33 min read
A Prince’s Favor
May 14, 2019
◈ WHO: Reinhart, Samael, Erryd, & Reuben (Byagane319 & Skyeforge)
◈ WHEN: Afternoon on May 14, 2019
◈ WHERE: The San Francisco Zoo
◈ WEATHER: Sunny and warm.
◈ WHEN: Afternoon on May 14, 2019
◈ WHERE: The San Francisco Zoo
◈ WEATHER: Sunny and warm.
The day was bright, sun was shining and it was the perfect day to visit the zoo, Reuben thought. He had planned a surprise visit to the zoo that Sam worked at just so that Ryder could enjoy it, especially since he seemed to be much more irritable as of late. He had sent off a few texts to Sam confirming that her charge would be present. When confirmed, he was overjoyed. He hoped this would help his own frei lighten up as he had been quite uptight these past weeks.
Reuben went to the frei’s bedroom door and knocked a few times before entering. “Ryder, we’re going to the zoo today! Get ready, we’re leaving in fifteen!”
Erryd glared at the guardian. How could he be taking him away from his studies and practices? This was absurd. The zoo? Who wanted to go to the zoo? Erryd was angry, but he knew that he had to go, otherwise Reuben would be even more suspicious than he may already be. He had to play the part. He agreed, and put on a long shirt to cover the parts of him that weren’t overtly “Ryder” (ie. his rune being missing).
They made their way out into the car and the two were off to the zoo, with or without Erryd’s blessing.
---
The zoo itself wasn’t terribly busy with school being in session and the weather not yet completely warm for outings. There were still some families with small children and couples walking about but otherwise it was a quiet day at San Francisco Zoo. Sam barely noticed as she walked through the dark tunnels of the Nocturnal House, checking the walkways for any needed repairs or trash. Despite the low light she knew every book and cranny in the house so she knew what to look for. Everything seemed to be in good order which made things easier as she knew she’d have guests soon. Knowing Reuben and Ryder were coming for a visit made her giddy, she loved showing off her animals to new people. Also Reinhart could socialize more given his sour mood recently, their fight still fresh on her mind. She hoped time with a friend, and such an adoring one, would lift his spirits.
Reinhart was seated out in the sun on a bench, listening to the sounds of the animals in the near by enclosures. Birds and other more talkative animals doing their natural thing while humans gaped at them. How lovely. His face appeared neutral but his mind continued to go over what he’d discovered earlier about his own soul. He was also still a bit peeved at his mother for refusing to talk about it. However he knew he’d need to put on a happy face soon as his adoring fan, Ryder, would be there.
The mushroom frei always had such a look of adoration and admiration on his face when Reinhart visited him. His behavior was just as bad, annoying but at least it stroked his ego. He’d promised to entertain Ryder with a tour of the zoo while Sam showed Reuben some behind the scene stuff.
---
Reuben hadn’t alerted the frei to the fact that he was supposed to be meeting with others. He thought he’d go, pretend to enjoy it and try and rush it so they could go home. However, when they were driving over, Reuben opened up the conversation to alert his charge about meeting with Reinhart.
“What!? You didn’t tell me he was going to be there!” the frei spat.
Reuben, shocked, turned to the frei with a look of concern. “Is everything okay between you two?”
Erryd swallowed the growing lump in his throat. “N-no, it’s...fine,” he said, trying not to let on that he was secretly sweating this trip now.
The rest of the drive was quiet. Reuben didn’t know how to address the awkwardness and Erryd obviously didn’t want to speak whatsoever. The two just sat there in silence.
When they arrived at the zoo, Reuben texted Sam that they were there and the two began to make their way into the main entrance. Before too long they spotted Reinhart on a bench. Reuben’s face lit up with a smile. “Reinhart, hey!” Reuben called with a wave.
Erryd rolled his eyes, he wasn’t excited to have to spend time with Reinhart, nor was he happy to be here. He already couldn’t wait to get home.
As the two approached the bench, Erryd just nodded with a simple, “Hello.” He then pulled down his shirt further to be sure to cover at least half of his ribbon.
Oh how he despised this frei specifically. Why, of all the fellow raevan, did Ryder have to spend so much time with him. It was sick.
---
Sam looked at her watch, thinking it should be getting close to the time Reuben said he’d be arriving. Given the traffic at the zoo he should be right on time. She’d planned a whole afternoon of showing Reuben some of her reptiles and nocturnal animals. Not only their habitats as well as the conservation efforts the zoo put into all the animals. Making sure everything was ship shape she headed for the bright walkway leading out of the reptile house.
Reinhart sipped his juice elegantly when he heard his named called out. Raising a perfect eyebrow he looked over to see Reuben and Ryder approaching. Although Ryder didn’t seem his usual perky self. Perhaps he was feeling off today. Rising from his bench he gave Reuben a small bow, “Good Afternoon Mr. Reuben. It is good to see you well. And you Ryder,” he gave the mushroom frei his favorite smile, the one that always made him blush. “Mother should be in the Reptile House if you would like to head inside.”
Said red head was just coming to the door of the house when she saw the trio standing there. She smiled, happy to see Reuben and his charge. Walking over she held out her hand as usual to shake Reuben’s, “Hi Reuben! Nice to see you! Ready for your behind the scenes?” She grinned and looked to her son, “Reinhart, be a dear and take Ryder on a tour of the zoo. He’s never been here before and there are lots of things for him to see.”
---
Reuben pulled out his phone and was just about to take a step forward when Sam came out of hiding. “Well howdy, stranger!” he said with a chuckle. It was always nice to see Sam, especially on a bright and sunny day like today! It reminded him of the fun they had had in the past. Their camping trip for one. “It’s been far too long,” he concluded.
Erryd floated a few feet behind the group, even watching Reinhart speak made him want to vomit, if that was a feeling that a frei could have. He faked a half smile before Sam ushered him off with Reinhart. So the two had to be alone!? Now that wasn’t going to end well. Erryd definitely couldn’t fake such feelings that Ryder had, no. But he would have to give it a go.
Reuben smirked. “That sounds like a lot of fun, right Ryder?”
Erryd’s eyes narrowed a bit and he took a deep breath before nodded and floating over to Reinhart’s side. He just needed to get through today. That was his one and only goal. “Let’s go.” he said, his voice deep and melancholic.
---
Reinhart watched Ryder’s behavior with no emotion to betray his thoughts. The shroom raevan was acting quite off. This was unusual even if he weren’t feeling well. Ryder always cheered up whenever he interacted with him, or at least got all puppy eyed at him. He looked to his mother and nodded, “Of course Mother. Enjoy your private tour, Mr. Reuben. Come Ryder, I know a lovely place we can go.” He smiled his usual smile and lead the way.
