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Kieko allowed the Prince to capture his chin, and looked up at him softly while he contemplated his answer. He didn't react at Shiro's obvious curiosity, and it seemed that the guy had already noticed the band around his neck. Hanging from each of his ears was also the silver chain that had been attached to his horns earlier that day. Only the Draconian metal changed shape with him, it was part of the reason why there were stores of clothing hidden throughout the forest here.... after all, you never knew when you may be forced to change forms. Be it to hide or simply to handle something delicate.

"Who are you and why are you here?" Those words rang in his ears, and he couldn't help but smile softly. Even though it was obvious the guy was a little scared he hadn't dropped his tone of authority and nobility... was he even aware of it?

Deciding that honesty would be best Kieko finally spoke. "We have met once already, my Prince. Though upon our first encounter I appeared different....." He didn't look away as he spoke, hoping that Shiro would be able to see the truth of his words. "....my name is Kieko. I am your dragon." He paused then, allowing his words to sink in.

Yep, this was defiantly not the way he had intended to reveal his secret... but it was too late to change things now.

Dragon slayer? Kieko's eyes narrowed a little with hatred at the term, no dragon liked the slayers.... but in his case he had experienced them first hand, they had stole his friend from him. If only he hadn't been so cocky... if only he had listened... his friend wouldn't have had to save him and lose his life in the process. His left fist clenched a little as he tried his best to release the anger he was feeling, it wouldn't do either of them any good if he got too angry or lost control. Especially since it wasn't Shiro's fault.

With a sigh he stood up. Forcing a stoic expression to wash over his features like a veil. It didn't bother him that he was naked except for the few pieces of silver. "Before this meeting I have spoke only three words to you. Yes. Tight. Rest. During the ceremony you slipped." Kieko moved a little so that the Prince could see the dull red mark that was the side of his ribcage, it would likely fade before the morning. His dragon form was far stronger than his human after all. "While in my original form, I am silver. A rare colour for a dragon." And one he despised, not that he was willing to go into that just now. "Upon my scales is a pattern that matches the tattoos upon my body now." He brought his hand up to the band around his neck. "You recognise this also... do you not?"

Dropping his hand back to his side he stood there for a moment in silence as he watched the Prince. "If you wish it, I will shift forms for you, dear Prince." For as long as he could remember he had always been instructed in speaking to the royal family with such high respect... and in the end of the day, Kieko was nothing more than a solider. His death would not be missed, while a Prince was far more important. Even if he would not bond with another Dragon... him being alive was the most important thing, this is what he had promised the elders, he would protect this man.... with his life if required.

"I know this is a lot to take in." He said softly, a little defeated. "My apologies, I had not intended to reveal this secret to you in such a way." The forest around him seemed to fall silent, almost as it if was holding its breath to see what would happen next.

Kieko watched as the Prince turned away from him, clearly embarrassed by something.... deciding it was likely his nakedness he spoke softly but with purpose; "Excuse me a moment. I shall answer all upon my return." And with that he walked towards the trees, using his hand to run along the bark. There was a store of clothes near here, the markings on the trees told him as much, and it only took a little while for him to find it. Taking out the material there, he wrapped it around his lower body before returning to Shiro. "Forgive my rudeness."

"As for the formality," He found himself saying, "I know of no other way... but if you wish it I shall try and speak more... casually to you, dear--" He caught himself, "...I mean, Shiro." It felt wrong though, but perhaps this was the only way to form a proper bond between them.

He scratched the back of his head while he thought, where should he start.... "All Dragons have the ability to appear human. It is a secret only the Prince Dragonriders are allowed to know." He smiled softly, believing that the reason for this was likely obvious... if you stayed with someone long enough, you were bound to learn most, if not all, of their secrets. "That means... by our bond, you are not allowed to tell anyone outside of the males who have bonded with a dragon already in your family." After all, they would already know the secret. "I will, of course, also keep any of your secrets." He chuckled a little, feeling rather uncomfortable. "Does this not make it easier for you to get to know me? Surely a bond would form faster between those able to converse? Of course, if you asked it de-- Shiro, I would remain as a Dragon for you." They formed a partnership, that was true, but in the end the rider was the one with the most control.

"Shall I cook for us?" He said, not making a move until he heard Shiro's reply. "Perhaps discussing this further over food will calm your mind." He paused for a moment, "I shall answer any questions you may have."

Kieko could do nothing more than watch as a mixture of emotions flooded Shiro's face. If he had known what the Prince had been thinking he would have tried to explain, until the words of the bond had been spoken the Dragon's couldn't risk their secret being revealed... after all, betrayal was something that could happen to anyone, and what if such a conversation was overheard... even by a loyal servant? It just took a small slip up and everything would be destroyed.

"I was more afraid for you than I was myself... I was afraid you were a dragon slayer at first, here to kill my dragon." Those words surprised Kieko, and he couldn't help but pause as he looked at Shiro. He had not expected the Prince to care for his safety so.... had even been warned how some Prince's treated their Dragons as slaves, tools to be used and abused.... it seemed that Shiro was not like that. "Thank you... but do not fear for my safety, I am stronger than I may appear. Even while Human. It is my duty to protect you." Ok, so he wasn't the strongest... but strength came in many forms, and physical strength alone didn't guarantee victory.

He found himself chuckling a little as the Prince announced he was starving... not that the guy truly knew the meaning of the word, but the way he said it made him sound almost... normal. "The camp has many delights, but I can also catch us a rabbit or perhaps a pheasant as an accompaniment. I do not know what you like and dislike." He said, wanting to do his best to please Shiro.

