I don't know when, but I now know
i'll never have to struggle alone

Subtle changes had been coming over Eric.  He hadn't noticed it at first, but now that he had settled and his routine had become something of second nature he was definitely able to notice it now.  For one, he'd been spending a lot more time in the Castle.  While he was fortunate enough to have had a designated sleeping space down in the barracks as a child, he'd spent most of his time outside either training with his father, studying, or running errands for the locals.  He'd hardly given it a second thought, but now as he walked down the halls it dawned on him that as was his responsibility  he would need to become better acquainted with the building's layout.  More than once the young man had found himself lost in the halls trying to locate a specific room.  Generally speaking, the only room he was comfortable finding was the kitchen.

Footsteps echoed as he made his way down the hallway.  He was in a strange position.  His eyes were wide and curious as he took in his surroundings exploring every nook and cranny of the place as he had so few times in his youth, but at the same time he fought to maintain a regal presence in his curiosity as might be expected of a captain of the Dragon Knights. A small smile touched his lips as he passed by a storage room he had turned into a fort to protect himself from the invading sun and moon kingdoms.  How silly it seemed now, and yet if such a thing were to happen-- it would fall to him to oversee the protection of the island.  The weight of responsibility was enough to make a man crumble, Eric could already feel it taking a toll... but he couldn't let it overcome him.  At least, this is what he told himself for the sake of mind over matter.  How had his father been able to cope for so long?  Perhaps he wasn't so used to his new job as he thought he was.

While exploring was his primary objective he couldn't help but feel eyes were on him though no one was there.  Perhaps some specter or another hanging about the walls was watching him.  Right.  He dismissed the thought sarcastically, as though ghosts were real.  That was another change that had come over him, sarcasm wasn't something he normally exhibited.  Kedjat must be rubbing off on him.  The red dragon had a knack for affecting everyone around him making them just as irritable and hostile as he was.  A repulsive trait to say the least, how Eric had put up with him for so long even he didn't know.  Absently, a hand reached out and opened a door , the young man was surprised to find someone already inside.

"Oh, I'm sorry."  He spoke in his baritone, soft voice.

Tags: ARIA KLEIN
Comments: I'll just leave it open to your digression~