Sam grinned though she did notice Ryder seemed a bit off, maybe he just needed some fresh air and stimulating surroundings. “I hope Ryder is doing all right, he seems a little grumpy. Well, I can tell where they are heading and I’m sure he will love the area Reinhart is taking him.” The red head looked at Reuben and made a flourish of showing him the way to the nocturnal house, “We begin our tour here in the house of the night. We’ve been doing a great deal of conservation among these animals because they are the less loved animals. Possums, skunks, bats, those sort of things.” She lead Reuben through the house itself first, letting him look at all the exhibits from the outside and ask any questions.
Reinhart lead Erryd towards the large open air aviary, where all kinds of birds enjoyed room to fly and forage. It was completely empty at the moment, which he knew it would be. The bird area was more active in the later afternoon when the heat sensitive birds came out. He floated along side “Ryder” and continued to observe his reactions.
---
Erryd tried his best not to roll his eyes at the fellow frei when he spoke to him. That idiotic smile, too. Erryd seethed. He kept as much of his emotion deep down as possible, but it was bound to boil over at some point.
As the two floated away and Sam spoke, Reuben watched his charge. “Yeah, I know what you mean. I have no idea what’s gotten into him lately. He’s been so grouchy and standoffish,” he sighed. When the fellow guardian reassured him that “Ryder” would be fine and be happy, a smirk grew on his face. “I certainly hope you’re right,” he said with a smile, following her onto the path towards the nocturnal house. “Aww, I’m sure you love them more just because of it,” he stated with a chuckle.
Erryd floated a few paces behind Reinhart, observing everything he could. It looked...empty. “Well, this is...great…” he said sarcastically with a sigh as he looked around to find any sort of life. Trying to keep his secret safe as to not let Reinhart in on anything, Erryd turned to him and faked a smile. “So, do you come here often? I mean, since your mom works here and all, I’d assume you do, but...you never know.”
---
Sam smiled as she nodded, “Oh I love them all. Everything has its place in the world, sometimes we just can’t see it because we aren’t part of that plan.” She showed him the possums, who peeked out at them with their usual smile. The skunk area had sleepy skunks as it was too early for them to be active. “As you can see the females like to den together, males will only den with them during winter for warmth. They don’t exactly hibernate but do sleep quite a bit more during the cold months.” She went on until she lead him behind the scenes and right into the fruit bat feeding. A cute little ear wiggler looked up at Reuben as it nommed on some nanner. “Well Reuben, it seems you have a fellow vegan here getting his nom noms!”
Back in the aviary Reinhart continued his usual banter with Ryder but the more he spent time with him the more he noticed the sudden change in behavior. Nothing seemed to be like the Ryder who fawned and got all blushy around him. In fact he hadn’t blushed once in the time he’d been with Reinhart. That in and of itself was unusual. He doubted Ryder’s crush on him had died so quickly. He went to one of the little food dispensers and dropped in a coin, giving him some bird feed and cracker bits. A few flew from their hidden perches to light upon his hand, delicately eating from his soft glove. After so many walks through the aviary most knew him, and he knew their behaviors.
As Ryder spoke Reinhart decided to try something. He floated towards some taller trees, again no birds in sight, however he knew eyes were watching. “It’s just early and a bit too hot for most of them to come out. Makes it a bit quieter as people don’t come in here until the birds decide to come out,” he said in his regal manner, not betraying his suspicions, “I like to come here to gather my thoughts. And have a little fun.” With that he flipped a large cracker piece straight up into the air. As predicted, one of the giant Macaws screamed and shot down straight towards Ryder to catch the cracker then fly off. “Oops, sorry,” he said turning around as the bird nearly collided with Ryder, “Force of habit.”
---
Reuben looked all around, eager to learn. He was quite interested in Sam’s line of work. He could tell that she really had a knack for all of this, and the knowledge to back it up. Reuben nodded as he followed her, listening to all she had to say. “This is all very interesting, Sam. You really know your stuff!” As the two made their way into where the fruit bats were eating, Reuben smirked. “Aww, how cute!”
Erryd watched his fellow frei with narrowed eyes as he fed the birds. It was hard not to just say he was over this and wished to go home. Oh how he wanted to, it would just not do if he were to be caught. As he watched Reinhart, he felt a bit suspicious of what he was about to do. As the apple frei flung a piece of cracker into the air, a large bird dove at him to grab it.
Erryd screamed in fear as his wings gave one strong push and he flung himself backwards onto the ground. Watching the bird fly off, he couldn’t help it anymore, he had to say something. “You idiot! That could have taken an eye out! What the hell were you thinking!?” Erryd yelled angrily.
---
Reinhart watched the scene unfold with a calm face as the other frei screamed then fell to the ground in anger. He gave a soft smirk as the shroom yelled at him, cursing and insulting him. Well that was just icing on the cake for the apple frei. His face took on an amused look, the kind one gives to a child who’s throwing a tantrum. Letting the smaller birds finish eating their food he brushed off his hands then floated over to the angry shroom.
“Well if you wish to know I shall give you an outline of my thoughts,” he smirked down at him. His red eyes were no longer warm, the ruby color having darkened to the shade of blood. “First I observed your lack of fawning over me. Normally you can’t get enough of me and I understand why, I am quite handsome and one of the few people you can touch,” he spoke as he floated in a circle around him, “Then your rather antisocial behavior peaked through. Quite unusual. So I began to think something was not as it seemed. As I heard a familiar tone in your voice. Nothing most people would notice, but I did.”
“You never use that tone, someone else does. So I decided to test my theory, as there is one thing that person doesn’t have that Ryder does,” he stopped, looking down at Erryd with dark eyes and a rather dark grin, “So perhaps the biggest question now is…..how did a little storm cloud become a rainbow? What was he called you? Erryd wasn’t it?” The apple frei chuckled softly as he looked down at the boy, “I take it I’m the only person to have ever actually have seen you to know the difference?”
---
As the apple frei began to speak, Erryd shook his head. “You believe you’re ‘all that’, but you’re nothing more than a pesky flea,”
Then, Reinhart continued to speak and pointed out Erryd’s missing rune. The frei was stunned. He couldn’t believe it. This ‘idiot’ was smarter than he looked. Reinhart’s arrogant demeanor angered Erryd. The shroom floated up, brushing off his shirt and putting some space in between them. Then, thoughts of what may happen filled his mind. His mood instantly changed, his anger dissipated and what was left was fear in its wake. Even though nerves had overtaken him, he needed to keep his composure. What would happen if people found out? Nobody would really believe this frei, right? After all, Erryd had been very careful not to give anything away to anyone and he had been working on this for quite some time.