When they finally reached the camp again, Kieko found himself drawn to Shiro, and before he could stop himself he pulled the Prince into his arms. His hands moving of their own accord, one buried in to the Princes hair pulling him closer, the other caressing his back.... he pulled away abruptly, catching himself. Jumping back to force more distance between them, his mind whirled in chaos... what had come over him? He felt... he didn't know... but what he did know scared him.... he wanted to kiss the Prince. For a moment he crouched in bewildered, staring at a spot just at Shiro's feet; his mind scurrying desperately, trying to make sense of everything. "I am sorry...." He finally managed, rising to his feet and walking away to the tent. Kieko feared himself in that moment.

Kieko heard the Prince's words but couldn't bring himself to look back at the guy just now.... he feared what he would do or say. Especially since he was sure the Prince was just being polite. So, he entered the tent, and started to route around for several things before taking them out and leaving them out on top. Walking towards the ready prepared wood he gathered a few logs and walked out into the open once more, throwing it on to the fire mount. Clicking his fingers a spark formed between them, lots of Dragon's had elemental powers... his was lightning, but he knew a spark could set a fire, something that made him thankful. As always, it didn't take long for a fire to start.

His heart was racing in his chest, but he still didn't look at Shiro while he worked, not wanting to see the Prince's expression right now. He couldn't forgive his own rash actions.... they had only just met! He had no right to touch a Prince in such a manner.

Finally he stopped, collapsing slightly so he was sat on the ground in front of the fire, a stick in hand as he poked the small flame to encourage it to grow. He remained silent. Wow... this day really hadn't turned out as he had expected. His expression was near stoic, though his eyes revealed an inner sadness.

Kieko was aware that Shiro had moved to join him by the fire, but still he refused to look over... at least until he heard movement. He turned, just as the Prince captured some of his hair. Frozen for a moment the only reaction he could muster was a slight widening of his eyes, at least until he caught it and forced his expression back into one of his trained looks. Fearing that he would reveal too much with a single glance.

"So soft..." The Prince's words brought a blush to his cheeks. The contrast vivid next to his white hair colouring. Still, Kieko didn't move... that meant he made no move to get away either. "Thank you." He finally said, though he was still embarrassed and ashamed at himself.

A moment later he raised his hand and placed it upon the Prince's cheek, rubbing it softly with his thumb. "I... hope I did not scare you..." He hesitated, the first time since he had met this unusual Prince. "...I know not my thoughts right now." He admitted. To the Dragons gender didn't matter, though this wasn't simply an issue that the Prince was a man.... no, it was different... he hadn't realised he was even that attracted to the guy until that moment, and now? Well.... he could think of nothing other than possessing this man. Fearing that to do so would be a great taboo. The drive within him felt far more primal though... as if he was being drawn closer to this man with each moment that passed.

Kieko nodded softly, but didn't speak. Give warning... next time... would there be a next time? From the way Shiro was nuzzling into his hand it seemed he wasn't opposed to his touch, at least from what he had seen so far. But Kieko was aware that he wasn't always gentle. Just like any beast he could be demanding and agressive at times... something he would sure the Prince would dislike.

Of course, all thoughts of such things soon faded as the Prince moved closer. Their lips touching for the briefest of moments, almost like butterfly wings. Soft and gentle... but enough to take his breath away. What was the Prince thinking? Or was it possible the guy was acting how he thought Kieko wanted him to. Slowly he brushed his hand off Shiro's cheek and back to his own lap. "You do not have to do such things." He said softly, wanting to explain to the Prince that he wasn't expecting anything to happen between them, Kieko didn't want a misunderstanding to occur. "What I mean to say is... only if you want to Shiro... not because you think it is what I want...." He growled in frustration, tearing his gaze away from the Prince and to the fire. He was utterly confused as to what he should do now... what was he suppose to do? Words seemed to escape him, reason seemed to flee from him.... leaving him with a bee hive of confusion in place of a functioning brain.

He stood up then, "I will get the food." Wandering back to the tent he collected the items he had seperated earlier, pans and foods, and a canister of water. Putting the water in the pan he placed it over the fire, bringing a board up to his lap while he cut the vegetables and apples before placing them in the pot. "Shall I hunt down a rabbit to add to the stew, dear Prince?" He knew he was using formalities again, but Kieko felt like he needed to put some distance between them... he needed to think, needed to figure out what was happening and how he felt... things were happening too fast.

Not minding the silence being broken he replied without hesitation, "It would be nice to believe so.... yet, there are Dragon slayers out there, they would certainly take advantage of the knowledge. Innocent lives may also be lost... all in the accusation that they are a Dragon. It could create fear, and while no Dragon has ever committed a sin against your people, it may not be recieved too well." He smiled a little sadly. Humans reacted badly when they were scared. It was part of the reason why only a few of their kind reveal themselves in Dragon form, their earthy tones making it easier to blend into the background.

"We...... do not wish for our crimes to be transfered to your kind." There were movements that had never forgotten the dreadful occurance all those ages ago, they knew what a damage a single Dragon had reaped.... and feared the potential that each Dragon held. Their number's were far from great, and they reproduced slowly.... yet they were still feared by many in the Human world, even as they found themselves to be awed and loves. Kieko had heard every tale and myth regarding his kind, had spent hours studying the texts in their great library.

Adding everything to the pop he stirred it slowly. It was a simple vegetable stew, far from anything fancy... but it would provide warmth and fill any appetite.. Putting the lid over the cooking mixture he turned to Shiro. "It shouldn't be too long. Please bare with your hunger a little long." He dropped the formality, the task with his hands helping to calm his raging thoughts somewhat.