfe, which Bloody Roar character does Koryth remind you of? I have that game, and don't see the connection.

________________________



Marth's plans to leave the castle were interrupted when he glanced out the window. Not only was the rain still pouring down, but the sun had long since set. How long had he slept?



He'd dreamed of his family. He and Ellis were small children, seated on their mother's lap. She was singing softly to them, when their father suddenly burst into the room.



"What are you doing? You baby our son too much!"



"He's only three years old," his mother protested.



"That's old enough for you to stop that!" He slapped her face, causing her to cry out. "I don't care what you do with Ellis, but no son of mine is going to be a mama's boy!" He yanked Marth away from his mother, stormed out, and the dream ended.



Marth had never actually seen his father hit his mother, but it was in his nature to do so if he pleased. His father had, however, said things much like he did in this dream. The dream greatly bothered Marth, and he couldn't shake the feeling away. It was one of those dreams that lingers for awhile after it ends.



Not long after Marth awoke, the door opened. A servant girl entered, bearing a tray of delicious-smelling food. She bowed slightly, saying "Would you like your supper now, Your Highness?"



"Please," he replied. He was becoming quite hungry, and food was just the thing to make him forget his nightmare. The girl placed the tray on a table, then exited.



No sooner had Marth began to eat, a dog appeared from its hiding place under his bed. It was the same hound that had begged for food the night before.



"You again, Bria?" he asked, shaking his head. "Little furry beggar."



Bria placed her snout on Marth's knee, looking at him pleadingly. Her dark eyes seemed expectant. She knew her master always gave in.



Sure enough, he sighed and muttered, "You eat too much, you know that?" and handed the dog a bit of meat. Bria devoured it quickly, then resumed begging for more. Dogs were so easy to please, Marth thought. Feed one, and it will love you forever.

___________________

Koryth still longed to comfort Marth. Seeing the prince distressed only caused Koryth to become distressed as well. This evening, Koryth found him seated on a couch, already dressed for bed and scratching his dog behind the ears. He seemed distracted though, like his mind was somewhere else. Seeing Marth petting the dog gave Koryth and idea.



He boldly approached him. "You look like you need to relax, Highness. Shall I rub your back?"



This strange offer startled him a little, yet Koryth sounded like he sincerely wanted to help. "All right," Marth responded. "It might ease the stiffness."



Koryth couldn't believe his luck. Not only would he be allowed to touch Marth, he also had the opportunity to comfort the one who was so dear to him. He began massaging the prince's shoulders. Bria jumped off the couch, then trotted across the room and effortlessly leapt onto the bed.



Marth closed his eyes, attempting to clear his mind. He concentrated on one thing- having his back rubbed. He still did not know Koryth felt anything more than friendship toward him. When Koryth finished, he stood and stretched, yawning. "Thank you, Koryth," he said simply. "That feels better." He crossed the room to his bed and moved the dog off his pillows. He then allowed Koryth to tuck him in and close the bed's thick curtains, still unaware the servant was behaving oddly lately. Bria curled up at the foot of the bed, ready to protect her master should anything happen. Marth heard Koryth say "Sleep well" and leave the room. He shut his eyes, determined to leave the castle tomorrow.

__________________

I never got to finish this chapter today. I guess I'll leave you hanging a little longer...but I'll get the rest done ASAP. School starts tomorrow, but I'll still have time afterward. I promise, the plot accelerates in the next part. Can you bear with me til then?