But, after a few moments of thought, Erryd concluded that the jig was up. He looked around to note that nobody was around, especially not Reuben. “You think you’re so clever. What I feel or don’t feel is my concern, not yours. And whether you’re right or not doesn’t matter. You don’t know the half of it. Just keep your mouth shut and you’ll be fine.”
---
Reinhart kept looking at Erryd with that same calm yet arrogant smile, never saying a word as the imposter shroom tried to make himself seem so powerful and grand. Oh the delusional little storm cloud, he may thunder and rumble but how quickly he can dissipate. He is no hurricane. Once Erryd finished Reinhart adjusted his gloves then put his hands behind his ‘back’ before floating over to Erryd. As always he floated just a bit higher than Ryder/Erryd, but in the quiet of the aviary it seemed he towered above him. Shadows fell across his beautiful face showing a side Reinhart hid from everyone.
“Listen to that, the little storm cloud thinks I am some child hiding under his blanket as he thunders and lightnings,” he laughed softly, a cruel tone to it, “But it is merely a show. There is no power behind this little downpour and if you are not careful I’ll make sure you can never do it again.”
Slowly he began to circle Erryd, like a predator stalking an injured prey. Shadows seem to fall in their little area, clouds blocking the sun to give the trees and bushes an eerie appearance. “Oh what fun I might have, running to Reuben and saying something is amiss with his dear Ryder. That his rune has disappeared before his body has formed. Imagine Dr. Kyou’s concern about his creation.” His voice got lower, far more cruel. “Imagine the small room you’d be locked away in, studied and examined while they try to discover the cause behind your failed absorption. How long would it take before they could bring Ryder back?”
The apple frei stopped in front of Erryd again, his cold eyes and cruel smile having taken a satisfied look, “Imagine how I would be thanked and praised for finding out about your ailment, how my ego would be stroked when Ryder returns and finds his handsome prince had once again delivered him from the darkness. While I don’t know how you go rid of him or where you are hiding him, that little soft hearted moron would be putty in my hands. Under my complete control, while you would either be entombed or destroyed. And what could you do exactly, to stop me?” he asked with a small smile.
---
Erryd floated there, quiet, eyes narrowing as the frei spoke. He wasn’t sure how to respond, he wouldn’t know what to do. If the things came to pass as Reinhart said, his entire plan would be thwarted. And he was right, if that was the case and they did find Ryder and somehow bring him back, he may be imprisoned for life while the ‘soft hearted moron’ would get to live out his life with Reinhart at the center of it all. Erryd couldn’t stand for that to happen.
“Well, quite the imagination you have there,” he stated with a soft chuckle. “It may even rival my own.”
As the toadstool frei stared at the fellow frei in the eyes, his green eyes narrowed with fiery passion. He would not go down, not now. He was far too close to his goal for that. Though Reinhart had no idea the kinds of powers Erryd had attained. It was no matter, it was time he conceded.
“Fine, what do you want?” he asked, begrudgingly. He would give up almost anything to see his plan through to its bitter end.
---
Reinhart smiled with satisfaction as Erryd began to realize the position he’d found himself caught in. It pleased him to have this kind of power over someone who didn’t idolize him, someone who frankly despised him. But to know he now held the leash was immensely satisfying. He was confidant in his summation of what would befall Erryd should he inform Reuben and Dr. Kyou of Ryder’s sudden worrisome condition. But now was the time to find out more. He motioned for Erryd to continue walking with him, enjoying the few radiant birds that now peeked from the leaved. It seemed even they understood the nature of the frei when in such a mood.
The sun peeked back out from the clouds, lighting the are with it’s golden rays once more. The dark countenance of Reinhart seemed to melt away as his desire for power over the situation was fed. No one, not even his mother, knew of his disdain for the weak and stupid. How often he sat to observe the zoo patrons only to patronize and degrade them. His mother merely thought he enjoyed seeing the variety of human but, in actuality, Reinhart observed how much better he was than them all. Never would he say this out loud. More than once he’d observed an arrogant zoo goer and the subsequent behavior of the security guards. The faces of those who looked down upon those who openly expressed their superiority. No, Reinhart would continue his appearance of Prince Charming despite the rotten apple inside.
“First I desire information. Second I will have a demand. And third, should my demand be met, a proper lesson in how to avoid getting mistaken for your fawning counterpart,” he said with a chuckle.
They came to a large area with benches to observe water birds around the small pools installed both for water and for wading. Reinhart took a seat and motioned for Erryd to join him. “First I wish to to know how it is the storm cloud took the place of my rainbow. While he is far too trusting and frankly a little blind to reality I wouldn’t have suspected he’d fall prey to easily. You upset him but even in his weak state he is able to reject you. So tell me. Where is he?”
---
Erryd hated this feeling of being subordinate. He had to do his best to grin and bear whatever this rotten apple had to say. He followed along, down to the benches and listened as Reinhart expressed his true intentions. Now this was a side that the toadstool hadn’t ever expected to see.
“You play off your ‘Prince Charming’ act so well, but in reality you’re more like me than I’d like to admit,” Erryd chuckled.
As he watched the birds fly about and wade and bathe, Erryd spoke. “He was weak minded, that much you have right,” Erryd began. “But patience is a virtue, as they say. I was able to bide my time until the perfect moment. It also helped that the Trader had an influence on the boy.”
It wasn’t time to spill all the secrets, of course. Erryd didn’t want to give away more information than was needed. “I do have to say, without the Trader, none of this would have ever been possible.”
Erryd took a deep breath and realized it felt somewhat nice to talk about it, even though the back of his mind was plagued with what could happen if this idiotic frei let one word slip past his lips. “As for your last question, your little rainbow is perfectly safe and sound back at home.”
The toadstool’s eyes narrowed and a grin appeared on his face. “I answered your questions, now I have a question in return, dearest prince,” he paused a moment, “What would happen to you if your true intentions were found out. After all, your words have been quite hurtful, and would be devastating to my ‘counterpart’, as you called him, if he were to ever find out what you truly thought about him being a ‘soft hearted moron’ who you’d love nothing more than to control.”
He hoped the fellow frei would squirm just a bit. Anything to bite back at the frei who had bitten off a bit more than he could chew of this situation.
---
Reinhart enjoyed watching the false shroom pout at his place in this game, prey always seemed more interesting when they felt the need to run but knew there was no safety. Erryd’s observation of his change in behavior just made him smile. “Prince Charming, a common nickname of mine. People always seem to think he’s so wonderful in the tales of princesses. But most forget the darkness in those tales. Believe me, I’m far worse than you can imagine,” he chuckled again before listening to Erryd’s explanation.
Really Ryder, you couldn’t even deal with this little annoyance properly. Not surprising. Though Reinhart gave credit to Erryd for playing his game of strategy, something the apple frei greatly enjoyed. He would keep this Trader in mind, storing that tidbit away for later. He need not ask too many questions, to press so early in the game showed too much of his hand. Then Erryd claimed to have a question of his own. Red eyes looked into the shroom’s, unfazed as he seemed to threaten to expose the apple’s true nature.
Suddenly Reinhart laughed loudly, as if Erryd had just told a fabulous joke. “Oh dear storm cloud you have a very over inflated sense of the worth of your words. Who’s going to tell Ryder I’ve said these things? You? You who insult and berate him? Who speaks ill of all others in Ryder’s life? He’s told me of you. Told me what you say to him,” he grinned that dark grin again, his blood eyes back, “Who would believe you? My mother? The woman thinks I’m nature’s gift. Reuben? Given your recent change in attitude and my normal behavior he would be more concerned as to why you are saying such things. The zoo employees? Do you know how many of them sneak kisses with me when my mother isn’t looking? They would eat out of the palm of my hand if I asked them. And Ryder,” he laughed again, “Oh he loves me far too much to see anything bad in me. I gave him the gift of touch. I make his heart flutter. You should see the way he just melts when I stroke his cheek. No, he belongs to me. I already control him.”
He ran a gloved hand through his bangs, looking out the birds as they waded into the water or bathed in the sparkling light. “So if that answers your question now on to my demand.”
---
Erryd began to appreciate the words left by the apple frei. If he was really as evil as he made himself out to be, Erryd may be able to reconsider his initial thoughts on him. But, as it stood, the two were at odds with one another. Oh, how Erryd wished he hadn’t fallen. It only took a split second of a mistake to blow his entire cover. Though that wasn’t something to keep thought on now, he had to continue to think, to act, and to avoid further detection.
Erryd looked out over the water as he took a moment to gather his thoughts. “Sure, your mother and Reuben may not believe me and I could care less about these pathetic zoo employees. I merely speak of Ryder, and when he is aware of all the things you’ve done today, I am sure he can be much more convincing to Reuben than I ever could.”
The frei laughed when Ryder’s name was brought up, “The very fact that I am here should prove to you that I have a power over Ryder that you’re unfamiliar with. I may insult him, even berate him as you say, but I also push him to be better. I push him to get over his idiotic ideals and truly practice his craft. I push him past his limits so he can truly amaze others with how powerful he really is. My power over him is far greater than you give me credit.”
The shroom then took a moment to look over this darkened persona of Reinhart. How cold his heart was. That much was for certain now. “Now, what demand could that be?” he questioned curiously. Now this game had gone
on too long. Erryd began to think it may be time to show him his true capabilities. The powers he hadn’t yet shown off to others.
---
Ah this game was fun. The back and forth, the play for power over the other. It was nice to have someone who play this with that wasn’t some heart sick frei or dazzled human. Erryd spoke of Ryder learning of all Reinhart spoke of, the power he supposedly had over his rainbow. He never broke his smile, never changed his appearance. If nothing else Reinhart possessed the perfect poker face. “Well little storm cloud, we shall see if your powers are truly as great as you say should it become necessary. After all you were quite upset to be discovered, so I suspect there is some weakness to your magic. But as I said, meet my demand and I will not inform the others of your current situation. I must say the company is far more enjoyable when Ryder isn’t hanging on me like a puppy.”
Erryd asked his demand, ending their little game for now. It wasn’t like Reinhart cared if Erryd continued to stand in Ryder’s place, in fact he could care less if Ryder ever came back. But the stroke to his ego should he reveal it and ‘save’ Ryder was tempting. But no, he sensed there was much to be gained with cooperation. “My demand is quite simple. In fact it is merely a promise,” he held up finger, “Despite my nature I am a raevan of my word. I will never lie or go back on a promise. I expect the same of others.”
He once again looked back out over the birds, “If your powers are so great and amazing as you seem to claim them I demand a favor be held until such time as I require your abilities for my own use. I only ask one favor, not to be at my beck and call. Merely that, when I come to you, you will do ask I ask. No questions, merely obedience. Promise me this and I will not speak of what I have seen of you today.”
---
That was his demand? Erryd listened to every word the boy spoke. A promise to do a favor at any inconvenient time he deemed necessary? Erryd scoffed. “A raevan of his word, you say? Well, we shall see about that.”
Erryd floated back a few paces and sat upon the bench, his ribbon dangling down a bit over the metal frame. One favor, one simple favor. That was surely doable to keep him safe. “Fine, I promise to offer you one favor as long as you keep our little meeting today a secret.”
The frei patted the seat next to him as he looked out over the water. “Now, sit and tell me this lesson you spoke of earlier. What, in all of your earthly knowledge, do you think I should do to avoid being found out?”
Erryd seemed almost intrigued by this apple frei. Any information gleaned from the encounter could be helpful. After all, that was all Erryd truly cared about. He could easily give up some magic to help him if he kept his mouth shut.
---
Reinhart nodded, “I’ve discovered keeping your word goes a long way when asking favors. Even if the favor is unpleasant or not entirely...ah….proper in the sense. I’ve gotten people to violate policy or rules because I keep my word or do them a favor. As you said, I have a great imagination.” He chuckled darkly again.
The apple frei looked content with Erryd’s promise. He would hold the false shroom to it should he show any sign of backing out. Reinhart would save this favor for the right time. It was not one to be thrown away on a small endeavor he could accomplish with a weak human. No Erryd’s favor would be for something far greater.
For the next hour and a half Reinhart went through different mannerisms and behaviors Ryder showed that Erryd totally threw out the window. Reinhart didn’t expect Erryd to fawn over him, but he still had to show affection and desire to be in his company. After all Ryder was a bit starstruck by the apple frei. He explained what he could do to show subtle change in behavior, as if the shroom was maturing rather than going through the terrible toddler twos. His on point observations was more detailed than most, but he was a man of detail. The smallest thing could change the outcome, the littlest pawn could lead to the downfall of the king. Finally he have him some tips on how to read body language of others, so he may adjust his own behavior to ensure he gets the reaction he desires.
Finally he looked up at the clouds, “My mother will have finished with her tour and showing off her little rats with wings. Shall we return?”
---
Over the course of that hour and a half, the two sat and talked. Erryd truly began to understand all his faults when it came to ‘acting’ like the frei. He was so obsessed with practicing his magic, he had forgotten that his entire demeanor needed to reflect that of what Ryder would do, what he would say, and how he would say it. Although his feelings were quite apparent, Erryd needed to learn to be like the frei he wanted nothing to do with.
The frei’s mind hadn’t changed, however, he still couldn’t wait to go home. His nerves were gone with the chat and he hoped to continue to fool all of Ryder’s family into thinking that everything was just fine. At least, until his plan was complete. Only then would they realize the truth.
Erryd floated up off of the bench and stretched a moment. “I would like nothing more, dear Prince,” Erryd said with a chuckle, wrapping his arm around Reinhart’s just as Ryder would have done. “I feel rather disgusting doing this, but it’s for the show, right?” he sighed with a roll of his eyes.
It was then that the two made their way back to their guardians, only to keep their little secrets safe with one another.
Reuben went to the frei’s bedroom door and knocked a few times before entering. “Ryder, we’re going to the zoo today! Get ready, we’re leaving in fifteen!”
Erryd glared at the guardian. How could he be taking him away from his studies and practices? This was absurd. The zoo? Who wanted to go to the zoo? Erryd was angry, but he knew that he had to go, otherwise Reuben would be even more suspicious than he may already be. He had to play the part. He agreed, and put on a long shirt to cover the parts of him that weren’t overtly “Ryder” (ie. his rune being missing).
They made their way out into the car and the two were off to the zoo, with or without Erryd’s blessing.
---
The zoo itself wasn’t terribly busy with school being in session and the weather not yet completely warm for outings. There were still some families with small children and couples walking about but otherwise it was a quiet day at San Francisco Zoo. Sam barely noticed as she walked through the dark tunnels of the Nocturnal House, checking the walkways for any needed repairs or trash. Despite the low light she knew every book and cranny in the house so she knew what to look for. Everything seemed to be in good order which made things easier as she knew she’d have guests soon. Knowing Reuben and Ryder were coming for a visit made her giddy, she loved showing off her animals to new people. Also Reinhart could socialize more given his sour mood recently, their fight still fresh on her mind. She hoped time with a friend, and such an adoring one, would lift his spirits.
Reinhart was seated out in the sun on a bench, listening to the sounds of the animals in the near by enclosures. Birds and other more talkative animals doing their natural thing while humans gaped at them. How lovely. His face appeared neutral but his mind continued to go over what he’d discovered earlier about his own soul. He was also still a bit peeved at his mother for refusing to talk about it. However he knew he’d need to put on a happy face soon as his adoring fan, Ryder, would be there.
The mushroom frei always had such a look of adoration and admiration on his face when Reinhart visited him. His behavior was just as bad, annoying but at least it stroked his ego. He’d promised to entertain Ryder with a tour of the zoo while Sam showed Reuben some behind the scene stuff.
---
Reuben hadn’t alerted the frei to the fact that he was supposed to be meeting with others. He thought he’d go, pretend to enjoy it and try and rush it so they could go home. However, when they were driving over, Reuben opened up the conversation to alert his charge about meeting with Reinhart.
“What!? You didn’t tell me he was going to be there!” the frei spat.
Reuben, shocked, turned to the frei with a look of concern. “Is everything okay between you two?”
Erryd swallowed the growing lump in his throat. “N-no, it’s...fine,” he said, trying not to let on that he was secretly sweating this trip now.
The rest of the drive was quiet. Reuben didn’t know how to address the awkwardness and Erryd obviously didn’t want to speak whatsoever. The two just sat there in silence.
When they arrived at the zoo, Reuben texted Sam that they were there and the two began to make their way into the main entrance. Before too long they spotted Reinhart on a bench. Reuben’s face lit up with a smile. “Reinhart, hey!” Reuben called with a wave.
Erryd rolled his eyes, he wasn’t excited to have to spend time with Reinhart, nor was he happy to be here. He already couldn’t wait to get home.
As the two approached the bench, Erryd just nodded with a simple, “Hello.” He then pulled down his shirt further to be sure to cover at least half of his ribbon.
Oh how he despised this frei specifically. Why, of all the fellow raevan, did Ryder have to spend so much time with him. It was sick.
---
Sam looked at her watch, thinking it should be getting close to the time Reuben said he’d be arriving. Given the traffic at the zoo he should be right on time. She’d planned a whole afternoon of showing Reuben some of her reptiles and nocturnal animals. Not only their habitats as well as the conservation efforts the zoo put into all the animals. Making sure everything was ship shape she headed for the bright walkway leading out of the reptile house.
Reinhart sipped his juice elegantly when he heard his named called out. Raising a perfect eyebrow he looked over to see Reuben and Ryder approaching. Although Ryder didn’t seem his usual perky self. Perhaps he was feeling off today. Rising from his bench he gave Reuben a small bow, “Good Afternoon Mr. Reuben. It is good to see you well. And you Ryder,” he gave the mushroom frei his favorite smile, the one that always made him blush. “Mother should be in the Reptile House if you would like to head inside.”
Said red head was just coming to the door of the house when she saw the trio standing there. She smiled, happy to see Reuben and his charge. Walking over she held out her hand as usual to shake Reuben’s, “Hi Reuben! Nice to see you! Ready for your behind the scenes?” She grinned and looked to her son, “Reinhart, be a dear and take Ryder on a tour of the zoo. He’s never been here before and there are lots of things for him to see.”
---
Reuben pulled out his phone and was just about to take a step forward when Sam came out of hiding. “Well howdy, stranger!” he said with a chuckle. It was always nice to see Sam, especially on a bright and sunny day like today! It reminded him of the fun they had had in the past. Their camping trip for one. “It’s been far too long,” he concluded.
Erryd floated a few feet behind the group, even watching Reinhart speak made him want to vomit, if that was a feeling that a frei could have. He faked a half smile before Sam ushered him off with Reinhart. So the two had to be alone!? Now that wasn’t going to end well. Erryd definitely couldn’t fake such feelings that Ryder had, no. But he would have to give it a go.
Reuben smirked. “That sounds like a lot of fun, right Ryder?”
Erryd’s eyes narrowed a bit and he took a deep breath before nodded and floating over to Reinhart’s side. He just needed to get through today. That was his one and only goal. “Let’s go.” he said, his voice deep and melancholic.
---
Reinhart watched Ryder’s behavior with no emotion to betray his thoughts. The shroom raevan was acting quite off. This was unusual even if he weren’t feeling well. Ryder always cheered up whenever he interacted with him, or at least got all puppy eyed at him. He looked to his mother and nodded, “Of course Mother. Enjoy your private tour, Mr. Reuben. Come Ryder, I know a lovely place we can go.” He smiled his usual smile and lead the way.
Sam grinned though she did notice Ryder seemed a bit off, maybe he just needed some fresh air and stimulating surroundings. “I hope Ryder is doing all right, he seems a little grumpy. Well, I can tell where they are heading and I’m sure he will love the area Reinhart is taking him.” The red head looked at Reuben and made a flourish of showing him the way to the nocturnal house, “We begin our tour here in the house of the night. We’ve been doing a great deal of conservation among these animals because they are the less loved animals. Possums, skunks, bats, those sort of things.” She lead Reuben through the house itself first, letting him look at all the exhibits from the outside and ask any questions.
Reinhart lead Erryd towards the large open air aviary, where all kinds of birds enjoyed room to fly and forage. It was completely empty at the moment, which he knew it would be. The bird area was more active in the later afternoon when the heat sensitive birds came out. He floated along side “Ryder” and continued to observe his reactions.
---
Erryd tried his best not to roll his eyes at the fellow frei when he spoke to him. That idiotic smile, too. Erryd seethed. He kept as much of his emotion deep down as possible, but it was bound to boil over at some point.
As the two floated away and Sam spoke, Reuben watched his charge. “Yeah, I know what you mean. I have no idea what’s gotten into him lately. He’s been so grouchy and standoffish,” he sighed. When the fellow guardian reassured him that “Ryder” would be fine and be happy, a smirk grew on his face. “I certainly hope you’re right,” he said with a smile, following her onto the path towards the nocturnal house. “Aww, I’m sure you love them more just because of it,” he stated with a chuckle.
Erryd floated a few paces behind Reinhart, observing everything he could. It looked...empty. “Well, this is...great…” he said sarcastically with a sigh as he looked around to find any sort of life. Trying to keep his secret safe as to not let Reinhart in on anything, Erryd turned to him and faked a smile. “So, do you come here often? I mean, since your mom works here and all, I’d assume you do, but...you never know.”
---
Sam smiled as she nodded, “Oh I love them all. Everything has its place in the world, sometimes we just can’t see it because we aren’t part of that plan.” She showed him the possums, who peeked out at them with their usual smile. The skunk area had sleepy skunks as it was too early for them to be active. “As you can see the females like to den together, males will only den with them during winter for warmth. They don’t exactly hibernate but do sleep quite a bit more during the cold months.” She went on until she lead him behind the scenes and right into the fruit bat feeding. A cute little ear wiggler looked up at Reuben as it nommed on some nanner. “Well Reuben, it seems you have a fellow vegan here getting his nom noms!”
Back in the aviary Reinhart continued his usual banter with Ryder but the more he spent time with him the more he noticed the sudden change in behavior. Nothing seemed to be like the Ryder who fawned and got all blushy around him. In fact he hadn’t blushed once in the time he’d been with Reinhart. That in and of itself was unusual. He doubted Ryder’s crush on him had died so quickly. He went to one of the little food dispensers and dropped in a coin, giving him some bird feed and cracker bits. A few flew from their hidden perches to light upon his hand, delicately eating from his soft glove. After so many walks through the aviary most knew him, and he knew their behaviors.
As Ryder spoke Reinhart decided to try something. He floated towards some taller trees, again no birds in sight, however he knew eyes were watching. “It’s just early and a bit too hot for most of them to come out. Makes it a bit quieter as people don’t come in here until the birds decide to come out,” he said in his regal manner, not betraying his suspicions, “I like to come here to gather my thoughts. And have a little fun.” With that he flipped a large cracker piece straight up into the air. As predicted, one of the giant Macaws screamed and shot down straight towards Ryder to catch the cracker then fly off. “Oops, sorry,” he said turning around as the bird nearly collided with Ryder, “Force of habit.”
---
Reuben looked all around, eager to learn. He was quite interested in Sam’s line of work. He could tell that she really had a knack for all of this, and the knowledge to back it up. Reuben nodded as he followed her, listening to all she had to say. “This is all very interesting, Sam. You really know your stuff!” As the two made their way into where the fruit bats were eating, Reuben smirked. “Aww, how cute!”
Erryd watched his fellow frei with narrowed eyes as he fed the birds. It was hard not to just say he was over this and wished to go home. Oh how he wanted to, it would just not do if he were to be caught. As he watched Reinhart, he felt a bit suspicious of what he was about to do. As the apple frei flung a piece of cracker into the air, a large bird dove at him to grab it.
Erryd screamed in fear as his wings gave one strong push and he flung himself backwards onto the ground. Watching the bird fly off, he couldn’t help it anymore, he had to say something. “You idiot! That could have taken an eye out! What the hell were you thinking!?” Erryd yelled angrily.
---
Reinhart watched the scene unfold with a calm face as the other frei screamed then fell to the ground in anger. He gave a soft smirk as the shroom yelled at him, cursing and insulting him. Well that was just icing on the cake for the apple frei. His face took on an amused look, the kind one gives to a child who’s throwing a tantrum. Letting the smaller birds finish eating their food he brushed off his hands then floated over to the angry shroom.
“Well if you wish to know I shall give you an outline of my thoughts,” he smirked down at him. His red eyes were no longer warm, the ruby color having darkened to the shade of blood. “First I observed your lack of fawning over me. Normally you can’t get enough of me and I understand why, I am quite handsome and one of the few people you can touch,” he spoke as he floated in a circle around him, “Then your rather antisocial behavior peaked through. Quite unusual. So I began to think something was not as it seemed. As I heard a familiar tone in your voice. Nothing most people would notice, but I did.”
“You never use that tone, someone else does. So I decided to test my theory, as there is one thing that person doesn’t have that Ryder does,” he stopped, looking down at Erryd with dark eyes and a rather dark grin, “So perhaps the biggest question now is…..how did a little storm cloud become a rainbow? What was he called you? Erryd wasn’t it?” The apple frei chuckled softly as he looked down at the boy, “I take it I’m the only person to have ever actually have seen you to know the difference?”
---
As the apple frei began to speak, Erryd shook his head. “You believe you’re ‘all that’, but you’re nothing more than a pesky flea,”
Then, Reinhart continued to speak and pointed out Erryd’s missing rune. The frei was stunned. He couldn’t believe it. This ‘idiot’ was smarter than he looked. Reinhart’s arrogant demeanor angered Erryd. The shroom floated up, brushing off his shirt and putting some space in between them. Then, thoughts of what may happen filled his mind. His mood instantly changed, his anger dissipated and what was left was fear in its wake. Even though nerves had overtaken him, he needed to keep his composure. What would happen if people found out? Nobody would really believe this frei, right? After all, Erryd had been very careful not to give anything away to anyone and he had been working on this for quite some time.
But, after a few moments of thought, Erryd concluded that the jig was up. He looked around to note that nobody was around, especially not Reuben. “You think you’re so clever. What I feel or don’t feel is my concern, not yours. And whether you’re right or not doesn’t matter. You don’t know the half of it. Just keep your mouth shut and you’ll be fine.”
---
Reinhart kept looking at Erryd with that same calm yet arrogant smile, never saying a word as the imposter shroom tried to make himself seem so powerful and grand. Oh the delusional little storm cloud, he may thunder and rumble but how quickly he can dissipate. He is no hurricane. Once Erryd finished Reinhart adjusted his gloves then put his hands behind his ‘back’ before floating over to Erryd. As always he floated just a bit higher than Ryder/Erryd, but in the quiet of the aviary it seemed he towered above him. Shadows fell across his beautiful face showing a side Reinhart hid from everyone.
“Listen to that, the little storm cloud thinks I am some child hiding under his blanket as he thunders and lightnings,” he laughed softly, a cruel tone to it, “But it is merely a show. There is no power behind this little downpour and if you are not careful I’ll make sure you can never do it again.”
Slowly he began to circle Erryd, like a predator stalking an injured prey. Shadows seem to fall in their little area, clouds blocking the sun to give the trees and bushes an eerie appearance. “Oh what fun I might have, running to Reuben and saying something is amiss with his dear Ryder. That his rune has disappeared before his body has formed. Imagine Dr. Kyou’s concern about his creation.” His voice got lower, far more cruel. “Imagine the small room you’d be locked away in, studied and examined while they try to discover the cause behind your failed absorption. How long would it take before they could bring Ryder back?”
The apple frei stopped in front of Erryd again, his cold eyes and cruel smile having taken a satisfied look, “Imagine how I would be thanked and praised for finding out about your ailment, how my ego would be stroked when Ryder returns and finds his handsome prince had once again delivered him from the darkness. While I don’t know how you go rid of him or where you are hiding him, that little soft hearted moron would be putty in my hands. Under my complete control, while you would either be entombed or destroyed. And what could you do exactly, to stop me?” he asked with a small smile.
---
Erryd floated there, quiet, eyes narrowing as the frei spoke. He wasn’t sure how to respond, he wouldn’t know what to do. If the things came to pass as Reinhart said, his entire plan would be thwarted. And he was right, if that was the case and they did find Ryder and somehow bring him back, he may be imprisoned for life while the ‘soft hearted moron’ would get to live out his life with Reinhart at the center of it all. Erryd couldn’t stand for that to happen.
“Well, quite the imagination you have there,” he stated with a soft chuckle. “It may even rival my own.”
As the toadstool frei stared at the fellow frei in the eyes, his green eyes narrowed with fiery passion. He would not go down, not now. He was far too close to his goal for that. Though Reinhart had no idea the kinds of powers Erryd had attained. It was no matter, it was time he conceded.
“Fine, what do you want?” he asked, begrudgingly. He would give up almost anything to see his plan through to its bitter end.
---
Reinhart smiled with satisfaction as Erryd began to realize the position he’d found himself caught in. It pleased him to have this kind of power over someone who didn’t idolize him, someone who frankly despised him. But to know he now held the leash was immensely satisfying. He was confidant in his summation of what would befall Erryd should he inform Reuben and Dr. Kyou of Ryder’s sudden worrisome condition. But now was the time to find out more. He motioned for Erryd to continue walking with him, enjoying the few radiant birds that now peeked from the leaved. It seemed even they understood the nature of the frei when in such a mood.
The sun peeked back out from the clouds, lighting the are with it’s golden rays once more. The dark countenance of Reinhart seemed to melt away as his desire for power over the situation was fed. No one, not even his mother, knew of his disdain for the weak and stupid. How often he sat to observe the zoo patrons only to patronize and degrade them. His mother merely thought he enjoyed seeing the variety of human but, in actuality, Reinhart observed how much better he was than them all. Never would he say this out loud. More than once he’d observed an arrogant zoo goer and the subsequent behavior of the security guards. The faces of those who looked down upon those who openly expressed their superiority. No, Reinhart would continue his appearance of Prince Charming despite the rotten apple inside.
“First I desire information. Second I will have a demand. And third, should my demand be met, a proper lesson in how to avoid getting mistaken for your fawning counterpart,” he said with a chuckle.
They came to a large area with benches to observe water birds around the small pools installed both for water and for wading. Reinhart took a seat and motioned for Erryd to join him. “First I wish to to know how it is the storm cloud took the place of my rainbow. While he is far too trusting and frankly a little blind to reality I wouldn’t have suspected he’d fall prey to easily. You upset him but even in his weak state he is able to reject you. So tell me. Where is he?”
---
Erryd hated this feeling of being subordinate. He had to do his best to grin and bear whatever this rotten apple had to say. He followed along, down to the benches and listened as Reinhart expressed his true intentions. Now this was a side that the toadstool hadn’t ever expected to see.
“You play off your ‘Prince Charming’ act so well, but in reality you’re more like me than I’d like to admit,” Erryd chuckled.
As he watched the birds fly about and wade and bathe, Erryd spoke. “He was weak minded, that much you have right,” Erryd began. “But patience is a virtue, as they say. I was able to bide my time until the perfect moment. It also helped that the Trader had an influence on the boy.”
It wasn’t time to spill all the secrets, of course. Erryd didn’t want to give away more information than was needed. “I do have to say, without the Trader, none of this would have ever been possible.”
Erryd took a deep breath and realized it felt somewhat nice to talk about it, even though the back of his mind was plagued with what could happen if this idiotic frei let one word slip past his lips. “As for your last question, your little rainbow is perfectly safe and sound back at home.”
The toadstool’s eyes narrowed and a grin appeared on his face. “I answered your questions, now I have a question in return, dearest prince,” he paused a moment, “What would happen to you if your true intentions were found out. After all, your words have been quite hurtful, and would be devastating to my ‘counterpart’, as you called him, if he were to ever find out what you truly thought about him being a ‘soft hearted moron’ who you’d love nothing more than to control.”
He hoped the fellow frei would squirm just a bit. Anything to bite back at the frei who had bitten off a bit more than he could chew of this situation.
---
Reinhart enjoyed watching the false shroom pout at his place in this game, prey always seemed more interesting when they felt the need to run but knew there was no safety. Erryd’s observation of his change in behavior just made him smile. “Prince Charming, a common nickname of mine. People always seem to think he’s so wonderful in the tales of princesses. But most forget the darkness in those tales. Believe me, I’m far worse than you can imagine,” he chuckled again before listening to Erryd’s explanation.
Really Ryder, you couldn’t even deal with this little annoyance properly. Not surprising. Though Reinhart gave credit to Erryd for playing his game of strategy, something the apple frei greatly enjoyed. He would keep this Trader in mind, storing that tidbit away for later. He need not ask too many questions, to press so early in the game showed too much of his hand. Then Erryd claimed to have a question of his own. Red eyes looked into the shroom’s, unfazed as he seemed to threaten to expose the apple’s true nature.
Suddenly Reinhart laughed loudly, as if Erryd had just told a fabulous joke. “Oh dear storm cloud you have a very over inflated sense of the worth of your words. Who’s going to tell Ryder I’ve said these things? You? You who insult and berate him? Who speaks ill of all others in Ryder’s life? He’s told me of you. Told me what you say to him,” he grinned that dark grin again, his blood eyes back, “Who would believe you? My mother? The woman thinks I’m nature’s gift. Reuben? Given your recent change in attitude and my normal behavior he would be more concerned as to why you are saying such things. The zoo employees? Do you know how many of them sneak kisses with me when my mother isn’t looking? They would eat out of the palm of my hand if I asked them. And Ryder,” he laughed again, “Oh he loves me far too much to see anything bad in me. I gave him the gift of touch. I make his heart flutter. You should see the way he just melts when I stroke his cheek. No, he belongs to me. I already control him.”
He ran a gloved hand through his bangs, looking out the birds as they waded into the water or bathed in the sparkling light. “So if that answers your question now on to my demand.”
---
Erryd began to appreciate the words left by the apple frei. If he was really as evil as he made himself out to be, Erryd may be able to reconsider his initial thoughts on him. But, as it stood, the two were at odds with one another. Oh, how Erryd wished he hadn’t fallen. It only took a split second of a mistake to blow his entire cover. Though that wasn’t something to keep thought on now, he had to continue to think, to act, and to avoid further detection.
Erryd looked out over the water as he took a moment to gather his thoughts. “Sure, your mother and Reuben may not believe me and I could care less about these pathetic zoo employees. I merely speak of Ryder, and when he is aware of all the things you’ve done today, I am sure he can be much more convincing to Reuben than I ever could.”
The frei laughed when Ryder’s name was brought up, “The very fact that I am here should prove to you that I have a power over Ryder that you’re unfamiliar with. I may insult him, even berate him as you say, but I also push him to be better. I push him to get over his idiotic ideals and truly practice his craft. I push him past his limits so he can truly amaze others with how powerful he really is. My power over him is far greater than you give me credit.”
The shroom then took a moment to look over this darkened persona of Reinhart. How cold his heart was. That much was for certain now. “Now, what demand could that be?” he questioned curiously. Now this game had gone
on too long. Erryd began to think it may be time to show him his true capabilities. The powers he hadn’t yet shown off to others.
---
Ah this game was fun. The back and forth, the play for power over the other. It was nice to have someone who play this with that wasn’t some heart sick frei or dazzled human. Erryd spoke of Ryder learning of all Reinhart spoke of, the power he supposedly had over his rainbow. He never broke his smile, never changed his appearance. If nothing else Reinhart possessed the perfect poker face. “Well little storm cloud, we shall see if your powers are truly as great as you say should it become necessary. After all you were quite upset to be discovered, so I suspect there is some weakness to your magic. But as I said, meet my demand and I will not inform the others of your current situation. I must say the company is far more enjoyable when Ryder isn’t hanging on me like a puppy.”
Erryd asked his demand, ending their little game for now. It wasn’t like Reinhart cared if Erryd continued to stand in Ryder’s place, in fact he could care less if Ryder ever came back. But the stroke to his ego should he reveal it and ‘save’ Ryder was tempting. But no, he sensed there was much to be gained with cooperation. “My demand is quite simple. In fact it is merely a promise,” he held up finger, “Despite my nature I am a raevan of my word. I will never lie or go back on a promise. I expect the same of others.”
He once again looked back out over the birds, “If your powers are so great and amazing as you seem to claim them I demand a favor be held until such time as I require your abilities for my own use. I only ask one favor, not to be at my beck and call. Merely that, when I come to you, you will do ask I ask. No questions, merely obedience. Promise me this and I will not speak of what I have seen of you today.”
---
That was his demand? Erryd listened to every word the boy spoke. A promise to do a favor at any inconvenient time he deemed necessary? Erryd scoffed. “A raevan of his word, you say? Well, we shall see about that.”
Erryd floated back a few paces and sat upon the bench, his ribbon dangling down a bit over the metal frame. One favor, one simple favor. That was surely doable to keep him safe. “Fine, I promise to offer you one favor as long as you keep our little meeting today a secret.”
The frei patted the seat next to him as he looked out over the water. “Now, sit and tell me this lesson you spoke of earlier. What, in all of your earthly knowledge, do you think I should do to avoid being found out?”
Erryd seemed almost intrigued by this apple frei. Any information gleaned from the encounter could be helpful. After all, that was all Erryd truly cared about. He could easily give up some magic to help him if he kept his mouth shut.
---
Reinhart nodded, “I’ve discovered keeping your word goes a long way when asking favors. Even if the favor is unpleasant or not entirely...ah….proper in the sense. I’ve gotten people to violate policy or rules because I keep my word or do them a favor. As you said, I have a great imagination.” He chuckled darkly again.
The apple frei looked content with Erryd’s promise. He would hold the false shroom to it should he show any sign of backing out. Reinhart would save this favor for the right time. It was not one to be thrown away on a small endeavor he could accomplish with a weak human. No Erryd’s favor would be for something far greater.
For the next hour and a half Reinhart went through different mannerisms and behaviors Ryder showed that Erryd totally threw out the window. Reinhart didn’t expect Erryd to fawn over him, but he still had to show affection and desire to be in his company. After all Ryder was a bit starstruck by the apple frei. He explained what he could do to show subtle change in behavior, as if the shroom was maturing rather than going through the terrible toddler twos. His on point observations was more detailed than most, but he was a man of detail. The smallest thing could change the outcome, the littlest pawn could lead to the downfall of the king. Finally he have him some tips on how to read body language of others, so he may adjust his own behavior to ensure he gets the reaction he desires.
Finally he looked up at the clouds, “My mother will have finished with her tour and showing off her little rats with wings. Shall we return?”
---
Over the course of that hour and a half, the two sat and talked. Erryd truly began to understand all his faults when it came to ‘acting’ like the frei. He was so obsessed with practicing his magic, he had forgotten that his entire demeanor needed to reflect that of what Ryder would do, what he would say, and how he would say it. Although his feelings were quite apparent, Erryd needed to learn to be like the frei he wanted nothing to do with.
The frei’s mind hadn’t changed, however, he still couldn’t wait to go home. His nerves were gone with the chat and he hoped to continue to fool all of Ryder’s family into thinking that everything was just fine. At least, until his plan was complete. Only then would they realize the truth.
Erryd floated up off of the bench and stretched a moment. “I would like nothing more, dear Prince,” Erryd said with a chuckle, wrapping his arm around Reinhart’s just as Ryder would have done. “I feel rather disgusting doing this, but it’s for the show, right?” he sighed with a roll of his eyes.
It was then that the two made their way back to their guardians, only to keep their little secrets safe with one another.